MX2008011583A - Multi-component display and merchandise systems. - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed.

Description

MUL ICOMPONENT EXHIBITOR AND MERCHANDISE SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates, with a system for displaying, pushing and dividing merchandise in merchandise display shelves, especially for displaying, pushing, and dividing merchandise on shelves that have limited heights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores or stores, and the like, exhibit frozen products to consumers in freezers with glass doors. In the display of products in these freezers, it is desirable that the product on the shelves inside the freezer is located towards the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and accessible to consumers. One way that can be considered to achieve that placement is to use product push systems to push the product toward the front of the shelf. However, many freezers, like some other shelf areas in retail environments, may have a limited height between shelves and it may be difficult or impossible to install push systems with dividers of significant height in those environments. Although a lower height divider may be acceptable for some environments and for some products, for others, such as frozen products bolted in a grocery freezer, a lower height divider is less acceptable. When a display system that uses an impeller is used on embossed frozen foods, for example the products can move laterally on a divider and reduce the effectiveness of the system if the divider is of lower height. The bags can be forced by the impeller between the divider and the upper shelf or the upper wall of the freezing unit, preventing the impeller from advancing the additional product to the front of the merchandiser. With the lowest height divider, the system can not operate efficiently. The present invention, among other things, is aimed at overcoming those drawbacks and disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aspects of the present invention include a multi-component divider and a base system used in product management display systems and which can be configured for confined spaces, such as a freezer. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the multicomponent divider can include a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component can be connected by sliding to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component can extend above the first divider component, thereby extending the total height of the divider. The base can be connected to a shelf in a freezer or other place where there is limited space between shelves, even in applications where a higher divider may be preferred. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the multicomponent divider can be used with a base that can optionally have a rail. The rail can extend generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The optional drive can be connected to the rail to push the product toward the front of the shelf. The optional impeller can be fixed or it can have a push face that is laterally adjustable to improve the leverage of pushing on a wider product. The present invention combines and is better on elements of pending applications by adding a multiple part splitter system. The system starts with an integrated base and divider assembly, in which the integrated divider section is less than the desired total height. The base and divider assembly combines in a single integrated component, a full-width rail, a first divider section, and a narrow lane. A narrow and strong end piece can be used to provide a second separation similar to a multi-part divider, optionally a broad or narrow rail, for mating with a narrow rail of the base assembly and divider, or near the wide rail portion. one end of either side of a shelf. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a biased pusher may be used with a spring having an upper portion that is biased, via an angled biased portion from a lower portion of the impeller. The upper deflection portion may extend, advantageously further out from the center of different products to be displayed. This deflection driver may allow the use of a minimum number of components while still pushing products relatively close to their centers, having the advantage of pushing them evenly with less energy. When a wide product is exhibited, one or more support rails, any of which may have an impeller, may be used under the product.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a base and divider assembly can be coupled to a front rail via a complementary tongue and groove arrangement. Any of the components having a multi-component divider panel, such as a base and divider assembly and a final terminator, may also contain any of several coupling mechanisms for non-slidable engagement with the corresponding coupling mechanisms of the front rail. For example, the teeth on a base can be coupled to the corresponding teeth on the front rail. The teeth of this type allow a base and divider assembly, full length rail, and / or end terminators with corresponding teeth to be located in virtually continuous positions along the front rail and can prevent the components from moving in a unintentional of their intended positions during the activity of buying and replenishing normal shelves. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a splitter assembly of base and multiple components may include tear lines and break lines. That combination of tear lines and break line can be used to advantage to produce a part that can be used by freezer shelves or other environments of limited height that have different depths, such as 40.64 centimeters or 25.4 centimeters (16 inches or 10 inches). inches). According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, an impeller rail can include a depression, which can be used while goods are being replenished to maintain an impeller near the back of a full-width rail or a base assembly and divider. To use the depression to maintain an impeller at the rear of the rail, a person can move the impeller back from the depression and can tilt the top of the impeller towards the front of the rail. The merchandise can be replenished without having to manually maintain the remote impeller. To remove the impeller from the depression, the impeller can be pushed towards the rear of the rail, the impeller will then return to a vertical position and move along the rail in its usual way. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the front edges of the respective surfaces displaced by the impeller can be automatically coupled to a bent portion of the helical spring of the impeller when the impeller is inserted on the front part of the rail. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the multicomponent splitter and the base system can use an impeller having a straight or deflected thrust face, with a flat thrust surface or other suitable shape for pushing packages of specific products, such as cylindrical products. . According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the multiple component base and divider system can be a push mechanism having an adjustable push panel to accommodate both narrow and wide product without the need to add, remove or change parts or components. of the push mechanism or the product display system. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the multi-component base and divider system can include a unique push mechanism having an extendable thrust face. The thrust mechanism is mounted to a rail that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The rail is formed in a base which, in turn, is mounted directly or indirectly to a shelf of the store or warehouse. The thrust face is transversely extendable relative to the rail and is extendable from a retracted position to several extended positions. The extended thrust face locates the product thrust surface behind the center or near the center of the widest or widest product thereby greatly increasing the thrust leverage on the product. The additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 describes an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a base and a multiple component divider of the present invention. Figure 2 depicts a rearward view of the top and bottom components of the divider during the installation of the top component in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 depicts a front view of the top and bottom components of the divider and the tongue and groove joint of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 depicts a front view of the groove and flange of the top component of the divider of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 describes another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a base and a multiple component divider of the present invention. Figure 6 depicts an internal view of the groove and flange of the top component of the splitter of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 depicts a view of a flange near the front end of the top component of the divider of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the opposite side wall of the cut top component. Figure 8 depicts a view of a flange near the rear end of the top component of the divider of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the opposite side wall of the cut top component. Figure 9 describes an exemplary embodiment of a base and a multiple component divider of the present invention positioned for installation on a freezer shelf. Figure 10 describes an exemplary embodiment of a base and a multiple component divider of the present invention that is angled to engage the base in the front rail for installation on a freezer shelf. Figure 11 depicts the top component of the divider of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is aligned with the lower component of the divider for installation.

Figure 12 describes the top component of the splitter of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is slidably installed and engaged on the lower component of the divider. Figure 13 describes the top component of the splitter of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention installed on the lower component of the splitter. Figure 14 describes two examples of base and multiple component dividers of the present invention, with impellers of different widths installed on a freezer shelf. Figure 15 describes a bagged frozen food product presented between two base examples and multiple component dividers of the present invention installed on a freezer shelf. Figure 16 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the lower front end of the base of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 depicts a perspective view of the lower front end of the base of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 describes an oblique side view of the front rail of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 depicts an isometric view of an integrated multi-component base and divider assembly without impeller in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Figure 20 shows a deflected driver according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Figure 21 describes another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-component base and divider of Figure 1. Figure 22 describes another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-component base and divider of Figure 1. Figure 23 describes another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-component base and divider of Figure 1. Before some of the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description and illustrated in the figures. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting the invention. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof means that it encompasses the elements listed below and their equivalents as well as additional elements and equivalents thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION A base and division system can be used to separate products and retail space in rows. A divider can be integrated with a base or can be removably attached to a base. A base and divider can be used in various environments, including on shelves in unheated environments and in freezers, chillers or other tempered portions of an environment. These environments can be retail environments. (such as grocery stores, retail stores or pharmacies or other retail environments), exhibitors, storage or non-retail environments. In various environments, such as on shelves in a grocery freezer, the base and multiple component divider in operation can extend from near the front of the freezer shelf to near the back of the freezer shelf. The splitter of the base system and divider of multiple components may comprise numerous components. In one embodiment, the divisor may comprise two components. In other embodiments, the divisor may comprise three, four or more components. With a two-component splitter, a lower component of the splitter can be connected to the base. The lower component can be connected to the base forming integrally with the base or it can be connected to the base through a slot, dovetail, key and lock mechanism or other connection. An upper component of the splitter can be connected to the lower component of the splitter. In one embodiment, the upper component of the splitter can be coupled to the lower component of the splitter and can also be uncoupled from the lower component of the splitter. In one embodiment, the total height of the divider is increased when the upper component of the divider is connected to the lower component of the divider. The multi-component divider can divide the base into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the base can be referred to as a wide or wide portion of the base and the second portion can be referred to as a narrow portion of the base. As will be apparent, any suitable ratio of widths for the first and second portions of the base can be chosen. For example, the multi-component divider can bisect the base, so that the first and second portions of the base are of substantially equal width.

A multi-component base and divider system can be placed in one environment in a number of steps. In one embodiment, the base and the lower component of the divider can be placed first in an environment, such as a freezer, and on a shelf. During installation the back of the base can be rotated upward to allow the front portion of the base to engage a front rail or other connection device that is part of the shelf or that has been connected to the shelf. When the rear portion of the base is turned upward, the lower component of the divider can also be turned upward. In a restricted environment, this action may put the lower part of the divider closer to and in some cases in contact with a roof, upper shelf or other upper barrier of the freezer shelf space. Once the base engages with the connecting device, the rear portion of the base can be lowered from the shelf, which can further lower the rear portion of the lower divider component. The upper component of the divider can then be placed in contact with the lower component of the divider. The lower component of the divider may include a groove, groove, groove, channel, dovetail insert or other structure that helps maintain contact with the top component of the divider. The term "groove" should be interpreted here as if it included a groove, groove, groove, channel, dovetail insert or similar structure. The slot in the lower component of the divider can be placed in or towards the top of the lower component of the divider. In some modalities, the lower component of the splitter may include a plurality of slots: the lower component may include two, three or more slots, depending on the application and the desired operation and properties of the splitter. A slot can be placed along the entire length of the lower component and can be placed only along a part of the length. The upper component of the divider can include the structure that can be placed in cooperation with the slot, groove, groove, channel, dovetail insert or other structure of the lower component of the divider. The cooperating structure of the upper component may include a flange, projection, flange, tongue, extension, dovetail or other structure that helps to place the upper and lower components of the divider together. The term "flange" should be interpreted here as including a flange, projection, flange, extension, tongue, dovetail, or other similar structure. In some embodiments, the upper component of the divider may include a plurality of ridges: the upper component may include two, three, four, five six or more ridges, depending on the application and desired operation and properties of the divider. In one embodiment, the upper component of the splitter can be placed in contact with the lower component of the splitter. One or more ridges on the top component of the divider may be placed within or in contact with one or more grooves of the lower component of the divider. The upper divider component can then slide over the lower divider component until the rear portion of the upper divider component reaches or becomes closer to the rear portion of the lower divider component. Due to the structure of the upper component and the lower component of the divider, they can remain in contact with each other and behave in a similar way to a single unit during the operation of the shelf. In one embodiment, the upper divider component will not be easily removed from the lower divider component unless it slides back toward the front of the shelf. The components of the divider can also include a clamp, retention mechanism or snap-fit mechanism. An upper (or lower) component of the divider may have an elastic portion near its base. This elastic portion may be coupled to a detent or flange on a lower (or upper) component of the divider, so that the upper component of the divider generally remains in place during normal operation of the divider. In one embodiment the operation of the upper component and the lower component can be interchanged. For example, the upper component may contain one or more slots and the lower component may contain one or more ridges. In that embodiment, the operation of the upper component and the lower component will behave in a manner similar to the upper and lower components described above. For example, the two components can be connected together when one or more flanges of the lower component are placed within one or more grooves of the upper component. A multi-component base and divider system may include an impeller rail and may be used in cooperation with an impeller, a coil spring, a front rail and other structure, the components and devices described in 6,041,720 entitled "Display System and Product Administration ", issued March 28, 2000 and 4,830,201 entitled" Spring-Powered Shelf Divider System ", issued May 16, 1989. Patents Nos. 6,041,720 and 4,830,201 were both granted to RTC Industries, Inc., and they are incorporated here as a reference in their entirety. In one embodiment, a base 42 can include a generally flat surface which has a front end 40. The base 42 can be configured to be coupled with or mounted on a shelf, like a shelf used in a freezer. The base 42 can be connected to a front rail via a complementary tongue and groove arrangement. The front end 40 of the base 42 may include a tab 44 or a plurality of tabs and one or more slots 46. A tab 44 of the base 42 may engage or come into cooperative contact with a slot in a shelf, a front rail or another structure connected to the shelf. One or more grooves 46 can be coupled or in cooperative contact with a tongue on a shelf, a front rail or other structure connected to the shelf. An example of an effective tongue and groove arrangement is the complementary tongue and groove arrangement of the base and the front rail described in Patent No. 6,964,235. According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, any of the components of the multicomponent divider coupled to a front rail via a complementary tongue arrangement as described in Patent No. 6,041,720. The base and divider assembly of multiple components 400 and the full rail may not be slidably coupled together. For example, the teeth 48, shown in Figure 17, can be coupled to a corresponding non-slip engaging detail in a front rail, such as the front rail 90 shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is an oblique side view of the rail 90. The teeth 96 allow a multi-component base and divider assembly 400, the full-width rail and / or the left end component with the corresponding teeth to be located in substantially continuous positions along the front rail. The coupled teeth may be relatively thin and spaced apart to allow precise placement of the driver rail components. The teeth advantageously prevent the component from moving unintentionally from its position always during the purchase and replenishment activity of the normal shelf. As will be apparent, other forms of positive coupling of the base assembly and multiple component divider 400, full width rail, and / or a left end component with the front rail may also be used. For example, teeth in the front rail could bite the bottom of the drive rail components. A compression adjustment arrangement could be used in which a tongue of the impeller rail component is tightened in a front rail. The front rail could have rubber in a groove that receives a serrated tongue of a component of the driving rail. A front rail can help connect the base and the multi-component divider to a shelf. The term "connect" as used herein encompasses connections, assemblies, contact and direct and indirect coupling. In one embodiment, a front rail 90 (FIG. 18) can be connected to a shelf, such as a shelf of a freezer. The connection can be aided by bolts, clamps, screws, adhesives and other connectors. The front rail 90 may include one or more slots 92 and one or more tabs 94. The front rail may also include teeth 96. The teeth may take many configurations and may include numerous thin or thick teeth or may include only a few teeth. The teeth may be substantially continuous or may only be in one or more portions of the front rail 90. The front rail may also include a slot 98 which can be used to hold various devices such as a barrier or front wall. In one embodiment, a divider 10 can be used in conjunction with a base 42. The divider 10 can include two components, a lower component 20 and an upper component 30. The divider 10 can be used to separate marketed products, such as bagged frozen vegetables or frozen foods in boxes, in rows or shelves. The lower component 20 can be fixed to the base 42, can be formed as a unitary structure with the base 42 or can be connected (liberally or non-liberally) to the base 42 through a connector, including a dovetail, a series of ridges and grooves, slit or similar structure . It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variations can be made to the base and lower component of the divider to accommodate the insertion, placement, or removal of the lower component of the dividers, variations that are within the scope of the invention. For example, it may be desirable to provide a slidable coupling of the lower component of the splitter with the base. As another example, it should be understood that the lower part of the divider can be formed integrated with the base, or placed under pressure in the base, so that the lower part of the divider can not be easily removed from the base. In one embodiment, the lower component 20 of the splitter has an upper edge 22. (Figure 2). Under the upper edge 22 of the lower component of the divider, at least one groove 24 can be located. The groove 24 can run parallel to the upper edge 22. The groove can be located on either side of the lower component of the divider 20. The grooves can also be located on both sides of the divider. The lower component of the divider, in one embodiment, is of sufficient width 23 to support the slot 24 (Figure 3). The slot can be located at any distance from the upper edge of the lower component, and can be located near the upper edge of the lower component. Multiple grooves may be located on the same or alternating sides of the lower component, and may be located at the same distance from the upper edge of the lower component or, alternatively, they may deviate and be located at different places on the upper edge of the lower component of the divider. The grooves can be horizontal or they can be located in non-horizontal, angled or other linear or non-linear patterns. The lower component 20 may include a front end 21 and a rear end 26. In one embodiment, the upper component 30 may include numerous portions. In Figure 3, portions of one embodiment of the upper component 30 include side walls 33 and the upper portion 39. The side walls 33 and the upper portion 39 can form a slot 32. (Figure 4). The slot 32 can be formed of side walls 33 which overlap and extend downwardly along the lower edge 37 of the upper portion 39 of the upper component 30. The side walls 33 can be of any height .. The side walls 33 and the upper portion 39 may be formed of a single unitary construction or may consist of individual constructions which have been connected together or otherwise coupled. The upper component 30 can include a front end 31 and a rear end 36. The side walls 33 can be sized to align the upper component 30 of the divider 10 and the lower component 20 of the divider 10. The side walls 33 can also be sized to provide rigidity between the upper component 30 of the divider 10 and the lower component 20 of the divider 10. In one embodiment, the side walls 33 may extend over both the upper edge 22 and the groove 24 of the lower component 20. (Figure 3). Within the groove 32 of the upper component 30 and extending into the groove from at least one of the side walls 33 in one embodiment is at least one flange 34. (Figures 4, 6, 7, 8). In Figures 4, 6, 7 and 8, the rim 34 is located on the side wall 33. The rim 34 can also be located on any side wall 33. The rims can also be located on both side walls 33. The rim can be located within of the slot 32 and can operate to engage the slot 24 or be otherwise constrained in its movement by the slot 24 of the lower component 20. One or more ridges 34 can be incorporated in the side walls 33. In one embodiment, two aligned flanges 34 may be coupled to the groove 24 of the lower component 20 of the divider 10 or may otherwise limit or substantially prevent the movement of the flanges in certain directions relative to the groove. (Figures 7 and 8). In other embodiments (not shown), three, four, five, six or more flanges are incorporated into the side walls 33. In a further embodiment, the flange may be enlarged to form a long flange that displaces a portion or substantially the entire wall 33 and is coupled to a minority, mostly or substantially all of the slot 24. The slot 24 and the flange 34 can be configured to restrict certain movements of the upper component 30 of the splitter 10 relative to the lower component 20 of the divider 10. When the lower component 20 and upper component 30 have been connected or placed together, in one embodiment, side wall 33 can restrain upper component 30 in terms of movement in the direction shown by arrow X (Figure 3); the side wall 35 can restrict movement in the upper component in the direction shown by the arrow Y; the upper portion of the rim 34 can restrict movement of the upper component in the direction shown by the arrow W; the lower portion of the rim 34 can restrict the movement of the upper component in the direction shown by the arrow Z. The upper component 30 can also be restricted in terms of movement in the direction shown by the arrow Z by the contact of the lower edge 37 of the upper component 30 with upper edge 22 of lower component 20. In one embodiment, the upper component and the lower component can be configured such that the front edge 31 of the upper divider component and the front end 21 of the lower divider component are substantially aligned (Figures 3 and 5). The flanges can also be used as stops to align the front edges of the top and bottom splitter components. In embodiments with more than one slot in the lower component of the splitter, corresponding ridges may exist in the groove of the upper component of the splitter to engage the multiple slots. In one embodiment, the upper component 30 of the divider 10 has an opening 38 through which a finger can extend to assist in the sliding connection of the upper component 30 of the divider a, and its removal from, the lower component 20 of the divider. (Figures 1 and 5). This opening can be located near the front edge 31 of the upper component 30. It should be understood that further alterations in the surface of the upper component 30 near the front edge 31 may allow an individual to better grip the upper component 30 to assist in the connection or removal of the upper component 30. In alternative embodiments, a raised area, a rough texture, a flange or a series of ridges or the like, formed integrally with or connected to the upper component may also be used to enable an individual to better grip the upper component. In one embodiment, the upper component 30 of the divider 10 can be configured to connect the lower component 20 of the divider. The flange or flanges 34 of the upper component of the divider can couple the groove or grooves 24 of the lower component. In one embodiment, the trailing end 36 of the upper component 30 initially aligns with the front end 21 of the lower component 20. The ridge or flanges 34 of the upper portion are aligned to be positioned within the slot 24. With the flange or flanges 34 of the slot 24, the upper component 30 can initially be configured to be slidable relative to the lower component 20, so that the shoulders 34 can slide within the slot 24. The upper component 30 can slide relative to the lower component 20, in various embodiments, until the trailing end 36 of the upper component 30 aligns with or is near the trailing end 26 of the lower component 20 or until the ridge reaches the end of the slot and stops. In addition, the front end 31 of the upper component can be aligned with or approaching the front end 21 of the lower component 20 when the rim 34 is in contact with (as through coupling) the slot 24. When the top component 30 has slid on the lower component 20 and the flange or flanges 34 are in contact with the groove or grooves 24, the movement of the upper component in the directions indicated by the arrows W, X, Y and Z (Figure 3) is restricted or avoided. In one embodiment, the multi-component base and divider can be placed in place in a retail environment such as a grocery freezer 80 (Figure 9) by initially placing the base 42 and the lower component of the divider 20 in the freezer 80. To couple the base 42 to a front rail 90, the rear portion of the base and the rear end 26 of the lower component of the divider 20 can be rotated upwardly in the direction of the arrow 86 (as shown in Figure 10). Rotating the upper portions up, the tab 44 can be inserted into a slot in the freezer shelf 82 or in a slot 92 in the front rail 90 that is connected to a shelf in the freezer. The base and the lower component of the divider can then be rotated downward, which can allow one or more slots 46 to come in contact with one or more tabs 94 on a front rail. In one embodiment of the invention, the front rail may contain teeth 96 and the bottom side of the base may contain teeth 48. Figures 16 and 17 show an embodiment of the upper side of the base 42 and the teeth 48 and the grooves 46. The teeth of the front rail or the teeth of the base can take many configurations and can include numerous thin or thick teeth or can include only a few teeth. The teeth may be substantially continuous or may only be in one or more portions of the front rail or base. Where the underside of the base includes teeth and the front rail includes teeth, the teeth at both the base and the front rail may come into contact with each other when the rear portion of the base and the divider are rotated downward. The contact between the teeth can inhibit the movement of the base and the divider in certain directions relative to the front rail. Figures 11-13 show one embodiment of the base and divider of multiple components rotated downwardly and coupled with a front rail. In one embodiment, an upper component 30 of the divider 10 can be installed once the base 42 and the lower component 20 of the divider are installed in the freezer shelf. The upper component 30 can be arranged so that one or more flanges of the upper component 30 are aligned with one or more grooves in the lower component 20. Figures 11, 12 and 13 show an embodiment of an upper component 30 being placed in contact with a lower component 20 of the divider. The total height of the divider 10 may be greater when the upper component 30 and the lower component 20 are coupled together (as shown in Figures 11-13). The total height of the divider 10 can reach the lower portion of an upper barrier such as an upper shelf 84 or a freezer ceiling 80. In one embodiment, the multi-component base and divider assembly can reach a lower shelf 82 up to an upper barrier , as an upper shelf 84 in a freezer 80. In another embodiment, the divider 10 may not extend fully toward the upper barrier (such as shelf 84) but may approach the barrier. In another embodiment, the divider 10 (including the upper component 30) can extend up to 2.54 cm, 5.08 cm or 7.62 cm (one, two or three inches) below an upper barrier, such as the upper shelf 84. In one embodiment of the invention, a product, such as the product 100 shown in figure 15, can be placed on the base 42. This product can include a product that does not have a completely uniform or rigid form, such as packages of frozen vegetables. The height of the divider 10 when the upper component 30 and the lower component 20 have been installed may extend beyond the height of the product 100. The height of the divider 10 may also extend to near the height of the retail product. Extending the height of the divider 10 beyond the height of the retail product decreases the likelihood that the retail product will stick or adhere to the divider, such as by a portion of the retail product that moves over or over the top. of the divisor. Extending the height of the divider 10 near the height of the retail product, this probability decreases but does not decrease as much as in some embodiments as when the height of the divider extends beyond the height of the retail product. In one embodiment, multiple base and divisor systems of multiple components may be used in the same retail environment. As shown in figures 14 and 15, a plurality of base and divider systems can create rows or channels in which products can be placed. In addition, impellers with thrust faces of various dimensions (e.g., 50 and 52) may be used. Larger and higher thrust faces can be used, as the push face 52 can be used to push wider and taller products and narrower thrust or thrust faces can be used to push narrower products. The impellers with deflected faces 700 (FIG. 20) can be used in some embodiments. In one mode the width of the impeller is greater than the width of the product being pushed. In another embodiment, the width of the impeller is at least 75% of the width of the product being pushed. In one embodiment, a thrust element for the impeller 360 may be used, such as a coil spring for pushing the impeller or forward thrust mechanism. In one embodiment, the upper component 30 of the divider is of uniform height along the entire length of the component. In one embodiment, the lower component of the divider is uniform in height throughout the length of the component. The height of the upper component and the lower component may vary depending on the total height of the divider required. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the upper component and the lower component of the splitter is not limited to the shape described in the figures. Instead, the upper component and the lower component of the divider can define any shape, profile or contour that improves the placement and removal of products on the shelf. In one embodiment, a multi-part divider includes the lower component 20 extending outward from the base 42 and an upper component 30 removably attached to the lower component 20. (Figure 1). While the multi-piece divider 10 which is described in Figure 1 extends upwardly from the base 42, one skilled in the art will understand that the multi-piece divider 10 can be configured so that the base 42 is mounted as a side wall or a top wall or ceiling so that the multi-part divider 10 and the other components such as the push mechanism 50 would extend sideways or downwardly of the base 42. The present invention therefore is not limited to the only multiple piece divider 10, nor the straight configuration of the divider, described in the figures, since the multi-piece divider 10 is merely illustrative of the features of the invention. In one embodiment, at either end of a shelf using a multi-part divider, the components of the base and the driver, a narrow and strong multi-piece terminator component is desirable. A component of the right end can be attached to a shelf near the right side of the shelf. The divider of the right-most component can drive the divider further to the right on the shelf. In a restricted-height environment such as a freezer, the terminator component on the far right may be a multi-piece divider. The rightmost component can be operatively coupled to shelves by inserting teeth through the corresponding holes in a shelf. One or more fasteners, such as plastic rivets, can be used through corresponding holes in a shelf to securely attach the component of the right end to the shelf. Optionally, the right end component can be coupled to a front rail via a complementary tongue and groove arrangement and can have a plurality of teeth that engage a corresponding non-slip engaging detail in a front rail. One component of the left end may be similar to a base assembly and multicomponent splitter 400 except that, for the leftmost component of the base portion and the base and divider assembly to the left of the splitter was omitted. In consecuense, for use in a restricted height environment such as the freezer, the leftmost component may include a multi-component divider and a base portion. Because the right-most component is intended to have a fixed location and the other components can have adjustable portions along a rail near the front of a shelf, the components can be placed on the shelf and the front rail from right to left to allow maximum flexibility in adjusting the distances between the components. Occasionally a product is too wide to use only base assemblies and multiple component splitter 400 on either side of the product. Under those circumstances, one or more support rails may be used under the product. In addition, a product may be unusually dense and / or heavy so that the product requires another rail with an additional driver to move the product. Under these circumstances, the full width lane, also referred to as a base, can be used with or without impeller. Alternatively, a thrust mechanism may be used that includes the ability to be configured by sliding to push narrow product and also wide product. The push mechanism 316 achieves these multiple configurations, without the use of additional, separate components, providing a thrust face 350 that can slide along the base and extend transversely relative to the rail 314. This transverse movement of the face of thrust 350 is best illustrated by Figures 21 and 22. As described in Figure 21 the thrust face 350 is shown retracted towards the multi-component divider 310. In this position, the thrust face 350 will properly push the narrower product and some wider product, depending on the shape, size and configuration of the product. As described in Figure 22, the thrust face 350 is shown extended away from the multi-component divider 310 or, in other words, moved transversely relative to the rail 314. In this position the thrust face 350 will be in the position of wide product thrust to properly push the widest product, depending on the shape, size and configuration of the product, since the thrust face 350 will now be placed towards the center of the product. In this thrust face position, the thrust leverage of the drive greatly improves. As will be explained in more detail below, the thrust face 350 is increasingly adjusted to numerous positions between the retracted position and the fully extended position. Advantageously, this increasing adjustment characteristic allows selective adjustment of the thrust face 350 to properly accommodate and push almost any product normally marketed on the shelf regardless of size, shape and configuration. This selective adjustment allows the user to locate the thrust face 350 near the center of the product, or otherwise optimize the thrust leverage of the thrust mechanism on the product. As stated above, the transversely adjustable pushing mechanism 316 includes the ability to push narrow product and be configured by sliding to multiple positions to also push wider product. The push mechanism 316 achieves these multiple configurations and positions by providing a thrust face 350 that can slide transversely relative to the rail 314 to one of a multitude of thrust face positions. The push mechanism 316 is also slidably mounted on a base 342 that defines the rail 314. A multi-component product divider 310 extends outwardly from the base 342 to divide and arrange product on the shelf. Although the system is described as a single base 342, the push mechanism 316 and the multi-component divider 310 as one skilled in the art will understand that multiple of those components are often used in stores or warehouses and in various configurations. further, it should be understood that the system can be configured so that the base 342 is mounted as an upper wall or ceiling so that the pushing mechanism 316 and the multiple component divider 310 extend outwardly from the base 342. The present invention therefore, it is not limited to the straight multiple component driver and divider configuration described in the figures, but merely illustrative of the features of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the thrust face 350, also known as the thrust pallet, extends outwardly from the base 342. The thrust face 350 can generally define a flat thrust surface or other suitable shape for pushing specific product packages. as cylindrical products. The thrust face 350 further defines a thickness suitable for pushing a wider, heavier product without undue bending. The thrust face 350 can be made of any known material, such as plastic material that is suitable for pushing product. In some embodiments, thrust faces of various dimensions (e.g., 50 to 52) may be used. Larger thrust faces, such as the push face 52, can be used to push wider products. The push face 350 is coupled to the rail 314 through the use of an impeller support base 334, as illustrated in Figure 23. The push face 350 is slidably mounted to the support base 334 along the a support rail 336 (figures 21 and 23) and a support rail 338 (figures 21 and 22), both of which provide a coupling point for the thrust face and also allow the thrust face 350 to slide in a generally horizontal shape. The thrust face 350 is mounted to the support base 334 at those coupling points to provide a secure connection of the thrust face 350 to the support base 334. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques are possible to assemble the thrust face 350 to the support base of the impeller 334 and that the support rails 336, 338 are merely illustrative of an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, and described in Figure 23, located along the rear side 333 of the thrust face 350 are a plurality of detents 345 which engage with a deflected extension mounted to the support base 334. The extension deflected and the detents 345 allow the increased movement of the thrust face 350 and serve to maintain the thrust face 350 in a desired position after the thrust face 350 slides relative to the support base 334 and therefore in relation to the rails 314. In other words, when the thrust face 350 slides along the support rails 336, 338 of the support base 334, the deflected extension moves through the plurality of detents 345 sitting and sitting again in the plurality of detents 345 until the thrust face 350 is in the desired position. Once in the desired position, the deflected extension will sit on the detent 345 and keep the thrust face 350 in that position. The thrust face 350 is slidably mounted to the support base 334, as described above, to slide transversely relative to the rails 314. The sliding fit of the thrust face 350 allows the user to extend the thrust face 350 of a position retracted as described in figure 21, to one of several extended positions, as described in figure 22, preferably a position which ensures that the thrust face 350 aligns with the center of the product (or any other desirable position) ) to properly push the product. This selective adjustment of the thrust face 350 to the center of the product (or any other desirable position) greatly improves the thrusting leverage of the thrust face 350 on the product, without the user having to change the thrust face., add an additional lane, expand the gap between lanes 314, or add a second push mechanism or other components. As established, the thrust face 350 will be maintained at the location of the desired thrust face by means of the deflected extension and detents 345. One skilled in the art will understand that other variations to the described technique for maintaining the thrust face 350 in any of the transversely extended positions are possible and are considered within the scope of the invention including, without limitation, techniques using bolts, clamps, fasteners, springs or springs, clamps or other safety and connection techniques known in the art. In addition, it was contemplated that the present invention can be used without the fastening techniques described herein, instead, the thrust face can be spread by sliding through any known technique and held in place by friction only. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that other techniques for transversely extending the thrust face to a wide product thrust configuration including the use of different rail configurations 336, 338, tongue and groove techniques, and the like are possible. In addition, it was contemplated that the thrust face 350 may incorporate an extension of the thrust face that extends transversely out of the thrust face 350 to provide a wider thrust surface. The extension of the thrust face can be incorporated in the thrust face 350 through the use of any technique described herein.

The support base 334 defines outwardly extending ribs 352 used to slidely mount and secure the support base 334 to one or more rails 314. The support base 334 defines a width and depth sufficient to provide the thrust face. 350 with a support foundation that allows the thrust face 350 to properly push the wider and often heavier product onto the shelf without undesirable attachment of the flanges 352 in the rails. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the outwardly extending flanges 352 are spaced apart on the support base 334 and thus separated in the rails 314 to provide support foundations that will prevent bending or dropping of the thrust face 350 when Push the product wider and often heavier. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, placement and spacing of the flanges 352 will vary depending on the desired application and the size of product being pushed. Therefore, it will be readily understood that the present invention is not limited to the number, spacing and placement of ridges 352 illustrated by the exemplary embodiment described in the figures. The support base 334 also defines a base extension 335 which serves as a support structure for the mounted thrust face 350. The extension of the base 335 is described as a projecting outwardly of the support base 334 and through the side rear 333 of the thrust face 350 and along the thrust face support flanges 337. The extension of the base 335 will provide support for the thrust face 350 in the retracted position, or in any of the extended positions. The extension of the base 335 can be formed integrated with the support base 334 or can be attached to the support base 334 using known connection techniques. The support base 334 also serves to contain at least one thrust member of the impeller 360 used to push the thrust load 350 toward the front of a shelf. The thrust element of the impeller 360 can be any deflection element including, without limitation, a flat helical spring commonly used with drive systems. The present invention can use one or more pushing elements of the impeller 360 to push the face of the impeller 350 depending on the desired application. The pusher element of the impeller 360 can be mounted to the push mechanism 316 and the base 342 using any known mounting technique. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of the pusher member of the impeller 360 is secured to the base 342 near the front edge 340 of the base 342, and the opposite end of the pusher member of the impeller 360, which is described as a helical end , it is positioned behind the drive 316 to push the push face 350 toward the front of the shelf, as is known in the art. Other mounting configurations of the pusher member of the impeller 360 with the present invention are possible. In other words, the fixed end of the pusher member of the impeller 360 can be mounted to the push mechanism 316, while the other helical end can be operatively mounted to the base or other structure. In addition, other techniques are possible to mount the push element of the impeller 60 to the base 342, the push mechanism 316, or other components with the present invention, including the single mounting technique shown and described in the PCT / IB03 application. / 01088 published, granted to RTC Industries, Inc., incorporated by reference. With that mounting technique, the end of the pusher member of the impeller defines a V-shape and has a predetermined spring elasticity so that under an applied load the V-shaped end will compress and return to its original shape after removal. of the applied load. During installation, the V-shaped end will be pressed into a channel formed in the base and compressed when the end passes into the channel. Once in the channel, the V-shaped end will be released and placed under pressure in the channel, thereby securing the pusher element of the impeller to the base. To release the pusher element from the channel driver, one simply must press on the V-shaped end until the V-shaped end passes back through the channel. The pusher element of the impeller can then be lifted and removed from the channel. For more details regarding this unique mounting technique, reference should be made to the published application PCT / IB03 / 01088. In an exemplary embodiment, base 342 defines a generally planar surface 322 that can be configured to engage with or be mounted on any shelf used in a store or warehouse, and in any known assembly configuration and orientation. As described, the base 342 defines a front edge 340, a trailing edge 347, and a rail 314 extending along the base 342 from the front edge 340 to the trailing edge 347. As illustrated, they may be two rails 314 are used with each thrust mechanism and are spaced apart to mount thrust mechanism 316. It should be understood that more or less two rails could be used with the invention, depending on the particular application. The rail 314 forms a groove or channel 328 in the base 342 that is dimensioned and shaped to receive the coupling flange of the push mechanism 316, described below. When viewed from either the front edge 340 or the trailing edge 347 of the base 342, the exemplary groove 328 can generally define an "L" shaped configuration. This configuration allows the flange of the push mechanism 316 to be slidably mounted to the base 342 and still prevent the push mechanism 316 from rising out of the rail 314. Note that other shapes of the slot 328 with the invention are possible for mounting the push mechanism 316 to the base 342. Referring again to FIG. 19, the multi-component base and divider assembly 400 may optionally include tear lines, such as tear lines 406-1 and 406-2, and a break line, such as break line 410. That combination of tear lines and break lines can be used advantageously to produce a part that can be used for shelves having different depths, such as 40.64 centimeters or 25.4 centimeters ( 16 inches or 10 inches). The tear line 406-1 allows the tearing of the divider pieces of the upper component 430-1 and 430-2 as a first operation. The tear line 406-2 allows tearing of the divider pieces of the lower component 420-1 and 420-2 as a second operation. Those tearing operations can be processed in any order and are then followed by a breaking operation to separate the piece of rail 416-1 from rail part 416-2. The combination of the tear lines and the break lines facilitates the removal of the rear portion of the base component and multiple component divider 400. After removing the rear portion of the base assembly and multiple component divider 400 or any other base that can accept an impeller 700 or thrust mechanism, the impeller or thrust mechanism can be prevented from sliding out of the top of the thrust rail by inserting a bolt into a hole located in the. remaining portion of the base. In one embodiment a bolt can be molded in the lower rear portion of a base 416-2. In one embodiment, a depression may be used, while merchandise is replenished, to maintain an impeller near the rear of a rail or a multi-component base and divider assembly 400. To use the depression to maintain an impeller 700 in the At the rear of the lane, a person can move the impeller 700 back toward the depression and can tilt the upper portion of the impeller 700 towards the front of the lane. The depression then maintains the impeller 700 so that the merchandise can be replenished without having to manually maintain the impeller out of the way while placing the merchandise on the rail surface. To remove the 700 impeller from the depression, the impeller can be pushed towards the back of the rail, the impeller will then return to a straight position and move along the rail in its usual way. The following example is an illustrative example of one embodiment of the aspects of the invention.

EXAMPLE A divider for dividing goods displayed in rows comprises a base connected to a shelf. The base includes at least one rail to which an impeller is operatively connected. The impeller has the ability to move along the rail and the impeller includes a thrust base and a thrust face mounted to the base of the impeller. The divisor includes a lower divider component and an upper divider component. The lower divider component extends outward from the base and the lower component has a groove located below and parallel to at least a portion of the upper edge of the lower component. The upper component has a flange which slidably engages the groove of the lower component. The slot and flange are positioned to restrict movement of the upper component when the front ends of the upper component and lower component are substantially aligned. An opening is located in the upper component to facilitate the installation and removal of the upper component. A multi-component base and divider system may include an impeller rail and may be used in comparison to an impeller, a coil spring, front rail and other structure, components and devices described in 6,041,720 entitled "Product Display and Administration System". ", issued March 28, 2000 and 4,830,201, entitled" Spring Divided Shelf Divider System ", issued May 16, 1989 Patents Nos. 6,964,235, 6,041,720 and 4,830,201 and patent application no. 10 / 772,134 all assigned to RTC Industries, Inc. and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention described and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned or apparent from the text and / or the figures. All of those different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best known modes for practicing the invention and will allow other persons skilled in the art to use the invention.

Claims (25)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:
2. CLAIMS 1. A multi-component divider display system, characterized in that it comprises: a base for operative coupling to a shelf; a divider for dividing merchandise displayed in rows comprised of at least two components, wherein the first divider component extends outwardly from the base and the second divider component is releasably connected to the first divider component. The display system of the multicomponent divider according to claim 1, characterized in that the second component of the divider further comprises at least one flange, the flange positioned to engage by sliding in at least one groove cooperating in the first component of the divider .
3. 3. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base further comprises at least one driver rail.
4. 4. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises an impeller pushed by a spring in the driver's base rail.
5. 5. The exhibition system. of the multicomponent divider according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting of the driver rail and the base and the first divider component form a unitary, one-piece construction.
6. 6. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base portion is operatively coupled to the shelf via a front rail.
7. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base portion is operatively coupled to a shelf via the rail that is fixed to the shelf.
8. 8. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a front barrier designed to prevent products from being pushed beyond the front barrier by the spring-driven impeller.
9. The display system of the multicomponent divider according to claim 4, characterized in that the impeller moves in a first direction, the impeller including a thrust face extending in a second direction from a first position to a second position.
10. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 9, characterized in that the thrust face extends in the second direction of the first position to a plurality of second positions.
11. 11. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 9, characterized in that the thrust face extends to a second direction that is substantially. perpendicular to the first direction.
12. The display system of the multicomponent divider according to claim 11, characterized in that the push face in the first position is located adjacent the divider, and in one of the plurality of second positions it is located away from the divider.
13. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 9, characterized in that the thrust face is mounted to a thrust base.
14. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 9, characterized in that the push base includes at least one flange for mounting the push base to the base.
15. 15. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 13, characterized in that the rim of the impeller base is mounted to at least one rail of the base.
16. 16. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 14, characterized in that the base of the impeller is operatively coupled to a pusher member of the impeller.
17. 17. The multi-component divider display system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base defines a breaking portion to reduce the length of the base, and where the components of the splitter define a breaking portion to reduce the length of the components of the splitter.
18. 18. A multi-component divider display system, characterized in that it comprises: a base for operatively attaching to a shelf, having the shelf in the front part; a divider for dividing merchandise displayed in rows, the divider comprising at least a first divider component and a second divider component, wherein the first divider component extends outward from the base and the second divider component is liberally connected to the first divider component; and a spring-urged impeller in the base for pushing merchandise toward the front of the shelf, where the impeller moves in a first direction, the impeller including a thrust face that can extend horizontally in a second direction from a first position to a plurality of second positions.
19. A merchandise display system, characterized in that it comprises: an integrated base and divider assembly for supporting merchandise exhibited, wherein the base and divider assembly includes a base portion adapted to operatively engage a shelf, and a divider portion of multiple components for dividing merchandise displayed in rows, wherein the dividing portion projects from the base so that the dividing portion separates the portion of the base into a first portion having a rail of impellers and a second portion; and a second divider component connected to the first divider component that increases the height of the multiple component divider; and a spring-urged impeller in the driver rail for pushing merchandise along a first portion towards the front of the shelf, where the base and divider assembly is not slidingly coupled with a front rail extending along and it is fixed to a front portion of the shelf.
20. 20. A merchandise display system characterized in that it comprises: a base portion adapted to support merchandise; a multi-component divider, the first divider component of the base portion extending at a substantially right angle, a second divider component connected to the first divider component that increases the height of the multicomponent divider; and an impeller rail comprising an upper surface for supporting merchandise.
21. 21. The merchandise display system according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of mating teeth on the base portion; an impeller; a rail with a plurality of coupling teeth; and, where a portion of the plurality of engaging teeth in the rail will engage a portion of the plurality of engaging teeth of the base portion to inhibit movement of the base portion relative to the rail, and where the base portion and The first divisor component defines a unitary, one-piece construction.
22. 22. The merchandise display system according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises the helical spring and wherein the driver rail defines a first elongated rail, a second elongated rail, and an opening between the first elongated rail and the second rail. elongated rail and a plurality of flanges; connecting the first elongated rail to the second elongated rail.
23. 23. The merchandise display system according to claim 21, characterized in that the plurality of lane coupling teeth are thin and spaced apart.
24. 24. The merchandise display system according to claim 23, characterized in that the plurality of mating teeth of the base portion are thin and spaced apart.
25. 25. The merchandise display system according to claim 23, characterized in that the plurality of lane coupling teeth is located in substantially continuous positions along the lane.