Abstract: A wheeled pusher system is provided. Situated upon a retail merchandise shelf is pusher assembly interposed between a pair of partition walls for facing retail merchandise. Various improvements are disclosed including the incorporation of wheels with the pusher assembly to reduce jamming and drag as the pusher assembly faces retail merchandise, a single and separate mounting rail to facilitate easier assembly of the system, and a ramped product support surface integral to the partitions to more effectively face the retail merchandise.

Abstract: In a cigarette display system 1000, a plurality of wall units 500 can be linked in an vertical direction, and tray units 200 can be arranged in desired positions on a front surface of the wall units 500. Each of the tray units 200 can hold a plurality of magazine units 100 arranged in a lateral direction, and each of the magazine units 100 can hold a plurality of cigarette packs T arranged in a direction from front to back. Accordingly, it is possible to freely change a layout in which the cigarette packs T are arranged and displayed in the vertical and lateral directions so that cigarette cartons K or the like having a shape which cannot be accommodated in the magazine unit 100 can be displayed as well. As described above, the present invention provides the cigarette display system 1000 having a structure in which the layout of the cigarette packs T to be displayed or the like can be changed in various forms.

Abstract: A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall, and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on said mounting member in a sliding manner. The track extends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The track includes an elongated rail extending longitudinally along the track, and a pusher slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A divider is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner, wherein the divider extends approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The divider is spaced from the track.

Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base and a dampener assembly mounted to the spring-urged pusher configured to control the rate of speed at which the spring-urged pusher is urged forward.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in stores. Numerous products in a store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The pusher includes ends that may be independently biased. The pusher system also includes removable dividers that separate product channels and also limit the amount of product that may be removed at a time from the shelf.

Abstract: A two-piece, adjustable width merchandising tray for the organized display of multiple product containers. Two L-shaped tray sections, formed of plastic material. The bottom portions of the two L-shaped sections are provided with laterally extending, interengaging fingers that enable the width of the tray to be adjusted for different product sizes while maintaining substantial continuity to the surface of the bottom structure for containment of product leakage. An asymmetrical side wall arrangement with a forwardly projecting hand grip at the front of one of the side walls enables individual trays to be removed and replaced from a closely packed array of trays arranged in side-by-side fashion. The trays can be conveniently lifted and carried for product restocking, reorganizing, tray cleaning, etc. A simple pull strip and paddle arrangement enables product to be fronted at all times. Double stacking of product containers is also accommodated.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A low profile shelf system that improves the merchandising of product by creating more spacing between shelves to accommodate larger product includes low profile shelf supports. Each low-profile shelf support may define a back portion and a front portion. The back portion may include a fastening plate attached thereto, each fastening plate having a hook formation that can be inserted into a slotted upright. The back portion of the shelf support may be at least 75% vertically longer than the front portion, resulting in the front portion having a significantly lower profile than the back portion of the shelf support, thereby creating more spacing between shelves to accommodate larger product.

Abstract: A system of retail store fixtures having downwardly mounted spring feeding pusher devices for pushing products toward the front of shelves. In one embodiment, the pusher devices extend downward from shelves and push products in open tray type of bulk product shipment containers on a lower shelf forward toward the consumer. In another embodiment, the pushers and product trays are in a self-contained module for placement on shelves.

Abstract: A device (10) for automatically dispensing and ejecting products (B), includes at least one tray (P) having a series of channels (C), which are separated by a partition (34), stop elements (40) and a series of controlled ejection members, characterized in that each partition is a separation plate (34) which can occupy an active separation position and a retracted position so as to constitute a modular device (10) having an adjustable number of channels (C) of different transverse widths, and in that the device (10) includes elements which are able to supply signals representative of the presence of each separation plate (34) in the active position, these signals being able to be processed by a dispensing control unit associated with the device.

Abstract: An adapter with trays and dividers for use with existing merchandise displays that allows for the display of products that would not otherwise fit within existing merchandise displays. In some embodiments, the adapter works in conjunction with pusher devices of existing merchandise displays so that product is pushed to the front of the tray as product is removed from the tray.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of an exemplary embodiment includes a pusher surface and a pusher floor that extends forward of the pusher surface. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher mechanism and extend across a divider and to the front of the shelf In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the pusher floor. With this configuration, the pusher surface is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. In an alternative aspect, the end of the coiled spring may be mounted to a retainer, or alternatively, may be mounted to a divider.

Abstract: An expandable display system that has an expanded position for displaying products and a compact position for efficient shipment. The expandable display system includes a product tray and a graphic panel, with the graphic panel being configured to rotate around the product tray so that the expandable display system can move from the compact position to the expanded position and vice versa. In certain embodiments, the expandable display system includes a locking mechanism that prevents the graphic panel from separating from the product tray when the graphic panel rotates around the product tray as the expandable display system moves from the compact position to the expanded position.

Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shelf divider system for retail store product storage and display; more particularly, the present invention enables organization and presentation of a wide variety and types of products. A plurality of shelf dividers attach substantially perpendicularly to a pair of base strips. This perpendicular attachment is accomplished by inserting snap-fit pegs on the bottom of the shelf dividers into an array of mating holes formed in the base strips. Each adjacent pair of dividers forms a product organizing channel to keep the products in neat rows on the store shelf. Product paddles slide through the product organizing channel. An elongated pull ring attached to the product paddle causes products to move through the product organizing channel across the product shelf toward the front edge of the product shelf.

Abstract: A display device has a spring-biased pusher carried on an elongate track. A sample carrier may be located at a front end of the track. A number of such tracks and pushers may be arrayed side-by-side with one or more pitch(es) corresponding to the products being displayed in a number of columns or lanes associated with each track and pusher. The sample carrier may include a principal portion unitarily formed with the track and one or more additional portions securable thereto to retain the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and feeding product includes a) a tray having a front end, b) a sidewall clip, carried by a first extremity of a sidewall, attached to the front end of the tray, c) a paddle clip attached to the front end of the tray, d) a third elongate abutment clip, carried by an abutment, attached to the first and paddle clips, e) a paddle mounted to the tray for reciprocal movement in opposition to the abutment, and f) a spring coupling the paddle clip to the paddle and biasing the paddle toward the abutment.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A linear chip pusher for dispensing food items, such as potato chips, from a container is disposed within the bottom end of the container and includes a ram that is linearly slidable through the cavity of the container for pushing potato chips out from the opening at the egress end of the container and a rod attachable to the ram and manually gripped by the individual to facilitate pushing the ram through the cavity of the container in a linear and controlled manner so that the potato chips can be sequentially dispensed from the opening of the container in the desired quantity for consumption.

Abstract: An assembly for securing to a shelf having products disposed thereon and connection points spaced apart by a fixed distance includes an adjustable product display partition and a biasing device for biasing a row of products toward a front of the shelf. The product display partition includes a number of openings for selectively securing it to the shelf. The product display portion may be reversible with walls of differing heights to accommodate products of various heights. The biasing device includes a product advancing member slidably mounted to a base portion with a support for holding at least one product against its face. A biasing element biases the product advancing member toward a first end of the base. A product held against the face pushes against a product not held against said face to bias a row of products toward the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A product display system with a shelf, a dispensing member, and a pushing member for dispensing product while making product visible to customers and limiting accessibility of the product so that theft is minimized.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises an elongate support member configured to support a plurality of packaged products thereon. A product pusher device is movably supported on the support member for forward and rearward movement along it. The product pusher device has a biasing mechanism therein that engages the support member and applies a relative force thereto from the pusher device such that the product pusher device engages a rearmost one of the plurality of packaged products and applies a pushing force thereto so as to move the packaged products forward towards the distal end of the support member. The biasing mechanism is completely supported in the product pusher device and moves therewith on the support member.

Abstract: A display shelf for displaying a plurality of items of merchandise includes a tray having a base, a front portion, a rear portion, a first side, a second side, and a track disposed on the base. A first side member slidably engaging the first side of the tray and a second side member slidable engages the second side of the tray. The side members are displaceable to accommodate items of various widths. A biasing mechanism biases the items of merchandise toward the front of the tray, and has a biasing element and a merchandise advancing member slidably engaging the track. A stop tab is disposed on the base for restricting the rearward movement of the merchandise advancing member to limit the number of items than can be displayed on the display shelf.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for displaying and dispensing merchandise in the form of packages arranged serially along a path of travel leading to a dispensing location at a point-of-purchase, the improvement utilizing a single spring member to establish a forward-directed biasing force urging the packages forward against a gate at the dispensing location, and to establish a rearward-directed biasing force on a pivotal connection for biasing the gate into the path of travel canted rearwardly at a steep acute angle to retain a forward-most package at the dispensing location. The gate can be pivoted selectively into a rearwardly canted position at a shallow acute angle to the path of travel for enabling restocking of serially arranged merchandise packages from the front of the apparatus by inserting packages through the dispensing location in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A shelf unit for displaying products in a space saving manner includes brackets for securing to a support and a tray extending between the brackets. The tray has a front portion with edges arranged so that adjacent edges are disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern. A face portion configured to conform to the front portion is disposed over the front portion and has a window for viewing a product disposed behind the window. Adjustable partitions are disposed on the tray and define rows for displaying the products. A biasing mechanism biases the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit. Each biasing mechanisms has a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member. The products are arranged in adjacent rows at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the edges of the front portion of the tray.

Abstract: A display for retail items is provided with a pusher for moving items on the display towards the front of the display. The pusher is biased towards the front portion of the display by an elastic band stretched around at least three attachment points. One attachment point is secured to the display. Another attachment point is secured to the pusher. Additional attachment points may be secured in either location.

Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers includes a generally flat panel which supports products and a motion providing device adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device may include a motor-driven cam that moves the panel quickly in one direction and then slowly in the opposite direction. During the quick movement of the panel, the friction between the panel and the products resting on the panel is released and the panel generally moves under the products while the products remain generally stationary. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher.

Abstract: A merchandising system may comprise a first base comprising a horizontal surface and at least one vertical panel and a member configured to couple the merchandising system to a shelf system. The member may be configured to be provided in a first position where the member engages the shelf system and the member may be configured to be provided in a second position where the member is in a stowed position.

Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. The system includes shelves, product dividers and front retaining walls of a height and position to inhibit access to displayed products. Individual taller retaining tabs may be added in front of taller product to inhibit access. Rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls to further restrict access. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. An alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and to provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product or to a potential theft situation. The alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like.

Abstract: A pusher assembly is positionable on a shelf for maintaining product on the shelf. The pusher assembly includes a pusher frame, a pusher plate assembly, at least one stop member, and a pusher plate biasing assembly. The pusher frame has a front end, a rear end, a first sidewall, a spatially disposed second sidewall and at least one product receiving space formed between the first and second sidewalls. The pusher plate assembly is disposed in the at least one product receiving space and is selectively movable through the at least one product receiving space for moving product through the at least one product receiving space. The at least one stop member is connected to the front end of the pusher frame for stabilizing product in the at least one product receiving space. The pusher plate biasing assembly biases the pusher plate assembly forward toward the at least one stop member.

Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.

Abstract: A spring-driven pusher assembly of a merchandise dispenser in which the spring is carried entirely on the pusher assembly behind the articles being dispensed to thereby eliminate any interference problems with RF signals or the like used for purposes of determining inventories and the like. Preferably, the spring is a spiral spring that rotates a drive wheel when the spring uncoils. The drive wheel cooperatively engages a guide track on the base of the dispenser, and the rotation of the drive wheel causes the pusher assembly to advance along the guide track toward the dispensing end of the dispenser.

Abstract: A slidable pull-out tray for displaying merchandise in a very neat and attractive manner while making it very easy for the customers to remove a package from the display and very easy for the store proprietor to restock the merchandise. In one embodiment, the trays are self supported by cantilever brackets attached to a gondola bracket fixture. No shelves are required, thereby maximizing the total amount of goods that can be stocked within a given vertical height. In one embodiment, the floor of each tray is an open grid thereby greatly facilitating cleaning of the fixtures. Pusher paddle assemblies engage the open grid and slide along bars forming the grid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a dispensing system (for dispensing a product) that helps prevent theft, while also providing a simple, easy to manufacture advancing or pushing system that advances product forward. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a base having a back portion, a platform having a track, a flexible plastic pushing device with a connecting end and a pushing end, wherein the connecting end is attached to the back portion of the base, and wherein the pushing end slides along the platform track to advance product to be dispensed forward, and a hood that covers the base.

Abstract: A merchandising system and methods for merchandising products within a well display case are disclosed. The merchandising system includes a platform movably coupled to a base member and may include an advancement mechanism for automatically advancing multiple rows and/or stacks of products within well display unit.

Abstract: A pusher system for biasing retail merchandise forward is provided. The pusher system includes a front wall structure, a pair of walls, a pusher, and a spring. The pair of walls are operably coupled to the front wall structure. The pair of walls are in opposing spaced relation to each other. The pair of walls are also transverse to and extend rearwardly from the front wall structure to define a receptacle for the retail merchandise. The pusher is interposed between the pair of walls. The spring acts upon the pusher such that the pusher is movable toward the front wall structure between the pair of walls under the action of the spring. The pusher is movable laterally between and guided by the walls so that the pusher is free of a central track.

Abstract: A plurality of pairs of opposed and vertically spaced guide rails are provided on the right and left sides of frame rods provided at the front and rear sides of a frame unit. Each guide rail has a cut portion provided at an appropriate intermediate position on the lower side thereof. A free tray adapted to be mounted on a pair of opposed right and left guide rails has projections at appropriate positions on the right and left side ends of the bottom thereof. The projections are engageable with the cut portions of the right and left guide rails. Individual trays are placed in parallel on the free tray. Each individual tray has a high side wall on one longitudinally extending side thereof and a low guide wall on the other longitudinally extending side. Each individual tray has a mount provided in a front end portion thereof and a slider slidable along a longitudinal slot rail provided in the center of the bottom thereof.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for increasing the utility and attractiveness of a literature display are provided. The improved apparatus include a literature rack that automatically advances the remaining copies of literature to the front of the literature rack when copies of literature are removed from the rack. Further, a sloped ramp may be provided to prevent the copies of literature from flopping forward and a lifting portion may be provided to lift the front-most copy of literature above the remaining copies. Multiple energy storage devices may be used in parallel to power the self-advancing feature and may possess reduced-friction properties. Additional signage cards may also be provided to denote that all copies have been purchased from the rack and to provide further space for advertisements or information. Additionally, all of these improved functionalities may be achieved by modifying a pre-existing traditional literature rack with a rack insert possessing the improved apparatus.

Abstract: A product display tray configured for use on a shelf is disclosed. The product display tray includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left side, a right side, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting items. The side wall is selectively positionable a distance from a side of the base and is substantially parallel to the side.

Abstract: A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner. The track extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. An elongated rail extends longitudinally along the track. A spring urged pusher is slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A slot extends transversely along a bottom face of the track. A first smooth contact surface is located on the mounting member approximately a horizontally oriented wall. A second smooth contact surface is located on the track adjacent the slot. The second contact surface engages the first contact surface to retard a sideward sliding motion of the track in relation to the mounting member.

Abstract: A modular pusher system for use with articles of merchandise in a display includes pusher tracks and dividers, each of which include detachable sections so that these basic components can be used in pusher systems of different depths. Spring loaded pushers are mounted on the tracks, and both the tracks and the dividers can be snap fit into slots in front and rear extrusions that can be mounted on a shelf. The tracks and the dividers include notches and cut-out sections which define auxiliary latching mechanisms intermediate the ends thereof, which can be snapped into the rear extrusion when rear sections are detached.

Abstract: A merchandising system is disclosed. The merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of products contained in product cases comprising a base having a front end and a back end, the base being configured to support the products. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the products from the back end to the front end, and a frame that engages a successive product unit to be presented for display.

Abstract: A merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a base having a front and a back, the base being configured to support the articles and defining a first space for containing the articles. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the articles toward the front of the base, wherein the assembly comprises a member configured to extend beyond the base to create a second space for containing the articles in addition to the first space.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both wide and narrow product includes a unique pusher mechanism having an extendable pusher face. The pusher mechanism is mounted to a track on a base that is, in turn, mounted to a store shelf. The pusher face is transversely extendable relative the track and is extendable from a retracted position to one of several extended positions. The extended pusher face locates the product pushing surface behind the approximate center of the wider product, thereby greatly enhancing the pushing leverage on the product.

Abstract: A display rack for rounded articles generally includes a product track with a pusher block slidably mounted thereon. The pusher block is biased toward a front portion of the display rack, and the side walls of the display rack are configured to support a circular or elliptical product. Additionally, the display rack can be provided with front and/or rear removable panel carriers configured to removably receive front and rear panels.

Abstract: A product fronting assembly and method for fronting product is provided. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a base having a bottom, a front, a rear, and opposite sides. The assembly can also include a frame slidable within the base and having a front at least partially defining a handle and opposed sides coupled to the front of the frame. The opposed sides can be spaced a distance apart and between which product upon the base is received, and can be positioned to rest and slide upon the bottom and/or sides of the base. In some embodiments, the frame also includes a rear coupled to the opposed sides and movable by movement of the front of the frame to front product in the assembly.

Abstract: A merchandising system for articles comprising a connector, a first divider coupled to the connector, and a second divider coupled to the connector wherein a compartment of a first size is provided when the first divider is coupled to a portion of the connector and the second divider is coupled to a portion of the connector.

Abstract: A merchandising device displays a column of articles having a lead article with a front contour. The device includes a base member with first second and third columns of slots. A first side panel has a plurality of downwardly extending feet protruding through slots in the first column connecting the first side panel to the base member. A first post attached to the first side panel. A second side panel, spaced from the first side panel, has a plurality of downwardly extending feet protruding through slots in one of the second and third second columns to connect the second side panel to the base member. A second post is attached to the second side panel. A flexible front stop member is attached to the first and second posts. The front stop member is greater in length than the spacing between the first and second posts to adopt the contour of the lead article.

Abstract: A display rack for rounded articles generally includes a product track with a pusher block slidably mounted thereon. The pusher block is biased toward a front portion of the display rack, and the side walls of the display rack are configured to support a circular or elliptical product. Additionally, the display rack can be provided with front and/or rear removable panel carriers configured to removably receive front and rear panels.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing medical items (68, 70, 72) includes dispenser modules (28, 30) movably mounted thereon. The dispenser modules are selectively operative to dispense medical items therefrom into a path (54) which is connected to a delivery area (20) of the dispenser. The dispenser and the dispenser modules therein are configured to provide security against unauthorized access thereto. However an authorized user is enabled to readily access the dispenser modules and the medical items therein by unlocking a lock (22), opening a door (16) and extending the dispenser modules through an opening (18). With the dispenser modules in the extended position the medical items therein may be replenished. Alternatively, the dispenser modules may be disconnected from the dispenser and replaced with substitute dispenser modules.