PRODUCT DISPLAY UNITS WITH ADJUSTABLE WIDTHS

A product display unit includes a base, a first sidewall extending along a first side of the base, a second sidewall extending along an opposite, second side of the base, and a product support member that couples the base to the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that longitudinal movement of the product support member causes the first sidewall to transversely move relative to the second sidewall and such that transverse movement of the first sidewall relative to the second sidewall causes the product support member to longitudinally move.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to product display units for dispensing products, and specifically to product display units with adjustable widths.

BACKGROUND

The following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference in entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,392,882 discloses a merchandising system for a displaying a plurality of products. The system has a base and a pusher member. The base includes a product-supporting surface and a track disposed beneath the product-supporting surface. The base defines a longitudinal axis. The pusher member is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the base and is configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the base. The pusher member includes a base-contacting surface and a plurality of legs downwardly depending from the base-contacting surface. Each of the plurality of legs is configured to mechanically engage the track. The track includes a discontinuity to enable the legs of the pusher member to selectively mechanically engage the track.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,713,395 discloses a merchandising system with a track and a pusher. The track defines a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of tabs. Each tab of the plurality of tabs includes a width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The pusher member is configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the track. The pusher member includes at least one leg configured to mechanically engage the track. The track includes a discontinuity to facilitate removal of the pusher member from the track. The discontinuity includes at least one other tab having a width less than a width of an adjacent tab of the plurality of tabs.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,637 discloses a product display unit that includes a first track and a second track. The first track defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to support products thereon. The first track is configured to guide the products along the longitudinal axis. The second track is configured to support products thereon. A first portion of the second track is configured to guide the products in a first direction that is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. A second portion of the second track is configured to guide the products in a second direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

SUMMARY

In certain examples, a product display unit includes a base extending from a first side to a second side in a transverse direction and from front to back in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, a first sidewall extending along the first side of the base, a second sidewall extending along the second side of the base, and a product support member that couples the base to the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that longitudinal movement of the product support member causes the first sidewall to transversely move relative to the second sidewall and such that transverse movement of the first sidewall relative to the second sidewall causes the product support member to longitudinally move.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

Conventional product display units are used in retail stores for dispensing products to customers. These product display units are located on shelving units, such as wire-form shelves in refrigerated cabinets. Products, such as soda bottles, milk jugs, and juice cans, are located on the product display unit in tracks and can be removed by a customer from the front of the product display unit. Upon removal, the remaining products on the product display unit are caused to move under force of gravity or a pusher assembly toward the front of the product display unit.

The type, size, and shape Fof the products placed on the product display unit can vary. For example, the products placed on the product display unit may include 12-ounce soda cans, 20-ounce soda bottles, 40-ounce glass bottles, rectangular food product such as cheese, and the like. In addition, products may be moved from one product display unit or track to another as customer demand changes. Accordingly, the present inventors have realized that there is a need for improved product displays units with adjustable widths that permit the width of the product display units and/or the tracks to be adjusted based on the size and shape of the products placed on the product display unit.

FIG. 1depicts an example product display unit20according to the present disclosure. The product display unit20is positioned on a shelf16(depicted in dashed lines) of a shelving unit (not shown). The product display unit20includes one or more tracks22, each of which holds one or more products (not shown). Each track22extends from front to back in a longitudinal direction (see arrow L) and from side (e.g. left side) to side (e.g. right side) in a transverse direction (see arrow T) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The number of tracks22in the product display unit20can vary. In the illustrated example, the product display unit20has six tracks22. The tracks22are removably coupled to each other with fasteners (e.g. bolts, dove-tail connections, rivets, detents, and projections) such that tracks22can be added or removed from the product display unit20.

FIG. 2is an exploded view of two tracks22of a product display unit20. Each track22has a base40which rests on the shelf16(FIG. 1). The base40is coupled to a spine33. An end member70is coupled to the base40and is configured to prevent products from inadvertently moving over the front of the product display unit20. Sidewalls, namely a left-side sidewall50L, middle sidewall50M, and right-side sidewall50R, extend along the sides of the tracks22and the sides of the base40to prevent products from inadvertently moving off the product support member25or into moving into adjacent tracks22. The left-side sidewall50L extends along the left side of the product display unit20and the leftmost track22, the middle sidewall50M separates the tracks22, and the right-side sidewall50R extends along the right side of the product display unit20and the rightmost track22. Each track22also includes a product support member25on which the products are supported and moved. The product support member25couples adjacent sidewalls50L,50M,50R to the base40to form the adjustable track22.

The components of the track22briefly mentioned above are described in greater detail hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 3-17.FIGS. 3-4depict the base40in greater detail. The base40extends along a center axis41of the track22(see alsoFIG. 1) and has multiple cutouts42, slots44, and holes46which receive and engage with other components of the track22. The base40is coupled to a spine33(FIG. 2) which is described hereinbelow. Note that the base40and the spine33are shown inFIG. 2as separate components and separable from each other, however, in certain examples the base40and the spine33can be integral with each other or formed together as a unitary piece such that features of the spine33described hereinbelow are included with the base40. In other examples, the spine33is plug welded to the base40such that the base40and the spine33are fixedly coupled together. The base40extends from a first side to a second side in the transverse direction and from front to back in the longitudinal direction.

FIGS. 5-10depict the sidewalls in greater detail. In particular,FIGS. 5-6depict the left-side sidewall50L,FIGS. 7-8depict the middle sidewall50M, andFIGS. 9-10depict the right-side sidewall50R. Note that the right-side sidewall50R is a mirror image of the left-side sidewall50L. Each sidewall50L,50M,50R extends vertically in the vertical direction (see arrow V) toward the top of the product display unit20(FIG. 1) and in the longitudinal direction along one or more sides of the tracks22(FIGS. 1-2). Each sidewall50L,50M,50R has a front end51and at least one leg52L,52M,52R extending in the transverse direction toward the adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R. For example, the left-side sidewall50L has a plurality of legs52L (FIGS. 5-6) transversely extending toward the middle sidewall50M (seeFIG. 20), the right-side sidewall50R has a plurality of legs52R (FIGS. 7-8) transversely extending toward the middle sidewall50M (seeFIG. 20), and the middle sidewall52M has a plurality of legs52M (FIGS. 9-10) transversely extending toward the left-side sidewall50L and a plurality of legs52M transversely extending toward the right-side sidewall50R (seeFIG. 20). Each leg52L,52M,52R transversely extends toward the adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R at an angle relative to the center axis41(seeFIG. 20). The angle formed between the leg52L,52M,52R and the center axis41can vary, such as 45 degrees or 30 degrees. Each leg52L,52M,52R has a first or front edge55, an opposite second or back edge56, and a slot54in which a pin31is received and slides (described further herein). The slots54transversely extend relative to the center axis41(e.g. each slot54and the center axis41form an angle such as a 30 degree angle). When the track22is assembled, the legs52L,52M,52R are positioned vertically between the base40and the product support member25(seeFIG. 18) (e.g. the legs52L,52M,52R are sandwiched between the base40and the product support member25). Each sidewall50L,50M,50R has a cutout57in which an employee's hand can be placed to apply an amount of resistance to the product display unit20when the sidewalls50L,50M,50R and the product support member25are moved relative to each other, as described herein.

A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that number and types of the sidewalls used in the product display unit can vary. For example, separate two-track units may be connected in side-by-side orientation to form the product display unit20such that right-side sidewalls50R are immediately next to left-side sidewalls50L, as shown inFIG. 1. In other examples, the tracks22of the product display unit20are separated by middle sidewalls50M and only a single left-side sidewall50L and a single right-side sidewall50R are included at the sides of the product display unit20.

FIGS. 11-13depict the product support member25in greater detail. The product support member25has a top support surface28and an opposite, bottom surface30. Products placed on the product display unit20contact and are moved along the top support surface28. A fin29transversely extends away from the top support surface28in the vertical direction. The fin29is positioned at the back of the product support member25. The fin29can be engaged by the employee to longitudinally move product support member25. The fin29also prevents products from falling off the back of the product support member25. The product support member25has one or more pins31vertically extending away from the bottom surface30that are received into the slots54of the legs52L,52M,52R (seeFIG. 6) and/or the holes46in the base40(seeFIG. 4) (see alsoFIG. 18). The pins31are arranged in pairs such that a pin31is on either side of the center axis41. The product support member25also has one or more fingers32which extend through slots37in the spine33(described herein) and/or the slots44of base40(FIG. 4) (see alsoFIG. 19) to couple the product support member25to the base40and the sidewalls50L,50M,50R. In certain examples, the product support member25and the base40(and spine33) move together when coupled to each other.

Referring toFIGS. 14-15the spine33has a plurality of arms34extending in the transverse direction toward adjacent sidewalls50L,50M,50R, at an angle relative to the center axis41(seeFIG. 20). The angle formed between the arm34and the center axis41can vary, such as 45 degrees or 30 degrees. In certain examples, the angle formed between the arm34and the center axis41is equal to the angle formed between the leg52and the center axis41. Each arm34has a first or front edge35and an opposite second or back edge36. The spine33includes one or more slots37that receive the fingers32of the product support member25. When the product support member25is coupled to the base40and the spine33and the sidewalls50L,50M,50R (seeFIG. 20), the arms34interlock or are interdigitated with the legs of adjacent sidewalls50L,50M,50R. For example with reference toFIG. 20, the arms34extending toward the left-side sidewall50L are interdigitated with the legs52L of the left-side sidewall50L and the arms34extending toward the middle sidewall50M are interdigitated with the legs52M of the middle sidewall50L. When assembled the arms34and the legs52L,52M,52R form a herringbone pattern.

FIGS. 16-17depict the end member70in greater detail. The end member70has an end wall72that extends toward the top of the product display unit20in the vertical direction (seeFIG. 1). Forks74extend in the longitudinal direction away from the end wall72. The forks74are slidably received and retained in the cutouts42of the base40(FIG. 3) when the product support member25couples to the base40and the sidewalls50L,50M,50R. The end member70includes slots76in which the front-most pins31of the product support member25are slidably received. The end member70can contact and be braced against a lip17of the shelf16(both the lip17and the shelf16are shown in dashed lines onFIG. 1).

The components of the track22are coupled or assembled together as described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 18-19. Referring toFIG. 18, a cross-sectional view of an example pin31relative to other components of the track22is depicted. To assemble the track22, the pins31of the product support member25(see alsoFIG. 13) are received into the slots54of the legs52L,52M,52R (see alsoFIGS. 5, 7, and 9) and the holes46of the base40(see alsoFIG. 4). The two front-most pins31are also received into the slots76of the end member70(FIG. 17) and the forks74of the end member70(FIG. 17) are received and restrained in the cutouts42defined by the base40(FIG. 4). Referring now toFIG. 19, a cross-sectional view of an example finger32relative to the other components of the track22is depicted. As the track22is assembled, the fingers32of the product support member25(see alsoFIG. 13) are received in the slots37of the spine33(alsoFIG. 14) and the slots44of the base40(see alsoFIG. 4). When the track22is fully assembled, the arms34of the spine33are interdigitated with the legs52L,52M,52R of the adjacent sidewalls50L,50M,50R (seeFIG. 19) and the width of each track22can be easily adjusted, as described hereinbelow.

Now referring toFIGS. 20-21, each track22is adjustable into and between a first or closed position (FIG. 20) in which the track22has a first or minimum width W1and a second or open position (FIG. 21) in which the track22has a second or maximum width W2which is greater than the first width W1. The track22can be moved into and the between the first and second positions together or independently. The track22can also be adjusted to any intermediate position between the first position (FIG. 20) and the second position (FIG. 21). Note that the product support member25(seeFIG. 11) have been removed fromFIGS. 20-21to expose the legs52L,52M,52R of the sidewalls50L,50M,50R and the arms34of the spine33.

To move the track22into and between the first position (FIG. 20) and the second position (FIG. 21), the product support member25(FIG. 2) is moved by the employee in the longitudinal direction such that the adjacent sidewalls50L,50M,50R (e.g. the left-side sidewall50L and the middle sidewall50M) move relative to each other in the transverse direction. That is, longitudinal movement of the product support member25causes a first adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R to transversely move relative to an opposite second adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R.

Specifically, as the product support member25longitudinally moves in a direction toward the front of the base40the first adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R and the second adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R are moved away from each other and the track22moves away from the first position (FIG. 20) toward the second position (FIG. 21). The longitudinal movement of the product support member25in a direction toward the front of the base40causes the arms34of the spine33to slide along and engage with or act on the legs52L,52M,52R of the sidewalls50L,50M,50R such that the sidewalls50L,50M,50R move away from each other and the pins31(FIG. 13) slide in the slots54of the legs52L,52M,52R (e.g. the arms34cam the legs52L,52M,52R thereby causing the sidewalls50L,50M,50R to laterally move outwardly). In particular, the front edges35of the arm34act on and slide along the back edge56of the legs52L,52M,52R. As the track22is moved from the first position (FIG. 20) to the second position (FIG. 21), the width of the track22increases. Referring toFIG. 21, the legs52L,52M,52R are spaced apart from the center axis41when the track22is in the second position. In addition, the end member70is also moved in the longitudinal direction as the product support member25is moved in a direction toward the front of the base40such that the distance between the end member70and the front ends51of the legs52L,52M,52R decreases. That is, the end member70and the front ends51are spaced apart a first distance D1(FIG. 20) when the track22is in the first position (FIG. 20) and a second distance D2(FIG. 21) when the track22is in the second position (FIG. 21). The end member70may also freely move or “float” relative to the product support member25as the forks74(FIG. 16) slide in the cutouts42(FIG. 3) of the base40. In certain examples, the end member70moves relative to the base40as the track22is moved into and between the first position (FIG. 20) and the second position (FIG. 21) such that the end wall72of end member70is consistently contacting or resting on the lip17of the shelf16(FIG. 1).

Alternatively, as the product support member25longitudinally moves in a direction toward the back of the base40the first adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R and the second adjacent sidewall50L,50M,50R move toward from each other and the track22moves away from the second position (FIG. 21) toward the first position (FIG. 20). The longitudinal movement of the product support member25in a direction toward the back of the base40causes the arms34of the spine33to engage with or act on the legs52L,52M,52R of the sidewalls50L,50M,50R such that the sidewalls50L,50M,50R move toward each other and the pins31(FIG. 13) slide in the slots54of the legs52L,52M,52R. In particular, the back edges36of the arms34act on and slide along the front edges55of the legs52L,52M,52R. As the track22is moved from the second position (FIG. 21) to the first position (FIG. 20), the width of the track22decrease. The end member70is moved in the longitudinal direction as the product support member25is moved in a direction toward the back of the base40such that the distance between the end member70and the front end51of the legs52L,52M,52R increases. The legs52L,52M,52R are next to the center axis41when the track22is in the first position (FIG. 20) and spaced apart from the center axis41when the track22is the second position (FIG. 21).

The track22can also be moved into and the between the first position (FIG. 20) and the second position (FIG. 21) by moving the sidewalls50L,50M,50R relative to each other. For example, to move the track22into and between the first position (FIG. 20) and the second position (FIG. 21), at least one of the sidewalls50L,50M,50R is moved by the employee in the transverse direction such that the product support member25moves in the longitudinal direction. That is, transverse movement of one of the sidewall50L,50M,50R causes product support member25to longitudinally move.

In one specific example, when the employee transversely pulls one the sidewalls50L,50M,50R away from the center axis41the product support member25is moved in the longitudinal direction toward the front of the base40and the track22is moved toward the second position (FIG. 21). Alternatively, when the employee transversely pushes one the sidewalls50L,50M,50R toward from the center axis41the product support member25is moved in the longitudinal direction toward the back of the base40and the track is moved toward the first position (FIG. 20).

Referring toFIGS. 22-23, in certain examples a pusher assembly100can be provided at each track22and is coupled to the product support member25. The pusher assembly is configured to push or urge products along the product support member25toward the front of the product display unit20as products are removed from the front of the product display unit20by the customer. The pusher assembly100is also configured to move toward the back of the product display unit20as products are restocked into the tracks22. The pusher assembly100includes a biasing member110coupled to a base member102. The biasing member110has a first end111(FIG. 23) coupled to the bottom surface30of the product support member25. In the example depicted, the biasing member110is a spring (e.g. constant force spring). Referring specifically toFIG. 23, the first end11of the biasing member extends through a hole in the product support member25and coupled to a boss114that extends away from the bottom surface30. A tab116is provided on the bottom surface30to restrain the first end11on the boss114. Reference is made to above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 9,392,882 for description of a conventional pusher assembly.

In certain examples, a product display unit includes a base extending from a first side to a second side in a transverse direction and from front to back in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, a first sidewall extending along the first side of the base, a second sidewall extending along the second side of the base, and a product support member that couples the base to the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that longitudinal movement of the product support member causes the first sidewall to transversely move relative to the second sidewall and such that transverse movement of the first sidewall relative to the second sidewall causes the product support member to longitudinally move. The first sidewall and the second sidewall move toward each other as the product support member is moved toward the back of the base and away from each other as the product support member is moved toward the front the base. An end member coupled to the front of the base and configured to prevent products from falling off the product support member. The first sidewall has a front end, and the end member moves toward the front end as the product support member is moved toward the front of the base and away from the front end as the product support member is moved toward the back of the base. The first sidewall has a leg transversely extending toward the second sidewall and the second sidewall has a leg transversely extending toward the first sidewall. The leg of the first sidewall and the leg of the second sidewall are vertically positioned between the base and the product support member. A first pin and a second pin couple the product support member to the base, and the leg of the first sidewall has a first slot in which the first pin is received and the leg of the second sidewall has a second slot in which the second pin is received. As the product support member is moved, the first pin slides in the first slot and the second pin slides in the second slot. The base has a center axis longitudinally extending along the base, and the first slot and the second slot transversely extend relative to the center axis. In certain examples, the first slot and the center axis form a 30 degree angle and the second slot and the center axis form a 30 degree angle. The base has a first arm transversely extending toward the first sidewall and a second arm transversely extending toward the second sidewall. As the product support member is moved the first arm slides along the leg of the first sidewall and the second arm slides with the leg of the second sidewall. The leg of the first sidewall, the leg of the second sidewall, the first arm, and the second arm transversely extend relative to the center axis. In certain examples, the leg of the first sidewall, the leg of the second sidewall, the first arm, and the second arm each form a 30 degree angle with the center axis.

In certain examples, the leg of the first sidewall is one of a plurality of legs spaced part along the first sidewall and extending toward the second sidewall, the leg of the second sidewall is one of a plurality of legs spaced part along the second sidewall and extending toward the first sidewall, the first arm is one of a first plurality of arms spaced apart along the base and extending toward the first sidewall, and the second arm is one of a second plurality of arms spaced apart along the base and extending toward the second sidewall. The legs of the plurality of legs of the first sidewall are interdigitated with the arms of the first plurality of arms and the legs of the plurality of legs of the second sidewall are interdigitated with the arms of the second plurality of arms. The plurality of legs of the first sidewall, the legs of the plurality of legs of the second sidewall, the arms of the first plurality of arms, and the arms of the second plurality of arms transversely extend relative to the center axis. In certain examples, the each leg of the plurality of legs of the first sidewall, each leg of the plurality of legs of the second sidewall, each arm the first plurality of arms, and each arm second plurality of arms from a 30 degree angle with the center axis. The legs of the plurality of legs of the first sidewall, the legs of the plurality of legs of the second sidewall, the arms of the first plurality of arms, and the arms of the second plurality of arms form a herringbone pattern.

In certain examples, the product display unit includes a base extending from a first side to a second side in a transverse direction and from front to back in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, a first sidewall extending along the first side of the base, a second sidewall extending along the second side of the base, and a product support member that couples the base to the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that as one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall transversely moves the product support member is longitudinally moved and as the product support member longitudinally moves at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is transversely moved.

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses and systems described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses and systems. Various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.