U.S. patent application number 09/815569 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-02 for shelf tray system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DCI Marketing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nickerson, Terry L..
Application Number | 20010010302 09/815569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23806071 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010010302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nickerson, Terry L. |
August 2, 2001 |
Shelf tray system
Abstract
A self-facing, add-on shelf system is made up of universal base,
divider, front, and rear sections. Universal in the sense that
these sections form basic building sections for constructing shelf
systems of various sizes and operational mode. The front and rear
track sections are identical and can be combined with various
combinations of bases, dividers and end sections to provide systems
of different, desired widths. The depth of the self-facing shelf is
generally set by the depth of the shelf with which it is to be
used. The individual sections can be selected and combined to
provide center pusher, side pusher, and gravity feed types of self
facing systems. The bases, dividers and end sections are configured
such that they can be extruded and interlock in assembly.
Inventors: |
Nickerson, Terry L.;
(Brookfield, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
DCI Marketing, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23806071 |
Appl. No.: |
09/815569 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09815569 |
Mar 23, 2001 |
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09454784 |
Dec 3, 1999 |
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6227385 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 ;
108/61; 211/175; 211/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/59.3 ;
211/175; 211/184; 108/61 |
International
Class: |
A47F 001/04 |
Claims
1. A shelving system comprising: an extruded shelf divider
including a generally vertical panel having a longitudinal
extension and defining a horizontally-extending slot, and a
generally horizontal panel having a longitudinal extension and
defining a horizontal support surface, said vertical and horizontal
panels being co-extruded and substantially co-extensive; a pusher
element having a tab positioned within and slidable along said slot
on said vertical panel, and also having a pusher face cantilevered
with respect to said vertical panel and extending over said
horizontal support surface; and a biasing element biasing said
pusher element toward a first end of said shelf divider such that
products supported on said horizontal support surface are urged
toward said first end of said shelf divider by said pusher
element.
2. The shelving system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of low-friction ribs co-extruded and integrally formed with said
horizontal panel and extending along said longitudinal extent of
said horizontal panel, said ribs defining said horizontal support
surface.
3. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein said slot is defined by
a back wall and two L-shaped projections extending away from said
back wall.
4. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein said vertical panel
includes only one said slot.
5. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein said tab of said pusher
element is substantially T-shaped, and wherein said slot is
substantially T-shaped and corresponds to the shape of said
tab.
6. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein said biasing element
includes a coil spring having a first end anchored at said first
end of said shelf divider and a coil portion positioned adjacent
the side of said pusher element facing away from said first end of
said shelf divider.
7. The shelving system of claim 1, further comprising a track
adapted to be mounted to a shelf, said track being extruded along a
longitudinal extension that is perpendicular to said longitudinal
extensions of said vertical and horizontal panels of said divider,
wherein said divider is releasably interconnectable with said
track.
8. The shelving system of claim 7, wherein said track includes a
mounting structure formed integrally therewith, and wherein said
divider includes mounting structure that is releasably secured to
said mounting structure of said track.
9. The shelving system of claim 8, wherein said mounting structure
of said track includes a holding rib and a lip, and wherein said
mounting structure of said divider includes a slot receiving said
rib and a portion received under said lip.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application No. 09/454,784 filed Dec. 3, 1999, the entire contents
of which are incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to point of purchase marketing and,
more particularly, to systems and/or apparatus for displaying
product at the point of purchase.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A commonly accepted practice in one area of the point of
purchase industry, grocery stores and the like, is to display
product on shelves for selection by the consumer. In those types of
applications it is known to arrange product in add-on, self-facing
tray units which are attached to the principal store shelf. Product
is displayed in the add-on, self-facing tray units in a manner
allowing it to be viewed by the consumer and such that, if a
selection is made, the selected item can be readily removed by the
consumer. In the past it has also been proposed to construct this
type of unit so that product displayed on the shelf is
automatically fed to the forward end of the shelf as product is
removed. This forward feeding has been accomplished by gravity feed
where the add-on unit is pitched forward toward its front end.
Another arrangement for forward feeding uses a spring arrangement
which continually urges displayed product forward so that when a
product is removed the remaining products in the add-on tray are
urged forward. A combination of gravity feed and spring movement
has also been proposed.
[0004] These types of trays organize product for display and
purchase.
[0005] Among the considerations in providing an acceptable add-on,
self-facing tray construction is the fact that the products to be
displayed and dispensed will vary in size. Another problem is that
the store shelf space that may be allotted to a product will vary
depending on the needs of the store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Among the objects of this invention is to provide an add-on,
self-facing shelf tray which has universal application with respect
to size of product which it displays and in adapting to the amount
of store shelf space that can be allocated to the product. A
further objective is to provide that product display versatility in
a construction which is cost effective to produce, easily put into
use on a store shelf, and durable.
[0007] For the achievement of these and other objects this
invention proposes, a self facing shelf tray is made up of basic,
interchangeable parts. The parts are extruded and designed so that
they can be easily sized to adapt to any number of applications,
i.e., shelf space. The parts are also designed so as to reduce the
number and complexity of tooling and dies. The parts are further
configured so that in assembly they interlock with each other and
through the interlock maintain their assembled relationship.
[0008] The parts are readily adapted for use in conjunction with a
center oriented, product pusher. The product pusher is spring
biased and urges product toward the front of the tray as product is
removed from the tray by the consumer. Additionally, the parts are
readily adapted for use in conjunction with a side pusher
arrangement. The side pusher is also spring biased and accomplishes
the same function as the center pusher, the difference being the
pusher plate is supported from a side member of the tray as opposed
to a central base member.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective illustrating both a
gravity feed embodiment and a center oriented pusher
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an end view of the front and rear track;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an end view of the front track insert;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an end view of the end divider;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end view of the end pusher plate
construction;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an end view of the center divider track;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an end view of the center pusher track;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of the side pusher
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an end view of a single gravity feed
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an end view of two, side-by-side gravity feed
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an end view of a center, pusher embodiment;
and
[0022] FIG. 13 is an end view of a side, pusher embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The add-on, self-facing shelf trays of this invention can
come in a variety of configurations including (1) a gravity feed
arrangement, (2) a base mount version where a pusher track with a
suitable biasing means is provided as the base of the unit and (3)
a side mount version where a suitable biasing means is supported
from a side wall of the unit. In each version the biasing means
urges the stored product toward the front of the tray.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the tray includes a front track
10, a rear track 12, an interior or center divider 14, and end
dividers 16 and 18.
[0025] Looking at the front track 10 in FIGS. 1-3, it has a planar,
generally vertical panel or front panel 20 which will extend
vertically when in use. The front panel 20 has outer and inner
surfaces. A generally horizontal panel or support panel 26 extends
from the lower end of the inner surface of the front panel 20 and
will project rearwardly when in use. The front and support panels
20, 26 are elongated and linear along their respective
extensions.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 3, the upper end of the front panel
20 includes a slot 28. That is, a horizontal web 30 extends from
the inner surface of the front panel 20. In the illustrated
embodiment, the web 30 is generally parallel to the support panel
26 and is at a right angle to inner surface of the front panel 20,
but of limited rearward extension as compared to the support panel
26. A vertical leg 32 extends upwardly from the web 30 and
terminates in a forwardly turned nose 34 above the web 30.
Similarly, the upper end of the front panel 20 terminates in a
rearwardly turned nose 36 that is opposed to but spaced from the
nose 34. That structure defines slot 28 which extends the length of
the front track 10 but has a restricted entrance to its interior.
The purpose for this slot 28 will be explained hereinafter.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 3, the upper end of the front panel
20 includes a lip 37 that extends rearwardly of and partially below
the web 30 and extends along the length of the front track 10. This
lip 37 is spaced from the inner surface of the front panel 20, and
together with the web 30 and the inner surface of the front panel
20, defines a downwardly facing recess 38. The use of this recess
38 also will be explained hereinafter.
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 3, a holding rib 40 is provided on
the support panel 26. The holding rib 40 is spaced rearwardly of
the recess 38 and extends upwardly from the support panel 26.
[0029] Completing the structure of the front track 10 is an
elongated slot 44 recessed downwardly from the upper surface of the
support panel 26 and extending the length of the front track 10 and
parallel to front panel 20. Two upward projecting ribs 46 and 48
are provided, one on either side of the slot 44. These are of a
different material than the front track 10 itself. The front track
10 is extruded and made of a conventional polyvinyl chloride except
for the ribs 46 and 48 which are made of a softer polyvinylchloride
and are coextruded with the remainder of the front track 10.
[0030] The rear track 12 is identical to the front track 10.
Therefore, the rear track 12 is not separately illustrated except
as it is part of the overall assembly. Where reference is necessary
to the rear track 12, portions corresponding to the
already-described front track 10 are identified by the same number
but with the addition of the letter "r" (see for example, FIG.
2).
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3, an insert 50 is carried on the
front track. The insert 50 helps retain the product behind the
front track 10 but is made of a clear acrylic so that it does not
interfere with viewing the product. The insert 50 is basically a
planar, elongated strip but with a specially configured bottom end
52 which is complementary to the upper end of the front panel 20.
More particularly, the bottom end 52 is generally "I" shaped in
cross-section having horizontal tabs 54 and 56 projecting laterally
from both sides of the insert 50 and dimensioned to fit into the
slot 28 in the upper end of the front panel 20. To stabilize the
insert 50 on the front track 10 two additional horizontal tabs 58
and 60 are spaced vertically above tabs 54 and 56. The tabs 58 and
60 will rest on the top of the opposed noses 34 and 36. It will be
noted that tabs 58 and 60 are generally arcuate and concave in
cross section to nest on top of the front panel noses 34 and
36.
[0032] All of the surfaces, ribs, slots and recesses are straight,
linear projections extending the full length of the front track 10
and insert 50.
[0033] The end and the interior dividers 14, 16, 18, which are used
in some applications, will now be described. In some aspects the
end and the interior dividers have the same construction as each
other. Before specifically describing the end dividers 16, 18, it
will be noted that in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
this invention the same end divider 16 or 18 can be used to close
both ends of the add-on, self-facing unit.
[0034] The end dividers 16, 18 are substantially identical to each
other and are arranged opposite each other as mirror images.
Further discussion will relate only to end divider 16 unless
specifically stated otherwise, it being understood that the
discussion relates equally to end divider 18. The same reference
numerals are used to identify aspects of end divider 18 as end
divider 16, and where an aspect is only seen on one of the end
dividers 16, 18 in the drawings, it will be understood that the
feature is also present on the other end divider 18, 16. The end
divider 16 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 includes a vertical
panel 72, a horizontal section 74, and a second vertical, shorter
panel 76 spaced from and generally parallel to the longer, vertical
panel 72. The top surface of the horizontal section 74 forms a
support ledge 78 extending the length of the end divider 16. With
specific reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, slots 80 are provided at both
ends of the divider 16 in the lower edge of the vertical panel 72
and shorter vertical panel 76. These slots 80 are aligned and sized
to fit over the rib 40 on the front track 10 and the rib 40r on the
rear track 12. Through the interengagement of the ribs 40 and 40r
and the slots 80, the end dividers 16, 18 are held in place between
the front and rear tracks 10, 12.
[0035] To prevent the end dividers 16, 18 from moving vertically
relative to front and rear tracks 10, 12 the front and rear ends of
the horizontal section 74 are positioned beneath the recess 38 on
the front track 10 and recess 38r on the rear track 12 and thereby
held in place by the webs 30 and 30r and the lips 37, 37r (FIG. 2).
It will be noted that to close the right and left ends of the
add-on, self-facing tray the same end pieces 16, 18 are used with
one being reversed or turned end for end with respect to the
other.
[0036] When the tray is assembled, product is supported on the
ledges 78 and between the front and rear tracks 10, 12. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 the rear track 12 will be
suitably elevated with respect to the front track 10 so that
product displayed in the unit will be fed by gravity toward the
front of the unit as one or more products are removed. To
facilitate this gravity feed a plurality of pointed, relatively
spaced ribs 90 (FIG. 5) are provided on the upper surface of ledges
78. FIG. 10 provides an example of how the end dividers 16, 18
would be positioned to provide a gravity feed of product, where the
product would span the space between the end dividers 16, 18 and
slide on the projections 90.
[0037] The interior divider 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, and
includes similar aspects as the end dividers 16, 18 with some
modifications. For example, the vertical panel 72 is
centrally-located on the interior divider 14, and the interior
divider 14 includes a shorter vertical panel 76 on each side. The
horizontal section 74 of the interior divider 14 also includes
support ledges 78 and ribs 90 on both sides of the vertical panel
72. The interior divider includes slots 80 similar to those of the
end dividers 16, 18. FIG. 11 illustrates a gravity feed arrangement
including end dividers 16, 18 on either side of the interior
divider 14. Product would span the space between the end dividers
16, 18 and the interior divider 14 on either side of the interior
divider's vertical panel 72, such that two columns of product would
be slidable on the projections 90 of the dividers 14, 16, 18.
[0038] Again it will be noted that all surfaces, panels, ledges and
ribs are straight linear projections extending the full length of
the interior and end dividers 14, 16, 18, except the vertical
panels 72, which are truncated to permit the ends of the dividers
14, 16, 18 to be inserted under the recesses 38, 38r as described
above.
[0039] The basic self-facing unit described to this point can be
adapted for a spring feed of the displayed product toward the front
of the unit in one of two variations: a center pusher and a side
pusher.
[0040] In the center pusher variation, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,
and 12, a pusher track 100 is positioned between the end dividers
16, 18. A pusher track 100 may also be positioned on either side of
the interior divider 14 illustrated in FIG. 11, between the
interior divider 14 and the end dividers 16, 18. The pusher track
100 includes aligned slots 102 in the front and rear end that fit
onto ribs 40 and 40R. In addition, the pusher track 100 is provided
with two relatively spaced horizontal ledges 110 and 112 which
extend beneath the recesses 38, 38r to be held in place by the webs
30, 30r and lips 37, 37r in the same fashion as the dividers 14,
16, 18. Ledges 110 and 112 are provided with a plurality of
relatively spaced, pointed ribs 114 (see FIG. 12) for the same
purpose as ribs 90 on the dividers 14, 16, 18.
[0041] A centrally located, U-shaped in configuration recess 118
extends down the center of the pusher track 100 and between ledges
110 and 112. Ledges 110 and 112 provide overhanging lips 119 on
either side of the recess 118. The recess 118 and the lips 119
extend the length of the pusher track 100. The ledges 110, 112,
recess 118, ribs 114, and lips 119 of the pusher track 100 are
substantially straight and linear and extend the full length of
pusher track 100.
[0042] Pusher plate 120 is positioned in and extends above the
recess 118 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). More specifically, pusher plate 120
includes a base which is made up of two oppositely facing C-shaped
in cross section members 124 and 126. These C-shaped members 124,
126 define slots which engage the lips 119 of the pusher track 100.
A planar panel 132 is positioned above the C-shaped members 124 and
126 and is integrally molded therewith.
[0043] A coil spring 134 (FIG. 1) has one end fastened to the front
track 10. The coil spring 134 extends through the space defined by
recess 118 and the coiled portion of the spring 134 rests in a
channel 137 defined on the back face of planar panel 132. The
channel 137 is defined between two angular ribs 136 and 138 molded
to the rear face of panel 132 and to a horizontal portion 140, from
which the C-shaped members 124, 126 depend.
[0044] With this arrangement, the pusher plate 120 can be slid in
the recess 118 toward the rear track 12 with product being filled
between the pusher plate 120 and the front track 10. When the
desired number of products are loaded into the tray, the product
holds the pusher plate 120 in spaced relationship from the front
track 10 against the biasing force of the coil spring 134. As
product is removed from the front of the unit, the pusher plate 120
under the influence of the spring 134 urges the product toward the
front track 10. It will also be noted that the horizontal portion
140 extends over and is supported on the ledges 110, 112 of the
pusher track 100 and the ledges 78 of the end dividers 16, 18.
[0045] A second version of the mechanically fed unit is illustrated
in FIGS. 6, 9, and 13. This side-mounted pusher assembly includes
an adapted end divider 200 in combination with an above-described
end or interior divider 14, 16, 18. Because the adapted end divider
200 includes many of the same structural aspects as the dividers
14, 16, 18 described above, the same reference numerals are used in
FIGS. 6, 9, and 13 where appropriate.
[0046] The pusher assembly includes a pusher plate 204 which is
attached to and movable on the modified end divider 200. More
particularly, in this modification, the vertical panel 208 of the
modified end divider 200 is provided with a slot 212. This slot 212
includes a back wall 216 which is substantially parallel to and
non-coplanar with the rest of the panel 208. The slot 212 also
includes two L-shaped projections 220 which project from the
opposite side of panel 208. The L-shaped members 220 terminate in
spaced relationship defining an opening 224 to the slot 212.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 9, the pusher 204 includes a T-shaped in
cross section tab 228 which fits into the slot 212 to hold the
pusher 204 in but movable relative to slot 212. The side pusher 204
includes a front panel 232, and two ribs 236 (one of which is
visible in FIG. 9) which define a channel on the rear of panel 232.
A coil spring 240 fits into the channel. The end 244 of the coil
spring 240 is U-shaped and fits over the front edge of the back
wall 216 to an anchor the coil spring 240. With this arrangement,
the pusher 204 can be moved along the length of the panel 208 to
allow product to be loaded into the unit and then, in the same
manner as the previously described pusher 120, the spring 240 will
urge the product forward as product is removed. The surfaces, ribs,
slots of the modified end divider 200 are all straight, linear
projections extending the full length of the end divider.
[0048] To add to the versatility of this unit, it will be noted
that an interior divider 14 can be modified to have the vertical
panel 208, and may be used with an end divider 16, 18 with or
without the slots 212 to accommodate the side pusher. With this
arrangement, two or more side-by-side gravity feed units can be
provided. Therefore, the basic parts can be assembled with two
spaced end dividers to receive product therebetween. With this
configuration, the units can be set up to accommodate a single row
of product or multiple adjacent rows of products, and with
different configurations. As mentioned above, some arrangements of
the dividers 14, 16, 18, 200 are shown in FIGS. 10-13.
* * * * *