Abstract: A modular merchandise display system that is adaptable to accommodate various size products and shelves on which it is implemented. The modular merchandise display system includes a plurality of product pushing assemblies that are selectively connected to each other using adjustable connection devices. The selective connection of the product pushing assemblies provides the user with the ability to vary the size and spacing between product pushing assemblies and thereby enable the accommodation of products of varying size within the same merchandise display system. A break off system is also implemented into the respective parts of the display system to enable the depth of the system to be altered to accommodate shelves of varying depth.

Abstract: A merchandise display system for mounting on and to virtually any merchandise display frame, and in particular an existing gondola, having at least two horizontally spaced-apart mounting stanchions each having a plurality of apertures defined therein. The display system includes a universal mount with two universal brackets that are carried by a crossbar and that are selectively movable on and along the crossbar for alignment with the stanchion apertures. Once the universal brackets are so adjusted, the universal mount may be secured to the existing display frame by engaging the universal brackets with the aligned apertures. A frame assembly including a PEGBOARD.RTM. is then removably secured to the universal mount to complete the inventive merchandise display system. The configuration of the PEGBOARD.RTM. i.e., the size, spacing, and pattern of the holes in the PEGBOARD.RTM., may be varied as desired to accommodate different merchandise display configurations.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a shelf having a grooved surface to a supporting structure. The bracket assembly includes a frame having a support portion which defines a slot for receiving an edge of the shelf. The frame includes at least one attachment leg for securing the frame to the supporting structure. A base plate mountable to the support portion of the frame is provided and includes a hook which seats within the groove when the shelf is inserted in the slot. An arm moveable between a first position and a second position is connected to the hook for releasing the hook from the groove when the arm is urged to the second position.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing any customer present at a vending location at which a group of products is offered for sale with information about any member of such group includes an audiovisual device and a customer-initiated request entry device both situated at the vending location. Data representative of audiovisual information segments pertaining to the individual products of the group are stored in separate portions of a data storage medium and are retrieved from there and used to drive the audiovisual device to present the segment that corresponds to the request. When the products have optically distinguishable markings that uniquely identify them by product type associated therewith, the entering means may include an optical scanner arranged in such a manner as to enable any customer to bring a chosen marking and the optical scanner in relative positions in which the optical scanner scans the chosen marking and generates the addressing signal.

Abstract: A cooperating shelf and bracket system having a bracket which embraces and engages the rear portion of the shelf so as to support the shelf and permit its mounting in cantilever fashion from a shelf upright. The bracket may be formed with arms which grip cooperating structure on the shelf so that when fully inserted the shelf is securely retained in the bracket. The shelf is easily removable via a releasing system, which permits the shelf to be inserted and removed in a horizontal plane without the need for rotation relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A portable refrigerated display case adapted to be positioned upon a shelf or other elevated support surface includes a main housing defining an enclosed display area for displaying beverages or other food products and an integral refrigeration system. In a first embodiment, the entire refrigeration system is self contained within the display housing. In a second embodiment, only the evaporator portion is disposed within the display housing, with the remainder of the refrigeration system being disposed within a remotely positionable housing and connected to the evaporator portion by a pair of flexible houses.

Abstract: A shelf assembly for use with a gondola display structure comprises a bracket assembly selectively engageable with the vertically spaced slots of the gondola upright and securable at one of a plurality of selected angular orientations relative thereto. A merchandise supporting surface is slidably coupled to the bracket assembly and is slidable into a plurality of positions relative to the forward facing surface of the gondola to compensate for the effect that changes in the angular orientation have on the appearance of the merchandise supported thereon. Transversely slidable dividing members are provided to accommodate, for example, items of different width on a single shelf.