Shelving merchandising system

Abstract

A shelving merchandising system for installation on preexisting shelves comprising an extrusion, wherein said extrusion comprises an attachment member, a display front and a plurality of connection members. The attachment member may be any device or combination of cooperating devices that are capable of either permanently or removably attaching the extrusion to at least a portion of a shelf.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/796,759, filed on May 1, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a system for providing an easy-to-install, cost-effective means of transforming store displays and consumer interfaces into a consistently friendly, uncluttered, comprehensible, information rich and functionally superior merchandising platforms.

[0003] More particularly, the invention relates to a structure that can be used on new shelving displays or to update preexisting shelving displays, to enhance and organize the displays for an improved consumer interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Big box stores (e.g., The Home Depot.RTM., Lowe's.RTM., Wal-Mart.RTM., Target.RTM. and other such stores) use Gondola and Industrial Rack shelving systems to display and store various types of product. Gondola system shelves are typically attached to, and cantilevered off of, a supporting backplane which is vertically stabilized at its base. Industrial Rack system shelves are attached to, and supported at, their two rear corners.

[0005] In addition to storing and displaying the for-sale product, the traditional shelves attempt to enhance the look and appeal of the product by various methods including organizing the product and attaching "take-ones" (i.e., a device holding informational pamphlets or discount coupons) near the product. Some shelves have SKU labels and prices adhered directly on the front edge of a Gondola shelf or front face of the supporting beam of an Industrial Rack system in order to try to assist the customer in making an informed decision.

[0006] These traditional shelves have become commonplace in such stores, and it is not uncommon for them to become highly disorganized as customers wade through the various products on the shelves. This causes the product to be presented in a chaotic manner which is unsightly and potentially disorienting to future customers, thus resulting in lessened sales. Furthermore, many store shelves are made of wire with front faces that partially obscure the informational SKU labels and other promotional elements. The take-ones are also usually haphazardly positioned, thus obscuring SKU labels or the product itself. It is not uncommon for the take-one devices to become partially or fully detached from their mounting positions.

[0007] Additionally, certain product lines come in a vast array of options and are confusing to the customer. In the traditional shelving system, customers are not educated and are at a loss as to which option would suit their particular needs. This problem is exacerbated by the absence of knowledgeable store personnel.

[0008] These problems have caused stores to realize, via consumer feedback, consumers' growing sense of general dissatisfaction with general store conditions.

[0009] For these reasons, it is desirable to utilize a new shelving system that would eliminate these problems while being easy and cost-effective to install over the existing shelving framework.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve shelving displays in big box stores as well as other stores.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to create a consistent merchandising system.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to improve readability of SKU labels and product packaging graphics.

[0013] It is an even further object of the present invention to increase the effectiveness of take-one devices.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to assist customers in distinguishing between options in complex product lines.

[0015] It is yet a further object of the present invention to increase general consumer satisfaction with store conditions.

[0016] It is an even further object of the present invention to meet these objectives in an efficient and economical manner.

[0017] It is still further an object of the present invention to efficiently utilize vertical supports for efficient display of product.

[0018] These and further objects are achieved by the present invention, directed to a shelving merchandising system for installation on preexisting shelves comprising an extrusion, wherein said extrusion comprises an attachment member, a display front and a plurality of connection members. The attachment member may be any device or combination of cooperating devices that are capable of either permanently or removably attaching the extrusion to at least a portion of a shelf.

[0019] For example, the extrusion can be attached to Industrial Rack shelving, an example of which comprises vertical supports at the corners, a beam at the front edge of the shelf and wire or solid shelving supported thereby, using any known means, including wire, cable ties, straps, belts, screws, bolts, clamps, inserts, clips, snaps, channels, hook and loop fasteners, double sided tape, adhesives, brackets, magnets and the like. Similarly, any device or combination of devices can be used to attach the extrusion, to Gondola shelving, preferably being an insert that can engage the holes generally found at the front portion of Gondola shelves.

[0020] When a bracket is used as the attachment member, it can be secured to the shelf or beam generally using any suitable permanent or removable device or combination of devices as could be used for securing the extrusion to the shelf or beam, as described above. One preferred bracket for engagement of a beam of the shelves, however, the attachment member further comprises a securing member including a back stabilizer, a front stabilizer, a hole in a length and a shim, adapted such that at least a portion of said shim is received by said hole, said length connecting the back stabilizer and the front face with the front stabilizer extending from the length adjacent the hole.

[0021] Similarly, the extrusion can be attached to the bracket using any known means, including a channel for receiving at least a portion of the bracket, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, catches, clasps, clips, hooks and corresponding receptacles, adhesives, double sided tape and the like, or the bracket can be formed integrally with the extrusion. In a preferred embodiment, however, a channel on the extrusion may be used to removably receive at least a portion of the bracket.

[0022] Most preferably, however, the extrusion is attached to the shelf, or beam front forming part of the shelf, without an attachment member other than a bracket. In this preferred embodiment, the extrusion preferably includes a continuous trough or stand-off extending from the rear of the extrusion to rest against the face of the shelf or beam to which the extrusion is to be mounted. A screw is then driven through the rear wall of the extrusion and into the surface of the shelf or beam to which the extrusion is being mounted.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the extrusion is mounted to Gondola system shelves as described above using an integral bracket which extends out from the extrusion and parallel with the top surface of the Gondola shelf to which it is being attached. The integral bracket of the extrusion is secured to the shelf with the insertion of a securing member such as a push-in mechanical fastener inserted into holes in the extrusion bracket and through corresponding holes in the front portion of a typical Gondola shelf.

[0024] The plurality of connection members of the extrusion provide a variety of options for enhancing consumer interface, most notably providing a display front for displaying information about the item on the corresponding shelf. The extrusion also preferably includes hooks at one or both of the top and bottom, channels, recesses, clips, shelves, clasps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. to retain additional extrusion components such as secondary display fronts, divider panels, bins, merchandising prongs, mounting blocks with or without a clear lens to display an item, holding racks for take-one information, information spirals for presenting information to the consumer, etc. In this regard, the connection members provide that the extrusion can be adapted to a variety of forms that make it a universal, efficient and visually appealing consumer interface.

[0025] Additionally, the present invention contemplates a vertical column fixture having a vertical shaft with a width approximately the same as a vertical support column of the existing Industrial Rack shelf system or at the ends of existing Gondola shelves. The preferred vertical column fixture includes a single front face and/or two side angled faces attached to the vertical shaft at converging angles of equal to or less than 90.degree.. Most preferably, a front face is attached to the two side angled faces at an angle equal to or greater than 90.degree., with the front face being substantially parallel to the preexisting vertical support column. The angled and front faces preferably include a plurality of holes on each for accepting prongs, clips, snaps, hooks, catches or the like on which product may be hung. The back of the vertical shaft preferably includes one or more support hooks for removably mounting the vertical column fixture on a vertical support column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The attached drawings are intended to better illustrate the present invention without limiting it in any manner whatsoever.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the bracket of the invention positioned on a beam.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bracket of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation of the bracket of the invention installed on a beam with the shim inserted.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bracket with an extrusion installed over wired shelving.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an extrusion installed over wired shelving.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the extrusion of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a second preferred embodiment of the extrusion of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a third preferred embodiment of the extrusion of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the extrusion that does not utilize a bracket but is instead attached directly to the front of the beam.

[0036] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the extrusion that does not utilize a bracket but is instead attached directly to the top of the beam. FIG. 10B is a side elevation of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 10A.

[0037] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the bracket with an extrusion of the invention installed over wire shelving and further having divider panels installed thereon.

[0038] FIG. 11B is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the extrusion for use with divider panels.

[0039] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a divider panel and extrusion in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 12A is a side elevation of a fourth preferred embodiment of an extrusion of the present invention in a closed configuration.

[0041] FIG. 12B is a side elevation of the fourth preferred embodiment of an extrusion of the present invention shown in FIG. 12A in an open configuration.

[0042] FIG. 12C is a side elevation of the fourth preferred embodiment of an extrusion of the present invention shown in FIG. 12A having a merchandising prong installed thereon.

[0043] FIG. 12D is a side elevation of the fourth preferred embodiment of an extrusion of the present invention shown in FIG. 12A with a blind hanger hook installed thereon.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a take one device installed over an extrusion.

[0045] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a clear lens for displaying a product for sale.

[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a product bin for use with the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a front elevation of a side-mounted sign that can be used with the extrusions of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 17A is a partial perspective view of the vertical support column of the prior art shelving for use with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 17B is a partial perspective view of a vertical column fixture of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 17C is a plan view of the vertical column fixture of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 17D is a side elevation of a prong that can be used with the vertical column fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0052] The following description of preferred embodiments is presented to describe the present invention and is not to be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any manner whatsoever.

[0053] As more fully set forth herein, the present invention is directed to a shelving merchandising system for installation on preexisting shelves comprising an extrusion, wherein said extrusion comprises an attachment member, a display front and a plurality of connection members. The attachment member may be any device or combination of cooperating devices that are capable of either permanently or removably attaching the extrusion to at least a portion of a shelf or shelf beam. The connection members can be any of a variety of members that provide a connection to another element to be held by the extrusion.

[0054] Numerous embodiments are envisioned, limited solely by the appended claims, the following are some of the preferred embodiments presently contemplated for use on a shelving system having one or more shelves. Although the present invention is adaptable to virtually any type of commercial shelving system, it will described herein for attachment to what may presently be the most popular systems being used in "big box" stores, Industrial Rack and Gondola shelving.

[0055] As briefly described above, Industrial Rack shelving generally includes a front beam at a front portion of one or more of said shelves. In one preferred embodiment, the extrusion is removably attached to the beam using one or more brackets, wherein said bracket comprises engagement of a beam of the shelves and a front face. Also in the preferred embodiment, the extrusion comprises means for removable attachment of the extrusion to the bracket as well as connection members capable of removably coupling extrusion components.

[0056] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this preferred bracket (12) of the present invention includes a front face (15) associated with the front of the length (16) of the bracket (12) at a front location (19), where the connection between the length (16) and the front face (15) can be fixed or hinged. A back stabilizer (13) is associated with the length (16) at a back location (18) on the bracket (12). A hole (20, best seen in FIG. 2) is situated in the plane of the length (16). On the bottom of the length (16), between the hole (20) and the front face (15), is a front stabilizer (14).

[0057] A shim (17) is provided to fit snugly into the hole (20) on the length (16). When the bracket (12) is placed over a preexisting shelving beam (11), the shim (17) is placed into the hole (20) in order to secure the bracket (12) to the beam (11). The shim (17) acts as a wedge between the beam and the front stabilizer (14) to create pressure against the back stabilizer (13).

[0058] As best shown in FIG. 3, the shim (17) is inserted through the hole (20) located in the length (16). The shim (17) becomes wedged between the front stabilizer (14) and the shelving beam (11) to hold the bracket (12) securely to the shelving beam (11).

[0059] The preferred bracket and shim can be formed out of any suitable material, including plastics, resins, metals, alloys, etc., although the preferred embodiment of both the bracket (12) and the shim (17) are formed out of a high quality, durable plastic. Similarly, the bracket (12) and shim (17) can be of any size desired to fit onto various shelving components, depending, for example, on the depth of the front horizontal crossbar of the shelving. The shim (17) can be any desired shape, as long as it fits snugly into the hole (20) and holds the bracket (12) in place on the shelving beam (11).

[0060] As best shown in FIG. 4, the bracket (12) is placed onto the beam (11) and over the preexisting wire shelving (21). An extrusion (23) is installed by attaching it to the front face (15) of the bracket (12). Although any suitable means for attaching the extrusion (23) to the bracket (12) may be used, including a channel for receiving the front face, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, catches, clasps, hooks and corresponding receptacles, screws, bolts, adhesives and the like, channels in which the front face (15) of the bracket (12) slide are a preferred embodiment.

[0061] As best shown in FIG. 5, the bracket (12) can be placed over the wire shelving (21) and secured to the beam (11) via one or more screws (17') that go through the top of the bracket (12) and into the beam (11). While a screw is a preferred means of attaching the bracket (12) to the beam (11) in this embodiment, other suitable means for attaching the bracket (12) to the beam (11) may also be used, for example, nails, snaps, catches, clasps, hooks and corresponding receptacles, bolts, adhesives and the like.

[0062] More particularly, as best shown in FIG. 6, the extrusion (23) is preferably installed on the front face of the bracket (15) with the flat face (51) of the extrusion (23) in contact with the front face (15) of the bracket (12). In its most preferred embodiment, two face gripping elements (52) form a channel adjacent the flat face (51) for accepting the front face (15) of the bracket (12). Once the extrusion (23) is placed onto the front face (15) of the bracket (12) against the flat face (51), with the top and bottom of the front face (15) being engaged by the channel formed by the two face gripping elements (52), it can be angled or opened as needed, at the flexible hinge (53).

[0063] In its preferred embodiment, the hinge (53) can be formed to drop back to vertical or remain at whatever angle it is positioned. When a flexible hinge (53) is used with the extrusion (23), a stop (60) is preferably used to maintain the display front (55) in a secure and proper orientation relative to the front face (15) of the bracket (12).

[0064] The extrusion (23) is also preferably provided with a top hook (54) and a bottom hook (57), each of which may be used to retain a cooperating element (not shown). For example, the top hook (54) is suitable for holding cooperative elements such as a spiral flip book that can contain product information and specifications. Similarly, the bottom hook (57) is suitable for holding cooperative elements such as a display extension, where an additional display front is provided below the main display front (55) of the extrusion (23). A catch (54A and 57A) is preferably used for secure retention of the cooperating element. Items placed in either the top hook (54) or bottom hook (57) can be simply removed by pressing down on the edge of the hook so that the catch (54A or 57A) releases the cooperating element.

[0065] In the extrusion (23) shown in FIG. 6, a holding rack (58) is provided on the extrusion (23) for holding informational or promotional items by positioning the items between the two rack gripping elements (59) which form a channel adjacent the holding rack (58). A back lip (50) is provided for hanging additional items, or for placing additional items (such as take-one brochures), as well as for providing support against the shelving beam (11). Informational displays and other attachments (discussed below) may be installed on the display front (55). Preferably, the displays and/or attachments are held in place via two display gripping elements (56) forming a channel adjacent the display front (55), however, snaps, Velcro, clips, adhesives, etc. may be used as well.

[0066] As best shown in FIG. 7, another preferred embodiment of the extrusion (23') has a means for attachment between the front face (15) of the bracket (12) and a flat face (61) on the extrusion (23'). The front face (15) may also be fitted onto the flat face (61) of the extrusion (23') using any suitable means, however, preferred are two face gripping elements (62) forming a channel adjacent the flat face (61). Once the extrusion (23') is placed onto the front face (15) of the bracket (12) by attachment to the flat face (61), it can be angled as needed at the flexible hinge (63) to see information behind the display face (65), or the hinge (63) can be designed to remain at whatever angle it is positioned. A stop (70) is preferably used to maintain the vertical position of the hinge (63).

[0067] The extrusion (23') may likewise be provided with a top hook (64) and a bottom hook (67), which can be used to mount cooperative elements retained via a catch (64A and 67A). Items placed in either the top hook (64) or bottom hook (67) can be simply removed by pressing down on the edge of the hook to release the catches (64A and 67A). Informational displays and other attachments (discussed below) are preferably placed on the display front (65) using two display gripping elements (66) that form a channel adjacent the display front (65).

[0068] A third preferred embodiment of the extrusion (23'') is shown in FIG. 8, including similar means for attachment of the front face (15) of the bracket (12) to a flat face (71) on the extrusion (23''). The front face (15) may also be fitted onto the flat face (71) of the extrusion (23'') using any suitable means, however, preferred are two face gripping elements (72) that form a channel for receiving the front face (15) of the bracket (12). Unlike the previous two embodiments, this third preferred embodiment is not equipped with a flexible hinge. The extrusion (23'') is, however, preferably provided with a top hook (74) and a bottom hook (77), each of which may be used to hold cooperative elements as discussed above. The cooperating elements are similarly held securely with a catch (74A and 77A), and can be simply removed by pressing down on the edge of the hook to release the catch (74A or 77A). As with the embodiments discussed above, informational displays and other attachments may be placed on or into the display front (75), preferably being held in place via two display gripping elements (76) forming a channel adjacent the display front (75). In this embodiment, thicker informational displays and/or other attachments may be placed on the display front (75) using two additional display gripping elements (78) forming a thicker channel adjacent the display front (75).

[0069] These and other embodiments of the extrusion (23) can be formed out of any suitable material, along with the cooperative interchangeable elements, although the preferred embodiments are formed out of a high quality, durable plastic. All embodiments of the extrusion can be formed in any desired length to fit any length of shelving. Additionally, any embodiment of an extrusion is intended to be able to comprise any combination of a plurality of connection members, including hooks, channels, clips, clamps, snaps, grips, or other attachments and variations described in the specification, depicted in the figures and/or known in the art.

[0070] It is also possible, and sometimes desirable, to use an extrusion (23) without using a bracket. In certain aisles of a store, there may be a peg board or channeled board for attaching merchandising rods on which product can be placed, for example by hanging paintbrushes on the merchandising rods through a hole in the handle of the paint brush. Generally, the prior art merchandising rods include SKU label plates held at the end of rods to advertise price, size, etc. of the hanging product. In such circumstances, the extrusions (23) of the present invention can be used to upgrade the SKU label plates of the merchandising rods by simply treating the SKU plate labels as the front face of the bracket (15) and attaching the extrusion (23) over the flat face (51, 61 or 71) to the SKU label plates. The face gripping elements (52, 62 or 72) then grip the SKU label plates.

[0071] Another embodiment of the extrusion (23) including an attachment member comprising a screw (150) for attaching the extrusion (23) directly to the shelf is best shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the extrusion (23'''') fits over the wire shelving (21) but is attached directly to the beam (11). In the embodiment shown, a trough (148) is located on the back of the extrusion (23'''') in which a screw is inserted to attach the extrusion (23) to the shelf while creating a space for the end of the wire shelving to fit behind the extrusion (23). Thus, this embodiment allows for the extrusion (23'''') to be flush with the preexisting beam, thereby saving space. Although it is preferred that a screw (150) attach the extrusion (23'''') to the beam (11), any suitable means attachment member may be used. For example, nails, snaps, catches, clasps, hooks and corresponding receptacles, bolts, adhesives and the like may be used as long as they provide a permanent or removable attachment.

[0072] Yet another embodiment of the extrusion (23), shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, an integral bracket (12) is used as part of the attachment member. In this embodiment, the extrusion (23.sup.vi), is provided with an integral bracket (168) that can be located in any suitable position on the extrusion (23.sup.vi). The integral bracket (168) is placed over the preexisting Gondola shelving (21') and a screw (170) is driven through a hole (172) in the attachment leg (168) and secured to the Gondola shelving (21') via a hole (174) in the Gondola shelving (21'). Alternatively, the attachment leg (168) can be attached to the Gondola shelving (21') by any other means of attachment (176), most preferably, double-sided tape.

[0073] In another alternative, as best shown in FIG. 11A, divider panels (80) can be installed on the shelving (21) as a cooperative element to the extrusion (23). Once the bracket (12) is installed on a shelving beam (11) having an associated shelving (21), and an extrusion (23) is attached to the bracket (12), divider panels (80) can be installed on the shelving (21) by attachment to the extrusion (23).

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, the divider panels (80) have mounting inserts (not shown) that fit into the hooks (54, 64 or 74) by placing the inserts of the divider panels (80) into desired points (81) along the extrusion (23). The divider panels (80) can be spaced apart from each other in order to accommodate any product being shelved, for example cans of spray paint of different colors separated by divider panels (80). A number of divider panels (80) can be installed on the wire shelving (21) and serve to keep product organized. The divider panels (80) can easily be attached to and removed from the extrusion (23), or slid along the extrusion (23) in order to widen or narrow the space between adjacent divider panels (80) to accommodate different sized products.

[0075] The divider panels (80) are preferably formed from a hard, durable plastic but they can be formed of any suitable material. They can be of any height and length desired to accommodate different side products between adjacent shelves of the preexisting shelving.

[0076] In the embodiment of the extrusion (23) shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the extrusion (23) utilizes, among others, an upwardly facing U-channel (154) for connecting divider panels (80) to the extrusion (23'''''). Preferably, the U-channels (154) are engaged by a snap insert (152) on the dividers (80) to more securely hold the dividers (80). The snap insert (152) can be removably connected to the U-channel (154) by snapping it into the U-channel (154) on the extrusion (23). The U-channel (154) is preferably provided with a catch (156) that can grip a secondary catch (158) located on the snap insert (152). This embodiment of the divider panels (80) can be used either with or without the bracket (12).

[0077] In another alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a fourth preferred extrusion (23''') includes a means for retaining the extrusion (23''') to the front face (15) of the bracket (12) adjacent a flat face (91). The front face (15) can be attached to the extrusion (23''') by any known means, as discussed above. Again, however, the front face (15) of the bracket (12) is preferably attached to the flat face (91) in a channel formed by two face gripping elements (92). Informational displays and/or other attachments (discussed below) may be attached to the display front (95), as one to the plurality of connection members, by any known means. However, preferred is a channel formed adjacent the display front (95) by two display gripping elements (96). In this embodiment, additional information, or more in-depth information, can be placed on the interior display front (97). As above, the information on the interior display front (97) may be held in place by any known means, with a channel formed by two interior display gripping elements (94) being most preferred.

[0078] FIG. 12A shows the extrusion (23''') in the "closed" position, and FIG. 12B shows the extrusion (23''') in the "open" position. In the open position shown in FIG. 12B, the hinge (93) is open, thereby allowing a consumer to view the additional or in-depth information located on the interior display front (97). This embodiment of the extrusion (23''') also is shown with a back flat face (98), preferably including a channel formed by two back gripping elements (99) for receiving additional cooperative elements. For example, this back flat face (98) is useful for holding other types of display means, such as depicted in FIGS. 12C and 12D.

[0079] FIG. 12C depicts the preferred embodiment of the extrusion (23''') as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, with a merchandising prong (90) inserted into the back flat face (98) and held in place via the two back gripping elements (99). These two back griping elements (99) may also be located on the bottom surface of the extrusion (23'''). The merchandising prong (90) preferably extends out from the front of the extrusion (23''') by approximately three inches, but any suitable length is envisioned, to hold products or information. For example, products such as, but not limited to, paint brushes with holes in the handles can be hung from these merchandising prongs (90).

[0080] The merchandising prong (90) can be made of any suitable material, however, a rigid material such as metal or hard plastic is preferred. Similarly, the diameter of the merchandising prong (90) can vary depending on the type of product or information to be hung. In the preferred embodiment, the merchandising prong (90) has some play, so that it can wiggle back and forth to keep it from snapping off if a customer inadvertently brushes against it.

[0081] FIG. 12D depicts the preferred embodiment of the extrusion (23''') shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B with a blind hanger hook (90') attached to the back flat face (98) and held in place in the channel formed by the two back gripping elements (99). This blind hanger hook (90') can be used to hold various items, such as a take-one container with consumer informational or promotional items.

[0082] While a hanging take-one container would be able to hang from the blind hanger hook (90'), other take-one items are envisioned as working with preferred embodiment of the present invention. For example, a take one item could be placed into the front face of the extrusion (55 on FIG. 6). A take one item could also be placed into the holding rack of the extrusion (58 on FIG. 6). A take one item could be placed into either the top hook (54 on FIG. 6) or the bottom hook (57 on FIG. 6) of the extrusion (23). A take one item could also take the form of loose pieces of paper with a punched hole so that the take one item would fit over a merchandising prong (90 on FIG. 12C).

[0083] Another preferred embodiment of a cooperative element used with the extrusion (23) is a take one pocket (166) attached to various connection members of the extrusion (23), shown in FIG. 13. The take one pocket (166) is attached to the extrusion (23) by inserting a top tab (163) of the take one pocket (166) into the top display gripping element (56) of the extrusion (23) and inserting a bottom tab (162) of the take one pocket (166) into a bottom hook (57) of the extrusion (23). The bottom tab (162) is preferably held in place in the bottom hook (57) via cooperating catches (57A and 162A) located on the bottom hook (57) and the bottom tab (162), respectively. The take one pocket (166) cooperative element shown is also preferably provided with a front wall (160) and a back wall (164) that serve to keep brochures or other information in place.

[0084] Of course, similar cooperative elements to that shown in FIG. 13 can be used for pad style information or coupon take ones, product mounting blocks, as further discussed below, and the like. For example, a similar cooperative element for holding a pad of coupons could be held on a component where, instead of forming a pocket, the cooperative element only has a back wall (164) to which the pad backing is attached.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 14, an extrusion (23) that has a bottom hook (103) (similar to 57, 67 or 77) can also be used to display a product using an extrusion component in the form of a mounting block (101) which may or may not have a top tab (163) for insertion into the top gripping element (56) of the extrusion, depending on the strength needed to hold the item mounted. In such embodiments, the mounting block (101) is preferably fitted into the bottom hook (103) of the extrusion (23) via a mounting insert (104). An item, such as a display product, can be secured to the mounting block (101) by any known means, including twine, wire, adhesive, screws, bolts, bands, cable ties, magnets, etc., preferably using holes in the mounting block (101). For example, the mounting block (101) may have rectangular holes (105) and/or elliptical holes (106) as shown in FIG. 14 to aid in securing items to the mounting block (101). Larger or multiple mounting blocks (101) can be fitted into the extrusion (23) in order to display larger and/or heavier products.

[0086] If desired, the product that is secured to the mounting block (101) via the elliptical hole (106) can be covered by a lens housing (102). The lens housing (102) can be attached to the mounting block (101) by inserting snap inserts (108) on the lens housing (102) into rectangular holes (105) on the mounting block (101). The lens (107) of the lens housing (102) can be made of any material suitable to allow the product to be viewed, with clear plastic being preferred for protection without breakage. The lens housing (102) can be of any depth, height, or length to accommodate any particular product. In this regard, the lens housing (102) can be wider or narrower and taller or shorter than the width or height of the mounting block (101) to cover different sized items.

[0087] Moreover, it is possible to simply place product or take ones items between the extrusion (23) and the mounting block (101) by resting the product or take ones items on the shelf created by the mounting insert (104). The type of product able to be placed on top of the mounting insert (104) would obviously depend on the amount of distance between the extrusion (23) and the mounting block (104), ceramic tiles being a suitable example of a potential product that can rest on the mounting insert (104).

[0088] An additional cooperative element is shown in FIG. 15, comprising a product bin (111) that can be installed over the shelving associated with a shelving beam (11), which is to be attached to the extrusion (23). The product bin (111) is preferably attached to the extrusion (23) by inserting at least a portion of the front edge of the product bin (111) into the top hook (54, 64 or 74) of the extrusion (23). The product bin (111) can be of any desired width, depth and height in order to accommodate any suitable product. Moreover, a number of product bins (111) can be installed adjacent each other to keep product organized. Of course, in keeping with the intent of the present invention, the product bin (111) can easily be snapped out of the extrusion (23) and moved as desired.

[0089] The preferred bin walls (117) are designed with at least two tracks (118 and 119) in order to allow the depth of the bin to be varied. In such an embodiment, the bin floor (112) may be removably attached to either track (118 or 119). If the bin floor (112) is attached to the shallow track (118), then product will be forced towards the front of the bin more quickly than if the bin floor (112) is attached to the deep track (119). It is envisioned that any number of tracks can be used with the product bin (111).

[0090] The view front (113) of the product bin (111), whether being the bottom of the bin floor (112) or a separate member, is preferably clear in order to allow customers to more easily view the product contained within the product bin (111). The bin floor (112) can be attached to the tracks (118 and 119) by any known method, however it is preferable that fastening hooks (not shown) on the floor bin (112) be used to clasp receiving hooks (not shown) in the tracks (118 and 119). This allows for easy conversion of the product bin (111) between shallow and deep.

[0091] Of course, the walls (117) of the product bin (111) can be attached to the connection members of the extrusion (23) in any suitable manner, and preferably in a manner similar to that in which the divider panels (80) shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are attached.

[0092] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 16, a side-mounted sign (120) can be installed on preexisting shelving, or, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, it can be a cooperative element for attachment to the extrusion (23). The preferred side-mounted sign (120) utilizes an upper peg (124) and a lower peg (125) for removable engagement with the shelving or the extrusion (23). For example, the upper peg (124) may be fitted into the upper back gripping element (122), and the lower peg (125) fitted into the lower back gripping element (123). The width of the upper and lower pegs (124, 125) conforms to the gripping elements (122 and 123) of the extrusion (23) and can be of any length, as long as it is sufficient to support the desired sign.

[0093] In an additional embodiment, shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, is a vertical column fixture (135) to be fixed to preexisting shelving (130) at a vertical support column (133) that intersects with the horizontal shelving beam (11) at intersection points (132). The front of the vertical support column (133) of preexisting shelving is known to have many holes (134) that are used for supporting the beams (11) and/or hanging products, however, this can cause inefficient use of space. The preferred vertical column fixture (135) of the present invention uses the vertical support column (133) more efficiently.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, the preferred vertical column fixture (135) has a front face (140) that is parallel to the front of the vertical support column (133) and two angled faces (141) that are not parallel to the front of the vertical support column (133). The vertical column fixture (135) is preferably attached to the vertical support column (133) by inserting the two upper hooks (138, only one shown) and two lower hooks (139, only one shown) into the holes (134) of the vertical support column (133). The vertical column fixture (135) can be any desirable height, and it can be placed at any suitable location along the vertical support column (133).

[0095] Once the vertical column fixture (135) is installed into the vertical support column (133), then a prong (142), shown in FIG. 17D, is inserted into the larger holes (136) and locked into place by threading it back through the rectangular holes (137). It is preferred that either the two angled faces (141) or the front face (140) have prongs (142) inserted, but not both. A prong (142) need not be inserted into every large hole (136) available.

[0096] Due to the nature of how the prongs are inserted, there is some "give" in them so that if a customer accidentally upsets a prong, it will be able to adjust itself to the pre-upset position. Any suitable product can be hung from the prongs (142) once they are installed, however, the weight of the product may be a concern. In the preferred embodiment, there is also provided an indicia space (147) that can be used, for example, to advertise the price of the product hanging on the vertical column fixture (135).

[0097] The prong (142) itself preferably has a neck (143) and a length of approximately three inches, however, any desired length can be used. The prong (142) also preferably has a rounded tip (146) that points upward in order to hold product more easily. The bottom point (145) of the prong (142) is the portion that is threaded back through the rectangular hole (137) in order to stabilize it. In between the neck (143) and the bottom point (145) is a curve (144). While a curve is a preferred shape for the prong (142), any shape that can retain the prong (142) on the vertical column fixture (135) can be used, including, for example, a C-shaped prong.

[0098] The prong (142) can be made of any suitable material, however, a rigid material such as metal or a hard plastic is most preferred. The vertical column fixture (135) can also be made of any suitable material, however, heavy duty plastic is most preferred.

[0099] It is preferred that all of the above described elements be able to work in conjunction with each other, with the various elements described configured in an mix and match fashion, to provide a display system with maximum utility. For example, the vertical column fixture (135) may be used in conjunction with the bracket (12) and extrusion (23) in order to maximize efficiency. Notwithstanding, it is envisioned that the elements can be used as particularly described above or alone, as well.

[0100] Variations, modifications and changes to the preferred assemblies described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations, modifications and changes are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, limited solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shelving merchandising system for installation on preexisting Industrial Rack or Gondola comprising an extrusion, wherein said extrusion comprises an attachment member, a display front and a plurality of connection members for cooperative attachment of one or more extrusion components.

2. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the attachment member is taken from the group consisting of wire, a cable tie, a strap, a belt, a screw, a bolt, a clamp, a push-in insert, a clip, a snap, a channel, hook and loop fasteners, double sided tape, an adhesive, a bracket, a magnet and combinations thereof.

3. The shelving merchandising system of claim 2 wherein the attachment member is a bracket, said bracket comprising a back stabilizer, a front stabilizer, a hole in a length and a shim, adapted such that at least a portion of said shim is received by said hole, said length connecting the back stabilizer and the front face with the front stabilizer extending from the length adjacent the hole for attachment to a front beam of an Industrial Rack shelf.

4. The shelving merchandising system of claim 3 wherein the length is adapted to be oriented horizontally along a top of the beam and said front and back stabilizers extend downwardly from said length at an angle of approximately 90.degree. from said length.

5. The shelving merchandising system of claim 2 wherein the attachment member is a bracket and the extrusion is removably attached to the bracket by retention means taken from the group consisting of a channel for receiving a portion of the bracket, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, catches, clasps, hooks and corresponding receptacles and adhesives.

6. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the attachment member comprises a screw that passes through at least a portion of the extrusion into a shelf.

7. The shelving merchandising system of claim 6 wherein the extrusion further comprises a trough extending from the extrusion, the trough being adapted to receive a screw and contact at least a portion of the shelf, wherein the screw passes through the trough for attachment of the extrusion to the shelf.

8. The shelving merchandising system of claim 2 wherein the bracket is integrally formed with the extrusion.

9. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the connection members is taken from the group consisting of channels, hooks, catches, clips, snaps, holes, slits, hook and loop fasteners, and combinations thereof.

10. The shelving merchandising system of claim 9 comprising a hook at a top and a bottom of the extrusion, wherein the hooks are provided with a catch to secure one or more cooperating extrusion components on the extrusion.

11. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the one or more extrusion components are taken from the group consisting of a display, a divider panel, a bin, a pocket, a mounting block, a lens, a secondary display front, a merchandising prong and combinations thereof.

12. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the extrusion further comprises a holding rack and a back lip.

13. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the extrusion further comprises a hinge between the means for removable attachment to the front face of the bracket and the display front.

14. The shelving merchandising system of claim 8 wherein the extrusion further comprises a stop between the means for removable attachment to the front face of the bracket and an interior portion of the display front.

15. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein said display front comprises means for receiving at least a portion of a display.

16. The shelving merchandising system of claim 15 wherein the means for receiving at least a portion of a display is take from the group consisting of a channel for receiving the display, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, catches, clasps, hooks and corresponding receptacles and adhesives.

17. The shelving merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the extrusion includes a hinge upon which the display front is lifted and further comprises an interior display front for engagement of a second display.

18. The shelving merchandising system of claim 17 wherein the interior display front extends across the hinge upon which the display front is lifted.

19. The shelving merchandising system of claim 11 wherein the bin comprises at least two adjacent bin walls that are positioned perpendicular to said extrusion, said walls each being provided with one or more tracks, and a bin floor adapted to be received within said tracks on said adjacent bin walls.

20. The shelving merchandising system of claim 19 wherein said bin floor further comprises fastening hooks, said two or more tracks further comprise clasp receiving hooks, and said bin floor is removably connected to said walls via a connection between said fastening hooks and said clasp receiving hooks.

21. A shelf merchandising system for attachment to an existing shelf system, said existing shelf system comprising a shelf having one or more openings at the lateral ends running parallel to a front edge of a shelf, comprising a display element including a display body including a display area on a first side of said display body and one or more pegs corresponding to openings at the lateral ends of the shelf extending from an side opposite said first side of said display body, wherein said display element is removably attached to a shelf by inserting said one or more pegs into said openings at said lateral ends of said shelf.

22. A shelf merchandising system for attachment to an existing shelf system comprising a vertical column fixture wherein said vertical column fixture comprises a vertical shaft, said vertical shaft having a width approximately the same as a vertical support column of the existing shelf system and two side angled faces attached to said vertical shaft at converging angles of equal to or less than 90.degree. and one or more support hooks located on the rear of said vertical shaft for removably mounting the vertical column fixture on a vertical support column.

23. The shelf merchandising system of claim 22 further comprising a front face attached between said two side angled faces at an angle equal to or greater than 90.degree., said front face being substantially parallel to said preexisting vertical support column.

24. The shelf merchandising system of claim 22 further comprising a plurality of holes on each of said faces for accepting merchandising prongs on which product may be hung.

25. The shelf merchandising system of claim 22 further comprising a plurality of merchandising hooks on each of said faces for hanging product.

26. The shelf merchandising system of claim 22 further comprising an indicia space for providing information.