MERCHANDISING AND PRODUCT DISPLAY SYSTEM
A merchandising system for articles comprising a first divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall and a second divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall. The first divider is coupled to the second divider to form a compartment for the articles between the sidewall of the first compartment and the sidewall of the second compartment. The compartment has a front and a back. A support for the articles is provided within the compartment between the sidewall of the first divider and the sidewall of the second divider from adjacent the front of the compartment to adjacent the back of the compartment by the member on the first divider and the member on the second divider.
This Application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/051,040, filed on Feb. 4, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,170, filed Nov. 23, 2004, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US04/023791, filed on Jul. 23, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/489,676, filed on Jul. 23, 2003. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/051,040 is also a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/272,527, filed Oct. 15, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/329,656, filed on Oct. 15, 2001. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/051,040 is also a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/132,662, filed on Apr. 25, 2002, which claims the benefit of the following patent applications: (1) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/286,892, filed on Apr. 26, 2001, (2) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/313,894, filed on Aug. 21, 2001, (3) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/329,656, filed on Oct. 15, 2001, and (4) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/335,924, filed on Oct. 31, 2001.
This Application claims the benefit of priority as available under 35 U.S.C. §§119-121 and 365 to the following patent applications (which are hereby incorporated by reference in the present Application): (1) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/051,040, filed on Feb. 4, 2005; (2) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,170, filed on Nov. 23, 2004; (3) International Application No. PCT/US04/023791, filed on Jul. 23, 2004; (4) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/272,527, filed Oct. 15, 2002; (5) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/132,662, filed on Apr. 25, 2002; (6) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/489,676, filed on Jul. 23, 2003; (7) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/286,892, filed on Apr. 26, 2001; (8) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/313,894, filed on Aug. 21, 2001; (9) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/329,656, filed on Oct. 15, 2001; and (10) U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/335,924, filed on Oct. 31, 2001.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to merchandising and display systems, and in particular, the present invention relates to a merchandising system providing for orderly presentation, display, storage, arrangement, and dispensing of articles.
Conventional merchandising systems may be used for displaying and dispensing an article. Such conventional merchandising systems do not realize certain advantageous features (and/or combinations of features). Conventional merchandising systems may also be used for displaying products in consumer settings such as grocery stores, retail outlets, shops, etc. Such conventional merchandising systems may be used to present, display and store products in fixed or limited spaces such as on shelves, in display cases, in cabinets, etc.
It is beneficial when merchandising an article such as a product to allow potential customers to view or handle it in a convenient and comfortable manner. Conventional merchandising systems may display products to a consumer by providing the products in inefficient configurations. Products and product containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and some products may be more difficult to merchandise (e.g., present for potential retail sale) than others. Within fixed or limited spaces, conventional merchandising systems may not be configured to optimize the presentation of such products to a consumer. Such conventional merchandising systems also do not always provide convenient ways for dispensing products, especially those with unique or irregular shapes. Ease of use can be an important concern for customers and store personnel. As is sometimes the case, product or container design may be dictated by considerations separate from the ease or difficulty with which the product may be presented.
Some conventional merchandising systems may not provide effective arrangements for displaying, storing and presenting articles. Some conventional merchandising systems fail to provide adequate support for articles, as well as smooth, efficient sliding of the article along the length of the system. Some conventional merchandising systems do not provide sufficient arrangements of advancing these types of articles along the merchandising system. Some conventional merchandising systems do not provide strong and/or rigid support for articles. Accordingly, many conventional merchandising systems may not provide articles in a straight, linear, or level arrangement due to sagging, deformation, bowing, deflection and/or movement due to the weight of the articles. In addition, some conventional merchandising systems do not provide for a variety of differently sized articles and are not configured to operate with a variety of shelving structures. Some conventional merchandising systems do not retain articles for proper dispensing. Some conventional merchandising systems are not easily repositionable on a shelving structure. Some conventional merchandising systems are not configured for easy loading or removal of articles or for at least partially restricting movement of the articles along the system. In addition, some conventional merchandising systems are not configured to allow multiple products to be stacked on one another. Some conventional merchandising systems are not configured to prevent articles from sliding in an uncontrolled manner along the length of the system. Some conventional merchandising systems are not configured to prevent articles from tipping and/or falling from the system, especially during movement of the articles.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that is configured for stocking, orderly presentation, and convenient storage of products with various shapes including shapes that may not be easily stored, presented, or displayed, such as products with uniquely shaped containers. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that is configured for selective modularity in the construction and assembly of the merchandising system. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that allows for the construction and assembly of a merchandising system with any number of product facings, modules, compartments, etc. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that advances a product and/or allows a product to advance along a defined path. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that self-faces articles (e.g., allows articles to move to the front of the system after articles are removed). It would be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that is configured to easily move articles along a path for stocking, aligning, and/or facing purposes. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that allows multiple (levels of) products to be stacked on one another. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that is configured to at least partially restrict and/or restrain article movement in one or more level. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that can evenly distribute the weight of articles and/or products over the length of the system. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that allows for smooth, controlled, and efficient gliding of articles and/or products along the length of the system. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandising system that prevents articles from tipping and/or falling when provided in the system, especially during movement of the articles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the figures is as follows:
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
It is to be understood that the inventions are not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventions are capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring to the FIGS., exemplary embodiments of a merchandising system are shown. The merchandising system may provide for display, space division, and orderly presentation of products. The merchandising system may provide for selective size (shown as width) adjustment of a product display, “facing,” cell, compartment, or display area, while not requiring the width adjustment of adjacent product displays, “facings,” cells, compartments, or display areas. As shown in
The merchandising system may further provide for modularity in the construction and assembly of the merchandising system. For example, product displays, “facings,” cells, compartments, or display areas may be added and/or removed to an existing merchandising system by reconfiguring the number and arrangement of dividers and connectors.
The merchandising system may be a shelf system, shelf divider system, product facing tray system, product self-facing and organization tray system, divider system, shelf tray system, pusher system, dispensing system, tray system, etc. The merchandising system may be provided for use on a shelf (or any portion of a shelf), shelves, racks, displays, or other merchandising systems, or alternatively may be provided as a separate, independent merchandising system. According to other alternative embodiments, the system may be configured or oriented to provide for vertical size (e.g., height) adjustment.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
Referring to
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
Shown in
Dividers 20a are shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
Divider 20a further includes one or more engagement portions 32a configured to engage, couple, connect, coact or otherwise interface with connector 40a. As shown in
According to a second and third embodiment shown in
As shown in
Dividers 20a, 20b include guides 78a, 78b (e.g., runners, tabs, ribs, supports, etc.) located along the sides of dividers 20a, 20b. According to an exemplary embodiment, guides 78a, 78b are coupled to (e.g., attached to, affixed to, etc.) dividers 20a, 20b. Guides 78a, 78b have an overall circular cross-section with a substantially hollow interior portion 84a, 84b. According to alternative embodiments, the guides may have a cross section of any other suitable shape (e.g., oval, triangular, rectangular, etc.) that will allow articles to be positioned on the shelf. Guides may be used to direct (e.g., guide) the articles along the shelf as they are dispensed. According to an exemplary embodiment, guides 78a, 78b provide at least some resistance to prevent sliding of the article when not being dispensed or to slow the dispensing of articles. According to various embodiments, the guides may be integrally formed with the sides of the frame. According to various alternative embodiments, the guides may be formed separately and then connected to the frame by suitable attachment process (e.g., gluing, taping, adhering, sonic welding, etc.).
According to an alternative embodiment shown in
Connectors 40a (shown in
Connectors 40a, 40b, 40c configured to coact (e.g., receive, couple, engage or otherwise connect) with dividers 20a, 20b, 20c. As shown in
As shown in
According to an alternative embodiment, the connector may be provided with a series of straight grooves and teeth. According to other various alternative embodiments, a variety of shapes, sizes, spacings, arrangements, and other configurations may be provided with the connector. According to various alternative embodiments, the connector may comprise tabs or teeth that interlock with the dividers in predetermined locations, thereby adjusting the distance between dividers. According to various other embodiments, the connector may comprise slide mechanisms that enable the divider to slide from one position to another. According to various other embodiments, the connector may comprise any other suitable mechanism for adjusting the divider position, configuration, orientation, etc.
Connectors 40a, 40b, 40c may be provided in one or a variety of unit sizes (e.g., length or width) or shapes (e.g., orthogonal or diagonal or curved). According to a particularly preferred embodiment, connector 40a has a length in the range of about 2 to 8 inches. According to another particularly preferred embodiment, connector 40a has a length of about 2 to 4 inches. Alternatively, the connector may be provided in (or may be “field-cut” to) a variety of lengths or sizes which allow for the connectivity and/or interface with dividers. According to an exemplary embodiment, connectors 40b, 40c have lengths in the range of about 10.0 inches to 36.0 inches. According to a preferred embodiment, connectors 40b, 40c have lengths in the range of about 14 inches to about 26 inches.
One or more connectors may be provided between adjacent dividers. Providing one connector between adjacent dividers allows the connector to be easily accessed from the front, thereby allowing for adjustment to be accomplished relatively easily. Providing two connectors between adjacent dividers provides for added stability between adjacent dividers.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
Tab 80a, 80b is preferably configured such that it restrains the movement of articles being dispensed or urged forward by gravity. According to an exemplary embodiment, tabs 80a, 80b, 80c include an outer curved portion 79a, 79b, 79c configured to provide a return angle for easy reloading of the system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tabs provided on the divider provide resistance against force applied by the pusher assembly urging articles toward the front of the shelf. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs are configured such that the removal of an article from the shelf requires more force than the angle of the shelf provides. As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment, pusher assembly 60a, 60b (e.g., follower, puller, plate, hook, pull tab, paddle, pusher, biasing device, etc.) is provided with systems 10a, 10b. Pusher assemblies 60a, 60b are provided for use with merchandising systems 10a, 10b for urging articles in one direction or another. According to exemplary embodiments shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
According to an alternative embodiment shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
According to a second embodiment shown in
According to a second embodiment shown in
Shown in
Dividers 120a are shown in
As shown in
Divider 120a further includes one or more engagement portions 132a (e.g., interlocking arrangements such as coacting “dovetail” members) configured to engage, couple, connect, coact or otherwise interface with apertures or openings 121a provided on the sides of dividers 120a. As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
Connectors 140b (shown in
Connectors 140b are configured to coact (e.g., couple, engage or otherwise connect) with dividers 120b. As shown in
According to an alternative embodiment, the connector may be provided with a series of straight grooves and teeth. According to other various alternative embodiments, a variety of shapes, sizes, spacings, arrangements, and other configurations may be provided with the connector. According to various alternative embodiments, the connector may comprise tabs or teeth that interlock with the dividers in predetermined locations, thereby adjusting the distance between dividers. According to various other embodiments, the connector may comprise slide mechanisms that enable the divider to slide from one position to another. According to various other embodiments, the connector may comprise any other suitable mechanism for adjusting the divider position, configuration, orientation, etc.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a display portion or device may be attached to the shelving systems for displaying information about the articles (e.g., price, manufacturer, bar code, etc.). The display portions may include a front slot or channel configured to receive graphics, pricing, bar codes, and/or other information. The channels may be configured to provide a “stop” for products that are located at the front of the systems. As products advance toward the front of the systems, the products reach the channels provide a surface for at least partially restraining movement of the products. According to various embodiments, any suitable device or method may be used to secure the display portion to the shelving system (e.g., gluing, taping, adhering, fastening, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the display portion may be integrally formed with the shelf, divider, and/or connector. According to various exemplary embodiments, the display portion (e.g., extruded) shown in
As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
According to embodiments shown in
According to various exemplary embodiments, the assemblies and components of the merchandising system may be constructed from a variety of suitable materials, including metals, metal alloys, aluminum, polymers, composites, plastics (including high impact plastics and injection molded plastic), ceramics, etc.
According to various exemplary embodiments, the frame system may be constructed from metal, metal alloys, aluminum, plastics, polymers, composites, etc. According to other alternative embodiments, any other suitable material may be used to construct the frame system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame system may be chrome plated to improve aesthetic appeal.
According to various exemplary embodiments, the shelf may be constructed from metal, metal alloys, aluminum, plastics, polymers, composites, etc. According to a preferred embodiment, the shelf is constructed from metal or metal alloys. According to alternative embodiments, any other suitable material may be used to construct the shelf. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shelf is approximately 10 to 30 inches wide and approximately 30 to 60 inches long. According to a preferred embodiment, the shelf is about 20 inches wide by about 48 inches long. According to an exemplary embodiment, the shelf is about 0.25 inch to about 1 inch thick. According to a preferred embodiment, the shelf is about 0.625 inch thick.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the shelves may be spaced at various distances from one another. For example, the shelves may be spaced about 6 inches to about 9 inches apart. According to a preferred embodiment, the shelves are spaced about 7 to 8 inches apart, thereby leaving about 4 to 7 inches of stocking space.
The divider and pusher assembly may generally be made from injection molded plastic or from a variety of other plastics, polymers, composites, and processes (e.g., extrusion, cast, etc.). For example, the divider may be constructed from high-impact plastics, polymers, other plastics, and the like. The various components of the divider may be formed separately and then connected using a sonic welding process (or other suitable attachment technique). Using plastic offers several advantages including that the pieces are moldable in a variety of different colors, surface finishes, textures, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, some or all of the components may be clear (e.g., opaque) to show products within the system. Other suitable materials (including metal, metal alloys, aluminum, etc.) may be used according to alternative embodiments. According to various exemplary embodiments, each component of the divider and pusher assembly may be sized to operate with various sized yogurt containers. For example, the pusher assembly may include a member that is approximately 48 inches long and a plate that is approximately 1 to 5 inches wide. According to various other embodiments, the member and plate may be any suitable size to operate with various sized articles.
According to one particularly preferred embodiment, the connectors are constructed from extruded plastic. According to one alternative embodiment, the connectors may be constructed from injection molded plastic. A variety of plastics may be used in constructing or assembling the connectors. For example, the connectors may be constructed or assembled from high-impact plastics, polymers, high-impact plastic. Using plastic offers several advantages including that the pieces may be constructed in a variety of different colors, surface finished, textures, etc. According to various alternative embodiments, a variety of other known or suitable materials may be used including metals, alloys, composites, etc.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the divider is constructed by co-extruding a material of a first rigidity (or flexibility) with a material of a second rigidity (or flexibility). According to an exemplary embodiment, the divider is a dual durometer extrusion having portions constructed from a rigid PVC, and portions constructed from a flexible, low tack, or “gummy” PVC. The friction material (such as a “gummy” material) assists the merchandising system to stay in place during use by increasing the friction between the divider and the support surface such as a shelf. Additionally, the friction portion helps to increase the engagement between the connector and the divider, thereby helping to prevent motion of the divider in a direction along the length of the divider. According to various exemplary embodiments, non-skid material, other friction material, non-skid feet (e.g., of rubber or another elastomeric material or the like) may be provided on the bottom of the merchandising system (including dividers and connectors).
According to the exemplary embodiment, the connector may also be constructed by co-extruding a material of a first rigidity (or flexibility) with a material of a second rigidity (or flexibility). According to an exemplary embodiment, the connector is a dual durometer extrusion having a portion (i.e., an upper portion) constructed from a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and another portion (i.e., a lower portion) constructed from a flexible, low tack, or “gummy” PVC. The portion constructed from a “gummy” material assists the merchandising system to stay in place during use by slightly adhering to a support surface such as a shelf. Similar extrusion processes may be used in the construction and assembly of other types of connectors.
As shown in the FIGS., the merchandising system is intended to provide dividers that may be selectively adjusted. Products or merchandise may be placed between adjacent dividers. The merchandising system may allow the dividers to be reconfigured and resized for different sized divisions without the need to reconfigure or resize adjacent dividers. A “facing” or cell may be resized or have its width changed without needing to resize adjacent areas (e.g., where one facing or cell is resized for a different product size, but adjacent facings do not need to be resized).
The merchandising system may be placed on top of shelves or shelving units. The merchandising system may simply rest on the top of a surface, or may be supported by feet on a shelf. According to exemplary embodiments, low-bond adhesives, soft-tack adhesives, plastics, polymers, elastomers, rubber (including craton rubber), other friction enhancing materials, etc. may be applied to restrict the motion of the merchandising system.
The various configurations of dividers and connectors shown in the FIGS. allow a user to pick and choose dividers for use in constructing merchandising systems. The different configurations allow for the same basic elements to be used in constructing a wide variety and sizes of merchandising system configurations. For example, one merchandising system configuration may require two end dividers, and three center dividers. Another merchandising system configuration may require two end dividers, five center dividers, etc. Any wide variety and configurations of dividers may be used to construct a merchandising system to meet various requirements such as space constraints, product sizes, etc.
The merchandising system may be constructed or assembled by pressing, snapping, engaging, placing, etc. the engaging portions of the dividers onto or with connectors. The connectors provide for a relatively simple connection between two divider panels. The dividers shown in the FIGS. may be readily adjusted. The dividers include legs (which may be interfaces, projections, extensions, etc.) that attach or couple to interfaces (such as notches, teeth, etc. on the connector). The dividers may be disconnected from an existing interface on the connector, and then attached or coupled with another interface at a different spacing. The merchandising system advantageously allows for selected dividers to be adjusted, resized, refaced and/or reconfigured without requiring the adjustment of adjacent dividers or divider sets.
In order for the merchandising system to be configured to display or fit specific products, manufacturers, set of products, etc., the merchandising system may be reconfigured to allow sizing for variously sized products, etc. As shown in
Referring now to
At a front end 296 of each divider 220 and 320, a pair of product retaining members are mounted. For dividers which define an outer wall without an adjacent space 222, single sided product retaining members 380 may be mounted and for the interior dividers, double sided product retaining members 280 may be mounted. These product retaining members may cooperate with product stop 86 of a display portion 70 adjacent lip 248 to prevent product containers 290 from sliding out of spaces 22 and presenting the forwardmost containers to customers. This arrangement can also be seen in
Referring now to
Referring now to FIGS. 44 to 47, product retaining member 280 includes a pair of arms 304 which curve away from one another. Each arm has an inner surface define a product engaging portion 306 and include a reversed curve portion 308 at an end opposite rear portion 302. Along product engaging portion 306, product retaining member 280 may include gripped surfaces such as surface 98, shown above in
On an opposite or outer surface 310 of arm 304 of product retaining member 280 may be a plurality of reinforcing shapes or ridges 312. Extending between the side 310 and adjacent rear portion 302 may be a reinforcing gusset 314. Ridges 312 and gusset 314 cooperate to provide a desired level of stiffness and structural integrity to ensure that product held within spaces 222 is not accidentally released. Since the shelf assembly is tilted forward, the product within space 22 may be exerting force on arms 304. At the same time, it is desirable to not require excessive force to remove product from space 222 when a customer wants to access or purchase the product. It is also desirable to not require a large insertion force during restocking.
Different shapes of product may exert eccentric forces on the arms and tend to twist them from the generally vertical orientation shown herein. Gusset 314 may be sized and configured to provide the desired resistance to movement into and out of space 222. The further along side 310 that gusset 314 extends, the greater support is provided to resist eccentric forces. The thickness of gusset 314 may also be tailored to provide a desired level of eccentric force resistance. Ridges 312 also provide resistance against deflection during removal and insertion of product from space 222. Selection of the number of ridges 312 included along side 310 and the size of these ridges, as well as the length and thickness of gusset 314, allows the degree of resistance to deflection or twisting of product retaining member 280 to be adapted to the desired installation requirements.
Rear portion 302 includes a pair of opposing members 316 defining a slot 318 which is sized to receive and engage channel 294 of front end 296 of dividers 220 and 320. At an outer end of each member 316 is a snap portion or catch 320. Catch 320 is sized and positioned to engage groove 292 within channel 294. Engagement of catches 320 and grooves 292 removably secures product retaining member 280 to divider 220 or 320. Product retaining member 280 may be changed to a differently configured retaining member as the nature, size and weight of the product to be stored and displayed within space 222 is changed.
Referring now to
Referring now to FIGS. 50 to 53, an alternative embodiment of a double armed product retaining member 330 includes a rear portion 302 configured generally the same as the rear portion of product retaining members 280 and 380, described above. Product retaining member 330 includes a pair of resilient deformable or deflectable arms 334, each including a product engaging portion 336 and include a reversed curve portion 338. These retaining and reversed curved portions may be configured similarly to the corresponding portions of members 280 and 380 and serve the same general function as those portions. Arms 334 may also include one or a plurality of ridges 312 for support at different locations along an inner surface 340. A nominal gusset 344 may also be included between arms 334 and rear portion 302, or alternatively, no gusset may be included except as needed or desired for molding or production efficiencies. Arms 334 may include an added thickness 332 along inner surface 340 to provide the resistance to deflection and/or twisting that might otherwise be provided by a larger gusset.
The thickness of arms 334 and the size of gussets 314 and 322, as well as the number of ridges 312 may be varied to ensure that the deflection characteristics of arms 304 and 334 are appropriate for the products to be held in spaces 222. The material qualities or characteristics of the materials chosen for the product retaining members, as well as the physical dimensions of the members may also impact the number of ridges, the size of gussets and the thickness of arms that will be required to achieve the deflection characteristics desired of the product retaining members. The number of ridges, the size of the gussets, and the thickness of arms shown in the FIGS. is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to indicate preferred dimensions.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the merchandising system as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, tolerances, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter of the present inventions. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed. For example, a connector or connector portion of any of the exemplary or alternative embodiments could be made as an integral piece with a divider. The operation of the connection between the divider and connector may be reversed or otherwise varied, the shape or size (e.g., length or width) of the dividers or other elements of the system (e.g., shelf divider or interface of the divider members) may be varied, the nature or number of discrete adjustment positions provided on the connectors may be varied (e.g., by variations in the number of engagement points or size of the engagement points or type of engagement).
It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, including any of a wide variety of moldable or extrudable plastic materials (such as high-impact plastic) in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. It should also be noted that the merchandising system may be used in association with a shelf (e.g., of a shelving unit or the like) or any of a wide variety of other surfaces in any of a wide variety of other applications. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions.
The merchandising system may be to display and merchandise a variety of products, including containers, packages, bags, boxes, tubes, etc. The products may be food products, foodstuffs, snacks, prepared food packages, etc. Alternatively, other products of a variety of sizes and weights may be displayed and merchandised, such as consumer products, parts, batteries, automotive batteries, tissue boxes, etc.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Thus, it is recognized that those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations, modifications, and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the invention, and should not limit the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A merchandising system comprising:
- a pair of dividers spaced apart from each other and a floor member extending between the dividers, the divider and the floor member cooperating to define a space for storing and displaying a plurality of product containers, wherein a first product container is positioned at a forward end of the space and the remaining product containers are positioned behind the first product container and extend toward a rear of the space;
- the floor member angled downward from the rear of the space toward the front of the space;
- a product retaining member mounted to a front end of each of the dividers, with each product retaining member including at least one arm extending at least partially across a width of the space, the arms from the two retaining members cooperating to releasably retain the first product container within the space adjacent the forward end;
- each arm of the product retaining members including an inner surface with a product retaining portion which engages the first product container in the space and a recurved portion configured to deflect the arm outward when a product container is pressed against the recurved portion, the deflection of the arms of the two retaining members permitting the placement of the product container within the space through the forward end;
- each arm including an integral reinforcement member extending from the rear portion along an outer surface of the arm opposite the inner surface, the integral reinforcement member providing resistance against outward deflection of the arm.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising each arm including a plurality of transversely extending ridges spaced apart along the outer surface of the arm.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the integral reinforcement member is a gusset extending partially along the length of the outer surface opposite the product retaining portion.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a first ridge is formed in the outer surface of the arm at a point forward of the gusset.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third divider positioned adjacent one of the two dividers and cooperating with the adjacent divider to define a second space similarly configured to the space;
- the product retaining member mounted to the forward end of the divider common to both spaces including a second arm extending forward from the rear portion, with the second arm similarly configured to the arm and extending at least partially across the second space, with the gusset extending forward from the rear portion along an outer surface of each of the arms.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising each arm including a plurality of transversely extending ridges spaced apart along the outer surface of the arm.
7. A merchandising system comprising:
- a pair of dividers spaced apart from each other and a floor member extending between the dividers, the divider and the floor member cooperating to define a space for storing and displaying a plurality of product containers, wherein a first product container is positioned at a forward end of the space and the remaining product containers are positioned behind the first product container and extend toward a rear of the space;
- the floor member angled downward from the rear of the space toward the front of the space;
- a product retaining member mounted to a front end of each of the dividers, with each product retaining member including at least one arm extending at least partially across a width of the space, the arms from the two retaining members cooperating to releasably retain the first product container within the space adjacent the forward end;
- each arm of the product retaining members including an inner surface with a product retaining portion which engages the first product container in the space and a recurved portion configured to deflect the arm outward when a product container is pressed against the recurved portion, the deflection of the arms of the two retaining members permitting the placement of the product container within the space through the forward end;
- each arm including a plurality of transversely extending ridges spaced apart along the outer surface of the arm.
8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a third divider positioned adjacent one of the two dividers and cooperating with the adjacent divider to define a second space similarly configured to the space;
- the product retaining member mounted to the forward end of the divider common to both spaces including a second arm extending forward from the rear portion, with the second arm similarly configured to the arm and extending at least partially across the second space.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a gusset extending from the rear portion forwardly along an outer surface of each of the arms of the product retaining member common to both spaces and extending between the arms.
11. A product retaining member comprising:
- a rear portion, first and second arms extending forward from the rear portion, and first and second members extending rearward from the rear portion;
- the rearward extending members defining a slot for engaging a forward edge of a divider of a product merchandising system, the members each including a tab extending into the slot to engage the divider;
- each arm including first curved portion extending away from the rear portion and curving away from the other arm and a second curved portion forward of the first curved portion, the second curved portion curving back towards the other arm, where the first curved portion defines a product retaining portion and the second curved portion defines a recurved portion;
- each arm further including a surface opposite the product retaining portion, with an integral reinforcement extending forward from the rear portion along this surface and a plurality of transverse ridges formed across this surface
- the arms and the integral reinforcement made of a resilient deformable material permitting deflection of one arm toward the other arm.
12. The product retaining member of claim 11, further comprising a friction enhancing treatment on the product retaining portion of the arms that provides increased resistance to movement of objects in contact with the product retaining portion.
13. The product retaining member of claim 11, wherein the integral reinforcement is a gusset extending forward from the rear portion along the surface of each arm opposite the product retaining portion and extending between the two arms.
14. The product retaining member of claim 11, wherein the members defining the slot extend different distances from the rear portion and the opposing tabs are off set from each other.
15. A product retaining member comprising:
- a rear portion, a first arm extending forward from the rear portion, and first and second members extending rearward from the rear portion;
- the arm including a first curved portion extending away from the rear portion and a second curved portion forward of the first curved portion, where the first curved portion defines a product retaining portion and the second curved portion defines an oppositely curved portion;
- the arm further including a surface opposite the product retaining portion, with an integral reinforcement extending forward from the rear portion along this surface and a plurality of transverse ridges formed across this surface, the arm and the integral reinforcement made of a resilient deformable material permitting deflection of the arm away from the product retaining portion;
- the rearward extending members defining a slot for engaging a forward edge of a divider of a product merchandising system, with one of the members positioned opposite from the product retaining portion of the arm and extending further from the rear portion than the other member, each member including a tab extending into the slot to engage the divider and the tabs are offset form each other.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 23, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 17, 2008
Inventors: Gary Richter (Waukesha, WI), Allen Johnson (Hartford, WI), M. Bryson (Brookfield, WI), Daniel Schiffer (Menomonee Falls, WI), Fredrick Kottke (Menomonee Falls, WI)
Application Number: 11/738,559
International Classification: A47F 5/00 (20060101);