Pusher System for Dispensing Articles

Abstract

A pusher system for dispensing articles includes a pusher track, on which the articles can be stacked for storage, displaying, and dispensing. The pusher system also includes a pusher plate assembly having a pusher plate urging the articles stored on the pusher track toward a dispensing location under the action of a driving unit, such as a coil spring. The pusher plate assembly has a retaining portion to be movably received in a longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track to retain the pusher plate assembly on the pusher track and allow the pusher track assembly to translate along the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track. According to the various embodiments, the pusher plate assembly is configured to be in a rolling engagement with the pusher track as the pusher plate travels along the pusher track. Such rolling engagement can reduce friction between the pusher plate assembly and the pusher track, thereby facilitating travel of a pusher plate during the dispensing and reloading operations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,750 filed Jan. 27, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to an improved system for dispensing articles. More particularly, the invention relates to a pusher-type dispensing system that has an improved pushing effect.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a conventional pusher 10 having a front end 12 facing the user and a rear end 14 further away from the user during normal use. The pusher 10 has a pusher plate 20 slidably supported on a track 30, on which merchandise can be stacked for storage, displaying, and dispensing during normal use. The pusher plate 20 of the pusher 10 includes an upright portion 22 and a bottom portion 24 forming an L-shape when viewing the pusher plate 20 from its side. The upright portion 22 of pusher plate 20 urges the stored merchandise (not shown) toward the front end 12 of the pusher 10. The bottom portion 24 of pusher plate 20 engages track 30 to support the upright portion 22 during the normal use of the pusher 10.

The pusher plate 20 and the track 30 are configured to retain the pusher plate 20 on the track 30 during normal use of the pusher 10. For example the pusher plate 20 has a retaining portion 26 formed to have an inverted T-shape, as is best illustrated in FIG. 1B showing a bottom perspective view of the pusher plate 20. The retaining portion 26 of the pusher plate 20 is received in a longitudinal channel 34, which is formed in the track 30 and open to a top surface 32 of the track 30. As is best shown in FIG. 1A, the longitudinal channel 34 extends to the rear end 14 of the pusher 10, allowing the retaining portion 26 of the pusher plate 20 to enter the longitudinal channel 34 from such rear end 14 in a tongue and groove configuration. Once in place, the pusher plate 20 is retained in the longitudinal channel 34 in the track 30 and slidable between the front and the rear ends 12, 14 of the pusher 10.

A spring or coil 40 is arranged to bias the pusher plate 20 toward the front end 12 of the pusher 10. For example, the spring or coil 40 can be received in a receiving area formed between the upright portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 of the L-shaped pusher plate 20. A free end of the spring or coil 40 can extend to toward and be secured at the front end 12 of the pusher 10.

As a result, the merchandise stored between the pusher plate 20 and the front end 12 of the pusher 10 is loaded or pushed toward and maintained at the front end 12 of the pusher 10 for easy access by a customer, dispensing mechanism, and/or salesperson, etc. The pusher plate 20 can also be manually pushed toward the rear end 14 of the pusher 10, so that as merchandise is depleted, additional merchandise can be loaded onto the track 30 of the pusher 10 between the pusher plate 20 and the front end 12 of the pusher 10.

As FIG. 1A shows, the spring 40 acts on the upright portion 22 of the pusher plate 20 and above the top surface 32 of the track 30. The retaining portion 26 of the pusher 10 operates inside the longitudinal channel 34 under the top surface 32 of the track 30. When the pusher plate 20 is made to travel on the track 30 along the longitudinal channel 34 toward the rear end 14, such as when product is being re-supplied, the pusher plate 20 has a tendency to tip toward the rear end 14 of the pusher 10. This causes the bottom portion 24 or retaining portion 26 of the pusher plate 20 to contact the upper portion of the track 30 and, consequently, adversely affects the movement of the pusher plate 20. Thus, such pushers 10 are difficult to use during the reloading of product.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved pusher system that avoids the above mentioned problem and improves the operation of the pusher system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments below describe a pusher system configured for dispensing articles. The pusher system includes a pusher track on which articles can be stacked for storage, displaying, and dispensing. The pusher system also includes a pusher plate assembly having a pusher plate for urging the articles stored on the pusher track toward a dispensing location under the action of a driving unit, such as a spring. The pusher plate assembly has a retaining portion to be movably received in a longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track to retain the pusher plate assembly on the pusher track and allow the pusher track assembly to translate along the longitudinal channel. According to the various embodiments, the pusher plate assembly is configured to be in a rolling engagement with the pusher track as the pusher plate travels along the pusher track. Such rolling engagement reduces friction between the pusher plate assembly and the pusher track, thereby improving travel of the pusher plate during forward movement as in the dispensing operation and/or during rearward movement as in a reloading operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description is set forth in connection with the attached drawings which are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a prior art pusher system;

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the pusher plate in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, which is taken along a longitudinal line similar to the line I′-I′ schematically illustrated in the FIG. 1 prior art pusher system, of a pusher system formed according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the pusher system in FIG. 2A taken along the line II-II;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a pusher system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the pusher system in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is an exploded front perspective view of the pusher plate assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is an exploded rear perspective view of the pusher plate assembly in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the assembled pusher plate assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the assembling of front and decorative panels of a pusher system; and

FIG. 7 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a pusher system similar to that shown in FIG. 3 taken along the line III-III.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a pusher system 100 formed according to a first embodiment of the invention. The pusher system 100 includes a pusher track 130, on which articles can be stacked for storage, displaying, and dispensing. In one example, the pusher track 130 has an elongated shape, formed similarly to the track 30 of FIG. 1, allowing articles to be stacked in a longitudinal direction. The top surface 132 of the pusher track 130 can be formed in various ways to facilitate storing, displaying, and dispensing the articles. For example, the top surface 132 of the pusher track 130 can contain longitudinally-oriented ridges to reduce friction between the articles and the pusher track 130 as the articles are being dispensed or otherwise moved along the pusher track 130. The pusher track 130 of the pushing system 100 has a longitudinal channel 134, which is formed under a top portion 136 of the pusher track 130 and opens to the top surface 132.

The pusher system 100 also includes a pusher plate assembly 160 having a pusher plate 162, which can be similarly formed as the pusher plate 20 described in FIG. 1 above. For example, the pusher plate 162 can have an upright portion 162a and a bottom portion 162b joined to each other forming an L-shape. A retaining portion 164 is formed with, or otherwise attached to the bottom portion 162b of the pusher plate 162. The longitudinal channel 134 is adapted to receive retaining portion 164 of the pusher plate 162 and to allow the retaining portion 164 to translate in the longitudinal channel 134, as will be further described below. In one example, the retaining portion 164 is formed similar to the T-shaped retaining portion 26 described above.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pusher plate assembly 160 includes one or more roller elements 166, 168 which are rotatably mounted to the pusher plate 162 to facilitate movement of the pusher plate 162 along the pusher track 130. For example, the roller elements 166, 168 can be wheels rotatably mounted to the front and rear ends 162f, 162r of the pusher plate 162. In one example, one or more first roller elements 166 can be rotatably mounted to the retaining portion 164 at the front end 162f of the pusher plate 162. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a pair of first roller elements 166 are arranged under the upright portion 162a and laterally adjacent to the wider sides 164t of the T-shaped retaining portion 164 of the pusher plate 162. In another example, such first roller elements 166 are rotatably mounted to the wider sides 164t of the T-shaped retaining portion 164 by any of, various known methods. The first roller elements 166 are so formed and arranged that they can remain in the longitudinal channel 134 and engage an under surface 138 of the top portion 136 of the pusher track 130 during the normal operation of the pusher system 100.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more second roller elements 168, such as wheels, can be rotatably mounted to the bottom portion 162b of the pusher plate 162. In one example, the second roller elements 168 can be arranged adjacent to the rear end 162r of the pusher plate 162. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, such second roller elements 168 are rotatably mounted to the lateral sides of the bottom portion 162a of the pusher plate 162 near its rear end 162r as explained below. The second roller elements 168 are so formed or arranged that at least a portion of the second roller elements 168 can pass the bottom portion 162a of the pusher plate 162 to rest and/or roll on the upper surface 132 of the pusher track 130 during normal operation of the pusher system 100.

During the operation of the pusher system 100, the pusher plate 162 is supported on the pusher track 130 through at least one of the roller elements 166, 168. For example, when the pusher plate 162 travels along the pusher track 130 during a dispensing operation, at least one of the first and second roller elements 166, 168 is in rolling engagement with the respective upper or under surface 132, 138. In one example, one or more of the second roller elements 168 roll on the upper surface 132 of the pusher track 130 when the pusher plate assembly 160 is urged by a driving unit 170 toward the front end 112 of the pusher system 100, i.e., toward the user. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the first roller elements 166 can be configured to roll on the under surface 138 of the pusher track 130 when the pusher plate assembly 160 is urged by a driving unit 170 toward the front end 112 of the pusher system 100.

As a result, the rolling engagement between the first and/or second roller elements 166, 168 can effectively reduce friction between the pusher plate assembly 160 and the pusher track 130, thereby making it easier for the pusher plate 162 to travel in a forward direction during a dispensing operation.

On the other hand, when the pusher plate 162 is urged toward the rear end 114 of the pusher track 130, i.e., away from the user in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 2A, the pusher plate 162 is subject to a torque and slightly tips toward the rear end 162r of the pusher plate 162. In such a case, the first roller elements 166 come into rolling engagement with the under surfaces 138 of the upper portion 136 of the pusher track 130, instead of or in addition to the rolling engagement between the second roller elements 168 and the upper surface 132 of the pusher track 130. In particular, when the pusher plate 162 is urged toward the rear end 114 of the pusher track 130 by pushing a top region of the pusher plate 162, the first roller elements 166 will engage the under surface 138 and the second roller elements 168 will engage upper surface 132 of the pusher track 130. The first and second roller elements 166, 168 can thus roll on the respective upper or under surface 132, 138 of the pusher track 130 during a reloading operation.

As a result, the pusher plate assembly 160 is in rolling engagement with the pusher track 130 as the pusher plate 162 travels in a reverse direction along the pusher track 130. Such rolling engagement can effectively reduce friction between the pusher plate assembly 160 and the pusher track 130, thereby making it easier for the pusher plate 162 to travel along the track 130, such as when loading articles onto the pusher system 100.

FIG. 3 shows an assembled pusher system 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which can be formed as either a single-track system or a multi-track system. The pusher system 200 has a base support 210, on which a pair of retainers 220 are mounted to support and retain one or more pusher tracks 230 and one or more dividers 240. Each pusher track 230 and two adjacent dividers 240 form a storage chamber 250, in which articles can be stacked along the pusher track 230. A pusher plate assembly 260 (also shown in FIG. 4) is supported on each pusher track 230 and works in tandem with a driving unit 270 (shown in FIG. 4), such as a coil spring, to urge the articles on the pusher track 230 toward the front end of the pusher track 230. Various components of the pusher system 200 will be discussed in great details below.

The pusher system 200 can further include a front panel 280 mounted to the front end of the base support 210. The front panel 280 acts as a barrier to retain the products or articles on the pusher tracks 230 inside the storage chambers 250. In the example, one or more decorative panels 290 can be provided and attached to the front panel 280 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the pusher system 200 and/or to carry advertising information concerning articles in the pusher system 200.

Detailed description of the various components in the pusher system 200 will now be made in reference to FIG. 4, in which the various components of the pusher system 200 are shown separately from one another to better illustrate the details of these components.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the base support 210 of the pusher system 200 has a substantially rectangular plate shape with upper and lower surfaces 212, 214. On the top surface 212 of the base support 210, a pair of retaining grooves 216 are formed for receiving retainers 220. The retaining grooves 216 are located in the front and rear portions of the base support 210 and spaced apart from each other to provide stability to the one or more pusher tracks 230 and one or more dividers 240 in the assembled pusher system 200.

The retainers 220 of the pusher system 200 can be formed similar to each other and each have a bottom portion 222 formed in a complementary shape to the retaining grooves 216 in the base support 210, so as to fit inside such retaining grooves 216. Additional fasteners 223, such as screws, can be used to fix the retainers 220 on the base support 210. On the top portion 224 of each retainer 220, one or more first anchoring members 226 can be provided for securing the one or more pusher tracks 230 in position in the assembled pusher system 200, as will be further described below. The first anchoring members 226 can be in various forms, such as hooks. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the hooks 226 are formed in pairs on each retainer 220. Corresponding pair of hooks 226 on the pair of retainers 220 can be used to secure a pusher track 230 formed with complementary anchoring elements 236 as will be described below.

Additionally or alternatively, each retainer 220 is formed with one or more second anchoring members 228 on the top portion 224 of the retainer 220. The second anchoring members 228 can be in various forms for receiving a corresponding anchoring element 242 formed at the bottom of a divider 240. For example, the second anchoring members 228 on the retainer 220 are formed as slots. The second anchoring members 228 can be arranged for mounting one or more dividers 240, as is shown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of second anchoring members 228 are formed between two adjacent first anchoring members 226 on the retainer 220. In such a case, the user can choose one of the plurality of second anchoring members 228 for mounting the dividers 240 so as to form storage chambers 250 of different sizes for accommodating various types of articles, thereby increasing versatility of the pusher system 200.

The pair of retainers 220 are received and fixed in the retaining grooves 216 formed in the base support 210. For example, the pair of retainers 220 are arranged on the base support 210 so that the first anchoring elements 226 on the pair of retainers 220 are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the pusher system 200 for receiving and mounting the pusher tracks 230. Additionally or alternatively, the second anchoring elements 228 on the pair of the retainers 220 are aligned with each other for receiving and mounting dividers 240. The pair of retainers 220 are arranged to space apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the pusher system 200 to provide additional stability to the pusher tracks 230 and dividers 240 in the pusher system 200.

The pusher tracks 230 of the pusher system 200 have an elongated rectangular shape, as is shown in FIG. 4. Each pusher track 230 has a top surface 232 for supporting the articles before they are dispensed from the pusher system 200. In one example, the top surface 232 of the pusher track 230 can be at least partially ridged in a transverse direction of the pusher track 230 forming elongated ridges to reduce friction when the dispensing articles travel on the top surface 232 of the pusher track 230. A longitudinal channel 234, similar to the longitudinal channel 134 discussed above, is formed in the pusher track 230 for receiving and guiding the pusher plate assembly 260 as will be further described below.

As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pusher tracks 230 are mounted onto the base support 210 through the first anchoring elements 226 on the retainers 220. For example, the pusher tracks 230 each have one or more anchoring elements 236 formed to be complementary to the first anchoring elements 226 on the retainers 220 to be fastened thereto. In one example, the anchoring elements 236 on the pusher tracks 230 can be configured as projections to snap into the corresponding hooks 226 formed on the retainers 220. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various other types of anchoring mechanisms can be employed to mount the pusher tracks 230 onto the retainers 220.

The dividers 240 of the pusher system 200 can be formed in various forms and be mounted between two adjacent pusher tracks 230 to form a storage chamber 250 and assist in keeping the articles on the pusher tracks 230 during normal use of the pusher system 200. Although the dividers 240 in FIG. 4 are shown in an elongated rectangular shape, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the dividers 240 can be formed otherwise, such as to have curvy edges to add to the aesthetic appearance of the finished pusher plate assembly 200.

As FIG. 4 shows, each divider 240 is formed with anchoring elements 242 at the bottom 244 of the divider 240. Each of the anchoring elements 242 is adapted to engage with one of the second anchoring elements 228 of the retainer 220. For example, the anchoring elements 242 on the divider 240 can be in the form of tabs configured to be inserted and secured in the corresponding slots 228 formed on the retainers 220, to thereby hold the divider 240 in position in the pusher system 200. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various other types of anchoring mechanisms can be employed to mount the dividers 240 onto the retainers 220.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, each divider 240 can be mounted to one of three paired slots 228 in the pair of retainers 220. Accordingly, each divider 240 can be mounted at different transverse positions between adjacent pusher tracks 230. The resultant storage chamber 250 formed between adjacent dividers 240 can thus have an adjustable width in the transverse direction of the pusher track 230. As a result, adjacent dividers 240 can be arranged to form storage chambers 250 to accommodate articles of different sizes.

The pusher plate assemblies 260 of the pusher system 200 according to the second embodiment will now be described in connection with FIGS. 5A to 5C, which illustrate further details of such pusher plate assemblies 260. Each pusher plate assembly 260 includes a pusher plate 262 movably supported and retained on the pusher track 230 by a retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate 262 during normal operation of the pusher system 200. The pusher plate assembly 260 is configured to be in rolling engagement with the pusher track 230 during normal operation of the pusher system 200 through first and second roller elements 266, 268, as will be further described below.

The pusher plate 262 of each pusher plate assembly 260 can be formed in various configurations. In one example, the pusher plate 262 of pusher plate assembly 260 can be oriented in a substantially upright position at a normal use position, as is shown in FIG. 3. In another example, the pusher plate 262 can be formed to be substantially flat, as is shown in FIGS. 5A and 7, on the side facing the articles so as to contact a flat surface of the last article in each storage chamber 250. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the pusher plate 262 in each pusher plate assembly 260 can be formed in various other shapes or forms depending on the shapes of the articles stored in the pusher system 200 and/or adding to the aesthetic appearance of the pusher system 200.

Additionally or alternatively, the pusher plate assembly 260 can be configured in various forms to support the driving unit 270. As FIGS. 5B and 5C show, the pusher plate 262 of the pusher plate assembly 260 can include a receiving area 262a located on the rear side of the pusher plate 262 for receiving the driving unit 270, such as a coil spring 272 shown in FIG. 4. The receiving area 262a of the pusher plate 262 can be formed by a bottom wall 262b and sidewalls 262s extending from the rear surface of the pusher plate 262. The pusher plate 262 can be formed with a cutout 262c at the bottom of the pusher plate 262 for passing through a portion of the coil spring 272 as will be described below.

Optionally, one or more ribs 262r can be provided on the rear surface of the pusher plate 262 to add rigidity to the pusher plate 263 during a reverse motion of the pusher plate assembly 260. In one example, the ribs 262r can be formed to merge with the sidewalls 262s on the rear surface of the pusher plate 262.

As is best shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, each pusher plate assembly 260 includes a retaining portion 264 attached to the bottom wall 262b on the rear side of the pusher plate 262. The retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate assembly 260 is formed to at least partially extend into the longitudinal channel 234 in the pusher track 230 to retain the pusher plate 262 on the pusher track 230 during normal operation of the pusher system 200. For example, the retaining portion 264 can have one or more roller elements 266 adapted to be received in the longitudinal channel 234 in the pusher track 230 and retained therein by the top surface 232 of the pusher track 230.

In one example, the retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate assembly 260 can be configured to support one or more of the roller elements 266, 268 to realize a rolling engagement between the pusher plate assembly 260 and the pusher track 230. For example, the retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate assembly 260 includes a front mounting portion 264f for rotatably mounting one or more first roller elements 266. In one example, the front mounting portion 264f is formed as a clamping fastener to provide a rotatable, snap-fit arrangement with the first roller elements 266. During normal operation of the pusher system 200, the front mounting portion 264f of the retaining portion 264 can hold the first roller elements 266 to travel in the longitudinal channel 234 of the pusher track 230 and/or to rollingly engage an under surface 238 of the top portion 236 of the pusher track 230.

Additionally or alternatively, the pusher plate assembly 260 can include a rear mounting portion 264r for rotatably mounting one or more second roller elements 268. In one example shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the rear mounting portion 264r of the pusher plate assembly 260 can be formed partly by the retaining portion 264 and/or by the sidewalls 262s of the pusher plate assembly 260. In one example, the rear mounting portion 264r is formed as a clamping fastener to provide a rotatable, snap-fit arrangement with that the second roller elements 268. During normal operation of the pusher system 200, the second roller elements 268 will rest on, and roll along, the top surface 232 of the pusher track 230.

The first and second roller elements 266, 268 of the pusher plate assembly 260 can be formed in various configurations. For example, each of the first and second roller elements 266, 268 can be formed as a pair of wheels joined to a common axle, as is best shown in FIG. 5A. These rotatably joined wheels 266, 268 can be readily mounted onto respectively the front and rear mounting portions 264f, 264r of the pusher plate assembly 260 by a simple snapping action. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the first and second roller elements 266, 268 can be configured in various other forms and/or mounted to the retaining portion 264 and the pusher plate assembly 260 in various other manners.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the pusher system 200 also includes a driving unit 270 provided for each pusher plate assembly 260 to urge the same toward the front of the pusher system 200, i.e., toward the user in a normal use position of the pusher system 200. In one example, the driving unit 270 of the pusher system 200 can be accommodated in the receiving area 262a on the rear side of the pusher plate 262 in a conventional manner. In one example, the driving unit 270 can have a driving coil 272 which passes through the cutout 262c formed at the bottom of the pusher plate 262. The driving coil 272 extends, and is secured, to a front end portion of the pusher track 230 by any of various conventional manners. During the normal operation of the pusher system 200, the driving coil 272 urges the pusher plate 262, and hence the articles stored on the pusher track 230, toward the front end of the pusher system 200 for easy access of the articles by the user.

FIG. 6 shows the front panel 280 of the pusher system 200 together with one or more optional decorative panels 290. In one example, the front panel 280 can be formed to assume an L-shape when viewing from the side of the front panel 280. The bottom portion 282 of the front panel 280 is configured to be attached and mounted to the base support 210, such as to the under surface of the base support 210. In one example, the bottom portion 282 of the front panel 280 can be formed with holes 284, through which screws or bolts or similar fasteners (see FIG. 4) can pass to thereby fix the front panel 280 to the base support 210.

The front panel 280 also has an upright portion 286, which can act as a barrier of the pusher system 200, after the front panel 280 is mounted onto the base support 210, to retain the articles inside the storage chambers 250. Additionally or alternatively, the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280 can be used as a support for one or more decorative panels 290. Such decorative panels 290 can be used to provide additional aesthetic appearance to the pusher system 200 and/or to carry advertising information for merchants or manufacturers.

Various additional mechanisms can be provided on the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280 to mount the decorative panel 290 onto the upright portion 286. The mounting connection can be either removable or permanent. In one example shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of mounting slots 288 are formed in the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280 for receiving a mounting structure on the decorative panels 290. For example, the decorative panels 290 can be formed with a plurality of mounting tabs 292, which can be positioned corresponding to the mounting slots 288 in the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280. The mounting tabs 292 on the decorative panels 290 can be removably inserted in the mounting slots 288 in the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280 for connection.

Additionally or alternatively, the mounting slots 288 and the mounting tabs 292 can be configured in various manners to secure the decorative panel 290 to the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280. In one example, the mounting slots 288 on the upright portion 286 can have a narrowed region 288n to thereby prevent the corresponding mounting tabs 292 on the decorative panel 290 from freely moving along the mounting slots 288 and position the decorative panel 290 relative to the front panel 280 in a vertical direction. In another example, the mounting tabs 292 on the decorative panel 290 can have a stepped portion 292s. When the decorative panel 290 is attached to the front panel 290, the stepped portion 292s rests on the lower end of a corresponding slot 288, thereby preventing the decorative panel 290 from clasping into the front panel 280.

In a further example, the decorative panel 290 can be formed with an overhead bracket 294 on the rear side of the decorative panel 290. The overhead bracket 294 of the decorative panel 290 can hang from the top edge of the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280. The downward hanging edge 294d of the overhead bracket 294 can prevent the decorative panel 290 from being separated from the front panel 280. Additional and other types of mounting and locking mechanisms can be employed to either removably or permanently attach the decorative panel 290 to the front panel 280.

FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of a pusher system 300 formed similarly to the pusher system 200 depicted in FIGS. 3, 4, 5A-5C, and 6. In the following description of the pusher system 300, components similar to those in the above described second embodiment are designated with numeral references having the same two lower digits.

In the assembled pusher system 300, the pusher plate 362 is rollingly supported on the pusher track 330. For example, at least one of the first and second roller elements 366, 368 are in rolling engagement with the respective upper and under surfaces 332, 338 of the pusher track 330 during a dispensing and/or reloading operation. In one example, one or more second wheels 368 are arranged to roll on the upper surface 332 of the pusher track 330 when the pusher plate assembly 360 is urged by a driving unit 370 in a receiving area 362a of the pusher plate 362 and toward the front end of the pusher system 300, i.e., toward the user.

On the other hand, when the pusher plate 362 is urged toward the rear end of the pusher track 330, i.e., away from the user in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, the pusher plate 362 is subject to a torque which will impede translational motion of the pusher plate 362 along the pusher track 330. In such a case, the first roller elements 366 come into rolling engagement with the under surfaces 338 of the upper portion 336 of the pusher track 330, in addition to the rolling engagement between the second roller elements 368 and the upper surface 332 of the pusher track 330.

As a result, the pusher plate assembly 360 is in rolling engagement with the upper portion 336 of the pusher track 330 as the pusher plate 362 travels along the pusher track 330. Such rolling engagement reduces friction between the pusher plate assembly 360 and the pusher track 330, thereby making it easier for the pusher plate 362 to travel forward during the dispensing operation and/or rearward, such as when loading articles onto the pusher system 300.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A pusher system for dispensing articles, the pusher system comprising:

a pusher track having a top surface for supporting articles to be dispensed and a longitudinal channel opening to the top surface of the pusher track; and

a pusher plate assembly movably supported on the pusher track and comprising: a pusher plate biased toward a dispensing end of the pusher system; a retaining portion attached to the pusher plate and configured to extend into the longitudinal channel in the pusher track to retain the pusher plate on the pusher track and allow for translational movement along the pusher track; and one or more roller elements rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate;

wherein the pusher plate assembly and the pusher track are in a rolling engagement when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of forward and reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.

2. The pusher system of claim 1, wherein the one or more roller elements comprise a first roller element rotatably mounted to the retaining portion and retained inside the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track, whereby the first roller element is capable of rollingly engaging an under surface of the pusher track opposite to its top surface when the pusher plate is moved in the reverse direction along the pusher track.

3. The pusher system of claim 1, wherein the one or more roller elements comprise a second roller element in rolling engagement with the top surface of the pusher track during operation of the pusher system, whereby the second roller element is capable of rollingly engaging the top surface of the pusher track when the pusher plate is moved in the reverse direction along the pusher track.

4. The pusher system of claim 2, wherein the one or more roller elements comprise a second roller element in rolling engagement with the top surface of the pusher track during operation of the pusher system.

5. The pusher system of claim 3, wherein the second roller element is rotatably mounted to the pusher plate.

6. The pusher system of claim 3, wherein the second roller element is rotatably mounted to the retaining portion.

7. The pusher system of claim 4, wherein the first and second roller elements are mounted at respective front and rear ends of the pusher plate assembly.

8. The pusher system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more roller elements comprises a pair of wheels rotatably supported on an axel rotatable secured to the pusher plate assembly.

9. The pusher system of claim 9, wherein the wheel shaft is removably mounted to at least one of the retaining portion and the pusher plate.

10. The pusher system of claim 1 further comprising a driving unit for driving the pusher plate assembly along the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track toward the dispensing end of the pusher system, thereby urging the articles stored on the pusher track in the forward direction.

11. A pusher system for dispensing articles, the pusher system comprising:

a pusher track having a top surface for supporting articles to be dispensed and a longitudinal channel opening to the top surface of the pusher track; and

a pusher plate assembly movably supported on the pusher track and biased toward a dispensing end of the pusher system, the pusher plate assembly comprising a retaining portion configured to extend into the longitudinal channel in the pusher track; and

one or more roller elements rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate assembly and configured to retain the pusher plate assembly on the pusher track and allow for translation movement of the pusher plate along the pusher track;

wherein the one or more roller elements are in roller contact with the pusher track, resulting in a rolling engagement between the pusher plate assembly and the pusher track when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of forward and reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.

12. The pusher system of claim 11, wherein the one or more roller elements comprise a first roller element rotatably mounted to the retaining portion of the pusher plate assembly and retained inside the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track, whereby the first roller element is capable of rollerly engaging an under surface of the pusher track opposite to its top surface.

13. The pusher system of claim 12, wherein the one or more roller elements comprise a second roller element in rolling engagement with the top surface of the pusher track during operation of the pusher system.

14. The pusher system of claim 11, wherein the one or more roller elements comprise a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the retaining portion of the pusher plate assembly and retained inside the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track, wherein the pair of wheels are positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal opening through which the longitudinal channel opens to the top surface of the pusher track.

15. A pusher system for dispensing articles, the pusher system comprising:

a base support;

a plurality of pusher tracks removably mounted on the base support, each of the plurality of pusher tracks having a top surface for supporting articles to be dispensed and a longitudinal channel opening to the top surface of the pusher track; and

a plurality of pusher plate assemblies movably supported on the respective plurality of pusher tracks and each comprising: a pusher plate biased toward a dispensing end of the pusher system; a retaining portion attached to the pusher plate and configured to extend into the longitudinal channel in the pusher track to retain the pusher plate on the pusher track and allow for translational movement along the pusher track; and one or more roller elements rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate;

wherein the pusher plate assembly and the pusher track are in a rolling engagement when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of forward and reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.

16. The pusher system of claim 15 further comprising a pair of retainers mounted to the base support, wherein the pair of retainers each comprise a plurality of first anchoring elements aligned with one another for engaging complimentary anchoring elements on the plurality of pusher tracks thereby mounting the plurality pusher tracks on the base support.

17. The pusher system of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of dividers to form, with the plurality of pusher plates, a plurality of storage chambers along the respective pusher tracks, wherein the pair of retainers each comprise a plurality of second anchoring elements aligned with one another for engaging complimentary anchoring elements on the plurality of dividers thereby mounting the plurality dividers on the base support.

18. The pusher system of claim 17, wherein the pair of retainers each comprise a plurality of second anchoring elements between adjacent pusher tracks for mounting one of the plurality dividers at different positions between the adjacent pusher tracks.

19. The pusher system of claim 17, wherein the anchoring elements on the pair or retainers comprises at least one of hooks and slots configured to connect with the complimentary anchoring elements on at least one of the pusher tracks and the dividers.

20. A pusher plate assembly configured for use with a pusher track having a top surface for supporting articles to be dispensed and a channel opening to the top surface of the pusher track, the pusher plate assembly comprising:

a pusher plate biased toward a dispensing end of the pusher track;

a retaining portion attached to the pusher plate and configured to extend into the channel in the pusher track to retain the pusher plate on the pusher track and allow for translational movement along the pusher track; and

one or more roller elements rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate;

wherein the pusher plate assembly is capable of rollingly engaging the pusher track during operation when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of forward and reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.