CN101472509B - Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A product management display system for selling products on a shelf includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism (14) that travels along a surface (16) on which the products are placed. The pusher mechanism (14) of the present invention also includes a pusher blade (50) and a base plate (52) extending forward of the pusher blade (50). A flat coil spring (30) or other biasing element is operably connected behind the pusher blade (50) and extends across the floor of the pusher mechanism (14) and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be sold is placed on the coil spring (30) and the base plate of the pusher mechanism (14). With this configuration, the propeller blade (50) is prevented from tipping over or bending backwards during operation. The present invention can be used for the sale of products placed on horizontal or non-sloping shelves or surfaces, and can be used in conjunction with gravity feed systems or systems that utilize gravity as the mechanism for propelling products towards the front of the shelf.

Description

Product management display system with trackless thruster mechanism

technical field

The present invention relates generally to a shelf assembly for vending products, and more particularly to a shelf assembly having an improved mechanism for displaying and pushing products on the shelf.

This non-provisional application requires (i) U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/716,362, filed September 12, 2005; (ii) U.S. Application Serial No. 60/734,692, filed November 8, 2005; and ( iii) Priority of US Application Serial No. 11/411,761 filed April 25, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background technique

It is well known that retail and wholesale establishments such as conventional stores, drug stores, grocery stores, and discount stores require a large number of shelves for both storing products and displaying products to customers. When displaying products, it is desirable for the products on the shelf to be placed towards the front of the shelf so that customers can see and easily access the products. Where coolers or refrigerators are used to store and display products such as soft drinks, energy drinks, bottled water, and other bottled or canned beverages, it is desirable that these products also be placed towards the front of the shelf and be visible and easily accessible to customers. near.

To achieve this placement of products, known systems may include inclined trays or floors that move the products towards the front of the shelf by gravity. Some such systems include floors or shelves made of plastic materials such as polypropylene, which, due to polypropylene's low coefficient of friction, allow products to slide easily along inclined floors or surfaces. However, over time, these surfaces can become obstructed by debris or sticky substances that restrict products from sliding properly, sometimes causing some products to tip over, which in turn blocks other products from moving toward the front of the shelf.

Other systems include the use of pusher systems that push the product towards the front of the shelf as the product at the front of the shelf is removed. Known pusher systems are typically mounted on rails and include pusher blades and coil springs that urge the product forward. Occasionally, as the system is used and over time, the track may become obstructed by dirt or sticky material that prevents the thruster system from working properly on the track. Additionally, sometimes known propeller blades can tip over or bend backwards due to the size, shape and weight of the commercially available product, thereby binding the propeller mechanism in the track. In these cases, the pusher mechanism cannot properly push the product toward the front of the shelf.

Contents of the invention

The present invention seeks to improve existing vending systems by providing a trackless pusher system that can be used with both gravity-fed vending systems (i.e. inclined racks or trays) and non-gravity-fed vending systems Combine work.

The present invention relates to a product management display system for selling products on shelves. The present invention includes the use of a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along the surface on which the product is placed. The trackless system overcomes known problems with existing thruster mechanisms that utilize track maintenance and guidance. Of course, it should be understood that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to systems including tracks for housing thruster mechanisms and the like.

The propeller mechanism of the present invention also includes a propeller vane and a bottom plate extending toward the front of the propeller vane. A flat coil spring or other biasing element is operably connected behind the pusher blade and extends across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be sold is placed on the coil spring and the base plate of the pusher mechanism. With this structure, the propeller blade can be prevented from falling over or being bent backward during operation.

The present invention also includes the use of pusher mechanisms with products for sale on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, and systems with gravity feed systems or using gravity as the mechanism to urge products toward the front of the shelf.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pusher blade may define a concave push surface for pushing a cylindrical product, such as a soft drink bottle or can. Alternatively, the pusher blade may define a planar push surface which may also include curved ribs or the like at its upper edge for pushing the cylindrical product.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the invention, the base plate of the pusher mechanism includes a slotted or cut-out portion of the pusher mechanism aligned relative to the coil spring. In addition, the base plate of the system also includes a notch or cutout portion for receiving the flat end of the coil spring and seating it in the base plate. A spring tip can be placed on the end of the coil spring to seat the coil spring on the base plate of the system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an adapter for a product management display system may be positioned on a chassis surface of the display system. The adapter may include a planar surface having at least two ribs extending outwardly from the planar surface and traversing the planar surface in a substantially parallel manner. A coil spring may be placed between the parallel extending ribs. With this configuration, the product to be sold can be placed on the ribs rather than directly on the coil springs to enhance the forward movement of certain products such as beverage cans.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary pusher mechanism disposed on an exemplary tray or product lane of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is another perspective view of the system shown in Fig. 2, in which products are placed;

Fig. 4 is another perspective view of the system shown in Fig. 2, in which a plurality of products are placed;

Figure 5 is a perspective rear view of the system shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the tray or product lane of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary tip of a coil spring end that may be used in conjunction with the product management display system of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows the exemplary tip shown in Figure 7 positioned on a tray surface or product lane;

Figure 9 shows the exemplary tip shown in Figure 7 positioned at one end of a coil spring;

Figure 10 shows the exemplary tip shown in Figure 7 positioned at one end of a coil spring;

11 is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the product management display system of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the system shown in Fig. 11;

Figure 13 is a front view of the system shown in Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a top view of the system shown in Figure 11;

Figure 15 is a rear view of the system shown in Figure 11;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an adapter that may be used in conjunction with the present invention;

Figure 17 is a front view of the adapter shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 shows an exemplary installation of the adapter of the present invention;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the installed adapter of the present invention;

Figure 20 is a front view of the installed adapter of the present invention.

Before embodiments of the invention are described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction or arrangement of the elements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is also capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "comprising" and "consisting of" and variations thereof is meant to include the items listed below and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, use of the terms "arrange", "arranged" or "positioned on" is meant to broadly include any technique or method of arranging, coupling, joining or coupling one part to another, directly or indirectly.

Detailed ways

There may be various embodiments of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary vending system 10 includes a product dispensing tray 12 with an exemplary trackless pusher mechanism 14 disposed therein. As will be described in more detail below, the pusher mechanism 14 is fitted within the tray 12 and can be moved without the use of rails, rails or guides commonly used to hold conventional pusher mechanisms on a tray or tray floor. Slide along the surface of the tray. The propeller mechanism defines a propeller vane and a propeller floor extending forward of the propeller vane. A coil spring is extendable across the pusher floor and is operably connected to the tray in an advanced position on the tray. In one aspect of the invention, the product to be sold may be placed in the tray in front of the pusher blades and may rest on the pusher floor and coil springs. With this configuration, the weight of the product prevents the pusher blades from tipping over to ensure proper advancement of the product. Additionally, problems associated with debris or sticky material affecting the effectiveness of known propulsion systems employing tracks, rails, or rails may be resolved. Other aspects of the invention, some embodiments and features and the teachings thereof are set forth in more detail below.

The exemplary tray 12 may define a surface 16 and one or more dividing panels or dividers 18 that divide the tray into columns for product placement. In an alternative aspect, tray 12 may be a shelf or any other surface on which products may be placed for sale. Surface 16 may be a solid surface or surface that defines a plurality of spaced holes 20 separated by a plurality of support ribs 22 . The holes 20 and ribs 22 provide a surface on which products placed thereon can slide while allowing liquid or debris to pass through the holes 20 so that the liquid or debris does not collect on the surface 16 . Surface 16 may be made of any suitable material that allows products to slide over surface 16 . Other surface or floor structures are known and may be used in conjunction with the principles of the present invention.

Surface 16 may define a rounded end 24 including a notch or cutout portion 26 . Ends 24 may be rounded to match the shape of the product placed on the tray. For example, the illustrated end 24 is rounded or defines a semi-circle to match the contour of a bottle or can that may be placed within the tray and placed on the end 24 . The present invention can be used in combination with other shaped ends depending on the product to be marketed.

The notch 26 is used to receive and seat the end 29 of a coil spring 30 or similar biasing element. The notch 26 may define opposing angled edge surfaces 32 joined by an edge 34 . The edge 34 is preferably centered across the transverse width of the row of products formed in the tray 12 and extends perpendicular to the length of the tray. This configuration centers the coil spring 30 relative to the tray 12 and extends the spring in a substantially parallel manner relative to the length of the tray. In other words, the illustrated edge 34 of the notch 26 extends the spring 30 along the length of the tray 12 at or near the center of the column of products formed by the tray. Those skilled in the art will understand that the location and configuration of the notches can be varied according to the desired arrangement of the springs.

The coil spring 30 may define an end 29 configured to be positioned across the notch 26 and rests on the edge 34 . In one aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring is V-shaped and acts as a hook such that the end 29 surrounds the edge 34 and a portion of the end 29 of the coil extends below the end 24 of the surface 16 . This configuration facilitates mounting the coil spring on the pallet.

In another aspect, referring to Figure 7, a spring tip 60 can be added to the end 29 of the spring 30 to aid in seating the spring on the system. The spring top 60 can define a variety of shapes and configurations depending on the configuration of the tray and the surface on which it is desired to couple the spring ends. The spring top 60 may be permanently or detachably coupled to the end 29 of the coil spring 30 so that the spring top 60 can be interchanged or replaced. The spring top 60 can be made of plastic and can define one or more holes. As discussed below, the bore 61 may be used to receive the end 29 of the coil spring 30 . The second aperture 63 may be used to receive a mating tab or fitting 65 extending from the surface 16 of the tray 12 . With this configuration, end 29 of coil spring 30 is operatively connected to tray 12 .

In another aspect, the end 29 of the coil spring can be snap-fitted into a hole formed on the surface 16, or can be otherwise inserted and secured into a hole or opening in the pallet, whereby the end of the coil spring 30 Section 29 is fixed in place.

Returning to FIG. 1 , dividers 18 may be used to divide the products into columns. As shown in FIG. 1 , dividers 18 extend generally upwardly from surface 16 , which may be located on opposite sides of surface 16 . Alternatively, dividers 18 may be located at any desired location on tray 12 or on surface 16 . Divider 18 may be formed as an integral structure with surface 16, or as a detachable structure for greater flexibility in the system. Dividers can be attached to front or rear rails depending on the system. The divider 18 can define a variety of configurations and can extend upward any desired distance to provide the desired height of the divider between columns of products to be sold. This height can be adjusted by adding divider extenders etc.

One or more product holders 44 may be positioned in front of the tray 12 with them extending between the dividers 18 . The product holder 44 acts as a front retaining wall or bar to retain the product within the tray 12 and prevent the product from falling out of the tray 12 . These components can also be configured to allow easy removal of the foremost product placed in the tray 12 . As shown in FIG. 1, the product retainer 44 may be one or more curved retaining ribs. The retaining ribs shown may extend from one divider to the other, thereby joining the dividers. As with the ribs 46 shown in Figure 1, retaining rib part-ways may also extend between the dividers to facilitate retention of the product within the tray. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the product holder 44 may be a rigid retaining wall 48 in a curved shape extending between the dividers. The retaining wall 48 may be transparent or translucent so that the products on the shelves are visible. In another aspect, the retaining wall 48 may also extend partially between the dividers 18 . In an additional embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-15, the retaining wall 100 may be attached to the surface of the tray without being connected to the divider. In this embodiment, the retaining wall 100 may form an opening 102 defined by an upper member 104 , opposing curved side walls 106 , and a floor member 110 , which may further define an angled edge 108 . Depending on the system, side walls 106 may also be straight and not curved. The ends of the coil springs may also be snap-fitted on the bottom plate 110 or otherwise coupled to the tray using any of the techniques described herein. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that the product holder 44 can have many shapes and structures, and the illustrated structures are only some exemplary embodiments of these various structures.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the exemplary trackless propeller mechanism 14 defines a propeller vane 50 and a propeller floor 52 . The propeller blades 50 and propeller floor 52 may be formed as a single integral structure or may be separate structures bonded together using known techniques. Additionally, the propeller blades 50 and propeller floor 52 may be formed from any known suitable plastic or metal material. The propeller blades and propeller floor may be reinforced using any known reinforcement technique.

In one aspect, the propeller blades 50 form a curved shaped propeller surface or face 54 configured to match the shape of a product to be sold, such as a plastic bottle or can containing a beverage, such as As shown in Figure 3-5. The curved shape of the pusher surface 54 keeps the pusher centered with the final product in the tray. This configuration reduces friction and drag between the pusher and divider walls. In an alternative aspect, the pusher surface or face may be a flat surface. In yet another aspect, in a manner similar to the curved shaped propeller surface 54 shown in FIG. near or on top, and can be used to center and align the product within the tray. The curved shape of the ribs can define other shapes and configurations to properly propel cylindrical or similarly shaped products in the tray. Advertising, product logos or other product information may be provided on the face 54 of the pusher.

Behind the pusher surface or face 54 may be placed one or more supports 58 such as ribs, walls or gussets. The supports 58 are configured to support the propeller surface 54 and further connect the propeller blades 50 and the propeller floor 52 . It can be seen from FIG. 5 that the coil spring 30, and more specifically the coil spring end 57, which is used to push the pusher blade 50 forward along the tray 12, can be placed on a support as is understood by those skilled in the art. between 58 pieces. The present invention may be used in conjunction with any technique for operatively connecting the coil springs to the impeller blades 50 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , a propeller floor 52 may be positioned below the propeller blade 50 and may extend forward of the propeller surface 54 of the propeller blade. The pusher floor 52 may extend at any predetermined angle and extend any predetermined distance. For example, the pusher floor 52 may extend substantially perpendicular to the pusher surface 54 . In the exemplary embodiment, pusher floor 52 may extend a sufficient distance to allow one product, such as a single bottle or can, to rest on the pusher floor. In another aspect, the pusher floor 52 can be configured so that more than one product is on the pusher floor. The pusher floor 52 can define any shape, including the circle shown in the figures, and can define any product retention features on the surface of the pusher floor, such as ribs, walls, etc., to further retain product on the pusher floor. superior.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the pusher base plate 52 may define an elongated channel, groove or recessed portion 59 having a size, shape and configuration suitable for receiving the coil spring 30 . In the exemplary embodiment, channel or groove 59 extends across base plate 52 in a manner substantially perpendicular to propeller blade 50 . In an alternative aspect, as shown in FIG. 19 , the groove or channel may extend partially or across the entirety of the pusher floor 52 . This configuration allows for proper alignment and positioning of the pusher blades 50 within the tray. The groove 59 may be defined to match or exceed the thickness of the coil spring 30 . With this configuration, the coil spring 30 can be placed on or below the surface of the pusher floor so that the product is not directly on the coil spring but rather the product is on the surface of the pusher floor. As shown in Figure 19, the pusher floor may include holes and openings through which debris or other items may pass. Alternatively the soleplate can be a hard surface.

In an optional aspect of the invention, an adapter 180 may be placed on surface 16, as shown in FIGS. 16-20. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the adapter 180 includes one or more raised ribs 182 on which a product may be placed. The raised rib 182 may extend longitudinally along the length of the adapter 180 . The adapter 180 may be a flat protrusion of plastic material (or any other suitable material) defining a flat surface 184 with one or more ribs 182 extending outwardly from the flat surface 184 . Adapter 180 may define a circular end 185 and include a notch or cut-away portion 186 through or across which the coil spring may extend. The rounded end 185 can be configured to match the shape of the product placed on the tray. Other shapes of end 185, notch 186 and adapter 180 are also contemplated by the present invention in connection with the product being marketed. Adapter 180 may be a separate insertable piece, or may be an integral piece with surface 16 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , the adapter 180 is conveniently inserted on the surface 16 and between the dividers 18 . Referring to FIG. 19 , once the adapter 180 is installed, the pusher mechanism 14 can be placed on top of the adapter 180 and allowed to slide freely over the ribs 182 of the adapter 180 . As shown more clearly in FIG. 20 , the coil springs 30 extend in a parallel fashion between the ribs 182 and are located at or below the top surfaces of the ribs 182 . With this construction, the product to be sold can be seated on and slide along the rib 182 instead of on the coil spring 30 .

In an optional aspect, rib 182 may be one or more ribs, or may also be a series of fingers, which may be used to facilitate movement of product over surface 16 . Yet in another alternative, the rib 182 may be a product mover such as a rotor or one or more rollers or rollers that cause the product to roll over the rollers and toward the front of the product display system. Exemplary roll assemblies include those components disclosed and described in US Application No. 11/257,718, filed October 25, 2005, and assigned to RTC Industries, Inc, which is incorporated herein by reference. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are also several possible techniques that can be used in conjunction with the pusher mechanism described above to facilitate movement of products on a shelf or floor.

The underside of the pusher floor 52 may be a smooth flat surface that slides freely along the surface 16 . Alternatively, similar to that described above, the pusher floor 52 may include flanges, rotors, rollers, etc. that allow the pusher floor to slide along the surface and also lift the pusher floor upward off the surface 16 . In an alternative embodiment, the underside of the propeller floor may be provided with track mounts to seat the propeller on rails or rails, as is known in the art.

The pusher floor also defines a slot or cutout portion 62 through which the coil spring 30 passes. The end 29 of the coil spring 30 is passed through the notch 62 and through the notch 26 of the face 16 to seat the end on the tray using any of the techniques described above.

In use, when the pusher mechanism 14 is pushed back in the tray 12 , the end 29 of the coil spring 30 is held in that position and the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 begins to uncoil behind the pusher blade 50 . If the pusher 14 is caused to move forward within the tray 12, such as when product is removed from the front of the tray, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 coils and forces the pusher blade 50 forwardly in the tray 12, thereby toward the front of the tray. Push the product.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in the figures, the coil spring 30 may extend under or below the pusher floor 52 as opposed to previously above and across the pusher floor. With this structure, the groove 59 and notch 62 are not required.

The coil spring 30 may be any biasing element including, but not limited to, flat coil springs commonly used in thruster systems. Depending on the desired application, the present invention may use one or more coil springs to urge the pusher mechanism 14 forward. The coil tension of spring 30 can also be varied depending on the particular application.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the trackless pusher mechanism 14 mounted on the tray 12 is shown. As shown, pusher mechanism 14 fits between dividers 18 in tray 12 . The end 29 of the coil spring 30 extends through the slot in the pusher floor and rests on the tray as described above. In use, the pusher mechanism 14 is slidable along the surface 16 of the tray 12 without the use of tracks, rails or guides. As shown in Figure 2, the pusher mechanism 14 is shown in the forward position.

Referring to FIG. 3 , this figure shows the pusher mechanism 14 during vending of a product 70 in the vending system 10 . The products are prevented from tipping out of the tray by means of the product holder 44 . Product 70 may be any product for sale including the soft drink bottle shown. As shown in this figure, the product 70 is resting on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 extending below the product. The weight of the product on the floor 52 and the position of the product across the spring 30 prevents the leaf 50 from tipping over in the tray 12 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , this figure shows the pusher mechanism 14 when a plurality of products 70 are sold in the sales system 10 . As shown in this figure, the product immediately adjacent the pusher blade 50 rests on the pusher floor 52 and the coil spring 30 extending below the product. The other products are on coil springs 30 extending below these products. Alternatively, an adapter 180 may be located in the system, in which case the product may sit on the rib 182 of the adapter opposite the coil spring. Furthermore, the weight of the product on the floor 52 and the position of the product across the spring 30 prevents the leaf 50 from tipping over within the tray. In use, when a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holder 44, the pusher mechanism 14 (propelled by the coil spring 30) will push the remaining products in the tray 12 forward until the frontmost product is in contact with the product holder. Part 44 touches. As additional products are removed, the pusher mechanism 14 continues to push the remaining products toward the product holder 44 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , which is a rear view of the pusher mechanism 14 , it shows the pusher mechanism 14 in the vending system 10 when a plurality of products 70 are sold. The product immediately adjacent the pusher blade 50 also rests on the pusher floor 52 and coil springs extending below the product. The other products are placed on coil springs 30 extending below these products. Alternatively, the adapter 180 may be located in the system, in which case the product may rest on the rib 182 of the adapter 180 opposite the coil spring. When a product is removed from the front of the tray near the product holder 44, the coiled end 57 of the spring 30 pushes the pusher blade 50 of the pusher mechanism 14 in the tray 12 forward until the frontmost product contacts the product holder 44 until. It can be seen from this figure that the coiled end 57 can be placed between two supports 58 . The supports hold the coil springs between these components. As can be seen from this figure, the pusher floor 52 also extends below the support 58 .

Referring to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the pusher tray is shown. According to this embodiment, multiple trays 12 are formed into a single multi-tray assembly 80 . The plurality of trays may have a common floor with dividers 18 extending upwardly from the floor to form multiple trays or columns. As discussed above, in this embodiment the product holder 44 may be a rigid member extending between the two dividers. One or more multi-tray assemblies 80 may be coupled or bonded together in a side-by-side fashion using any known technique including clamps, wedge joints, fasteners, and the like. With this structure, multiple columns of products can be set up to sell multiple products.

As noted above, the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may be used in conjunction with a gravity-feed system, that is, a system with trays or product lanes arranged on an incline so that gravity assists product sales, or the trackless pusher mechanism 14 may Mechanism 14 is used in conjunction with systems where gravity provides little or no assistance to the sale of the product, arranged in a non-sloping or horizontal manner. The trackless pusher mechanism 14 can also be used to push products of various shapes.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary tip 60 of end 29 of coil spring 30 that may be used in conjunction with vending system 10 . As shown, the top end 60 defines an aperture 61 for receiving the end 29 of the coil spring and an aperture 63 for seating on the tray surface 16 . As can be seen in FIG. 7, in an aspect of an alternative embodiment, a tab or seating member 65 may extend below the surface 16 and may be configured to engage the aperture 63 and The top end 60 is snap-fitted onto the tongue 65 and mounted on the surface 16 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , this figure shows the placement of the exemplary tip 60 shown in FIG. 7 on a tongue or seating member 65 . Tongue 65 may include an outwardly extending extending rib 67 for snap-fitting top end 60 onto tongue 65 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques may be used to place the tip 60 on the surface 16 and that the illustrated technique is only one exemplary embodiment of such techniques.

Referring to FIG. 9 , an exemplary top end 60 is shown snap-fit fully seated on surface 16 , and more particularly on end 24 of surface 16 of tray 12 . Also shown is the end 29 of the coil spring 30 seated in the bore 61 of the top end 60 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the end 29 of the coil spring can be inserted into the hole 61 . The hole 61 is configured to receive the end 29 of the coil spring and hold the end 29 in place, also allowing the coil spring to be disengaged from the top end in order to remove the pusher mechanism 14 from the system. The end 29 of the spring is moved out of the hole 61 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , the end 29 of the coil spring is shown fully seated on an exemplary top end 60 . As shown in this figure, the coil spring 30 is now operatively connected to the surface 16 of the tray 12 . As a result, the pusher mechanism 14 can be placed on the tray 12 .

Alterations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of the described components in various configurations may be employed in a store. Accordingly, the present invention is neither limited to the single system 10 nor to the vertical propeller configuration shown in the drawings, the system 10 being merely a simplified illustration of the features, teachings and principles of the present invention. It should also be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text of the description and/or the drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best mode for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are interpreted to include those alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

The various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. management of product display systems comprises:

The pallet of defining surface;

Be placed in the trackless pusher mechanism on the described tray surface, this pusher mechanism comprises pusher surface and the propeller base plate that extends forward from described pusher surface, and wherein said propeller base plate slips over the surface of described pallet;

Disc spring, its be connected in described pallet the front portion, extend described propeller base plate and the described pusher surface back that is operably connected; And

Be placed on the described pallet at least one separator in order to several row of production sharing that will show,

Wherein, the surface of described pallet limits a plurality of spacer holes that separated by a plurality of ribs.

2. management of product display systems according to claim 1 wherein, also comprises the spring top that is connected to the disc spring end.

3. management of product display systems according to claim 1 wherein, also comprises the preceding maintenance wall that is connected on the described pallet.

4. management of product display systems according to claim 1 wherein, also comprises the adapter that is positioned on the described tray surface.

5. management of product display systems according to claim 4, wherein, described adapter comprises at least one rib that extends described adapter.

6. management of product display systems according to claim 5, wherein, described adapter comprises that at least two of extending described adapter extend in parallel rib; Wherein, described disc spring extends in parallel between the rib at described two extend at least.

7. management of product display systems according to claim 1, wherein, described propeller base plate limits notch.

8. management of product display systems according to claim 1, wherein, described pusher surface is curved shape.

9. management of product display systems according to claim 1 wherein, also comprises being connected on the described tray surface and not being connected maintenance wall on described at least one separator.

10. management of product display systems according to claim 9, wherein, described maintenance wall limits opening, and the relative crooked sidewall and the floor piece at edge that this opening further by upper member, further limits the band angle limits.

11. management of product display systems according to claim 9, wherein, described propeller base plate limits passage.

12. management of product display systems according to claim 1, wherein, described propeller base plate outwards and substantially vertically extends from described pusher surface.

13. adapter that is used for management of product display systems, described management of product display systems comprises the pallet and the trackless pusher mechanism of defining surface, this adapter is positioned on the described surface of described pallet of described display systems, described adapter comprises the plane surface that has from outward extending at least two ribs of plane surface, and the surface of wherein said pallet limits a plurality of spacer holes that separated by a plurality of ribs.

14. adapter according to claim 13, wherein, described plane surface limits rounded ends and is formed on the interior notch of described rounded ends.

15. adapter according to claim 13, wherein, described at least two ribs are substantially parallel and separate; Wherein, between described at least two ribs, be extended with disc spring.

16. a trackless pusher mechanism that is used for management of product display systems, described management of product display systems comprises the pallet of defining surface, and described trackless pusher mechanism comprises:

Pusher surface; And

From the propeller base plate that described pusher surface is extended forward, described propeller base plate places on the described surface of described display systems and is movable on this surface,

Described trackless pusher mechanism places on the surface of described pallet,

The surface of wherein said pallet limits a plurality of spacer holes that separated by a plurality of ribs.

17. trackless pusher mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, described pusher surface is curved shape.

18. trackless pusher mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, described propeller base plate limits the passage that is used to receive disc spring.

19. trackless pusher mechanism according to claim 16, wherein, described propeller base plate limits notch, and described pusher surface limits the rear surface that contacts with disc spring.

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