U.S. patent application number 12/381234 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for adjustable product display system.
Invention is credited to Benjamin Weshler.
Application Number | 20100230369 12/381234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42729841 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100230369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weshler; Benjamin |
September 16, 2010 |
Adjustable product display system
Abstract
An adjustable product display system includes a plurality of
pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface in
a coextensive spaced-apart manner for defining therebetween a
product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product area is
adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement.
Each pusher mechanism is configured for magnetic engagement to the
planar support surface, and includes a pusher having a contact
portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate the
pusher. The pusher is configured for applying a force via said
contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products
toward the front end of the corresponding product area. The system
further includes means for retaining the one or more products
against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding
product area.
Inventors: |
Weshler; Benjamin; (Old
Westbury, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Allen R. Kipnes, Esquire;WATOV & KIPNES
P.O.Box 247
Princeton Junction
NY
08550-0247
US
|
Family ID: |
42729841 |
Appl. No.: |
12/381234 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 ;
211/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/005 20130101;
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/59.3 ;
211/183 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47F 5/00 20060101 A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable product display system, comprising: a plurality of
pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface in
a coextensive spaced-apart manner for defining therebetween a
product area with front and rear ends, wherein said product area is
adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement;
said pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement to
said planar support surface, said pusher mechanism including a
pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached
thereto proximate said pusher; said pusher being configured for
applying a force via said contact portion on said one or more
products to advance the products toward the front end of the
corresponding product area; and means for retaining said one or
more products against the contact portion of the pusher within the
corresponding product area.
2. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 further
comprising an end divider having a base configured for magnetic
engagement to said planar support surface, said end divider being
adapted for placement coextensively along the product area on the
side opposite from an adjacent pusher mechanism.
3. The adjustable product display system of claim 2 wherein the end
divider comprises a bearing surface extending along the base for
holding up one end of the product within the product area of an
adjacent pusher mechanism.
4. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 wherein the
retaining means comprises a fence positioned laterally across the
front end of the product area.
5. The adjustable product display system of claim 4 wherein the
fence is secured to the planar support surface via a fastener.
6. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 wherein the
pusher mechanism comprises: an elongate base having at least one
magnet attached to a bottom portion thereof; a track extending
longitudinally along a top portion of the elongate base for
receiving said pusher; and a spring operatively engaged to said
pusher and base for urging the pusher to slidably move along the
track.
7. The adjustable product display system of claim 6 wherein the
partition is integrally attached to the base, and extends offset
along the track.
8. The adjustable product display system of claim 7 wherein the
pusher mechanism comprises a bearing surface extending along the
length of the partition on the side opposite from the track for
holding up at least a portion of the product within the product
area of an adjacent pusher mechanism.
9. The adjustable product display system of claim 6 wherein the
spring is a coil spring.
10. The adjustable product display system of claim 1 wherein the
planar support surface comprises a magnetic material.
11. The adjustable product display system of claim 10 wherein the
magnetic material is ferromagnetic.
12. An adjustable product display system, comprising: a pusher
mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement to a planar
support surface, said pusher mechanism including a pusher having a
contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate
said pusher; an end divider having a base portion configured for
magnetic engagement to said planar support surface, said end
divider being adapted for placement in a coextensive spaced-apart
manner with said pusher mechanism to define therebetween a product
area with front and rear ends, wherein said product area is adapted
to hold one or more products in a continuous arrangement; said
pusher being configured for applying a force via said contact
portion on said one or more products to advance the products toward
the front end of the corresponding product area; and means for
retaining one or more products against the contact portion of the
pusher within the corresponding product area.
13. The adjustable product display system of claim 12 wherein the
retaining means comprises a fence positioned laterally across the
front end of the product area.
14. The adjustable product display system of claim 13 wherein the
fence is secured to the planar support surface via a fastener.
15. The adjustable product display system of claim 12 wherein the
pusher mechanism comprises: an elongate base having at least one
magnet attached to a bottom portion thereof; a track extending
longitudinally along a top portion of the elongate base for
receiving said pusher; and a spring operatively engaged to said
pusher and base for urging the pusher to slidably move along the
track.
16. The adjustable product display system of claim 15 wherein the
partition is integrally attached to the base, and extends offset
along the track.
17. The adjustable product display system of claim 16 wherein the
pusher mechanism comprises a bearing surface extending along the
length of the partition on the side opposite from the track for
holding up at least a portion of the product within the product
area of an adjacent pusher mechanism.
18. The adjustable product display system of claim 15 wherein the
spring is a coil spring.
19. The adjustable product display system of claim 12 wherein the
planar support surface comprises a magnetic material.
20. The adjustable product display system of claim 19 wherein the
magnetic material is ferromagnetic.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to product displays
for consumer goods and products, and more particularly to an
adjustable product display system for displaying goods and products
to consumers for distribution or purchase.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Product displays have been used by retailers in the sale of
goods or products from fixed locations such as a boutique shop,
department or discount stores or kiosk. Such product displays are
typically utilized in conjunction with shelves for holding a large
number of products and maintaining the products in an orderly,
upright arrangement to provide a visually pleasant appearance. The
product displays generally comprise one or more shelf structures
with each having one or more dividers to partition the shelf
structure into sections for setting apart and holding different
groups of products. The products are arranged in columns on the
shelf structure within the respective sections. The use of sections
enables the retailer to maximize or vary the number of products for
display, thus allowing the customer to readily differentiate
between the different products.
[0003] The sections of the shelf structure generally include
specialized push mechanisms utilizing tracks to urge the products
to a forward position, thereby further enhancing visibility and
access for the customers. The push mechanisms are usually mounted
on display trays each specially configured for holding products of
particular sizes. The customer selecting a product can remove the
forward-most product of the column in the display tray. The pusher
mechanism moves the remaining products forward to the position
previously occupied by the removed product. In this manner, the
pusher mechanism ensures that the products remain readily
accessible for the next customer.
[0004] Difficulties are manifested when the retailer needs to
change the shelving configuration in order to add or remove product
lines depending on demand or need. The product display trays and
the associated push mechanisms are designed and sized to
accommodate a particular size of product. If the size or type of
product changes, the existing product display trays must be removed
and replaced with other appropriately sized product display trays.
Replacing the product display trays is usually a time consuming and
labor intensive process.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable product
display system utilizing a pusher mechanism that is independently
positionable directly on a planar support surface or shelf
structure, while maintaining a clean and unobtrusive appearance.
There is a need for an adjustable product display system utilizing
one or more pusher mechanisms that can be selectively added or
removed to readily accommodate products of varying sizes with
minimal effort and time. There is a further need for an adjustable
product display system utilizing a minimal number of different
components to realize greater ease of use and fabrication, and
lower costs, while effectively overcoming the difficulties
encountered above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates generally to an adjustable
product display system, which may be utilized, among other
applications, for displaying goods and products to customers for
purchase. The adjustable product display system includes a
plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a planar
support surface (e.g., shelf) in a coextensive spaced-apart manner.
The pusher mechanisms are positioned to define between adjacent
ones a product area with front and rear ends, wherein the product
area is adapted to hold one or more products in a continuous
arrangement such as a column.
[0007] Each pusher mechanism is configured for magnetic engagement
to the planar support surface, and includes a pusher having a
contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate
the pusher. The pusher is configured for applying a force via said
contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products
toward the front end of the corresponding product area. The system
further includes means for retaining the one or more products
against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding
product area.
[0008] The system of the present invention utilizes a minimal
number of different components for enhanced ease of use and
fabrication, and requires little or no prior modifications to
existing support surfaces. The system of the present invention is
designed to display products in a manner that is enhances
visibility and access to the products. The system of the present
invention is further adapted for flexible modification to
accommodate products of varying sizes in a quick and simple manner.
Furthermore, the system of the present invention is simple, cost
effective and reliable, while remaining readily configurable to
meet required display requirements.
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
adjustable product display system, which comprises:
[0010] a plurality of pusher mechanisms each positionable on a
planar support surface in a coextensive spaced-apart manner for
defining therebetween a product area with front and rear ends,
wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or more products in
a continuous arrangement;
[0011] the pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic
engagement to the planar support surface, the pusher mechanism
including a pusher having a contact portion, and a partition
fixedly attached thereto proximate the pusher;
[0012] the pusher being configured for applying a force via the
contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products
toward the front end of the corresponding product area; and
[0013] means for retaining the one or more products against the
contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding product
area.
[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an adjustable product display system, which comprises:
[0015] a pusher mechanism being configured for magnetic engagement
to a planar support surface, the pusher mechanism including a
pusher having a contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached
thereto proximate the pusher;
[0016] an end divider having a base portion configured for magnetic
engagement to the planar support surface, the end divider being
adapted for placement in a coextensive spaced-apart manner with the
pusher mechanism to define therebetween a product area with front
and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold one or
more products in a continuous arrangement;
[0017] the pusher being configured for applying a force via the
contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products
toward the front end of the corresponding product area; and
[0018] means for retaining one or more products against the contact
portion of the pusher within the corresponding product area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of
the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention
as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable product
display system disposed on a planar support surface in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a pusher mechanism forming
part of the system for one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2B is right side view of the pusher mechanism in
accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the pusher mechanism in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3A is a perspective view from the bottom of a pusher
for one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3B is a left side view of the pusher in accordance with
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the pusher in
accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4A is a perspective view from the rear of an end
divider for one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 4B is a left side view of the end divider in accordance
with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the end divider in accordance
with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a front fence for one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5B is a left side view of the front fence for one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a pusher mechanism forming
part of the system for an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 6B is a rear elevational view of the pusher mechanism
of FIG. 6A in accordance with the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 6C is a top plan view of the pusher mechanism of 6A in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention is directed to an adjustable product
display system, which may be utilized, among other applications,
for displaying goods and products to customers for purchase. The
adjustable product display system includes a plurality of pusher
mechanisms each positionable on a planar support surface (e.g.,
shelf in a coextensive spaced-apart manner. The pusher mechanisms
are positioned to define between adjacent ones a product area with
front and rear ends, wherein the product area is adapted to hold
one or more products in a continuous arrangement such as a
column.
[0036] Each pusher mechanism is configured for magnetic engagement
to the planar support surface, and includes a pusher having a
contact portion, and a partition fixedly attached thereto proximate
the pusher. The pusher is configured for applying a force via said
contact portion on the one or more products to advance the products
toward the front end of the corresponding product area. The system
further includes means for retaining the one or more products
against the contact portion of the pusher within the corresponding
product area.
[0037] The system of the present invention utilizes a minimal
number of different components for enhanced ease of use and
fabrication, and requires little or no prior modifications to
existing support surfaces. The system of the present invention is
designed to display products in a manner that is enhances
visibility and access to the products.
[0038] The system of the present invention is further adapted for
flexible modification to accommodate products of varying sizes in a
quick and simple manner. Furthermore, the system of the present
invention is simple, cost effective and reliable, while remaining
readily configurable to meet required display requirements.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an adjustable product display system
(referred hereinafter as "system") identified generally by the
reference numeral 10 is shown mounted on a planar support surface
12 (e.g. shelf) for one embodiment of the present invention. The
system 10 is designed for displaying and dispensing one or more
products 14 arranged in a continuous layout such as a column. The
products 14 may be offered for sale or distribution to a consumer.
The system 10 includes one or more pusher mechanisms 16 located on
the support surface 12. The pusher mechanisms 16 are suitably
positioned to accommodate the products 14 on the. support surface
12 in a manner to enhance viewing and access of the products 14 to
the consumer. Once in the position, the pusher mechanisms 16 are
attach securely to the support surface 12 to prevent or minimize
unintended shifting or movement thereon. Thereafter, the pusher
mechanisms 16 can be movably positioned in a simple manner to
accommodate any changes in the sizes or number of products 14
and/or in the size of the display area of the support surface
12.
[0040] In particular, the pusher mechanisms 16 are adapted for
magnetic engagement to the support surface 12. The support surface
12 may be composed of a magnetic material, preferably a
ferromagnetic material such as iron, steel, cobalt, nickel, and the
like. This magnetic interaction permits the pusher mechanisms 16 to
be securely attached to the support surface 12 during display of
the products 14, while allowing them to be quickly relocated during
adjustment or modification as will be described hereinafter.
[0041] Each pusher mechanism 16 is arranged coextensively with one
another in a spaced apart manner on the support surface 12, and
defines a product area 18 with front and rear ends 20 and 22 for
holding the products 14 in a continuous end-to-end arrangement or
column. The product area 18 establishes a space for displaying the
products 14 in a manner drawing the consumer's attention to the
product 14, while the pusher mechanisms facilitates ease of
restocking. The size of the product area 18 can readily be adjusted
by moving adjacent pusher mechanisms relative to one another to
accommodate the product 14.
[0042] The pusher mechanism 16 includes an elongate base 24
extending from the back end 22 to the front end 20 of the product
area 18, a pusher 26 having a contact portion 28, adapted to
slidably move along the length of the elongate base 24, and a
partition 30 fixedly attached to the elongate base 24 proximate the
pusher 26. The base 24 of the pusher mechanism 16 supports at least
a portion of the product 14 thereon. The products 14 are placed
proximate the front end 20 of the product area 18 with the pusher
26 positioned near the rear end 22 of the product area 18. The
pusher 26 is biased toward the front end 20 of the product area via
a spring mechanism as will be described hereinafter.
[0043] The contact portion 28 of the pusher 26 presses on the rear
side of the products 14. A fence 32 is affixed to the support
surface 12 at the front end 20 of the product area 18 to prevent
the forward-most product 14 from advancing beyond the edge of the
support surface 12. The fence 32 ensures the products 14 are
retained against pusher 26 within the product area 18, and
maintained in a fixed arrangement (e.g., a column) as shown. As
shown in FIG. 1, the fence 32 is positioned laterally across the
front end 20 of the product area 18, and securely attached to the
support surface 12 via one or more fasteners 34. Any suitable
fasteners 34 such as Christmas tree-type push-in clips, may be used
as known in the art.
[0044] As the pusher 26 applies a force via the contact portion 28,
the products 14 are securely retained in juxtaposition with one
another within product area 18 between the contact portion 28 of
the pusher 26 and the front fence 32. The pusher 26 constantly
thrusts the retained products 14 toward the front fence 32 as the
products 14 are removed. When the forward-most product 14 is
removed, the pusher 26 moves the remaining products 14 forward to
the position previously occupied by the removed product 14. To
restock the product 14, the pusher 26 is retracted to the rear end
22 of the product area 18 as the product 14 is replenished.
[0045] The pusher mechanisms 16 each further include a bearing
surface 42 extending along the length of the base 24 proximate the
partition 30 for supporting at least a portion of the product 14 in
an adjacent product area 18. The bearing surface 42 raises the
product 14 off of the support surface 12 leveled with the base 24
of the adjacent pusher mechanism 16. The bearing surface 42
maintains the elevated product 14 straight and leveled in the
product area 18, and minimizes the frictional resistance
encountered by the pusher 26.
[0046] The system 10 further includes an end divider 36 having a
bottom portion or base 38 adapted for magnetic engagement to the
support surface 12, and an end partition 40 affixed to the base 38.
The end divider 36 is adapted for placement on the support surface
12 spaced apart from the end pusher mechanism 16 in the sequence to
define the corresponding product area 18. The end divider 36
further includes a bearing surface 44 extending along the base 38
proximate the partition 40 for supporting at least a portion of the
product 14. The bearing surface 44 of the end divider 36 functions
similarly as the bearing surface 42 of the pusher mechanism 16.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2C, the pusher mechanism base
24 includes a track 45 with a groove 46 extending longitudinally
along the top surface thereof from the rear end 48 to the front end
50, and an insertion slot 52 proximate the rear end 48. The pusher
26 includes a projection 58 (as shown in FIG. 3A) extending from a
bottom portion 72. The pusher 26 is engaged to a spring 74 (as
shown best in FIG. 2B) such as a coil spring to bias or urge the
pusher 26 toward the front end 50 as will be described hereinafter.
The groove 46 is configured to receive and retain the projection 58
of the pusher 26 through the insertion slot 51. The groove 46
guides the pusher 26 as the spring (not shown) urges the pusher 26
from the rear end 48 to the front end 50.
[0048] The pusher mechanism 16 further includes one or more magnets
54 mounted to the bottom side of the base 24. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the pusher mechanism 16 includes a first
pair of magnets 54 attached proximately to the rear end 48 of the
base 24 and a second pair of magnets 54 attached proximately to the
front end 50 of the base 24. The magnets 54 are used to securely
affix the pusher mechanism 16 to the support surface 12, while
permitting the user to move the pusher mechanism 16 as necessary.
Examples of suitable magnets include ceramic or ferrite, alnico
alloys, ticonal alloys, rare earth magnets such as neodymium and
samarium-cobalt, and the like.
[0049] As previously described, the spring 74 biases or urges the
pusher 26 toward the front end 50 of the base 24. In FIGS. 2A
through 2C, the pusher 26 is positioned at its forwardmost position
adjacent the front end 50. This corresponds to the position the
pusher 26 occupies when all the products have been removed from the
product area 18. The pusher 26 is free to slide between the front
and rear ends 48 and 50. The spring 74 includes a front end 76 is
attached to the track 45 adjacent to the front end 50 of the base
24. The spring 74 extends through a spring aperture 78 located in
the bottom end of the projecting contact portion 28 of the pusher
26, and into the area between a pair of gussets 56. The spring 74
is coiled behind the contact portion 28 of the pusher 26 (as shown
best in FIGS. 2b and 2C). As the pusher 26 is drawn toward the rear
end 48 of the base 24, the spring 74 partially uncoils with the
uncoiled portion being received by the track 45. Since the spring
74 is longer than the track 45, a coiled end remains engaged with
the pusher 26 and the spring 74 continues to urge the pusher 26 and
the products 14 toward the front end 50 of the base 24.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3C, the pusher 26 is shown for
one embodiment of the present invention. Each pusher 26 is
preferably a unitary member, and includes the upwardly projecting
contact portion 28 for contacting the products, the bottom portion
72 supporting the contact portion 28 on the top surface of the
pusher mechanism base 24, and the projection 58 extending
downwardly from the bottom portion 72 thereof. The pusher 26
further includes a pair of gussets 56 for structural reinforcement
between the contact portion 28 and the bottom portion 72. The
engagement between the projection 58 and the groove 46 of the
pusher mechanism base 24 ensures the pusher 26 remains securely
retained thereon during operation.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4C, the end divider 36 is
shown for one embodiment of the present invention. The end divider
36 includes the base 38, the partition 40 extending along the
length of the base 38, the bearing surface 44, a rear end 60 and a
front end 62. The end divider 36 is configured for placement in
combination with a push mechanism 16 to confine the sides of the
corresponding product area 18.
[0052] The base 38 includes one or more magnets 64 mounted to the
bottom side of the base 38. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the pusher mechanism includes a first magnet 64 attached
proximately to the rear end 60 of the base 38 and a second magnet
64 attached proximately to the front end 62 of the base 38. The
magnets 64 are used to securely affix the end divider 36 to the
support surface 12, while permitting the user to move the end
divider 36 as necessary.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front fence 32 is shown
for one embodiment of the present invention. The front fence 32
includes a lower portion 66 oriented horizontally, and an upper
portion 68 extending vertically from the front end of the lower
portion 66. The lower portion 66 includes one or more fastening
slots 70 disposed therein for facilitating attachment via fasteners
34 to the support surface 12 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0054] The upper portion 68 functions to block or prevent the
products 14 in the product area 18 from advancing beyond the front
fence 32. The upper portion 68 may include an information display
area 74 on the side opposite from the lower portion 66. The
information display area 74 may be used to display information in
the form of printed indicia. The information may include details
and graphics associated with the products 14 offered by the system
10. The information may be presented in the form of electronic
displays, printed indicia, drawings, pictures, illustrations,
graphics, and the like.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6C, a pusher mechanism 80 is
shown for an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The
pusher mechanism 80 is similar in most details to the pusher
mechanism 16 of the previous embodiment. The pusher mechanism 80
includes a base 82 having a raised track 84 such as a rail, and a
pusher 86. The pusher 86 includes a pair of opposed C-shaped
members 88 disposed at the lower portion thereof. The raised track
84 is configured to receive and accommodate the C-shaped members 88
of the pusher 86, whereby the pusher 86 securely straddles the
track 84 for sliding movement thereon. The pusher 86 operatively
engages the spring 74 is the same manner as described in the
previous embodiment. The base 82 further includes two pairs of
magnets 90 securely attached to the bottom side thereof.
[0056] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the
art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the
accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes,
modifications and variations can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *