U.S. patent application number 14/184810 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-12 for retail merchandise pusher.
The applicant listed for this patent is FIXTURE DEPARTMENT, LLC. Invention is credited to James W. Kostka.
Application Number | 20150068991 14/184810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52624480 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150068991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kostka; James W. |
March 12, 2015 |
RETAIL MERCHANDISE PUSHER
Abstract
A retail merchandise pusher, the pusher including a frame
assembly for providing a support surface to a plurality of articles
of merchandise in a front-to-back column, the frame assembly having
sides, a front end and a back end, a first and second divider
support fixedly coupled to the frame assembly proximate the front
end and the back end, at least one divider removably coupled to the
first and second divider supports, the at least one divider
providing lateral support to the column of articles of merchandise
along the side of the frame assembly, a pusher paddle slideably
mounted to the frame assembly and interposed between the front end
and back end of the frame assembly, the pusher paddle including a
spring configured to apply pressure to the rear of the column of
articles of merchandise, thereby urging the column of articles of
merchandise forward; and, a transparent front stop coupled to the
front end of the frame assembly for providing a front stop to the
column of articles of merchandise.
Inventors: |
Kostka; James W.;
(Minnetonka, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FIXTURE DEPARTMENT, LLC |
Minnetonka |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52624480 |
Appl. No.: |
14/184810 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61875290 |
Sep 9, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 ;
211/59.4; 29/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/4984 20150115;
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/59.3 ;
211/59.4; 29/434 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12; A47F 1/04 20060101 A47F001/04; A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A retail merchandise pusher, comprising: a frame assembly for
providing a support surface to a column of merchandise, the frame
assembly having a front end, a back end and two sides, the two
sides of the frame assembly each defined a guide rail; a pusher
paddle slideably mounted to the frame assembly and interposed
between the front end and back end of the frame assembly, the
pusher paddle having two substantially "C" shaped slots, each of
the slots sized to accommodate a portion of the cross-sections of
the guide rails within, the pusher paddle further including a
spring of sufficient force to move the column of merchandise
forward on the frame assembly; a front stop coupled to the front
end of the frame assembly for providing a front stop to the column
of articles of merchandise; a first and second divider support
coupled to the frame assembly; and at least one divider slideably
coupled to the first and second divider supports, the at least one
divider providing lateral support to the column of merchandise
along the side of the frame assembly.
2. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 1, wherein the divider
support has a channel sized to receive a portion of the divider,
the channel defined by alternating half cylinder support ribs to
increase the friction between the divider support and a portion of
the at least one divider at the slidable coupling
3. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 1, wherein the divider
support includes at least one boss to increase the friction between
the divider support and a portion of the at least one divider at
the slidable coupling.
4. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 1, wherein at least one
guide rail includes a hole sized to receive a locking device.
5. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 4, wherein a locking
device is selectively coupled to at least one of the slide rails at
the hole.
6. A retail merchandise pusher, comprising: a frame assembly for
providing a support surface to a plurality of articles of
merchandise in a front-to-back column, the frame assembly having a
front end, a back end and two sides, the two sides of the frame
assembly each defined a guide rail, wherein the guide rail has a
substantially "L" shaped cross-section; a pusher paddle slideably
mounted to the frame assembly and interposed between the front end
and back end of the frame assembly, the pusher paddle having two
substantially "C" shaped slots, each of the slots sized to
accommodate a portion of the substantially "L" shaped
cross-sections of the guide rails within, the pusher paddle further
including a spring with sufficient force to move the column of
articles of merchandise forward on the frame assembly; a front stop
coupled to the front end of the frame assembly for providing a
front stop to the column of articles of merchandise; a first and
second divider support fixedly coupled to the frame assembly
proximate the front end and the back end; and two dividers
slideably coupled to the first and second divider supports, the
dividers providing lateral support to plurality of articles of
merchandise along the side of the frame assembly.
7. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 1, wherein the divider
support has a channel sized to receive a portion of the divider,
the channel defined by alternating half cylinder support ribs to
increase the friction between the divider support and a portion of
the at least one divider at the slidable coupling.
8. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 1, wherein the divider
support includes at least one boss to increase the friction between
the divider support and a portion of the at least one divider at
the slidable coupling.
9. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 1, wherein at least one
guide rail includes a hole sized to receive a locking device.
10. The retail merchandise pusher of claim 9, wherein a locking
device is selectively coupled to at least one of the slide rails at
the hole.
11. A method of making a retail merchandise pusher, comprising:
constructing a frame assembly by affixing two guide rails with
substantially "L" shaped cross-sections substantially parallel to
one another in a spaced apart manner by welding the guide rails to
front and end ties; coupling a front stop an end of the frame
assembly; coupling one or more divider supports to the frame
assembly; sliding a pusher paddle onto the guide rails of the frame
assembly, wherein the pusher paddle has two substantially "C"
shaped slots sized to accommodate a portion of the cross-sections
of the guide rails within; and providing at least one divider,
wherein the divider is slidably couplable to the one or more
divider supports.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/875,290 filed Sep. 9, 2013, the entire
application of which, is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to retail
merchandise displays. More particularly, the present invention
relates to self-facing retail merchandise displays being used for
biasing retail merchandise forward, wherein each self-facing retail
merchandise display can be easily adjusted to accommodate a variety
of merchandise widths.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Shelving is used extensively for stocking and storing
products or merchandise in numerous types of retail establishments,
such as grocery stores and drug stores. Many stores simply employ
shelves on which merchandise is stocked. In such stores, for the
shelves which are not at eye level, it is difficult for the
customer to see the items being displayed if they are not located
adjacent the front edge of the shelf. Therefore, it is desirable
for merchandise to be displayed at the front of the shelf so that
the customer can see the merchandise and can be induced to purchase
such merchandise. Also, such shelves make it difficult to rotate
merchandise, i.e., move the older stock to the front of the shelf
and position newer stock behind the older stock. Rotating
merchandise is an important consideration if the merchandise is
perishable or is subject to becoming stale.
[0004] Numerous forward feed devices have been proposed to
automatically move an article of merchandise forward on a shelf, as
the article is removed. These devices generally fall into one of
three categories. The first category includes inclined tracks,
which rely on gravity to feed, slide or roll articles of
merchandise forward. A second category employs conveyor belts,
which still use gravity to effect forward movement. A third
category, that has become popular in recent years, uses spring
biased paddles in a pusher system to feed the merchandise forward
on a horizontally oriented shelf. Such pusher systems have been
found useful in a variety of merchandising applications.
[0005] Some forward feed devices of the spring biased paddle
category include a tray arranged to receive a plurality of
merchandise items in a front-to-back column with a spring actuated
pusher body arrangement at the back of the column for automatically
moving the column of merchandise forward each time an article of
merchandise is removed from the front of the display. This provides
a more sales-attractive display by keeping the merchandise always
available at the front of the display where it is easily seen and
easily removed. Accordingly, when a customer removes the leading
most item of merchandise from the linear row of merchandise, the
pusher body arrangement will be drawn forward by the spring to
index the row of merchandise forward so that the next item of
merchandise in the row is positioned proximate the leading edge of
the track in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Such automatic front
facing eliminates the necessity for retail store employees to
manually face the merchandise, and thus ultimately reduces the cost
of labor of the retailer.
[0006] Typically, a plurality of pusher bodies and their
corresponding tracks are arranged in a side by side manner along
the shelf. Each pusher body and its corresponding track are
separated by one or more divider walls to maintain a plurality of
generally straight rows of merchandise that run from the front to
the back of the shelf. In some prior art designs, the divider walls
can be separate from the track. In other prior art designs, the
divider walls can be integrated into the track to create a one
piece design; for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,766 includes such a
design.
[0007] Inasmuch as products or merchandise sold in such displays
come in various sizes and shapes, some forward feed devices of the
prior art provide for width-adjustability of the trays to
accommodate different types of merchandise. In some prior art
designs, the divider walls are slideably mounted on the rail or
similar mounting member. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,367 and
U.S. Patent Publication 2013/0112634, include such designs.
[0008] However, pusher systems of the prior art oftentimes require
complicated assembly and maintenance by retail personal; a factor
which inhibits efficient sales and results in added costs to
consumers. Additionally, there are certain retail environments
which present particularly harsh environments to mechanical
components and can interfere with normal operation of forward feed
devices. Accordingly, what is needed in the industry is a low cost,
easy to operate, and relatively maintenance free apparatus for
biasing retail merchandise forward in a retail setting, which is
capable of operating in a wide range of environmental
conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is generally directed to a low cost,
easy to operate, and relatively maintenance free retail merchandise
pusher which allows a plurality of articles of merchandise aligned
in a column to be displayed in a compact and orderly fashion at the
point of sale. In operation, the retail merchandise pusher
continuously biases merchandise forward to the front of a shelf or
the like. A transparent stop provided by the present invention
secures the merchandise in place while providing increased
visibility and accessibility to potential purchasers. To aid in the
ease of operation and low maintenance, assembly of the present
invention can be assembled without the use of a screwdriver or any
other tools. Additionally, because of the simplicity in design, the
present invention is capable of operating a wide range of
environments, including those of which are particularly harsh and
could otherwise cause the sliding mechanism of the pusher system to
seize.
[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a frame
assembly, one or more guide rails, a pusher paddle, a spring, a
front stop, a first and second divider support, and at least one
divider. The frame assembly has a front end, a back end and two
sides, and provides a support surface to a plurality of articles of
merchandise in a front-to-back column. The two sides of the frame
assembly are each defined a by guide rail having a substantially
"L" shaped cross-section. The pusher paddle is interposed between
the front end and back end of the frame assembly and is mounted to
the frame assembly in a manner in which it can slide back and forth
between the front end and back end of the frame assembly. The
pusher paddle has at least one "C" shaped slot, which is sized to
accommodate a portion of the substantially "L" shaped cross-section
of the guide rail within the slot. The pusher paddle further
includes a spring of sufficient force to move the column of
articles of merchandise forward on the frame assembly, so that when
a customer removes the leading most item of merchandise from the
column of merchandise, the pusher paddle will be forced forward by
the spring so that the next item of merchandise in the column is
positioned proximate the front of the frame assembly. The front
stop coupled to the front end of the frame assembly provides a
front stop to the column of articles of merchandise. The first and
second divider supports are fixedly coupled to the frame assembly
proximate the front end and the back ends of the frame assembly.
The at least one divider is slideably coupled to the first and
second divider supports. The at least one divider provides lateral
support to the column of articles of merchandise along the side of
the frame assembly.
[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention includes at
least one hole defined in the at least one of the guide rails. The
hole sized to receive a locking device which prevents the pushing
paddle from sliding off the back of the frame assembly.
[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention has first and
second divider supports with a plurality of ribs configured to
allow the at least one divider to be selectively coupled and
removed, while providing sufficient resistive frictional force to
hold the at least one divider in position when coupled. In one
embodiment, the ribs are shaped as alternating half cylinders to
form a channel which provides sufficient resistive frictional force
to hold the at least one divider in position when coupled, while
still allowing for adjustment. In another embodiment, the divider
support includes at least one boss that increase the friction
between the divider support and a portion of the at least one
divider at the slidable coupling.
[0013] The above summary of the invention is not intended to
describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the
present invention. The figures and the detailed description that
follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention can be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention, in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a retail merchandise pusher
providing support to one or a column of merchandise in accordance
with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a retail merchandise pusher
in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of a retail merchandise pusher in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of a retail merchandise pusher in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a retail merchandise pusher in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of a retail merchandise pusher in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a retail merchandise pusher in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a detailed isometric view of a frame assembly and
pusher paddle C-channel coupling in accordance with an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a detailed isometric view of the bottom of a frame
assembly, divider and divider support as assembled in accordance
with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a detailed isometric view the divider support in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a detailed isometric view of a frame assembly,
divider and divider support as assembled in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a detailed isometric view of a frame assembly,
divider and divider support as assembled in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a frame assembly, pusher
paddle, and dividers as assembled in accordance with an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a pusher paddle in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIGS. 15-17 are detailed isometric views of the guide rails
with a hole and locking device in accordance with an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a detailed isometric view of the front stop
assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have by shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1 is a retail merchandise pusher 100
according to an embodiment of the invention as depicted. The retail
merchandise pusher 100 provides a support surface to one or more
articles of merchandise 200 in a front-to-back column 202. The
retail merchandise pusher 100 can include a frame assembly 2, one
or more guide rails 4, a pusher paddle 6, a spring 8, a front stop
10, one or more divider support 12, and one or more divider 14, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2-8, in one example embodiment of the
invention, frame assembly 2 is defined by opposing guide rails 4A
and 4B, the guide rails being substantially parallel one another.
Rails 4A and 4B can be constructed of any suitable material, such
as sheet metal. In one embodiment, guide rails 4A and 4B can have a
substantially "L" shaped cross-section.
[0034] In one embodiment, guide rails 4A and 4B are supported by
end ties 16A and 16B. End tie 16A fixedly couples guide rail 4A to
guide rail 4B proximate the front 18 of frame assembly 2, while end
tie 16B fixedly couples guide rail 4A to guide rail 4B proximate
the back 20 of frame assembly 2. One or more slide rods 22A and 22B
can be interposed between guide rails 4A and 4B. In one embodiment,
the invention can have two slide rods 22A and 22B. Slide rods 22A
and 22B can provide an additional support surface to one or more
articles of merchandise 200 and aid in aligning pusher paddle 6
while in use. The end ties 16A and 16B and slide rods 22A and 22B
can be constructed of any suitable material, including a solid
metal rod or hollow tubing. In one embodiment, end ties 16A and
16B, slide rods 22A and 22B and rails 4A and 4B can be welded
together to form frame assembly 2.
[0035] In one embodiment, guide rails 4A and 4B are spaced apart by
a first divider support 12A and second divider support 12B. First
divider support 12A can be positioned proximate a first end of
frame assembly 2 (for example, the front 18 of frame assembly 2),
while second divider support can be proximate the opposite end of
frame assembly 2 (for example, the back 20 of frame assembly 2).
Divider support 12A and 12B can be constructed of any suitable
material, including injection molded plastic. Retail merchandise
pusher 100 includes at least one divider 14. Divider 14 is
configured to provide lateral support to merchandise 200 housed
within retail merchandise pusher 100. Divider 14 can be constructed
of any suitable material, such as a solid metal rod. Divider 14 can
be selectively slideably coupled to the first and second divider
supports 12A and 12B.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, each divider support 12 has a
bottom surface 28. Bottom surface 28 can be configured to
accommodate mounting tape, magnets, Velcro, or felt for the purpose
of providing attachment to a surface in a retail environment. The
interior of each divider support 12 can be characterized by a
plurality of divider support ribs 30. In one embodiment, ribs 30
can be alternating half cylinders. Together the plurality of
divider support ribs 30 and other portions of the divider support
12 form a channel 32. Channel 32 is appropriately sized to receive
a portion of divider 14. Channel 32 allows at least one divider 14
to be selectively coupled to and removed from divider support 12,
while providing sufficient resistive frictional force to hold
divider 14 in position when coupled, yet allow for adjustment. In
one embodiment, the interior of divider channel 32 can also be
characterized by a plurality of bosses 34. Bosses 34 provide
additional friction to hold divider 14 in position, yet allow for
adjustment, when coupled.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 13, each divider 14 can have a top portion
35 two vertical spacing portions 36A and 36B, and two end portions
38A and 38B. In one embodiment, vertical spacing portions 36A and
36B can be orthogonally angled to top portion 35, and end portions
38A and 38B can be orthogonal angled to vertical spacing portions
36A and 36B. End portions 38A and 38B can also be orthogonal angled
relative to top portion 35.
[0038] End portions 38A and 38B can be sized to be selectively
inserted into channel 32. For example, referring again to FIG. 11,
end portion 38A can be inserted into channel 32 on first divider
support 12A. Additionally, end portion 38B can be inserted into
channel 32 on second divider support 12B. In one embodiment, top
portion 34, when coupled to frame assembly 2, runs substantially
parallel to guide rail 4. Top portion 35 can be spaced vertically
above guide rail 4 by vertical spacing portions 36A and 36B. In
this manner, divider 14 can to provide lateral support to the
column of merchandise 202 above frame assembly 2.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 13-14, pusher paddle 6 can be slideably
mounted to frame assembly 2 and interposed between the front 18 of
frame assembly 2, and the back 20 of frame assembly 2. Pusher
paddle 6 can be constructed of any suitable material, such as
injection molded plastic. Pusher paddle 6 can include a spring 8
appropriately sized and configured to apply pressure to the rear of
a column of articles of merchandise, thereby urging the column of
articles of merchandise forward in the retail merchandise pusher.
In one embodiment, a portion of spring 8 can be mounted on the aft
of pusher paddle 6 proximate slide rods 22A and 22B for the purpose
of reducing binding friction and allowing pusher paddle 6 to slide
easier along frame assembly 3. In one embodiment, spring 6 can be
coupled to pusher paddle 6 by one or more of spring retention slots
40. The at least one spring retention slot 40 is positioned toward
the back edge 42 of pusher paddle 6, so as minimize any frictional
binding between pusher paddle 6 and frame assembly 3.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 8, pusher paddle 6 can be configured
with one or more substantially "C" shaped slots 44 for coupling to
the guide rails 4 of frame assembly 2. The "C" shaped slots 44,
have a interior surface 46, which surrounds a portion of the
cross-section of guide rail 4 on three sides, thereby providing
vertical and lateral support for pusher paddle 6. Accordingly, the
"C" shaped slots provide guidance for the pusher paddle 6 as it
moves along the guide rails by preventing the pusher paddle 6 from
binding, seizing, or moving laterally too far to either side during
operation.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 15-17, in one embodiment, pusher paddle 6
can be assembled with frame assembly 3 by sliding pusher paddle 6
onto guide rails 4A and 4B at the back 20 of frame assembly 2.
After assembly, the pusher paddle can be locked onto frame assembly
2. For example, in one embodiment, frame assembly 3 can include one
or more hole 24 formed in either or both guide rails 4A and 4B.
Each hole 24 can be sized to accommodate a locking device 26 to
prevent the pusher paddle 6 from sliding off guide rails 4A and
4B.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 18, front stop 10 is coupled to the front
18 of frame assembly 2 and provides a front stop to the column of
articles of merchandise 202. In one embodiment, front stop 10 is at
least partially transparent to allow an improved visibility of
articles of merchandise 200. Front stop 10 can be coupled to frame
assembly 2 by end tie 16A. At least a portion of end tie 16A can
extend into holes 48 defined in front stop 10. End tie 16A can be
held in position by boss 50 formed on front stop 10. In one
embodiment, this connection can be referred to as a bump-snap
fit.
[0043] The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and
not limiting. Additional embodiments are encompassed within the
scope of the claims. Although the present invention has been
described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled
in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and
detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present
invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section
112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the
specific terms "means for" or "step for" are recited in a
claim.
* * * * *