PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[01] This Application claims benefit to U.S. Application Serial No. 11/409,784 filed April 24, 2006 (Attorney Docket No. 011610.00162), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 11/257,718 filed October 25, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 011610.00136), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[02] The present invention relates generally to a shelf assembly for use in merchandising product and more particularly to a shelf assembly having improved mechanisms for displaying and pushing product on the shelves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[03] It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, toy stores, and the like, require a large amount of shelving both to store product and to display the product to consumers. In displaying product, it is desirable for the product on the shelves to be situated toward the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. To accomplish this placement of product, known systems include the use of a pusher system to push the product toward the front of the shelf as the product at the front of the shelf is removed. Dividing panels or dividers may also be used to separate product on the shelf to provide better organization of the product and to make the display of the product more appealing to consumers. Known merchandising systems that incorporate the use of pusher mechanisms can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,041,720 and 4,830,201, all of which are assigned to RTC Industries, Inc, and are incorporated herein by reference.

[04] In the past, to display product of varying sizes, the pusher mechanism typically needed to be modified to properly push the product. For example, if the product had a narrow width configuration, often a narrower pusher panel was used to properly push the narrower product on the shelf. Similarly, if the product had a wide width configuration, a wider pusher panel was used to push the product toward the front of the shelf.

Alternatively, with wider and/or heavier product, multiple pusher mechanisms and panels were sometimes used to push the product. In some applications, the spring mechanism of the pusher was changed to provide a spring with a greater spring force to properly push the heavier product on the shelf. Such modifications to the merchandising systems were often time consuming and required the use of additional components not readily accessible nearby. Also, the additional components needed to be inventoried by the stores, thereby adding additional cost to the stores. In many instances, the additional components were misplaced or lost by the stores. In addition, the store personnel who often were required to make such modifications to the pusher mechanism, were sometimes incorrectly installing parts and components, which often led to the improper functioning of the merchandising system.

[05] The present invention is directed at overcoming these and other known drawbacks and disadvantages with existing merchandising systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[06] The present invention is directed to a product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf. The invention includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of product on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces.

[07] In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf. Significantly, the invention may be mounted to a horizontal shelf or surface and heavier and/or wider product may be properly merchandised without the need to modify the system, as was previously required.

[08] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon reviewing the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[09] Figure 1 depicts an isometric front view of an exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[10] Figure 2 depicts an isometric rear view of the product management display system of Figure 1.

[11] Figure 3 depicts an isometric front view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[12] Figure 4 depicts an isometric rear view of the product management display system of Figure 3.

[13] Figure 5 depicts a partial view of an exemplary roller assembly and exemplary roller used with the present invention.

[14] Figure 6 depicts an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[15] Figure 7 depicts another isometric view of the product management display system of Figure 6.

[16] Figure 8 depicts an isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a product management display system of the present invention.

[17] Figure 9 depicts a side view of the product management display system of Figure 8.

[18] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or

being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, the use of the term "mount," "mounted" or "mounting" is meant to broadly include any technique or method of mounting, attaching, joining or coupling one part to another, whether directly or indirectly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[19] The invention may be embodied in various forms. Referring to the Figures wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is depicted in Figure 1 an isometric front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary merchandise system 10 includes a base 12 defining one or more tracks 14 on which is mounted a pusher mechanism 16 that may slide along the tracks. The system 10 further includes at least one roller assembly 18 that includes a plurality of rollers 20 configured in an aligned manner on the assembly 18. A divider 22 may also be used to separate product into rows. The base 12, pusher mechanism 16, roller assembly 18 and divider 22 may also be mounted to a front or rear rail 24. The components of the system 10 may be separate components, components joined together, or components configured together as a unitary, one-piece assembly.

[20] The exemplary merchandise system 10 allows for the placement and pushing of larger and/or heavier product on a shelf or surface and in particular on a horizontal or non- inclined shelf or surface. The invention also permits the pushing of products having product packaging that does not readily slide on a horizontal shelf or surface. For instance, cases of soft drinks or boxes of detergent that are packaged in a cardboard or paper-based material are often not readily slidable on the shelf without significant effort due to the weight of the product and the friction forces between the product packaging and the shelf on which the product is placed. The merchandise system 10 improves the merchandising of these and other products through the use of the exemplary pusher mechanism 16 used with the one or more exemplary roller assemblies 18. By placing the product on one or more of the roller assemblies 18, the pusher mechanism 16 will be able

to more readily urge the product toward the front of the shelf or toward the aisle for proper merchandising of the product.

[21] Advantageously, with the exemplary pusher mechanism 16 and roller assembly 18, heavier product that was previously placed on a horizontal shelf or surface, or product that did not readily slide on the shelf or surface, may now be properly merchandised without the need to make changes to the system. In addition, with the invention being selectively positionable at any position along a shelf or other surface, the merchandise system can accommodate and properly push nearly any product normally merchandised on the shelf regardless of its size, shape, weight, configuration, and type of packaging.

[22] Referring to Figure 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the base 12 defines a generally flat planar surface that may be configured to engage with or mount onto any known shelf used in a store, and in any known mounting configuration and orientation. The base 12 defines a front edge 26, a back edge 28, and one or more tracks 14 extending along the base 12 from the front edge 26 to the back edge 28. As illustrated, two tracks 14 can be used with each pusher mechanism 16 and are spaced apart to mount the pusher mechanism 16. It should be understood that more or less than two tracks could be used with the invention, depending on the particular application. The front edge 26 of the base 12 is configured to mount to or on the rail 24 in any known manner. Once mounted, the base 12 may be slidable along the rail 24 to any position along the rail 24 to thereby locate the mounted pusher mechanism 16 in any desired position behind the product.

[23] The tracks 14 extend longitudinally along the length of the base 12 and each track defines at least one rail 30 and an elongated aperture or channel 32 in the base 12. The aperture 32 and rail 30 are sized and shaped to receive and mount a mating flange of the pusher mechanism 16, as described below. When viewed from either the front edge 26 or the back edge 28 of the base 12, the exemplary rail 30 and aperture 32 can generally define an "L" shaped configuration. This configuration permits the flange of the pusher mechanism 16 to slidably mount to the base 12 and yet prevents the pusher mechanism 16 from lifting out of the track 14. The present invention contemplates the use of other shapes of rails and apertures to mount the pusher mechanism 16 to the base 12.

[24] Extending between the rails 30 may be one or more support ribs 34 that serve to support the rails and ensure the proper spacing between the rails. In addition, one or more of the mounting rails 30 may define one or more cut-out portions 36 that may be located along the rails including at the location of the support ribs 34.

[25] As depicted in Figure 1, positioned on the base 12 at various positions along the base 12 are transversely extending slots 38 that serve to releasably hold the pusher mechanism 16 in a stationary position at that location during the restocking of the product on the shelf. The slots 38 may be positioned at any location along the base 12 and may define any numerous configurations to receive and hold the pusher mechanism 16 in position.

[26] The roller assembly 18 includes a roller housing 19 containing numerous rollers 20 that are mounted to the housing 19. The roller housing 19 is generally depicted as an elongated body that may be positioned at any position on the shelf, such as alongside the pusher mechanism 16, alongside a product divider 22, or in space between the pusher mechanism and product divider. In essence, the invention contemplates the placement of the roller assembly 18 at any desired position on the shelf where the roller assembly can provide assistance in the merchandising of product toward the front of a shelf or toward the aisle.

[27] As shown in Figure 1, the roller assembly 18 may be connected to or formed integral with the product divider 22 or a product divider base from which extends the product divider. In an exemplary embodiment, the roller assembly 18 may be positioned on one or both sides of the product divider 22. While the illustrated embodiment depicts one roller assembly 18 positioned on one side of the divider, it is contemplated that the roller assembly 18 may be positioned on both sides of the divider to assist in merchandising multiple rows of product. In yet another embodiment, the roller assembly 18 may standalone from or be positioned away from the product divider 22. As will be readily appreciated, the position or location of the roller assembly 18 may vary depending on the size and shape of the product to be placed on the roller assembly 18 for merchandising.

[28] The roller assembly 18 may be mounted to the rail 24 using any known mounting technique or may be mounted directly to the shelf. Alternatively, the roller assembly 18 may be mounted to a back rail, not shown, but known in the art. Depending on the type

of rail used, the roller assembly 18 may be snap-fit into or onto the rail or may be slid into or onto the rail. The roller assembly 18 may further be configured to be movable to any one of the numerous positions along the rail, regardless of whether a front rail, rear rail or both are used. In another alternative embodiment, the housing 19 of the roller assembly 18 may be mounted to other structure that is mounted to a shelf or rail, or the housing 19 may simply sit on the shelf or other surface. As should be readily appreciated, there are numerous ways of mounting the roller assembly 18 all of which are contemplated by the invention.

[29] Referring to Figure 3, in an alternative embodiment, the housing 19 of the roller assembly 18 may be connected to or formed integral with the pusher mechanism 16. In one exemplary embodiment, one roller assembly 18 may be positioned on each side of the pusher mechanism 16. Alternatively, the roller assembly 18 may stand-alone from or be positioned away from the product divider 16, again depending on the type of product to be merchandised.

[30] Referring back to Figure 1, the rollers 20 are mounted to the housing 19 in generally an aligned manner and are spaced apart to provide the proper directional movement of the product placed on the rollers 20. The number and spacing of the rollers 21 may vary depending on the application. The invention is therefore not limited to the number, placement, spacing, orientation or configuration of the rollers 20 as numerous alternative embodiments are possible.

[31] Referring to Figure 5, there is depicted an exemplary roller 20 of the invention. The roller 20 may be made of a plastic material and may define a generally cylindrical shaped structure. The roller 20 may also include opposing, outwardly extending pins 44 that are centrally located at each end of the roller 20. The pins 44 will mount in spaced apart slots or grooves 46 formed in the roller housing 19. The slots or grooves 25 are configured to permit rotational movement of the rollers once mounted.

[32] Referring to Figure 2, the merchandise system 10 is shown pushing product. As depicted, in an exemplary embodiment, the product divider 22 is used to separate merchandised product into rows on the shelves, hi one embodiment, the divider 22 is formed integral with a divider base 50 as a unitary, one-piece structure. In this

embodiment, the divider 18 may be formed with the base 50 such that it cannot slide out of or be lifted from the base 50. In another embodiment, the divider 22 may be slidably positioned in a slot that is formed in the base 50 and that extends from the front to the back of the base 50. With this configuration, the divider 22 may be a removable divider that is slidably removed or lifted from the slot formed in the base 12. As can be appreciated, the divider 22 may define various configurations. As an example, depending on the size and shape of the merchandised product, the divider 22 may define a height and length suitable to separate the rows of product to be merchandised. Indeed, the divider 22 may define any shape, profile, or contour that enhances the placement and removal of product on the shelf.

[33] As shown in Figure 2, the product to be merchandised seats on two spaced apart roller assemblies 18 as well as the base 12 of the pusher mechanism. The depicted roller assemblies 18 are positioned at opposing ends of the product to support the product at the ends. In operation, the pusher mechanism 16 will urge or push the product toward the rail 24 and the roller assemblies 18 will assist the pusher mechanism is pushing the product. As should be appreciated, the roller assemblies 18 may be positioned at any desired location beneath the product.

[34] Referring back to Figure 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the pusher mechanism 16 may define a flat, planar pusher surface or panel 52 or another shape suitable to pushing specific product packages. The pusher surface 52 further defines a thickness suitable for pushing wider, heavier product without experiencing undue bending of the pusher mechanism. The pusher surface 52 may be made of any known material, such as a plastic material, that is suitable for pushing product.

[35] As illustrated in Figure 2, the pusher surface 52 is coupled to the track 14 through the use of a pusher support base 54. The pusher surface 52 may be fixedly mounted to the support base 54 or may be slidably mounted to the support base 54 along a support track 56. If a support track 56 is used, the pusher surface 52 may be slidably adjustable in a generally horizontal manner to adjust the location of pusher surface 52 behind the product. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques for mounting the pusher surface 52 to the pusher support base 54 are possible and that the support track 56 is simply illustrative of an exemplary embodiment. For example, it is contemplated that

the pusher surface may be operatively mounted to the base 12 without the use of tracks. That is, the system may be a trackless system in that the pusher surface may simply sit on the base 12 without the use of flanges, tracks or any other structure that could be used to hold the pusher surface to the base.

[36] The support base 54 defines outwardly extending flanges 58 used to slidably mount and secure the support base 54 to one or more tracks 14 and more specifically to the one or more rails 30 of the tracks 14. The flanges 58 serve to hold the support base in the tracks. The flanges 58 serve to hold the support base in the tracks. The support base 54 defines a sufficient width and depth to provide the pusher surface 52 with a support foundation that will allow the pusher surface 52 to properly push larger and often heavier product on the shelf without the undesirable binding of the flanges 58 in the tracks 14. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the outwardly extending flanges 58 are spaced apart on the support base 54 to provide a support foundation that will prevent bending or tipping of the pusher surface 52 as it pushes the larger and often heavier product. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the number, positioning, spacing and configuration of the flanges 52 will vary depending on the desired application and the size of the product being pushed and that the invention is therefore not so limited.

[37] In an exemplary embodiment, the support base 54 also defines a base extension 55 that serves as a support structure for the mounted pusher surface 52. The base extension 55 is depicted as protruding outwardly from the support base 54 and across the back side of the pusher surface 52. The base extension 55 may be formed integral with the support base 54 or may be attached to the support base 55 using known attaching techniques.

[38] The support base 54 also serves to contain at least one pusher urging element 60 used to urge the pusher surface 52 toward the front of the shelf. The pusher urging element 60 may be any biasing element including, without limitation, a flat coil spring commonly used with pusher systems. The present invention may use one or more pusher urging elements 60 to urge the pusher surface 52 depending on the desired application. The coil tension of the pusher urging element 60 may also vary depending on the particular application.

[39] The pusher urging element 60 may be mounted to the pusher mechanism 16 and the base 12 using any known mounting technique. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of the pusher urging element 60 is secured to the base 12 near the front edge 26 of the base 12, and the opposing end of the pusher urging element 60, which is depicted as a coiled end 62, is positioned behind the pusher mechanism 16 to urge the pusher mechanism 16 toward the front of the shelf, as known in the art. Other mounting configurations of the pusher urging element 60 are possible with the present invention, hi other words, the fixed end of the pusher urging element 60 may be mounted to the pusher mechanism 16, while the other coiled end may be operatively mounted to the base 12 or other structure.

[40] Located behind the pusher surface 52 and on top of the support base 54 is a plunger 70. The plunger 70 is configured to extend through the support base 54 to engage the transversely extending slot 38 to releasably hold the pusher mechanism 16 at the location of the slot on the base 12. In an exemplary embodiment, when the pusher mechanism is positioned over one of the slots 38, the plunger may be manually actuated downward and into the slot. Once in the slot, the pusher mechanism 16 will be held in position to permit the restocking of product in front of the pusher mechanism. To disengage the plunger from the slot, a user need only push rearward on the pusher surface 52 away from the front of the shelf and the plunger will automatically retract from the slot permitting the free movement of the pusher mechanism on the base.

[41] In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the pusher mechanism 16 may be mounted to the divider 22 in the same manner and using the same techniques described above with respect to the mounting of the pusher mechanism 16 to the base 12, or in any known mounting technique, such as the technique described in U.S. Patent No. 4,830,201, incorporated by reference. In this configuration, the pusher mechanism 16 will slidably move along the length of the divider 22. Other pusher mounting techniques are possible with the invention.

[42] Referring to Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of the merchandise system 10 includes the use of the base 12 and pusher mechanism 16 with roller assemblies 18 positioned on both sides of the base 12. The roller assemblies 18 may be attached to or formed integral with the base 12, or may be spaced apart from the base. The base 12 may be mounted to a rail 24 and the rail 24 may include a front retaining wall 76 to retain product that is

pushed toward the rail. Additionally, a divider may be attached to or formed integral with the base 12, which may be attached to or formed integral with the roller assemblies 18. As shown in Figure 4, the pusher mechanism 16 will urge the product toward the rail 24 and the roller assemblies 18 will assist the pusher mechanism 16 in pushing the product toward the rail. With this embodiment, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the roller assemblies may be positioned at numerous locations below the product and still aid the pusher mechanism is pushing the product. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that one roller assembly may be sufficient to assist the pusher mechanism, depending on the product to be merchandised. With the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the base 12 and pusher mechanism 16 may be the same as the base and pusher mechanism described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2.

[43] Referring to Figures 6-9, alternative embodiments of the merchandise system are shown. In one embodiment depicted in Figures 6 and 7, the merchandise system includes the use of a base 82 and pusher mechanism 86 with roller assemblies 88 positioned on both sides of the pusher mechanism 86. The roller assemblies 88 may be attached to or formed integral with the base 82, or may be detachable from the base. A product divider 89 may be positioned on the base 82 along the roller assemblies. The divider 89 may be removable or permanently affixed to the base 82. Alternatively, the divider 89 may be a component separate and spaced apart from the base 82.

[44] The base 82 may be mounted to a rail 94 in any known manner and may be slidable or stationary relative to the rail. It should be understood that the system may be used without the rail 94. The base 82 may be symmetrical in that it may include rail mounting features 91 in the both ends 93, 95 of the base 82. The rail mounting features may include grooves or channels that may engage with the rail 94 and mating ribs or mounting members 97. With this configuration, either end of the base 82 may be mounted to the rail 94, thus creating a left side merchandise system, as shown in Figure 6, or a right side merchandise system, if the end 95 of the base is mounted to the rail 94. This configuration enhances the functionality of the base. The rail 94 may further include channels or grooves 90 that may receive a front retaining wall, not shown, to retain product that is pushed toward the rail 94. The rail 94 may further include a flange or mounting surface 101 for positioning and mounting the base 82 to the rail 94 and for

holding the base to the rail and preventing the base from lifting up from the rail. The base 82 and rail 94 may include other possible mounting configurations, such as a tongue and groove configuration, to permit the mounting of the base to the rail.

[45] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the pusher mechanism 86 may include a pusher paddle or surface 99 that may be mounted to a track formed on the base 82 (Figures 6 and 7) using any known track mounting configuration, such as a flange and rail configuration, a tongue and groove configuration, or any other configuration that permits the slidable movement of the pusher mechanism relative to the base. Alternatively, the pusher mechanism may be a trackless configuration (Figures 8 and 9) where the pusher mechanism is positioned on the top surface of the base 82a and slides along the top surface of the base.

[46] As shown in Figure 8 and 9, the pusher mechanism 100 includes a pusher paddle or surface 102 that may further include a floor 104 that extends forward of the pusher paddle or surface in a substantially perpendicular manner. The bottom surface of the floor 104 sits on the base and slides along the base 82, and more particularly along the roller assemblies 88 mounted to the base 82. With this embodiment, product to be merchandised may be positioned on this floor. The product may assist in holding the pusher mechanism onto the base during operation of the system. The pusher paddle and floor may define any suitable shape and configuration that permits the merchandising of product. As depicted in Figures 8 and 9, the roller assemblies 88 may be positioned on both sides of the product divider 89.

[47] With the embodiments shown in Figures 6-9, a coiled spring 106 may be used and may extend across the top surface of the base 82 to urge the pusher mechanism toward the rail. Product to be merchandised may also be placed on the coiled spring to assist in holding the pusher mechanism down onto the base 82.

[48] As shown in Figures 6-9, the pusher mechanism may extend over and sit on the rollers of the roller assemblies 88. With this configuration, the pusher mechanism will roll along the roller assemblies, thereby improving the slidability of the pusher mechanism relative to the base 82. With this configuration, the pusher mechanism will slide in a relatively frictionless manner along the base. Alternatively, the pusher mechanism may be

configured so that it does not extend over and sit on the rollers, depending on the desired application.

[49] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller assemblies 88 may be spaced sufficiently apart relative to each other and relative to the product divider 89 such that the weight of the product to be merchandised, such as cases of soda, can be properly positioned on the rollers. For example, if the product to be merchandised is a case of soda in cans, a roller assembly 88 can be positioned below each row of soda cans in the case. In this manner, the weight of the cans may be properly positioned over the rollers, thereby improving the ease at which the case of soda will roll along the rollers, reducing the stress on the packaging containing the cans, and preventing any undesirable damage to the packaging. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the roller assemblies may be positioned at numerous locations below the product to be merchandised, depending on the weight and configuration of the product, to properly support the weight of the product and further assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product forward or toward the rail, if a rail is used.

[50] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, one of skill in the art will understand that multiples of the described components may be used in stores and in various configurations. The present invention is therefore not to be limited to the single system 10, nor the upright pusher configuration, depicted in the Figures, as the system 10 is simply illustrative of the features, teachings and principles of the invention. It should further be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[51] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.