U.S. patent application number 13/033873 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-30 for display assembly with integral roller base.
This patent application is currently assigned to E-B DISPLAY COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Joseph Czalkiewicz, Kenneth E. Loy, Brian McFadden, Michael S. Rotolo.
Application Number | 20120217212 13/033873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46718280 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120217212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Czalkiewicz; Joseph ; et
al. |
August 30, 2012 |
DISPLAY ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRAL ROLLER BASE
Abstract
A display assembly and shelving unit. The display assembly
includes a base with one or more channels that extend between the
front and back of the base. The back is higher than the front so
that the base is retained at an angle to the horizontal within the
shelving unit. A conveyor mechanism operable under force of gravity
is provided across the channels. The conveyor mechanism includes
roller assemblies that have rods with a plurality of small rollers
thereon. The rollers are able to rotate about the stationary rod
individually and independently. When a product for sale is removed
from a front end of a first channel, then the products remaining in
that first channel slide downwardly on the rollers until they
engage a stop. Products in adjacent channels will remain stationary
as the rollers in those additional channels will not rotate when
product is removed from the first channel.
Inventors: |
Czalkiewicz; Joseph;
(Brunswick, OH) ; Loy; Kenneth E.; (Louisville,
OH) ; McFadden; Brian; (Medina, OH) ; Rotolo;
Michael S.; (North Royalton, OH) |
Assignee: |
E-B DISPLAY COMPANY, INC.
Massillon
OH
|
Family ID: |
46718280 |
Appl. No.: |
13/033873 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20130101; B65G
1/023 20130101; A47F 5/005 20130101; A47B 57/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/59.2 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12 |
Claims
1. A display assembly for use in a shelving unit; said display
assembly comprising: a base adapted to be positioned between a
front region and a rear region of the shelving unit; a first
channel provided on the base and extending from a back end of the
base to a front end thereof; and a conveyor mechanism provided in
the first channel; said conveyor mechanism being operable under
force of gravity and being adapted to move products disposed
thereon from the back end of the base to the front end thereof.
2. The display assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
second channel provided on the base and extending from the back end
to the front end thereof; and wherein the conveyor mechanism
extends across both of the first and second channels.
3. The display assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the base is
disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal.
4. The display assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein the angle is
between 3.degree. and 15.degree. relative to the horizontal.
5. The display assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the conveyor
mechanism extends laterally across both of the first and second
channels.
6. The display assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein a first
portion of the conveyor mechanism is disposed in the first channel
and a second portion of the conveyor mechanism is disposed in the
second channel, and the first and second portions operate
independently of each other.
7. The display assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein the conveyor
mechanism comprises a roller assembly that extends from a first
side of the base to a second side thereof, and wherein the roller
assembly includes: a plurality of rods that extend from the first
side of the base to the second side thereof; and a plurality of
rollers disposed on each rod, said rollers being rotatable about
the rod.
8. The display assembly as defined in claim 7, wherein the rod
remains stationary and the rollers rotate independently about the
rod when the conveyor is operable.
9. The display assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the base is
expandable.
10. The display assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein the base
comprises: a frame including: a front bar, a back bar, at least two
crossbars extending between the front and back bars; and at least
two expansion members engageable with the at least two crossbars,
the expansion members being movable between a collapsed position
and an extended position.
11. The display assembly as defined in claim 10, further
comprising: a bore defined in each crossbar; wherein each of the
expansion members is at least partially received in the bore of the
crossbar with which it is engaged, and when the expansion member is
in the collapsed position the portion thereof disposed in the bore
is larger, and when the expansion member is in the extended
position, the portion thereof disposed in the bore is smaller.
12. The display assembly as defined in claim 11, further comprising
a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism being selectively
engageable to lock the expansion member to the crossbar in one of
the collapsed position, the extended position and a partially
extended position.
13. The display assembly as defined in claim 11, further comprising
a securing assembly 15 disposed rearwardly of the back bar, said
securing assembly being adapted to engage the rear beam of the
shelving unit, and wherein the expansion member is connected at a
first end to the back bar and at a second end to the securing
assembly.
14. The display assembly as defined in claim 13, further
comprising: a connector mechanism engaged with a free end of each
of the crossbars; an aperture defined in a rear wall of the
connector mechanism; a plurality of apertures defined in the
securing assembly, said plurality of apertures being vertically
spaced from each other; and a fastener selectively receivable
through an aligned one of the plurality of apertures in the
securing assembly and the aperture in the rear wall of the
connector mechanism.
15. The display assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the first
channel and the second channel are adjustable in width.
16. A display assembly for use in a shelving unit, said display
assembly comprising: a front bar adapted to engage a front beam of
the shelving unit, a back bar adapted to engage a rear beam of the
shelving unit, at least one crossbar extending between the front
and back bars; a plurality of notches defined in the crossbar, said
notches being oriented at right angles to the crossbar; a roller
assembly engaged in each notch; a first divider engaged between the
front and back bars; and a second divider engaged between the front
and back bars and spaced from the first divider; and wherein the
roller assembly, first and second dividers define a channel for
retaining one or more products for sale therein.
17. The display assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein each
roller assembly includes: a rod engaged in one of the plurality of
notches; and a plurality of rollers, each roller being individually
engaged with the rod and being individually rotatable about the
rod.
18. The display assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein each of
the first and second dividers includes: a tube having a first and a
second end; a first stop secured at the first end; at least one leg
extending outwardly and forwardly from the first stop and sized to
engage the front bar; a second stop secured at the second end; and
at least one leg extending outwardly and rearwardly from the second
stop and sized to engage the back bar.
19. In combination: a shelving unit including a plurality of
uprights and: a front beam extending between some of the plurality
of uprights; and a rear beam extending between other of the
plurality of uprights, said rear beam being retained a spaced
distance away from the front beam; a display assembly engaged with
the shelving unit, said display assembly comprising: a base
positioned between the front beam and the rear beam of the shelving
unit; a first channel provided on the base and extending from a
back end of the base to a front end thereof, said first channel
being adapted to retain a plurality of products for sale therein;
and a conveyor mechanism provided in the first channel; said
conveyor mechanism being operable under force of gravity and being
adapted to move the plurality of products disposed thereon from the
back end of the base to the front end thereof.
20. The combination as defined in claim 19, wherein the conveyor
mechanism comprises: a roller assembly that extends from a first
side of the base to a second side thereof, and wherein the roller
assembly includes: a plurality of rods that extend from the first
side of the base to the second side thereof; and a plurality of
rollers disposed on each rod, said rollers being individually and
independently rotatable about the rod.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention generally relates to product displays. More
particularly, the invention relates to a shelving unit for
displaying products in a big box store. Specifically, the invention
relates to a display assembly including a conveyor that operates
under force of gravity to individually advance products in a first
channel of the display toward a front end thereof when a product
from that first channel is removed while leaving products in
adjacent channels in place.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Retailers are always seeking innovative ways to display
products in their stores. One of the biggest issues a retailer has
is keeping shelves stocked and, especially in the case of big box
stores, keeping products within reach of potential customers. Big
box stores tend to have very large, deep shelving systems that can
make it quite a challenge for a customer to access products. This
is especially true of larger, heavier items that require a decent
amount of effort on the part of the customer to reach in to the
deep shelving system and pull a desired product off the shelf.
[0003] There is therefore a need in the art for a display assembly
that aids in maintaining the front region of a shelving display
fully stocked with product, especially larger, heavier items such
as bottles of various liquids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The device of the present invention is a display assembly
and shelving unit incorporating the same. The display assembly
includes a base with one or more channels that extend between the
front and back of the base. The back is higher than the front so
that the base is retained at an angle to the horizontal within the
shelving unit. A conveyor mechanism operable under force of gravity
is provided across the channels. The conveyor mechanism includes
roller assemblies that have rods with a plurality of small rollers
thereon. The rollers are able to rotate about the stationary rod
individually and independently. When a product for sale is removed
from a front end of a first channel, then the products remaining in
that first channel slide downwardly on the rollers until they
engage a stop. Products in adjacent channels will remain stationary
as the rollers in those additional channels will not rotate when
product is removed from the first channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a display assembly in
accordance with the present invention shown engaged with a shelving
unit;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the display assembly
of FIG. 1 removed from the shelving unit;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a divider used in the
display assembly of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an end divider used in
the display assembly of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the roller assembly of
the display assembly;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view of the roller
assembly taken through line 6-6- of FIG. 5;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the front end of
the roller assembly taken through line 7-7 of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the display assembly of
the present invention showing the extension channels in an extended
position;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the display
assembly taken through line 9-9 of FIG. 8;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the extension channel assembly
taken through line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the rear portion of the display
assembly with the rollers removed for the sake of clarity and
showing the expansion members in a partially extended position;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of the display assembly with the
extension channel shown in a collapsed position;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view of the display assembly with the
extension channel in a fully extended position;
[0019] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the rear end of the display
assembly engaged with a rear support as highlighted in FIG. 12;
and
[0020] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the rear end of the display
assembly engaged with a front support as highlighted in FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1-15, there is shown a display assembly
in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated at
10. Display assembly 10 is configured to be engaged with a shelving
unit 12 and to retain a plurality of products 14 for display
thereon.
[0022] Only a portion of shelving unit 12 is shown in FIG. 1.
Shelving unit 12 includes a plurality of uprights 16 between which
a plurality of front beams and rear beams extend. Only a single
front beam 18 and a single rear beam 20 are shown in FIG. 1 but it
should be understood that additional uprights 16, front beams 18
and rear beams 20 are utilized in shelving unit 12. A number of
cross-braces 22 extend between uprights 16 to stabilize shelving
unit 12. Preferably, front and rear beams 18, 20 are positionable
at selected locations on uprights 16. Shelving unit 12 thus has a
front region disposed generally adjacent front beam 18 and a rear
region disposed generally adjacent rear beam 20.
[0023] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, front beam 18 is positioned at a slightly lower height
on uprights 16 than is rear beam 20. This is shown in FIGS. 12 and
13 where it can be seen that there is a height difference H1
between front and rear beams 18, 20. FIGS. 12 & 15 show that
front beam 18 includes a top wall 18a, a front wall 18b, a rear
wall 18c and a recessed back wall 18d, a ledge 18e, and a bottom
wall 18f. Similarly, FIGS. 12 & 14 show that rear beam 20
includes a top wall 20a, a front wall 20b, a rear wall 20c, a
recessed front wall 20d, a ledge 20e and a bottom wall 20f. Front
and rear beams 18, 20 are spaced a distance apart from each other.
Depending on the store and the product that is to be displayed on
shelving unit 12, front and rear beams 18, 20 may be spaced a
distance "D" (FIG. 12) from each other or may be spaced a distance
"D1" (FIG. 13) from each other. A comparison between FIGS. 12 and
13 shows that "D1" is greater than "D". In accordance with a
specific feature of the present invention, display assembly 10 is
adjustable to fit a range of distances between front and rear beams
18, 20 with that range being a minimum distance of "D" apart and a
maximum distance of "D1" apart. Additionally, depending on the
length of front and rear beams 18, 20, a plurality of display
assemblies 10 may be utilized on a single shelving unit. Two
separate display assemblies 10 and 10b are illustrated In FIG. 1 as
being disposed side-by-side on shelving unit 12. Display assemblies
10 and 10b are not connected to each other although they could be
if that is desired. It will further be understood that there may be
a plurality of front and rear beams 18, 20 spaced vertically above
each other and display assemblies 10 may be engaged with each set
of front and rear beams. The engagement of display assembly 10 on
shelving unit 12 will be further described hereinafter,
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, a single display assembly 10 for
engagement with shelving unit 12 is shown in greater detail.
Display assembly 10 comprises a base 11, at least two channels 13
provided on base 11, and a conveyor mechanism 15 provided in
channels 13 for moving product 14 (FIG. 1) under force of gravity
from the rear region of shelving unit 12 to the front region
thereof. The various components of display assembly 10 will now be
described in greater detail.
[0025] Base 11 comprises a frame that includes a front bar 24, a
back bar 26 and four crossbars 28 that extend between front and
back bars 24, 26. Each of the front bar 24, back bar 26 and
crossbars 28 preferably are square in cross-sectional shape and are
welded or otherwise secured to each other. Base 11 further includes
a plurality of expansion members 46 and a securing assembly 50,
both of which will be described further herein.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 & 7, front bar 24 has a top wall
24a, a front wall 24b, a back wall 24c and a bottom wall 24d. Top,
front, back and bottom walls 24a-24d define a bore 30 that extends
from one end of front bar 24 through to the other end thereof,
although this is not essential. Front bar 24 may be a generally
solid member but the inclusion of the bore makes front bar 24
lighter and less expensive to manufacture. Front bar 24 further
includes a L-shaped bracket 32 that is welded or otherwise secured
to top wall 24a. A vertical flange 32a of bracket 32 is positioned
generally midway between front wall 24b and back wall 24c. Vertical
flange 32a defines a plurality of holes 34 therein that are spaced
at intervals from each other.
[0027] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, back bar 26 includes a top
wall 26a, a front wall 26b, a back wall 26c and a bottom wall 26d.
Top, front, back, and bottom walls 26a-26d define a bore 27 that
extends from one end of back bar 26 through to the other end
thereof although, again, this is not essential. Back bar 26 further
includes a L-shaped bracket 36 welded or otherwise secured to top
wall 26a. A vertical flange 36a of bracket 36 is positioned
generally midway between front and back walls 26b, 26c. Vertical
flange 36a defines a plurality of holes 38 therein that are spaced
at intervals from each other. It should be noted that each hole 34
in bracket 32 is aligned with a hole 38 in bracket 36. The purpose
for this will be described later herein.
[0028] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, and as shown in FIG. 6, each crossbar 28 has a top wall
28a, a left side wall 28b, a right side wall 28c and a bottom wall
28d. Top, side and bottom walls 28a-28d define a bore 40 that
extends from one end of crossbar 28 through to the other end
thereof although, again, this is not essential. Crossbar 28 further
includes a L-shaped bracket 42 that is welded or otherwise secured
to top wall 28a thereof. A vertical flange 42a of bracket 42 is
vertically aligned with one of the left and right side walls 28b,
28c. Vertical flanges 42a on each crossbar 28 in display assembly
10 preferably are vertically aligned with the left side wall 28b of
each crossbar 28. Vertical flange 42a defines a series of notches
44 (FIG. 5) therein that are spaced apart at intervals along the
length of bracket 42. As shown in FIGS. 8 & 10, the left and
right side walls 28b, 28c of crossbars 28 define a pair of aligned
apertures 29 therein. Apertures 29 preferably are positioned
adjacent a free end of crossbar 28 and remote from front bar
24.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, front bar 24 is spaced a distance "L"
from back bar 26. This distance "L" may not be sufficient to span
the distance "D" between front and rear beams 18, 20 on shelving
unit 12. Thus, in accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, base 11 of display assembly 10 includes a plurality of
expansion members 46, as indicated previously. Expansion members 46
are configured to be able to extend the overall length of display
assembly 10. Each expansion member 46 is configured to be
telescopingly received in the bore 40 of one of the crossbars 28 as
is illustrated in FIGS. 8 & 9. Preferably, each expansion
member 46 is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes a
bottom wall 46a, a first side wall 46b and a second side wall 46c.
Each of the first and second side walls 46b, 46c defines one or
pairs of aligned apertures 48 therein. In the preferred embodiment
of the invention, three pairs of aligned apertures 48 are defined
in first and second side walls 46b, 46c. Apertures 48 are
configured to be alignable with apertures 29 in crossbars 28. A
locking mechanism is provided to lock expansion members 46 in the
one of the collapsed, partially expanded and fully expanded
positions. A suitable locking mechanism includes but is not limited
to fasteners 31 which are inserted through aligned aperture 29 and
one of apertures 48 in expansion member 46. When fasteners 31 are
so engaged, the expansion member 46 cannot be moved inwardly or
outwardly with respect to crossbar 28.
[0030] As indicated previously, base 11 further includes a securing
assembly 50 (FIGS. 8 & 9) for engaging display assembly 10 on
rear beam 20 of shelving unit 12. Securing assembly 50 comprises an
U-shaped member 52 and a L-shaped bracket 54. Member 52 has a top
wall 52a, a front wall 52b and rear wall 52c and is sized to be
placed over a projection on rear beam 20. The projection is that
portion of beam 20 defined by top wall 20a, rear wall 20c and
recessed front wall 20d. Member 52 is retained on the projection by
the weight of the display assembly and gravity. It will be
understood that fasteners, clamps or other securement devices
could, alternatively, be utilized to more permanently secure member
52 on rear beam 20. Member 52 is retained on rear beam 20 to a
degree sufficient to resist display assembly 10 slipping off front
and rear beams 18, 20. Member 52 resists both forward and rearward
motion of display assembly 10. By contrast, and as shown in FIG.
15, front bar 24 merely rests on ledge 18e of front beam 18 and is
prevented from sliding forwardly off front beam 18 by the rear wall
18d thereof being disposed in front of front bar 24. Display
assembly 10 is therefore retained on shelving unit 12 by virtue of
its weight and the force of gravity and interference by a portion
of front bar 18.
[0031] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, securing assembly further includes a bracket 54 that is
welded or otherwise secured to top wall 52a of member 52. A
vertical flange 54a of bracket 54 is substantially aligned with one
of front and rear walls 52b, 52c of member 52. Preferably, vertical
flange 54a is aligned with front wall 52b. Vertical flange 54a
defines a plurality of apertures 56 therein. Apertures 56 extend
between a front and back surface of flange 54a and are spaced at
vertical intervals. Preferably, a first, second and third aperture
56a, 56b, 56c are vertically spaced and aligned one above the
other. Additional groups of aligned first, second and third
apertures 56a, 56b & 56c are provided in horizontally spaced
intervals from each other along flange 54a.
[0032] Securing assembly 50 further includes a connector member 51
(FIG. 9) that connects securing assembly 50 and expansion members
46 together. Connector member 51 is engaged with the free end of
each expansion member 46. Connector member 51 includes a rear wall
51a, a top wall 51b and a bottom wall 51c which define a space 47
therebetween. Side walls 46b, 46c of expansion members 46 are
frictionally engaged in space 47 between top and bottom walls 51b,
51c of connector member 51. Rear wall 51a defines an aperture 53
therein. A fastener 58 is provided to secure connector member 51 to
flange 54a when aperture 53 is aligned with one of the first,
second and third apertures 56a, 56b, 56c therein as will be
hereinafter described. A nut 59 locks fastener 58 in place. When a
plurality of fasteners 58 secures connector member 51 and securing
assembly 50 together, then expansion members 46 are able to move
with securing assembly 50 toward and away from back bar 26 as a
unit, provided fasteners 31 (FIG. 8) are disengaged.
[0033] As indicated previously and illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 11,
display assembly 10 further includes a conveyor mechanism 15.
Conveyor mechanism 15 extends laterally across substantially all of
the channels 13 on base 11. Conveyor mechanism 15 comprises a
plurality of roller assemblies 60 that extend from one side of base
11 to the other. In other words, roller assemblies 60 (FIG. 6)
extend from end crossbar 28A (FIG. 11) to end crossbar 28B. Each
roller assembly 60 comprises a rod 62, a pair of caps 64 and a
plurality of rollers 66. Each rod 62 has a diameter that is
complementary to one of notches 44 in wall 42a in brackets 42. The
free ends of rod 62 engage in notches 44 on brackets 42 on the two
end crossbars (28A & 28B in FIG. 11) and portions of rod 62
intermediate the ends are engaged in notches 44 on brackets 42 on
the two center crossbars (28C & 28D in FIG. 11). A cap 64 is
engaged with each end of the rod 62 after the rod has been seated
in notches 44.
[0034] Each rod 62 is provided with a plurality of rollers 66. Each
roller 66 is approximately 1 inch long and around 3/5 inch in
diameter. Each roller 66 defines a bore 67 (FIG. 6) therethrough.
Rod 62 is received through the bores 67 of the plurality of rollers
66 and is approximately 48 inches long and 1/4 inch in diameter.
Preferably there are forty-six rollers 66 on a single rod 62. Since
rod 62 is 48 inches long, rollers 66 are able to slide along rod 62
to a certain degree.
[0035] Since each roller 66 is about 1 inch long, each roller is
around 1/50th of the total length of the rod. Rollers 66 are able
to rotate freely around rod 62 and if they are so rotated, they do
not impart sufficient rotational motion to rod 62 to cause it to
rotate. Rod 62 therefore remains substantially stationary at all
times. Each roller 66 on each rod 62 is able to be rotated
individually and independently of all the other rollers 66 on that
rod. This arrangement makes it possible for rollers on different
parts of the same rod to be rotating at different speeds.
Furthermore, a roller may be stationary even if the roller right
next to it is rotating. So, for example, in FIG. 5, roller 66a is
able to rotate independently of rollers 66b and 66c and, in fact,
is able to rotate independently of every other roller on roller
assembly 60a. Roller 66a is also able to rotate independently of
every roller on rods 60b and 60c as well. The rotational motion is
not imparted to rollers 66 by a rotating rod 62. Instead,
rotational motion is imparted to rollers 66 by one of the products
14 sliding down display assembly 10 under force of gravity as will
be discussed further herein. Rollers 66 effectively reduce the
frictional force that resists the movement of product 14 from a
back end of base 11 toward the front end thereof under the
influence of gravity.
[0036] As indicated previously, display assembly 10 further
includes a plurality of channels 13. These channels 13 are created
by engaging dividers with front and back bars 24, 26. Display
assembly 10 utilizes a plurality of center dividers 68 (FIG. 3) and
a pair of end dividers 70 (FIG. 4). So, for example, in FIG. 2,
center and end dividers 68, 70 create five channels 13 on display
assembly 10, namely, channels 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e. Conveyor
mechanism 15, i.e., roller assemblies 60, extend laterally across
all six channels 13. A different portion of conveyor mechanism 15
is disposed in each channel 13 and these different portions of the
conveyor mechanism 15 are able to operate independently of each
other. This is because all of rollers 66 are able to rotate
independently.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, center divider 68 comprises an elongated
tube 68a having a downwardly extending first arm 68b at one end and
a downwardly extending second arm 68c at the other end. A
substantially rectangular front stop 74 is secured to first arm 68b
and a substantially rectangular back stop 76 is secured to second
arm 68c. First arm 68b is secured to a middle region of front stop
68b and second arm 68c is secured to a middle region of back stop
68c. Front stop 68b includes first and second legs 78 which extend
outwardly and forwardly away from a front surface thereof. First
and second legs 78 are sized to be selectively engaged in holes 34
in bracket 32 on front bar 24. Back stop 68c includes first and
second legs 80 which extend outwardly and rearwardly away from a
back surface thereof. First and second legs 80 are sized to be
selectively engaged in holes 38 in bracket 36 on back bar 26 (FIG.
8). As is evident from FIG. 3, both of front and back stops 68b,
68c are substantially identical in appearance to each other.
Consequently, center divider 68 can be rotated through 180 degrees
and will present exactly the same configuration at the end of
channel 13.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows that end divider 70 comprises an elongated tube
70a having a downwardly extending first arm 70b at one end and a
downwardly extending second arm 70c at the other end. A front stop
82 is joined to first arm 70b and a back stop 84 is joined to
second arm 70c. Front stop 82 comprises a generally U-shaped frame
member 82a and a pair of horizontal frame elements 82b, 82c that
are secured to frame member 82c. Spaced apart frame elements 82b,
82c extend between first arm 70b and frame member 82a. It should be
noted that first arm 70b is connected to the ends of frame elements
82b, 82c so that the frame elements and frame member 82a extend
outwardly from tube 70a in a first direction. Frame member 82a is
also provided with a pair of outwardly and forwardly extending legs
86 that are sized to be selectively engaged in holes 34 in bracket
32 on front bar 24. Back stop 84 comprises a generally U-shaped
frame member 84a and a pair of horizontal frame elements 84b, 84c
that are secured to frame member 84c. Spaced apart frame elements
84b, 84c extend between second arm 70c and frame member 84a. It
should be noted that second arm 70c is connected to the ends of
frame elements 84b, 84c so that the frame elements and frame member
84a extend outwardly from tube 70a. It should further be noted that
frame elements 84b, 84c and frame member 84a extend outwardly from
tube 70 in the same first direction as frame elements 82b, 82c.
Frame member 84a is provided with a pair of outwardly and
rearwardly extending legs 88 that are sized to be selectively
engaged in holes 38 in bracket 36 on back bar 26. If end divider 70
is rotated through 180 degrees, the orientation of the frame
elements and frame members is completely reversed. This feature is
useful for creating narrower or wider channels 13 using the same
end divider 70 and the same holes 34, 38 in front and back bars 24,
26. A first orientation of end divider 70g, shown in FIG. 2,
creates a narrow channel 13e. If end divider 70g is rotated through
180 degrees, which is not illustrated, it will be understood that
tube 70a thereof will then be positioned where it is adjacent the
end row of rollers indicated as "R". This change of orientation
will increase the width of channel 13e substantially. In FIG. 2
this change in orientation of end divider 70g will increase the
channel width by about five rollers 66--an increase of about 5
inches in width.
[0039] Display assembly 10 is used in the following manner.
Firstly, the user measures the distance between front beam 18 and
rear beam 20 on shelving unit 12. This information is necessary for
the user to determine whether or not expansion members 46 need to
be in a collapsed position (FIG. 12), a partially extended position
(FIG. 8) or a fully extended position (FIG. 13). If it is decided
that expansion members 46 need to be in a collapsed position, then
fasteners 31 are withdrawn from aligned apertures 29, 48 on the
four crossbars 28 and the user pushes securing assembly 50 inwardly
toward back bar 26. This causes expansion members to slide further
inwardly into bores 40 of crossbars 28. When the apertures 48a
(FIG. 11) closest to securing assembly 50 align with apertures 29
in crossbars 28, then fasteners 31 are inserted through the aligned
apertures and wing nuts 33 are engaged therewith to retain
fasteners 31 in place.
[0040] If it is decided that expansion members 46 need to be in a
partially extended position, then expansion members are pushed
inwardly or pulled outwardly from bores 40 of crossbars 28 as
required, until apertures 48b align with apertures 29. Fasteners 31
are then inserted through the aligned apertures and wing nuts 33
are engaged. Finally, if it is decided that expansion members 46
need to be in the fully extended position, then they are pushed
inwardly or pulled outwardly relative to crossbars 28 as required
until apertures 48c align with apertures 29 and then fasteners 31
are engaged therein.
[0041] In accordance with one of the specific features of the
present invention, display assembly 10 is configured to be disposed
at an angle "A" (FIG. 15) relative to the horizontal. Angle "A" is
between 3.degree. and 15.degree. relative to the horizontal and
preferably is 8.degree. relative to the horizontal. The rear
portion of display assembly 10 is disposed at a slightly greater
height than the front portion thereof relative to a horizontal
floor surface upon which the shelving unit 12 rests. The angle "A"
is desirable to ensure that products 14 retained on display
assembly 10 move toward the front portion of the display under
force of gravity. There are a number of ways to ensure that display
assembly 10 is maintained at the desired angle"A". Firstly, rear
beam 20 of shelving unit 12 can be secured in a location that is
slightly higher relative to the floor surface that is front beam
18. Thus, as previously indicated with reference to FIG. 12, there
is a height differential "H" between front and rear beams 18, 20.
Secondly, front bar 24 engages front beam 18 at a different
location on the beam relative to the location that securing
assembly 50 engages rear beam 20. Front bar 24 rests on ledge 18e
formed between recessed rear wall 18d and rear wall 18c. Securing
assembly 50 engages the projection that extends upwardly beyond a
similar ledge 20e on rear beam 20. The projection is created by
recessed front wall 20d, rear wall 20e and top wall 20a.
[0042] It is desirable to maintain angle "A" when expansion members
46 are moved between the collapsed position, partially extended
position and fully extended position. This is accomplished by
changing the relative height of the connection between expansion
members 46 and securing assembly 50. So, for instance, when
expansion member 46 is in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 12,
then fastener 58 is inserted through the bottommost aperture in
bracket 54, namely third aperture 56c, and into aperture 53 in
connector member 51. When expansion member 46 is in the partially
extended position, shown in FIG. 8, then fastener 58 is inserted
through the middle or second aperture 56b in bracket 54 and into
aperture 53 in connector member 51. Finally, when expansion member
46 is in the fully extended position, shown in FIG. 13, fastener 58
is inserted through the uppermost aperture or first aperture 56a
and then through aperture 53 in connector member 51. The raising or
lowering of the free end of expansion member 46 therefore
compensates for the changes in distance between front and rear
beams 18, 20 and keeps the angle "A" in the desired range. Once the
position of expansion members 46 on securing assembly 50 has been
determined and the overall length of expansion members 46 has been
set to ensure display assembly 10 will engage front and rear beams
18, 20 of shelving unit 12 correctly, then the user has to decide
where to position center dividers 68 and end dividers 70. The
positions of center dividers 68 and end dividers 70 are changed to
accommodate the different sizes of products 14 that will be
displayed on display assembly 10. Essentially, the size of each
channel 13 is customized for each product 14. Wider channels, such
as 13d (FIG. 2), are made to retain and display wider products 14a
(FIG. 1) and narrower channels such as 13b are made to retain and
display narrower products 14d. In order to make a single channel
13, the user needs to engage two dividers with front and back bars
24, 26. In order to change the width of the single channel 13, the
user needs to move one or both of the two dividers. Dividers 68, 70
are engaged with front and back bars 24, 26 by inserting legs 78,
80, 86, 88 in the respective holes 34, 38. To disengage dividers
68, 70 from front and back bars 24, 26, legs 78, 70, 86, 88 are
removed from holes 34, 38. End dividers 70 may be rotated to narrow
or widen channel 13. Preferably, each channel 13 should be formed
so that front stops 74, 82 on dividers 68, 70 are positioned so
that at least a portion thereof will engage a front surface of the
product 14 when the product rolls along rollers 66 and into contact
therewith. Once display assembly 10 is fully assembled with the
plurality of channels 13a-13e created therein, product 14 is loaded
into each one of these channels.
[0043] Display assembly 10 is then ready for a consumer to remove a
product 14 therefrom. When a first product 14a (FIG. 1) is removed
from channel 13b, for example, then removal of that product 14a
causes a gap to open up between second product 14b and the interior
surfaces of front stops 74a and 74b. Because there are a number of
small, individual rollers 66 disposed on a number of rods that
extend across channel 13b, within which products 14a, 14b & 14c
are displayed, the removal of product 14a, simply causes products
14b, 14c to roll forwardly and downwardly through channel 13b under
the influence of gravity until the front surface (not shown) of
product 14b engages front stops 74a, 74b. Removal of product 14b
will again cause a gap to be created between the front surface of
product 14c and front stops 74a, 74b. Product 14c with then roll
down the plurality of small rollers 66 under the influence of
gravity until the front surface of product 14c contacts interior
surfaces of front stops 74a, 74b. The small rollers 66 also ensure
that products in the adjacent channels 13a, 13c, in this instance,
will remain stationary while the products 14a, 14b, 14c on channel
13b are rolling forwardly. Similarly, if product 14d is removed,
the products behind product 14d in channel 13a will advance toward
the front end of channel 13a and products 14a-14c in channel 13b
will remain stationary.
[0044] It will be understood that display assembly 10 may be
restocked from the rear or from the front. When restocking from the
rear, the user will simply position products 14 one after the other
in the appropriate one of the channels 13a-13e. The products will
slide down the appropriate channel 13 under the influence of
gravity and causing rollers 66 thereunder to rotate until the
products engage other product already in channel 13 or abut the
interior surfaces of front stops 74 and/or 82. When restocking from
the front, the user will simply push the row of product 14 in any
particular channel 13 rearwardly to make some space between the
front stops 74 and/or 82 and the first product in the channel
13.
[0045] The size and location of the channels 13 can be changed very
quickly and simply by removing center and end dividers 68, 70 from
holes 34, 38 in front and rear bars 24, 26 and moving them to the
appropriate new location. In the new location, the legs 78, 80, 86,
88 are inserted back through the appropriate aligned holes 34,
38.
[0046] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0047] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
* * * * *