U.S. patent application number 10/560052 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for merchandising system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DCI Marketing, Inc.. Invention is credited to M. Scott Bryson, Allen Johnson.
Application Number | 20070170133 10/560052 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33551849 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bryson; M. Scott ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
Merchandising system
Abstract
A merchandising system for articles comprising a base, a member
coupled to the base having a front and a rear and configured to
suspend the articles, and a pusher that advances along the member
so that articles are advanced from the rear to the front of the
member. The member is positioned substantially above the pusher as
the articles are advanced along the member.
Inventors: |
Bryson; M. Scott;
(Brookfield, WI) ; Johnson; Allen; (Hartford,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GODFREY & KAHN S.C.
780 NORTH WATER STREET
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
DCI Marketing, Inc.
Milwaukee
WI
53209
|
Family ID: |
33551849 |
Appl. No.: |
10/560052 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 10, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/18860 |
371 Date: |
July 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60478700 |
Jun 13, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/128 20130101;
A47F 5/0869 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/094.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A merchandising system for articles comprising: a biasing system
comprising a track comprising a front and a rear; a mount; a
biasing mechanism; and a pusher; wherein the mount is configured to
couple with a base; and wherein the biasing system is configured to
move the articles from the rear of the track to the front of the
track.
2. The merchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a member
configured to suspend the articles for selective removal.
3. The merchandising system of claim 2 further comprising a base
coupled to the biasing system and to the member configured to
suspend the articles.
4. The merchandising system of claim 3 wherein the member
configured to suspend the articles is a rod that allows the
articles to slide along a length of the rod.
5. The merchandising system of claim 4 wherein the rod comprises a
first end that is configured to at least partially restrain
movement of the articles.
6. The merchandising system of claim 5 wherein the first end
comprises at least one of a hook and a curved portion.
7. The merchandising system of Claim 5 wherein the first end
comprises one or more projections.
8. The merchandising system of claim 4 wherein the pusher includes
portions slidably coupled to the track and wherein the biasing
mechanism is coupled to the pusher and to the track proximate the
front.
9. The merchandising system of claim 8 wherein the mount couples to
the base at multiple locations by way of a snap fit.
10. The merchandising system of claim 8 wherein the mount couples
to the base at multiple locations with one or more fastener.
11. The merchandising system of claim 8 wherein the biasing member
comprises an aperture that the rod at least partially extends
through as the biasing member moves along the track.
12. The merchandising system of claim 11 wherein one or more member
may be selectively coupled to the base.
13. The merchandising system of claim 11 wherein the biasing
mechanism moves the pusher from the back of track to the front of
the track by at least one of pushing and pulling the pusher.
14. The merchandising system of claim 13 wherein the rod is
positioned substantially above the pusher as articles are advanced
along the rod.
15. A merchandising system for articles comprising: a base; a
member coupled to the base having a front and a rear and configured
to suspend the articles; a pusher that advances along the member so
that articles are advanced from the rear to the front of the
member; wherein the member is positioned substantially above the
pusher as the articles are advanced along the member.
16. The merchandising system of claim 15 further comprising an
assembly that is configured to couple to the base at a plurality of
locations.
17. The merchandise system of claim 16 wherein the member is a rod
configured to suspend the articles for selective removal.
18. The merchandising system of claim 17 wherein the base is
configured so that one or more rod may be coupled to the base at a
plurality of locations by inserting a portion of the one or more
rod into one or more aperture of the base.
19. The merchandising system of claim 18 wherein the assembly
comprises a track configured to slidably couple to the pusher and a
mount configured to couple to the base at multiple locations.
20. The merchandising system of claim 19 wherein the track and the
mount are integrally formed.
21. The merchandising system of claim 19 wherein the pusher
comprises a biasing mechanism that advances the pusher from the
back of the member to the front of the member by at least one of
pulling and pushing the pusher.
22. The merchandising system of claim 21 wherein the pusher
comprises an aperture that the rod extends through as the pusher
moves along the rod.
23. The merchandising system of claim 22 wherein the rod is
positioned substantially above the pusher as articles are advanced
along the rod.
24. In a system for merchandising products suspended from a member,
the improvement comprising: a track adjacent to the member and
having a front and a back; and a pusher coupled to the track and
configured to advance products suspended from the member from the
back of the track to the front of the track; wherein the pusher
comprises an aperture that the member at least partially extends
through as the pusher advances along the track.
25. The merchandising system of claim 24 wherein the member
includes a first end that is configured to at least partially
restrain advancement of the articles.
26. The merchandising system of claim 25 wherein the first end of
the member comprises a hook.
27. The merchandising system of claim 25 wherein the member is a
rod that may be coupled to the base at a plurality of apertures
formed in the base.
28. The merchandising system of claim 27 wherein the pusher is
slidably coupled to the track and is advanced by a biasing
mechanism that urges the pusher from the back of the track to the
front of the track.
29. The merchandising system of claim 28 wherein the rod is
positioned substantially above the pusher as the articles are
advanced along the rod.
30. The merchandising system of claim 29 wherein the track is
positioned substantially above the rod as the articles are advanced
along the rod.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority
as available under 35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn. 119-121 to the following
U.S. Patent Application (which is incorporated by reference in the
present Application): U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/478,700 ("MERCHANDISING SYSTEM") filed Jun. 13, 2003.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
merchandising systems. In particular, the present invention relates
to merchandising systems providing for orderly presentation of
articles (such as products) in a display space.
[0003] It is known to provide for a merchandising system that may
be used for displaying products in consumer settings such as
grocery stores, retail outlets, shops, etc. Such known
merchandising systems may be used to present, display and store
products in fixed or limited spaces such as on shelves, in display
cases, in cabinets, etc.
[0004] It is beneficial when merchandising an article such as a
product to allow potential customers to view or handle it in a
convenient and comfortable manner. Known merchandising systems may
display products to a consumer by providing the products in
inefficient configurations. Products and product containers come in
a variety of sizes and shapes, and some products may be more
difficult to merchandise (e.g., present for potential retail sale)
than others. Within fixed or limited spaces, known merchandising
systems may not be configured to optimize the presentation of such
products to a consumer. Such known merchandising systems also do
not always provide convenient ways for dispensing products,
especially those with unique or irregular shapes. Ease of use can
be an important concern for customers and store personnel. As is
sometimes the case, product or container design may be dictated by
considerations separate from the ease or difficulty with which the
product may be presented.
[0005] Some known merchandising systems may not provide effective
means for displaying, storing and presenting articles that are
difficult to stack or support themselves. For example, the
packaging of many articles, such as lunchmeat or cheese, is often
made from thin, defonnable plastic which is not ideal for stacking
or arranging on a flat platform. Some merchandising systems fail to
provide adequate support for these types of articles, as well as
smooth, efficient sliding of the article along the length of the
system. Further, some merchandising systems do not provide
sufficient means of advancing these types of articles along the
merchandising system. Further, some merchandising systems do not
provide strong and/or rigid support for articles. Accordingly, many
merchandising systems may not provide articles in a straight,
linear, or level arrangement due to sagging, deformation, bowing,
deflection and/or movement due to the weight of the articles. In
addition, many merchandising systems may not evenly distribute
weight from articles and/or product along the length of the system.
This may result in a higher force when loading or stocking the unit
(e.g., some spring pusher systems may require higher spring
tension).
[0006] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a
merchandising system that is configured for stocking, orderly
presentation, and convenient storage of products with a shape that
may not be easily stored, presented, or displayed, such as products
with uniquely shaped containers. It would also be advantageous to
provide a merchandising system that is configured for selective
modularity in the construction and assembly of the merchandising
system. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising
system that allows for the construction and assembly of a
merchandising system with any number of product facings, modules,
compartments, etc. It would also be advantageous to provide a
merchandising system that advances a product and/or allows a
product to advance along a defined path. It would also be
advantageous to provide a merchandising system that self-faces
articles (e.g., moves articles to the front of the system after
articles are removed). It would be advantageous to provide a
merchandising system that conveniently advances articles in systems
where the articles are suspended and/or hang from members such as
rods. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising
system that rnay withstand large vertical forces when in an
extended position, a stowed position, or any position therebetween.
It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising system
that may evenly distribute the weight of articles and/or products
over the length of the system. It would also be advantageous to
provide a merchandising system that allows for smooth, efficient
gliding of articles and/or products along the length of the
system.
[0007] It would be advantageous to provide a merchandising system
or the like of a type disclosed in the present application that
provides any one or more of these or other advantageous
features.
SUMMARY
[0008] The invention relates to a merchandising system for articles
comprising a biasing system comprising a track comprising a front
and a rear, a mount, a biasing mechanism, and a pusher. The mount
is configured to couple with a base and the biasing system is
configured to move the articles from the rear of the track to the
front of the track.
[0009] The present invention also relates to a merchandising system
for articles comprising a base, a member coupled to the base having
a front and a rear and configured to suspend the articles, and a
pusher that advances along the member so that articles are advanced
from the rear to the front of the member. The member is positioned
substantially above the pusher as the articles are advanced along
the member.
[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to, in a
system for merchandising products suspended from a member, an
improvement comprising a track adjacent to the member and having a
front and a back and a pusher coupled to the track and configured
to advance products suspended from the member from the back of the
track to the front of the track. The pusher comprises an aperture
that the member at least partially extends through as the pusher
advances along the track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the
merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the merchandising system according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of a
merchandising system according to an alternative embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is front perspective view of a merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded front perspective view of the
merchandising system according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of the merchandising system according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the merchandising system
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a merchandising
system according to an alternative embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a lower front perspective view of a merchandising
system according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a portion of a merchandising
system according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Referring to the FIGURES, various exemplary and alternative
embodiments of a merchandising system intended for displaying
articles such as products, containers, items, units, etc. in
consumer settings such as grocery stores, retail outlets, shops,
etc. are shown. According to a preferred embodiment, the
merchandising system is intended to dispense, store, merchandise,
display, etc. articles to provide for the space-efficient
presentation of groups of articles within a given or fixed display
area, and/or to allow for convenient and orderly presentation,
dispensing, stocking, and storage of articles (such as products or
product containers) having any of a wide variety of sizes, shapes,
and profiles (e.g., wedges, cylinders, rectangular,
non-rectangular, etc.).
[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a merchandising system 10 (e.g., tray
system, shelf system, display system, case, divider system, storage
system, modular system, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment.
As shown in the FIGURES, merchandising system 10 comprises a base
20, an extended portion 39, a mount 64, and a biasing system
82.
[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, system
10 includes a base 20 (e.g., frame, support, support system,
member, bar, etc.) comprising apertures 22 (e.g., openings, slots,
etc.) and having a front surface 28, a back surface 30, an upper
surface 32, and a lower surface 34. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6,
and 13, base 20 is a substantially hollow bar and comprises a
generally rectangular configuration. According to a particularly
preferred embodiment, the bar is commercially available under the
name MAGNA-BAR.TM. from Cannon Equipment Company of Rosemount,
Minn. According to various alternative embodiments, the base may be
partly or substantially solid throughout and a wide variety of
bars, shafts, rods, poles, supports, frames, beams, etc. may be
provided with the merchandising system. According to alternative
embodiments, the number, size, position, overall configuration
(e.g., triangular, circular, etc.) of the bar may vary. Base 20 is
intended to provide support for extended portion 39.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-13, extended portion 39 (e.g., frame,
base, tray, shelf system, holder, support system, etc.) is provided
for use with system 10. According to an exemplary embodiment,
extended portion 39 comprises a member 38, a track 50, and a
biasing system 82. Member 38 (e.g., hanger, peg, arm, guide, rod,
hook, shaft, wire, beam, bar, etc.) comprises a body portion 40
(e.g., member, center section, etc.) having a first end 42 and a
second end 44. Body portion 40 is configured to receive and support
(e.g., suspend) articles in system 10 between first end 42 and
second end 44 and allow removal of articles at first end 42.
Articles may be placed on body portion 40 at first end 42 (e.g., by
placing body portion 40 through apertures on a product container)
and moved along body portion 40 until reaching a desired position
along body portion 40. Body portion 40 has a generally uniform
circular cross-section and is configured to have a longitudinal
axis that extends substantially parallel to the z-axis in FIGS. 1
and 7. According to various alternative embodiments, the member may
have a cross-section of various shapes (e.g., triangular,
rectangular, oval, etc.) and its longitudinal axis may be other
than straight, such as curved or arched. According to various
alternative embodiments, the cross-section of the member may be
non-uniform along its length and/or width.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-12, first end 42 comprises a hook or
curve 46 and projections 48. Curve 46 is intended to facilitate the
stocking and loading of articles onto member 38 while providing
resistance against removal or dispensing of articles. Curve 46
helps prevent articles from being pushed off member 38 by biasing
system 82. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 7
and 14, curve 46 extends upward from member 38 at first end 42 in
an at least partially vertical direction (e.g., along the y-axis in
FIGS. 1 and 7). According to various alternative embodiments, the
curve may extend in any suitable direction and/or directions (e.g.,
downward, sideways, up and down, spiral, etc.). According to an
alternative embodiment, the curve may extend sharply upward at a 90
degree angle relative to the member at the first end. Second end 44
of member 38 is preferably configured to be positioned within
apertures 22 of base 20. According to various exemplary
embodiments, the second may comprise locking mechanisms or portions
intended to maintain the member in a substantially horizontal
configuration (e.g., substantially parallel to the z-axis).
[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
7 and 8, member 38 comprises projections 48 (e.g., extensions,
protrusions, interfaces, stops, bumps, bulges, etc.). Projections
48 protrude from member 38 proximate first end 42. Projections 48
are configured to provide resistance to articles on the member
which are being biased toward first end 42 by biasing system 82. As
shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, member 38 includes two projections 48
that protrude from opposite sides of member 38. According to an
exemplary embodiment, projections 48 are each in the shape of a
flattened semi-circle and extend from member 38 such that the
longitudinal axis of member 38 and projections 48 are substantially
coplanar. According to various alternative embodiments, the shape,
location, number, overall configuration, etc. of the projections
may vary. For example, the member may include more than two
projections that each have varying shapes (e.g., triangular,
rectangular, etc.).
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-13, extended portion 39 comprises track
50. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 8,
track 50 comprises a frame 52, flanges 54, and an end portion 58
(e.g., cap, barrier, etc.). Frame 52 (e.g., base, member, guide,
beam, support, etc.) is a substantially planar panel that is
configured to extend generally coextensive with member 38. As shown
in FIGS. 1-12, frame 52 extends substantially parallel to and at
least some distance above member 38. According to various
alternative embodiments, the frame may be located on any side of
the member (e.g., above, below, etc.) and/or may be substantially
non-parallel to the member.
[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-12,
track 50 also comprises flanges 54 (e.g., flanges, ridges, grooves,
ribs, runners, supports, etc.). Flanges 54 provide support and
strength to track 50. The overall shape and configuration of
flanges 54 provides resistance against bowing and/or deflecting of
track 50 as system 10 is used. According to an exemplary
embodiment, flanges 54 are integrally formed with track 50. The
flanges may be provided on an upper surface and/or lower surface of
the track to provide an overall guide, track, or support upon which
the biasing member may slide or otherwise travel. According to
various alternative embodiments, the flanges may formed separately
and then connected (e.g., coupled, attached, affixed, etc.) to the
track by suitable attachment process (e.g., gluing, taping
adhering, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, the track
may be formed as a solid shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, etc.)
without using flanges. According to an exemplary embodiment shown
in FIGS. 3 and 9, flanges 54 form channels 56 between each flange
54. Channels 56 may provide one or more paths for biasing member 84
to slide or travel along track 50.
[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 9,
flanges 54 are all approximately the same length. According to
alternative embodiments, the flanges may be varied (e.g., length)
to accommodate for other parts of the shelf assembly or
merchandising system. The width and the height of the flanges may
be varied to obtain maximum durability and are not necessarily
continuous along the length of the surface of the track. For
example, the flanges may include breaks or may vary in shape and/or
height at different locations along their length. Flanges 54 may
have a rounded surface. According to alternative embodiments, the
shape of the surface (e.g., profile) of the flanges may vary. For
example, the surface of the flanges may be rectangular, curved,
triangular, ridged, wavy, etc. or any other friction reducing
shape. According to another alternative embodiment, a separate
piece or mat that includes the flanges may be attached to the
surface of the base to achieve the same result. The number of
flanges may vary according to the particular needs associated with
each shelf assembly or the overall merchandising system. According
to various exemplary embodiments, the size, shape, number, form,
and/or configuration of the flanges may vary. The flanges may be
made from any of a variety of materials. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the flanges are made from a plastic material. According
to exemplary embodiments, the flanges may be made from styrene,
polypropylene, polycarbonate, ester, etc. or any other suitable
material
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11, track 50 also comprises end
portion 58 (e.g., front stop, stopper, block, cap, etc.) positioned
proximate a front 62 of track 50. End portion 58 couples to front
62. According to the illustrated embodiment, end portion 58 and is
intended to restrain movement of biasing system 82 as it is
advanced toward front 62 of track 50. According to various
alternative embodiments, the end portion may be used for other
suitable functions such as providing resistance to articles urged
along the track. According to an alternative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 6 and 12, a signage 60 (e.g., display surface, label holder,
sign, panel, cap, etc.) may be used in place of and/or with end
portion 58 of FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11. Signage 60 couples to the front
of the track. Signage 60 may hold various indicia which may be
replaced or updated by removing the indicia from the surface of
signage 60. According to an exemplary embodiment, indicia may be
slid into a slot or channel provided on the front of signage 60.
Signage 60 is configured to restrain the movement of the biasing
member as it is urged toward the front of the track. According to
various alternative embodiments, other suitable members may be
coupled to the front of the track.
[0035] According to various exemplary embodiments, the signage and
end portion may each be configured to receive or display indicia
(e.g. text, graphics, display placards, signage, etc.). For
example, indicia may be applied directly to the signage and end
portion. According to an alternative embodiment, the signage and
end portion may comprise one or more channels configured to hold
and display indicia. The signage and end portion may be clear to
increase visibility of the merchandising articles. This
configuration allows the articles to be readily visible by
minimizing the potential obstruction.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, system 10 includes mount 64 (e.g.,
assembly, device, connector, etc.) that couples track 50 to base
20. According to a first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6,
mount 64 includes two substantially parallel portions 66 (e.g.,
clips, clasps, etc.) spaced apart from one another and configured
to couple to, mount to, affix to, mold to, fuse with, etc. base 20.
Mount 64 forms a "U" shaped channel 65 that is adapted to fit over,
or couple to, one or more sides of base 20, such as the
MAGNA-BAR.TM. which is commercially available from Cannon Equipment
Company of Rosemount, Minn. Mount 64 is shown integrally formed as
part of track 50. According to various alternative embodiments, the
mount may be coupled to the track with any suitable means (e.g.,
fasteners, adhesive, etc.). To secure mount 64 to base 20, the
distal ends of portions 66 may include inwardly facing projections
68 (e.g., snap hooks) configured to snap over a distal edge of base
20 when "U" shaped channel 65 is positioned over base 20. As base
20 enters channel 65, base 20 pushes against projections 68,
causing portions 66 to flex outwardly. When projections 68 clear
the sides of base 20, the flex in portions 66 causes projections 48
to snap inwardly (e.g., toward one another), thereby securing base
20 in channel 65.
[0037] According to a second exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.
7-12, the system may include mount 70 (e.g., assembly, device,
connector, etc.). Mount 70 includes a pair of fasteners 72 that are
configured to couple to, mount to, affix to, etc. the base. As
shown in FIGS. 7-12, the base may be a "V" bar 78 that is
commercially available from Cannon Equipment Company of Rosemount,
Minn. Fasteners 72 include two portions 74 adapted to fit over and
around a channel 80 formed by "V" bar 78. Portions 74 include
projections 76 that clip over mount 70 to secure "V" bar 78 to
track 50.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-12, system 10 includes biasing system
82. According to an exemplary embodiment, biasing system 82
includes a pusher or biasing member 84 and a biasing mechanism 92.
Member 84 (e.g., pusher, follower, plate, pusher plate, pusher
paddle, etc.) is provided for contacting and/or pushing against
articles placed on member 38. As used in this disclosure, the term
"pusher" generally refers to any device of any size and/or
configuration that may be used to advance an article along the
system, whether or not the pusher is actually pushed and/or pulled
along the system. Member 84 includes a flat surface 86 for making
contact with articles. Surface 86 includes an aperture 88 (e.g.,
slot, opening, etc.) intended to allow member 84 to move along the
length of member 38. Member 84 includes one or more connectors 90
(e.g., channels, flanges, arms, fingers, etc.) configured to
slidably engage or otherwise couple to flanges 54 provided on track
50. According to various alternative embodiments, the biasing
member may be provided in a variety of sizes and shapes depending
on the particular needs associated with the overall merchandising
system.
[0039] According to various alternative embodiments, the biasing
member may have a wide variety of shapes and/or configurations. For
example, the biasing member may have a curved shape (e.g., curved,
scoop, shovel-like, cup-like, bucket-like, etc.). Providing a
biasing member with a curved shape may better accommodate certain
shapes of articles. For example, the curved shape may better
accommodate a bag of articles (such as chips, salty-snacks, etc.)
while a biasing member of another shape (e.g., rectangular) may
better accommodate a more fixed or rigid article (such as boxed
products, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, the
biasing member located on a base may be provided with one or more
apertures (e.g., cut-outs, reliefs, holes, etc.). The one or more
apertures may advantageously reduce the amount of material needed
to build and/or construct the biasing member, or alternatively
reduce the weight of the biasing member.
[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, system 10 includes
biasing mechanism 92 (e.g., spring, coil spring, helical spring,
elastic, biasing element, etc.). Referring to FIGS. 1-10, biasing
mechanism 92 is configured to bias or urge member 84 toward first
end 42 of member 38. Biasing mechanism 92 is connected to track 50
by a hook 94 that fits within a receiving area located proximate
front 62 of track 50. According to various alternative embodiments,
the biasing mechanism may be attached to the track by any suitable
means such as fasteners, clips, clamps or other connectors or
connection methods. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, a coiled portion 96
of biasing mechanism is provided on a back side of member 84 such
that when member 84 is retracted (e.g., pulled toward the back of
the merchandising system), biasing mechanism 92 will bias member 84
in a forwardly direction (e.g., toward first end 42 of member 38).
When member 84 is near front 62 of track 50, biasing mechanism 92
is at least partially relaxed. As member 84 is moved away from
front 62 of track 50, the tension in biasing mechanism 92 is
increased. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hook (or other
suitable means) of the biasing mechanism is attached to the biasing
member and the coiled portion is located proximate the front of the
track. According to this embodiment, the biasing mechanism urges
the biasing member toward the front of the track and member by
applying a pulling force.
[0041] According to various exemplary embodiments, one or more base
and/or track may be provided. The base and track may be provided on
an existing merchandising system such as a shelf, grid system,
display case, etc. The base and track may be configured to hold,
display, retain, suspend, store, or otherwise receive articles
(e.g., goods, displayed objects, etc.). The base and track provides
for the space division and orderly and convenient presentation of
such articles. The base and track may be configured to connect or
couple adjacent systems into a larger overall merchandising system.
According to a preferred embodiment, the base and track will have a
"modular" construction and be configured for attachment or use with
any other bases, tracks, shelves, or a variety of other existing
merchandising systems, including shelving units, support surfaces,
grids, brackets, hangers, etc.
[0042] According to various exemplary embodiments, the assemblies
and components of the system may be constructed from a variety of
suitable materials, including extruded or injection molded plastic,
metals, metal alloys, aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics,
etc. A variety of plastics may be used for construction or
assembly. For example, the track may be constructed or assembled
from high-impact plastics, polymers, etc. Using plastic offers
several advantages including that the pieces may be constructed in
a variety of different colors, surface finishes, textures, opacity,
etc. According to various alternative embodiments, a variety of
other known or suitable materials may be used, including metals,
alloys, composites, etc. For example, the base and member may be
constructed from metal.
[0043] According to the various exemplary embodiments shown in the
FIGURES, a merchandising system may be provided in a substantially
horizontal arrangement (e.g., parallel to the z-axis of FIGS. 1 and
7). According to alternative embodiments, the elements and the
assemblies of the various exemplary embodiments may be applied to a
merchandising system provided at any orientation and are not
limited to a substantially horizontal arrangement. The exemplary
embodiments shown in the FIGURES may be dimensioned to fit any
applicable merchandising system (e.g. shelf, display, grid, etc.).
For example, the exemplary embodiments advantageously allow a
single merchandising system to be used interchangeably with display
shelf merchandising systems of different depths without limiting
the storage capacity of the merchandising system to the storage
capacity of the smallest merchandising shelf system by providing an
enlargeable storage space.
[0044] The parts defining the space configured to store or display
articles may be constructed and assembled as a single integrally
formed piece or may be constructed and assembled from multiple
parts. For example, the parts may be formed separately and then
connected using a sonic welding process (or other suitable
attachment technique). The parts may be arranged to form a storage
space. Before an article is placed in the space of the
merchandising system, the member may be positioned near the front
wall. With the member positioned near the front of the wall, the
size of the space available to accept articles is minimal. The
biasing mechanism positions the member near the front wall of the
merchandising system when no articles are loaded in the
merchandising system.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, merchandising system 10 may be
initially loaded with articles by either manually member 84 toward
second end 44 of member 38 and then loading the articles into the
expanded space along member 38, or by loading the articles at first
end 42 and having the articles move biasing member 84 towards
second end 44 of member 38 as more articles are added to the space.
As articles are loaded and member 84 is moved further from first
end 42, the tension force in biasing mechanism 92 may increase. The
tension developed in biasing mechanism 92 may cause member 84 to
apply a force to the articles in merchandising system 10. The force
applied by member 84 and biasing mechanism 92 may securably contain
the articles on system 10. Additionally, the force applied to the
articles positions or urges the articles toward first end 42 of
member 38. Biasing mechanism 92 may be adjusted or configured so
that the force applied to the articles by member 38 does not damage
the articles.
[0046] Once loaded with articles, the merchandising system
advantageously allows for the forward movement of the articles
after an article is removed. When an article is removed from the
front of the merchandising system, the remaining articles are
positioned forward by the biasing mechanism to fill the void left
by the removed article. Moving the remaining articles to the front
of the merchandising system maximizes the visibility of the
articles by eliminating the possibility that adjacent articles
positioned near the edge of the display shelf system could obstruct
the view of an article set back from the edge of the display shelf
system. Additionally, the movement of the article to the front of
the merchandising system reduces the difficulty of trying to reach
an article positioned away from the front edge of a display shelf
system. Furthermore, the forward movement also eliminates the need
to manually reposition all of the remaining articles in the
merchandising system after an article has been removed. The
technique used to initially load the merchandising system may be
used to reload the merchandising system as articles are removed. In
an exemplary mode of operation, the new article is reloaded from
the front of the merchandising system as it remains incorporated
with the display shelf system.
[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the member is mounted
to a base system, such as a MAGNA-BAR.TM. or a "V" bar. The track
is mounted to the base system such that the track is positioned
above the member. The biasing member and biasing mechanism are
provided on the bottom side of the track, and the opening in the
biasing member allows the face of the biasing member to
substantially surround the member. This configuration allows the
merchandising system to apply a generally uniform force around the
member, which helps to prevent articles from twisting on the
member. If an article were to twist while on the member, it could
bind and prevent the merchandising system from operating properly.
The force (generally uniform) applied by the biasing member is
advantageous because it helps to ensure that the merchandising
system functions properly.
[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, the merchandising system
may be used with different base systems. For example, the
merchandising system may be configured such that the track snaps
onto a MAGNA-BAR.TM.. According to alternative embodiments, the
merchandising system may be configured such that the track is
clamped to a "V" bar. According to other embodiments, the track may
be configured to couple to a variety of different base systems
(e.g., other than a MAGNA-BAR.TM., a "V" bar, or of other types of
bars and systems).
[0049] It is important to note that the above-described preferred
embodiments are illustrative only. Although the invention has been
described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications are
possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly,
these and all other such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention as defined in the
appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method
steps as recited herein may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function
clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents
but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions and arrangements of the preferred and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
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