U.S. patent application number 16/406248 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-29 for merchandiser and methods relating to same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Retail Space Solutions LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Retail Space Solutions LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Davenport, David Detlefsen, Dan Kaczmarek, Sebastian Kosela, Michael William Mercier, Julia Padvoiskis, Eric Pollpeter, Greg Ruggles, John Watry, Matt Wills.
Application Number | 20190261786 16/406248 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60989611 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190261786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mercier; Michael William ;
et al. |
August 29, 2019 |
MERCHANDISER AND METHODS RELATING TO SAME
Abstract
A product display merchandiser comprising a support member, an
intermediate member movably attached to the support member, and a
product support attached to the intermediate member. The
intermediate member is movable between at least a retracted
position and an extended position.
Inventors: |
Mercier; Michael William;
(Chicago, IL) ; Davenport; Daniel; (Chicago,
IL) ; Kosela; Sebastian; (Downers Grove, IL) ;
Detlefsen; David; (Northfield, IL) ; Padvoiskis;
Julia; (Milwaukee, WI) ; Wills; Matt;
(Grafton, WI) ; Watry; John; (Menomonee Falls,
WI) ; Ruggles; Greg; (Hartford, WI) ;
Pollpeter; Eric; (Cedarburg, WI) ; Kaczmarek;
Dan; (Lisbon, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Retail Space Solutions LLC |
Milwaukee |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Retail Space Solutions LLC
Milwaukee
WI
|
Family ID: |
60989611 |
Appl. No.: |
16/406248 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15659331 |
Jul 25, 2017 |
10334967 |
|
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16406248 |
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62366319 |
Jul 25, 2016 |
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62447547 |
Jan 18, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/025 20130101;
A47F 5/0087 20130101; A47F 5/0068 20130101; A47F 5/083 20130101;
A47F 5/0093 20130101; A47F 1/126 20130101; A47B 96/027 20130101;
A47F 5/005 20130101; A47B 57/585 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47F 1/12 20060101 A47F001/12 |
Claims
1. A product display merchandiser comprising: a support member; a
product support movably coupled to the support member, the product
support being movable in a longitudinal direction between at least
a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the
support member; a first plurality of guides extending in the
longitudinal direction and coupled to the product support, the
guides in the first plurality of guides being vertically spaced
from each other by a predetermined distance; and a second plurality
of guides spaced laterally from the first plurality of guides,
extending in the longitudinal direction, and coupled to the product
support, the guides in the second plurality of guides being
vertically spaced from each other by the predetermined
distance.
2. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined distance is greater than a height of a predetermined
product with which the product display merchandiser is to be
stocked.
3. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the product
support is slidably coupled to the support member.
4. The product display merchandiser of claim 3, further comprising
an intermediate member that couples the product support to the
support member.
5. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the product
support comprises a first product channel and a second product
channel.
6. The product display merchandiser of claim 5, further comprising
a third plurality of guides extending in the longitudinal direction
and coupled to the product support between the first and second
pluralities of guides, the third plurality of guides separating the
product support into the first product channel and the second
product channel.
7. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein a first
guide in the first plurality of guides and a second guide in the
second plurality of guides are at the same vertical height and are
laterally spaced to support a rim of a product therebetween.
8. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the first
and second pluralities of guides are coupled to the product support
on first and second lateral sides thereof.
9. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein each of the
first and second pluralities of guides includes three vertically
spaced guides, such that the product display merchandiser is
configured to hold at least two vertically stacked layers of
products.
10. The product display merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the guides
in the first and second pluralities of guides are metal wires.
11. A product display merchandiser comprising: a support member;
and a product support movably coupled to the support member;
wherein the product support is rotatably coupled to the support
member, the product support being rotatable between at least a
display position and a stocking position.
12. The product display merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the
stocking position is one of 90 degrees and 180 degrees from the
display position.
13. The product display merchandiser of claim 11, further
comprising: at least a first guide extending in a longitudinal
direction and coupled to the product support; and at least a second
guide spaced laterally from the first guide, extending in the
longitudinal direction, and coupled to the product support.
14. The product display merchandiser of claim 13, further
comprising an opening between the first guide and the second guide
at a rear of the product support, the opening having a
predetermined lateral width corresponding to a width of a
predetermined product with which the product display merchandiser
is to be stocked.
15. The product display merchandiser of claim 11, further
comprising a bearing coupled between the product support and the
support member, the bearing allowing the product support to rotate
with respect to the support member.
16. The product display merchandiser of claim 11, further
comprising an intermediate member coupling the product support to
the support member, wherein the product support rotates with
respect to the intermediate member.
17. The product display merchandiser of claim 16, wherein the
intermediate member is movable in a longitudinal direction between
at least a retracted position and an extended position with respect
to the support member.
18. The product display merchandiser of claim 16, further
comprising a bearing coupled between the product support and the
intermediate member, the bearing allowing the product support to
rotate with respect to the intermediate member.
19. The product display merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the
product support is a tray, and a rear end of the tray is configured
such that products can be slid off a case onto the tray from the
rear end thereof.
20. The product display merchandiser of claim 19, further
comprising product labels coupled to the rear end of the tray.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/659,331, filed Jul. 25, 2017, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/366,319, filed Jul. 25, 2016,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/447,547, filed Jan. 18, 2017, both of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to product displays and,
more particularly, to merchandisers offering additional movement
options (e.g., rotation, partial rotation, full extension, dual
action extension, etc.) to assist in their operation (e.g.,
stocking, merchandising or displaying/dispensing product to
consumers, re-stocking, etc.) and methods relating to same.
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, to display the
product cleanly and in an unobstructed manner so that product
brands are readily visible and the store shelves look full or
stocked at most times (also known as fronting), and to facilitate
easy installation and restocking or reloading by store employees.
To accomplish this, many different forms of displays have been
developed that are front-facing or self-facing. For example, there
are shelf management systems that mount directly on the shelf, bar
mounted systems that replace shelves and suspend from a bar,
grid-mounted systems that replace shelves and suspend from a grid
system. In addition, there are often two versions of these systems:
one gravity fed and the other utilizing a biased pusher or paddle
to push the stocked product forward as items are removed from a
shelf.
[0004] Another benefit of these types of displays is that they are
typically setup to keep the inventory as new and fresh as possible
and to sell off all existing inventory before allowing newer or
replacement product to be purchased (e.g., a concept often referred
to as "first in first out"). Without these systems, retailers
and/or product suppliers are forced to spend much more time and
resources (and therefore money) on monitoring, organizing and
fronting displayed product and typically end up doing so in a less
efficient manner with less desirable results, such as having newer
product stocked by hand in front of older product increasing the
likelihood of spoilage or product failing to be sold by the "sell
by" date and incurring much more labor expense.
[0005] One problem with conventional merchandisers is that they
typically require being loaded from the front because there is no
rear access to the display once installed (e.g., gondolas are
placed back-to-back preventing rear access to same). For perishable
products, this requires pulling out the already stocked product,
loading new product, and then placing the old product back in the
front of the merchandiser to ensure "first in first out" is
followed to reduce spoilage. This can be a time-consuming process
and results in increased spoliation if not done correctly each and
every time, thereby costing stores money (both for damaged/lost
product and lost sales).
[0006] 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 (e.g., damaged product packaging) depending on
how much force is exerted against the product between the person
stocking/restocking the displayed product and the pushers of the
merchandiser. Damaged product packaging can also result in lost
sales. Even conventional pull-out trays that attempt to provide
store associates with greater access to the rear of the product
channel only extend out part way from their mounting structure
(e.g., approximately 25%-33% extension from the mounting structure)
which may not be enough room to allow for efficient
stocking/restocking of the merchandiser.
[0007] Some conventional merchandisers also allow for stacked
product to be merchandised in one product channel, but they do so
in a way that requires the product to be pulled from the
merchandiser in a particular manner or stocked in a particular
manner. This hinders the merchandiser from being used with
different types of product in the product stacks and/or makes it
more inefficient for the consumer to get to a desired product
and/or the store associate to stock/restock the merchandiser.
[0008] Conventional product and merchandisers also fail to provide
efficient ways for packaging, transporting and/or loading product.
Typically, product is packaged in a conventional package, such as a
box, and store associates are required to remove from the box
enough product to load the merchandiser and then return the
partially empty box back to the backroom to use at a later date
when the merchandiser has emptied enough to stock the remaining
product from the box or package. This results in an inefficient
usage of the store associate's time and can result in partially
emptied boxes being overlooked and other cases being open, thereby,
not following the desired first in first out inventory process
meant to reduce or eliminate spoilage.
[0009] Conventional merchandisers are configured and setup in a
display area to display product alongside one another in
well-defined rows and columns, which is not always the most
efficient use of space for products on display. Often times this
can yield less densely packed display areas that fail to maximize
product pack-out in that area (e.g., horizontal pack-out, vertical
pack-out, or both). Given how valuable space is in most retailers'
stores, any improvement to product pack-out within a display area
typically frees-up space to add additional product offerings and is
thus greatly desired by the retailers and consumers alike. This
problem is also often exacerbated by conventional merchandisers
that take a one-size fits all approach. Some tray merchandisers do
offer adjustable width features to try and customize the size of
the merchandiser to the size of the particular product being
displayed to help pack-out, but even these merchandisers are
limited in what they can do because they lack the ability to be
truly customized to the products being displayed.
[0010] Accordingly, it has been determined that a need exists for
improved product display merchandisers that address and/or solve
the aforesaid problems with conventional merchandisers both via new
apparatus and new methods relating to same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures
of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a rotatable product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, illustrating the product tray in a first, retracted
position;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the rotatable product
display merchandiser of FIG. 1A illustrating the product tray in a
second, extended position;
[0014] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the product display
merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-B with the tray in the second or extended
position and rotated 180 degrees;
[0015] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the product display
merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-C taken from below and illustrating the
tray in the first, retracted, position;
[0016] FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the product display
merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-D taken from below and illustrating the
tray in the second, extended, position;
[0017] FIG. 1F is an exploded view of the product display
merchandiser of FIGS. 1A-E illustrating the hub that allows the
tray to rotate about a central axis;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view taken from above and off to the
side of a product display merchandiser according to some
embodiments of the present application and illustrating the tray
partially stocked and partially rotated;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a comparative view of two types of attachment
means for use in connecting a rotatable product display such as
that disclosed herein to a support;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spring biased pusher which
may be utilized on the tray of a rotatable merchandiser such as
those disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a product display sensor that may be utilized with
a rotatable merchandiser such as that disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 6A is a perspective view taken from above of a ninety
degree (90.degree.) rotating product display merchandiser in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention with a
loading tray for packaging, transporting and/or loading product
more efficiently, illustrating the product before loading onto the
merchandiser;
[0023] FIG. 6B is a perspective view taken from above of the
rotating product display merchandiser of FIG. 6A illustrating the
product after loading onto the merchandiser;
[0024] FIG. 6C is a perspective view taken from below of the
rotating side loading product display merchandiser of FIGS. 6A-6B
in a retracted state;
[0025] FIG. 7A-7G illustrate a side loading product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the side loading product
display merchandiser in a first, display position;
[0027] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the side loading product
display merchandiser of FIG. 7A in a second, loading position;
[0028] FIG. 7C is a side view of the side loading product display
merchandiser of FIGS. 7A-7B with the bottom row being loaded;
[0029] FIG. 7D is a side perspective view of the side loading
product display merchandiser of FIGS. 7A-7C with the second row
being loaded;
[0030] FIG. 7E is a front perspective view of the side loading
product display merchandiser of FIGS. 7A-7D with a product being
removed from the bottom row;
[0031] FIG. 7F is a front perspective view of the side loading
product display merchandiser of FIGS. 7A-7E with a product removed
from the bottom row;
[0032] FIG. 7G is a front perspective view of the side loading
product display merchandiser of FIGS. 7A-7F with an optional pusher
rake coupled to a pull tab;
[0033] FIG. 8A is a side view of a modular product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the modular product display
merchandiser of FIG. 8A;
[0035] FIG. 9A-9F are a perspective, front elevation, left side
elevation, right side elevation, top view, and bottom view
respectively of a merchandiser having a tiered tray in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 10A-10B are a perspective and front elevation view
respectively of a tiered insert for use in a merchandiser in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 11A is a front plan view of a prior art yogurt
display;
[0038] FIG. 11B is a front plan view of a yogurt display having
tiered product channels in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a table of exemplary options illustrating the
modularity of the merchandiser shown in FIGS. 8A-8B;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plurality of product
display merchandisers in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention, illustrating the product displays in both
extended and retracted positions;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the product display
merchandiser of FIG. 15A with an added stop bar;
[0044] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a product support in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser having the product support of FIG. 16A;
[0046] FIG. 16C is a front elevated view of the product display
merchandiser of FIG. 16B;
[0047] FIG. 16D is a plurality of the product display merchandisers
of FIGS. 16B-16C arranged on a grid;
[0048] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 17B is a bottom perspective view of a product support
of the product display merchandiser of FIG. 17A;
[0050] FIG. 18A is a front elevated view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 18B is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
product display merchandiser of FIG. 18A;
[0052] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 19B is a side elevated view of the product display
merchandiser of FIG. 19A;
[0054] FIG. 19C is a bottom perspective view of a product support
of the product display merchandiser of FIGS. 19A-B;
[0055] FIG. 20A is a front perspective view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 20B is a rear perspective view of the product display
merchandiser of FIG. 20A;
[0057] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0058] FIG. 22 is a front elevated view of a product display
merchandiser in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0059] 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
[0060] 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. In a preferred form, the merchandisers disclosed
herein provide a method for ensuring product travels in a "first
in, first out" process so as to reduce spoilage and costs
associated with same, and to improve sales by ensuring product is
taken in this order to reduce the likelihood of product spoilage.
While many variations of product display are described and
contemplated herein, it should be understood that many more are
intended to be covered by the concepts disclosed herein.
[0061] In general, many of the product displays disclosed herein
include a support member configured to couple to a shelving unit,
and a tray movably coupled to the support member. The tray has two
parts, the product support and the intermediate member. The
intermediate member is movable relative to the support member, and
the product support in turn is movable relative to the intermediate
member. The intermediate member is generally slidable relative to
the support member from a retracted position for displaying
products, to an extended position for restocking. The product
support is slidable and/or rotatable relative to the intermediate
member from a display position to a stocking position.
[0062] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 100. As best shown in FIG. 1F, the product
display merchandiser 100 includes a product support or tray 120 for
holding a product to be displayed. The tray 120 is supported by a
bearing 140 such as a lazy Susan bearing or swivel bearing, which
in turn is supported by the intermediate member or support plate
108. The size of the support plate 108 only needs to be large
enough to support the bearing 140 and in a preferred form will be
integrated into a front stabilizer for the tracks so that the
merchandiser can be built as a baseless tray platform, if desired.
In FIGS. 1A-1F, the bearing 140 is centered on the tray 120.
Centering the bearing 140 on the tray 120 minimizes the amount of
clearance needed on either side for rotation of the tray 120 and
allows the merchandiser 100 to rotate within its own foot print
rather than pivoting and blocking other product displays which can
prevent consumers from accessing those other product displays while
an associate is restocking a different merchandiser 100. The swivel
bearing 140 as shown rotates around a substantially vertical axis.
In alternative embodiments, the axis of rotation of the swivel
bearing 140 can be angled toward the front of the tray 120 in order
to lower the back of the tray 120 when the tray 120 rotated to aid
in stocking.
[0063] The tray 120 includes a bottom plate 144 having a recess 142
into which the bearing 140 fits. Placing the bearing 140 in the
recess 142 reduces the amount of space between the tray 120 and the
support plate 108. In preferred form, a low profile bearing or hub
140 will be used to reduce the height of the display so that
vertical product on the store shelving can be maximized.
[0064] The support plate 108 may be slidably mounted on a support
or base by slides or tracks 106, being slidable between many
positions including a first or retracted position and a second or
extended position. In the embodiment shown, the support or base
comprises support members or support arms 110. In alternative
embodiments, the support arms 110 are replaced with a solid base.
In alternative embodiments, the support plate 108 may be slidably
mounted directly onto the support arms 110. As mentioned above, in
another form the merchandiser 100 may be constructed in a baseless
tray platform where the tray 120 extends directly from the support
arms 110 or attachment means 104. In such a configuration, the
merchandiser 100 may further include a rear stabilizer connecting
the rear of the support arms 110 to stabilize same as disclosed in
U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/195487 filed Jul, 23, 2015 and
62/247744 filed Oct. 28, 2015 which are hereby incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.
[0065] FIG. 1A illustrates the merchandiser 100 in a retracted
state, with the tray 120 slid in along the tracks 106. FIG. 1B
illustrates the merchandiser 100 in an extended state, with the
tray 120 slid out along the tracks 106. The tracks 106 can be
drawer slides or bearing slides. In some embodiments, the tracks
106 are dampened at one or both end, or along their entire length,
to prevent the merchandiser 100 and/or the products from being
damaged from being extended or retracted too quickly. In some
embodiments, the support arms 110 includes cross braces 112 for
added stability. The support arms 110 are supported by an
attachment to a support structure by an attachment means 104. In
the embodiment show, the attachment means 104 is one or more hooks
configured to slide over the cross members of a wire grid, such as
the wire grid 202 shown in FIG. 2. In alternative embodiments, the
attachment means 104 is configured to attach to a bar. In FIG. 3,
the grid mount attachment means 104A is contrasted with a bar mount
attachment means 104B. In other alternative embodiments, the
support arms 110 are configured to be supported by a shelf by
attaching the tracks 106 directly to the top surface of a shelf.
Example systems to slidably mount a merchandiser tray to a base can
be seen in U.S. Provisional Application 62/247744, "Merchandiser
and Methods Relating to Same" assigned to DCI Marketing, Inc. which
is fully incorporated by reference herein.
[0066] The tray 120 has a plurality of product channels 122. The
product channels 122 are separated by dividers 124. The dividers
124 can be made of a wide variety of materials, including metal
wire as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F or solid plastic as shown in FIG. 2.
In alternative embodiments, the dividers 124 are removable or
adjustable such that the width of the product channels 122 can be
adjusted to correspond to the product. Each product channel 122 is
configured to hold a row of products. In some embodiments with wire
dividers 124, the left outside divider 124 is offset from the right
outside divider 124. This offset prevents the dividers 124 on
adjacent merchandisers 100 from becoming entangled. Examples of
adjustable dividers 124 and offset dividers 124 can be seen in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,681,744 "Merchandising System" which is assigned to DCI
Marketing, Inc. and is fully incorporated by reference herein.
[0067] In alternative embodiments, at least one of the outside
dividers 124 is missing. When the tray 120 is pulled out along the
tracks 106, the product channel without the divider can be loaded
from the side. In some versions of this embodiment, the tray 120
has a stop to stop rotation of the tray 120 at 90 decrees, so that
the dividerless side is in the front. This embodiment is best
suited for trays 120 that only have 1 or 2 product channels 122
(such that every channel 122 is accessible from one side or the
other by pivoting the tray 120 90 degrees), but it can be used in
multi-channel 122 trays 120.
[0068] In some embodiments, the floor of the product channels 122
are configured to minimize friction between the product channel 122
and the product. As shown in FIG. 1A, the floor of the product
channels 122 comprise 3 raised beads 123 to minimize the area of
contact. The raised beads 123 are made of a material with a low
coefficient of friction, such as nylon. The number of beads can
vary depending on the product, the slope of the product channel
122, and the material used to make the bead 123 in order to fine
tune the friction. One bead 123 or several bead 123 systems are
both viable. Additionally, the shape of the beads 123 can be
changed to affect the friction between the beads 123 and the
products. Instead of the straight beads 123 shown, some embodiments
have wavy or zig-zag shaped beads 123 (e.g., beads following a
tortious path to dampen product movement). In alternative
embodiments, the characteristics of the beads 123 can vary along
the length of the product channel 122. A higher friction bead 123
may be preferable near the front end of the product channel 122 in
order to dampen products. In alternative embodiments, the product
channels 122 have rollers to aid in allowing the products to slide
forward. For smaller products, the rollers are offset relative to
each other to prevent the products from dipping. In still other
embodiments, the product channels 122 have a floor comprising a
smooth, flat surface. In this embodiment, the front of the product
channel 122 can comprise a rougher surface to dampen the movement
of the products. In some embodiments, the beads 123, rollers,
and/or smooth and rough surface are integrated in inserts that can
be easily added or removed from the product channels 122. The
inserts can be made of any of a variety of materials, including
silicon impregnated polymer. The use of inserts has the added
benefit of aiding in the cleaning of the merchandiser 100. This
also allows the product channels 122 to quickly be modified
correlating to the product.
[0069] The tray 120 further includes a back wall 125. The back wall
125 can be wire, as shown in FIG. 1A, or solid as shown in FIG. 2.
The back wall 125 prevents products from being pushed off of the
back of the tray 120. Turning to FIG. 1B, the front end of the tray
120 includes a price channel 128 and a stopper 127. The stopper 127
prevents products from falling out of the front of the product
channels 122. In the embodiment shown, the stopper 127 comprises a
pair of deformable plastic living hinges. When the products are
pulled forward with sufficient force, such as when a customer pulls
one, the stoppers 127 deform to allow the product to pass through.
Once the product is pulled through, the stoppers 127 spring back
into the resting state, blocking the next product in line. In
alternative embodiments, when the products are deformable, the
stoppers 127 can be rigid and still allow pull through from the
deformation of the products. In other embodiments, the stoppers 127
comprise a lip along the bottom edge, similar to the back wall 125,
that the products can be lifted over. This lip can be solid or
wire, or can be integrated into the price channel 128. In other
alternative embodiments, the stoppers 127 can be hingedly attached
to the tray 120 and spring biased. When a product is pulled into
the stoppers 127 the stoppers 127 swing out of the way about the
hinge, and then the spring forces them back into position after the
product passes through. In still other forms, the tray 120 may
define a flat front section meant to position the front most
product in a manner to make it more visible and easy to read.
[0070] The price channel 128 is configured to hold price tags for
the products. In some embodiments, the price channel 128 includes a
protective lens overtop of the price tags. In some embodiments the
price channel 128 is a dual channel such that it can have a tag
with words and or pictures to illustrate the product or product
information (e.g., price) to the customer in a first channel, and a
product number or scannable code in the second channel for use by
store associates. In alternative embodiments, the price channel 128
can be reduced in size to reduce the overall height of the tray 120
such that a larger percentage of the space can be used for products
and/or so that the display maintains a low profile so that maximum
vertical products can be achieved on the store's shelving unit.
[0071] The tray 120 further comprises a structure or mechanism for
facing the products. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the tray is slanted,
with the front end being lower than the back end. This slight slant
combined with the low friction channels 122 described above result
in the products moving to the front of the product channels 122 by
gravity (e.g., gravity fed).
[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the product channels 122 can
include a pusher. The pushers comprise a structure rising from the
product channel 122 floor, having a front surface for engaging the
products 122. The pushers can be biased, such as by a spring,
towards the front end of the tray 120 so that they continuously
exert a forwards force on the products. An example spring biased
pusher 400 is shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the pushers are
operably coupled to a pull tab located at the front of the tray
120, an associate can pull on the tab resulting in the pusher being
forced towards the front of the tray 120. In a gravity fed system,
such as the one shown, the pusher can simply be weighted so that it
pushes the products forward as a result of gravity. This can be
necessary with light products that cannot overcome the static
friction with the product channels 122 under just their own
weight.
[0073] In some embodiments of each of the above described pusher
assemblies, the pusher includes a damper to prevent it from
applying enough force to damage the products. The damper also
prevents the pusher from becoming damaged if it is accelerated over
a long distance. In some embodiments, the pusher is integrated into
a track in the floor of the pusher channel 122 (e.g., vertically
mounted pusher). In alternative embodiments, the pusher is
integrated into a track in a divider 124 (e.g., horizontally
mounted pusher). The divider 124 mounted pusher combined with the
alternative above with removable dividers 124, allows for pushers
to be easily added or removed from the merchandiser 100 by simply
swapping out the divider 124. This same level of modularity can be
achieved with floor integrated pushers by integrating the pusher
into a removable insert, like the inserts described above.
[0074] FIG. 1C illustrates the product display merchandiser 100 of
FIG. 1B with the tray 120 rotated 180 degrees. In operation, the
tray 120 is pulled out along the tracks 106, and then rotated on
the swivel bearing 140 so that the stocker has access to the back
of the product channels 122. In some embodiments, there is a stop
that restricts the rotation of the tray 120 at 0 degrees so that it
is properly aligned before being pushed back in. In other
embodiments, the stop or a second stop restricts rotation of the
tray 120 at 180 degrees to conveniently stop it in the correct
position for loading. In alternative embodiments, additional stops
can be added at different angles or intervals, such as for example
at every 90 degrees, every 45 degrees, or every 30 degrees or as
desired. The stops can be passive, meaning they are designed to be
overcome with sufficient force exerted by the stocker or store
associate. In the preferred embodiment, the stop consists of a
spring biased ball in one of the tray 120 or the support plate 108
and corresponding detents in the other of the tray 120 and the
support plate 108. When the ball is aligned with a detent, the
spring pushes the ball into the detent which stops the rotation of
the tray. Because of the curved surface of the ball, exerting
torque to rotate the tray 120 will force the ball back up and allow
the tray 120 to continue rotating. Alternatively, the tray 120 can
have an active latch that needs to be released. For example, this
could comprise a spring biased cylinder or rectangular prism shaped
bolt and corresponding recesses or openings. When the bolt is
aligned with the recess or opening the spring forces the bolt in
the recess or opening which prevents further rotation. The stocker
would have to pull the bolt out of the recess or opening in order
to rotate the tray 120 again. Other forms of active locks could be
used (e.g., latches, pull knobs, push buttons, actuators,
etc.).
[0075] As shown in FIG. 1C, the back wall 125 remains in position
relative to the tray 120 when the tray 120 is rotated for loading.
The tray 120 includes a grip point 129 which an associate can pull
on to exert torque onto the tray 120, causing it to rotate on the
swivel bearing. The grip point 129 can be placed on one side or the
other in order to encourage rotation in a certain direction. Some
other indication can also be added to specify direction of travel
if desired and/or the merchandiser 100 can be configured to only
allow rotation in a desired direction if desired. The grip point
129 can be configured to be prominent, such that a new associate
notices it and thus knows to rotate the tray 120. Alternatively,
the grip point 129 can be hidden in order to prevent customers from
rotating the tray 120. In some embodiments, the rotation of the
tray 120 exerts centripetal force on the products which pushes them
towards the front of the tray 120. Thus, a centrifugal force front
facing merchandiser is disclosed herein.
[0076] In alternative embodiments, the back wall 125 is movable so
that the stocker can push rows of products directly into the
product channels 122 without having to go over the back wall 125.
In order to achieve this, the back wall 125 can be operably coupled
to the support plate 108, such that rotating the tray 120 relative
to the plate 108 causes the back wall 125 to lower. Alternatively,
the back wall 125 can be affixed to the support arms 110 or the
support structure so that it does not move with the tray 120 when
the tray 120 is pulled out. Alternatively, the back wall 125 can be
hingedly attached to the tray 120 such that it can be folded down
and/or up for loading. One benefit of the back wall 125 is that it
prevents customers from pushing product off the back of the
merchandiser 100 when re-inserting products into the front of the
merchandiser 100.
[0077] In some embodiments, the swivel bearing 140 is at an angle
relative to the support arms 110 such that rotation of the tray 120
lowers the back side of the tray 120. This results in the product
channels 122 being substantially level when the tray 120 is at the
180 degree loading position. Lowering of the back in this way both
provides easier access to the tray 120, especially if there is a
structure above the tray 120 such as a second tray 120. Leveling
the tray 120 also prevents products from accelerating from gravity
down the entire length of a product channel 122, which may result
in the product having enough momentum to pass through the stoppers
127, and/or may cause damage to the product or the merchandiser
100.
[0078] In alternative embodiments, the rotation of the tray 120
relative to the support plate 108 is dampened to prevent the tray
120 from being rotated too quickly. In some embodiments, the
rotation of the tray 120 is dampened for the entire rotation. In
other embodiments, the rotation of the tray 120 is only dampened
for a short arc around each of the stops to slow the tray 120 down
enough for the stop to engage.
[0079] In some embodiments, the rotation of the tray 120 is biased
to assist in use. A spring can be used to bias rotation in one
direction or the other. Alternatively, counteracting springs can be
used to assist both in rotating from 0 degrees to 180 degrees and
then from 180 degrees back to 0 degrees.
[0080] FIGS. 1D and 1E illustrate the bottom side of the
merchandiser 100 described above. FIG. 1D shows the merchandiser
100 in a retracted state, as in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E shows the
merchandiser 100 in an extended state, as in FIG. 1B. The support
plate 108 has a latch 150. The support arms 110 have a lip 152. As
seen in FIG. 1D, when the tray 120 is retracted, the latch 150
engages the lip 152 to prevent the tray 120 from being extended
along the tracks 106. In order to pull out the tray 120, the
stocker disengages the latch 150 from the lip 152. Many different
types of latches 150 can be used with the merchandiser 100 in order
to achieve this function. This includes both active latches, as
shown, and passive latches like the ball and detent setup described
above. In still other forms, no latch is included but rather the
tray 120 or a portion thereof is lifted to release it from the
support plate 108 or support arms 110 allowing the tray 120 to be
pulled out and/or rotated.
[0081] In alternative embodiments, the tracks 106 are designed such
that movement is dampened such that a larger amount of initial
force is needed to start pulling out the tray 120, this would
prevent accidently extension of the tray 120 without a latch 152.
In some embodiments, the tracks 106 are spring biased to assist in
the extension of the tray 120. This same effect could be achieved
by angling the tracks 106 such that gravity pulls the tray 120 out
when the latch 152 is disengaged. In other alternative embodiments,
the swivel bearing 140 is operably coupled to the support arms 110
or the tracks 106 such that moving the tray 120 relative to the
support arms 110 causes the tray 120 to begin rotating. In
application where there are objects adjacent to the merchandiser
100 on either side, the swivel bearing 140 can be operably coupled
to the support arms 110 or tracks 106 such that rotation is
initiated only when the tracks 106 are fully or nearly fully
extended.
[0082] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a
merchandiser 200. Elements of the merchandiser 200 that correspond
to elements of the merchandiser 100 above contain the same last 2
digits of reference number. The elements are assumed to function
the same except for the differences explicitly stated herein or
shown in the figures. The merchandiser 200 is a solid walled design
and is grid 202 mounted. The dividers 224 and back wall 225 are
composed of a rigid plastic. In some embodiments, the back wall 225
includes product indicia or product labels 226. The product labels
226 notify the stocker what product 230 belongs in each product
channel 222. The product labels 226 can further include a code
capable of being scanned, such as a bar code, that the stocker or
associate can scan with a portable computing device to keep track
of the amount of inventory being stocked. In other forms, the
labels 226 may include pictures or illustrations, such as of the
product 230 to be inserted into that product channel 222 or other
information such as how it should be inserted. In alternative
embodiments, the back labels 226 could be incorporated into the
wire walled design shown in FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0083] In alternative embodiments, the tray 120 further comprises a
product sensor or low product indicator. The low product indicator
outputs a signal when one or more product channels 122 are low on
products. The low product indicator can be mechanical, electrical,
or electro-mechanical. An example mechanical low product indicator
comprises a flag operably coupled to the pusher, such that when the
pusher passes a certain position in the product channel the flag is
raised or another visual indicator becomes visible. An associate
can then easily look down an entire aisle of product displays and
scan for any of the small low product indicators.
[0084] FIG. 5 illustrates and example of an electrical product
sensor. The product sensor 510 shown in FIG. 5 is a string
potentiometer, however many other types of sensors are considered
herein. The product sensor 510 a signal to a computer system which
indicates the location of the pusher, and thus the number of
products remaining. Alternative electrical product sensors utilize
ultrasonic sensors, optical pair sensors, capacitance sensors, or
resistance sensors. A description of electrical product sensors can
be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/409396, "Sensors, Devices,
Adapters and Mating Structures for Merchandisers and Related
Methods" filed Jan. 18, 2017 which is fully incorporated by
reference herein. An example of a mechanical low product indicator
can be found in U.S. Provisional Application 15/409139, filed Jan.
18, 2017, and entitled "Low Product Indicator for Self Facing
Merchandiser and Related Methods," which is incorporated herein in
its entirety.
[0085] In addition to indicating when a merchandiser 100 or product
channel 122 needs restocked, the electrical product sensors can be
used to track the amount of product being sold for use in retail
science. Example uses of this data include tracking store
inventory, comparing the efficacy of different merchandiser types
and locations, and tracking the expiration dates of products. The
sensor can also be used for diagnostics, for example if one
merchandiser remains full while adjacent ones holding the same
product become low it could indicate that the merchandiser reading
as full is damaged or jammed in some way.
[0086] In the baseless tray embodiments discussed above, the
support plate 108 is removed. The merchandiser then comprises a
moveable mount connected to a retail store display or shelving unit
(e.g., the grid 202). The mount is moveable between a first mount
position wherein the mount is retracted toward the retail store
display and a second mount position wherein the mount is extended
from the retail store display by sliding along the tracks 106. The
tray is rotatably attached to the mount by the swivel bearing. As
in the above embodiments, the tray has a first side for displaying
product, and a second side for restocking the displayed product.
The tray can be rotated between at least a first tray position
wherein the first side of the tray is facing out from the retail
store display displaying product for selection by a consumer, and a
second tray position wherein the second side of the tray is facing
out from the retail store display exposing the second side of the
tray for restocking the displayed product.
[0087] In some embodiments, the merchandiser 100 includes an
anti-toppling mechanism to prevent the products in the tray 120
from falling over within the product channels 122. The
anti-toppling device can take many forms including one or more
structures that extend downward from a first merchandiser 100 into
the area between the product channels 122 of a second merchandiser
100 located below the first. Other forms include a structure
attached to any other part of the merchandiser 100, or the support
structure the merchandiser 100 is attached to, which extends into
the space between or surrounding the merchandiser channels 122 to
prevent products therein from tipping.
[0088] In some embodiments, the height of the merchandiser 100 can
be set based on the application. For example, a merchandiser 100
intended to display organic products can be set at substantially
the same height as a standard organic waste receptacle in order to
aid in cleaning (e.g., set to prep table height just as the
receptacle is). Another example would be to set the height of a
merchandiser 100 intended to display heavy products at
substantially the same height as a cart or dolly so that the
products can be slid from the cart or dolly onto the tray 120
without requiring lifting.
[0089] In some embodiments, the swivel bearing 140 and the tracks
106 are operably coupled such that the tracks 106 are locked from
being retracted unless the tray 120 is in the display orientation.
This lock prevents the tray 120 from being inserted into the
shelving system while backwards, which would cause the self-facing
mechanism to move products away from prospective customers. The
lock could also serve to prevent the tray 120 from being inserted
when slightly out of alignment. When rotated by even a small amount
(e.g., askew), a square tray has a wider footprint than it does
when aligned. Thus, inserting a tray 120 that is not perfectly
aligned could result in the tray 120 colliding with adjacent
structure, (e.g., such as a second tray 120, the shelving unit,
etc.), and damaging either the tray 120 or the structure. The lock
can take many forms, including but not limited to a pin operably
coupled to the tray 120 that is moved so as to block the path of
the tracks when the tray 120 is rotated. For example, in one form,
the pin may be forced down into a mating recess in one or more of
the rail slides to prevent the slides from being moveable with
respect to one another or from at least fully retracting when the
tray is rotated, and then may retract from the mating recess when
the train is placed back in its display position or orientation.
Thus, the rotational movement of the tray 120 results in a
corresponding movement of a lock or locking mechanism between a
first position wherein the lock is in a first, released position
that allows the rail slides to move between extended and retracted
positions, and a second, locked or secured position that prohibits
the rail slides from moving between the extended and retracted
position. In a preferred form, the lock will prevent movement of
the rail slides entirely when the lock is in the second position.
Alternatively, the lock could be a structure having a substantially
linear shape that is operably coupled to rotate when the tray 120
rotates. When the lock is aligned with a slot, the tracks 106 are
free to retract, and when it is not then the tracks 106 are
locked.
[0090] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a product
display merchandiser 600. The product display merchandiser 600
includes a tray 620 for holding a product to be displayed. The tray
620 is supported by a rotatable hub or bearing 640 such as a lazy
Susan bearing or swivel bearing, which in turn is supported by the
support plate 608. The size of the support plate 608 only needs to
be large enough to support the bearing 640 and in a preferred form
will be integrated into a front stabilizer for the tracks or
drawer/tray rail slide(s) 606 so that the merchandiser can be built
as a baseless tray platform, if desired. The swivel bearing 640 as
shown rotates around a substantially vertical axis. In alternative
embodiments, the axis of rotation of the swivel bearing 640 can be
angled toward the front of the tray 620 in order to lower the back
of the tray 620 when the tray 620 rotated to aid in stocking.
[0091] In a preferred form, however, the bearing 640 will not be
angled so that the angle of the tray does not move when rotated
from the regular product merchandising position to a restocking
position. In this way, if a gravity feed merchandiser configuration
is used, the tray remains in a gravity feed orientation even during
restocking. In the embodiment shown, the rail or track 606 allows
the tray to be fully extended from the support 608, thus, allowing
the tray to easily clear the surrounding display structures to
allow for rotation of the tray to at least a ninety degree
(90.degree.rotation, which simplifies restocking and allows the
tray to remain in the gravity feed orientation due to the ample
clearance that is provided for the tray and product remaining
therein. In conventional merchandisers, this is not possible due to
the rotation of the tray typically interfering with the surrounding
display environment. Typically, any product remaining in the rear
of the tray would get crushed against neighboring display
merchandisers (e.g., crushed against the bottom of merchandisers
located above, crushed against the side of merchandisers located to
the side, etc.).
[0092] The support plate 608 is slidably mounted on a support or
base by slides or tracks 606, being slidable between many positions
including a first or retracted position and a second or extended
position. In the embodiment shown, the support or base comprises
support arms 610 with an opening extending between a majority of
the arms 610 (often referred to as a baseless tray configuration).
In alternative embodiments, the support arms 610 are replaced with
a solid base and, in some cases, this solid base may also serve as
a baffle to direct airflow from a rear of the merchandiser to a
front of the merchandiser to help equally or generally evenly
distribute cold air in open-air refrigeration units or coolers,
such as air curtain units. In alternative embodiments, the support
plate 608 may be slidably mounted directly onto the support arms
610. As mentioned above, in another form the merchandiser 600 may
be constructed in a baseless tray platform where the tray 620
extends directly from the support arms 610 or attachment
means/mounting member 604. In such a configuration, the
merchandiser 600 may further include a rear stabilizer connecting
the rear of the support arms 610 to stabilize same as disclosed in
U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/195487 filed Jul. 23, 2015 and
62/247744 filed Oct. 28, 2015 which are hereby incorporated above
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0093] FIG. 6A illustrates the merchandiser 600 in an extended
state, with the tray 620 slid out along the rail(s) or track(s)
606. FIG. 6C illustrates the merchandiser 600 in a retracted state,
with the tray 620 slid in along the rail(s) or track(s) 606. The
track(s) 606 can be one or more drawer slides or bearing slides. In
some embodiments, the track(s) 606 are also dampened at one or both
ends, or along their entire length, to prevent the merchandiser 600
and/or the products from being damaged from being extended or
retracted too quickly. In some embodiments, the support arms 610
includes cross braces 612 for added stability. The support arms 610
are supported by an attachment to a support structure by an
attachment means, such as support or mounting member 604. In the
embodiment shown, the attachment means or mounting member 604 is
one or more hooks configured to slide over the cross members of a
wire grid, such as the wire grid 602 shown (often referred to as a
grid mount). In alternative embodiments, the attachment means 604
is configured to attach to a bar (referred to as a bar mount). In
FIG. 3, the grid mount attachment means 104A is contrasted with a
bar mount attachment means 104B. In other alternative embodiments,
the support arms 610 are configured to be supported by a shelf by
attaching the rail(s) or track(s) 606 directly to the top surface
of a shelf. In some forms, this may mean that no support arms 610
are used, but rather just the rail(s) or track(s) 606 are used and
serve as the support or structure along which the support 608 and
tray 620 move. Example systems to slidably mount a merchandiser
tray to a base can be seen in U.S. Provisional Application
62/247744, "Merchandiser and Methods Relating to Same" assigned to
DCI Marketing, Inc. which is fully incorporated by reference above
herein.
[0094] The tray 620 has a plurality of product channels 622. The
product channels 622 are defined by or separated by channel/product
guides, wings or dividers 624 and may include an insert at the base
that assists in movement of the product contained in the product
channels 622 (e.g., silicon impregnated polymers). The dividers 624
can be made of a wide variety of materials and shapes, including
metal wire as shown or solid plastic. Other shapes may include thin
bars, flat bars, sloped plates, fins, wings, or the like and these
may be made of rigid or flexible materials. In some forms, the
dividers 624 may also be removable or adjustable such that the
width of the product channels 622 can be adjusted to correspond to
the product to be displayed. Each product channel 622 is configured
to hold a row of products. In some embodiments with wire dividers
624, the left outside divider 624 is offset from the right outside
divider 624. This offset prevents the dividers 624 on adjacent
merchandisers 600 from becoming entangled. Examples of adjustable
dividers 624 and offset dividers 624 can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
7,681,744 "Merchandising System" which is assigned to DCI
Marketing, Inc. and is fully incorporated by reference herein.
[0095] In some embodiments, the dividers 624 include a plurality of
vertically spaced, parallel guides 624a-c. As mentioned, the guides
can be thin bars, flat bars, sloped plates, fins, or other rigid or
flexible structures. In applications in which the products 650 are
stacked, as shown herein, at least one of the guides 624a-c is at
the same height as a portion of the products 650 in each layer. For
example, guide 624a is vertically positioned somewhere between the
bottom and the top of the lowest layer of products 650 so as to
prevent products 650 in the lowest layer from sliding of the tray
620 to the side. Similarly, guide 624b is vertically positioned
somewhere between the bottom and the top of the second lowest layer
of products 650 so as to prevent products 650 in the second lowest
layer from falling out of the side of the tray or sliding off the
tray 620 to the side.
[0096] In some embodiments, the product display merchandiser 600
includes a means of biasing the products 650 towards the front of
the tray 620. The biasing means can take many forms. In some
embodiments, the tray 620 is sloped such that the front is lower
than the rear, this allows gravity to bias the products 650 towards
the front. In other embodiments, a spring biased pusher is used to
push the products 650 forward. An exemplary spring biased pusher
600 is shown in FIG. 4. A single spring biased pusher 400 can be
mounted in the floor of each product channel 622 and extend upward
vertically therefrom in order to push products in that channel 622
forward. Alternatively, one or more pushers may be suspended from
the divider and extend sideways horizontally therefrom in order to
push products in the channel 622 forward. In both cases, one end of
the spring coil is connected at the front of the merchandiser
(e.g., at the front of the product channel base or front of the
divider), with the remaining coil being positioned behind or within
the pusher to drive the pusher toward the front of the merchandiser
or product channel. For example, in some embodiments, the divider
624 dividing two product channels 622 is replaced with a solid
wall. Pushers 600 may be mounted on one or both sides of the wall
divider. Multiple pushers 600 can be spaced vertically along the
wall so as to each push a different layer of stacked products 650.
Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, one or more pushers or
rakes 772 are operably coupled to a pull tab 770 located at the
front of the tray 620, an associate can pull on the tab resulting
in the pusher being forced towards the front of the tray 620. In a
gravity fed system, a pusher can simply be weighted so that it
pushes the products forward as a result of gravity. This can be
necessary with light products that cannot overcome the static
friction with the product channels 622 under just their own weight.
In some embodiments of each of the above described pusher
assemblies, the pusher includes a damper to prevent it from
applying enough force to damage the products. The damper also
prevents the pusher from becoming damaged if it is accelerated over
a long distance. In some embodiments, the pusher is integrated into
a track in the floor of the pusher channel 622.
[0097] In some embodiments, the pushers may be mounted to a
structure that is not slidable relative to the support arms 610.
When the tray 620 is slid out, the pushers remain in place such
that the tray 620 slides past the pushers. The tray 620 can then be
rotated and loaded with products 650 without interference from the
pushers. In an alternative embodiment, the pushers fold flat with
one of the dividers 624 or the bottom of the channels 622 for
loading (e.g., a hinged pusher). This allows products 650 to be
loaded behind the pushers and then freely slid past the pushers
before the hinged pusher returns to its product pushing
orientation. The pusher may also include a rotatable portion that
allows the height and/or width of the pusher to be increased by
rotating a rotatable member out from the remainder of the pusher to
either increase its width (e.g., for pushing wider product or
multiple products with one pusher) or height (e.g., for pushing
taller product or stacked product).
[0098] As mentioned briefly above, in some embodiments, the floor
of the product channels 622 are configured to minimize friction
between the product channel 622 and the product 650. The floor of
the product channels 622 may comprise one or more raised beads to
minimize the area of contact. The raised beads can be made of a
material with a low coefficient of friction, such as nylon or other
polymers (e.g., silicone impregnated polymers). The number of beads
can vary depending on the product, the slope of the product channel
622, and the material used to make the bead in order to fine tune
the friction. One bead or several bead systems are both viable.
Additionally, the shape of the beads can be changed to affect the
friction between the beads and the products. Instead of straight
beads, some embodiments have wavy or zig-zag shaped beads (e.g.,
beads at one end or over the entire surface following a tortious
path to dampen product movement). In alternative embodiments, the
characteristics of the beads can vary along the length of the
product channel 622. A higher friction bead may be preferable near
the front end of the product channel 622 in order to dampen
products. In alternative embodiments, the product channels 622 have
rollers to aid in allowing the products to slide forward. For
smaller products, the rollers are offset relative to each other to
prevent the products from dipping. In still other embodiments, the
product channels 622 have a floor comprising a smooth, flat
surface. In this embodiment, the front of the product channel 622
can comprise a rougher surface to dampen the movement of the
products. In some embodiments, the beads 623 rollers, and/or smooth
and rough surface are integrated in inserts that can be easily
added or removed from the product channels 622. The inserts can be
made of any of a variety of materials, including silicon
impregnated polymer. The use of inserts has the added benefit of
aiding in the cleaning of the merchandiser 600. This also allows
the product channels 622 to quickly be modified correlating to the
product.
[0099] In some embodiments, the product display merchandiser may
include a price channel. The price channel is configured to hold
price tags for the products. In some embodiments, the price channel
includes a protective lens overtop of the price tags. In some
embodiments, the price channel is a dual channel such that it can
have a tag with words and or pictures to illustrate the product or
product information (e.g., price) to the customer in a first
channel, and a product number or scannable code in the second
channel for use by store associates. In alternative embodiments,
the price channel can be reduced in size to reduce the overall
height of the tray 620 such that a larger percentage of the space
can be used for products and/or so that the display maintains a low
profile so that maximum vertical products can be achieved on the
store's shelving unit.
[0100] FIG. 6A illustrates the product display merchandiser 600
with the tray 620 rotated 90 degrees. In operation, the tray 620 is
pulled out along the tracks 606, and then rotated on the swivel
bearing 640 so that the stocker has access to the back of the
product channels 622. In some embodiments, there is a stop that
restricts the rotation of the tray 620 at 0 degrees so that it is
properly aligned before being pushed back in. In other embodiments,
the stop or a second stop restricts rotation of the tray 620 at a
loading orientation to conveniently stop it in the correct position
for loading. In some embodiments, the loading orientation can be
any angle sufficient to enable the stocker to access the back of
the tray 620. In a preferred embodiment, the loading orientation is
less than 180 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, the loading
orientation is 90 degrees. In some embodiments, there is a stop
located at 90 degrees of rotation in either direction. In
alternative embodiments, additional stops can be added at different
angles or intervals, such as for example at every 90 degrees, every
45 degrees, or every 30 degrees or as desired. The stops can be
passive, meaning they are designed to be overcome with sufficient
force exerted by the stocker or store associate. In the preferred
embodiment, the stop consists of a spring biased ball in one of the
tray 620 or the support plate 608 and corresponding detents in the
other of the tray 620 and the support plate 608. When the ball is
aligned with a detent, the spring pushes the ball into the detent
which stops the rotation of the tray. Because of the curved surface
of the ball, exerting torque to rotate the tray 620 will force the
ball back up and allow the tray 620 to continue rotating.
Alternatively, the tray 620 can have an active latch that needs to
be released. For example, this could comprise a spring biased
cylinder or rectangular prism shaped bolt and corresponding
recesses or openings. When the bolt is aligned with the recess or
opening the spring forces the bolt in the recess or opening which
prevents further rotation. The stocker would have to pull the bolt
out of the recess or opening in order to rotate the tray 620 again.
Other forms of active locks could be used (e.g., latches, pull
knobs, push buttons, actuators, etc.)
[0101] The tray 620 may include a grip portion or grip point which
an associate can pull on to exert torque onto the tray 620, causing
it to rotate on the swivel bearing. The grip point can be placed on
one side or the other in order to encourage rotation in a certain
direction. Some other indication can also be added to specify
direction of travel if desired and/or the merchandiser 600 can be
configured to only allow rotation in a desired direction if
desired. The grip point can be configured to be prominent, such
that a new associate notices it and thus knows to rotate the tray
620. Alternatively, the grip point can be hidden in order to
prevent customers from rotating the tray 620. In some embodiments,
the rotation of the tray 620 exerts centripetal force on the
products which pushes them towards the front of the tray 620. Thus,
a centrifugal force front facing merchandiser is disclosed
herein.
[0102] As mentioned above, in some gravity fed embodiments, the
swivel bearing 640 is at an angle relative to the support arms 610
such that rotation of the tray 620 lowers the back side of the tray
620. This results in the product channels 622 being substantially
level when the tray 620 is at the 90 degree loading position.
Lowering of the back in this way both provides easier access to the
tray 620, especially if there is a structure above the tray 620
such as a second tray 620. Leveling the tray 620 also prevents
products from accelerating from gravity down the entire length of a
product channel 622, which may result in the product having enough
momentum to pass through the stoppers, and/or may cause damage to
the product or the merchandiser 600.
[0103] In alternative embodiments, the rotation of the tray 620
relative to the support plate 608 is dampened to prevent the tray
620 from being rotated too quickly. In some embodiments, the
rotation of the tray 620 is dampened for the entire rotation. In
other embodiments, the rotation of the tray 620 is only dampened
for a short arc around each of the stops to slow the tray 620 down
enough for the stop to engage.
[0104] In some embodiments, the rotation of the tray 620 is biased
to assist in use. A spring can be used to bias rotation in one
direction or the other. Alternatively, counteracting springs can be
used to assist both in rotating from 0 degrees to 90 degrees and
then from 90 degrees back to 0 degrees.
[0105] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate the tray 620 rotated 90 degrees (or
in a loading orientation). In this orientation a product chute,
loader or case 660 can be positioned at the back of the tray 620
for loading. In some embodiments, as shown, the case 660 includes
product channels 662 that correspond to product channels 622 of the
tray 620. In alternative embodiments, the case 660 merely has
products 650 arranged in rows corresponding to the product channels
622 but all in the same channel. As shown in FIG. 6B, the products
650 can be pushed off of the case 660 and onto the tray 620. In
some embodiments, the rear of the case 660 may be lifted so that
the products 660 slide onto the tray 620 as a result of
gravity.
[0106] In some embodiments, the case 660 is configured to
detachably couple to or be supported by the tray 620. For example,
one or more projections from the case 660 may be configured to rest
in one or more product channels 622 of the tray 620. This helps
align the case 660 with the tray 620 for stocking and helps support
the case 660 so that the stocker can use one hand to push the
products 650 onto the tray 620. In some forms, case 660 may also be
configured with a biasing mechanism, such as a spring biased pusher
like the types mentioned above, for assisting the stocker or
associate in transferring product from the case 660 to the tray
620.
[0107] In a preferred form, case 660 may simply be used as a
loading device to preload product from its original case packaging
to take the product out to a sales floor and load the merchandiser
there. In other forms, however, the case 660 may be the product
packaging that the product gets shipped in from the product
supplier. For example, a product manufacturer may use a product
handling or packaging machine to directly load case 660 and ship
the product in case 660 to eliminate the step of having an stocker
or associate transfer product from its original packaging or case
to case 660 and then taking case 660 out on the sales floor to
stock or restock merchandiser 600. Such a setup would make for more
efficient methods and apparatus for packaging, transporting and/or
loading cases of product.
[0108] FIG. 6C illustrates the bottom side of the merchandiser 600
described above. FIG. 6C shows the merchandiser 600 in a retracted
state with the tray 622 at 0 degrees (or in a display orientation).
The support plate 608 has a latch 651. The support arms 610 have a
lip 652. As seen in FIG. 6D, when the tray 620 is retracted, the
latch 651 engages the lip 652 to prevent the tray 620 from being
extended along the tracks 606. In order to pull out the tray 620,
the stocker disengages the latch 651 from the lip 652. Many
different types of latches 651 can be used with the merchandiser
600 in order to achieve this function. This includes both active
latches, as shown, and passive latches like the ball and detent
setup described above. In still other forms, no latch is included
but rather the tray 620 or a portion thereof is lifted to release
it from the support plate 608 or support arms 610 allowing the tray
620 to be pulled out and/or rotated.
[0109] In alternative embodiments, the tracks 606 are designed such
that movement is dampened such that a larger amount of initial
force is needed to start pulling out the tray 620, this would
prevent accidently extension of the tray 620 without a latch 651.
In some embodiments, the tracks 606 are spring biased to assist in
the extension of the tray 620. This same effect could be achieved
by angling the tracks 606 such that gravity pulls the tray 620 out
when the latch 651 is disengaged. In other alternative embodiments,
the swivel bearing 640 is operably coupled to the support arms 610
or the tracks 606 such that moving the tray 620 relative to the
support arms 610 causes the tray 620 to begin rotating. In
application where there are objects adjacent to the merchandiser
600 on either side, the swivel bearing 640 can be operably coupled
to the support arms 610 or tracks 606 such that rotation is
initiated only when the tracks 606 are fully or nearly fully
extended.
[0110] In some embodiments, the merchandiser 600 includes an
anti-toppling mechanism to prevent the products in the tray 620
from falling over within the product channels 622. The
anti-toppling device can take many forms including one or more
structures that extend downward from a first merchandiser 600 into
the area between the product channels 622 of a second merchandiser
600 located below the first. Other forms include a structure
attached to any other part of the merchandiser 600, or the support
structure the merchandiser 600 is attached to, which extends into
the space between or surrounding the merchandiser channels 622 to
prevent products therein from tipping, such as an inverted L-shaped
structure that extends over the top of the products stored within
the product channels 622
[0111] In some embodiments, the height of the merchandiser 600 can
be set based on the application. For example, a merchandiser 600
intended to display organic products can be set at substantially
the same height as a standard organic waste receptacle in order to
aid in cleaning (e.g., set to prep table height just as the
receptacle is). Another example would be to set the height of a
merchandiser 600 intended to display heavy products at
substantially the same height as a cart or dolly so that the case
660 can be supported by a cart or dolly allowing products 650 to be
slid from the case 660 onto the tray 620 without requiring
lifting.
[0112] In some embodiments, the swivel bearing 640 and the tracks
606 are operably coupled such that the tracks 606 are locked from
being retracted unless the tray 620 is in the display orientation.
This lock prevents the tray 620 from being inserted into the
shelving system while backwards, which would cause the self-facing
mechanism to move products away from prospective customers. The
lock could also serve to prevent the tray 620 from being inserted
when slightly out of alignment. When rotated by even a small amount
(e.g., askew), a square or rectangular tray has a wider footprint
than it does when aligned. Thus, inserting a tray 620 that is not
perfectly aligned could result in the tray 620 colliding with
adjacent structure, (e.g., such as a second tray 620, the shelving
unit, etc.), and damaging either the tray 620 or the structure. The
lock can take many forms, including but not limited to a pin
operably coupled to the tray 620 that is moved so as to block the
path of the tracks when the tray 620 is rotated. For example, in
one form, the pin may be forced down into a mating recess in one or
more of the rail slides to prevent the slides from being moveable
with respect to one another or from at least fully retracting when
the tray is rotated, and then may retract from the mating recess
when the train is placed back in its display position or
orientation. Thus, the rotational movement of the tray 620 results
in a corresponding movement of a lock or locking mechanism between
a first position wherein the lock is in a first, released position
that allows the rail slides to move between extended and retracted
positions, and a second, locked or secured position that prohibits
the rail slides from moving between the extended and retracted
position. In a preferred form, the lock will prevent movement of
the rail slides entirely when the lock is in the second position.
Alternatively, the lock could be a structure having a substantially
linear shape that is operably coupled to rotate when the tray 620
rotates. When the lock is aligned with a slot, the tracks 606 are
free to retract, and when it is not then the tracks 606 are
locked.
[0113] In alternative embodiments, the tray 620 further comprises a
product sensor or low product indicator, as described in previous
embodiments. The low product indicator outputs a signal when one or
more product channels 622 are low on products. The low product
indicator can be mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical. An
example mechanical low product indicator comprises a flag operably
coupled to the pusher, such that when the pusher passes a certain
position in the product channel the flag is raised or another
visual indicator becomes visible. An associate can then easily look
down an entire aisle of product displays and scan for any of the
small low product indicators.
[0114] In addition to indicating when a merchandiser 600 or product
channel 622 needs restocked, the electrical product sensors can be
used to track the amount of product being sold for use in retail
science. Example uses of this data include tracking store
inventory, comparing the efficacy of different merchandiser types
and locations, and tracking the expiration dates of products. The
sensor can also be used for diagnostics, for example if one
merchandiser remains full while adjacent ones holding the same
product become low it could indicate that the merchandiser reading
as full is damaged or jammed in some way.
[0115] In the baseless tray embodiments discussed above, the
support plate 608 is removed. The merchandiser then comprises a
moveable mount connected to a retail store display or shelving unit
(e.g., the grid 602). The mount is moveable between a first mount
position wherein the mount is retracted toward the retail store
display and a second mount position wherein the mount is extended
from the retail store display by sliding along the tracks 606. The
tray is rotatably attached to the mount by the swivel bearing. As
in the above embodiments, the tray has a first side for displaying
product, and a second side for restocking the displayed product.
The tray can be rotated between at least a first tray position
wherein the first side of the tray is facing out from the retail
store display displaying product for selection by a consumer, and a
second tray position wherein the second side of the tray is facing
out from the retail store display exposing the second side of the
tray for restocking the displayed product.
[0116] FIGS. 7A-7G illustrate an alternative embodiment of a
merchandiser 700. Elements of the merchandiser 700 that correspond
to elements of the merchandiser 600 above contain the same last 2
digits of the reference number. The elements are assumed to
function the same except for the differences explicitly stated
herein or shown in the figures (e.g., guides 724 are similar to
guides 624). FIG. 7A illustrates the merchandiser 700 in a first
retracted state. This state is intended for displaying the
products. As with above embodiments, the merchandiser 700 extends,
as shown in FIG. 7B, to allow for easier loading. The merchandiser
700 is a wire walled design and is grid 702 mounted. The dividers
724 comprise a plurality of vertically spaced guides 724a-c as
above. Adjacent guides 724a-c of the merchandiser 700 are spaced
apart by a distance at least equal to the height of the products
750 configured to be displayed therein. This spacing allows for the
products 750 to be loaded in from the side by sliding the products
650 between two adjacent guides 724a-c as shown in FIG. 7C. The
merchandiser 700 is configured to display a plurality of vertically
stacked rows of product. As shown in FIG. 7D, once the bottom row
is loaded in a second row can also be added though the sides in the
gap between the vertically spaced guides 724a-c. The second row is
positioned above the first row.
[0117] A stopper 727 is positioned at the front end of the
merchandiser 700. The stopper 727 prevents products 750 from
sliding off the front of the tray 720. In the embodiments shown,
the stopper 727 comprises a plurality of vertically spaced wires
727a-727c. The wires 727a-c are in line with the guides 724a-c. In
alternative embodiments, the stopper 727 comprises a gate. The gate
can be attached to the tray 720 by a hinge or can simply be made of
a deformable material. The gate prevents products 750 from exiting
the front of the tray under the force of the biasing means, but
allows products to be pulled out the front by sufficient force. In
a preferred embodiment, the sufficient force is a force that can be
imposed by an average adult with one hand without exerting
themselves. In still further embodiments, the stopper 727 comprises
a plurality of vertically spaced gates. Each gate corresponds to a
layer of the stacked products. The stopper 727, or alternatives
thereof, may be included in the merchandiser 600 above or 300
below.
[0118] In some embodiments, the merchandiser 700 does not include a
swivel bearing. The tray 720 is not rotatable relative to the
support arms 710. The tray 720 merely pulls out along the arms, as
described above, and then may be loaded from the side through the
dividers 724. The support plate 608 may also be removed, allowing
the tray 720 to be supported directly by the tracks 706 or the
support arms 710. In some embodiments, the center divider 724 may
be replaced with a solid wall. The merchandiser 700 may include any
of the biasing means and/or the low product indicators described
above. Similarly, the merchandiser 700 may include any of the
alternative attachment means 704 described above. In still other
forms, the merchandiser 700 may not even be a tray type
merchandiser that has a tray or drawer slidable about a lower
support surface, but rather is just a display positioned so that
the product channels can be stocked/re-stocked from the side of the
merchandiser (e.g., merchandisers with one or more sides exposed or
accessible to an associate).
[0119] FIGS. 7E-7F illustrate another feature of the merchandiser
700. The product channels 722 are narrower than the widest portion
of the products 750. As such, the products 650 engage the dividers
724 such that the guides 724a-c support the products 850. In some
embodiments, such as shown, the products 750 include a top lip or
flange that rests on the guides 724a-c. The products 750 are
stacked or layered such that each set of guides 724a-c support a
different layer of products 750. The guides 724a-c may be
vertically spaced by an amount greater than the height of the
products 750 such that the different layers of products 750 do not
contact each other and interfere with the facing or adjacent
layers.
[0120] FIG. 7F illustrates the merchandiser 700 with a product 750
removed from the bottom layer. As shown, the products 750 in the
higher layers are supported by the guides 724b-c such that they do
not fall to fill the void left by the removed product 750. In
alternate forms, the product stops 727a-c prevent the product in
upper rows from dropping down or moving toward the floor of the
product channels when product from a row below or rows below are
removed. In still other forms, both the guides 724a-c and stops
727a-c cooperate to maintain product in their respective row of the
product channels when neighboring products in the same column are
removed.
[0121] The guides 724a-c may support the product 750 in a variety
of ways. The guides 724a-c may support a lip of the product 750 as
shown. Alternatively, the guides 724a-c may have a tapered shape to
support the body of the products 750. In still further
alternatives, the guides 724a-c may be biased towards the products,
by being a spring wall or a deformable wall (such as foam) and hold
the products 750 by pressure, or may be sloped walls or structures
such as guides 724 sloped or taper in toward a top surface of the
product or each row of product and positioned below a lip of the
product (e.g., a flanged upper end, lid, etc.) to support the
product.
[0122] The merchandiser 700 may include a swivel bearing to enable
the tray 720 to rotate such that it can be loaded from the rear as
in the merchandiser 600 above.
[0123] All of the above mentioned alternative embodiments are
considered in combination with the merchandiser 700. For example,
the merchandiser 700 may include any of the biasing means,
attachment means, or low product indicators described above.
[0124] FIG. 7G illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
merchandiser 700. Merchandiser 700 includes an optional pusher or
rake 772 coupled to a pull tab 770. A channel 774 runs the length
of the product channel 722 such that the pull tab 770 and the rake
772 can be mechanically attached within the channel 774 so as to
avoid interfering with the products 750. In operation, the products
750 can be advanced forward toward the stopper 727, or "faced", by
pulling the pull tab 770. Pulling the pull tab 770 in pulls the
rake 772 forward. The rake 772 extends vertically into the product
channel 722 such that it contacts the back of the products 750 when
pulled forward. As shown, the rake 772 it tall enough to contact
each layer of products 750. In an alternative embodiment, a
plurality of rakes 772 with corresponding pull tabs 770 can be
integrated into the divider 724, each corresponding to a layer of
products 750. Each layer can therefore be faced individually.
[0125] As with the above embodiments, the features of merchandiser
700, in combination or in part, can be combined with any of the
previous merchandisers 100/200/600. Any such combination is
considered herein. For example, the pull tab 770 and rake 772
assembly could be implemented into the rotating merchandiser
100.
[0126] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a modular rotating product display
merchandiser 800. FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of the fully
assembled merchandiser 800. FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the
modular merchandiser 800. Elements of the merchandiser 800 that
correspond to elements of previous merchandisers contain the same
last 2 digits of reference number. In keeping with the above
practice, the elements are assumed to function the same as their
similarly numbered counterparts except for the differences
explicitly stated herein or shown in the figures. The merchandiser
800 includes one or more support arms 810. The support arms 810 are
configured to be mounted to a shelving system by attachment means
804. As with above embodiments, different types of attachment means
804 can be used to attach to different types of shelving
systems.
[0127] A base 811 is removably coupled to the support arms 810. In
some embodiments, the base 811 is configured to slide relative to
the support arms. In other embodiments, the base 811 is stationary
relative to the support arms 810. A support plate 808 removably
couples to the base 811. The support plate 808 supports a bearing
840 that is configured to rotate.
[0128] As with the base, the support plate 808 can either be
slidably attached to the base 811 or rigidly attached. In a
preferred embodiment, the center of the bearing 840 slides out
relative to the attachment means 804 in order to provide room for
the tray 820 to rotate as described in previous embodiments. This
can be accomplished by having a sliding engagement between the
bearing 840 and the support plate 808, the support plate 808 and
the base 811, the base 811 and the support arms 810, or any
combination thereof. In still further alternatives, the base 811 is
removed and the support plate 808 couples directly to the support
arms 810. The support arms 810 may include one or more
cross-pieces, or stabilizers, for added stability.
[0129] A bottom plate 844 couples to the bearing 840 via a receiver
842. The bearing 840 enables the bottom plate 844 to rotate
relative to the support plate 808. A tray 820 is removably coupled
to the bottom plate 844. In the embodiment shown, the tray 820 is
substantially similar to the tray 120 described above. However, the
modular design enables different trays to be used, such as tray
620, or tray 920 described below. The tray 820 includes dividers
824 dividing the tray into a plurality of product channels and
stoppers 827 located at the front of each channel.
[0130] In operation, the modular design of the merchandiser 800
enables features to be interchanged without replacing the entire
merchandiser. For example, in order to change for a grid mounted
merchandiser (as shown) to a bar mounted merchandiser, the support
arms 810 can be swapped out and replaced with support arms 810
having the appropriate attachment means 804. In another example,
the merchandiser 800 can be converted from a rotating merchandiser
to a nonrotating merchandiser by removing the support plate 808 and
bottom plate 844 and attaching the tray 820 directly to the base
811 or the support arms 810.
[0131] In addition to the elements shown, additional features can
be added to the modular merchandiser 800. For example, the modular
merchandiser 800 can include one or more product sensors 510 and/or
spring biased pushers 400 as described above.
[0132] FIG. 9A-9F are a perspective, front elevation, left side
elevation, right side elevation, top view, and bottom view
respectively of a merchandiser 900 having a tiered tray 920. As
with above embodiments, elements having the same last two digits on
the merchandiser 900 as elements in previous embodiments is assumed
to have substantially the same description and function unless
differentiated. The tiered tray 920 has a first product channel
922a and a second product channel 922b. The first and second
product channels 922a/922b are offset vertically. The tray 920 is
configured to display products 950 having an inconsistent
cross-section, e.g. are wider at some heights than at others. The
products 950 shown are yogurt cups having wide rims at their tops.
Vertically offsetting the product channels 922a/922b offsets the
rims. This enables the products 950 to be packed tighter
horizontally with the rims of adjacent products 950 overlapping. In
some embodiments, the tiered tray 920 is implemented into the
modular merchandiser 800. In other embodiments, the tiered tray 920
is combined with the merchandisers 100, 200, or 700 to reduce the
horizontal space required to display the products contained
therein.
[0133] In still further alternatives, the product channels
922a/922b are offset vertically by an inert positioned on a
non-tiered tray. The insert may comprise a plurality of product
channels of varying height, or may comprise an insert for a single
channel to offset it from adjacent product channels. An exemplary
insert 1000 comprising two vertically offset channels 1022a/1022b
is illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B. In addition to offsetting height,
the inserts may include rollers or beads 1023 to affect friction
between the products 950 and the insert 1000 as described in
previous embodiments. The insert 1000 also includes clips 1025. The
clips 1025 are configured to couple the insert to the tray of a
merchandisers. In one example, the clips 1025 comprise projections
configured to be inserted into slots or recesses in the tray.
[0134] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a standard 8 foot wide yogurt
display 1100. FIG. 11A is a prior art display in which the layers
of yogurt comprise a plurality of rows of product 1150 on the same
vertical plane. As can be seen, the rims of adjacent yogurt cups
are at the same level and then the yogurt cups must be spaced apart
rim to rim. A total of 25 rows of product fit within the standard 8
foot width. FIG. 11B illustrates a display in which adjacent rows
of yogurt are vertically offset as in the merchandiser 900 above.
The offset enables the rims of adjacent yogurt cups to overlap. As
a result, one additional row, for a total of 26 rows, fit within
the standard 8 foot width.
[0135] FIG. 12 is a table of exemplary options for use in the
modular merchandiser 800 described above. The modular merchandiser
800 can be divided into three main sections. The first section, or
core, is the base of the merchandiser. It comprises the attachment
means for mounting the merchandiser on the shelving unit. In
several embodiments, the base also comprises a means of sliding
outward from a first, retracted position to a second, extended
position. The left most core is a standard option comprising a base
with a slide out plate. The rest of the merchandiser mounts on the
plate such that it slides out relative to the base. The middle core
is a heavy duty alternative. The heavy duty core comprises thicker
gauge metal. The slide out plate is shorter and the metal is folded
over to form a stronger support. The heavy duty core may be better
suited for displaying heavier products, such as canned goods. The
right most core is a baseless tray design as described above. The
baseless tray comprises one or more arms on which the tray is
mounted instead of a solid base. As shown, the arms may be
connected by one or more stabilizers, such as the rear stabilizer
shown.
[0136] On top of the core, a motion means or extension support is
attached to give the merchandiser the rotating action described in
the previous embodiments. The left most motion means is the
standard turntable described above. The standard turntable
comprises a plate rotatably coupled to the core by means of a
bearing. The turntable allows for full rotation of the tray, with
an optional stop at 180 degrees to aid in stocking. The middle
example show in a heavy duty version of the fully rotating
turntable. The heavy duty version comprises a larger bearing and a
plate made of a thicker gauge of metal. As with the heavy duty
core, the heavy duty motion structure is well suited for heavier
products, such as canned goods. The final example, on the right, if
a rotating means configured to only rotate 90 degrees. The 90
degree rotation enable the rear of the tray to be loaded from the
side of the merchandiser. This design is described above.
[0137] The third level of modularity is the product channel
configuration. The product channel configuration is the portion of
the merchandiser that actually displays the product. Any of the
prior art styles of merchandisers incorporated by reference above
are possible product channel configuration contemplated herein. A
few of these prior art examples are shown on the left, including a
single channel tray with a pusher, a tray having a plurality of
channels separated horizontally by walls, and a tray having a top
channel and a bottom channel. In addition to these prior art
product channel configuration, the various product channel
configurations described herein are considered. The center product
channel configuration comprises two channels being vertically
offset from each other as described above. The far right product
channel configuration comprises several channels separated by wire
dividers as described in in the merchandiser 100 above. In addition
to these, other examples include the product channels of the
merchandiser 700 having the vertically spaced guides configured to
support a plurality of layers of products.
[0138] In operation, a variety of options of cores, motions, and
product channel configurations are provided. Individual options are
selected based on the needs of the product to be displayed. For
example, for displaying heavy cans of dog food the user may select
the heavy duty extension core, the heavy duty rotating motion, and
product channel configuration having a plurality of gravity fed
rows. Whereas, for displaying a lighter product, such as cups of
salad, the user may select a standard extending core, a 90 degree
rotating motion, and a plurality of rows with biased pushers.
[0139] Turning to FIG. 13, a plurality of product displays 1300 are
shown arranged on a grid 1302. The product displays 1300 include
product supports 1320 slidably attached to a plate 1308, which in
turn is slidably attached to the support members 1310. The support
members 1310 are arms having attachment members 1304 configured to
detachably couple to the grid 1302. The combination of two slidable
connections enables the product support 1320 to be fully extendable
such that the back 1320b of the extended product support 1320 is at
least as far forward as the front 1320f of a retracted product
support 1320. As shown, this provides access to the back of the
extended product support 1320 from the sides without interference
from the adjacent product displays 1300. In some embodiments, the
grid 1302 supports vertical columns of product displays 1300, the
full extension further avoids interference from the product display
located above extended product support 1320.
[0140] The product supports 1320 support a plurality of perishable
products 1330, specifically yogurt cups. The unobstructed access to
the back 1320b of the product supports 1320 enable new products
1330 to be loaded in the back, such that the first in, first out
order is maintained. The product support 1320 still overlaps a
large section of the intermediate member 1308, and the intermediate
member 1308 in turn overlaps a large section of the support members
1310 when in a fully extended position. These instances of overlap
provide strength and stability against bending or breaking under
the downward force of the heavy products 1330 located on the fully
extended product support 1320.
[0141] FIG. 14 illustrates an extendable shelf 1400 comprising a
product support 1420 and a pair of intermediate members 1408. The
product support 1420 has a plurality of product channels 1422. The
product channels 1422 include alternating high channels 1422a and
low channels 1422b so as to vertically stagger adjacent rows of
products. The staggering increases horizontal layout of products
having inconsistent width, such as yogurt cups having a wide rim,
by offsetting the rims such that they can overlap. The increased
horizontal layout is illustrated in FIG. 11B. The intermediate
members 1408 includes slots 1409. The slots 1409 are configured to
fit over protrusions of support members, such as the shafts of
bolts. The slots 1409 slidably couple the intermediate members 1408
to the support members. The product support 1420 is slidable
relative to the intermediate members 1408. FIG. 14 illustrates the
product support 1420 in an extended position or stocking position
relative to the intermediate members 1408.
[0142] The merchandiser 1500 in FIG. 15A includes a pair of
independently slidable product supports 1520 each slidable relative
to a corresponding intermediate member 1508 which are independently
slidable relative to the support member 1510. The support member
1510 includes a plurality of slots or channels 1506 into which
projections from the intermediate members 1508 extend. The length
of the channels 1506 define the distance which the intermediate
members 1508 slide relative to the support member 1510. The support
members 1508 include channels 1540 in which a portion of the
product supports 1520 are received.
[0143] FIG. 15B illustrates the merchandiser 1500 with an added
stop bar 1528 coupled to each product support 1520. The stop bar is
received within slots 1541 in the channels 1540. When the stop bar
1528 reaches the front of the slots 1541 it prevents further
forward sliding of the product support 1520 relative to the
intermediate member 1508. As shown, the stop bar 1528 is a separate
component coupled to the product support 1520. The stop bar 1528
can be coupled to the product support by rivets, screws, bolts,
adhesive, other attachment means or can be friction fit within
apertures or cavities within the product support 1520. In some
forms, the intermediate members 1508 include grooves or slots 1543
configured to receive the attachment means of the stop bar 1528 to
prevent it from rubbing against the intermediate members. For
example, the slots 1543 shown align with rivets in the stop bars
1528 to provide clearance therefore. In alternative embodiments,
the stop bar 1528 is integral with the product support 1520, for
example a protrusion or flange extending from an outer edge of the
product support 1520 into the slot 1541. In some forms, one or more
product channel inserts are coupled to the product support 1520 to
form smooth channels along which rows of products can slide. In one
form, the product channel inserts include silicon impregnated
material to further reduce friction with the product. Additionally,
or alternatively, the product channel inserts include sidewalls to
restrict sideways movement of the products.
[0144] The two product supports 1520 can be moved from the
retracted or display position into the extended or stocking
position independently of each other. Splitting the tray into a
plurality of independently slidable product supports 1520 enables
more the of the product channels 1522 to be accessed from the side.
Additionally, only having one of the product supports 1520 extended
at a time reduces the amount of torque on the attachment members
1504 compared to if both product supports 1520 were extended.
[0145] FIGS. 16A-D illustrate a product display 1600 having a
product support 1620 having two vertically staggered product
channels 1622. The higher product channel 1622a is positioned above
the support member 1610, while the lower product channel 1622b is
located beside the support member 1610. Positioning the lower
product channel 1622b beside the support member 1610 increases
vertical loadout.
[0146] FIG. 16A is a cross section of the product support 1620. The
product support 1620 includes a gap or opening 1642 under the
higher product channel 1622a and beside the lower product channel
1622b into which the support member 1610 is at least partially
received. Turning to FIG. 16B, the product support 1620 is
supported by and slidable relative to an intermediate member 1608.
Similar to the product support 1620, the intermediate member 1608
includes two vertically staggered sections with the higher one
being positioned over the support member 1610. The support member
1610 is narrower than the product support 1620, being sized to at
least partially fit within the opening 1642. The support member
1610 includes a slot 1606 configured to receive a projection of the
intermediate member 1608 so as to slidably couple thereto.
[0147] The product support 1620 includes a plurality of low
friction beads 1623 for supporting the products 1630. The beads
1623 reduce the contact area with the products 1630 and thus the
friction between the product supports 1620 and the products 1630.
Each product channel 1622a/b further includes a product stop 1627
located at the front end. The product stops 1627 prevent the
products from falling off of the front of the product display
1600.
[0148] FIG. 16D illustrates a plurality of product displays 1600
arranged on a grid 1602. As shown, the positioning of the lower
product channels 1622b beside the support members 1610 allow for a
tighter vertical loadout, thus increasing the amount of product
that can be displayed on the same sized grid 1602.
[0149] FIGS. 17A-B illustrate a product display 1700 having a
product support 1720 with two, vertically staggered product
channels 1722a/b. The product support 1720 is slidably coupled to
an intermediate member 1708 which is in turn slidably coupled to
support members 1710. The support members 1710 comprise two arms
1710 with a gap there between such that the product display 1700
has a baseless configuration. The two arms 1710 are received within
openings in the intermediate member 1708 such that the intermediate
member 1708 can slide along the arms 1710.
[0150] The product support 1720 is slidably attached to the
intermediate member 1708 at the, or proximate to, the bottom of the
product support 1720. The intermediate member 1708 includes a
plurality of slots or channels 1740 in the top surface. The
channels 1740 are configured to receive protrusions 1741 located on
the bottom surface of the product support 1720 (see FIG. 17B). The
protrusions 1741 have a T shape or I such that the flange on the
distal end prevents the protrusions 1741 from being lifted out of
the channels 1740. The channels 1740 extend all the way to the back
of the intermediate member 1708. In operation, the product support
1720 can be detached from the intermediate member 1708 by sliding
the intermediate member 1708 out relative to the support members
1710, and then sliding the product support 1720 backwards relative
to the intermediate member 1708 until the protrusions 1741 exit the
back end of the channels 1740. This quick detachment enables the
modular modification of the product display 1700 by quickly
removing and replacing the product support 1720. Additionally,
quickly disassembling the product display 1700 aids in its cleaning
and/or maintenance.
[0151] In some forms, a similar combination of protrusions and
slots can be used to slidably attach the intermediate member 1708
to the support member 1710 at, or proximate to, the bottom of the
intermediate member.
[0152] Turning to FIGS. 18A-B the product display 1800 includes
movable and/or removable extensions 1824a located on the dividers
1824. The extensions 1824a adjust the height of the dividers 1824
enabling the product display 1800 to be usable with a variety of
products. In operation, it is preferred that the top of the
dividers 1824 be at least as high as the center of gravity of the
products. This reduces the likelihood of the products tipping out
of their product channel 1822. The top of the dividers 1824 should
be no higher than the top of the products, so as to maximize
vertical loadout. The extensions 1824a can be used to adjust the
height of the dividers 1824 such that they fall within this range
when the products are changed.
[0153] The product display 1800 includes two product channels 1822.
Each product channel includes a bottom plate 1823 that is angled
toward the center of the product display 1800. These angled bottom
plates 1823 reduce the likelihood of the products contained thereon
of tipping onto the outer dividers 1824 which could result in
knocking off the extensions 1824a thereon. The outer dividers 1824
are mounted on sidewalls 1829 which are slidably attached to the
tray 1820. The sidewalls 1829 slide to adjust the width of the
product channels 1822 to fit the displayed products.
[0154] FIGS. 19A-C illustrate a product display 1900 having a
product support 1920 formed of two independently slidable product
channels 1922a/b. The product channels 1922a/b are slidable
relative to the intermediate member 1908 which in turn is slidable
relative to the support arms or support members 1910. As shown in
FIG. 19A, the center divider 1924c is fixed to the intermediate
member 1908 while the end dividers 1924e are fixed to their
respective product channels 1922a/b. As such, when the product
channels 1922a/b slide out relative to the intermediate member
1908, they also slide relative to the center divider 1924c. In
operation, one of the product channels 1922a/b are extended into
the loading position. Side of the product channel 1922a/b is
unobstructed by additional product channels or the center divider
1924c, allowing easier access to the stocker.
[0155] FIG. 19C illustrate the bottom of the product support 1920.
Each of the product channels 1922a/b has at least one protrusion
1941 configured to be received within a slot of the intermediate
member 1908 as described in previous embodiments.
[0156] In some forms, the exterior dividers 1924e have a plurality
of ledges 1923 configured to support multiple vertically spaced
rows of products by their rims. The center divider 1924c has
corresponding ledges 1923.
[0157] FIGS. 20A-B illustrates a product display 2000 having a
baseless support member 2010 as well as a baseless product support
2020. The support member 2010 comprises a pair of arms with a space
in between. The product support 1920 is an elongated member
configured to support products 2030 by a rim or flange as shown.
The intermediate member 2008 is a body having a generally U-shaped
cross-section. The intermediate member includes projections 2006
forming a channel into which the support members 2010 are received.
The projections 2006 are located on the, or proximate to, the sides
of the intermediate member 2006. The arms of the support members
2010 are slightly tapered at the distal ends so as to more easily
align with the channels defined by projections 2006 when
assembling.
[0158] The intermediate member 2008 slides along the support
members 2010 from a retracted or display position to an extended
position. Unlike previous embodiments, wherein the support members
2010 were received in the bottom surface of the intermediate
members, the protrusions 2006 are located on the sides of the
intermediate member 2008, thus reducing the height of the product
display 2000. The product support 2020 includes a mating structure
2020a and the intermediate member 2008 has a corresponding mating
structure 2008a. In the shown form, the mating structures
2020a/2008a form a snap fit or friction fit in which the mating
structure 2008a is received within the mating structure 2020a. The
interacting mating structures 2008a/2020a are located proximate the
sides of the product support 2020. In alternative embodiments,
other mating structures can be used to slidably couple the product
support 2020 to the intermediate member 2008, for example the
product support 2020 can be received in channels on the inside
surface of the sidewalls of the intermediate member 2008 similar to
those formed by protrusions 2006.
[0159] When the product support 2010 is extended into a loading
position, it defines a space there between. The lack of a base for
either the support members 2010 or product support 2020 reduces the
amount of material used to form the product display 2000. FIG. 20A
illustrates the product support 2020 in a partially extended
position, it is slidable relative to the intermediate member 2008
to a fully extended position in which the product support 2020 has
moved forward by at least a distance equal to the length of the
product support 2020 such that the entire product support 2020 is
clear from obstruction by a similar product display 2000 located
above the one being stocked.
[0160] In some forms, the product support 2020 partially extends in
front of the intermediate member 2008 when both are in their fully
retracted positions. This reveals at least a portion of the bottom
of the front most product 2030 so that a user can lift the cup out
of the product support 2020 more easily.
[0161] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate product stops 2127 and 2227
respectively usable with any of the multi-channel product displays
described above. The stop 2127 comprises a wavy member. The wavy
member is shaped such that the peaks of respective waves extend in
towards their respective channels 2122a/b at a height equal to the
widest part of the products 2130. As shown, the product channels
2122a/b are vertically staggered, such as the rim of one product
2130 is below the rim of an adjacent product 2130. The rims of each
product 2130 are contacted by a top of a wave of the stop 2127. In
operation, the products 2130 can be removed by lifting the product
2030 such that the rim aligns with a trough of the stop 2127. In
some forms, the stop 2127 is resiliently deformable such that the
products 2130 can be pulled straight forward and the stop 2127
twists or deforms out of position to allow the product 2130 to
pass. The deformable stop 2127 is formed of a resiliently
deformable material and or mounted in a deformable manner, for
example mounted coaxially with a coil spring. The aesthetic of the
wavy stop further serves to draw attention of browsing customers so
as to increase impulse sales.
[0162] In some forms, the product channels 2122 are formed of an
extruded plastic or composite or formed of sheet metal. The stops
2127 are formed of injection molded plastic or composite. The stops
2127 have a universal mating surface configured to mate with the
front of a variety of trays 2120. In some embodiments, a second
injection molded stop 2128 is positioned between the stop 2127 and
the product tray 2120. In alternative embodiments, the stop 2127
does not cover the entire front surface of the tray 2120 as shown,
and instead comprises a plurality of distinct stops configured to
couple to and extend upward from a tray 2120.
[0163] The stop 2227 is shaped to correspond to the product being
sold. For example, the display 2200 shown is configured to display
yogurt cups 2230. The product stops 2237 are shaped like spoons,
such as would be used to consume the yogurt 2230. In other
examples, product stops shaped like forks are used to display salad
or pasta, product stops shaped like screwdrivers are used to
display boxes of screws, etc. In some forms, the product stops 2227
comprise a plurality of removable spoons, such that as a yogurt cup
is removed, a spoon can be removed from the stop 2227 as well.
[0164] In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments, it should be
understood that a variety of methods are also disclosed herein. For
example, a method of stocking a merchandiser, a method of operating
a merchandiser, a method of displaying products, or a method of
tracking products. As are methods of manufacturing the devices
described herein. These and other methods related to the subject
matter set forth herein are intended to be covered by this
disclosure. It should also be understood that while certain
features have been described with certain embodiments, these
features may be intermixed or interchanged with one another to form
other embodiments as desired. All features disclosed herein are
intended to be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein
either in lieu of similar features or in combination with other
features. For example, the rotating mechanism of merchandisers 100
or 600 can be implemented in merchandisers 700 and/or 800.
Alternatively, or additionally, the guides 724a-c and/or the guides
824a-c can be implemented in any of the other merchandisers. The
beads 123 can be inserted into the product channels of any of the
other merchandisers described herein. Similarly, any of the
disclosed embodiments can be implemented into the modular
merchandiser 1000.
[0165] 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.
* * * * *