U.S. patent application number 15/665799 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-08 for adjustable grid mount and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Retail Space Solutions LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew Dary, Daniel Kaczmarek, Eric Pollpeter.
Application Number | 20180035825 15/665799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61072047 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180035825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pollpeter; Eric ; et
al. |
February 8, 2018 |
ADJUSTABLE GRID MOUNT AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A product display tray is provided including one or more arms
movably attached to engagement members. The product display tray
can also include a base having one or more tracks receiving the one
or more arms, wherein the base is slidable along the one or more
arms from a first position to a second position. The product
display tray can also include a handle. The product display tray
can also include a latch, wherein the latch is operably connected
to the handle, wherein the latch has an engaged position and a
disengaged position, and wherein the latch is in the engaged
position when the base is in the first position and the base is
operable to enter the second position when the latch is in the
disengaged position.
Inventors: |
Pollpeter; Eric; (Cedarburg,
WI) ; Dary; Matthew; (Lisbon, WI) ; Kaczmarek;
Daniel; (Lisbon, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Retail Space Solutions LLC |
Milwaukee |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61072047 |
Appl. No.: |
15/665799 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62371579 |
Aug 5, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/083 20130101;
A47F 7/0014 20130101; A47F 5/0093 20130101; A47B 57/58 20130101;
A47B 96/07 20130101; A47F 1/125 20130101; A47B 57/42 20130101; A47B
96/025 20130101; A47F 5/103 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47F 1/12 20060101 A47F001/12; A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47F 5/10 20060101 A47F005/10 |
Claims
1. A product display comprising: engagement members; a tray movably
attached to the engagement members; wherein the tray is movable
from a first position to a second position relative to the
engagement members, the second position being vertically higher
than the first position.
2. The product display of claim 1, the tray comprising: one or more
arms movably attached to the engagement members; a base including
one or more tracks receiving the one or more arms, wherein the base
is slidable along the one or more arms from a first position to a
second position.
3. The product display of claim 1, the engagement members including
at least one protrusion receivable in at least one slot of the
tray, the at least one protrusion moveable from a first position to
a second position in the at least one slot, the second position
being vertically higher than the first position.
4. The product display of claim 3, wherein the at least one
protrusion moves horizontally within the at least one slot when
moving from the first position to the second position.
5. The product display of claim 4, wherein the protrusion moves
toward the rear of the product display from the first position.
6. The product display of claim 3 wherein the at least one slot is
one of arc shaped, wedge shaped, and 3 sided square shaped.
7. The product display of claim 1, the engagement members
comprising a plurality of hooks configured to engage a grid.
8. The product display of claim 7 wherein a first of the plurality
of hooks and an adjacent second of the plurality of hooks are
spaced apart vertically, the vertical distance between the first
position and the second position is not evenly divisible by the
vertical distance between the first and second hooks.
9. The product display of claim 8 wherein the vertical distance
between the first position and the second position is less than the
vertical distance between the first and second hooks.
10. A method of displaying products comprising: providing a product
display comprising: engagement members; a tray movably attached to
the engagement members; moving the tray relative to the engagement
members from a first position to a second position, the second
position being vertically higher than the first position.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein moving the tray relative to the
engagement member from the first position to the second position
comprises moving the tray horizontally relative to the engagement
members.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein moving the tray relative to the
engagement member from the first position to the second position
comprises moving the tray rearward from the first position.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein moving the tray relative to the
engagement member from the first position to the second position
comprises moving the tray along an arc shaped path relative to the
engagement members.
14. The method of claim 10 further comprising sliding a base of the
tray relative to one or more arms of the tray.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising detachably coupling
the one or more arms to the engagement members.
16. A product display comprising: a front end; a rear end; an
engagement member located proximate the rear end; a tray movably
coupled to the engagement member.
17. The product display of claim 16 wherein: the engagement member
comprises a protrusion; and the tray comprises a C shaped slot in
which the protrusion is received.
18. The product display of claim 17 wherein the tray is movable
relative to the engagement member to a second position directly
above the first position, and wherein the protrusion located
proximate the top of the C shaped slot in the first position and
the protrusion is located proximate the bottom of the C shaped slot
in the second position.
19. The product display of claim 17 wherein the C shaped slot is
open towards the rear end of the product display.
20. The product display of claim 16 wherein: the tray comprises a
protrusion; and the engagement member comprises a C shaped slot in
which the protrusion is received.
21. An adjustable mount comprising: a mounting member for mounting
to a bar, grid or shelf; a movable support member connected to the
mounting member and movable with respect to the mounting member and
between a first position wherein the movable member is positioned
at a first position and a second position wherein the movable
member is lower or higher than the first position.
22. The adjustable mount of claim 21 wherein one of the mounting
member and movable support have a protrusion and the other of the
mounting member and movable mount have a mating recess for
receiving the protrusion and the recess defines a passage for the
movable support to travel along when moved with respect to the
mounting member.
23. The adjustable mount of claim 22 wherein the mating recess
defines a semi-circular channel that the protrusion travels within
as the movable support is moved between the first and second
position and wherein the first position is a first vertical
position and the second position is a second vertical position
lower or higher than the first vertical position.
24. The adjustable mount of claim 23 wherein the mounting member is
configured to connect to a grid comprising a plurality of
horizontal support members that allow the mounting member to be
adjusted to a plurality of primary increments, and the
semi-circular channel is configured to allow the movable support to
be adjusted to a secondary increment that is smaller than the
primary increments of the grid so as to allow for incremental
changes other than those determined by the primary increments of
the grid to assist with improving vertical pack-out within a
display.
25. The adjustable mount of claim 24 wherein the primary increments
are one inch increments and the secondary increments are one half
inch increments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No.
62/371,579, filed on Aug. 5, 2016, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to product displays and,
more particularly, to merchandisers for front-facing product
merchandise for displaying and dispensing product to consumers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Product displays, such as merchandisers, are frequently used
in retail environments to display products for sale. It is
advantageous for these product displays to be configured to provide
consumers easy access to the displayed product as well as
facilitate easy reloading by store employees. In addition to ease
of use considerations, manufacturers of product displays seek to
minimize materials and manufacturing costs associated with the
product displays.
[0004] One problem with conventional merchandisers is that they
typically require intricate structures to make them more user
friendly to both end consumers and the retail store clerks or
associates who stock and/or restock the merchandisers with
displayed product. For example, tray or drawer-type merchandisers
that pull out like a drawer to assist store associates in
stocking/restocking the merchandiser often require intricate
structures that are expensive to manufacture, hard to assemble, and
often require operation of inconveniently located release
mechanisms to get the tray or drawer to slide out from the display
for stocking or restocking purposes.
[0005] In addition, conventional tray or drawer type merchandisers
require the displayed product to be pressed against pushers during
stocking/restocking which can make the merchandiser harder to
stock/restock and can cause damage to the product being
stocked/restocked depending on how much force is exerted against
the product between the person stocking/restocking the displayed
product and the pushers of the merchandiser.
[0006] While some conventional merchandisers allow flexibility by
offering adjustable width side members so that the merchandiser can
be used to merchandise products of different size, conventional
merchandisers do not allow the merchandiser to be repurposed from
displaying one product to two separate products or vice versa.
[0007] Accordingly, it has been determined that a need exists for
improved product display merchandisers that are not only easy to
use, for both consumers and store associates, but also minimally
expensive to produce and that offer improved features and functions
over conventional merchandisers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures
of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser according to some embodiments of the inventive subject
matter taken from below and in front of the merchandiser (or the
lower right front of the unit) and illustrating an exemplary
baseless design with the left side member or wing in a first,
retracted position and the right side member or wing in a second,
extended position.
[0010] FIG. 1B is an alternate perspective view of the product
display merchandiser of FIG. 1, taken from above and in front of
the merchandiser (or the upper left front of the unit).
[0011] FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 1E are front elevation, left side
elevation, and rear elevation views, respectively, of the product
display merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-1B, the right side elevation view
being a mirror image of the left side elevation view.
[0012] FIGS. 1F and 1G are top and bottom views, respectively, of
the product display merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-E illustrating the
merchandiser with the tray in a first, retracted position.
[0013] FIGS. 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K are alternate perspective, left
side elevation, top view, and bottom view, respectively, of the
product display merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-1G illustrating the
merchandiser with the tray in a second, extended position.
[0014] FIGS. 1L and 1M are perspective views of an exemplary
removable divider illustrating, in FIG. 1L, one form of mating
structure that may be used to mate the divider to the merchandiser
unit, and illustrating in FIG. 1M, an exemplary manner in which the
removable divider may be stored on the merchandiser for future
use.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate product display
merchandiser in accordance with aspects of the invention taken from
above the rear right corner of the merchandiser and illustrating
the merchandiser with an alternate form of mounting bracket
intended for use with bar mounted systems rather than grid systems,
including alternate side members or wings for larger product and an
exemplary pusher attachment accessory (note: while a bar mounting
bracket and a grid mounting bracket are shown for comparison
purposes, it should be understood that the merchandiser would be
equipped with either two bar mounting brackets or two grid mounting
brackets, rather than a combination of either).
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternate product display
merchandiser in accordance with embodiments of the invention
illustrating an optional front and/or rear stabilizer member
connected to the mounting brackets for stabilizing same.
[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another product display
merchandiser in accordance with embodiments of the invention taken
from above and behind the merchandiser (or the right rear corner of
the unit) and illustrating an alternate baseless tray or drawer
type merchandiser design with an alternate manner for adjusting the
side members or wings of the unit to adjust width of the
merchandiser and an alternate means for securing the tray in the
first, retracted position so as to avoid inadvertent movement of
the merchandiser to the second, extended position (note: the left
side member or wing is adjusted to a wider position than the right
side member or wing simply to show that the merchandiser does not
have to be setup symmetrically if desired).
[0018] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the merchandiser of FIG. 4A
taken from below and in front of the merchandiser (or the lower
left front corner of the unit) and illustrating the alternate rear
stabilizer and adjustable width mechanism of the merchandiser.
[0019] FIG. 4C-D are front elevation and rear elevation views of
the product display merchandiser of FIGS. 4A-B again illustrating
how the width of the left side member or wing has been adjusted
more than the right (or the left side member has been displaced
further from the center of the merchandiser or from a central axis
running through the center of the merchandiser than the right side
member is from the central axis).
[0020] FIGS. 4E, 4F, and 4G are left side elevation, top, and
bottom views, respectively of the product display merchandiser of
FIGS. 4A-D illustrating the merchandiser in the same first,
retracted or closed position the merchandiser is illustrated in for
FIGS. 4A-D.
[0021] FIGS. 4H and 41 are alternate perspective and left side
elevation views, respectively, of the merchandiser of FIGS. 4A-G
illustrating the merchandiser in a second, extended or open
position which a store associate may place the merchandiser in for
stocking or restocking purposes.
[0022] FIG. 4J is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the tray
portion of the merchandiser of FIGS. 4A-4I illustrating how the
width of the side members may be adjusted and how a user may keep
track of same (again noting the left side member is illustrated as
being adjusted to a wider position than the right side member).
[0023] FIG. 4K is a cross-section of the merchandiser of FIG. 4J
taken along line 4K-4K.
[0024] FIG. 4L is a partial perspective view of only a portion of
the merchandiser of FIGS. 4A-4K illustrating the support brackets,
first and second stabilizing members and a baffle structure for
directing air from a rear of the merchandiser toward the front of
the merchandiser and, thus, from the rear of any open-air
refrigeration unit the merchandiser may be installed in toward the
front of the open air refrigeration unit in order to assist in
keeping product within the refrigeration unit at a generally
uniform temperature. The front stabilizer also having a first
mating structure for engaging a portion of the remainder of the
merchandiser unit in order to retain the unit in the retracted
position and/or prevent inadvertent movement of the merchandising
unit to the second, extended position.
[0025] FIG. 4M is a partial perspective view of only a portion of
the merchandiser of FIGS. 4A-4K illustrating second mating
structures for engaging with the first mating structures of the
merchandiser portions of FIG. 4L in order to retain the
merchandising unit in the retracted position and/or to prevent
inadvertent movement of the merchandising unit to the second,
extended position.
[0026] FIGS. 4N, 4O, and 4P are partial perspective views of the
stabilizer located at the rear portion of the merchandiser of FIG.
4L illustrating from the front (FIG. 4N) and rear (FIG. 4O) how the
baffle is inserted into or nested within the rear stabilizer and
how the rear stabilizer is connected to the side members, and
further illustrating in FIG. 4P what the rear stabilizer looks like
when removed from the merchandiser.
[0027] FIGS. 4Q and 4R are partial perspective views of the tray
and a side member, respectively, depicted one exemplary mechanism
for securing a side member to the tray.
[0028] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of another product display
merchandiser in accordance with embodiments of the inventive
subject matter having an alternate manner for adjusting the side
member or wings of the unit to adjust width of the
merchandiser.
[0029] FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views of the side members or
wings of the product display merchandiser depicted in FIG. 5A.
[0030] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a tray of the product
display merchandiser depicted in FIG. 5A.
[0031] FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser with a lens removed.
[0032] FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of another product
display merchandiser in accordance with embodiments of the
inventive subject matter having a mechanism to securely attach a
bracket engagement member to a rear stabilizer
[0033] FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the bracket engagement member
and rear stabilizer of the product display merchandiser depicted in
FIG. 6A.
[0034] FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the bracket engagement member
of the product display merchandiser depicted in FIG. 6A.
[0035] FIG. 6D is an exploded view of the rear stabilizer of the
product display merchandiser depicted in FIG. 6A.
[0036] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another product display
merchandiser in accordance with embodiments of the inventive
subject matter in which one or more of the product display
merchandiser's sidewalls or wings is removable. In some
embodiments, such product display merchandisers can be arranged in
a linear fashion and a sidewall or wing of an adjacent product
display merchandiser can provide support for a product displayed in
the product display merchandiser.
[0037] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the product display
merchandiser of FIG. 7A in an extended position in which product
can be loaded onto the product display merchandiser from the
side.
[0038] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another product display
merchandiser in accordance with the embodiments of the inventive
subject matter in which the arms are vertically adjustable relative
to the engagement means.
[0039] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the product display
merchandiser depicted in FIG. 8A.
[0040] FIG. 8C is an elevated side view of the product display
merchandiser depicted in FIG. 8A, wherein the product display
merchandiser is in a first vertical position.
[0041] FIG. 8D is an expanded view of the engagement means and arms
of the product display merchandiser depicted in FIG. 8C.
[0042] FIG. 8E is an elevated side view of the product display
merchandiser depicted in FIG. 8A, wherein the product display
merchandiser is in a second vertical position.
[0043] FIG. 8F is an expanded view of the engagement means and arms
of the product display merchandiser depicted in FIG. 8E.
[0044] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale or to include
all features, options or attachments. For example, the dimensions
and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures
may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.
Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or
necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not
depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Introduction
[0045] Many variations of product displays are discussed herein and
even further are contemplated in view of this disclosure. The
product displays discussed herein are configured, and designed, to
hold and display product that is for sale and to front face this
product so that the next item in the display is moved to the front
of the display as the product in front of it is removed from the
merchandiser. While many variations of product display are
described and contemplated herein, FIGS. 1A-1M, and the associated
text, generally depict and describe a first embodiment of a product
display, wherein the product display has a baseless design, FIG. 2
and its associated text generally depict a second embodiment, FIG.
3 and its associated text generally depict a third embodiment,
FIGS. 4A-P, and the associated text, generally depict and describe
a fourth embodiment of a product display merchandiser, wherein the
product display merchandiser has an adjustable width and a unique
stabilizing structure, FIGS. 5A-5E, and the associated text,
generally depict and describe a fifth embodiment of a product
display merchandiser, wherein the product display merchandiser has
an alternate mechanism for adjusting the position of, and securing,
the sidewalls or wings and alternate structures for retaining
displayed product in the merchandiser when the lens is removed,
FIGS. 6A-6B, and the associated text, generally depict and describe
a sixth embodiment of a product display merchandiser, wherein the
product display merchandiser includes a mechanism to securely
attach a bracket engagement member to a rear stabilizer, and FIGS.
7A-7B, and the associated text, generally depict and describe a
seventh embodiment of a product display merchandiser, wherein the
product display merchandiser includes one or more removable
sidewalls or wings for use in unison with one or more other product
display merchandisers. Although seven main embodiments are shown,
it is understood that features from any one embodiment may be
combined with features of other embodiments to come-up with yet
further embodiments that are intended to be covered by this
disclosure and the following claims despite not being illustrated
in a specific drawing figure for same.
First Embodiment
[0046] FIGS. 1A-1M illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 100, according to some forms of the inventive
subject matter. The product display merchandiser 100 includes a
tray 102 for holding a product to be displayed. The tray 102 is
supported underneath by arms, support members, brackets, or
"blades" 116. The arms 116 include bracket engagement members 112
that attach to a rear support member (not shown), such as a
vertical upright of a conventional gondola or other store shelving
system. The rear support member can be any suitable support member
such as conventional grid-type systems, bar type systems, shelves,
etc. The product display merchandiser 100 can also have one or more
stabilizers positioned in various locations on the product display
merchandiser 100. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a stabilizer 114
positioned between the bracket engagement members 112 near the rear
of the product display merchandiser 100. In some embodiments, the
product display merchandiser 100 can include a stabilizer, in
addition to or in lieu of the stabilizer 114, near the front of the
product display merchandiser 100. The stabilizer 114 (as well as
any other stabilizers) can be sized so as to accommodate trays of
multiple dimensions. The product display merchandiser 100 can also
include a lens 106 for holding and displaying signage, preventing
product from falling out of the tray 102, etc. Such a lens can be
formed from any suitable material and in any suitable manner. For
example, the lens can be extruded or injection molded plastic.
Additionally, in one form, the lens can have perforations which
allow for easy snap-off type custom-sizing of the lens.
[0047] In use, the product display merchandiser 100 has multiple
positions. In one embodiment, the product display merchandiser 100
can have a closed position (best shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, and 1E-1G)
for presenting product and an open position (best shown in FIGS.
1H-1K) for restocking product. In the closed position, a majority
of the tray 102 is positioned over top of the arms 116. In the open
position, the majority of the tray 102 is not positioned over top
of the arms 116. The tray 102 travels along the arms 116 from the
closed position to the open position in a direction indicated by
arrow 126. As depicted in FIG. 1, the tray 102 includes tracks 120
through which the arms 116 extend. The tracks 120 can take any
suitable form. For example, the tracks 120 can comprise a number of
individual pieces protruding from the tray 102, a continuous or
semi-continuous channel running along the tray 102, etc.
Additionally the tracks 120 (and/or arms 116) can include ball
bearings or any other suitable friction-reducing mechanism.
[0048] In some embodiments, the product display merchandiser 100
includes a mechanism that resists movement of the tray 102 between
the open and closed positions. Such a mechanism can prevent the
tray 102 from moving from the closed position to the open position
unintentionally. For example, the product display merchandiser 100
can include a handle 110 (also seen in FIG. 1K) with first
engagement members 108. The arms 116 can include second engagement
members 104 that are complimentary to the first engagement members
108. Such first engagement members 108 and second engagement
members 104 are well-depicted in FIG. 1E. The engagement members
are engaged when the tray 102 is in the closed position. Such
engagement resists and/or prevents movement of the tray 102 to the
open position. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, operation of
the handle 110 disengages the engagement members. Such
disengagement permits movement of the tray 102 from the closed
position to the open position. In one form, the first engagement
members 108 disengage from the second engagement members 104 when
the handle 110 is displaced in a direction parallel to the movement
of the tray 102 across the arms 116 (i.e., in the direction of
arrow 126). For example, movement of the handle away from the
bracket engagement members 112 disengages the first engagement
members 108 from the second engagement members 104. As another
example, the handle 110 may displace in a somewhat rotational
manner. For example, the handle 110 can be affixed to the tray 102
near a leading edge of the tray (i.e., a portion of the tray
opposite the bracket engagement members 112). The handle 110 is
operated from an end of the handle 110 opposite a side of the
handle 110 affixed to the tray 102. In such embodiments, the handle
110 displaces in a somewhat rotational direction that, for purposes
of this specification, can be considered to have a displacement in
a direction parallel to the motion of the tray 102 and in a
direction perpendicular to the motion of the tray 102.
[0049] In one form, the product display merchandiser 100 can
include a mechanism that prevents the tray 102 from moving from the
open position to the closed position during restocking. For
example, the arms 116 and the tracks 120 can include complimentary
engagement members that engage when the tray 102 is in the open
position. Such engagement members can provide mechanical resistance
which must be overcome to move the tray 102 from the open position
to the closed position. For example, FIG. 11 depicts a product
display merchandiser 100 with arms having an arm engagement member
144 which engages a track engagement member 136. When the tray 102
is in the open position, the track engagement member 136 engages
the arm engagement member 144 and provides resistance against the
tray 102 moving from the open position to the closed positon. In
some embodiments, such resistance is physical and is overcome by
force being exerted on the tray 102 in a direct of the closed
position. In other embodiments, there can be a hook, latch, lever,
or other release mechanism which must be utilized to disengage the
track engagement members 136 from the arm engagement members
144.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1B the product display merchandiser 100
includes a tray 102 and arms 116. The tray 102 includes tracks 120
through which the arms 116 extend. The tray 102 displaces along the
arms 116. The arms 116 can include bracket engagement members 112
configured to mount to a rear support member (not shown). Although
FIG. 1B depicts the product display merchandiser 100 configured
with bracket engagement members 112 to mount to a rear stabilizer,
in some embodiments, the product display merchandiser 100 can be
configured to be supported by, attach to, and/or rest on a
shelf
[0051] The tray 102 includes a right sidewall 124 and a left
sidewall 126 (also referred to as a "side members" or "wings"), as
well as a lens 106. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1B,
either (or both) of the right sidewall 124 and the left sidewall
126 are extendable to accommodate product of varying dimensions.
The tray 102 of FIG. 1B is depicted with the right sidewall 124
extended. In one form, the right sidewall 124 and left sidewall 126
are incrementally extendable. Additionally, the right sidewall 124
and the left sidewall 126 can be individually extendable or
mechanically coupled in such a way that extension of one of the
right sidewall 124 and the left sidewall 126 cause extension of the
other of the right sidewall 124 and the left sidewall 126.
[0052] To further increase compatibility with product of varying
dimensions, some embodiments of the product display merchandiser
100 include a removable divider 130. The removable product divider
130 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 1L. The removable divider
130 can attach to the product display merchandiser 100 in any
suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 1L, the removable
divider 130 can include divider protrusions 148 that mate with
slots 118 on the tray 102 (as shown in FIG. 1G), slots which mate
with protrusions on the tray 102, a bar that mates with a track on
the tray 102, etc. In some embodiments, the removable divider 130
is mountable at multiple locations of varying distance from the
right sidewall 124 and the left sidewall 126. When removed, the
product display merchandiser 100 preferably includes a storage
space for the removable divider 130. FIG. 1M depicts one example by
which the removable divider 130 can be stored onboard the product
display merchandiser 100. In one form, the tray 102 includes a
recess on a bottom side of the tray 102 configured to accommodate
and store the removable divider 130. Alternatively or additionally,
as depicted in FIG. 1M, the tray 102 can include clips 150 (or
other suitable connectors) which hold the removable divider 130 in
a stored position on the product display merchandiser 100.
[0053] In some embodiments (as depicted in FIG. 1F) a divider 142
(whether or not removable) can take the form of a "T-shape." A
horizontal portion of such divider 142 can form a product support
surface 140. This product support surface 140 can support a portion
of product displayed in the product display merchandiser and a
second product support surface 138 located on the sidewall can
support another portion of the product displayed in the product
display merchandiser 100.
[0054] The tray 102 also includes pushers 122. The pushers 122 act
to urge product toward the front of the tray 102 (i.e., front face
product) making the product easier to access. Although FIG. 1B
depicts the tray 102 as including pushers 122, some embodiments of
the inventive subject matter do not include pushers 122 to urge
product to the front of the tray. For example, instead of pushers
122, the product display merchandiser 100 may be configured to
incline, or mount on an incline, in a manner in which gravitational
force is employed to urge product to the front of the tray 102.
Additionally, although FIG. 1B depicts a product display
merchandiser 100 including two pushers 122, some embodiments of the
inventive subject matter can include fewer than two pushers or more
than two pushers. In embodiments that include pushers 122, the
pushers 122 generally comprise a vertical member and a biasing
mechanism. The pushers 122 can employ any suitable biasing
mechanism, such as a spring, a counterweight, a pulley system, etc.
In some embodiments, the pushers 122 include engagement members
(e.g., clips, latches, detents, etc.) that engage with
complimentary engagement members located on the tray 102, tracks
120, and/or arms 116. The engagement members and the complimentary
engagement members act to maintain the pushers 122 in a restocking
position when the tray 102 is in an open position. Maintaining the
pushers 122 in the restocking position not only makes restocking
easier but also helps prevent product from being damaged during the
restocking process. In some embodiments, the pushers 122 are
maintained at a backmost portion of the tray 102 during restocking.
In some embodiments, the engagement members and the complimentary
engagement members automatically disengage when the tray 102 is
moved from the open position to the closed position. For example,
the tray 102, tracks 120, and/or arms 116 can include disengagement
members that cause disengagement of the engagement members from the
complimentary engagement members. FIGS. 1D, 1H and 1J depict one
embodiment of such engagement and disengagement members. FIG. 1J
depicts two engagement members 146 coupled to the pushers 122.
Although FIG. 1J depicts an embodiment including two pushers 122
and two engagement members 146, it is not necessary that there be a
one-to-one correspondence between the pushers 122 and engagement
members 146. The two engagement members 146 act (in concert with
the complimentary engagement members) to maintain the pushers 122
in the restocking position when the tray 102 is in the open
position. FIGS. 1D and 1H depict a product display merchandiser 100
having disengagement members 132. In one form, the disengagement
members 132 are linearly aligned with the pushers 122 and
correspond one-to-one with the pushers 122, although embodiments
exist that do not have either of these features (e.g., one form may
have one disengagement member 132 and three pushers 122). The
disengagement members 132 act to disengage the engagement members
146 and the complimentary engagement members when the tray 102 is
moved from the open position to the closed position. Such action by
the disengagement members 132 cause the pushers 122 to be
automatically removed from the restocking position. In one form,
the disengagement members 132 are protrusions that physically
contact one or more of the engagement members and the complimentary
engagement members to force disengagement of the engagement members
and the complimentary engagement members.
[0055] FIG. 1C is a front view of a product display merchandiser
100, according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.
The product display merchandiser 100 includes a lens 106. As
previously discussed, the lens 106 can hold and/or display signage,
prevent product from falling out of the tray 100, etc. Such a lens
can be formed from any suitable material and in any suitable
manner. For example, the lens can be extruded or injection molded
plastic. Additionally, in one form, the lens can have perforations
which allow for easy snap-off type custom-sizing of the lens.
Additionally, the lens 106 can have multiple display sections or
channels. For example, the lens 106 may have a first display
portion 106A and a second lens portion 106B. Although FIG. 1C
depicts lens 106 as having the second display portion 106B arranged
above the first display portion 106A, many other configuration
exist. For example, the lens 106 may have left and right display
sections, or any other combination of two or more display
sections.
[0056] The remaining figures and text describe alternative
embodiments of a product display merchandiser. For purposes of
convenience, items that are similar to those discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 1A-1M will be referenced using the same last
two-digit number but using a first digit corresponding to the
figure number simply to distinguish from one another. For example,
in FIG. 1, the product tray is referred to generally by reference
number 102, while the product tray is referred to as 202, 302, and
402, in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, respectively.
Second Embodiment
[0057] While FIGS. 1A-1M depict a first embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 100, FIG. 2 depicts a second embodiment of a
product display merchandiser 200, according to some embodiments of
the inventive subject matter. The product display merchandiser 200
includes sidewalls 228, pushers 222A and 222B, bracket engagement
members 212, and a pusher attachment 252. The pusher attachment 252
attaches to the pusher 222B to expand the surface area of the
pusher 222B. Additional types of pusher attachments exist. For
example, pusher attachments can be designed for specific products,
to minimize the surface area of the contact point with a product,
to extend the depth of the pusher, etc. Additionally, FIG. 2
depicts a bracket engagement member 212 that is configured to
engage a bar mounted system (not shown). Additionally, FIG. 2
depicts an embodiment of a product display merchandiser in which a
horizontal portion of the sidewall 228 (i.e., the product support
238 portion of the sidewall) is roughly equal in area to a vertical
portion of the sidewall 228.
Third Embodiment
[0058] While FIG. 2 depicts a second embodiment of a product
display merchandiser, FIG. 3 depicts a third embodiment of a
product display merchandiser 300, according to some embodiments of
the inventive subject matter. The product display merchandiser 300
includes a tray 302 that is slidable along arms 316. The tray 302
includes tracks 320 disposed on the bottom side of the tray 302.
The arms 316 are seated in the tracks 320. The tray 302 moves in a
direction as indicated by arrow 326 from an open position (shown)
to a closed position (not shown). When in the open position, a void
(or unobstructed opening) 358 is revealed (i.e., the product
display merchandiser 300 has a baseless design). The void 358 is
bounded on a left side and a right side by arms 416, on a front
side by front stabilizer 354, and on a rear side by rear stabilizer
356. The tray also includes pushers 322A and 322B which are movable
within in the tray 302 and a handle 310. In some embodiments, the
handle 310 is operable to disengage engagement members so as to
allow the tray 302 to be moved from the closed position to the open
position. In one form, the tray 302 includes a divider 330/342. The
divider 330/342 can be fixed to the tray 302 or removably attached
to the tray 302.
Fourth Embodiment
[0059] While FIG. 3 depicts a third embodiment of a product display
merchandiser, FIGS. 4A-4R depict a fourth embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 400 having an extendable tray width.
[0060] FIG. 4A is an upper perspective view of a fourth embodiment
of the product display merchandiser 400 having adjustable side
members 428, according to some embodiments of the inventive subject
matter. The product display merchandiser 400 depicted in FIG. 4A
has one pusher 422 and movable sidewalls 428. The sidewalls 428 are
extendable from the tray in directions indicated by arrows 426.
Extension of the sidewalls 428 allows for the tray width to be
adjusted. The tray also includes first mating members 476 (best
shown in FIG. 4Q) into which corresponding protrusions 478 (best
shown in FIG. 4R) can seat to secure the sidewalls 428 in an
extended position. In some embodiments, a horizontal portion of the
sidewalls 428 includes second mating members (e.g., protrusions 478
extending from the horizontal portion of the sidewalls 428, as
depicted in FIG. 4R) which fit into the first mating members 476.
In some embodiments, the second mating members "snapfit" into the
first mating members 476. For example, a person can lift an edge of
one of the sidewalls 428 to disengage the second mating members
from the first mating members 428. In one form, the sidewalls 428
are secured to the product display by one or more housing members
or cords. Such housing members or cords can prevent the sidewalls
428 from becoming completely detached from the product display
merchandiser 400 when disengaged. Once disengaged, the person can
slide the sidewall 428 in and out until a desired spacing is
achieved. Once the desired spacing is achieved, the person can push
the sidewall back into place to reengage the second mating members
with the first mating members 476 (i.e., snap the first mating
members into the second mating members 476). In some embodiments,
each of the sidewalls 428 are independently movable. For example, a
first of the two sidewalls 428 can be moved, and then a second of
the two sidewalls 428 can be moved independently of the first. In
other embodiments, the sidewalls 428 can be coupled in such a
manner that when one of the two sidewalls 428 is moved, the other
of the two sidewalls 428 moves in a corresponding manner.
[0061] In some embodiments, the product display merchandiser 400
includes linear guides 476, depicted in FIGS. 4J and 4K. The linear
guides 476 help ensure that the sidewalls 428 travel linearly with
respect to the product display merchandiser 400 when moved between
positions. In one form, the linear guides 476 are protrusions that
are seated in recess disposed in a horizontal portion of the
sidewalls 428.
[0062] Although FIG. 4Q depicts the first mating members 476 as
incrementally spaced slots, any suitable mechanism for securing the
sidewalls in an extended position may be employed. For example, one
continuous aperture extending in a direction parallel to the
direction in which the sidewalls 428 extend can be utilized. In
such embodiments, any suitable fastener (e.g., a screw and nut
combination) can be used to secure the sidewalls in an extended
position. For example, a horizontal portion of the sidewalls can
include a threaded shaft which protrudes through the continuous
aperture. In such embodiments, the sidewall can be secured with a
nut fastened to the threaded shaft. Alternatively, the horizontal
portion of the sidewall can include an internally threaded aperture
and the sidewall can be secured by inserting a screw through
continuous aperture into the internally threaded aperture. Although
multiple examples are given for the first mating members 476,
numerous additionally possibilities exist and are considered within
the scope of the teachings herein.
[0063] Additionally, although FIG. 4R depicts the second mating
members 478 as protrusions and the first mating members as
incrementally spaced slots, any suitable combination of second
mating members 478 and first mating members 476 can be used. For
example, the second mating members 478 can be shaped as pegs and
the first mating members 476 can take the form of complementarily
apertures in which the pegs can be seated.
[0064] FIG. 4B is a lower perspective view of the product display
merchandiser 400 depicted in FIG. 4A. As seen in FIG. 4B, the
product display merchandiser 400 includes tracks 420 (also
well-depicted in FIG. 4M) through which arms 416 extend. The tray
402 is slidable along the arms in a direction as indicated by arrow
426 from a closed position (shown in FIG. 4E) to an open position
(shown in FIG. 41).
[0065] FIG. 4B also depicts a baffle 460 inserted on the underside
of the product display merchandiser 400 and secured by a rear
baffle mount 462 and a front baffle mount 464. The baffle 460 can
server many different purposes, depending on a shape of the baffle
460, a material from which the baffle 460 is made, and a position
of the baffle 460 within the product display merchandiser 400. For
example, the baffle 460 can server to direct airflow through or
around the product display merchandiser 400. Additionally, in some
forms, the baffle 460 can be removably attached to the product
display merchandiser 400 by insertion and removal from the rear
baffle mount 462 and the front baffle mount 464.
[0066] The arms 416, baffle 460, rear baffle mount 462, front
baffle mount 464 are well-depicted in FIG. 4L. FIG. 4L also depicts
a first tray engagement mechanism 468A-468D which acts to maintain
the tray 402 in the closed position. A second tray engagement
mechanism 470 (best shown in FIG. 4M) mates with the first tray
engagement mechanism 468A-468D when the tray is in the closed
position. In some embodiments, such as those depicted in FIG. 4P,
the rear baffle munt 462 and insert support surface 414 are
integral to the rear stabilizer 456. Additionally, the rear
stabilizer 456 can attach to the arms 416 via stabilizer engagement
members 472.
Fifth Embodiment
[0067] While FIGS. 4A-4R depict a fourth embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 400 having an extendable tray width or
adjustable width feature, FIGS. 5A-5E depict a fifth embodiment of
a product display merchandiser 500 having an alternate manner for
adjusting the width of the side members 528, 524 and securing them
in position so that they cannot be moved once the merchandiser is
stocked with product and installed on a shelf, grid or bar.
[0068] The product display merchandiser 500 of FIG. 5 includes a
left sidewall 528, a right sidewall 524, a tray 502, arms 516, a
removable divider 530, a lens 506, and rear stabilizer 556. The
left sidewall 528 and right sidewall 524 are securable to the tray
502. The tray 502 mounts to, and is supported, by the arms 516. In
a preferred form, the tray 502 is slidable along the arms 516 to an
open or extended position making loading product onto the product
display merchandiser 500 easier and in a manner that does not
require a separate base structure that the tray slides upon.
[0069] The positions of the left sidewall 528 and the right
sidewall 524 are adjustable or moveable with respect to the tray
502. Such adjustability or movability allows the distance between
the left sidewall 528 and the right sidewall 524 to be adjusted to
accommodate products of varying size and dimension.
[0070] In one form, the left sidewall 528 and right sidewall 524
include tongue engagement portions 582, e.g., grooves, (as shown in
FIGS. 5B-5C) that mate with the tongues 576 on the tray 572.
Although FIGS. 5A-5E depict the left sidewall 528 and right
sidewall 524 as including tongue engagement portions 582, in some
embodiments, the tray 502 can include tongue engagement portions or
grooves 582 and the left sidewall 528 and the right sidewall 524
can include the tongues 576. In yet other embodiments, the tray 502
may have tongue and tongue engagement portions and the sidewalls
524, 528 may have tongue engagement portions and tongues that
correspond with and/or mate with those on the tray 502. In any of
these embodiments, the tongues 576 mate with the tongue engagement
portions or grooves 582 to secure the left sidewall 528 and the
right sidewall 524 in a desired positon on tray 502. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5E, the tongues 576 are formed into the
tray 502 and include a raised portion that engages the tongue
engagement portions of the left sidewall 528 and the right sidewall
524. The tongues 576 are deformable (e.g., can be pushed from a
first, resting position to a second, deformed positon) to disengage
from the tongue engagement portions 582 and allow the position of
one or more of the left sidewall 528 and the right sidewall 524 to
be adjusted.
[0071] In one form, the tongues 576 and/or tongue engagement
portions 582 can include a mechanism (e.g., an indexing mechanism)
that allows movement of the left sidewall 528 and the right
sidewall 524 between predefined or predetermined positions. For
example, as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5E, the tongues 584 include
protrusions 584 (e.g., finger members) that seat within the
serrated boundaries of the tongue engagement portions 582. Such
embodiments allow for very fine adjustments of the left sidewall
528 and right sidewall 524. Further, if it is desired to set the
width of the sidewalls of numerous merchandisers to the same width
setting, this can be done by counting which groove or serration the
tongue should be set to and simply setting the protrusion to that
serration for each sidewall. To assist in this effort, indicia may
be added to one or more serrations or grooves in order to make
quick adjustments to that setting on one or many merchandisers.
[0072] Although FIGS. 5A-5E depict tongues 576 as having
protrusions 584 and left sidewall 528 and right sidewall 524 as
having tongue engagement portions 582 with serrated boundaries,
other mechanisms exist for allowing movement of the left sidewall
538 and the right sidewall 524 between predefined positions, such
as those depicted and described in FIG. 4 and the associated text,
or any other suitable mechanism. Additionally, in some forms, the
left sidewall 528 and right sidewall 524 include sidewall tabs 578
that mate with sidewall tab recesses 580 located on the tray 502 to
aid in securing the sidewalls to the tray 502 and ensuring a
desired position of the sidewalls is retained. Further, as
mentioned above, while various tongue and groove type mating
structures may be used to mate the sidewalls to the tray, other
types of mating engagements may be used and, of these, they may be
alternated so that some appear on both the tray and sidewalls. For
example, in some forms, dovetail mating configurations or mortise
and tenon mating configurations may be used. In still other forms,
other protrusion and mating recess type configurations may be
used.
[0073] In addition to simply providing adjustability, the mechanism
described above also helps to ensure that the left sidewall 528 and
right sidewall 524 will remain in desired positions after the width
of the product display merchandiser 500 has been set. For example,
to adjust the position of the left sidewall 528 and the right
sidewall 524 the tongues 576 must be manipulated so that they no
longer engage the tongue engagement portions 582. Because the
tongues 576 are positioned on the tray 502, the tongues are not
easily accessible when the product display merchandiser 500
contains product. Because the tongues 576 are not easily
accessible, it is unlikely that they will be manipulated
unintentionally (e.g., by an employee, heavy product, a customer,
etc.). Consequently, the left sidewall 528 and right sidewall 524
remain in a relatively fixed position until such position is
intentionally altered. Additionally, because the position of the
left sidewall 528 and the right sidewall 524 is relatively fixed,
some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are able to hold
and display heavier products, as it is less likely that such
products will cause the left sidewall 528 and the right sidewall
524 to move out of position. This is helpful in avoiding the
merchandiser from inadvertently being changed by retailer stocking
associates or the like after it has been set or configured in the
desired manner to display specific products.
[0074] In one form, as depicted in FIG. 5E, the lens 506 of the
product display merchandiser 500 may be removable. In such
embodiments, the product display merchandiser can include stops, or
protrusions, 594, 596. Such stops 594, 596 can prevent product from
falling out of the product display merchandiser 500 when the lens
506 is removed. The stops 594 can be integral to the tray 502 or
left sidewall 528 and right sidewall 524. The stop 596 can be
integral to the tray 502 or the center divider 530 (whether or not
the center divider is removable). This allows product in certain
situations to be advantageously displayed without a lens so that an
unobstructed view of the displayed product may be seen by potential
consumers.
[0075] In the form illustrated in FIGS. 5A-E the wings or side
members 528, 524 preferably will define product support surfaces
extending inward toward the opposing side member 528, 524 for
supporting at least a portion of the displayed product. An example
of this product support surface is illustrated in FIG. 5B for the
left side member 528. This product support surface runs from the
rear of the merchandiser toward the front of the merchandiser and
terminates in the protrusions or stops 594, 596. In some forms, the
side members 528, 524 preferably form stops or abutting surfaces
that limit how close the side members 528, 524 can be moved toward
one another. More particularly, the portions of each side member
that define the tongue engagement openings or grooves 582 that
protrusions or tongue members 584 engage form distal ends that abut
the opposing side member 528, 524 to limit the travel of the side
members 528, 524 toward one another. In the form illustrated, the
side members 528, 524 contain additional protruding members
coplanar with the portions that define the tongue engagement
openings 582 that further serve as abutment surfaces that limit
travel of the side members 528, 524 toward one another. These
additional protrusions or protruding members are illustrated for
the left side member 528 best in FIG. 5C and are positioned between
the portions that define the tongue engagement openings 582.
Sixth Embodiment
[0076] While FIGS. 5A-5E depict a fifth embodiment of a product
display merchandiser having an alternate manner for adjusting the
side members, FIGS. 6A-6D depict a sixth embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 600 having a mechanism to securely attach a
bracket engagement member 612 to a rear stabilizer 656. The product
display merchandiser 600 includes a left sidewall 628, a right
sidewall 624, arms 616, a rear stabilizer 656, a tray, and bracket
engagement members 612. The arms 616 support the tray and are
connected to the rear stabilizer 656 via the bracket engagement
members 612. The arms 616 and rear stabilizer 656 connect to the
bracket engagement members 612. For example, in one form, the
bracket engagement members 612 can be fastened to the rear
stabilizer 656. The bracket engagement members 612 engage a
vertical support (not shown) such as a bar mounted system or a grid
mount system from which the product display merchandiser 600 can
hang. In the form illustrated, the bracket engagement members 612
and one arm 616 are formed integral to one another as a metal
support arm.
[0077] The bracket engagement members 612 include a locking
receiver 686 that mates with a locking protrusion 688 located on
the rear stabilizer 656. The locking receiver 686 and the locking
protrusion 688 mate in such a way as to securely affix the bracket
engagement member 612 to the rear stabilizer 656. The locking
receiver 686 and the locking protrusion 688 can take any suitable
form. For example, the locking receiver 686 can be an aperture
through which the locking protrusion 688 extends, a cavity that
receives the locking protrusion 688, a clip to which the locking
protrusion 688 attaches, etc.
[0078] In the example depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D, the locking
protrusion 688 is a piece of material that extends from the rear
stabilizer 656. The locking protrusion 688 can be integral to the
rear stabilizer 656 or a separate piece that is attached to the
rear stabilizer 656. The locking receiver 686 can take the form of
an aperture located in the bracket engagement member 612. As
depicted in the FIGS. 6A-6D, the locking protrusion 688 and the
locking receiver 686 are similarly shaped (or correspond in shape)
and have a slightly different orientation (e.g., approximately
45.degree. out of alignment). The locking protrusion 688 and the
locking receiver 686 can take any suitable shape. In the example
depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D, the locking protrusion 688 and the locking
receiver 686 are cross-shaped. In such embodiments, the bracket
engagement member 612 is placed onto the rear stabilizer 656 in a
first position such that the locking receiver 686 and the locking
protrusion 688 are oriented in a similar direction. Once the
engagement bracket 612 has passed the locking protrusion 688, the
bracket engagement member 612 can be rotated to a second position,
the second position being a display position for the product
display merchandiser 600. Once in the second position, the locking
protrusion 688 acts on the bracket engagement member 612 to
securely hold the bracket engagement member 612 and the rear
stabilizer 656 together. For example the locking receiver 686 may
fit behind a larger portion of the locking protrusion 688 in such a
manner as to experience a clamping force or camming force between
an inner surface of the locking protrusion 688 and the rear
stabilizer 656.
[0079] In the form illustrated, the protrusions 688 correspond in
shape with the locking receiver opening 686 so that the protrusion
may be orientated into a position to be inserted into the opening
686. The protrusion 688 further defines a cutout, channel or groove
that the locking receiver may be aligned with and then one or both
the rear stabilizer 656 and integrated arm 616 and engagement
member 612 are moved with respect to each other to securely clamp
or fasten the integrated arm 616 and engagement member 612 to one
end of the stabilizer 656. The same process is then repeated with
the protrusion located on the opposite end of the stabilizer 656.
In a preferred form, the cutout, channel or groove, is configured
to either cam against the engagement member 612 or form a friction
fit with the engagement member 612. Thus, once fully assembled, the
three pieces (i.e., rear stabilizer and support arms/engagement
members 612 are securely connected to one another to minimize play
between each item.
[0080] Additionally, in some embodiments, the rear stabilizer 656
can include an alignment protrusion 692 and the bracket engagement
member 612 can include a mating alignment recess 690. The alignment
protrusion 692 and the alignment recess 690 can be positioned in
such a manner as to engage when the bracket engagement member 612
is in the second position. The alignment protrusion 692 and
alignment recess 690 can aid in assembly of the product display
merchandiser 600 and provide greater stability to the product
display merchandiser 600. In a preferred form, the mating alignment
recess 690 and protrusion 692 correspond in shape (e.g., both are
circular or other curved structures, rectangular or triangular or
other polygonal structures, etc.). In addition, while the
illustrated rear stabilizer 656 having protrusions 692 on opposing
sides of the stabilizer and, thus, the respective engagement
members 612 each have a mating recess 690, it should be understood
that in alternate forms, only one side of the stabilizer 656 may
include a protrusion and only one bracket engagement member 612
will include a mating alignment recess.
[0081] Similarly, although FIGS. 6A-6D depict the rear stabilizer
656 as having the locking protrusions 688 and the bracket
engagement member as having the locking receiver 686, embodiments
are not so limited. For example, in one form, the rear stabilizer
656 can include the locking receiver 686 and the bracket engagement
member 612 can include the locking protrusion 688. Similarly, in
some embodiments, the bracket engagement member 612 can include the
alignment protrusion 692 and the rear stabilizer 656 can include
the alignment recess 690. Additionally, although many of the
figures (including FIGS. 6A-6D) depict the arm 616 and the bracket
engagement member 612 as a single piece, in some embodiments, the
arm 616 is separate from, and attachable to, the bracket engagement
member 612.
[0082] Similarly, while this engagement has been described as
requiring the engagement bracket 612 to be moved or rotated, it
should be understood that in the illustrated embodiment, the
engagement bracket 612 does not have to move, but rather the rear
stabilizer 656 could alternatively be moved or, in yet other forms,
both could be moved with respect to each other. The point being
that via some movement of either the engagement bracket 612 and/or
the stabilizer 656, the two items are moved from a first position
wherein the two items can be removed from one another or connected
to one another, and then be moved to or toward a second position
wherein the two items are secured to one another via a clamping or
camming force or other fastening engagement. This same procedure
can be done for the protrusion 688 extending from the opposite side
of the stabilizer and the other integrated engagement bracket and
support arm illustrated on the opposite side of the stabilizer
656.
Seventh Embodiment
[0083] While FIGS. 6A-6D depict a sixth embodiment of a product
display merchandiser having a mechanism to securely attach a
bracket engagement member to a rear stabilizer, FIGS. 7A-7B depict
a product display merchandiser 700 in which one or more of the
product display merchandiser's 700 sidewalls is removable. The
product display merchandiser 700 includes a tray 702, a left
sidewall 728 attached to the tray 702, and arms 716. The tray 702
is slidable along the arms 716 from a first retracted or closed
position (depicted in FIG. 7A) to an open, or extended positon
(depicted in FIG. 7B). The product display merchandiser 700 can
also include a right sidewall (not shown). In the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B, the right sidewall has been removed from
the product display merchandiser 700. In such a configuration, two
or more product display merchandiser 700 can be mounted adjacent to
one another so as to utilize one or more sidewalls of an adjacent
product display merchandiser(s). For example, all product display
merchandisers 700 in an arrangement of product display
merchandisers 700 may have their right sidewalls removed (except
for the rightmost product display merchandiser). In such a
configuration, product presented in a product display merchandiser
700 will be supported on the left by the left sidewall 728 of the
product display merchandiser 700 and on the right by the left
sidewall of the right-adjacent product display merchandiser. In
such embodiments, the tray 702 and one or more of the left sidewall
728 and the right sidewall can be designed in a complimentary
manner such that the tray 702 and the left sidewall 728 and/or
right sidewall create a continuous or nearly continuous
surface.
[0084] Not only does such a configuration allow product display
merchandisers 700 to be placed in closer proximity to one another,
but also decreases difficulty in loading the product display
merchandisers 700. For example, most product display merchandisers
have two sidewalls and a base, allowing product stocking to be
performed only from above the product display merchandiser (e.g.,
top loading of the merchandiser). In embodiments in which the
product display merchandiser 700 includes sidewalls that are
removable, product can be stocked from the side (in addition to
from above) (e.g., side loaded vs. top loaded).
[0085] Additionally, product display merchandisers that have
removable sidewalls can be configured to have interchangeable
sidewalls. For example, sidewalls that are different heights,
different widths, made of different materials, different shapes,
different colors, etc. may be useful for different products or
uses. For example, product display merchandisers can be repurposed
for different applications or products by changing the
removable/interchangeable sidewalls.
Eighth Embodiment
[0086] While FIGS. 7A-7B depict a product display merchandiser 700
in which one or more of the product display merchandiser's 700
sidewalls is removable, FIGS. 8A-8F depict a product display
merchandiser 800 in which the product display merchandiser 800 can
be adjusted vertically relative to the mounts or engagement members
812. The arms 816 are slidably or movably attached to the
engagement members 812. The engagement members 812 have one or more
protrusions 899 extending out both sides. The arms 816 have
corresponding openings 898 that are configured to receive the
protrusions 899. Alternatively, the openings 898 could be in the
engagement members 812 and the corresponding protrusions 899 could
be inward facing on the arms 816.
[0087] The openings 898 are arc shaped such that the engagement
members 812 must move towards the front of the product display
merchandiser 800 (to the left in FIGS. 8C-8F) in order to traverse
the length of the openings 898. In alternative embodiments, the
openings 898 have shapes other than arcs. Example shapes include,
but are not limited to, wedge shapes, vertical slots, or 3 sided
square slots.
[0088] The product display merchandiser 800 has a first vertical
position and a second vertical position. In the first vertical
position, as shown in FIGS. 8C-8D, the protrusions 899 are
positioned at the bottom of the openings 898. In the second
vertical position, as shown in FIGS. 8E-8F, the protrusions 899 are
positioned at the top of the openings 898. The product display
merchandiser 800 is movable between the first and second vertical
positions by moving the arms 816 relative to the engagement members
812 so that the protrusions 899 travel along the length of the
openings 898.
[0089] As shown FIGS. 8D, 8F when the product display merchandiser
800 is in either the first vertical position or the second vertical
position the back of the arms 816 are adjacent to the front of the
slots in the engagement members 812 that receive the grid when the
product display merchandiser 800 is mounted. As such, the grid
prevents the engagement member 812 from moving forwards relative to
the arms 816 and thus prevents the product display merchandiser 800
from being moved between the first and second vertical
positions.
[0090] In one form, the first and second vertical positions are
separated by a distance less than the distance between adjacent
cross members of the grid. In one example, the horizontal members
of the grid are separated by a primary increment, such as 1 inch.
The distance between the first and second vertical positions is
equal to a smaller, secondary increment, by which the primary
increment is evenly divisible. For example, if the primary
increment is 1 inch, the secondary increment is 1/2 inch.
[0091] The arms 816 are held from sliding off of the protrusions
899 by the locking protrusion 888 and locking receiver 886
described in the sixth embodiment above. In order to remove the
arms 816 from the engagement members 812 the product display
merchandiser 800 is rotated relative to the arms 816 until the
locking protrusion 888 aligns with the locking receiver 886 at
which point each of the arms 816 can be moved outwards relative to
the product display merchandiser 800 and the engagement means 812.
In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 899 could face in the
same direction from each of the engagement members 812 (as opposed
to facing outward as shown) such that the product display
merchandiser 800 could be positioned onto the engagement members
812 by sliding over the protrusions 899 from one side. In these
embodiments the locking protrusion 888 and locking receiver 886 are
removed.
[0092] In alternative embodiments, the shape of the openings 898
are changed so that the product display merchandiser 800 can be
moved from the first vertical position to the second vertical
position while the engagement members 812 are engaged to the grid.
The openings 898 would be mirror images of those shown in FIGS.
8A-8F such that the product display merchandiser 800 moves towards
its front end (to the left in FIGS. 8C-8F) when moving out of the
first or second vertical position. In this embodiment, the arms 816
are locked against movement relative to the engagement means 812 so
that the product display merchandiser 800 does not inadvertently
fall from the first position to the second position. The lock can
be active or passive. Example passive locks include a deformable
portion of the openings 898 such that the protrusions 899 snap into
the first and second positions or an opening 898 and protrusion 899
having a high coefficient of friction such that a certain initial
force is required to transition the product display merchandiser
800 between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the
openings 898 could be shaped so that gravity holds the product
display merchandiser 800 in the second position. This is achieved
by shaping the openings 898 such that the product display
merchandiser needs to move up or at least straight horizontal in
order to leave the first and second positions. Example active locks
include a latch or pin that can be disengaged by the user before
transitioning the product display merchandiser 800.
[0093] In further alternative embodiments, the product display
merchandiser 800 has more than two vertical positions. The shape of
the openings 898 are changed such that there are at least 3
positions at the correct horizontal position. Example shapes
include a vertical sine wave, a sideways m or w shape, a zig zag
shape, or a vertical slot. The vertical slot embodiment is
infinitely adjustable by positioning the product display
merchandiser 800 wherever desired within the slot and then engaging
a locking mechanism or clamping mechanism to prevent it from
sliding down under the force of gravity.
[0094] The features of any of the other embodiments included in
this application can be combined with the openings 898 and
protrusions 899 of the present embodiment in any combination.
General
[0095] This detailed description refers to specific examples in the
drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to
illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to
various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included
within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical,
electrical, and other changes can be made to the example
embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments
described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in
which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject
matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its
elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole,
but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed
description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the
invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of
the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within
the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following
claims.
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