U.S. patent application number 15/350898 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-22 for quick-load merchandising pusher systems and methods for dividing, pushing and/or dispensing one or more retail products.
The applicant listed for this patent is Marketing Impact Limited. Invention is credited to Martin Gil, Joel POLLOCK, Michael Vogler, David G. WADDELL.
Application Number | 20170172314 15/350898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51686079 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170172314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vogler; Michael ; et
al. |
June 22, 2017 |
QUICK-LOAD MERCHANDISING PUSHER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIVIDING,
PUSHING AND/OR DISPENSING ONE OR MORE RETAIL PRODUCTS
Abstract
Quick-load retail merchandising product pusher systems and
methods dispense retail products, wherein the systems and methods
have a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end located
opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top
side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top
side of the fixed portion. Further, the systems and methods have a
movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed
portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end
located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable
track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect
to the top side of the movable track. Still further, the systems
and methods have a pusher paddle configured to move one or more
retail product forward away from the rear side of the movable track
and front retainer teeth connecting the fixed portion and the
movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the
top side and at the front end of the fixed portion and extend
outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. The
movable track is movable to a closed position or to an extended
position, wherein, when the movable track is moved to the extended
position, forward movement of the pusher paddle is restricted by
the front retainer teeth.
Inventors: |
Vogler; Michael; (Concord,
CA) ; POLLOCK; Joel; (Concord, CA) ; WADDELL;
David G.; (Sudbury, CA) ; Gil; Martin;
(Bradford, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marketing Impact Limited |
Concord |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
51686079 |
Appl. No.: |
15/350898 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14249536 |
Apr 10, 2014 |
9521913 |
|
|
15350898 |
|
|
|
|
61811332 |
Apr 12, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/005 20130101;
A47F 5/0846 20130101; A47F 1/125 20130101; A47F 5/103 20130101;
A47F 5/0093 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A47F 1/12 20130101;
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12; A47F 5/08 20060101 A47F005/08; A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A quick-load merchandising product pusher system for dispensing
retail products, the pusher system comprising: a fixed portion
having a front-end a rear end located opposite with respect to the
front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side
located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion,
wherein ramps are provided on the top side of the fixed portion,
extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed portion,
and are located adjacent to the front end of the fixed portion; a
movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed
portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end
located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable
track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect
to the top side of the movable track, wherein one or more track
stoppers are provided on the bottom side of the movable track,
extend outward with respect to the bottom side of the movable track
and are located adjacent to the rear end of the pusher system; a
pusher paddle connected to the top side of the movable track,
wherein the pusher paddle, the front end of the movable track and
the top side of the movable track define a first area that is sized
or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the
pusher paddle is configured to move one or more retail product
forward away from the rear side of the movable track; and front
retainer teeth connecting the fixed portion and the movable track,
wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the top side and
at the front end of the fixed portion and extend outwardly with
respect to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable
track is movable to a closed position or to an extended position,
wherein, when the movable track is located in the closed position,
the rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable
track are located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed portion
and, when the movable track is located in the extended portion, the
rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable track
are located adjacent to the ramps of the fixed portion and the
front retainer teeth abuts a portion of the pusher paddle and
restricts forward movement of the pusher paddle as the movable
track is moved to the extended position.
2. The pusher system according to claim 1, wherein, when the
movable track is located in the extended position, the one or more
track stoppers of the movable track abut the ramps of the fixed
portion and forward movement of the movable track is restricted via
the one or more track stoppers of the movable track and the ramps
of the fixed portion.
3. The pusher system according to claim 1, wherein, when the
movable track is located in the extended position, the pusher
paddle, the front side of the movable track and the top side of the
movable track define a second area that is sized or configured to
receive one or more retail products, wherein the second area is
larger than the first area.
4. The pusher system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
first mount provided at the rear end of the fixed portion and
configured to mount the fixed portion to retail merchandising aisle
uprights.
5. The pusher system according to claim 4, wherein the first mount
comprises one or more hooks, one or more pegs, a horizontal flange
or a vertical flange.
6. The pusher system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
front plate connected to the front end of the movable track,
wherein, when one or more retail products are positioned within the
pusher system, the one or more retail products are located between
the front plate and the pusher paddle.
7. The pusher system according to claim 1, further comprising:
loading lock tabs connected to the ramps of the fixed portion,
wherein the loading lock tabs extend outwardly away from the top
side of the fixed portion; and loading lock ramps provided on the
bottom side of the movable track and located between the one or
more track stoppers and the front side of the movable track,
wherein the loading locks tabs abut the loading lock ramps when the
movable track is positioned in the extended position.
8. The pusher system according to claim 1, further comprising:
dividers connected to both right and left sides of the movable
track, wherein the dividers extend outwardly away from the right
and left sides of the movable track and away from the top side of
the movable track.
9. The pusher system according to claim 8, wherein the dividers are
wire dividers or molded dividers.
10. The pusher system according to claim 9, wherein one or more
holes are formed through the molded dividers along a length of the
molded dividers.
11. The pusher system according to claim 1, further comprising; a
modular baffle connected to a bottom side of the fixed portion,
wherein the modular extends outwardly away from right and left
sides of the fixed portion.
12. The pusher system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
retail product position in the first area defined between the
pusher paddle and the front and top sides of the movable track.
13. A method for producing a quick-load retail merchandising
product pusher system for dispensing retail products, the method
comprising: movable connecting a movable track to a fixed portion
via front retaining teeth of the fixed portion, wherein the fixed
portion has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect
to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side
located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion,
wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located
opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top
side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top
side of the movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are
provided on the top side and at the front end of the fixed portion
and extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed
portion; and connecting a pusher paddle to the top side of the
movable track, wherein the pusher paddle, the front end of the
movable track and the top side of the movable track define a first
area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail
products, wherein the pusher paddle is configured to move one or
more retail product forward away from the rear side of the movable
track, wherein the movable track is movable to a closed position or
to an extended position, wherein, when the movable track is located
in the closed position, the rear end of the movable track is
located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed portion and, when the
movable track is located in the extended portion, the rear end of
the movable track is located adjacent to the front side of the
fixed portion and forward movement of the pusher paddle is
restricted by the front retainer teeth of the fixed portion as the
movable track moves to the extended position.
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: forming
ramps on the top side of the fixed portion that extend outwardly
with respect to the top side of the fixed portion and are located
adjacent to the front end of the fixed portion; and forming one or
more track stoppers on the bottom side of the movable track that
extend outward with respect to the bottom side of the movable track
and are located, adjacent to the rear end of the pusher system,
wherein, when the movable track is located in the extended
position, the one or more track stoppers of the movable track abut
the ramps of the fixed portion and forward movement of the movable
track is restricted via the one or more track stoppers of the
movable track and the ramps of the fixed portion.
15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:
connecting at least one divider to a right or left side of the
fixed portion, wherein the at least one divider extends outwardly
away from the fixed portion and away from the top side of the fixed
portion.
16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: moving
the movable track to the closed position or the opened
position.
17. A retail merchandising gondola section for dispensing retail
products, the gondola section comprising: retail merchandising
aisle uprights; and the pusher system according to claim 4 mounted
to the aisle uprights via the first mount of the pusher system.
18. The gondola section according to claim 17, further comprising:
a second mount connected to the retail merchandising aisle uprights
for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the retail
merchandising aisle uprights, wherein the second mount comprises a
retail merchandizing shelf, a retail merchandizing crossbar or a
retail merchandising peg board.
19. The gondola section according to claim 18, further comprising:
a fastener for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to
the second mount of the gondola section, wherein the fastener is a
horizontal lip shelf extrusion or a vertical lip shelf
extrusion.
20. The gondola section according to claim 19, further comprising:
at least one retail product position within pusher system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/811,332, filed Apr. 12, 2013, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to hanging merchandising
product divider and pusher systems, quick-load merchandising pusher
systems, and methods for dividing, pushing and dispensing one or
more retail products. The present merchandising systems and methods
may be utilized in a retail environment to secure, store, display
and/or dispense the one or more retail products.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Pegboard hooks are a common display and/or organizational
merchandising tool utilized in retail environments. The pegboard
hooks are utilized to organize one or more retail products that are
light weight, oddly shaped and/or small in size. These retail
products are otherwise difficult to neatly merchandise on
traditional shelves. The hooks suspend the retail products from
cut-outs in the packaging of the retail products, and limit their
(i.e., the hooks) uses to specially designed packages. There are
many other disadvantages and limitations to merchandising with the
pegboard hooks. For example, one disadvantage with respect to
pegboard hooks is their adjustability. Typically, pegboard hole
spacing is about one inch between centres and a typical hook
requires two holes for mounting. As a result, the minimum distance
between hook centres is about two inches. However, some slim retail
products, such as, for example, tooth brushes have an average width
of, for example, about one inch. Therefore, in some cases, there is
a gap or distance of unusable space between adjacent retail
products which, thus, limits the number of product facings which
may be provide when utilizing pegboard hooks.
[0004] Peg hooks often make it difficult for a customer of the
retail products to select a specific retail product hanging near
the back of the hook, without disturbing, dislodging or removing
other retail products which are positioned in-front of the specific
retail product desired by the customer. This often results in one
or more of the other retails products being removed from and/or
unattached from the peg hooks by movements of the customer. As a
result, one or more of the other retail products may fall from the
peg hooks and/or be damaged by such fall. Often, a mounting point
on the packaging of the fallen retail product(s) becomes damaged
from such fall or in the process of, which makes it very difficult
or completely impossible to re-merchandise the fallen and damaged
retail product(s) on the peg hook(s).
[0005] Without continuous aisle facing and upkeep by the
merchandiser or employees of the merchandiser, aisle sections
merchandised with the peg hooks quickly become very disorganized
and/or visually unappealing to the customer.
[0006] In the retail industry, it has long been known that
appearance is key and very important in selling retail products. If
a retail product is displayed in a clean and organize manner, it is
easier for the customer to find and select the items the customer
wishes to purchase. A retail store often spends a large amount of
time and effort organizing, aligning and facing the retail products
in order to maintain a clean visual presence and/or appearance. One
merchandising solution that retailers have employed to cleanly
display the retail products are pusher systems. The pusher system
are spring loaded merchandising components, often affixed to store
shelves, used to push products forward as customers removes the
products at the front of the pusher system. One drawback to these
pusher systems is that they require added vertical space between
shelves in order to incorporate the on-shelf components as well as
space needed to lift a product up and over a retaining fence. This
need for extra vertical space can sometimes limit the number of
shelves capable to fit into a specific store section which, in
turn, reduces retail product holding power of the retailers. For
store employees, loading the pusher tracks can often been time
consuming and cumbersome as one hand is required to hold back the
product already in the pusher system while the other hand is
required to load new retail products into the pusher system.
[0007] The merchandising systems and methods set forth in the
present disclosure divide, push, secure, store, display and
dispense retail products in such a manner that effectively prevents
the retail products from falling and being damaged while also
maintaining organization of the retail products and keeping the
aisle sections visually appealing to customers. Moreover, the
systems and methods set forth in the present disclosure provide a
quick-load pusher system which maintains the retail products in
clean and organized manner and/or appearance and allows quick and
easier loading of the retail products into the pusher system.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] In embodiments, a quick-load merchandising product pusher
system for dispensing retail products is provided. The pusher
system may have a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end
located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed
portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect
to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein ramps arc provided on
the top side of the Fixed portion, extend outwardly with respect to
the top side of the fixed portion, and are located adjacent to the
front end of the fixed portion and a movable track movably
connected, to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the
movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with
respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a
bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the
movable track, wherein one or more track stoppers are provided on
the bottom side of the movable track, extend outward with respect
to the bottom side of the movable track and arc located adjacent to
the rear end of the pusher system. The pusher system may have a
pusher paddle connected to the top side of the movable track,
wherein the pusher paddle, the front end of the movable track and
the top side of the movable track define a first area that is sized
or configured to receive one or more retail products, wherein the
pusher paddle is configured to move one or more retail product
forward away from the rear side of the movable track and front
retainer teeth connecting the fixed portion and the movable track,
wherein the front retainer teeth are provided on the top side and
at the front end of the fixed portion and extend outwardly with
respect to the top side of the fixed portion. The movable track may
be movable to a closed position or to an extended position,
wherein, when the movable track is located in the closed position,
the rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable
track are located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed, portion
and, when the movable track is located in the extended portion, the
rear end and the one or more track stoppers of the movable track
arc located adjacent to the ramps of the fixed portion and the
front retainer teeth abuts a portion of the pusher paddle and
restricts forward movement of the pusher paddle as the movable
track is moved to the extended position.
[0009] In an embodiment, when the movable track is located in the
extended position, the one or more track stoppers of the movable
track may abut the ramps of the fixed portion and forward movement
of the movable track is restricted via the one or more track
stoppers of the movable track and the ramps of the fixed
portion.
[0010] In an embodiment, when the movable track is located in the
extended position, the pusher paddle, the front side of the movable
track and the top side of the movable track may define a second
area that is sized or configured to receive one or more retail
products, wherein the second area is larger than the first
area.
[0011] In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a first mount
provided at the rear end of the fixed portion and configured to
mount the fixed portion to retail merchandising aisle uprights.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first mount may have one or more
hooks, one or more pegs, a horizontal flange or a vertical
flange.
[0013] In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a front plate
connected to the front end of the movable track, wherein, when one
or more retail products arc positioned within the pusher system,
the one or more retail products are located between the front plate
and the pusher paddle.
[0014] In an embodiment, the pusher system may have loading lock
tabs connected to the ramps of the fixed portion, wherein the
loading lock tabs extend outwardly away from the top side of, the
fixed portion, and loading lock ramps provided on the bottom side
of the movable track and located between the one or more track
stoppers and the front side of the movable track, wherein the
loading locks tabs abut the loading lock ramps when the movable
track is positioned in the extended position.
[0015] In an embodiment, the pusher system may have dividers
connected to both right and left sides of the movable track,
wherein the dividers extend outwardly away from the right and left
sides of the movable track and away from the top side of the
movable track.
[0016] In an embodiment, the dividers may be wire dividers or
molded dividers.
[0017] In an embodiment, one or more holes may be formed through
the molded dividers along a length of the molded dividers.
[0018] In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a modular
baffle connected to a bottom side of the fixed portion, wherein the
modular extends outwardly away from right and left sides of the
fixed portion.
[0019] In an embodiment, the pusher system may have a retail
product position in the first area defined between the pusher
paddle and the front and top sides of the movable track.
[0020] In embodiments, a method for producing a quick-toad retail
merchandising product pusher system may dispense retail products.
The method may movable connect a movable track to a fixed portion
via front retaining teeth of the fixed portion, wherein the fixed
portion has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect
to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side
located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion,
wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located
opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top
side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top
side of the movable track, wherein the front retainer teeth are
provided on the top side and at the front end of the fixed portion
and extend outwardly with respect to the top side of the fixed
portion. Further, the method may connect a pusher paddle to the top
side of the movable track, wherein the pusher paddle, the front end
of the movable track and the top side of the movable track define a
first area that is sized or configured to receive one or more
retail products, wherein the pusher paddle is configured to move
one or more retail product forward away from the rear side of the
movable track. The movable track may be movable to a closed
position or to an extended position, wherein, when the movable
track is located in the closed position, the rear end of the
movable track is located adjacent to the rear end of the fixed
portion and, when the movable track is located in the extended
portion, the rear end of the movable track is located adjacent to
the front side of the fixed portion and forward movement of the
pusher paddle is restricted by the front retainer teeth of the
fixed portion as the movable track moves to the extended
position.
[0021] In an embodiment, the method may form ramps on the top side
of the fixed portion that extend outwardly with respect to the top
side of the fixed portion and are located adjacent to the front end
of the fixed portion, and folio one or more track stoppers on the
bottom side of the movable track that extend outward with respect
to the bottom side of the movable track and are located adjacent to
the rear end of the pusher system, wherein, when the movable track
is located in the extended position, the one or more track stoppers
of the movable track abut the ramps of the fixed portion and
forward movement of the movable track is restricted via the one or
more track stoppers of the movable track and the ramps of the fixed
portion.
[0022] In an embodiment, the method may connect at least one
divider to a right or left side of the fixed portion, wherein the
at least one divider extends outwardly away from the fixed portion
and away from the top side of the fixed portion.
[0023] In an embodiment, the Method may move the movable track to
the closed position or the opened position.
[0024] In embodiments, a retail merchandising gondola section may
dispense retail products. The gondola section may have retail
merchandising aisle uprights and the pusher system mounted to the
aisle uprights via the first mount of the pusher system.
[0025] In an embodiment, the gondola section may have a second
mount connected to the retail merchandising aisle uprights for
connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the retail
merchandising aisle uprights, wherein the second mount comprises a
retail merchandizing shelf, a retail merchandizing crossbar or a
retail merchandising peg board.
[0026] In an embodiment, the gondola section may have a fastener
for connecting the first mount of the pusher system to the second
mount of the gondola section, wherein the fastener is a horizontal
lip shelf extrusion or a vertical lip shelf extrusion.
[0027] In an embodiment, the gondola section may have at least one
retail product position within pusher system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] So that, the features and advantages of the present
disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of the merchandising systems and methods may be had by
reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the
appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended
drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the present systems
and methods and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope, for the merchandising systems and methods may admit to other
equally effective embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a divider and
pusher system for more than one retail product in an
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a divider
and pusher system in an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a first side perspective view of a first
divider component in an embodiment; and FIG. 3B illustrates a
second side perspective view of the first divider component shown
in FIG. 3A in an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4A illustrates a first side perspective view of a
second divider component in an embodiment; and FIG. 4B illustrates
a second side perspective view of the second divider component as
shown in FIG. 4A in an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates a first side perspective view of a third
divider component in an embodiment; and FIG. 5B illustrates a
second side perspective view of the third divider component as
shown in FIG. 5A in an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a divider and
pusher system in an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a first connection
plate in an embodiment; FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of a
second connection plate in an embodiment; and FIG. 7C illustrates a
perspective view of a pusher paddle in an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a hanging mount
bracket in an embodiment; FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of
an upright mount cross bar in an embodiment; and FIG. 8C
illustrates a perspective view of a clip in an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of front shelf mount
track in an embodiment; and FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view
of rear shelf mount track in an embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher
system having more than one retail product in an embodiment, and
FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher system
having more than one retail product with at least one retail
product being dispensed from the system in an embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a side plan view of a divider component
having a clip in an embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates a side plan view of a divider component
mounted to an upright mount cross bar in an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 13A illustrates a side view of a divider and pusher
system, having at least one retail product, mounted to abase in an
embodiment; and FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of a divider and
pusher system, having at least one retail product, mounted to an
extended base in an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of divider and pusher
systems mounted to uprights in an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of at least one
divider and pusher system mountable to a peg board in an
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of more than one
divider and pusher system mountable to uprights via an upright
mount crossbar in an embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of more than one
divider and pusher system mountable to a base or shelf in an
embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
quick-load pusher system in an embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system having more than one retail product in an
embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 20 illustrates a front perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system in an embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 21 illustrates a top perspective view of a pusher track
in an embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 22 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a pusher
track in an embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 23 illustrates a top perspective view of a hanging
gusset in an embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 24 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a hanging
gusset in an embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 25A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick-load
pusher assembly located in a first position in an embodiment; and
FIG. 25B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a quick-load
pusher assembly located in a second position in an embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 26 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a front
portion of a quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 27 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a
quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 28A illustrates a perspective view of a track component
in an embodiment; and FIG. 28B illustrates a perspective view of a
front plate in an embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 29A illustrates a perspective view of a peg mount
bracket in an embodiment; and FIG. 29B illustrates a perspective
view of a bar mount bracket in an embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 30A illustrates a rear perspective view of a quick-load
pusher assembly in an, embodiment; and FIG. 30B illustrates a rear
perspective view of a quick-load pusher assembly in an
embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system having more than one quick-load pusher assemblies in
an embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system having more than one quick-load pusher assemblies in
an embodiment.
[0061] FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate elevated side perspective views of
pusher tracks and hanging gussets in embodiments.
[0062] FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate perspective views of a
quick-load pusher assembly in an embodiment.
[0063] FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate perspective views of a hanging
baffle bar and a merchandising crossbar, respectively, in an
embodiment.
[0064] FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate perspective views of a top side
and a bottom side, respectively, of a pusher track in an
embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a hanging gusset
in an embodiment.
[0066] FIGS. 38A-38C illustrate perspective view of product and/or
graphic retaining components in an embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 39 illustrates perspective views of first and second
divider assemblies in an embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system mounted to merchandising crossbar being loaded with
retail products.
[0069] FIGS. 41A-41D illustrate cross-sectional view of a
quick-load pusher system mounted to a retail gondola section being
opened, loaded with retail products, and closed in an
embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher
systems mounted to uprights by way of a merchandising crossbar in
an embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system having a modular baffle in an embodiment.
[0072] FIG. 44 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher
systems mounted to uprights via a merchandising crossbar in an
embodiment.
[0073] FIG. 45 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
quick-load pusher system with a shelf bracket assembly in an
embodiment.
[0074] FIGS. 46A and 46B illustrate a perspective view of shelf
bracket assemblies having lip mounts in embodiments.
[0075] FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher
systems mounted and being mounted to a retail shelf in an
embodiment.
[0076] FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher
systems mounted and being mounted to a retail shelf in an
embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 49 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick-toad
pusher system located in an open or extended positioned and having
retail products positioned therein in an embodiment.
[0078] FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of quick-load pusher
systems mounted to retail shelves and retail uprights.
[0079] FIG. 51A illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable
depth merchandising crossbar in a closed position in an embodiment,
and FIG. 51B illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable depth
merchandising crossbar in an opened or extended position in an
embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 52 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in an embodiment.
[0081] FIGS. 53A-53F illustrate a side plan view of an adjustable
depth merchandising crossbar moving or sliding between closed and
opened or extended positions during a process of adjusting and
setting a depth of the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in
an embodiment.
[0082] FIGS. 54A and 54B illustrate a perspective view of an
adjustable depth merchandising crossbar having a removable width
adjustment assembly and a fixed main assembly in an embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 55 illustrates perspective view of an adjustable depth
merchandising crossbar mounted to a retail gondola section in an
embodiment.
[0084] FIGS. 56A-56C illustrate a side plan view of an adjustable
depth merchandising crossbar moving or sliding in a process for
aligning the adjustable depth merchandising crossbar with adjacent
shelf in an embodiment.
[0085] FIGS. 57A and 57B illustrate a perspective view of an
adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in closed and opened
positions, respectively, in an embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 58 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
adjustable depth merchandising crossbar in an embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 59 illustrates a perspective view of a movable
adjustment assembly separated from a fixed main assembly in an
embodiment.
[0088] FIGS. 60A-60D illustrate a side plan view of an adjustable
depth merchandising crossbar moving or sliding a process from a
closed position to an open position in an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0089] The present disclosure sets forth product divider and pusher
systems, quick-load pusher systems and methods for dividing,
pushing, securing, storing, displaying and/or dispensing one or
more retail products. Referring now to the drawings wherein like
numerals refer to like parts, the present divider and pusher
systems and methods may provide at least divider and pusher system
5 (hereinafter "divider system 5") as shown in FIG. 1, configured
to divide, push, secure store, display and dispense at least one or
more first retail products 300 (hereinafter "first products 300")
and/or one or more second retail products 301 (hereinafter "second
products 301"). The first products 300 and/or the second products
301 (collectively known hereinafter as "first and second products
300,301") may comprise or include, for example, consumer products,
food products, hard goods, durable goods, soft goods, consumables,
consumer-grade goods, professional-grade goods and/or the like. In
an embodiment, the first and second products 300, 301 may be at
least one or more over-the-counter retail products (hereinafter
"OTC products"). The OTC products may be analgesics, medications,
pharmaceuticals, razors, razor blades, camera film, batteries,
videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products, infant formula, vitamins,
personal care products, home care products, toothbrushes,
foodstuffs, packaged foods, kitchen supplies, bags, boxes,
containers and/or the like. In an embodiment, the first products
300 maybe, for example, one or more single tooth brush packages,
and the second products 301 may be, for example, one or more double
tooth brush packages. Moreover, the first and second products 300,
301 that may be utilized with the present systems and methods may
be any retail products known to one of ordinary skill in the art
that are configured, adapted and/or sized to be located, stored
and/or positioned within the divider system 5.
[0090] The first and second products 300, 301 may be located or
stored within and/or positioned inside the divider system 5 (as
shown in FIGS. 1, 10A, 10B, 13A and 13B) which may be located
inside, for example, a marketplace and/or a retail establishment.
The marketplace and/or the retail establishment may be, for
example, a chain store, a department store, a discount store, a
grocery store, a hardware store, a health food store, a liquor
store, a warehouse store, a variety store, a specialty store, a
general store, a convenience store, a toy store, a pet store, an
outlet store, a supermarket, a mall and/or the like. In
embodiments, the divider system 5 may be associated with and/or
incorporated into, for example, a vending machine, a portable sales
device, a point of sale terminal and/or an automated retail store.
The first and second products 300, 301 may be accessible singly or
one at a time through a front-side of the divider system 5 (as
shown in FIG. 10B). In embodiments, the first and second products
300, 301 may be accessible in combination or more than one at a
time through the front-side of the divider system 5. The first and
second products 300, 301 which may be utilized with the divider
system 5 may be a same type of retail products, different types of
retail products and/or a combination of same and different types of
retail products. In embodiments, the first and second products 300,
301 may have different sizes of packaging and/or different shapes
of packaging. The present disclosure should not be deemed as
limited to a specific embodiment of the marketplace and/or the
retail establishment wherein the divider system 5 may be located,
included and/or incorporated.
[0091] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the divider system 5, in an embodiment,
which may have one or more centre or first divider 11 (hereinafter
"first divider"), at least one left or second divider 10
(hereinafter "second divider 10") and at least one right or third
divider 12 (hereinafter "third divider 12"). The divider system 5
may also have one or more first connection plates 13 (hereinafter
"first connection plates 13"), one or more second connection plates
44 (hereinafter "second connection plates 44"), one or more pusher
paddles 14 (hereinafter "pusher paddles 14"), one or more first
rear support connectors 15 (hereinafter "first connectors 15"), one
or more second rear support connectors 45 (hereinafter "second
connectors 45"), one or more flip ticket components 42 (hereinafter
"flip components 42") and/or one or more fence inserts 43
(hereinafter "fence inserts 43"). The flip ticket component 42 may
mount to a graphic mount 18 on adjacent dividers 10, 11, 12 and may
be configured to maintain or substantial maintain the dividers 10,
11, 12 in horizontal or substantially horizontal alignment, as
shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A. The fence insert 43 may be sized
and/or configured to retain the first and second products 300, 301,
when the first and second products 300, 301 may be larger packages,
and, utilized with the second connection plate 44 and the rear
support connector 45. The second connector 45 of the second
connection plate 44 may be sized and/or configured to connect,
attach, secure and/or fasten an upper section or portion of the
dividers 10, 11, 12 to one another.
[0092] The first divider 11, the second divider 10 and/or the third
divider 12 (collectively known hereinafter as "dividers 10, 11,
12") may he connected, attached and/or fastened to each other via
one or more of the first connection plates 13, the second
connection plates 44, the push paddles 14, the first connectors 15,
the second connectors 45, the flip components 42 and/or the fence
inserts 43. The dividers 10, 11, 12, the first connection plates
13, the second connection plates 44, the push paddles 14, the first
connectors 15, the second connectors 45, the flip components 42
and/or the fence inserts 43 may be assembled to form and/or produce
the divider system 5 as shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, one or
more divider systems 5 may be connected, attached, fastened and/or
mounted to at least one or more cross bars 39 (as shown in FIG.
12), one or more uprights 150 (as shown in FIG. 14), one or more
boards 151 (as shown in FIG. 15), one or more brackets 34 (as shown
in FIG. 16), one or more first tracks 47, one or more second tracks
48, one or more first shelves 152 and/or one or more second shelves
153 (as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 17).
[0093] In embodiments, the upright 150 may be an aisle upright
commonly found in retail environments and used for mounting
merchandising fixtures and retail shelving. The board 151 may be a
pegboard or slat-wall panelling commonly found in retail
environments and used for mounting merchandising fixtures. In
embodiments, the first shelf 152 may be a sixteen inch shelf as a
base for mounting merchandising components, and the second shelf
153 may be a twelve inch shelf as a base for mounting merchandising
components. It should be understood that the present disclosure
should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of upright
150, the board 151, the first shelf 152 and/or the second shelf
153.
[0094] In an embodiment, the first connectors 15 and/or the second
connectors 45 may be located and/or positioned between the dividers
10, 11, 12 at a rear-side of the divider system 5. As a result,
each of the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be connected, attached and/or
fastened to each other via the first connectors 15 and/or the
second connectors 45 to form the divider system 5. The first
connection plates 13 and/or the second connection plates 44 may be
located and/or positioned between the dividers 10, 11, 12 along,
for example, a length of the dividers 10, 11, 12. As a result, the
dividers 10, 11, 12 may be connected, attached and/or fastened to
each other via the first connection plates 13 and/or the second
connection plates 44. The flip components 42 and/or the fence
inserts 43 may be located and/or positioned between the dividers
10, 11, 12 at the front-side of the divider system 5. As a result,
the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be connected, attached and/or fastened
to each other via the flip components 42 and/or the fence inserts
43.
[0095] The divider system 5 may be sized and/or configured to
receive, store, house, protect, enclose and/or secure the first and
second products 300, 301. The divider system 5 may be sized and/or
configured to divide, push and/or dispense the first and second
products 300, 301 from the front-side of the divider system 5. As a
result, a customer and/or consumer of the first and second products
300, 301 may remove at least one of the first and second products
300, 301 from the divider system 5 via the front-side of the
divider system 5.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, the divider system 5 provides one or
more pockets for receiving, storing, housing and securing the first
and second products 300, 301. In an embodiment, the divider system
5 provides or forms and/or is configured to have a first pocket
200, a second pocket 201 and/or a third pocket 202 (collectively
known hereinafter as "pockets 200, 201, 202"). The pockets 200,
201, 202 may he sized and/or configured such that each pocket has a
different length, width and/or height. In an embodiment, the
pockets 200, 201, 202 may have similar, same or substantially same
lengths, widths and/or heights. In an embodiment, the first pocket
200 may be sized and/or configured to receive, store, house,
enclose and/or secure the first products 300, and the second pocket
201 may he sized and/or configured to receive, store, house,
enclose and/or secure the second products 301. The pockets 200,
201, 202 may be sized and/or configured to receive, store, house,
enclosure and/or secure one or more of the first and second
products 300, 301. In a minimum configuration, the divider system 5
may have the second divider 10 and the third divider 12 with the
first connection plate 13 and/or the connection plate 44, and the
first connector 15 and/or the second connectors 45 to create, form
and/or provide a single pocket divider which may be combined with
and/or utilized in conjunction with one or more additional single
pocket units (not shown in drawings). FIG. 2 shows an exploded
perspective view of the components of the divider system 5 which
may be modular and/or adjustable to form the divider system 5.
[0097] FIGS. 3A and 3B show left and right views of the centre or
first divider 11 along with features and connection points of the
first divider 11. In embodiments, the first divider 11 may have a
product retaining fence 16, a graphic holder 17, a graphic mount
18, a product alignment rib 19, a first track connection mount 20,
a second track connection mount 21, a toe clip 22, an upper rear
mounting hanger 23, a lower rear mounting hanger 24, a first rear
support track connection mount 25, a second rear support track
connection mount 26 and/or a paddle retainer 27. In an embodiment,
the first divider 11 may be made of a plastic and/or may be moulded
and/or extruded. In embodiments, the plastic may or may not be a
clear plastic and/or may be polycarbonate, crystal styrene and/or
polyethylene.
[0098] The product retaining fence 16 may be sized and/or
configured to hold the first and second products 300, 301 inside of
the divider system 5 and/or to prevent the first and second
products 300, 301 from being pushed outward from the front-side of
the divider system 5 via the pusher paddle. In an embodiment, the
product retaining fence 16 may be made from a clear plastic such
that the first and second products 300, 301 may be viewed and/or
visible at and/or from the front-side of the divider system 5. In
an embodiment, the product retaining fence 16 may be angled by one
or more degrees, such as, for example, about 5 degrees, about 10
degrees or about 15 degrees. When the product retaining fence 16
may be angled and used in conjunction with a product angler 33 on
the pusher paddle 14 (as shown in FIG. 7C), the product retaining
fence 16 may hold the first and second products 300, 301 at an
angle of one or more degrees to improve product dispensing and
tracking of the first and second products 300, 301 as the first and
second products 300, 301 may slide within the divider system 5
and/or may be pushed towards the front-side of the divider system 5
via the pusher paddles 14. As a result, the product retaining fence
16 may angle the first and second products 300, 301 at an angle
that is the same as or substantially similar to the angle of the
product retaining fence 16. By holding the first and second
products 300, 301 at an angle, the first and second products may be
easily accessed and/or removed from the divider system 5 by one or
more customers and/or consumers of the first and second products
300, 301.
[0099] The graphic holder 17 may be sized and/or configured to
hold, display and/or retain a ticket or card which may have, for
example, indicia printed thereon. The indicia of the ticket or card
may, for example, be indicative of the at least one of the first
and second products 300, 301 which may be dispensed from the
divider system 5. The product alignment rib 19 may be sized and/or
configured to align a first product of the first and second
products 300, 301, located adjacent to the front-side of the
divider system 5, such that the first product may be parallel or
substantially parallel to the product retaining fence 16.
[0100] The first track connection mount 20 may be sized larger than
the second track connection mount 21. The first connection plate 13
and/or the second connection plate 44 may be connected, attached,
fastened and/or mounted between the first track connection mount 20
and the second track connection mount 21. A top surface of the
first connection plate 13 and/or the second connection plate 44 may
be sized and/or configured hold, support and/or receive the first
and second products 300, 301. The top surface may be sized large
enough to, hold support and/or receive small width products and/or
medium width products.
[0101] The toe clip 22 may be sized and/or configured for shelf
connect, attaching, fastening and/or mounting the divider system 5
to, for example the first shelf 152 or the second shelf 153. In an
embodiment, the toe clip 22 may be sized and/or configured to fit
or be inserted into the front shelf mount track 47 which may be
located and/or positioned on the first shelf 152 and/or the second
shelf 153. The upper rear mounting hanger 23 and/or the lower rear
mounting hanger 24 may be sized and/or configured to connect,
attach, fasten and/or mount the divider system 5 to, for example,
the upright mount cross bar 39, the upright 150, the rear mount
track 48 and/or the hanging mount bracket 34.
[0102] The first rear support track connection mount 25 may be
sized smaller than the second rear support track connection mount
26. In an embodiment, the first rear support track connector mount
25 and/or the second rear support track connection mount 26 may be
sized and/or configured to provide an even spacing and support for
the first and second products 300, 301 when the first connector
plate 13 and/or the second connector plate 44 may be connected to
the first rear support track connection mount 25 and/or the second
rear support track connection mount 26. The paddle retainer 27 may
be sized and/or configured to stop and/or prevent the pusher paddle
14 from ejecting and/or moving outward with respect to the backside
of the first connector plate 13.
[0103] FIGS. 4A and 4B show left and right views of the second
divider 10 along with features and connection points of the second
divider 10. One or more of the features and/or connection points of
the second divider 10 may be same as, substantially same as or
similar to the features and connection points of the first divider
11, except the second divider 10 may have a flat surface on a left
side of the second divider 10. The features and connection points
of the second divider 10 may provide a same or similar
functionality as provided by the features and connection points of
the first divider 11. In an embodiment, the second divider 10 may
also have the product retaining fence 16, the graphic holder 17,
the graphic mount 18, the product alignment rib 19, the first track
connection mount 20, the second track connection mount 21, the toe
clip 22, the upper rear mounting hanger 23, the lower rear mounting
hanger 24, the first rear support track connection mount 25, the
second rear support track connection mount 26 and/or the paddle
retainer 27. In an embodiment, the second divider 10 may be made of
a plastic and/or may be moulded and/or extruded. In embodiments,
the plastic of the second divider 10 may or may not be a clear
plastic and/or may be polycarbonate, crystal styrene and/or
polyethylene.
[0104] FIGS. 5A and 5B show left and right views of the third
divider 12 and along with features and connection points of the
third divider 12. One or more of the features and/or connection
points of the third divider 12 may be same as, substantially same
as or similar to the features and connection points of the first
divider 11, except the third divider 12 may have a flat surface on
a right side of the third divider 12 and/or may exclude the ticket
plate 18. The features and connection points of the third divider
12 may provide a same or similar functionality as provided by the
features and connection points of the first divider 11. In an
embodiment, the third divider 12 may also have the product
retaining fence 16, the graphic holder 17, the graphic mount 18,
the product alignment rib 19, the first track connection mount 70,
the second track connection mount 21, the toe clip 22, the upper
rear mounting hanger 23, the lower rear mounting hanger 24, the
first rear support track connection mount 25, the second rear
support track connection mount 26 and/or the paddle retainer 27. In
an embodiment, the third divider 12 may be made of a plastic and/or
may be moulded and/or extruded. In embodiments, the plastic of the
third divider 12 may or may not be a clear plastic and/or may be
polycarbonate, crystal styrene and/or polyethylene. It should be
understood that the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be made of the same
material, different materials or a combination thereof.
[0105] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the divider system 5
and highlights the connectivity and configuration of the divider
system 5 which, when assembled, may form, create and/or provide the
pockets 200, 201, 202 for receiving, storing, housing, enclosing,
securing and/or dispensing the first and second products 300, 301.
The second divider 10 and a first first divider 11 may be connected
by a first rear support connector 15 to form, create and/or provide
the first pocket 200. A second first divider 11 and the first first
divider 11 may be connected by a second rear support connector 15
to form, create and/or provide the second pocket 201. The second
first divider 11 and the third divider 12 may be connected by the
rear support connector 45 to form, create and/or provide the third
pocket 202. It should be understood that the present disclosure is
not limited to a specific number of pockets that may be formed,
created and/or provided by the divider system 5. Any number of the
dividers and any number of rear support connectors may be utilized
in the divider system 5 to form, create and/or provide any number
of pockets for dividing, pushing, storing, housing and/or
displaying retail products as known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0106] In an embodiment, rubber grippers, snap points or other
mechanical fastening means (not shown in the drawings) on the first
and/or second connection plates 13, 44 and first and/or second rear
support tracks 15, 45 may connect, secure, attach and/or fasten the
first and/or second connection plates 13, 44 to the first and/or
second track connection mounts 20, 21 and/or the first and/or
second rear support track connection mounts 25, 26 on the dividers
10, 11, 12. To change size configurations of the pockets 200, 201,
202, the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be pulled apart and the first
and/or second connection plates 13, 41 may shifted to another
mounting position (not shown in the drawings) on the dividers 10,
11, 13 or may be replaced with differently-sized connection
plates.
[0107] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the first and second connector plates
13, 44, respectively. A width of the first and/or second connector
plates 13, 44 may be any size for holding, supporting and/or
pushing the first and second products as known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. Each of the first and second connector plates 13,
44 may have pusher rails 28 which are sized and configured such
that the pusher paddle 14 and/or the first and second products 300,
301 may slide towards the front-side of the divider system 5 for
dispensing and/or removal from the divider system 5. The first
and/or second connector plates 13, 44 may have divider connectors
29 which may be connection points for connecting, attaching,
fastening and/or securing the first and/or second connector plates
13, 44 to one or more of the dividers 10, 11, 12. A pusher spring
or pusher mechanism (not shown in the drawings) may be connected,
attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted in a middle of the
pusher rails 28. The pusher spring or pusher mechanism may be
configured to urge the pusher paddle 14 and/or the first and second
products 300, 301 towards the front-side of the divider system
5.
[0108] FIG. 7C shows the pusher paddle 14 which may have an outer
paddle face 30, an inner paddle face 31, an upper paddle section 22
and/or the product angler 33. In an embodiment, the pusher paddle
14 may be sized and/or configured to be utilized with tall retail
products, such as, for example, tooth brushes or other oral hygiene
products. A height of the pusher paddle 14 may be customizable by
removing the upper paddle section 32 from the pusher paddle 14. In
an embodiment, the pusher paddle 14 may he made from a hard plastic
material. The hard plastic material may be high impact styrene,
another hard plastic material or a combination thereof. It should
be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to a
specific embodiment of the hard plastic material of the pusher
paddle 14.
[0109] The outer paddle face 30 may be configured to face, contact
and/or pusher the first and second products 300, 301. The inner
paddle face 31 may be configured to allow first and second products
300, 301, which may be oddly-shaped products, to recess or sink
into the inner paddle face 31. As a result, the first and second
products 300, 301 may be configured and/or aligned parallel or
substantially parallel to the product retaining fence 16 and/or the
fence inserts 43. In an embodiment, the upper paddle section 32 may
be removably attached to the pusher paddle 14 or may be excluded
from the pusher paddle 14. As a result, the pusher paddle 14 may be
sized and configured to be utilized with smaller and/or shorter
products. In an embodiment, the product angler 33 may be sized
and/or configured to place, hold and/or support the first and
second products 300, 301 at angle of one or more degrees. For
example, the product angler 33 may hold the first and second
products at an angle of about five degrees, about ten degrees,
about twenty degrees and/or about thirty degrees. As a result, the
first and second products 300, 301, which may or may not,have
irregular package shapes, may track parallel or substantially
parallel to the pusher paddle 14, the product retaining fence 16
and/or the fence inserts 43 while being moved and/or pushed along
the first and/or second connection plates 13, 44. Moreover, the
product angler 33 may prevent or substantially prevent irregular
shaped packages from becoming jammed, logged and/or stuck between
adjacent packages and the walls of the dividers 10, 11, 12.
[0110] FIG. 8A shows the hanging mount bracket 34 may have a lower
track 35 and an upper track 36 which may be sized and/or configured
to connect, secure, attach and/or fasten to the upper rear mounting
hanger 23 and the lower rear mounting hanger 24 on the dividers 10,
11, 12. As a result, the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be secured when
mounting to the board 151, the upright 150 and/or the like. The
dividers 10, 11, 12 may be configured to slide or move horizontally
or substantially horizontally along the lower and/or upper tracks
35, 36 to facilitate disconnection and reconnection of the dividers
10, 11, 12 and the first and/or second connection plates 13, 44
when reconfiguring sizing and/or spacing of the pockets 200, 201,
202. The hanging mount bracket 34 may have an inner clip rail 37
and a crossbar track 38 which may be utilized to connect, secure,
attach and/or fasten to the upright mount cross bar 39 for mounting
to, for example, the upright 150.
[0111] FIG. 8B shows the upright mount cross bar 39 may have a
width adjustment bracket 40 and a depth selector plate 41. The
width adjustment bracket 40 may be sized and/or configured to allow
the upright mount cross bar 39 to be connected, attached, fastened,
secured, mounted to uprights with varying widths. The depth
selector plate 41 may be configured for setting a distance of the
dividers 10, 11, 12 from a section of, for example, the upright 150
so that fronts of the dividers 10, 11, 12 are in-line with adjacent
aisle shelves and/or fixtures. As a result, the fronts of the
dividers 10, 11, 12 may be set to be in-line with an adjacent shelf
such as, for example, a twelve inch, a fourteen inch or a sixteen
inch shelf.
[0112] In an embodiment, the upright cross bar 39 may be made of a
hard material, such as, for example, hard plastic, steel or a
combination thereof. In an embodiment, the upright cross bar 39 may
have a centre bar, which may mount to the hanging bracket 34,
configured to slide forward and backward along two side rails. As a
result, the divider system 5 may be pulled forward, out from
underneath, for example, the first shelf 152 above to facilitate
quicker and easier loading of the first and second products 300,
301 into the pockets 200, 201, 202 of the divider system 5. The
movable and/or slidable centre bar of the upright cross bar 39
allows a depth associated with the front-side of the divider system
5 to be adjustable such that the front-side of the divider system 5
may be aligned with the adjacent aisle shelves and/or fixtures. The
movable and/or slidable centre bar of the upright cross bar 39 is
further depicted as adjustable depth merchandising cross bar 2100
as shown in FIGS. 51A, 52, 53A-53C, 54A, 54B and 55. The present
disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment
of the hard material of the upright cross bar 39.
[0113] FIG. 8C shows a peg clip 46 which may be configured to be
used to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount the hanging
mount bracket 34 of the divider system 5 to, for example, the board
151. In an embodiment, the peg clip 46 may be, for example, a
moulded polycarbonate clip. In an embodiment, the board 151 may be,
for example, a pegboard or a slatwall. The present disclosure
should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the peg
clip 46 and/or the board 151.
[0114] FIGS. 9A and 9B shows the front shelf mount track 47 and the
rear mount track 48 which may have mounting clips 49 formed and/or
provided thereon. The dividing system 5 may be mounted to, for
example, the first shelf 152 or the second shelf 153 via the front
shelf mount track 47, the rear mount track 48 and/or one or more
fasteners (not shown in the drawings). The one or more fasteners
may be screws, bolts, pushpins, adhesive tapes and/or the like. In
an embodiment, the front shelf mount track 47 and/or the rear mount
track 48 may be made of plastic material, such as, for example,
extruded plastic material. It should be understood that the present
description should not be deemed as limited to a specific
embodiment of the one or more fasteners and/or the plastic material
of the front and rear mount tracks 47, 48.
[0115] In embodiments, the front shelf mount track 47 may be sized
and/or configured to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount
to a conventional retail shelf (not shown in the drawings) via the
toe clip 22 on dividers 10, 11, 12 such that the toe clip 22 may
lock, secure and/or fasten into the front shelf mount track 47. As
a result, the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be connected, attached,
secured, fastened and/or mounted to the shelf. The rear mount track
48, when mounting to the first shelf 152 or the second shelf 153,
may be mounted with a horizontal flange facing forward for the
second shelf 153 or facing backwards for the first shelf 152. The
mounting clips 49 on rear mount track 48 may be sized and/or
configured to engage the lower rear mounting hanger 24 on the
dividers 10, 11, 12. As a result, the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be
connected, attached, mounted, fastened and/or secured to the rear
mount track 48 via the mounting clips 49.
[0116] FIG. 10A shows more than one of the first products 300 which
may be held forward against the product alignment ribs 19 and/or
the front fence 16 at, for example, more than one degree angle
back, under tension and/or force delivered from the pusher paddle
14, the product angler 33 and/or the pusher spring or pusher
mechanism. FIG. 10B shows a front most first product 300 which may
be removed, upwards and/or at a forward angle, from the divider
system 5. In an embodiment, the back angle, which may be about ten
degrees, may facilitate forward movement or sliding of the next
first product 300 behind the front most first product 300. The back
angle may also facilitate the removal of the front most first
product 300 from the divider system 5 without catching or grabbing
the first product 300 behind the front most first product 300. As a
result, the back angle may prevent or substantially prevent
additional first products 300 from being accidently removed from
the divider system 5. Once the front most first product 300 may
clear a top of the front fence 16, remaining first products 300
behind the front most first product 300 may be moved and/or pushed
forward by the pusher paddle 14. The first products 300 may be
aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the front fence 16 as
the first products may move forward via the product alignment ribs
19.
[0117] In FIG. 11, the divider system 5 may be connected, attached,
secured and/or fastened to the hanging mount bracket 34 and/or the
clip 46 for mounting the divider system 5 to, for example, the
board 151. The divider system 5 may be connected, attached, secured
and/or fastened to the hanging mount bracket 34 via the upper rear
mounting hanger 23, the lower rear mounting hanger 24, the track 35
and/or track 36. The hanging mount bracket 34 may be connected,
attached, secured and/or fastened to the clip 46 via the clip
attachment rail 37.
[0118] In FIG. 12, the divider system 5 may be connected, attached,
secured and/or fastened to the hanging mount bracket 34, the
upright mount cross bar 39 and/or the depth selector plate for
mounting the divider system 5 to, for example, the upright 150. The
divider system 5 may be connected, attached, secured and/or
fastened to the hanging mount bracket 34 via the upper rear
mounting hanger 23, the lower rear mounting hanger 24, the track 35
and/or track 36. The hanging mount bracket 34 may be connected,
attached, secured and/or fastened to the upright mount cross bar 39
and/or the depth selector plate via the track 38.
[0119] In FIG. 13A, the divider system 5 may be connected,
attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to the second shelf 153
via the lower rear mounting hanger 24, the front shelf mount track
47, the rear mount track 48 and/or mounting clips 49. When mounting
the divider system 5 onto the second shelf 153, one or more toe
clips 22 of the dividers 10, 11, 12 may be inserted at a forward
angle into the front shelf mount track 47. A back of the divider
system 5 may be subsequently lowered onto the rear shelf mount
track 48 and the lower rear mounting hanger 24 may connect with
and/or engage the mounting track 49 to provide a secure fit.
[0120] In FIG. 13B, the divider system 5 may be connected attached,
secured, fastened and/or mounted to the first shelf 152 via the
lower rear mounting hanger 24, the rear mount track 48 and/or
mounting clips 49. When mounting the divider system 5 onto the
first shelf 153, positioning of the rear shelf mount track 48 may
be flipped, moved, rotated to situate and/or align front edges of
the dividers 10, 11, 12 with a front edge of the first shelf
152.
[0121] FIG. 14 shows multiple divider system configurations for
more than one divider system 204 which may be utilized for mounting
divider systems 5 to different mounting components. The divider
system 204 may have the same or similar features and/or components
as the divider system 5 and the features and/or components of the
divider system 204 may operate and/or function in the same or
similar manner as the features and components of the divider system
5. A first divider system configuration 250 facilities mounting of
the divider system 204 to the board 151, a second divider system
configuration 251 facilitates mounting the divider system 204 to
the uprights 150, a third divider system configuration 252
facilitates mounting the divider system 204 to the first shelf 152,
and a forth divider system configuration 253 facilitates mounting
the divider system 204 to the uprights 150 and an adjustable depth
merchandising crossbar 154 (hereinafter "adjustable crossbar 154").
In embodiments, a typical retail gondola section 400 (hereinafter
"gondola section 400") may comprise the board 151, the uprights 150
and/or the first shelf 152.
[0122] The adjustable crossbar 154 is configured such that the
divider system 204, mounted thereon, may slide or move inwardly or
outwardly with respect to the uprights 150, the board 151 and/or
the gondola section 400. As a result, the divider system 204 may be
pushed inward or pull outward with respect to the uprights 150, the
board 151 and/or the gondola section 400 via the adjustable
crossbar 154.
[0123] The divider system 204 may be pulled outward to a partially
expanded depth or a fully extended depth for loading, reloading or
positioning the products 300, 301 in the pockets 200, 201,
respectively. The depth of the divider system 204 may be adjusted,
via the adjustable crossbar 154 such that the front-side the
divider system 204, mounted on the adjustable crossbar 154, aligns
flush with the front-sides of the other divider system 204 mounted
to the uprights 150, the board 151 and/or the shelf 152 and/or with
the front-sides of surrounding or adjacent shelving and/or
displays. In embodiments, the adjustable crossbar 154 may be
connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to divider
system 204 via the upper rear mounting hanger 23 and/or the lower
rear mounting hanger 24,
[0124] In embodiments, the divider system 204 may have a width of,
for example about twelve inches, about twenty-four inches, about
forty-eight inches or about sixty inches. The divider system 204
may have any number of pockets 200, 201, 202 as known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, the divider system 204 may
have nine of the pockets 202 and fourteen of the pockets 200. It
should understood that the present disclosure should not be deemed
as limited to a specific embodiment of the width of the divider
system 204 and/or number of pockets 200, 201, 202.
[0125] The divider system configuration 250 is also shown in FIGS.
11, 14 and 15 and may be utilized to connect, attach, secure,
fasten and/or mount the divider system 204 to a slatwall (not shown
in the drawings). The divider system configuration 251 is also
shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 16. The divider system configuration 252
is also shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 17.
[0126] FIG. 15 shows the divider system configuration 250 having
the divider system 204 which may be connected, attached, secured,
fastened and/or mounted to the board 151 via clips 46 and/or
hanging mount bracket 34. Any width of the divider system 204 may
be used when utilizing configuration 250. Hanging mount bracket 34
may be cut to the necessary and/or required width to hold the
number of dividers 10, 11, 13 and/or pockets 200, 201, 202 as
required. This is the same advantage realized when mounting divider
system 204 to the upright 150, the first shelf 152 and/or the
second shelf 153 and utilizing the configuration 250.
[0127] FIG. 16 shows the divider system configuration 251 having
the divider system 204 which may be connected, attached, secured,
fastened and/or mount to the upright 150 via the hanging mount
bracket 34 and/or the upright mount cross bar 39. FIG. 17. Shows
the divider system configuration 252 having the divider system 204
which may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mount to
the first or second shelves 152, 153 via the front shelf mount
track 47 and/or the rear mount track 48.
[0128] The divider systems 5, 204 may combine the versatility and
flexibility of peg hooks with benefits of automatic facing and
clean, high-end look of on-shelf pusher systems.
[0129] The divider systems 5, 204 may provide retailers the ability
to merchandise small, lightweight or oddly shaped products while
preventing or substantially preventing fallen and/or broken
packages along with constant upkeep.
[0130] The divider system 5, 204 may be utilized with, for example,
oral hygiene, pharmacy and beauty products, as well as other such
products which may be traditionally,merchandised on hooks but may
also be adapted to fit any retail product.
[0131] FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of a quick-load
pusher system 1000 (hereinafter "pusher system 1000") in an
embodiment. The pusher system 1000 may comprise one or more of a
pusher track 1010, a hanging gusset 1011, a data track component
1012, a front plate 1013, wire dividers 1014, a pusher paddle 1015
and/or a bar mount bracket 1016. The pusher system 1000 may be
sized and/or configured to store, house, secure, display, enclose
and/or dispense one or more products 3300 (hereinafter "products
3300"). The pusher system 1000 may have one or more features and/or
components that may be the same as or similar to the features
and/or components of the divider systems 5, 204. Moreover, the
features and/or components of the pusher system 1000 may operate
and/or function in a same or similar manner as the features and/or
components of the divider systems 5, 204.
[0132] In an embodiment, the products 3300 may be, for example,
bagged products, such as, for example, bagged cheese, bagged salad,
bagged deli meats and/or the like. In embodiments, the products
3300 may be, for example, consumer products, food products, hard
goods, durable goods, soft goods, consumables, consumer-grade
goods, professional-grade goods and/or the like. In embodiments,
the products 3300 may be OTC products, such as, for example,
analgesics, medications, pharmaceuticals, razors, razor blades,
camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products,
infant formula, vitamins, personal care products, home care
products, toothbrushes, foodstuffs, packaged foods, kitchen
supplies, bags, boxes, containers and/or the like. In an
embodiment, the products 3300 may be the same or similar retail
products as the first and second products 300, 301. It should be
understood that the present disclosure is not deemed as limited to
a specific embodiment of the bagged products, OTC products and/or
the one or more products 3300.
[0133] The pusher track 1010 may be sized and/or configured to
hold, support and/or display the product 3300 and/or may slide
and/or pull out for product loading of the pusher system 1010. The
pusher track 1010 may be connected, attached, fastened, secured
and/or mounted to the hanging gusset 1011 and may move, glide
and/or slide along the hanging gusset 1011 when the pusher track
1010 is being, loaded. The pusher track 1010 may be connected,
attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to one or more of the
data track component 1012, the front plate 1013, the wire dividers
1014, the pusher paddle 1015 and/or the bar mount bracket 1016 (as
shown in FIG. 19).
[0134] The hanging gusset 1011 may support the pusher track 1010
and may allow the pusher track 1010 to slide inward and outward for
product loading and displaying the first and second products 300,
301 or the products 3300. The hanging gusset 1011 may be connected,
attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to the bar mount bracket
1016 to allow the hanging gusset 1011 to connect, attach, hang,
secure and/or fasten to a crossbar 403 (as shown in FIG. 31). In an
embodiment, the hanging gusset 1011 may connect, attached, fasten,
secure and/or mount to a peg mount 1030 to allow the hanging gusset
1011 to connect, attach, fasten and/or hang to the peg board 400
(as shown in FIG. 32). The hanging gusset 1011 may prevent,
substantially prevent and/or restrict forward movement of the
pusher paddle 1015 via one or more pusher track stoppers 1033 (as
shown in FIG. 22). The hanging gusset 1011 may prevent,
substantially prevent and/or restrict forward movement of the
pusher track 1010 via one or more middle stoppers (not shown in the
drawings) and/or one or more rear plates (not shown in the
drawings).
[0135] The data track component 1012 may hold, support and/or
display product information indicative of one or more of the
products 3300. The data track component 1012 may attach, connect,
snap, fasten, secure and/or mount to the pusher track 1010 and/or
the wire dividers 1014. In an embodiment, the data track component
may be sized and/or configured to allow an alternate installation
arrangement for the pusher track 1010 via compatibility with a snap
track.
[0136] The front plate 1013 may be, for example, a customer facing
front barrier for products 302 and/or may restrict movement of the
products 3300 forward toward a front-side of the pusher system
1000. The front plate 1013 may connect, attach, secure and/or
fasten to a front side of the pusher track 1010. In an embodiment,
the front plate 1013 may be transparent and/or interchangeable with
additional front plates (not shown in the drawings).
[0137] The wire dividers 1014 may be, for example, an adjustable
horizontal barrier for holding retail products, such as, for
example, the products 3300. The wire dividers 1014 may be
connected, attached, fastened, secured and/or mounted to pusher
track 1010 at one or more rear tube mounts 1017 of the pusher track
1010 (as shown in FIG. 21). As a result, the wire dividers 1014 may
be aligned parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The
wire dividers 1014 may move, extend, retract and/or slide
horizontally or substantially horizontally through the rear tube
mounts 1017of the pusher track 1010 which may allow for telescoping
adjustability of the wire dividers 1014. The wire dividers 1014 may
connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount to the data track
component 1012 via tube mounts 136 of the data track component 1012
(as shown in FIG. 28A). The wire dividers 1014 may move, extend,
retract and/or slide horizontally or substantially horizontally
through the tube mounts 136 which may allow for telescoping
adjustability of the wire dividers 1012. In embodiments, the wire
dividers 1012 may be, for example, painted and/or plated wire
dividers.
[0138] The pusher paddle 1015 may be sized and/or configured to
provide and/or apply a pressure, a force or a constant pressure
against the first and second products 300, 301 or the products 3300
which may be contained and/or stored within the pusher system 1000.
As a result, the first and second products 300, 301 or the products
3300 may be forced, pressured and/or squeezed between the pusher
paddle 1015 and the front plate 1013. The pusher paddle 1015 may
connect, attach, secure and/or fasten to and/or snap into the
pusher plate 1010 and/or may move or slide lengthwise along one or
more grooves in the pusher plate 1010. In embodiments, the pusher
paddle 1015 may have the same features and components as the pusher
paddle 14 which may function and/or operate in the same or similar
manner as the features and/or components of the pusher paddle
14.
[0139] The bar mount bracket 1016 may connect, attach, secure,
fasten and/or mount to a rear of the hanging gusset 1011. The bar
mount bracket 1016 may have one or more fasteners, such as, for
example, one or more hooks which may attach, connect, secure,
fasten and/or hook the bar mount bracket to the crossbar 403. As a
result, the pusher system 1000 may connect, attach, fasten, secure
and mount to the crossbar 403 via the bar mount bracket 1016.
[0140] In embodiments, one or more the pusher track 1010, the data
track component 1012, the front plate 1013, the pusher paddle 115
and/or the bar mount bracket 1016 may be made of a plastic material
and/or a moulded plastic material. The plastic material and/or the
moulded plastic material may be, for example, a clear plastic
material or a non-clear plastic material.
[0141] FIG. 19 shows a pusher system configuration 5151 having the
pusher system 1000 in a fully assembled state. In an embodiment,
the pusher system 1000 may be storing, holding, securing and/or
displaying one or more products 3300 which may be forced, pressured
and/or squeezed between the pusher paddle 1015 and the front plate
1013 via a pusher spring and/or a pusher mechanism, such as, for
example, a clock-type spring (not shown). The wire dividers 1014
may be moved, retracted and/or slid together or inward with respect
to each other to accommodate an approximate width of the one or
more products 3300. The bar mount bracket 1016 may be utilized in
the pusher system configuration 5151 such that the pusher system
1000 may be connected, attached, fastened, secured and/or mounted
to the crossbar 403. The pusher system 1000 may have a snap track
1037 which may connect, attach, secure and/or snap into a snap clip
1023 on the pusher track 1010.
[0142] FIG. 20 shows an elevated, front perspective view of the
pusher system 1000. The wire dividers 1014 may be installed into
the rear tube mounts 1017 and/or the tube mounts 1036 of the pusher
track 1010. The wire dividers 1014 may be configured to telescope
outward and/or to retract inward to change and/or adjust a distance
or width between the wire dividers 1014. As a result, the distance
or width between the wire dividers 1014 may be changed and/or
adjusted to receive one or more of the products 3300 and/or to
correspond to a width associated with the one or more products
3300.
[0143] FIG. 21 shows a top side of the pusher track 1010, whereby
the pusher track 1010 may be sized and/or configured to move,
extend, retract and/or forward and back via a pusher track rail
1022 when the hanging gusset 1011 is not being utilized. This may
be accomplished by mounting the pusher track 1010 to other parts
and/or components which may allow the pusher track 1010 to be used
on other fixtures, such as, for example, a first or second shelf
152, 153 by incorporating a similar interface to relevant features
of the pusher system 1000. The pusher track 1010 may have one or
more rear tube mounts 1117 which may be sized and/or configured to
guide and/or assist the wire dividers 1014 along their telescoping
path. The pusher track 1010 may have one or more main pusher paddle
grooves 1019 which may be sized and/or configured to allow the
pusher paddle 1015 to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount
to the pusher track 1010 and to move and/or slide along a length of
pusher track 1010. The pusher track 1010 may have one or more front
dovetail tabs 1020 which may be sized and/or configured to create a
tight frictional interface and precise registration by the
connection of the front dovetail tabs 1020 with interchangeable
front plate 1013. The pusher track 1010 may have one or more front
windows 1021 which may be sized and/or configured such that the
wire dividers 1014 may pass through pusher track 1010 and/or may
access the tube mounts 1036 on the data track component 1012. The
pusher track 1010 may have one or more pusher track rails 1022
which may be sized and/or configured to allow the pusher track 1010
to move, extend, retract and/or slide longitudinally on the hanging
gusset 1011 such that side-to-side motion and/or up-and-down motion
may be controllable. The pusher track 1010 may have one or more
snap clips 1023 which may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or
snap onto a snap track on the data track component 1012. The pusher
track 1010 may have one or more pusher track terminus 1048 which
may be sized and/or configured to be a rear limit to linear motion
of and/or on the pusher track 1010. In an embodiment, the push
track terminus 1048 may be sized and/or configured to physically
interface with a rear gusset wall 1034 of the hanging gusset
1011.
[0144] In FIG. 22, a bottom side the pusher track 1010 may have one
or more bottom extrusion teeth 1032 which may be sized and/or
configured to be utilized as a hook interface and/or hook mechanism
with an end return 1038 of the data track component 1012. The
pusher track 1010 may have one or more pusher track stoppers 1033
which may be sized and/or configured to restrict, prevent and/or
limit forward movement of the pusher track 1010 on the hanging
gusset 1011 through, for example, physical interface with a gusset
ramp 1029 of the hanging gusset 1011. The pusher track 1010 may
have one or more accessory mounts 1045 which may be sized and/or
configured for mounting one or more peripheral accessories for
alternate assemblies.
[0145] FIG. 23 shows a top perspective view of the hanging gusset
1011 which may have one or more front retainer teeth 1024 which may
be, sized and/or configured to limit forward movement of the pusher
paddle 1015 and/or to allow release of force and/or pressure
between the pusher paddle 1015, the one or more products 3300, and
the front plate 1013 during product loading and/or product
rotation. For example, when the pusher track 1010 may pulled
outward, the one or more teeth 1024 may force the pusher paddle
1015 to stay behind or may hold the pusher paddle 1015 from, moving
forward with the pusher track 1010. As a result, a gap may be
created, produced and/or formed between the pusher paddle 1015 and
the front plate 1013 which may be utilized for product loading
and/or product rotation.
[0146] The hanging gusset 1011 may have one or more upper gusset
teeth 1025 which may be sized and/or configured to be an upper
limit for physical interface between the pusher track rail 1022 of
the pusher track 1010 and the hanging gusset 1011. The hanging
gusset 1011 may have one or more lower gusset surfaces 126 which
may be sized and/or configured to be a lower limit of the physical
interface between the pusher track rail 1022 of the pusher track
1010 and the hanging gusset 1011. In an embodiment, the lower
gusset surfaces 126 may be sized and/or configured to work along
with and/or to cooperate with the upper gusset teeth 1025 to lock
the pusher track rail 1022 into a sliding path for the pusher track
rail 1022. As a result, the pusher track rail 1022 may be locked,
secured and/or fastened into the sliding path via the upper gusset
teeth 1025 and/or the lower gusset surfaces 126. The hanging gusset
1011 may have one or more rear gusset hooks 1028, which may be
sized and/or configured to wrap around a top of the bar mount
bracket 1016. As a result, an assembly of the pusher track 1010 and
the hanging gusset may be stiffened and/or strengthened and/or made
to be more rigid via the rear gusset hooks 1028 and/or the top of
the bar mount bracket 1016. The hanging gusset 1011 may have one or
more rear gusset wall 1034 which may be sized and/or configured to
be a rearward limit to the linear motion of and/or on the pusher
track 1010.
[0147] FIG. 24 shows a bottom side of the hanging gusset 1011
having one or more rear vertical slots 1027 which may be sized
and/or configured to be a female interface between the hanging
gusset 1011 and a vertical bracket track 1040 on bar mount bracket
1016 and/or peg mount bracket 1030 (as shown in FIG. 29A and 29B).
The hanging gusset 1011 may have one or more baffle mounts 1031
which may be sized and/or configured to be one or more mounting
points for hardware which may hold the horizontal baffle in place,
used to facilitate directional airflow within a refrigerated
environment (not shown in drawings). The hanging gusset 1011 may
have one or more stiffening, structure 1044 which may be sized
and/or configured to increase stiffness of the hanging gusset 1011
and/or to airflow through the assembly of the pusher track 1010 and
the hanging gusset 1011, with or without the use of the above
mentioned baffle.
[0148] FIG. 25A and 25B show a pusher system configuration 5151
having the pusher system 1000 in a closed position and an open
position, respectively. The pusher track 1010 may have the one or
more pusher track rails 1022 which may be rails or lips along left
and right sides of the pusher track 1010. The pusher track rails
may slide between the upper gusset teeth 1025 and the lower gusset
surface 1026 on hanging gusset 1011 which may control the pusher
track 1010 front-to-back movements and side-to-side movements.
[0149] Once the pusher system 1000 may be assembled, the pusher
system 1000 may be configured to allow the pusher track 1010 to
move, extend, retract and/or slide longitudinally within and/or
between a front limit and a rear limit of the pusher system 1000.
The front limit may be dictated, formed, created and/or produced by
one or more gusset ramps 1029 of the hanging gusset 1011, and the
rear limit may be dictated, formed, created and/or produced by the
rear gusset wall 1034 of the hanging gusset 1011. Moreover, forward
longitudinal movement of the pusher paddle 1015 may be control,
prevented and/or allowed via the front retainer teeth 1024 of the
hanging gusset 1011. The gusset ramp 1029 may be sized and/or
configured to be a locking mechanism between the pusher track 1010
and the hanging gusset 1011 and/or to limit forward movement of the
pusher track 1010 on the hanging gusset 1011 through, for example,
physical interface with the pusher track stopper 1033 of the
hanging gusset 1011.
[0150] One purpose of this independent component retention may be,
for example, to allow the pusher paddle 1015 to maintain contact
pressure with the one or more products 3300 which may be within the
pusher system 1000 while the pusher system 1000 may be in the
closed position (see FIG. 25A), and/or to release the pressure when
the pusher system 1000 may be in the opened position (see FIG.
25B). As a result, a gap may be created, formed, produced and/or
provided between any remaining products 3300 within the pusher
system 1000 and the pusher paddle 1015 so that new or additional
products 3300 may be placed into the pusher system 1000 behind any
previous or remaining products 3300.
[0151] FIG. 25A shows the pusher track 1010 may move and/or slide
to a point where the pusher track terminus 1048 may make contact
with the rear gusset wall 1034. As a result, the rearward motion of
the pusher track 1010 may be limited by the pusher track terminus
1048 and/or the rear gusset wall 1034. In an embodiment, the pusher
paddle 1015 may make contact with the front retainer teeth 1024 and
force and/or pressure applied by the, pusher spring may hold the
pusher paddle 1015 against the front retainer teeth 1024 when, for
example, there is no product 302 in the pusher system 1000.
[0152] FIG. 25B shows the pusher track 1010 may extend to a point
where the pusher track stopper 1033 may be in contact with the
gusset ramp 1029 which may stop the pusher track 1010 from sliding
forward to any further point. The pusher paddle 1015 may remain
pulled firmly against the front retainer teeth 1024 with the pusher
spring in a further extended position than in FIG. 25A. In an
embodiment, the pusher track rail 1022 may remain confined between
the upper gusset teeth 1025 and the lower gusset surface 1026 which
may provide support for this increased cantilever form.
[0153] FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the
pusher track 1010 and the hanging gusset 1011 and any interactions,
at the front-side of the pusher system 1000, between the pusher
track 1010 and the hanging gusset 1011. For example, a data track
slot 1047 may be located or sandwiched between two front walls of
data track component 1012. The data track slot may be sized and/or
configured to hold a product information strip. In an embodiment,
the pusher system 1000 may have frictional interfaces between the
snap clip 1023 on the pusher track 1010 and a snap track 1037 on
the data track component 1012. The extrusion snap track 1037 may be
sized and/or configured to connect, attach, secure and/or snaps
into the snap clip 1023 on the pusher track 1010. In an embodiment,
the pusher system 1000 may have contact interface between an end
return 1038 on the data track component 1012 and the bottom
extrusion teeth 1032 on the pusher track 1010. The cod return 1038
may be sized and/or configured to be a hook interface or hook
mechanism with the bottom extrusion teeth 1032.
[0154] At early stages of the assembly of the pusher system 1000,
the data track component 1012 may be installed onto the pusher
track 1010 which may be accomplished and/or achieved in a pivoting
manner, where, for example, the contact interface between the
pusher tracker 1010 and the data track component 1012 may be
created first. For example, data track component !012 may be angled
below the pusher track 1010, and may then be swung upward which may
pivot on the contact point and/or may engage the frictional
interface between the snap clip 1023 on the pusher track 1010 and
the snap track 1037 on the data track component 1012.
[0155] FIG. 27 shows a front cross-sectional view the pusher system
1000 which shows the pusher track 1010, the hanging gusset 1011 and
the pusher paddle 1015. FIG. 27 also illustrates two front-to-back,
track-like interfaces which may be provided by the pusher system
1000. For example, lower legs of the pusher paddle 1015 may,
connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or hook around track slots 1019
which may prevent, restrict and/or limit up-and-down movements of
the pusher paddle 1015 while allowing the pusher paddle 1015 to
move, extend, retract and/or slide forward and backwards with
respect to the front side of the pusher system 1000. In an
embodiment, both left and right pusher track rails 1022 may be
located or sandwiched between the upper gusset teeth 1025 and the
lower gusset surface 1026, whereby a tolerance between these
components may allow them to move freely along a central axis of
the pusher system 1000.
[0156] FIG. 28A shows a perspective, view of the data track
component 1012 having one or more bar hook 1035 which may be sized
and/or configured to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or hook
over the crossbar 403 to supporting the pusher system 1000. The
data track component 1012 may have one or more extruded tube mounts
1036 which may be sized and/or configured to guide and/or assist
the wire dividers 1014 along the telescoping path of the wire
dividers 1014. The data track component 1012 may have one or more
snap clip 1046 which may be sized and/or configured to connect,
attach, fasten, secure and/or snap onto a peripheral snap track on
alternate assemblies.
[0157] FIG. 28B shows a perspective view of the front plate 1013
having one or more female dovetail tabs 1041 which may be sized
and/or configured to be a tight frictional interface and/or precise
registration creatable by connection of the female dovetail tabs
1041 and the male dovetail tabs 1020 on the pusher track 1010. The
front plate 1013 may have one or more interfaces 1042 which may be
sized and/or configured to interface, cooperate and/or
corresponding with a stiffening cavity 1050 on the pusher track
1010. The front plate 1013 may have one or more terminal surface
1043 which may be sized and/or configured to be a forward limit for
the products 3300 which may be pushed forward by the pusher paddle
1015.
[0158] FIG. 29A shows a peg mount bracket 1030 which may be sized
and/or configured to connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or mount
to a rear of the hanging gusset 1011. The peg mount bracket 1030
may connect, attach, secure, fasten and/or hook onto a peg board
400 to hang the pusher system 1000 from the peg board 400. In an
embodiment, the peg board 400 may be, for example, a vertical
pegboard and/or may have one or more holes which may be spaced
about one inch from one another. It should be understood that the
present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to a specific
embodiment of pegboard.
[0159] The peg mount bracket 1030 may have one more peg hooks 139
which may be sized and/or configured to be inserted into the peg
board 400 to support the pusher system 1000. The peg mount bracket
1030 may have one or more vertical bracket tracks 1040 which may be
sized and/or configured to be male interfaces between the bar mount
bracket 1016, the peg mount bracket 1030 and/or the hanging gusset
1011.
[0160] FIG. 29B shows a bar mount bracket 1016 having one or more
vertical bracket tracks 1040 and/or one or more bar hooks 1035 for
supporting the pusher system 1000.
[0161] FIGS. 30A shows pusher system configuration 5150 having the
pusher system 1000 and the peg mount bracket 1030. In the pusher
system configuration 5150 the rear gusset hook 1028 may have to be
removed from the hanging gusset 1011 in order to maintain
compatibility with the peg mount bracket 1030 and/or the peg board
400.
[0162] FIG. 30B shows pusher system configuration 5151 having the
pusher system 1000 and the bar mount 1016 which may also be
compatible with the crossbar 403.
[0163] FIG. 31 shows the pusher system configuration 5151 as it may
appear in a retail environment. In an embodiment, a number of
pusher systems 1000 may be connected, attach, secured, fastened
and/or mount to, for example, a number of cross bars 403. For
example, two pusher systems 1000 may be hung on each of three cross
bars 403 which may, in turn, be inserted into two upright 402. For
example, one or more pusher systems 1000 may be installed in series
along one or more crossbars of varying lengths which may create a
shelf-like presentation for the first and second products 300, 301
or the products 3300. Vertical distance(s) between each row of
pusher systems 1000 may be changed and/or adjusted to suit the
first and second products 300, 301 or the products 3300 which may
have varying heights and/or sizes by adjusting vertical positioning
of the cross bars 403 along the uprights 402. In an embodiment, the
pusher system configuration 5151 and/or the pusher systems 1000 may
be utilized in, for example, a common retail environment, such as,
for example, aisles, refrigerators and/or the like.
[0164] FIG. 32 shows the pusher system configuration 5150 as it may
appear in a retail environment. In an embodiment, the pusher system
configuration 5150 may have one or more pusher systems 1000 which
may be connected, attached, secured, fastened and/or mounted to the
peg board 400. For example, the pusher system configuration 5150
may have six pusher systems 1000 which may be hung on a section of
the peg board 400. FIG. 32 illustrates that one or more pusher
system 1000 may be installed in a myriad of planar arrangements on
the peg board 400. Vertical and horizontal distances between the
pusher systems 1000 may be changed and/or adjusted by moving and/or
altering an arrangement of the peg board brackets 30 of the pusher
systems 1000 on the peg board 400.
[0165] FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate elevated side perspective views of
pusher tracks and hanging gussets in embodiments More particularly
FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D show a variety of the pusher systems
1000 having a variety of different lengths. In order to accomplish
the variations in length, the pusher tracks 1010 and the hanging
gussets 1011 of the pusher systems 1000 may be injection moulded
within a modular mould. By adding central inserts to the mould,
parts with different lengths may be created, produced and/or formed
while maintaining front and rear mould components. FIG. 33 shows
four sizes available for the pusher systems 1000 along with a
number of inserts which may be needed to create the different
lengths.
[0166] In embodiments, the pusher systems 1000 may be comprised of
individual, self-contained product holders which may eliminate a
need for a traditional store shelf and may increase merchandising
flexibility. The pusher systems 1000 may have an ability to be
mounted to a traditional store shelf but may excel when mounted to
pegboard 400 or a cross bar 403. The pusher track 1010 on which the
products 302 may sit and/or may be positioned may have an ability
to pull forward and out from underneath the shelf or fixture above.
This improves an case and speed of loading as a majority of the
pusher track 1010 may be exposed and free from obstruction. Less
vertical space may be required between product rows which may
result in additional product holding power within the aisle
section. Furthermore, when the pusher track 1010 may be pulled
forward for loading, the pusher paddle 1015 may remain retracted,
and may allow for quick two-handed loading of the products 302 into
the pusher systems 1000. Unlike any other known pull-out system, a
majority of components of the pusher systems 1000 including
attachment brackets and structural members may be made from moulded
plastic. Metal components such as the wire dividers 1014 and/or the
pusher spring may be made from corrosion resistant metals for use
in cold or damp locations such as coolers, fridges and freezers,
drastically reducing the risk of metal corrosion within a food
environment. This also may ensure that moving mechanical components
may retain consistent and proper function.
[0167] As shown in FIGS. 34-50, one or more retail products 3301
(hereinafter "retail products 3301") and/or one or more retail
products 3302 (hereinafter "retail products 3302") may he housed,
stored, secured and/or displayed or dispensed from at least one of
a quick-load pusher system 5152 (hereinafter "pusher system 5152"),
a quick-load pusher system 5153 (hereinafter "pusher system 5153"),
a quick load pusher system 5154 (hereinafter "pusher system 5154"),
a quick-load pusher system 5154 (hereinafter "pusher system 5154"),
a quick-load pusher system 5155 (hereinafter "pusher system 5155")
and/or a quick-load pusher system 5156 (hereinafter "pusher system
5156"), collectively known hereinafter as "pusher systems 5152,
5153, 5154, 5155, 5156". The retail products 3301 may be, for
example, packaged products, such as, meats and/or cheese which may
typically be merchandised using hanging hooks, and the retail
products 3302 may be, for example, ridged packaged products, such
as, frozen food packages, boxes, microwave meals which may be
merchandised using a pusher system. In embodiments, the retail
products 3301 and/or the retail products 3302 (collectively know
hereinafter as "retail products 3301, 3302") may be similar to or
the same as the first and second products 300, 301 and/or the
retail products 3300.
[0168] The pusher systems 5152, 5153, 5154, 5155, 5156 may be
connected, attached, mounted, fastened, joined and/or secured to a
retail gondola section 405 having aisle uprights 402, a retail
gondola shelf 406, a back structural lip 407 of the retail gondola
shelf 406 or a back wall 408 of the gondola section 405 or a
refrigerator (not shown in the drawings. In embodiments, the retail
gondola section 405 may be a typical retail gondola section having
a width of more than about two feet, such as, for example, about
four feet, and the shelf 406 may be a typical retail gondola shelf
having a depth of less than about twenty-four inches, such as, for
example, about eighteen inches.
[0169] The pusher systems 5152, 5153, 5154, 5155, 5156 may comprise
one or more of the following structural features and/or components,
which may be connected, attached, fastened, secured, joined and/or
mounted to each other and/or combinations thereof: a data Track
Extrusion 1051; a first moulded air divider assembly 1052; a second
moulded air divider assembly 1053; moulded air holes 1054; moulded
divider rails 1055; a moulded divider body 1056; guide holes 1057;
snap mounts 1058; a wide pusher paddle 1059; a hanging baffle bar
assembly 1060; hanging baffle bar mounting brackets 1061; a forward
leveling bar 1062; a baffle sheet 1063; a hook grip clip 1064; a
Safety flange 1065; a horizontal lip shelf extrusion 1066; a
vertical lip shelf extrusion 1067; a lock slot 1068; forward tube
mounts 1069; in interchangeable curved front plate 1070; graphic
tabs 1071; a modular baffle 1072; Baffle mounting hardware 1073; a
shelf grip mount 1074; a shelf anchor clip 1075; loading lock tabs
1076; pusher track retaining clips 1077; loading lock ramps 1078; a
moulded snap clip 1079; a base retainer plate 1080; base slide
rails 1081; base track gripper legs 1082; a base track 1083; an
adjustment Pin 1084; a T-Snap track 1085; a depth adjustment plate
1086: depth holes 1087, 1088; a horizontal flange 1090; a vertical
flange 1091; a friction O-ring 1092; a loading gap 1093. One or
more of the above-identified structural features and/or components
may be connected, attached, secured, joined and/or mounted to each
other or combinations thereof to assembly, produce and/or provide
one or more of the pusher systems 5152, 5153, 5154, 5155, 5156 as
shown in and illustrated by FIGS. 34-50.
[0170] The data track extrusion 1051 may be connected, attached,
fixed, joined and/or secured to the front plate 1013 via an
adhesive or to the pusher track 1010 via 1023 snap clip 1023 and/or
the extrusion snap track 1032. The first moulded air divider
assembly 1052 may extend upwardly in the vertical or substantially
vertical direction to provide an adjustable horizontal barrier for
retail product and/or may be connected, attached, joined, fastened
and/or secured to the pusher track 1010 at the front tube mount
1069 and/or the rear tube mount 1017. The second moulded air
divider assembly 1053 may extended in the vertical or substantially
vertical direction to provide an adjustable horizontal barrier for
retail product and/or may be connected, attached, joined, fastened
and/or secured to the pusher track 1010 at the front tube mount
1069 and/or the rear tube mount 1017.
[0171] The moulded divider body 1056 may be, for example, an
L-shaped divider and/or may provide support for larger bagged
products which may improve functionality of the systems. The
moulded divider body 1056 may have a solid plastic construction
with the air holes 1054 which may help control, manage and/or
maintain temperatures surrounding the retail products 3302 when the
moulded divider body and the retail products 3302 arc located
within a refrigerated environment. The air holes 1054 may help
control, manage and/or prevent cold air loss by, for example,
slowing and/or channeling cold air movement between adjacent
products and dividers before its eventual release into the
surrounding environment. The air holes 1054 may be moulded into
and/or formed or positioned within the vertical sides of the
moulded divider body 1056, and the air holes 1054 may help control,
manage and/or prevent cold air loss by slowing and channeling cold
air movement between adjacent products and dividers before the cold
air may be eventual released into the surrounding environment.
[0172] The moulded divider rails 1055 may be connected, attached
and/or affixed to the moulded divider body 1056 through the guide
holes 1057 and the snap mounts 1058. In an embodiment, the moulded
divider rails may comprise at least one metal wire and may connect,
attach, fasten or affix to the pusher track 1010 at the front tube
mount 1069 and/or the rear tube mount 1017. The guide holes 1057
may be moulded into and/or formed or position on the divider body
1056 to position or affix the moulded divider rails 1055 for
alignment with connection points on the pusher plate 1010. The snap
mounts 1058 may fasten, lock or secure the moulded divider rails
1055 to an underside of the moulded divider body 1056 when
connected, attached and/or mounted in the guide holes 1057. The
diction O-ring 1092 may be formed, provided and/or located on the
moulded divider rails 1055. In an embodiment, the parallel wire
divider 1014 and/or the friction O-ring 1092 may be provided,
positioned and/or located within the underside of pusher plate 1010
in the front and rear tube mounts 1069, 1017 which may increase
friction and/or may slow horizontal movement of the connected or
attached moulded divider bodies 1056.
[0173] The wide pusher paddle 1059 is a variation of pusher paddle
1015 for use with wide or heady products, such as, for example, the
retail product 3301 to vertically or substantially vertically
support the wide or heady products and/or to provide or exert
forward pressure against the retail products 3301, 3302. The
hanging baffle bar assembly 1060 may replaces modular baffle 1072
in a refrigerated environment when a row of the pusher systems
5152, 5153, 5154, 5155, 5156 may be used. The 1061 hanging baffle
bar mounting brackets 1061 may connect, attach, affix and/or mount
the hanging baffle bar 160 to the crossbar 403. The forward
leveling bar 1062 may be utilized with the divider system 5 such
that the divider system 5 may vertically settle when weight of the
retail products, such as, the first and second products 300, 301
may be applied thereon. In embodiments, different retail products
of varying weight (i.e., the first and second products 300, 301)
may be merchandised adjacent to one another in more than one
divider systems 5. The forward leveling bar 1062 may control,
reduce, restrict and/or limit an amount of vertical settle of the
divider systems 5. As a result, horizontal visual consistency of
the divider systems 5 may be maintained and/or achieved via the
forward leveling bar 1062.
[0174] In embodiments, the baffle sheet 1063 may be made from, for
example, high grade durable plastic. In a refrigerated environment,
the modular baffle 1072 may harness and/or may capture cool air
from the rear of the fridge and/or move, direct and/or channel the
cool air forward towards the front of the pusher systems 5152,
5153, 5154, 5155, 5156. As a result, a desired temperature of the
forward most retail product or the retail product located at the
front of the pusher system may be maintained or achieved via the
modular baffle 1072.
[0175] The hook grip clip 1064 on horizontal shelf lip extrusion
1066 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or interlock with the
horizontal flange 1090. The safety flange 1065 may be connected to
a back side of the crossbar 403 which may be configured or designed
to fully, or at least partially, encapsulate the bar hook 1035 on
the bar mount bracket 1016. As a result, the safety flange 1065 may
preventing undesired separation from the crossbar 403 when excess
force(s) and/or weight(s) may be applied to the pusher systems
5152, 5153, 5154, 5155, 5156. The horizontal lip shelf extrusion
1066 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure a first shelf
bracket assembly 5200 or second shelf bracket assembly 5210 to the
back structural lip 407 via the depth adjustment plate 1086. The
vertical lip shelf extrusion 1067 may connect, attach, join, fasten
and/or secure one of the first and/or second shelf bracket
assemblies 5200, 5210 to the back structural lip 407 via the depth
adjustment plate 1089. The first shelf bracket assembly 5200 may
have the horizontal lip mount 1086 along with the horizontal lip
shelf extrusion 1066. The second shelf bracket assembly 5210 may
have the vertical lip mount 1089 along with the vertical lip shelf
extrusion 1067.
[0176] The lock slot 1068 may lock, fasten and/or secure the
locking pusher track 1010 in a rear or closed position with the
hanging gusset 1011 via the pusher track retaining clips 1077. The
forward tube mounts 1069 may guide or led the wire divider 1014
along the telescoping path of the wire divider. The interchangeable
curved front plate 1070 may provide a transparent customer facing
front barrier for the retail products, such as, the retail product
3300 and/or may restrict, prevent and/or limit any forward movement
of, for example, the retail product 3300. The interchangeable
curved front plate 1070 may connect, attach, join and/or fasten to
the pusher track 1010 via the female dovetail slots 1041 to the
front dovetail tabs 1020 on pusher track 1010. As a result, the
interchangeable curved front plate 1070 may provide increased
and/or improved spacing for merchandising bagged or irregular
shaped products such as salad or the like.
[0177] The graphic tabs 1071 on the interchangeable curved front
plate 1070 may affix or hold at least one horizontal graphic and/or
price ticked flush against terminal surface 1043. The modular
baffle 1072 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure to the
baffle mounts 1031 on the underside of hanging gusset 1011 via the
baffle mounting hardware 1073 which may be advantageous for
configurations where only a part or portion of the crossbar 403 may
be occupied by the pusher system 5152 and may not require use of
the baffle bar 1060. In a refrigerated environment, the modular
baffle may harass, divert or capture cool air from the rear of the
fridge and/or may channel, move and/or distribute the cool air
forward towards the front of the pusher system 5152 which may
maintain and/or achieve the desired temperature of the forward most
retail products within the pusher system 5152. The baffle mounting
hardware 1073 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure the
modular baffle 1072 to hanging gusset through the baffle mounts
1031.
[0178] The shelf grip mount 1074 may have a vertical lip shelf
extrusion 1067. In an embodiment, the shelf grip mount 1074 or the
vertical lip shelf extrusion 1067 may be a single long track that
may extend the entire with of the retail shelf on which the pusher
systems 5152, 5153, 5154, 5155, 5156 may be mounted. The shelf
anchor clip 1075 may have a horizontal lip shelf extrusion 1067
which may be sized and/or configured such that it may compress to
pass between the shelf 406 and a back wall of the gondola 408
and/or may expands underneath the back structural lip 407 locking
the shelf bracket assemblies 5200, 5210 vertically in place while
still allowing for horizontal adjustability. In an embodiment, the
horizontal lip self extrusion 1067 may be a plurality of smaller
individual section of track. The loading lock tabs 1076 may
connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure to the loading lock
ramps 1078 on the pusher track 1010 to hold the pusher track 1010
in the opened or extended position for facilitating easy product
loading, unloading and/or rotating. The loading gap 1093 provides
space or area for loading the retail product between the pusher
front 1013 and the pusher paddle 1059 or the pusher paddle 1015
and/or may be created or formed when the pusher plate 1010 is
pulled outwardly on the gusset 1011 for loading the retail
products, such as, the retail products 3301 and/or the first and
second products 300, 301.
[0179] The pusher track retaining clips 1077 may lock, fasten
and/or secure the pusher track 1010 in the closed position against
the rear gusset wall 1034 via the lock slot 1068. The loading lock
ramps 1078 on the pusher track 1010 may connect, join, fasten
and/or mate with the loading lock tabs 1076 on the hanging gusset
1011 to hold, maintain and/or secure the pusher track 1010 in a
fixed position, such as, for example, the opened or extended
position for ease of product loading. The moulded snap clip 1079
may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or affixes to a T-snap track
tape 1085 which may allow and/or facilitate horizontal adjustment
of the shelf bracket assemblies 5200, 5210. In an embodiment, the
T-snap track tape 1085 may be a magnetic tape for connecting,
attaching, joining and/or affixing to the moulded snap clip
1079.
[0180] As shown in FIGS. 45, 46A and 46B, the base retainer plate
1080 may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or mount to an inside or
a top side of the base rack 1083 and/or may comprise the front
retainer teeth 1024 and the gusset ramps 1029 which may be used in
or may facilitate connecting, attaching, joining, fastening and/or
securing the pusher plate 1010 and/or positioning of the pusher
paddle 1059 or the pusher paddle 1015. The base slide rails 1081
may retain the pusher track 1010 within the inside or top side of
the base rack 1083. The base track gripper legs 1082 may provide
friction, spacing and/or support between the shelf bracket
assemblies 5200, 5210 and the retail shelf 406. The base track 1083
may be shaped, sized and/or configured to provide a main mounting
platform for the shelf bracket assemblies 5200, 5210 and/or a
sliding connection point for the pusher track 1010. The adjustment
pin 1084 may be connected, attached, joined and/or mounted to the
base track 1083 and/or may allow for adjustment of the depth
adjustment plates 1086, 1089 via the depth adjustment holes 1087,
1088. The T-snap track 1085 may connect, attach, join, fasten
and/or mount at least one of the shelf bracket assemblies 5200,
5210 to the retail shelf 406 via the moulded snap clip 1079.
[0181] The depth adjustment plate 1086 may comprise the first depth
hole 1087, the second depth hole 1088 and/or the horizontal lip or
flange 1090 which may provide and/or facilitate shelf adjustment
for the shelf bracket assembly 5200. As a result, the depth of the
shelf bracket assembly 5200 may be adjustable to correspond to the
depth of any retail shelf, such as, for example, the retail shelf
406. The horizontal flange 1090 may connect or attach to or may
join, mate and/or interlock with the hook grip clip 1064 on the
horizontal shelf lip extrusion 1066. The first depth hole 1087 may
be formed in and/or provided on the depth adjustment plates 1086,
1089, and the second depth hole may be formed in and/or provided on
the depth adjustment plates 1086, 1089. The first and second depths
associated with the first and second depth holes 1087, 1088,
respectively, may be, for example, less than about twenty-four
inches, greater than about ten inches, about sixteen inches or
about eighteen inches. For example, when the adjustable pin 1084
may be move to or positioned or located within the first depth hole
1087, the shelf bracket assembly 5200 may have a depth that may be
less than when the adjustable pin 1084 may be moved to or
positioned or located within the second depth hole 1088. In an
embodiment, the first depth hole 1087 may correspond to a depth,
for the shelf bracket assembly 5200, of about eighteen inches, and
the second depth hole 1088 may correspond to a depth, for the shelf
bracket assembly 5200, of about sixteen inches.
[0182] The depth adjustment plate 1089 may comprise the first depth
hole 1087, the second depth hole 1088 and/or the vertical lip or
flange 1091 which may provide and/or facilitate shelf adjustment
for the shelf bracket assembly 5210. As a result, the depth of the
shelf bracket assembly 5210 may be adjustable to the first depth
corresponding to the first depth hole 1087 or to the second depth
corresponding to the second depth hole 1088. The vertical flange
1091 may connect or attach to or may join, mate and/or interlock
with the hook grip clip 1064 on the vertical shelf lip extrusion
1067.
[0183] FIGS. 34A and 34B show perspective views of the pusher
systems 5152, 5153 which may comprise the hanging gusset 1011 as
the method or means for mounting the pusher systems 5152, 5153.
FIG. 34A shows the pusher system 5152 which may also comprise the
parallel wire dividers 1014, the interchangeable front plate 1013
and/or the wide pusher paddle 1059 connected through the pusher
plate 1010. FIG. 34B shows the pusher system 5153 which may also
comprise the first and second moulded dividers 1052, 1053, the
interchangeable front plate 1013 and/or the wide pusher paddle 1059
connected the through pusher plate 1010.
[0184] FIGS. 38A-38C a plurality of interchangeable product and/or
graphic retaining components which may be mountable to a forward
section of the pusher tract 1010 via, for example, the front
dovetail tabs 1020, the pusher track rail 1022 and/or the snap clip
1023. FIG. 38A shows a perspective view of the data track extension
1012, without the extruded tube mounts 1036, which may be mountable
to a forward section of the pusher tract 1010 via the front
dovetail tabs 1020, the pusher track rail 1022 and/or the snap clip
1023. FIG. 38B shows a perspective view of interchangeable front
plate 1013 which may be mountable to a forward section of the
pusher tract 1010 via the front dovetail tabs 1020, the pusher
track rail 1022 and/or the snap clip 1023. FIG. 38C shows a
perspective view of the interchangeable curved front plate 1070
which may be mountable to a forward section of the pusher tract
1010 via the front dovetail tabs 1020, the pusher track rail 1022
and/or the snap clip 1023.
[0185] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of the pusher system 5152
which may be mounted to the crossbar 403. The pusher system 5152
may be opened or extended and locked for loading as shown in FIG.
41C with the retail products 3302 which may be loaded into the
loading gap 1093 on the pusher plate 1010 between the parallel wire
dividers 1014.
[0186] FIGS. 41A-AD show cross-sectional views of the pusher system
5152 and depicts steps and mechanical interactions between
structural components of the pusher system 5152 while the pusher
system 5152 may be loaded with retail products 3301. FIGS. 41A-D
shows the pusher system 5152 mounted to gondola section 405 via the
crossbar 403 mounted to the uprights 402. The hanging gusset 1063
is mounted to the crossbar 403 via the bar mount bracket 1016 and
is secured to the crossbar 403 by the safety flange 1065. The
hanging baffle bar assembly 1060 may also be mounted to the
crossbar 403.
[0187] FIG. 41A shows the pusher system 5152 located in the closed
position with the pusher plate 1010 held in place or in a fixed
position by the pusher track retaining clips 1077 which may be
connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured through the
lock slot 1068. The pusher paddle 1059 is in a forward most
position against the front retainer teeth 1024. FIG. 41B shows a
first step in activating or utilizing the pusher system 5152 for
loading the retail products 3301. The pusher plate 1010 may be
pulled or moved forward on the hanging gusset 1011 which may
release the pusher track retaining clips 1077 The pusher paddle
1059 is held or maintained in fixed or stationary position with
respect to the hanging gusset 1011 which forms or creates the
loading gap 1093. In the fixed or stationary position, the loading
lock ramps 1078 begins to make contact and/or maintain contact with
locking tabs 1076.
[0188] In FIG. 41C, the pusher plate 1010 may be pulled out to a
further most extended position associated with the pusher plate
1010. The loading lock ramps 1078 may ride or move up and over the
locking tabs 1076 until the pusher track stopper 1033 may contact
or abut the locking tabs 1076. The pusher plate 1010 may now be
locked in place or a fixed position for loading the retail products
3301 which may resist or counter rearward pressure or forces being
applied from or exerted by the spring (not shown). The formed or
created loading gap 1093 may no be loaded with the retail product
3301. FIG. 41D shows a pusher paddle 1010 pushed inwardly or back
towards the rear of hanging gusset 1011 which may unlock or release
the lock between the locking tabs 1076 and the locking ramps 1078.
The pusher paddle 1059 may hold against the rearmost retail product
3301 as the forward most retail product 3301 may make contact with
or may abut the front plate 1043. The pusher plate 1010 may slide
rearwardly or back into the closed position which may make locking
contact between the retaining clips 1077 and the locking tab 1078.
The pusher system 5152 is now loaded and ready for dividing,
pushing and/or dispensing one or more of the retail products
3301.
[0189] FIG. 42 shows a plurality of pusher systems 5152, 5153
mounted to aisle or fridge gondola uprights 402 via more than one
of the crossbars 403. Also attached to the crossbar 403 is the
hanging baffle bar assembly 1060. FIG. 43 shows the pusher system
5152 with the modular baffle 1072 which may be mounted to the
underside of the hanging gusset 1011 via the baffle mounting
hardware 1073 through the baffle mounts 1031 on the hanging gusset
1011. FIG. 43 also shows one of the baffle mounting hardware 1073
is removed illustrating simple installation or removal of the
modular baffles 1072. In an embodiment, the baffle mounting
hardware 1073 may be a fastener, such as, for example, a pin, a
screw, a rod or a tack.
[0190] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of a plurality of the
pusher systems 5152 which may be connected, attached, joined,
fastened and/or mounted to uprights 402 via the crossbar 403 and/or
the modular baffles 1072 in a retail environment. In an embodiment,
the plurality of the pusher systems 5152 may be located, placed or
positioned in, for example, a refrigerated retail environment. The
modular baffles 1072 may be used in the described configuration as
the number of the system hanging modules may be less than required
to span a full width of crossbar 403. The modular baffles 1072 may
overlap one or more adjacent modular baffles 1072; thus, limiting
air loss between adjacent modular baffles 1072. FIG. 45 shows an
exploded perspective view of the pusher system 5154 along with the
shelf bracket assembly 5200.
[0191] FIG. 46A shows the shelf bracket assembly 5210 along with
the vertical lip mount 1089. The vertical lip mount 1089 may be
positioned, located in or moved to the first depth position via the
adjustment pin 1084 through the second depth hole 1088 which may be
connected, attached, joined and/or held within the base track 1083.
The base retainer plate 1080 may be connected, attached, joined,
fastened and/or secured to the base track 1083. FIG. 46B shows the
shelf bracket assembly 5200 with the horizontal lip mount 1086. The
horizontal lip mount 1086 may be positioned or located in or moved
to the second depth position via the adjustment pin 1084 through
first depth hole 1087 which may be connected, attached, joined
and/or held within the base track 1083. The base retainer plate
1080 may be connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to
the base track 1083.
[0192] FIG. 47 shows a perspective view of the pusher system 5154
along with the retail shelf 406. The pusher system 5154 may be
connected, attached or mounted to the retail shelf 406 via the
horizontal lip shelf extrusion 1066 and/or may be moved to and/or
held or maintained at an upward angle as the shelf anchor clip 1075
may be forced down between back structure lip 407 and back wall of
gondola 408. A Shelf bracket assembly with the horizontal lip mount
5200 may be already mounted to the retail shelf 406 with the
moulded snap clip 1079 attached to the t-snap track 1085 and/or the
base track gripper legs 1082 resting against the retail shelf 406.
The depth adjustment plate with horizontal lip 1090 may be
connected, attached and/or, joined to the horizontal lip shelf
extrusion 1066 and/or the shelf anchor clip 1075 may expanded below
the back structure lip 407.
[0193] FIG. 48 shows a perspective view of the pusher system 5155
being mounted to the retail shelf 406 via the vertical lip shelf
extrusion 1064. The pusher system 5155 may be moved to and/or held
or maintained at an upward angle as the vertical flange 1091 of the
depth adjustment plate 1089 may be forced up into the hook grip
clip 1064 of the vertical shelf lip extrusion 1067 which may be
connected, attached and/or mounted to the back structure lip 407
via the shelf gripper mount 1074. A Shelf bracket assembly with the
vertical lip mount 5210 may already be mounted to the retail shelf
406 with the moulded snap clip 1079 which may be connected,
attached and joined to the t-snap track 1085, and/or the base track
gripper legs 1082 may be resting against the retail shelf 406.
[0194] FIG. 49 shows a cross-sectional view of the pusher system
5154 located or positioned in the opened or extended state. The
pusher track 1010 may be moved and/or pulled forward within the
base track 1083. As a result, the front retainer teeth 1024 may
make and/or maintain contact with the pusher paddle 1059 and/or may
hold the pusher paddle 1059. The pusher track stopper 1033 may move
forward and/or may collide with or abut the gusset ramp 1029
thereby terminating any further extension of the pusher paddle
1059. Subsequently, the retail product 3300 may be loadable within
the loading gap 1093 and the pusher track 1010 may be pushed or
moved rearwardly or back towards the back wall 408 of the gondola
section.
[0195] FIG. 50 shows a first lower shelf 406 having the pusher
systems 5154, 5156 mounted thereon. A second upper retail shelf 406
may display a plurality of the pusher systems 5154. The pusher
systems 5154 may be connected, attached and/or joined via the
T-snap track 1085 and/or may be moved to and/or held or maintained
at an upward angle with respect to the second upper retail shelf
406 to facilitate cleaning of the second upper retail shelf 406.
The horizontal lip shelf extrusions 1066 may be flexible, bendable
and/or movable to allow upward movement of the pusher systems 5154
to facilitate cleaning of the second upper retail shelf 406. After
cleaning of the second upper retail shelf 406, the pusher systems
5154 may be lowered or moved back down onto the second upper retail
shelf 406 where the T-snap track 1085 may engage and/or rest on the
second upper retail shelf 406.
[0196] FIGS. 51A, 52, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B, 55 and 56A show a first
adjustable depth merchandising crossbar 2100 (hereinafter "first
adjustable crossbar 2100") which may be located in a closed or
substantially closed position. Further, FIGS. 53E, 53F and 56B show
a second adjustable depth merchandising crossbar 2101 (hereinafter
"second adjustable crossbar 2101") which may be located in a first
partially extended position between the closed position and an open
position. Still further, FIG. 56C shows a third adjustable depth
merchandising crossbar 2102 (hereinafter "third adjustable crossbar
2102") which may be located in a second partially extended position
between the closed position and the open position. Moreover, FIGS.
51B, 53C, 53D and 56A-56C shows an adjustable depth merchandising
crossbar 2103 (hereinafter "adjustable crossbar 2103") which may be
located in an opened or extended position, which may be partially
or fully opened or extended.
[0197] The first adjustable crossbar 2100, the second adjustable
crossbar 2101, the third adjustable crossbar 2102 and/or the fourth
adjustable crossbar 2103 (hereinafter "adjustable crossbars 2100,
2101, 2102, 2103") may have same or similar features and/or
components as the upright cross bar 39 and/or the adjustable
crossbar 154. Further, features and/or components of the adjustable
crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103 may operate and/or function in
same or similar manners as features and components of the upright
cross bar 39 and/or the adjustable crossbar 154.
[0198] When the first adjustable crossbar 2100 is located in the
closed position, a depth of the first adjustable crossbar 2100 may
be between about ten inches and about twenty-four inches, such as,
for example, about twelve inches. In embodiments, the first
adjustable crossbar 2100 may have a first depth configuration
and/or may be configured to be connected, attached, joined,
fastened and/or secured to a hanging product divider and/or pusher
system 2500 (hereinafter "divider system 2500"). In embodiments,
the second adjustable crossbar 2101 may have a second depth
configuration and/or may be configured to be connected, attached,
joined, fastened and/or secured to the divider system 2500. In
embodiments, the third adjustable crossbar 2102 may have a third
depth configuration and may be configured to be connected,
attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to the divider system
2500. In embodiments, the fourth adjustable crossbar 2103 may have
a fourth depth configuration and may be configured to be connected,
attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to the divider system
2500.
[0199] The divider system 2500 may have same or similar features
and/or components as the divider system 5. Further, features and/or
components of the divider system 2500 may operate and/or function
in same or similar manners as features and components of the
divider system 5.
[0200] The first, second, third and fourth depth configuration of
the adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, respectively, may
be from about ten inches to about twenty-four inches. For example,
the first depth configuration may be twelve inches, the second
depth configuration may be fourteen inches, and/or the third depth
configuration may be sixteen inches. Moreover, the fourth depth
configuration of the fourth adjustable crossbar 2103 may be fully
opened and/or extended away from the closed position which may
facilitate loading and/or unloading of the divider system 2500 with
retail products, such as, for example, the first and second
products 300, 301, other retail products 2501 and/or combinations
thereof. In embodiments, the other retail products 2501 may be the
same as, similar to or different than the first and second products
300, 301. The present disclosure should not be deemed as limited to
specific embodiments of the depth configurations for the adjustable
crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103.
[0201] FIGS. 55, 56A-56C, 57A and 57B shows a fifth adjustable
depth merchandising crossbars 2200 (hereinafter "fifth adjustable
crossbar 2200"), a sixth adjustable depth merchandising crossbar
2202 (hereinafter "sixth adjustable crossbar 2202") and a seventh
adjustable depth merchandising crossbar 2203 (hereinafter "seventh
adjustable crossbar 2203") may be configured to be connected,
attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to the divider system
2500 or other hanging rail retail merchandising system and/or may
have one of the first, second, third or fourth depth
configurations. The adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103,
2200, 2202, 2203 may connected, attached, joined, fastened, mounted
and/or secured to aisle uprights 2399 of a retail gondola section
2600 to secure, display and/or dispense retail products, such as,
for example, the first and second products 300, 301, the other
retail products 2501 or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the
retail gondola section may be, for example, a four foot retail
gondola section having the uprights 2399 found in retail
environments and used for mounting merchandising fixtures and
retail shelving.
[0202] In embodiments, one or more of the adjustable crossbars
2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, 2200, 2202, 2203 may be connected,
attached, joined, fastened, mounted and/or secured to retail
shelving of retail gondola section 2600, such as, for example, a
first retail shelf 2400, a second retail shelf 2401 or a third
retail shelf 2402. The retail shelves 2400, 2401, 2402 may have
depths between about 10 inches and about twenty-four inches. For
example, the first retail shelf 2400 may have a depth of about
twelve inches, the second retail shelf 2401 may have a depth of
about fourteen inches, and/or the third retail shelf may have a
depth of about sixteen inches. The present disclosure should not be
deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the depths of the
retail shelves 2400, 2401, 2402.
[0203] The adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, 2200, 2202,
2203 may comprise one or snore of the following structural features
and/or components, which may be connected, attached, fastened,
secured, joined and/or mounted to each other and/or combinations
thereof: a first outer mounting assembly 2011; a second crater
mounting assembly 2012; a first inner sliding assembly 2013; a
second inner sliding assembly 2014; an upper mounting plate 2015; a
lower mounting plate 2016; an attachment bar 2017; a positioning
tab 2018; width adjustment hardware 2019; a first depth guide 2020;
a second depth guide 2021; a third depth guide 2022; a forward
support width adjustment bar 2023; an upper width adjustment bar
2024; a front support bar 2025; a depth adjustment handle 2026; a
mounting width adjustment bar 2027; a mounting stationary support
bar 2028; upright mounting hooks 2029; a support rod 2030; a depth
adjustment screw 2031; outer fixed mounting gables 2032; inner
sliding gables 2033; a width adjustment slot 2034; a hanging mount
bracket 2035; a depth adjustment spring pin 2036; a loading depth
guide 2037; a standard attachment bar 2038; a side mounted
extension slide assemblies 2300 (hereinafter "first sliding
assemblies 2300"); and/or a flat mounted extension slide assembly
2301 (hereinafter "second sliding assembly 2301"). One or more of
the above-identified structural features and/or components may be
connected, attached, secured, joined and/or mounted to each other
or combinations thereof to assembly, produce and/or provide one or
more of the adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, 2200,
2202, 2203 as shown in and illustrated by FIGS. 51A, 51B and
52.
[0204] Further, the adjustable crossbar 2100 may have a main fixed
assembly 2080 which may comprise the first inner sliding assembly
2013, the second outer mounting assembly 2012, the first sliding
assembly 2300 and/or the second sliding assembly 2301 (hereinafter
"sliding assemblies 2300, 2301"). Still further, the adjustable
sliding assembly a width adjustment assembly 2081 which may
comprise the second inner sliding assembly 2014, the first outer
mounting assembly 2011 and/or the first slide assembly 2300.
[0205] The upper mounting plate 2015 may be connected, attached,
joined and/or fastened to the second sliding assembly 2301 and/or a
component of the first inner assembly 2013, and the lower mounting
plate 2016 may be connected, attached, joined and/or fastened to
the second sliding assembly 2301 and/or a component of the second
inner right assembly 2012. The attachment bar 2017 may provide a
mounting support structure for the hanging mount bracket 2035 for
attachment of the divider system 2500 and/or may facilitate,
provide and/or enable mounting various other display and
merchandising components (not shown in the drawings). The
positioning tab 2018 may be located on outer fixed mounting gable
2032 in the first and second mounting assemblies 2011, 2012 and/or
may engage the depth adjustment screw 2031 to set a position of the
first and second inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014. The width
adjustment hardware 2019 may be used to set, lock and/or align the
width between upright mounting hooks 2029 to fit into or to conform
to different sized gondola uprights (not shown in the
drawings).
[0206] The first depth guide 2020 is a component of the inner
sliding gable 2033 and may be used to set and/or lock a unit depth
at a first minimum value through use of the depth adjustment screw
2031. The first minimum value of the unit depth may be less than
about twenty-four inches, such, for example, about sixteen inches,
about fourteen'inches or about twelve inches. The second depth
guide 2021 is a component of inner sliding gable 2033 and may be
used to set and/or lock the unit depth at a second minimum valve
through use of depth adjustment screw 2031. The second minimum
value of the unit depth may be less than about twenty-four inches,
such for example, about sixteen inches or about fourteen inches.
The third depth guide 2022 is a component of the inner sliding
gable 2033 may be used to set and/or lock the unit depth at a third
minimum through use of the depth adjustment screw 2031. The third
minimum value of the unit depth may be less than about twenty-four
inches, such, for example, about sixteen inches. In embodiments,
the depth adjustment screw 2031 may be positioned, inserted, pushed
and/or provided in the first depth guide 2020, the second depth
guide 2021 or the third depth guide 2022 to lock the depth of the
crossbar 2100 at the first, second or third minimum value. As a
result, the crossbar 2100 may be set or locked at the first, second
or third minimum value via the depth adjustment screw 2031.
[0207] The forward support width adjustment bar 2023 provided on
the second inner sliding assembly 2014 may slide into the front
support bar 2025 which may be provided on the first inner sliding
assembly 2013. The upper width adjustment bar 2024 provided on the
second inner left sliding assembly 2014 may slide into the
attachment bar 2017. The front support bar 2025 may have multiple
functionality and may provide (i) structural stability (i.e.,
reduces torsion), (ii) a mounting surface for the handle 2026, and
(iii) a level surface for the divider system 5 or the divider
system 2500 to rest if under substantial load from first and second
products 300, 301 or retail products 2501. The depth adjustment
handle 2026 may facilitate and/or may be used to adjust a depth of
first and second inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014. The depth
adjustment handle 2026 may be located, positioned and/or positioned
on the first inner sliding assembly 2013. In an embodiment, the
depth adjustment handle 2026 may be located at a center position
between the first and second inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014
for convenience and accessibility by a user.
[0208] The mounting width adjustment bar 2027 provided on the first
outer mounting assembly 2011 may slide into the mounting stationary
support bar 2028 which may be provided on the second outer right
mounting assembly 2012. The mounting stationary support bar 2028
may connect, attach, join, fasten and/or secure the first and
second outer mounting assemblies 2011, 2012 together and/or may
facilitate width adjustment for mounting and/or a structural
connection point for the lower mounting plate 2016 and the second
sliding assembly 2301. The upright mounting hooks 2029 may
facilitate mounting and/or may be used to mount the adjustable
crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, 2200, 2202, 2203 into the
uprights 2399 of the retail gondola section 2600 as shown in FIG.
55.
[0209] The support rod 2030 may provide structural support between
the front support bar 2025 and the attachment bar 2017. The depth
adjustment screw 2031 is used to set and/or lock the depth of the
first and second inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 by way of the
first, second and/or third depth guides 2020, 2021, 2022 on the
adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103. The outer fixed
mounting gables 2032 mounts the adjustable crossbar 2100, 2101,
2102, 2103, 2200, 2202, 2203 to the uprights 2399 and provides a
mounting platform for the first sliding assemblies 2300. The inner
sliding gables 2033 provides the mounting structure for the first
and second sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 and facilitates attachment
the first and second sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 to the slide
assemblies 2300. As a result, the first sliding assembly 2013 may
be connected, attached, mounted, joined and/or secured to a first
sliding assembly 2300 via first inner sliding gables 2033, and the
second sliding assembly 2014 may be connected, attached, mounted,
joined and/or secured to a second sliding assembly 2300 via second
inner sliding gables 2033. In other words, there are a set of the
inner sliding gables 2033 provided on the right side and the left
side to facilitate attachment of each of the first and second
sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 to their own first sliding assembly
2300. The width adjustment slot 2034 is configured to be used to
adjust and/or lock the width between the upright mounting hooks
2029 to fit a multitude of different retail environments (not shown
in the drawings). The width adjustment slot 2034 may adjusts
spacing between the width adjustment assembly 2081 and the main
fixed assembly 2080 by using of the width adjustment hardware 2019.
In an embodiment, the width adjustment hardware 2019 may be a pin,
a bolt, a screw or a rod. The present disclosure should not be
deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the width adjustment
hardware 2019.
[0210] The hanging mount bracket 2035 may facilitate and/or may be
used for attaching divider system 5 or the divider system 2500 to
the attachment bar 2017. The depth adjustment spring pin 2036 may
be utilized in the adjustable crossbars 2200, 2201, 2203 as an
alternative to the depth adjustment screw 2031 utilized in the
adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103. As a result, the depth
adjustment spring pin 36 may be used to set and/or lock the depth
of the first and second inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 by way
of the first, second and/or third depth guides 2020, 2021, 2022.
The loading depth guide 2037 may engage the depth adjustment spring
pin 2036 to lock the first and second inner sliding assembly 2014
in the opened or extended positions to facilitate the loading of
the first and second products 300, 301 or the retail products 2501.
The standard attachment bar 2038 may provides a mounting support
structure for the attachment of various other display and
merchandising components such as hooks or pushers (not shown in the
drawings).
[0211] As shown in FIGS. 51A and 52, the first outer mounting
assembly 2011, the second outer mounting assembly 2012, the first
inner sliding assembly 2013, a second inner sliding assembly 2014,
an attachment bar 2017, a depth adjustment handle 2026, the main
fixed assembly 2080, the width adjustment assembly 281, the first
sliding assemblies 2300 and the second sliding assembly 2301 are
connected, attached, joined, fastened and/or secured to each other
to assembly, produce or provide the adjustable crossbar 2100. One
or more of the upper mounting plate 2015, the lower mounting plate
2016, the positioning tab 2018, the width adjustment hardware 2019,
the first depth guide 2020; the second depth guide 2021, the third
depth guide 2022, the forward support width adjustment bar 2023,
the upper width adjustment bar 2024, the front support bar 2025,
the mounting width adjustment bar 2027, the mounting stationary
support bar 2028, the upright mounting hooks 2029, the support rod
2030, the depth adjustment screw 2031, the outer fixed mounting
gables 2032, the inner sliding gables 2033, the a width adjustment
slot 2034, the hanging mount bracket 2035, the depth adjustment
spring pin 2036, the loading depth guide 2037 and the a standard
attachment bar 2038 are utilized for assembling or producing the
adjustable crossbar 2100.
[0212] FIG. 51A shows the adjustable crossbar 2100 located in the
closed position, FIG. 51B shows the adjustable crossbar 2103 in the
opened position, which may be a partially or fully opened or
extended state to facilitate loading the retail products 2501 into
the divider system 2500 that may be connected, attached, joined,
mounted, fastened and/or secured to the adjustable crossbar 2300.
FIG. 52 shows an exploded perspective view of the adjustable
crossbar 2100 to illustrate assembly of the adjustable crossbar
2100.
[0213] FIGS. 53A-53F illustrate a process and/or a function of
adjusting and setting the depth of the adjustable crossbar 2100.
For example, FIG. 53A shows a side plan view of the adjustable
crossbar 2100 located in the closed position which may be
facilitated by the first sliding assemblies 2300. The depth
adjustment screw 2031 may be positioned in the first depth guide
2020 and/or may be resting against positioning the tab 2018 of the
outer mounting gable 2032. The depth adjustment screw 2031 may be
tightened against the slider assembly 2300 securing the inner right
sliding assembly 2013 in place and/or in a fixed position. FIG. 53B
shows the adjustable crossbar 2100 located in the closed position
and the depth adjustment screw 2031, positioned in the first depth
guide 2020, may be turned and/or loosened which may result in
relieving pressure against the first sliding assemblies 2300.
[0214] FIG. 3C shows of the adjustable crossbar 2103 located in an
open or extended position. The first and second inner sliding
assemblies 2013, 2014 may be pulled forward through use of the
depth adjustment handle 2026 and/or the first and second sliding
assemblies 2300, 2301 may be opened from their retracted states. In
FIG. 3D, the adjustable crossbar 2103 may be opened in its fully
extended state, and the depth adjustment screw 2031 may be removed
from first depth guide 2020 and partially inserted into second
depth guide 2021. In FIG. 3E, through push force may be applied to
depth adjustment handle 2026, the first and second inner sliding
assemblies 2013, 2014 may be moved back towards the outer fixed
gables 2011, 2012. The first and second slide assemblies 2300, 2301
may retract until the depth adjustment screw 2031 in second depth
guide 2021 makes contact with the positioning guide 2018 on the
first and second outer mounting assemblies 2011, 2012 which prevent
further travel. As a result, the adjustable crossbar is now set to
a depth associated with the second depth guide 2020. FIG. 3F shows
depth adjustment screw 2031 located in the second depth guide 2021
which may be tightened against the first slide assemblies 2300 for
preventing further movement of the first and second inner sliding
assemblies 2013, 2014. The adjustable crossbar 2100 has not been
changed to the adjustable crossbar 2101 which is set to a different
depth than the depth of the adjustable crossbar 2100.
[0215] FIGS. 54A and 54B illustrate removal of the width adjustment
assembly 2081, attachment of hanging mount bracket 2035, and
setting and/or locking the width between the width adjustment
assembly 2081 and the main fixed assembly 2080. FIG. 4A shows the
three width adjustment screws 2019 which may be removed from width
adjustment bars 2023, 2024, 2027 via width adjustment slots 2034.
The width adjustment assembly 2081 may slid free from the main
fixed assembly 2080. The hanging mount bracket 2035 may slid onto
an end of thin attachment bar 2017 on the adjustable crossbar 2100,
2101, 2102, 2103 to adapt the crossbar for mounting of the divider
system 5 or the divider system 7500. The adjustable crossbar 2100,
2101, 2102, 2103 with the attachment bar 2017 is not limited to use
of the hanging mount bracket 2035. Extruded mounting tracks may be
customized to fit other merchandising systems (not shown in the
drawings). FIG. 4B shows the hanging mount bracket 2035 slid all
the way onto the attachment bar 2017. The width adjustment assembly
2081 may be positioned to be attached to the main fixed assembly
2080. The upper width adjustment bar 2024 mates with the back of
the attachment bar 2017, the forward support width adjustment bar
2023 mates with the front support bar 2025 and the mounting width
adjustment bar 2027 mates with the mounting stationary support bar
2028. The width adjustment hardware 2019 may be loosely attached
though the width adjustment slots 2034. The width adjustment
assembly 2081 may then be positioned to a desired width to fit into
the retail gondola 2600. Once the desired width is achieved, the
width adjustment hardware 2019 may be tightened or fastened to
affix or to lock the width adjustment assembly 2081 in place or in
a fixed position.
[0216] FIG. 55 shows the adjustable crossbar 2100, 2200 may be
mounted to the retail gondola section 2600 via insertion of the
upright mounting hooks 2029 into the aisle uprights 2399. The width
between the main fixed assembly 2080 and the width adjustment
assembly 2081 is set to match the width between centres of aisle
uprights 2399. The width between centres of the aisle uprights 2399
may be less than about sixty-four inches, such as, for example,
about sixty inches, about fifty-four inches or about forty-eight
inches. Mounted to the adjustable crossbar 2100, by way of hanging
mount bracket 2035, may be the divider system 2500. Also shown,
attached is aisle uprights 2399, is the first retail shelf
2400.
[0217] FIGS. 56A-56C illustrates features, functionalities and/or
versatilities of the adjustable crossbar 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103.
Specifically, FIGS. 56A-56C illustrates adjustable crossbar 2100,
2101, 2102, 2103 a process or method for adapting the adjustable
crossbar to match various shelf depths within a retail environment.
FIG. 56A shows the retail gondola section 2600 with the first
retail shelf 2400. For example, the first retail shelf 2600 may be
a traditional twelve inch deep retail gondola shelf. The adjustable
crossbar 2100 may be set to a depth of twelve inches which may
correspond to the first depth guide 2020. With divider system 2500
attached to the adjustable crossbar 2100, an outer face of the
divider system 2500 may be vertically or substantially vertically
collinear with the first retail shelf 2400. This ensures easy
access to retail products 2501 positioned within the divider system
2500 (or similar merchandising systems) and other retail product
which may be positioned on the first retail shelf 2400 as no one or
single merchandising fixture is greatly protruding beyond another.
The adjustable crossbar 2103, may be located in a fully extended
configuration or position for loading, pulled forward by way of the
depth adjustment handle 2026 as shown in FIGS. 51B, 53C, 53D. In
FIGS. 56A, 56B and 56C, the divider system 2500 may be mounted to
the adjustable crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102 and may be holding the
retail products 2501 in order to demonstrate ease of access to
product (especially the back most product) for purposes of product
rotation, ease of restocking and visual product maintenance
(facing). The divider system 2500 and retail products 2501 may
extended out from underneath the above fixtures, the first, second
and third shelves 2400, 2401, 2402 and/or the adjustable crossbars
2100, 2101, 2102, which may enable fixtures to be mounted with less
vertical separation as there is no need to leave extra arm space to
reach rearmost products. Minimizing wasted vertical spaces may
created or provide opportunities to add additional fixtures such as
additional shelves 2400, 2401, 2402 or additional adjustable
crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102, which may increase product holding
power within the gondola section 2600.
[0218] FIG. 56B shows the gondola section 2600 with second retail
shelves 2401 which may be, for example, typical 14'' deep retail
gondola shelves. The adjustable Crossbar 2101 may be set to the
second depth guide which may, for example, correspond to a depth of
fourteen inches. With divider system 2500 attached to the
adjustable crossbar 2101, the outer face of the divider system may
be vertically or substantially vertically collinear with the second
shelves 2401, which may ensure easy access to product both mounted
in the divider system 2500 (or similar merchandising systems) and
on the second shelves 2401 as no one or single fixture is greatly
protruding beyond another. The adjustable crossbar 2103 may be
located in its fully extended configuration or position for loading
and/or may be, pulled forward by way of the depth adjustment handle
2026.
[0219] FIG. 56C shows the retail gondola section 2600 with the
third retail shelves which may be, for example, sixteen inch deep
retail gondola shelves. The adjustable crossbar 2102 may be set to
the third depth guide 2022 which may correspond to a depth of
sixteen inches. With the divider system 2500 attached to the
adjustable crossbar 2102, the outer face of the divider system 2500
may be vertically or substantially vertically collinear with the
third shelves 2402. This may ensure easy access to product both
mounted in handing divider system 2500 (or similar merchandising
systems) and on the third shelves 2402 as no one fixture is greatly
protruding beyond another. The adjustable crossbar 2103 may be
located in its fully extended configuration or position for loading
and/or may be pulled forward by way of depth adjustment handle
2026. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not
limited to specific embodiments for the depths of the adjustable
crossbars 2100, 2101, 2102.
[0220] FIG. 57 FIG. 7a shows Adjustable Depth Merchandising
Crossbar 2200, an embodiment of Adjustable Depth Merchandising
Crossbar 2100, in its closed or 12'' position. FIG. 7b shows
Adjustable Depth Merchandising Crossbar 2203 in is open or fully
extended state.
[0221] FIG. 58 shows an exploded view of the crossbar 2200 which
may have one or more variations in view of the crossbar 2100 shown
in FIG. 52. There may be one or more structural differences the
crossbars 2100, 2200. For example, inclusion of a known attachment
bar 2038 may replace the attachment bar 2017 which may allow for a
the mounting of pre-existing or known merchandising components
previously mounted to a fixed crossbar style system. Exclusion of
the front support bar 2025, the lower mounting plate 2015, the
upper mounting plate 2016, the extension slide 2301, the support
rod 30, the depth adjustment handle 2026 and/or the forward support
width adjustment bar 2023 may allow for mounting of a greater
variety of merchandising components and systems beyond those
previously identified, such as, for example, mounting of known
merchandising components and/or shelves. Replacement of the depth
adjustment spring pin 2036 over the depth adjustment hardware 2031
may allow for simplified depth adjustment without the depth
adjustment hardware 2031 to be removed.
[0222] FIG. 59 shows complete separation of the width adjustment
assembly 2081 from the main fixed assembly 2080 for both assembly
and adjustment of the width between the upright mounting hooks 2029
provided on the width adjustment assembly 2081 and the main fixed
assembly 2080. The width adjustment assembly 2081 may be positioned
to be attached to the main fixed assembly 2080. The upper width
adjustment bar 2024 may mate and/or join with the back standard
attachment bar 2038, and the mounting width adjustment bar 2027 may
mate and/or join with the mounting stationary support bar 2028. The
width adjustment hardware 2019 may loosely connect, attach and/or
join though the width adjustment slots 2034. The width adjustment
assembly 2081 may then be positioned to a desired width to fit into
and/or be positioned and/or located within the retail gondola
section 2600, and the width adjustment hardware 2019 may be
tightened to lock the width adjustment assembly 2081 in place or
into a fixed position.
[0223] FIG. 60A shows a side plan view of the adjustable crossbar
2200 located in the closed position via the first sliding
assemblies 2300 and/or the second sliding assembly 2301, and the
depth adjustment spring pin 2036 may be positioned or located in
the first depth guide 2020 of the inner sliding gable 2033. As a
result, the first and second securing inner sliding assemblies
2013, 2014 and the adjustable crossbar 220 may be secured in place
and/or located or positioned in a fixed position.
[0224] FIG. 60B shows a side plan view of the adjustable crossbar
2200 located in the closed position via the first sliding
assemblies 2300 and/or the second sliding assembly 2301. The depth
adjustment spring pin 2036 may be pressed, moved or pushed upwards
and out of the first depth guide 2020. As a result, the first and
second inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 may be released or freed
from a locked state within or with respect to the outer mounting
assemblies 2011 2012 via the first slider assemblies 2300 and/or
the second sliding assembly 2301.
[0225] After the first and second inner sliding assemblies are
released from the locked state with respect to the first and second
outer mounting assemblies 2011, 2012, the depth adjustment spring
pin 2036 may remain pressed, moved or pushed upward as shown in
FIG. 60C. As a result, the inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014 may
be released or separated or may be movable from the outer mounting
assemblies 2011, 2012, and the inner sliding assemblies 2013, 2014
may be pulled, slide or moved forwardly or away from or outward
with respect to the first and second outer mounting assemblies
2011, 2012. As a result, the first and second inner sliding
assemblies 2013, 2014 move outwardly with respect to the first and
second outer mounting assemblies 2011, 2012 which increases the
depth of the adjustable crossbar 2200. The depth adjustment spring
pin 2036 may remain in its released or upward position until the
second depth guide 2021, the third depth guide 2022 or the loading
depth guide 2037 may move into or may be positioned or located in
alignment with the depth adjustment spring pin 2036.
[0226] When the second depth guide 2021, the third depth guide 2022
or the loading depth guide 2037 arc moved into or positioned or
located in alignment with the depth adjustment spring pin 2036, the
depth adjustment spring pin 2036 may engage or may move into or may
be positioned and/or located within the second depth guide 2021,
the third depth guide 2022 or the loading depth guide 2037,
respectively. As a result, the width of the adjustable crossbar
2200 is changed, adjusted, moved or configured to the width
associated with the second depth guide 2021, the third depth guide
2022 or the loading depth guide 2037. For example, FIG. 60D shows
the depth adjustment spring pin 2036 may be engaged in or may be
positioned and/or located within the third depth guide 2022 which
may change, adjust, move or configure the depth of the adjustable
crossbar 2202 to be a depth corresponding to the third depth guide
2022. For loading or unloading retail products, the depth
adjustment spring pin 2036 may be moved to or aligned with the
loading depth guide 2037. As a result, the depth adjustment spring
pin 2036 may engage in or may be positioned and/or located within
the loading depth guide 2037, and the depth of the adjustable
crossbar 2202 may be changed, adjusted, moved and/or configured to
the depth corresponding to the loading depth guide 2037 which is
the deepest depth when compared to the depths corresponding to the
first, second and/or third depth guides 2020, 2021, 2022.
[0227] It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
desirably combined into many other different systems and/or
methods. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated
alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may
be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, and are also
intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
* * * * *