U.S. patent application number 10/682169 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for shelving system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fasteners For Retail, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kump, Daniel J., Mueller, Paul A..
Application Number | 20040140279 10/682169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32775620 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040140279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mueller, Paul A. ; et
al. |
July 22, 2004 |
Shelving system
Abstract
A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a
front end, a rear end, and a rail and a paddle movably connected to
the track for movement along the rail. The paddle has a front face
for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products
located on the track. A foot protrudes from the paddle. The foot
extends away from the front face and is slidably engaged with the
rail. A biasing element is operatively connected to the paddle for
urging the paddle toward the track front end.
Inventors: |
Mueller, Paul A.;
(Wadsworth, OH) ; Kump, Daniel J.; (Gates Mills,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jay F. Moldovanyi
Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
7th Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Assignee: |
Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32775620 |
Appl. No.: |
10/682169 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10682169 |
Oct 9, 2003 |
|
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|
10348306 |
Jan 21, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 ;
211/51; 312/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/059.3 ;
211/051; 312/071 |
International
Class: |
A47F 001/00 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
1. A product pusher device comprising: an elongate track having a
front end, a rear end, and a rail; a paddle movably connected to
said track for movement along said rail and comprising a front face
for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products
located on said track; a foot protruding from said paddle, said
foot extending away from said front face and being slidably engaged
with said rail; and, a biasing element operatively connected to
said paddle for urging said paddle toward said track front end.
2. The product pusher device of claim 1, wherein said paddle is
adapted to cantilever beyond said rear end of said track.
3. The product pusher device of claim 1, wherein said rail includes
a generally T-shaped cross-section.
4. The product pusher device of claim 3, wherein said foot of said
paddle is captured between said rail and a wall of said track.
5. The product pusher device of claim 4, wherein said foot
comprises a protrusion extending transversely from a wall of said
foot and cooperating with said rail.
6. The product pusher device of claim 1, wherein said biasing
element comprises a spring.
7. A product pusher device comprising: an elongate track having a
front end, a rear end, a rail, and a length for placement on an
associated shelf having a depth and a length wherein said track
extends generally transverse to the length of the associated shelf,
said track supporting a plurality of associated products thereon; a
paddle movably connected to said track for movement along said rail
and including: a base portion, a front face connected to said base
portion, for engagement with a rearmost one of the associated
products positioned on said track, and a foot, slidably engaged
with said rail, said foot protruding from said base portion; and, a
biasing element for urging said paddle toward said track front
end.
8. The product pusher device of claim 7, wherein said foot extends
forwardly of said front face of said paddle.
9. The product pusher device of claim 8 wherein said foot comprises
a pair of walls.
10. The product pusher device of claim 9 wherein said foot further
comprises a flange that extends transversely of a plane of one of
said pair of walls, said flange cooperating with a rail mounted on
said elongate track.
11. The product pusher device of claim 10 further comprising a
stiffening wall extending between said pair of walls.
12. The product pusher device of claim 10 further comprising a
tapered surface located at one end of said pair of walls.
13. The product pusher device of claim 7 wherein said paddle is
adapted to cantilever beyond said rear end of said track.
14. The product pusher device of claim 13 wherein the associated
shelf has a depth greater than the length of said track.
15. The product pusher device of claim 7 wherein said foot of said
paddle is captured between a rail and a wall of said track.
16. A product pusher device comprising: an elongate track having a
longitudinal axis and a rail extending along said longitudinal
axis; a paddle moveably connected to said track for movement along
said rail, said paddle including: a base portion, a pusher face
connected to said base portion for engagement with a rearmost one
of a set of associated products positioned on said track, and, a
guide protruding from said base portion, said guide slidably
engaging said rail; and, a biasing element for urging said paddle
towards one end of said track.
17. The product pusher device of claim 16 wherein said guide
includes a first portion which extends approximately normal to a
plane of said base and a second portion which extends approximately
parallel to said plane of said base.
18. The product pusher device of claim 17 wherein said track
further comprises a second rail, spaced from said first rail and
wherein said guide second portion contacts only said first rail and
said base contacts both said first rail and said second rail.
19. The product pusher device of claim 16 wherein said guide
extends forwardly of said front face of said paddle.
20. The product pusher device of claim 16 wherein said paddle is
adapted to cantilever beyond a rear end of said track.
21. The product pusher device of claim 20 wherein the associated
shelf has a depth greater than a length of said track.
22. The product pusher device of claim 16 further comprising: a
groove extending longitudinally along said track; and, a protrusion
extending from a lower surface of said base portion, said
protrusion being accommodated in said groove.
23. The product pusher device of claim 22 wherein said groove has a
width larger than a width of said protrusion such that a first side
wall of said protrusion is located adjacent one side wall of said
groove but, a second side wall of said protrusion is spaced away
from a second side wall of said groove.
24. The product pusher device of claim 16 wherein said track
further comprises a side wall such that said track comprises a
closed side and an open side, wherein said guide is spaced from
said side wall and is located adjacent said track open side.
25. A merchandise display system comprising: an integrated base and
divider assembly for supporting displayed merchandise, wherein the
base and divider assembly includes a base adapted for operative
coupling to a shelf and a divider wall for dividing displayed
merchandise into rows, wherein the divider wall protrudes from the
base such that the divider wall separates the base into a first
portion having a pusher track and a second portion; a first rail
located on said pusher track; and a pusher mounted on said pusher
track for pushing merchandise along the base first portion towards
a front of the associated shelf, wherein said pusher comprises a
guide slidably engaged with said first rail.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein said guide comprises an L-shaped
flange.
27. The system of claim 25 wherein said guide extends forwardly of
a front face of said pusher.
28. The system of claim 26 wherein said pusher track further
comprises a second rail spaced from said first rail.
29. The system of claim 28 wherein said guide is only engaged with
said first rail.
30. The system of claim 28 wherein said pusher is slidably engaged
with both said first rail and said second rail.
31. The system of claim 25 wherein said guide includes a first
portion which extends approximately normal to a plane of said base
and a second portion which extends approximately parallel to said
plane of said base.
32. The system of claim 25 wherein said pusher is adapted to
cantilever beyond a rear end of said pusher track.
33. The system of claim 32 further comprising an associated shelf
on which said integrated base and divider assembly is supported and
wherein the associated shelf has a depth greater than a length of
said pusher track.
34. The system of claim 25 wherein said pusher track on said base
first portion includes a closed side comprising said divider wall
and an open side and wherein said guide is spaced from said side
wall and is located adjacent said open side.
35. The system of claim 25 wherein said foot extends forwardly of a
front face of said pusher.
36. The system of claim 25 further comprising a biasing element for
urging said pusher towards said track front end.
37. The system of claim 25 further comprising a flange which
extends away from said foot, said flange cooperating with said
first rail of said pusher track.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/348,306 which was filed on Jan. 21, 2003
and is still pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an adjustable
shelving system. More specifically, the present invention relates
to an adjustable forward-feeding display shelving system for
storing and displaying merchandise of a variety of shapes and sizes
and automatically delivering the merchandise to the front of the
shelf The shelving system can be removably attached to an
associated shelf and is configured to organize merchandise on the
shelf.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Shelving is used extensively for stocking and storing
products or merchandise in a variety of stores. Most stores have
immovable shelving which is arranged back-to-back between
aisleways. The nature of the fixed shelves makes it difficult to
add and remove products. Moreover, such shelves make difficult the
rotation of the shelved products, which involves moving the older
stock to the front of the shelf and positioning new stock behind
the older stock. For a number of important merchandising
considerations, it is desirable that merchandise be displayed at
the front of a shelf so that the customer is induced to purchase
such forwardmost article. For example, if the goods are perishable
or are subject to becoming stale (e.g. cigarettes, fruit juices,
dairy products, or any item with an expiration date or a freshness
date), it is important that the articles be removed in a first in,
first out basis to maintain freshness. Also, if merchandise is not
displayed at the front of a shelf, it may not catch the shopper's
eye, which may cost the merchant sales.
[0004] In order to automatically move an item forward as the one
before it is removed, numerous forward feed devices have been
devised. There devices generally fall into three categories. The
first category is inclined tracks, relying on gravity to feed,
slide, or roll products forward. Gravity feeding is unpredictable
in that various materials slide easier than others because of
different weights and frictional interfaces between the products
and the track. The second category employs conveyor belts which
still use gravity to effect forward movement. These devices
typically are cumbersome, expensive, and complicated, due to the
need to properly tension and track the conveyor belts. The third
category uses spring-biased paddles to feed the product forward.
Such paddle-based forward feed devices have been found useful for
certain merchandise.
[0005] However, a merchant with two or more different depths of
shelving must purchase tracks of two or more depths, to employ the
spring-biased paddles. There thus exists a need for a track system
that is capable of accommodating shelving of varying depths
[0006] Also, the current mounting designs of such spring biased
paddles on rails is not optimum and, thus, leaves room for
improvement.
[0007] Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a
new and improved track system for merchandise display which would
overcome, the foregoing difficulties and others while providing
better and more advantageous overall results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved
product pusher device is provided. In one embodiment, the product
pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear
end and a rail. A paddle is moveably connected to the track for
movement along the rail. The paddle comprises a front face for
engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products
located on the track. A foot protrudes from the paddle, the foot
extending away from the front face and being slidably engaged with
the rail. A biasing element is operatively connected to the paddle
for urging the paddle towards the track.
[0009] According to another embodiment, a product pusher device
includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, a rail
and a length for placement on an associated shelf having a depth
and a length wherein the track extends generally transverse to the
length of the associated shelf The track supports a plurality of
associated products thereon. A paddle is moveably connected to the
track for movement along the rail. The paddle includes a base
portion, a front face connected to the base portion for engagement
with a rearmost one of the associated products positioned on the
track and a foot slidably engaged with the rail. The foot protrudes
from the base portion. A biasing element is provided for urging the
paddle towards the track front end.
[0010] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, a product pusher device includes an elongate track
having a longitudinal axis and a rail extending along the
longitudinal axis. A paddle is moveably connected to the track for
movement along the rail. The paddle includes a base portion, a
pusher face connected to the base portion for engagement with a
rear most one of a set of associated products positioned on the
track and a guide protruding from the base portion. The guide
slidably engages the rail. A biasing element urges the paddle
towards one end of the track.
[0011] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention, a merchandise display system is provided. The system
includes an integrated base and divider assembly for supporting
displayed merchandise wherein the base and divider assembly
includes a base adapted for operative coupling to a shelf and a
divider wall for dividing displayed merchandise into rows. The
divider wall protrudes from the base such that the divider wall
separates the base into a first portion having a pusher track and a
second portion. A first rail is located on the pusher track. A
pusher is mounted on the pusher track for pushing merchandise along
the base first portion towards a front of the associated shelf The
pusher comprises a guide slidably engaged with the first rail.
[0012] Still other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent to those of average skill in the art upon reading and
understanding of the following detailed specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be
described in detail in this specification, and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a shelf
management system according to the present invention, including a
portion of an elongate track, two paddles in accordance with a
first and a second embodiment, a front panel, and a front end
clip;
[0015] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of a merchandise
shelving system according to the present invention, including a
portion of the elongate track, two rear panels and two rear end
clips in accordance with the first and second embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a sectioned view through the shelf management
system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the shelf
management system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shelf management system
including an elongated track and paddle assembly according to a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a reduced top plan view of the assembly of FIG.
4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 5
along line 6-6;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a paddle of the
assembly of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the paddle of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shelf management system
including an elongate track and paddle assembly according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a reduced top plan view of the assembly of FIG.
9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG.
10 along line 11-11;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG.
10 along line 12-12;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a paddle of the
assembly of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the paddle of FIG.
13;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of a shelf management
system including an elongate track and paddle assembly according to
a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and,
[0030] FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of a shelf management
system including an elongate track and paddle assembly according to
a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
the purposes of illustrating several preferred embodiments of the
invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIGS. 1A and
1B show two embodiments of the shelf management system according to
the present invention.
[0032] More particularly, FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of the
components comprising a shelving system generally designated by
reference numeral 10 including a portion of an elongate track 12, a
product pusher paddle 14 with a foot 16 in accordance with a first
embodiment, a front end clip 18, and a front panel 20. Also shown
in phantom lines is an alternative product pushing paddle 15
without the foot in accordance with a second embodiment. The
components of the shelving system 10 could be formed in accordance
with the present invention from a conventional thermoplastic, such
as polyvinyl chloride plastic or any other suitable plastic by
extrusion, molding, or any suitable plastic forming technique. The
shelving system 10 is configured in such a way so as to accept
packages of various widths, depths, and configurations. More
particularly, the spacing between adjacent tracks 12 can be
adjusted to accommodate packages of different widths. Also, the
shelving system can be employed on shelves of differing depths.
[0033] The track 12 is generally configured in an elongate
orientation, including a front end portion 13 and a rear end
portion 17 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. The track 12
includes a base wall 22 and a side wall 24. The base wall 22 and
the side wall 24 are perpendicular to each other. The base wall 22
of the track 12 includes a pair of T-shaped rails 26, 28 thereon.
The T-shaped rails 26, 28 each include a vertical leg 30, 32,
respectively extending transverse to an upper surface 33 of the
base wall 22. The vertical legs 30, 32 each have a flattened
horizontal surface 34, 36, respectively thereon. The flattened
horizontal surfaces 34, 36 increase the support surface area for
carrying product without impeding the sliding movement of product
along the horizontal surfaces 34, 36 utilizing the available forces
provided by the product feeding shelving system. The vertical legs
30, 32 space the flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 from the
upper surface 33 of the base wall 22. The T-shaped rails 26, 28
extend collinear with the length of the track 12.
[0034] The track 12, at one side, includes the side wall 24
extending perpendicular to the base wall 22. The side wall 24
functions as a divider member to separate the shelf space into
individual merchandise display areas. The side wall 24 includes a
first face 40, a second face 42, and a flange 44. The flange 44 is
generally transverse to the second face 42 of the side wall 24. The
flange 44 is collinear with the length of the track 12. The flange
44 is proximal to the base wall 22 and generally coplanar with the
flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 of the T-shaped rails 26, 28.
The flange 44 has a horizontal surface 47. The base wall 22, at
another side, includes a terminal edge 46, distal to the side wall
24, which extends upward generally perpendicular to the base wall
22. The terminal edge 46 is collinear with the length of the track
12. The front edges of the rails 27, 29, the front edge of the base
wall 23, the front edge of the side wall 25, and the front edge of
the flange 45 are coplanar and aligned generally with the front
edge of the associated shelf, not shown.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1A, the paddle 14 according to the first
embodiment includes the foot 16. The paddle 14 further includes a
pusher wall 56 with a front face 58 and a pair of gussets 60, 62
which extend rearwardly from a rear face 64. These are generally
angled from the top of the pusher wall 56 to a base 70 of the
paddle 14. The gussets 60, 62 serve to stiffen the pusher wall 56.
The foot 16 extends forward of the pusher wall front face 58. An
upper surface (shown in FIG. 2) of the base 70 serves as a spring
carrier surface 72. At opposing sides of the spring carrier surface
72 are a pair of outside edges 76 and (not visible) projecting
downward generally perpendicular to the spring carrier surface 72.
The outside edges are parallel to one another and are spaced to
slidably engage, along with an underside or sliding surface 80 of
the spring carrier surface 72, the flattened horizontal surfaces
34, 36 of the T-rails 26, 28. The foot 16 extends forwardly
transverse to the front face 58 of the pusher wall 56. The foot 16
includes a pair of opposing outside flanges 82, 84. A pair of
product supporting arms 86, 88 are included on a top surface of the
foot 16. A pair of guide legs 87, 89 are included on a bottom
surface of the foot 16. The arms 86, 88 and legs 87, 89 are
collinear with T-rails 26, 28 when the shelving system 10 is in an
assembled arrangement, as will be described hereinafter.
[0036] As also shown in FIG. 1A, the second embodiment of the
paddle 15 does not include a foot. However, the paddle 15 does
include a pusher wall 90 with a front face 92 and a pair of gussets
94, 96 extending rearwardly from a rear face 98. These generally
angle from the top of the pusher wall 90 to a base 100 of the
paddle 15. The gussets 94, 96 serve to stiffen the pusher wall 90.
An upper surface of the base 100 serves as a spring carrier
surface. At opposing sides of the spring carrier surface are a pair
of rolled edges 104, 106 projecting downwardly and inwardly. The
base 100 also includes a pair of legs 118, 120 extending transverse
to a lower or sliding surface 108 of the base 100. The legs 118,
120 are configured to slidably engage the upper surface 33 of the
base wall 22 to support and align the paddle 15 along the track
12.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 1A, a front end clip 18 for
each track 12,is shown. This includes a vertical rectangular front
plate 130,with a front face 132 and a rear face 134. The front
plate 130 includes a mounting element 136 extending transverse to
the rear face 134 of the plate 130. The mounting element 136
comprises a pair of vertically oriented opposing side walls 138,
140 and a bottom wall. The mounting element 136 of the front end
clip 18 slides in between the T-rails 26, 28 in the front end
portion 13 of the track and frictionally engages legs 30, 32,
flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 and the upper surface 33 of
the base wall 22. As shown in FIG. 2, a tooth 152 protrudes from a
lower face of the clip and engages in a slot 154 in the track to
fix the front end clip 18 to the front end portion 13 of the track
12 without the use of any glue or other adhesive material.
[0038] Also shown in FIG. 1A is the front panel 20. The front panel
20, which can be an extruded piece, is cut to fit the length of the
shelf The front panel 20, and a rear panel described hereinafter,
generally allow the product tracks 12 to be stabily held so as to
define a width for the product as well as to hold the product
tracks 12 to the shelf at both the front and the back ends of the
shelf, yet allowing them to slide sideways on the shelf. The front
panel 20 and rear panel are advantageously configured such that a
plurality of product tracks 12 can be slidably mounted to them. The
front panel 20 is generally configured in an L-shaped arrangement
with a base wall 160 and a front wall 162 extending upward
generally transverse to the base wall 160. The front panel 20 may
be comprised of a clear plastic material to allow a merchant or
prospective purchaser a clear line of vision to the product being
carried by the shelving system. The front wall 162 includes a front
face 164 and a rear face 166. A downward extending flange 168
projects from the rear face 166 of the front panel 20. The flange
168 includes a first leg 170 which extends perpendicular to the
rear face 166 and a second leg 172 generally perpendicular to the
first leg 170. The second leg 172 extends downward generally
parallel to the rear face 166. The first leg 170 and the second leg
172 form the downward extending flange configuration which provides
an open slot 174. As shown in FIG. 2, the open slot 174 is
configured to receive the front plate 130 of the front end clip 18.
An upper portion 176 of the front wall 162 serves as a product
retaining wall which extends upward and preferably angles slightly
rearward from a location above the flange 168. The product
retaining wall 176 serves as a forwardmost stopping surface for the
shelf management system 10 and utilizes the rearward angle to hold
products within the adjustable shelf management system 10 while the
product is being urged forward in the manner described in greater
detail hereinafter.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1B, a low profile rear end clip 180
cooperates with a low profile rear panel 214 in the first
embodiment of the present invention. With reference now to FIG. 3,
these two elements are configured in such a way as to allow a rear
end of the pusher paddle 14 to extend rearward beyond the rear end
portion 17 of the track 12. However, the foot 16 holds the pusher
paddle on the track. The low profile rear end clip 180 includes
vertically extending first and second walls 184, 186, respectively.
A horizontal connecting wall (not visible) connects the first and
second walls 184, 186 at their respective bottom edges thereby
defining an upwardly open slot 190 between the first 184 and second
186 walls. Extending transverse to the second wall 186 are two
opposing upper mounting tabs 192, 194 at opposing ends of the
second wall 186. A lower mounting tab 196 extends transverse to the
second wall 186 centered along a lower edge 198 of the second wall
186 between the two upper mounting tabs 192, 194. Each upper
mounting tab 192, 194 includes a pair of integrally formed support
walls 200, 201 and 202, 203, respectively, extending from a top
edge 187 of the second wall 186 angularly to the front edge of the
tabs. Planar bottom surfaces are provided for the mounting tabs 192
and 194. These are configured to slidingly engage the upper surface
33 of the track base wall 22. The lower mounting tab 196 has a
planar upper surface 204 including an upward projecting tooth 206
generally centered between opposed side edges 205 and (not visible)
of the lower mounting tab 196 proximal to a front edge 197. The
upper surface 204 of the lower mounting tab 196 is configured to
slidingly engage the bottom surface 35 of the track base wall 22.
As shown in FIG. 2, the upward projecting tooth 206 engages an
opening 210 in the base wall 22 between the T-rails 26, 28 thereby
preventing disengagement of the rear end clip 180 from the track
12.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1B, the low profile rear panel 214 of the
first embodiment is defined by a base wall 216 and an upwardly
extending rear wall 218. The rear wall 218 extends transverse to
the base wall 216 and includes an L-shaped upper edge 220. The
L-shaped upper edge 220 has a first leg 222 generally perpendicular
to the rear wall 218 and a second leg 224 extending downward
generally parallel to the rear wall 218. The first leg 222 and the
second leg 224 form a downwardly open channel 226. The channel 226
is configured to engage the first vertically extending wall 184 of
the rear end clip 180. As with the front panel, the rear panel 214
is cut to the length of the shelf and accommodates a plurality of
product tracks 12. The base wall 216 of the rear panel 214 may
include anti-skid layer 230 extending along the length of the
bottom side of the base wall 216 proximal to the rear wall 218 for
preventing movement of the rear panel in relation to the shelf
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a set of anti-skid bumps 232 may
be used. The layer 230 or bumps 232 can be co-extruded or
separately applied to the rear panel 214.
[0041] With reference now to the second embodiment, the front end
clip 18 may be utilized also as the rear end clip as shown in FIG.
1B. For this purpose, a second embodiment of a rear panel 240 is
employed. In this embodiment, the rear panel 240 includes a base
wall 242 and a rear wall 244. The rear wall 244 projects upwardly
transverse to the base wall 242. The rear wall 244 includes an
L-shaped upper edge 246. The L-shaped upper edge 246 includes a
first leg 248 projecting transverse to the rear wall 244 in a
forward direction. A second leg 250 projects downward, generally
parallel to the rear wall 244, from the first leg 248. In this
embodiment, the rear panel 240 is similar to the front panel 20 but
without a product retaining wall (upper portion).
[0042] According to the first embodiment, the paddle 14 is in
sliding connection with the product track 12 (best shown in FIGS. 2
and 3). The sliding connection comprises a first and second pair of
surfaces, with the first pair located adjacent the first T-shaped
rail and the second pair of surfaces located adjacent the second
T-shaped rail. One surface of the first and second pairs is formed
on the top side of the outside flanges 82, 84 of the foot. The
other surface of each of the first and second pairs is on the upper
surfaces of the T-rails 26, 28. The first and second pairs of
surfaces engage to resist separation of the paddle from the track.
Additionally, there is a third pair of surfaces 87, 89 located on
the bottom side of the foot 16. These engage adjacent surface 33 on
the track base wall 22 to maintain alignment of the paddle 14 with
the track 12. Furthermore, there is a fourth pair of surfaces
located on the bottom side of the foot. These include respective
notches 91 and (not visible) as shown in FIG. 1A. The notches
engage a surface of the rear end clip 180 to halt rearward travel
of the paddle on the track.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the front face 58 of the paddle 14
extends generally normal to the upper surface 33 of the track 12.
The front face 58 of the paddle is designed to allow the paddle to
maintain contact with the products positioned directly in front of
it. The spring carrier surface 72 and the sliding surface 80 of the
paddle 14 are generally formed from the same section of material
which extends rearward of the pusher wall 56 along a direction
generally perpendicular to the front face 58. In the illustrated
embodiment in FIG. 2, the gussets 60, 62 support the relationship
between the pusher wall 56 and the foot 70. The outer edges 76 and
(not visible) of the base 70 extend downward transverse to the
spring carrier surface 72. These outer edges form a fifth pair of
sliding surfaces. These cooperate with a respective surface of the
track 12. The fifth pair of surfaces engage to maintain alignment
of the paddle 14 with the track 12. The base 70 includes a central
opening 71, proximate to the rear face 64, which allows a roll
spring to pass therethrough.
[0044] With reference again to FIG. 1A, the opposing outside
flanges 82, 84 are designed to slide under the flattened horizontal
surfaces 34, 36 of the rails 26, 28. The sliding surface 80 (FIG.
2) of the paddle 14 is designed to slide over the flattened
horizontal surfaces 34, 36 of the rails 26, 28. Through the use of
the opposing flanges 82, 84, the opposing outside edges 76, 78, and
the rails 26, 28 of the track 12, a slidable positive lock between
the track 12 and the paddle 14 is formed. The slidable positive
lock reduces the likelihood of the paddle 14 separating or
misaligning from the track 12 under high load.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1A, the second embodiment of the paddle 15
(phantom lines) comprises first and second rolled edges 104, 106
which, in use, are located adjacent the rails 26, 28 of the track.
These cooperate with the respective adjacent track 34, 36. The
rolled edges engage the tracks to maintain alignment of the paddle
with the track. Additionally, the legs 118, 120 of the second
paddle 15 engage adjacent portions of the respective T-rails 26,
28. Such engagement helps resist separation of the paddle from the
track.
[0046] The pushing surface or front face 92 extends generally
normal to the upper surface 33 of the base wall 22. The spring
carrier surface 102 and the sliding surface 108 are generally
formed from the same section of material which extends rearward of
the rear face 98 of the pusher wall 90 along a direction, generally
perpendicular to the front face 92 or pushing surface. In the
illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1A, a pair of gussets 94 and (not
visible) support the relationship between the pusher wall 90 and
the base 100 of the paddle 15.
[0047] In both embodiments, a biasing element in the form of a
spring 260 is used to bias the paddle 14 toward the front end
portion 13 of the track 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the biasing
element can be a roll spring 260. The roll spring 260 has
characteristics which may make it desirable over various other
types of springs, such as compression springs. For instance, the
roll spring 260 naturally recoils back into its tightly wound
initial state after being extended and released. Also, as the roll
spring 260 is stretched, the force exerted by it is approximately
the same during such stretching. It will be appreciated that other
biasing elements may be used, i.e. elastic straps, coil springs,
and other biasing members. The roll spring 260 is advantageous
because it provides a uniform force throughout its extension, is
simple to install, and does not require attachment to the foot 70.
The roll spring 260 may be permanently, semi-permanently, or
removably attached to the front clip 18. In the embodiment
illustrated, the roll spring 260 is semi-permanently attached to
the clip 18 by inserting a first end 262 of the spring 260 into a
slot (not visible) in the clip. A spring portion 264 immediately
adjacent the first end 262 is then bent 90.degree. and inserted
into a stem of the clip. The remainder of the spring is then
rotated 90.degree. around its longitudinal axis.
[0048] The balance of the roll spring 260 rests on a spring
carrying surface 72 of the base 70,of the paddle 14. Due to the
configuration of the roll spring 260, it does not need to be
secured to the spring carrier surface 72. Alignment of the coiled
section of the roll spring 260 is maintained by the rear face 64 of
the pusher wall 56, and the inside walls (not shown) of the gussets
60, 62. The rear face 64 of the pusher wall 56 provides a front
support and the inside walls of the gussets 60, 62 provide side
restraints with respect to movement of the roll spring 260.
[0049] With reference again to FIG. 2, it is appreciated that in
the first embodiment, the foot 16 of the paddle 14 limits the
forward travel of the paddle 14. Although the forward travel of the
paddle is inhibited by the foot 16, the foot 16 enables the pusher
wall 56 to extend rearward beyond the rear portion 17 of the track
12 (as seen in FIG. 3). This additional rearward travel of the
paddle 14 allows the entire length of the track to be utilized for
storing and moving products. It will be appreciated that, in the
second embodiment, using the paddle 15, the paddle 15 can traverse
substantially the entire length of the track 12 but the pusher wall
90 does not travel beyond the rear end of the track 12.
[0050] The shelf management system 10 comprises the track 12 to
underlie a plurality of products. The track 12 extends
longitudinally between the front and rear end portions 13, 17, and
laterally between the terminal edge 46 and the side wall 24. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the shelving system 10 and feeding assembly
generally comprises a number of product tracks 12. It will be
appreciated that the base walls 160, 216, 242 of the front and rear
panels are of sufficient depth in order to provide the necessary
stability and alignment to the product tracks extending
therebetween. Due to the use of T-rails 26, 28 product tracks 12
decrease the contact surface area between the packages and the
product supporting and feeding assembly such that friction may be
reduced between the products and the assembly. The horizontal
surface 47 of flange 44 of a first track 12 is coplanar with the
flattened horizontal surfaces 34, 36 of a second adjacent track 12
to improve the product support and alignment as the products move
along the track 12.
[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of adjacent
tracks 12 are shown stabily held by the front panel 20 and the rear
panel 214. This configuration results in a secure connection of a
plurality of tracks 12 within the shelving system 10 such that the
individual tracks 12 cannot flop around. The front panel 20 may be
attached to the shelf in any suitable manner, including friction
fitting or permanent attachment (i.e. a Christmas tree clip 270 as
shown in FIG. 2). The side wall 24 of each respective track 12
separates the products supported on individual tracks 12 such that
the product carried by one product track 12 will not interfere with
the movement of product carried by an adjacent product track 12. As
shown, the side wall 24 is integral with the base wall 22. However,
the side wall can be a separate divider wall (not shown). It is
also appreciated that a product label 272 may be affixed to the
front face 164 of the front panel 20.
[0052] With reference now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a paddle
is there illustrated. In this embodiment, like components are
identified by like numerals with a primed (`) suffix and new
components are identified by new numerals. In this embodiment, a
paddle 300 is slidably mounted on a track 12'. The track is
generally configured as an elongated member oriented such that it
extends from a front of a shelf to a rear of the shelf. The track
includes a base wall 22'. Mounted on the base wall are a pair of
T-shaped rails 26' and 28'. Spaced from the rails is a side wall
24'. The side wall includes a first face 40' and a second face 42'
(FIG. 6). The paddle includes a pusher wall 310. With reference now
also to FIG. 5, the pusher wall 310 includes a front face 312 for
contacting merchandise and a rear face 314. The pusher wall 310 is
mounted on a base 316. A pair of gussets 320 and 322 are located on
opposed side edges of the pusher wall 310 and extend from the
pusher wall to the base 316. The gussets are meant to reinforce the
pusher wall 310. Reenforcing stakes on ribs 324 may also be
provided adjacent the side walls. The stakes can be molded together
with the side walls.
[0053] Positioned atop the base 316 is a spring 330. As with the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the spring 330 may be a coil spring. In
this embodiment, the coil spring is not supported by the gussets
320 and 322 since the gussets are spaced a considerable distance
from the relatively central location of the spring 330. Rather, the
spring is simply held on the base 316. The spring 330 does not vary
its location laterally in the process of coiling and uncoiling so
that it would approach either of the gussets. The spring 330 is
looped around the distal end of the base 316 and then extends
forward, such that a central portion 332 is located between the
rails 26' and 28', as is best seen in FIG. 5. If desired, the
spring can have a front end (not visible) which is secured either
to the track 12' or to a front clip (not illustrated), which can be
of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[0054] Defined between the side wall 24' and the second rail 28' is
a slot 338 (FIG. 6). Positioned in the slot is a foot, guide or
extension 340 of the paddle. With reference now also to FIG. 7, the
foot is located adjacent the second gusset 322 and projects from a
lower surface 341 (FIG. 8) of the base 316. The foot can be in the
shape of an upside down U and can comprise a top wall 342.
Projecting from opposite side edges of the top wall 342 are first
and second arms or walls 46. Extending laterally from the first arm
344 is a flange 348. The flange is adapted to contact a lower
surface 352 of the second rail 28' as is most evident from FIG. 6.
At the same time, the second arm 346 abuts against the first face
40' of the side wall 24' to brace the paddle 300 and retard lateral
movement thereof Cooperation of the flange 348 and the second rail
28' retards vertical movement of the paddle 300. However, sliding
movement along the rails 26', 28' is permitted. As is best shown in
FIG. 8, a transverse stiffening wall 356 can extend between the two
arms 344 and 346 between the ends thereof. It is also apparent from
FIG. 8 that a rear end 360 the foot 340, can terminate short of the
rear edge, of the base 316, if so desired.
[0055] In this embodiment, the foot or guide 340 of the paddle is
thus captured between the rail 28' and the sidewall 24'. It should,
however, be recognized that the guide 340 could be captured between
a rail and any sort of wall or approximately vertically extending
protrusion of the track 12'. In other words, instead of the side
wall 24' as illustrated in FIG. 6, some sort of protrusion could be
employed in combination with a rail in order to capture the guide.
In such a design, the side wall could be absent or could be located
on the opposite side of the track. Also, a much wider track could
be provided including a plurality of rails and, perhaps, a
plurality of pushers mounted on such rails with each pusher having
an extension that is captured between an adjacent rail and some
sort of protrusion that may extend approximately vertically in
relation to a base wall of the track.
[0056] With reference now to FIG. 9, still another embodiment of a
paddle is there illustrated. For ease of appreciation and
understanding of this embodiment, like components are identified by
like numerals with a double primed suffix (``) and new components
are identified by new numerals. In this embodiment, a track 12"
includes a base wall 22" and a side wall 24". Located on the base
wall 22" are a pair of spaced rails 26" and 28". Slidably mounted
on the track 12" is a paddle 400. As best seen in FIG. 10, the
paddle includes a pusher wall 410 having a front face 412 and a
rear face 414. The pusher wall 410 extends from a base 416.
Extending from the pusher wall 410 to the base 416 are a pair of
gussets 420 and 422. These are located on opposed side edges of the
pusher wall 410 and base 416.
[0057] A spring, such as a coil spring 330" is positioned on an
upper surface of the base 416. The coil spring is significantly
smaller in width than is the distance between the pair of gussets
420 and 422. As a result, the gussets do not support the coil
spring 330" as it coils and uncoils. Rather, the coil spring is
spaced by a considerable gap from an inner face of each of the
gussets. Only the base 416 supports the coil spring 330".
[0058] Depending from the base 416 is a foot, guide, or extension
440. More particularly, the foot depends from a lower surface 441
of the base, as is best seen in FIG. 14. The foot comprises a top
wall 442 (FIG. 13) as well as a first side wall 444 and a second
side wall 446 which extend from opposed side edges of the top wall
442. As best seen in FIG. 13, the foot 440 can protrude
transversely from the base 416 adjacent the second gusset 422.
Protruding radially from the first wall or arm 444 is a flange 448.
As can be best seen from FIG. 12, the flange is accommodated
beneath a head of the second T-shaped rail 28" such that the flange
is located beneath a lower surface 352" of the rail. It should be
apparent from FIGS. 11 and 12 that the foot 440 is located in a
slot 338" formed between the second rail 28" and the side wall 24".
In this regard, the second arm 446 contacts a first face 40" of the
side wall 24". Thus, the foot 440 braces the paddle 400 against the
second rail 28" and the side wall 24". With reference to FIG. 14, a
front face 452 can be provided for the foot 440.
[0059] With reference again to FIG. 13, the foot 440 can have arms
of differing dimensions. For example, the arms can become thicker
approaching a distal end of the foot 440 as shown in the embodiment
of FIG. 13. Of course, the arms can have any other suitable desired
configuration. The different thicknesses or widths of the arms or
sidewalls can be seen by a comparison of FIGS. 11 and 12, which
illustrate cross sections through the foot 440 at differing
locations, as shown in FIG. 10. It is apparent from FIG. 12 that
the arms 444 and 446 can contact the base wall, 22" thereby bracing
the pusher, not only against the second rail 28" and the side wall
24", but also against the base wall 22" of the track 12". It is
noted that tapered surfaces 458 can be located on the rear ends of
the arms beneath the distal end of the gusset 422, as also
illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0060] Protruding from a central portion of the base 416 is a tab
470. The tab is meant to be used when the paddle 400 is fully
retracted towards a back rail as illustrated in the embodiment of
FIG. 3. In use, the tab 470 braces the paddle on the rear rail,
when the paddle is fully retracted, to prevent it from wobbling. In
the embodiment shown, the tab 470 can have a closed lower surface
472 (FIG. 14) and an open upper surface 474 (FIG. 13). The tab
protrudes from a front edge of the base lower surface 441 in a
spaced manner from the foot 440. It should be appreciated, however,
that the tab can have many different designs. As is evident from
FIG. 11, a portion 332" of the spring extends beneath the tab 470
and between the rails 26" and 28".
[0061] With reference now to FIG. 15, yet another embodiment of the
present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a
shelving system includes an elongate track 502 mounted to a panel
(not illustrated). While mention ha,s been made herein of both a
front panel (such as panel 20 of FIG. 1A) and a rear panel such as
panel 214 of FIG. 1B), it should be appreciated by those of average
skill in the art that both panels do not always need to be used.
Rather, one could employ only a front panel or only a rear panel
which would be engaged by a track All that is necessary is that the
at least one panel extend longitudinally along a subjacent shelf
and that the track or plurality of tracks mounted to the panel
extend transversely over the shelf so as to organize the product
being presented on the shelf
[0062] The track 502 comprises a base wall 504 and a side wall 506,
which protrudes upwardly from the base wall. Defined on the base
wall are a plurality of spaced top rails or ridges 510. Also
defined on a bottom face of the base is a bottom rail 512.
Extending longitudinally along the base wall 504 is a groove 514.
The groove comprises a base wall 516 and a pair of spaced side
walls 518 and 520.
[0063] Mounted on the track 502 is a pusher wall 528. The pusher
can move in relation to the track 502 so as to be selectively
located longitudinally along the length of the track 502 at a
desired position. The pusher includes a wall 530 which is mounted
on a base 536. As in the previous embodiments, a suitable spring
(not illustrated) can be used to bias the pusher towards a front
portion of the track 502. The coil spring can be positioned on the
base 536. Extending from the pusher wall 530 to the base 536 are a
pair of gussets for suitable reinforcing elements 540 and 542.
These can be located on opposed side edges of the pusher wall 530
and the base 536.
[0064] Depending from the base 536 is a foot 550. More
particularly, the foot depends from a lower surface 552 of the base
536. A first portion of the foot 554 can be aligned with the first
gusset 540 if so desired. A second portion 556 of the foot can be
oriented approximately normal to the first portion 554 and can be
parallel to a plane of the base 536. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a
somewhat U-shaped design is thus formed for accommodating a flange
560 of the track 502.
[0065] Protruding from the lower surface 552 of the pusher wall
base 536 is a protrusion 570. The protrusion includes a pair of
side walls 572 and 574. It should be apparent from FIG. 15 that the
first side wall 572 of the protrusion is spaced a considerable
distance from the groove first side wall 518 but that the
protrusion second side wall 574 is located adjacent the groove
second side wall 520. In use, as the pusher 528 reciprocates on the
track 502, the pusher base 536 rides on the top and bottom rails
510 and 512 such that the lower surface 552 of the pusher base
contacts at least one of the top rails 510 while the second portion
556 of the foot or guide contacts the bottom rail 512. Due to the
cooperation of the foot 550 and the protrusion 570 with the track
502, the pusher 528 cannot be lifted away from the track 502.
Rather, the pusher must be slid to an end of the track and
subsequently removed.
[0066] With reference now to FIG. 16, a further embodiment of the
present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a track
602 includes a base 604 and a sidewall 606. Protruding from the
side wall is a flange 608. Extending parallel to a longitudinal
axis of the track is a first rail 610. Spaced therefrom is a second
rail 612.
[0067] Mounted on the track is a paddle 620. The paddle includes a
pusher wall 622, which has a rear face 624, and a base 626. A first
gusset 630 connects the pusher wall 622 to the base 626. Spaced
from the first gusset is a second gusset 632. As is apparent, the
gussets are located adjacent opposite side edges of the pusher wall
and the base. If desired, reinforcing ribs 634 may be provided on
the gussets. It should be apparent that the gussets serve to
stiffen the paddle 620 and serve to retard any flexing of the
pusher wall 622 in relation to the base 626.
[0068] Positioned on the base 626 is a spring 640. As in the
embodiment of FIG. 1B, the spring can be a coil spring. It should
be apparent from FIG. 16 that the side edges of the coil spring are
positioned a significant distance away from the two gussets. In
this way, the spring does not contact the gussets as it rolls and
unrolls and is not supported or restrained thereby. It should be
apparent that the coil spring has a portion that is looped around
the base 626 such that the spring portion extends between the two
tracks 610, 612 towards a front end of the track 602.
[0069] While mention has been made herein of the use of a coil
spring, such as the spring 260 illustrated in FIG. 2, it should be
recognized that other types of biasing means can also be provided
for resiliently urging the different versions of pushers or paddles
illustrated herein towards one end of an associated track. It is
known in the art to use, for example, compression springs, elastic
bands and other types of biasing means for this purpose.
[0070] A guide 650 mounts the paddle 620 on the track 602. In this
embodiment, the guide comprises a first section 652 which extends
from the base and is aligned with the first gusset 630 and a second
section 654 which extends from the base in a spaced manner from the
first section. The first section 652 includes a first wall 660 that
is oriented parallel to a plane of the first gusset 630 and a
second wall 662 which is oriented approximately normal to the first
section. In other words, an approximately backwards L-shaped first
guide section is thus provided. The second guide section 654 can
comprise a first wall 670 that extends approximately normal to a
plane of the base 626 and a second section 672 which extends
approximately parallel to the plane of the base. Thus, a second
approximately L-shaped guide section is provided. As is apparent,
these two guide sections surround a horizontal portion of the
second rail 612 and serve to slidably mount the paddle 620 on the
second rail 612. It is noted that no similar guide is provided for
the first rail 610. Rather, the paddle simply slides on the first
rail as it moves along the second rail. An extension 674 may be
provided for the guide second section 654. The extension can be
oriented in a common plane with the guide second section first wall
670 as is illustrated. The extension 674 may prove useful to limit
the retraction of the paddle 620 on the track 602 past a front
panel (not illustrated) or a rear panel (not illustrated) should
one be provided.
[0071] The advantages of the present design include a new and
improved shelf management system including a product pusher. The
product pusher can include a paddle which is extendible beyond the
rear end of a track and is used for urging merchandise items toward
the front end of the track. The shelf management system maintains
the alignment of the associated products on the track.
Additionally, the shelf management system may be quickly installed
or rearranged without the need for tools. Furthermore, the present
design provides for a paddle which may be used to extend the usable
surface of the track, thereby providing functionality on a
plurality of shelves having varying depths.
[0072] The invention has been described with reference to several
embodiments, obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to
others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It
is intended to include all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and
the equivalents thereof
* * * * *