U.S. patent application number 14/826882 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-16 for gravity feed tray.
This patent application is currently assigned to Southern Imperial, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nathanael David Cox, Brent Ewing, Thomas O. Nagel. Invention is credited to Nathanael David Cox, Brent Ewing, Thomas O. Nagel.
Application Number | 20170042343 14/826882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57994556 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170042343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ewing; Brent ; et
al. |
February 16, 2017 |
GRAVITY FEED TRAY
Abstract
A gravity feed tray is provided for use as a component of a
display device for retail merchandise such as bottled soft drinks
or water in a retail setting. The gravity feed tray includes a
first and second support structure that are forwardly and
downwardly inclined when coupled to a retail display bar. The first
and second support structures having inwardly extending flanges
that project into a merchandise channel formed by the first and
second support structures. The inwardly extending flanges provide a
surface to display retail merchandise. The support surfaces being
disposed downwardly and forwardly along a straight line so that
rows of retail merchandise, such as bottles, may be stocked in the
merchandise channel and supported by the inwardly extending
flanges, whereby removal of the bottle at the front end of the
merchandise channel causes a void that the remaining bottles fill
by sliding via gravitational force.
Inventors: |
Ewing; Brent; (Roscoe,
IL) ; Nagel; Thomas O.; (Rockford, IL) ; Cox;
Nathanael David; (Roscoe, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ewing; Brent
Nagel; Thomas O.
Cox; Nathanael David |
Roscoe
Rockford
Roscoe |
IL
IL
IL |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Southern Imperial, Inc.
Rockford
IL
|
Family ID: |
57994556 |
Appl. No.: |
14/826882 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/28 20130101; A47F
1/12 20130101; A47F 5/0838 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12; A47F 7/28 20060101 A47F007/28 |
Claims
1. A gravity feed tray comprising: a first support and a second
support; the first support and the second support coupled to a
bracket; the first support and the second support having inwardly
extending flanges; the first support having a first mount and the
second support having a second mount; wherein the first and second
mount couple to a retail display bar to support the first and
second support as cantilevered extensions.
2. The gravity feed tray of claim 1, further comprising: a bar lock
on the first support; wherein the bar lock prevents the inadvertent
dislodging of the gravity feed tray from the retail display
bar.
3. The gravity feed tray of claim 1, wherein the first support and
the second support define a merchandise channel and the inwardly
extending flanges project into the merchandise channel.
4. The gravity feed tray of claim 2, wherein the location of the
bar lock on the first support is adjustable to accommodate for
retail display bars of varying dimensions.
5. The gravity feed tray of claim 1, wherein the first mount and
the second mount are hooks.
6. A gravity feed tray comprising: a first support and a second
support; wherein the first support and the second support mount to
a retail display; the first support and the second support defining
a merchandise channel; the first support having a first flange and
the second support having a second flange; wherein the first flange
and the second flange project inwardly into the merchandise
channel; wherein the first flange and the second flange provide a
retail display surface.
7. The gravity feed tray of claim 6, wherein the first support has
a first mount and the second support has a second mount.
8. The gravity feed tray of claim 7, wherein the first and second
mount couple to a retail display bar and support the first and
second support as cantilevered extensions.
9. The gravity feed tray of claim 6, wherein the width of the
merchandise channel is adjustable.
10. The gravity feed tray of claim 6, wherein more than half of the
volume of a piece of retail merchandise being displayed on the
retail display surface is located below the retail display
surface.
11. The gravity feed tray of claim 6 or 7, further comprising a
locking pin; wherein the locking pin prevents the inadvertent
dislodging of the gravity feed tray from the retail display.
12. The gravity feed tray of claim of claim 7, wherein the first
and second mount have an aperture of receiving a retail display
bar; wherein the aperture for receiving the retail display bar has
a height that is adjustable.
13. The gravity feed tray of claim 8, wherein the first and second
mount have an aperture for receiving a retail display bar; wherein
the aperture for receiving the retail display bar has a width that
is adjustable.
14. A gravity feed tray comprising: a first support and a second
support; wherein the first support has a first mount and the second
support has a second mount; the first support and the second
support having inwardly extending flanges projecting into a retail
merchandise channel; wherein the inwardly extending flanges provide
a retail merchandise display surface.
15. The gravity feed tray of claim 14, further comprising a bar
lock.
16. The gravity feed tray of claim 15, wherein the bar lock has a
first position and a second position; wherein the first position
allows the first and second mount to couple with a retail display
bar; wherein the second position prevents the first and second
mount from decoupling with the retail display bar.
17. The gravity feed tray of claim 14, wherein the first and second
support comprise a first and second bar lock aperture; wherein the
first bar lock aperture is located above the second bar lock
aperture on the first and second support.
18. The gravity feed tray of claim 17, wherein a bar lock can be
removed from the first bar lock aperture and inserted into the
second bar lock aperture.
19. The gravity feed tray of claim 14, wherein the contact area
between a piece of retail merchandise and the retail display
surface is less than ten percent of the total surface area of the
outside of the retail merchandise being displayed.
20. The gravity feed tray of claim 14, wherein a piece of retail
merchandise being displayed has a top portion, a middle portion,
and a bottom portion; wherein the top portion and bottom portion
have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the middle
portion; and wherein only the middle portion of the retail
merchandise and the retail merchandise display surface have a
contact area.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to a merchandising system
that includes as a part of the system an improved gravity feed
tray, which can be used for the storage, and gravity feed
dispensing of bottles, cans, and other merchandise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Supermarkets and other retail settings typically utilize
displays to store and dispense merchandise. Most of the display
racks used in supermarkets and other retail stores are self-service
displays. A common example of a self-service displays are found in
supermarkets, convenience stores, and many other stores selling
bottles or cans of soft drinks. Typically, the customer will select
a bottle or can from the self-service display rack and then proceed
to the checkout line without the help of store employees.
[0003] Self-service display racks frequently implement a gravity
feed configuration for the convenience of both the customer and
store personnel. In typical gravity feed display racks, a shelf is
tilted such that the rear edge of the shelf is above the front edge
of the shelf thereby advancing items supported on the shelf toward
the front edge due to gravity. In such a gravity feed
configuration, the merchandise is readily accessible in a
self-service manner to a customer in that it is positioned along
the front edge of the shelf. This avoids the problem that it may be
difficult for customers to reach bottles or merchandise on the rear
or back of the shelf, particularly if the shelves are of
significant depth or if several shelves are closely spaced
together.
[0004] Furthermore, typical gravity feed display racks are designed
to automatically advance merchandise toward a front edge of the
shelf after a customer has selected a product. This prevents the
problem of having merchandise at the rear of the displays from
being hidden from customers.
[0005] Additionally, gravity feed display racks have proven to be
advantageous when restocking merchandise. Gravity feed display
racks allow store employees to readily ascertain whether the
gravity feed tray needs to be restocked because if it was stocked
the retail merchandise would be readily visible at the front edge
of the gravity feed tray. Furthermore, if the merchandise on the
gravity feed display rack needs to be restocked, the store
employees can replenish the merchandise from the front edge or the
rear edge because as the merchandise is added to the gravity feed
display rack it will automatically advance toward the front edge of
the shelf, which provides the additional advantage the employee
restocking the merchandise will not need to keep rearranging the
shelves as merchandise is added.
[0006] One example of a conventional gravity feed tray includes a
downwardly tilted planar support surface over which a feeder belt
is arranged to slide. Such a gravity feed display shelf is
disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,177, which is herein
incorporated by reference, issued Dec. 5, 1978. Another example of
a conventional gravity feed tray is represented by U.S. Pat. No.
2,218,444, which is herein incorporated by reference, issued Oct.
15, 1940 which discloses a metal channel intended primarily for use
in conjunction with milk bottles in refrigerators. This patent
discloses alternative procedures for achieving the desired degree
of tilt of the chute.
[0007] Although, the conventional gravity feed trays described
above have many advantages they are not without their faults. There
are certain retail environments, such as commercial refrigerated
cabinets or freezers, which have not been able to realistically
incorporate conventional gravity feed trays. One reason for this is
that conventional gravity feed trays fail to optimize the finite
amount of space available in commercial refrigerators or freezer.
As such, many retailers choose not to install conventional gravity
feed trays in their freezers and refrigerators because they are
unwilling to sacrifice valuable retail display space.
[0008] Additionally, conventional gravity feed trays typically
mount to shelving that is common in commercial refrigerated
cabinets or freezers. The mounts of the conventional gravity feed
systems typical couple with the retail shelving and the weight of
the retail merchandise exerts a downward force on the mounts, which
provides some prevention from having the mounts slide along the
retail shelving. This design makes conventional gravity feed trays
susceptible to dislodging. This is especially true when the
conventional gravity feed trays are not fully stocked with retail
merchandise and therefore there is little downward force being
applied by the weight of the retail merchandise to keep the mounts
of the gravity feed tray from dislodging from the retail shelving.
A problem can occur if a mount dislodges before loading because it
can cause the immediate collapse of the gravity feed tray.
Likewise, if a conventional gravity feed system uses multiple
mounts if one of them becomes dislodged or partially dislodged the
weight of the retail merchandise will be applied to the
non-dislodged mount which will cause excess strain on the
non-dislodged mount. Over time, the strain on the non-dislodged
mount can cause the non-dislodged mount to deform, in which case
the retailor has to incur the cost of replacing the non-dislodged
mount or the entire conventional gravity feed tray. In addition,
the deformation of the mounts raises safety concerns for retailors
due to the fact customers and employees routinely place their hands
and arms below loaded gravity feed trays to restock or select
retail merchandise. As a result, many retailers have not
incorporated conventional gravity feed trays into their stores due
to the financial and safety concerns raised above.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a gravity feed
tray that can be readily incorporated into a refrigerated cabinet
or a freezer and maximize the limited amount of space available; is
prevented from inadvertently dislodging from mount shelving; and
remains in a cantilevered position even while holding heavy loads
of retail merchandise for extended periods of time.
[0010] The invention provides such a gravity feed tray. These and
other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive
features, will be apparent from the description of the invention
provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one aspect, the invention provides a gravity feed tray.
An embodiment of the gravity feed tray according to this aspect
includes a first support and a second support structure in an
opposed spaced relationship. The first support and the second
support are coupled to a u-bracket. The first and second support
structures having inwardly extending flanges and the first support
structure having a first mount and the second support structure
having a second mount. The first and second mounts being capable of
coupling to a retail display bar to support the first and second
support structures as cantilevered extensions. The gravity feed
tray may include a bar lock located on the second support structure
that prevents the inadvertent dislodging of the gravity feed tray
from the retail display bar. The first support structure and the
second support structure may act to define a merchandise channel
where the inwardly extending flanges project into the merchandise
channel. The bar lock on the first support structure may also be
adjusted to accommodate for retail display bars of varying
dimensions. The first mount and the second mount on the first and
second support structures may take the form of hooks.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention provides gravity feed tray.
The gravity feed tray having a first support structure and a second
support structure that can mount to a retail display. The first
support and the second support act to define a merchandise channel
and the first support having a first flange and the second support
having a second flange that project inwardly into the merchandise
channel and provide a retail display surface. The first support
structure may have a first mount and the second support structure
may have a second mount that couple to a retail display bar and
support the first and second support structure as cantilevered
extensions. In addition, the width of the merchandise channel may
be adjustable. Furthermore, the gravity feed tray may have half of
the volume of the retail merchandise displayed on the retail
display surface be located below the retail display surface. The
gravity feed tray may also include a bar lock that acts to prevent
the inadvertent dislodging of the gravity feed tray from the retail
display bar. In addition, the first and second mounts may include
an adjustable aperture for receiving retail display bars of varying
dimensions. The gravity feed tray may also have first and second
mounts that have an aperture that is adjustable to accommodate for
retail display bars having different height or width
dimensions.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a gravity feed
tray having a first support and a second support structure where
the first support structure has a first mount and the second
support structure has a second mount. The first support structure
and the second support structure having inwardly extending flanges
that project into a merchandise channel and provide a retail
merchandise display surface. The gravity feed tray may have a bar
lock having a first position and a second position where the first
position allows the first and second mount to couple with a retail
display bar and the second position prevents the first and second
mount from decoupling with a retail display bar. The first and
second support structures can have a first and second bar lock
aperture where the first bar lock aperture is located above the
second bar lock aperture on the first and second support
structures. The bar lock being removable from the first bar lock
aperture and capable of being inserted into the second bar lock
aperture on the first and second support structures. The gravity
feed tray having a contact surface area between the retail
merchandise and the retail display surface is less than ten percent
of the total surface area of the outside of the retail merchandise
being displayed. The gravity feed tray capable of displaying retail
merchandise having top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom
portion where the top portion and bottom portion have a diameter
that is greater than the diameter of the middle portion and only
the middle portion of the retail merchandise has a contact surface
area with the retail display surface.
[0014] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of the gravity feed tray
displaying merchandise in a retail setting according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1 B is a side view of the gravity feed tray displaying
merchandise in a retailing setting illustrated in FIG. 1 A;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional perspective view of a gravity
feed tray according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional perspective view of the gravity
feed tray shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a gravity feed tray
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the gravity feed tray
of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top view of the gravity feed tray of FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the gravity feed tray of FIG.
4;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side-view of the gravity feed tray of FIG.
4;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side-view of the opposing side of the gravity
feed tray illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a gravity feed tray according
to one embodiment of the present application;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a front view of the gravity feed tray of FIG.
4;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the gravity feed tray of FIG. 4;
and
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a gravity feed tray
according to one aspect of this invention in a retail environment
illustrating a first piece of retail merchandise being selected
from the gravity feed tray.
[0030] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] FIG. 1A illustrate a gravity feed tray 10 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The first support structure
100 has a first support mount 114 and the second support structure
200 has a second support mount 214, as best illustrated in FIGS.
2-3. In use, a retail display bar 900 can be inserted into an
aperture 116 of the first support mount 114 and an aperture 216 of
second support mount 214. The first and second support structures
100 and 200 then support the gravity feed tray 10 as it hangs as a
cantilevered extension from the retail display bar 900. The
movement of the retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 is from the
rear edge 250 of the gravity feed tray 10 to the front edge 150 of
the gravity feed tray is generally indicated at 20.
[0032] As the gravity feed tray 10 hangs as a cantilevered
extension from the retail display bar 900 it can be loaded with
retail merchandise, 930, 940, and 950. In FIG. 1 A, the retail
merchandise is represented by a first, second, and third soda
bottle, 930, 940, and 950 respectively. Typically, soda bottles and
other retail merchandise have a bottom portion 980 having a large
diameter, a middle or neck portion 975 having a smaller diameter,
and a top portion 970 having a diameter that is typically less than
the bottom portion 980, but larger than the middle or neck portion
975 diameter. This allows the gravity feed tray 10 to display soda
bottles, water bottles, etc. while not taking up a great deal of
space because the gravity feed tray 10 does not need to have a
large contact area 955 (See FIG. 1B) with the retail merchandise
930, 940, and 950. In this manner the gravity feed tray 10 can
display the retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 while taking up a
minimal amount of retail space until a self-service customer
selects one of the pieces of retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950
for purchase.
[0033] FIG. 1 B is a side view of the gravity feed tray 10
displaying retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 in a retail
environment. As illustrated, the gravity feed tray 10 is forwardly
and downwardly inclined when couple with retail display bar 900.
The amount that the first and second support structures 100 and 200
(See FIG. 4) are forwardly and downwardly inclined is generally
represented as .theta..
[0034] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
the angle .theta. required by the first and second support
structure 100 and 200 will depend on a number of factors, such as
but not limited to, the weight of the retail merchandise 930, 940,
and 950, the contact area 955 between the retail merchandise 930,
940, and 950, and the coarseness of the inwardly extending flanges
104 and 204 as well as the coarseness of the surface of the retail
merchandise being displayed by the gravity feed tray 10, etc. In
one embodiment, the angle .theta. could be in the range between
5.degree. and 45.degree.. However, as will be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art the angle .theta. that the first and
second support structures 100 and 200 extend from the retail
display bar 900 are not limited to the range between the range of
5.degree. and 45.degree. and may be any angle .theta. selected by
the user.
[0035] Turning to FIG. 3, which generally illustrates the first
support structure 100 of the gravity feed tray 10. As illustrated,
the first support structure 100 has an inwardly extending flange
104. The inwardly extending flange 104 runs the length of the first
support structure 100 and has a rear upturned end 106 and a front
upturned end 108.
[0036] Turning back to FIG. 2, which generally illustrates the
second support structure 200 of the gravity feed tray 10. As
illustrated, the second support structure 200 also has an inwardly
extending flange indicated by 204. The inwardly extending flange
204 runs the length of the second support structure 200 and has a
rear upturned end 206 and front upturned end 208.
[0037] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
the coarseness of the material selected for the first and second
support structures 100 and 200 and in particular the inwardly
extending flanges 104 and 204 is important because the gravity feed
tray 10 relies on the force of gravity to shift the retail
merchandise 930, 940, and 950 to the front edge 150 of the
merchandise channel 30 when the first piece of retail merchandise
930 is selected by a customer. Therefore, if the material selected
for the first and second support structures 100 and 200 and in
particular the inwardly extending flanges 104 and 204 is too course
the force of gravity may be unable to overcome the force of
friction created between the inwardly extending flanges 104 and 204
and the contact surface area of the retail merchandise 970.
Therefore, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art, one embodiment of the gravity feed tray 10 according to the
application may incorporate a brushed metal for the first and
second support structures 100 and 200 and the inwardly extending
flanges 104 and 204, such as, but not limited to brushed stainless
steel, brushed aluminum, or brushed nickel. As will be understood
by those of ordinary skill in the art brushed metals provide many
advantages such as providing a surface that is relatively course,
is mechanically strong, and is easy to clean and maintain.
[0038] FIG. 2 also illustrates the bar lock 600. In the illustrated
embodiment the bar lock 600 is coupled to the second support
structure 200. However, as will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in art other embodiments may have the bar lock 600 on the
first support structure 100 or any other suitable component of the
gravity feed tray 10. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 10,
the first support structure 100 has a bottom bar lock aperture 801
and top bar lock aperture 802 and the second support structure 200
also has a bottom bar lock aperture 803 and a top bar lock aperture
804. As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the
art the bar lock 600 can be decoupled from any one of the bar lock
apertures 801, 802, 803, or 804 and be then be coupled to any one
of the other bar lock apertures 801, 802, 803, or 804 of the users
choosing. As will readily be recognized by one of skill in the art
the ability to couple and decouple the bar lock 600 from bar lock
apertures 801, 802, 803, and 804 that have different locations or
positions on the gravity feed tray 10 allows the bar lock 600 to
lock retail display bars 900 with varying dimensions. Furthermore,
as will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
the bar lock apertures 801, 802, 803, and 804 are not limited to
their position or placement in the illustrated embodiment and those
of skill in the art will readily recognize that bar lock apertures
may be positioned on any suitable place of the gravity feed tray 10
that allows for the bar lock 600 to prevent the gravity feed tray
10 from inadvertently dislodging from the retail display bar
900.
[0039] As illustrated, a user will position the retail display bar
900 within the mount 214 of the second support structure 200 and
the bracket 300. Once the retail display bar 900 is positioned
within the mount 214 and the bracket 300 the user can rotate the
bar lock 600 until the triangular projection 602 of the bar lock is
aligned flush with the bottom of the retail display bar 900. After
the bar lock 600 is rotated to have the triangular projection 602
aligned flush with the bottom edge 902 of the retail display bar
900 the user can tighten the fastener 700, which will prevent
further rotation of the bar lock 600. Once the fastener 700 is
tightened with the triangular projection 602 of the bar lock 600
flush with the bottom of the retail display bar 902 the mount 214
and the bracket 300 will not be able to be dislodged from the
retail display bar 900. As will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art the user can remove the gravity feed tray 10 from
the retail display bar 900 by untightening fastener 700 and
rotating the bar lock 600 until it is no longer flush with the
bottom edge 902 of the retail display bar 900, which will provide
clearance for the user to lift the mount 214 and bracket 300 from
the retail display bar 900.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, which respectively illustrate
a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of one
embodiment of the gravity feed tray 10 according to the invention.
As illustrated, the first and second support structures 100 and 200
are coupled to bracket 300. As those of ordinary skill in the art
will readily recognize bracket 300 performs the function of acting
as an additional support to the first and second support structures
100 and 200 as well as acting as a spacer between the first and
second support structure 100 and 200 to define the merchandise
channel 30.
[0041] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 also illustrate the flip scan and plate
label holder 400, where merchants can place information about the
retail merchandise being displayed by the gravity feed tray 10 such
as, but not limited to, the product name, price, bar code, QR code,
etc., as best illustrated in FIG. 13. The illustrated embodiment
also shows label support 500, which acts to secure the label holder
400 to the gravity feed tray 10 and supports the label holder 400
so that it faces towards potential customers, which allows the
customers to easily view the information contained on the label
holder 400. Furthermore, as best illustrated in FIG. 12, the flip
scan and plate label holder 400 is movable in a vertical direction,
such that when a customer selects a piece of retail merchandise
930, 940, and 950 from the merchandise channel 30 the flip scan and
plate label holder can swing up vertically so that it does not
interfere with the removal of the first piece of retail merchandise
930 and then swing back down to its original position to front face
the next customer and provide that customer with the information
the retailor has displayed on the flip scan and plate label holder
400.
[0042] FIG. 2 also illustrates the bar lock 600. In the illustrated
embodiment the bar lock 600 is coupled to the second support
structure 200. However, as will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in art other embodiments may have the bar lock 600 on the
first support structure 100 or any other suitable component of the
gravity feed tray 10. For example, as best illustrated in FIG. 10,
the first support structure 100 has a bottom bar lock aperture 801
and top bar lock aperture 802 and the second support structure 200
also has a bottom bar lock aperture 803 and a top bar lock aperture
804. As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the
art the bar lock 600 can be decoupled from any one of the bar lock
apertures 801, 802, 803, or 804 and be then be coupled to any one
of the other bar lock apertures 801, 802, 803, or 804 of the users
choosing. As will readily be recognized by one of skill in the art
the ability to couple and decouple the bar lock 600 from bar lock
apertures 801, 802, 803, and 804 that have different locations or
positions on the gravity feed tray 10 allows the bar lock 600 to
lock retail display bars 900 with varying dimensions. Furthermore,
as will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
the bar lock apertures 801, 802, 803, and 804 are not limited to
their position or placement in the illustrated embodiment and those
of skill in the art will readily recognize that bar lock apertures
may be positioned on any suitable place of the gravity feed tray 10
that allows for the bar lock 600 to prevent the gravity feed tray
10 from inadvertently dislodging from the retail display bar
900.
[0043] As illustrated, a user will position the retail display bar
900 within the mount 214 of the second support structure 200 and
the bracket 300. Once the retail display bar 900 is positioned
within the mount 214 and the bracket 300 the user can rotate the
bar lock 600 until the triangular projection 602 of the bar lock is
aligned flush with the bottom of the retail display bar 900. After
the bar lock 600 is rotated to have the triangular projection 602
aligned flush with the bottom edge 902 of the retail display bar
900 the user can tighten the fastener 700, which will prevent
further rotation of the bar lock 600. Once the fastener 700 is
tightened with the triangular projection 602 of the bar lock 600
flush with the bottom of the retail display bar 902 the mount 214
and the bracket 300 will not be able to be dislodged from the
retail display bar 900. As will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art the user can remove the gravity feed tray 10 from
the retail display bar 900 by untightening fastener 700 and
rotating the bar lock 600 until it is no longer flush with the
bottom edge 902 of the retail display bar 900, which will provide
clearance for the user to lift the mount 214 and bracket 300 from
the retail display bar 900.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, which respectively illustrate
a top-down and bottom-up view of the gravity feed tray 10 according
to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the merchandise
channel 30 has a width 921 defined by the first and second support
structures 100 and 200. In one embodiment the merchandise channel
30 may have a width 921 between 3.40 and 5.75 cm. However, as will
be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the
merchandise channel 30 is not limited to this range and may be
smaller than 3.40 cm or larger than 5.75 cm depending on the type
of retail merchandise 930, 940, 950, being displayed within the
gravity feed tray 10.
[0045] Next, the inwardly extending flanged 104 and 204 form a
support and display surface for the retail merchandise 930, 940,
and 950. In the illustrated embodiment the inwardly extending
flanges 104 and 204 have a width 923 between 0.85 cm and 1.70 cm.
However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill
in the art the widths 923 of the inwardly extending flanges 104 and
204 are not limited to the range between 0.85 cm and 1.70 cm and
can readily be made smaller than 0.85 cm or larger than 1.70 cm
depending on the type of retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 being
displayed within the gravity feed tray 10. Further, although the
widths 923 of the inwardly extending flanges 104 and 204 are
represented as being the same size in the illustrated embodiment
the inwardly extending flanges 104 and 204 are not limited to being
the same size and flange 104 could be larger than flange 204 and
vice versa.
[0046] Next, the distance between the inwardly extending flanges
104 and 204 defines a merchandise track gauge 922. As illustrated,
the merchandise track gauge 922 is between 1.70 cm and 3.38 cm.
However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill
in the art the merchandise track gauge 922 is not limited to this
range and may be smaller than 1.70 cm or larger than 3.38 cm
depending on the type of retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 being
displayed within the gravity feed tray 10.
[0047] As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the first support structure
100 and the second support structure 200 are coupled to a bracket
300. In the illustrated embodiment the first and second support 100
and 200 are coupled to the bracket 300 via mig weld. As will be
appreciated by those having skill in the art a mig welding will
provide a mechanically strong and relatively inexpensive coupling
between the first and second support structures 100 and 200 and the
bracket 300. However, as will also be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art the first and second support 100 and 200
may be coupled to the bracket 300 by any means generally known in
the art. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art that the
bracket 300 both provides structural support to the first and
second support 100 and 200 and also acts as a spacer between the
first and second support 100 and 200 and helps define the width 921
of the merchandise channel 30.
[0048] Furthermore, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and 6, the
gravity feed tray may also have a first half u-brace 110 located on
the first support structure 100 and a second half u-brace 210
located on the second support structure. In the illustrated
embodiment the first half u-brace 110 is incorporated into the
first support structure 100 and the second half u-brace 210 is
incorporated into the second support structure 200. In some
embodiments the first u-brace 110 and the second u-brace 210 can
then be coupled together via mechanical means such as, but not
limited to, mig welding. Although, the illustrated embodiment show
the first half u-brace 110 being a part of the first support
structure 100 and the second half u-brace 210 being part of the
second support structure 200 those of ordinary skill in the art
will understand that a u-brace does not have to be formed from two
parts and can easily be formed from a single piece or a multitude
of pieces that couple to the first support structure 100 and the
second support structure 200 and provide structural support and act
as a spacer between the first and second support structures 100 and
200.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, which respectively represent a
first side view of one embodiment of the gravity feed tray 10 and a
second side view of the gravity feed tray 10 opposite the first
side view. As illustrated, the length 920 of the gravity feed tray
10 is generally defined by the length of the first and second
support structure 100 and 200. In one embodiment the length 920 of
the first and second support structure 100 and 200 can be in the
range of 35.74 cm and 70.84 cm. However, as will be readily
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the length 920 of
the first and second support structure 100 and 200 is not limited
to this range and may be smaller than 35.74 cm or larger than 70.84
cm depending on the type and amount of retail merchandise 930, 940,
and 950 the user wants to display using the gravity feed tray
10.
[0050] FIGS. 8 and 9 also illustrate the first and second forward
spacers 112 and 212. As best illustrated in FIG. 1B. The first and
second forward spacers 112 and 212 can act to support the label
support 500. In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 13 the first
and second forward spacers 112 and 212 provide front aperture 807
that allows a customer to remove a piece of retail merchandise 930,
940, or 950 from the gravity feed tray 10.
[0051] Next, the retail display mounts 114 and 214 of the first and
second support structures are illustrated. The mounts 114 and 214
have respective apertures 116 and 216 to insert the retail display
bar 900. In the illustrated embodiment the apertures 116 and 216
have an opening between 2.21 cm and 4.40 cm. However, as will be
readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the
apertures 116 and 216 are not limited to the range between 2.21 cm
and 4.40 cm and can readily be made smaller than 2.21 cm or larger
than 4.40 cm depending on the retail display bar 900 used to mount
the gravity feed tray 10. Further, although the apertures 116 and
216 are illustrated as having the same dimensions apertures 116 and
216 are not limited to having the same dimensions and aperture 116
could be larger or smaller than aperture 216 and vice versa.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 11, the front edge 150 of the gravity feed
tray 10 is illustrated. As best illustrated in FIG. 11, the first
support structure 100 has a front upturned end 108 and the second
support structure 200 has a second front upturned end 208. In one
embodiment the front upturned ends 108 and 208 can extend angularly
upward from the inwardly extending flanges 104 and 204 at a height
928 between range of 2.55 cm and 5.07 cm. However, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art the height 928 of
the front upturned ends 106 and 206 is not limited to the above
range and can be below 2.55 cm or above 5.07 cm as required by the
user. The front upturned ends 106 and 206 act to prevent the second
and third piece of retail merchandise 940 and 950 in the retail
channel 30 from inadvertently dislodging from the merchandise
channel 30 when the first piece of retail merchandise 930 is
removed 930 from the retail merchandise display 30 and the second
and third pieces of retail merchandise are shifted toward the front
edge 998 of the retail merchandise channel 30 by gravitational
force (See FIG. 13).
[0053] Turning to FIG. 12, the rear edge 250 of the gravity feed
tray 10 is illustrated. FIG. 12 best illustrates that the first
support structure 100 also has a first rear upturned end 106 and
the second support structure 200 has a second rear upturned end
206. In one embodiment the rear upturned ends 106 and 206 can
extend angularly upward from the inwardly extending flanges 104 and
204 at a height 927 between the range of 0.85 cm and 1.69 cm.
However, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
the height 927 of the rear upturned ends 106 and 206 is not limited
to the above range and can be below 0.85 cm or above 1.69 cm as
required by the user. As will also be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art the rear upturned ends 106 and 206 will
typically have a smaller angular height than the front upturned
ends 108 and 208 because the front upturned ends 108 and 208 act to
prevent the dislodging of the retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950
under the force of gravity. However, as will also be appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art the rear upturned ends 106 and 206
can act to prevent retail merchandise 930, 940 and 950 from
dislodging from the rear edge 250 of the merchandise channel 30
when the retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 is being stocked from
the front edge 150 of the merchandise channel 30.
[0054] Turning to FIG. 12, which illustrates a gravity feed tray 10
according to one aspect of this invention in a typical retail
environment. As illustrated, the gravity feed tray 10 is displaying
retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950 that are represented as
typical soda bottles. In use, the user will position the first and
second mount openings 116 and 216 to receive the retail display bar
900. With the first and second mounts 114 and 214 now in contact
with the retail display bar 900 the first and second support
structures 100 and 200 support the gravity feed tray 10 as a
cantilevered extension. Once in position and secured to the gravity
feed tray 10 the gravity feed tray 10 can be loaded with retail
merchandise 930, 940, and 950. In FIG. 13 the retail merchandise
930, 940, and 950 is represented by soda bottles.
[0055] After the gravity feed tray 10 is secured to the retail
display bar 900 can then load retail merchandise 930, 940, and 950
into the merchandise channel 30. Within the merchandise channel 30
the first and second support flanges 104 and 204 prevent the retail
merchandise 930, 940, and 950 from falling from the merchandise
channel 30. The user may place the first piece of retail
merchandise 930 into the merchandise channel 30 from the forward
edge 150 or the rear edge 250 of the merchandise channel 30. As the
user releases the first piece of retail merchandise 930 into the
merchandise channel 30 the downward angle of the first and second
support flanges 104 and 204 cause the retail merchandise 930, 940,
and 950 to slide forward until the retail merchandise reaches the
front edge 150 of the merchandise channel 30.
[0056] After the gravity feed tray 10 has been loaded with retail
merchandise 930, 940, and 950 a customer can select the first piece
of retail merchandise 930 that is located at the front edge of the
merchandise channel 30. When the customer selects the first piece
of retail merchandise 930 from the merchandise channel 30 it will
be removed from the merchandise channel 30 at a slightly upward
direction 999. Once the first piece of retail merchandise 930 is
selected from the merchandise channel 30 the second and third piece
of retail merchandise 940 and 950 will shift forward by the force
of gravity 998 until the second piece of retail merchandise 940
abuts the front edge 150 of the retail merchandise channel 30 and
fills the space left vacant by the first piece of retail
merchandise 930 that has been selected by the customer. Therefore,
as long as the gravity feed tray 10 remains stocked with retail
merchandise 930, 940, and 950 apiece of retail merchandise 930,
940, and 950 will always be at the front edge 150 of the
merchandise channel 30 where it can easily be identified and
selected by customers.
[0057] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0058] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0059] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *