# Patent

## Title
Anti-sweeping tray

## Abstract

A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray includes an anti-sweeping security structure mounted to the base structure. The anti-sweeping security structure extends along a portion or the entirety of the merchandise channel and is adjustable in at least one of vertical and horizontal and is fixed rotationally over the merchandise channel. The merchandise pusher tray with the anti-sweeping structure includes a locking member pivotally attached to the reinforcement bar for securing the tray to the retail merchandise bar.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/288,058, filed Nov. 3, 2011, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to retail merchandise displays, and more particularly to the prevention of theft of retail merchandise from retail merchandise displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Self-facing retail merchandise displays are generally known in the art. Once such display is the pusher system. A conventional pusher system incorporates one or more pusher paddles or pusher bodies that ride along a respective elongated track. A spring is connected between the pusher body and a leading edge of the track. The spring acts to bias the pusher body forward along the track towards the leading edge thereof.
A user can retract the pusher body away from the leading edge of the track and position items of retail merchandise in a linear row on top of the track and between the leading edge of the track and the pusher body. The biasing force provided by the spring and exerted upon the pusher body serves to bias the linear row of retail merchandise forward to ultimately “front face” the merchandise.
That is, when a customer removes the leading most item of merchandise from the linear row of merchandise, the pusher body will be drawn forward by the spring to index the row of merchandise forward so that the next item of merchandise in the row is positioned proximate the leading edge of the track in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Such automatic front facing eliminates the necessity for retail store employees to manually face the merchandise, and thus ultimately reduces the cost of labor of the retailer.
The aforementioned pusher systems have been utilized in various retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, a plurality of pusher bodies and their corresponding tracks are arranged in a side by side manner along the shelf. Each pusher body and its corresponding track are separated by dividers to maintain a plurality of generally straight rows of merchandise that run from the front to the back of the shelf. Such a familiar configuration can be found in many retail stores for selling hygiene items such as deodorant, as one example.
Unfortunately, there are certain retail environments that have provided great difficulty with regard to the incorporation of a pusher system. Such environments include the commercial refrigerated cabinet or freezer. These displays are typically utilized to carry and display frozen or refrigerated food items on shelving therein. Examples of such items include frozen pizzas, ice cream, etc. The harsh environment inside these displays can cause ice buildup which can lead to jamming or mechanical failure of a conventional pusher system if it were incorporated therein.
Further, typical commercial refrigerated cabinets or freezers tend have a significant shelf depth, as well as a significant number of shelves therein. As a result, loading a pusher system situated on this shelving in such a confined area presents significant difficulty and can be quite time consuming. Indeed, to load a pusher system, a user must push the pusher body away from its resting position with one hand, and load merchandise into the pusher system using their other hand. Such a two handed operation compounds in difficulty at greater cabinet depths.
Yet further, typical commercial refrigerated cabinets or freezers incorporate horizontal bars running along a back side thereof. These bars are utilized for shelf mounting and the like, and typically have a square cross sectional profile with a width ranging from less than an inch to over an inch, e.g. 1⁄2 inch to 1 inch width bars. As a result, such shelving extends from these bars in a generally cantilevered extension. This cantilevered extension can cause bending in the shelving when loaded with heavier items. Such bending is particularly problematic for a pusher system given its array of moving components.
Unfortunately, pusher systems whether in or out of the refrigerated cabinets or freezers produce unforeseen disadvantages, particularly with theft.
For honest customers, pushers help in that the products are biased forward and it is easy to see and purchase a single product, because the product is pushed all the way forward in a display. A consumer reaches to the front of the display, grabs one item and places the item in the basket.
However, for a thief, these pusher systems make it very easy to steal many products at one time. Thieves are known to reach over the display, grab two, three, four even more products at one time while the pusher system conveniently push more forward for the thief to steal. The method of rapidly stealing multiple products from a display, in a quick method is called sweeping.
To prevent sweeping, several devices have entered the market to alleviate the problem. One example of such a device incorporates cages that are placed around and over the entire product line. However, these devices are not without drawbacks.
For example current approaches encase the entire product line in a cage type structure, which is cumbersome to install, is not readily adaptable to varying product dimensions, presents a less than desirable product display to attract the consumer and finally, is costly to implement.
Cumbersome, cage like theft prevention systems leave the retailer with the unfortunate choice of preventing theft via burdensome devices that are costly and are labor intensive for their employees, or displaying product without these preventative measures, which allow for a more aesthetically pleasing product display, but that are prone to costly theft.
In view of the above, there is a need in the art for an improved anti-sweeping device that is aesthetically pleasing, requires minimum labor cost, minimum production cost, and most importantly, prevents theft.
The invention provides such a system. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a merchandise pusher tray is provided. An embodiment of the merchandise pusher tray according to this aspect includes a base structure having a pair of load bearing members arranged in an opposed spaced relationship. The pair of load bearing members each provide a retail merchandise support surface configured for carrying retail merchandise thereon. A pusher is interposed between the pair of load bearing members and moveable relative to the base structure along a first axis. At least one divider is mounted to the base structure and moveable relative to the base structure along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the load bearing members includes a mount for mounting the base structure as a cantilevered extension from a generally vertical wall.
The base structure can include a floor carried by the pair of load bearing members. The floor defines a retail merchandise support surface configured for carrying retail merchandise thereon. In certain embodiments, the floor is a welded wire assembly including a plurality of longitudinal wires and a plurality of transverse wires joined to each of the plurality of longitudinal wires. In certain embodiments, at least one of the plurality of longitudinal wires includes an upturned end for receiving a front stop.
The at least one divider can include a pair of dividers arranged in an opposed spaced relationship to define a retail merchandise channel. The retail merchandise channel has a variable width based upon an adjusted position of the pair of dividers. In certain embodiments, each of the pair of dividers includes a pair of extensions which extend from a side of each of the pair of dividers and into the base structure. In certain embodiments, the pair of extensions of each of the pair of dividers extends into a front and a rear spacer, respectively. The front and rear spacers are mounted to the base structure between the pair of load bearing members.
The mount of each of each of the pair of load bearing members can have a hook shape and is configured to receive a generally horizontal bar. In certain embodiments, each of the pair of load bearing members includes a support bar and a reinforcement bar. The reinforcement bar is joined to and overlaps the support bar. The mount is formed on each reinforcement bar of each of the pair of load bearing members.
In another aspect, a merchandise pusher tray is provided. An embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray according to this aspect includes a base structure. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members arranged in an opposed spaced relationship. The pair of load bearing members each has a stiffness region and a support region. The stiffness region is more resistant to deflection under a loading than the support region. This embodiment of the merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher slideably mounted to the base structure. A pair of moveable dividers are provided. The pair of moveable dividers define a width of a merchandise retaining channel. The width is variable based upon the adjustment of the pair of moveable dividers.
Each of the pair of load bearing members has an overall length. The stiffness region is about four inches to about seven inches of the overall length in one embodiment. In certain embodiments, in the stiffness region, each of the pair of load bearing members has a first cross sectional width. In the support region, each of the pair of load bearing members has a second cross sectional width that is less than the first cross sectional width.
In certain embodiments, each of the pair of load bearing members includes a structural bar and a reinforcement bar. The reinforcement bar overlaps the structural bar to form the stiffness region.
In certain embodiments, the merchandise pusher tray further comprises a retail shelf. The base structure is mounted to a planar top surface of the retail shelf. In certain embodiments, the merchandise pusher tray also includes a merchandise bar and a mount. The mount extends from the base structure and receives the merchandise bar.
In yet another aspect, a merchandise pusher tray is provided. An embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray according to this aspect includes a base structure that provides a retail support surface for carrying retain merchandise thereon. A pusher is slideably mounted to the base structure and is slideable along a first axis. A locking arm is also provided. The locking arm is situation between the pusher and the base structure. The locking arm is operable to lock the pusher in a locked position such that the pusher cannot move relative to the base structure along the first axis.
The locking arm can include at least one longitudinal member. The at least one longitudinal member extends from the pusher and is moveable relative to the pusher to engage a portion of the base structure to hold the pusher in the locked position. In certain embodiments, the at least one longitudinal member is operable to engage the base structure when the pusher is in a fully retracted position and the tray is not loaded with retail merchandise.
In certain embodiments, the locking arm further comprises a transverse member and the at least one longitudinal member includes a pair of longitudinal members extending from the transverse member of the locking arm to form a generally U-shaped configuration. The pair of longitudinal members will disengage the base structure upon an actuation force exerted upon the transverse member.
In another aspect, an anti-sweeping merchandise pusher tray is provided. An embodiment of the anti-sweeping merchandise pusher tray according to this aspect includes a base structure having a pair of load bearing members arranged in an opposed spaced relationship. The pair of load bearing members each provide a retail merchandise support surface configured for carrying retail merchandise thereon. A pusher is interposed between the pair of load bearing members and moveable relative to the base structure along a first axis. At least one divider is mounted to the base structure and moveable relative to the base structure along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the load bearing members includes a mount for mounting the base structure as a cantilevered extension from a generally vertical wall. A security structure is mounted to the base structure and extends at least partially along the length of the retail merchandise channel.
The security structure can be adjusted in at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The security structure can include a bracket assembly and an arm member. The arm member is selectively movable relative to the bracket such that a distance between the base structure and the arm member of the security structure is variable. The bracket assembly can include a plate and a keyed aperture, wherein the arm member has a vertical portion slideably received in the keyed aperture, and wherein the plate is biased against the vertical member. The arm member can be a wire loop having two adjacent ends slidably received in the bracket assembly. A portion of the wire loop is received by an adjustable depth member that is movable in an axis generally parallel to the merchandise channel.
The Security structure can include a mounting bracket comprising two vertical members each with slots. The vertical members are joined by a transverse member. The vertical members of the mounting bracket are attached to the base assembly with at least one fastener through each slot. The vertical members are movable along an axis generally perpendicular to the merchandise channel to selectively vary the distance.
The security structure can include a first member and a second member. The first member includes a plurality of apertures and the second member includes a detent wherein the detent is selectively postitionable in a select one of the plurality of apetures.
The security structure can be rotationally fixed relative to the base structure.
In another aspect an anti-sweeping merchandise pusher tray is provided. An embodiment of the anti-sweeping merchandise pusher tray according to this aspect includes a base structure and a pusher movable relative to the base structure along a first axis. A pair of dividers is mounted to the base structure and is movable relative to the base structure along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A security structure mounted to the base structure extends at least partially along the length of the retail merchandise channel. The base structure, pair of dividers, and security structure bound top, bottom, and opposed sides of the retail merchandise channel, such that only a single item of retail merchandise at a time may be removed upwardly out of the retail merchandise channel.
The base structure and at least one divider define the retail merchandise channel extending proximally from a rear of the base structure to proximally a front of the base structure. The security structure is mounted to the base structure and arranged such that it is situated proximate an upper-most edge of the one or more items of retail merchandise. The security structure includes a keyed aperture to prevent rotation of the security structure. The security structure is adjustable in at least one of vertical or horizontal.
In yet another aspect, an anti-sweeping merchandise pusher tray is provided. An embodiment of the anti-sweeping merchandise pusher tray according to this aspect includes a merchandise pusher tray that includes a base structure for supporting one or more items of retail merchandise. A pusher is slidably mounted to the base structure. A pair of movable dividers are mounted to the base structure. A security structure is mounted to the base structure and arranged such that it is situated proximate an upper-most edge of the one or more items of retail merchandise.
The security structure is mounted to the base structure and extends at least partially along the length of the retail merchandise channel. The base structure, pair of dividers, and security structure bound the top, bottom, and opposed sides of the retail merchandise channel, such that only a single item of retail merchandise at a time may be removed upwardly out of the retail merchandise channel. The security structure includes a keyed aperture to prevent rotation of the security structure. The security structure is adjustable in at least one of vertical or horizontal or in another aspect the Security structure is adjustable in vertical and horizontal.
Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bar mounted merchandise tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1, illustrating the relative motions, respectively, of adjustable side barriers and a pusher assembly of the tray;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top cross section of the tray of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a partial view of the cross section of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a front cross section of the tray of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a rear cross section of the tray of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a side cross section of the tray of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a partial top perspective view of the tray of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a partial side cross section of the pusher assembly of the tray of FIG. 1 in an unlocked configuration;
FIG. 11 is a partial side cross section of the pusher assembly of the tray of FIG. 1 in a locked configuration;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a sixth embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the anti-sweeping rod of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a seventh embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is an eighth embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a ninth embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a tenth embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers according to the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22; and
FIG. 24 is a partial side cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 22.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning now to the drawings, an embodiment of a merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers 100 (hereinafter “tray”) is illustrated. Tray 100 is illustrated mounted to a retail merchandise display bar 102 typically incorporated in a commercial refrigerator or freezer cabinet. Tray 100 is loaded with retail merchandise 104 and is operable to bias merchandise 104 forward to front face the same. Although illustrated as incorporated in a commercial refrigerator or freezer-type cabinet, it will be readily recognized that the invention is not limited to this environment alone. Rather, those skilled in the art will recognize from the disclosure herein that the various embodiments of tray 100 can be integrated into other retail displays such as dry goods shelving or the like.
Tray 100 includes a base structure 110. A pair of moveable dividers 112, 114 are mounted to the base structure 110. A pusher 116 is also mounted to base structure 110.
With reference to FIG. 2, dividers 112, 114 are moveable relative to base structure 110 in direction 118. This adjustability allows a user to define a width of a retail merchandise channel interposed and defined by the dividers 112, 114. As a result, tray 100 is not limited to a specific width of retail merchandise, and can instead accommodate various widths depending on the particular spacing of dividers 112, 114 set by a user. The dividers 112, 114 may be a wire structure as illustrated, a plate-like structure as shown at FIGS. 12-14, or any other barrier style configuration sufficient to define an area for containing items of retail merchandise.
Pusher 116 is moveable relative to base structure 110 in direction 120. Such movement by pusher 116 accomplishes the front facing of merchandise 104 (See FIG. 1) as described herein. Further, and as will be described in greater detail below, pusher 116 also incorporates an advantageous locking arrangement which is operable to lock pusher 116 in a locked and fully retracted position as illustrated at FIG. 2. This functionality allows a user to lock pusher 116 in the retracted position and thereafter load retail merchandise within the retail merchandise channel defined between dividers 112, 114 without also holding the pusher 116 back against the biasing force provided by spring 122 operably connected to pusher 116.
Turning now to FIG. 3, with particular attention to base structure 110, the same includes a wire floor 126 which includes a plurality of longitudinal members 128, as well as a plurality of horizontal members 130 welded to the longitudinal members 128. It will be recognized that the particular number of longitudinal members 128 and well as horizontal members 130 illustrated is not limiting, and fewer or more could be used in other embodiments as governed by application. Pusher 116 slidably engages one or more of the longitudinal members 128 of wire floor 126 for movement thereupon.
As shown in FIG. 3, the two outer most longitudinal members 128 include upturned ends 132 for receiving a front stop 134. Front stop 134 defines the front most boundary of the retail merchandise channel at which retail merchandise 104 (See FIG. 1) will abut and be prevented from any further forward travel by front stop 134. Front stop 134 may take on a variety of shapes and sizes, depending upon application, and thus the particular shape/size of front stop 134 is not limiting upon the invention. Further, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that front stop 134 is interchangeable with other front stops by removing the same from wire frame 126.
Base structure 110 also includes a pair of load bearing members 142, 144. Each load bearing member 142, 144 includes a structural bar 146, 148 and a reinforcing bar 156, 158 arranged in an overlapping fashion. As a result, each load bearing member 142, 144 has a variable cross sectional thickness. In the region of overlap between the structural bars 146, 148 and reinforcement bars 156, 158, each load bearing member 142, 144 will have a first cross sectional thickness. Beyond this region of overlap, each of the load bearing members 142, 144 will have a second cross sectional thickness equal to the thickness of their respective structural bars 146, 148, this second cross sectional thickness being less than the first cross sectional thickness.
Such a configuration provides for an enhanced resistance to deflection under loading due to the cantilevered extension of tray 100, and more particularly load bearing members 140, 142, from merchandise bar 102 (See FIG. 1). It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that such resistance is optimized by the particular size of the region of overlap of each of the load bearing members 142, 144.
Indeed, the region of overlap is a stiffness region wherein load bearing members 142, 144 provide enhanced deflection resistance while simultaneously minimizing the amount of material required to provide such resistance. The remainder of each load bearing member 142, 144 beyond the stiffness region is generally a support region that remains operable to support retail merchandise thereon and provide a sufficient degree of deflection resistance. In one embodiment, the amount of overlap between structural bars 146, 148 and reinforcement bars 156, 158 is about one inch to about ten inches, and preferably about three inches to about eight inches, and even more preferably about four inches to about seven inches.
Each structural bar 146, 148 incorporates apertures 162, 164 for sliding receipt of extensions 166, 168 of dividers 112, 114 respectively. Further, each structural bar 146, 148 also includes apertures 170, 172, respectively, for receipt of pins 174, 176. As will be described in greater detail below, pins 174, 176 are used to fixedly retain spacers 178, 188 between load bearing members 142, 144 to maintain the spacing thereof. Each structural bar 146, 148 also incorporates upwardly opening notches 180, 182, respectively, for receipt of the front and rear horizontal members 130 of wire floor 126. By way of notches 180, 182 the load bearing members 142, 144 support the wire floor 126.
Each reinforcement bar 156, 158 includes a straight portion 184, 194 as well as a mount in the form of a hook portion 186, 196. Each straight portion 184, 194 includes notch 190, 192 to provide clearance for the ends of the rear most spacer 188 such that these ends can abut the structural bar 146, 148 as described below. Each hook portion 186, 196 includes a downwardly opening notch 198, 200 for receipt of the aforementioned merchandise bar 102 (See FIG. 1). Each notch 198, 200 may be closely sized to snugly receive merchandise bar 102. In certain embodiments, notches 198, 200 may have a maximum width of about one inch, however, in other embodiments, notches 198, 200 may have a maximum width of less than an inch, e.g. about one-half inch.
Structural bars 146, 148 are joined to reinforcement bars 156, 158 mechanically by welding or other mechanical means. Such a configuration permits the use of a uniform stock thickness of material to be utilized in manufacturing each of the structural bars 146, 148 and reinforcement bars 156, 158. Further, uniform structural bars 146, 148 may be employed with various combinations of reinforcement bars 156, 158 having differently sized hook portions 186, 198 to accommodate various sizes of merchandise bars 102 (See FIG. 1). Yet further, other mounts may be used instead of hook-style mounts, e.g. slatwall mounts, pegboard mounts, etc.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a top cross section of the base structure 110 is illustrated. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a cross section of the stiffness region (section I-I) having a first cross sectional width W1, as well as the support region having a second cross sectional width W2 at section II-II. Further, the mounted configuration of the spacers 178, 188 is also illustrated. Each spacer 178, 188 receives extensions 166, 168 of each of the respective dividers 112, 114 (See FIG. 3). Each spacer 178, 188 include generally parallel bores 202, 204 respectively. The front most spacer 178 receives extensions 166, 168 in bores 202. Likewise, the rear most spacer 188 receives extensions 166, 168 in bores 204. The bores 202, 204 are formed through a body 206, 208 of each spacer 178, 188.
Further, each spacer 178, 188 incorporates clips 210, 212. Clips 210 are mounted to the front most spacer 178. One clip 210 contacts body 206 at one end of clip 210, while the other end of this clip 210 contacts extension 166. Such contact produces a bearing load against the extension 166 to generally hold the extension 166 in its adjusted position within spacer 178, and more particularly within bore 202. Likewise, the other clip 210 contacts body 206 at one end of the clip 210, while contacting extension 168 at the other end of clip 210. Such contact produces a bearing load against extension 168 to hold it in its adjusted position within bore 202.
For purposes of brevity, it will be recognized that clips 212 mounted to spacer 188 perform in the same manner previously described relative to clips 210. Although illustrated as removable components, clips 210, 212 can also be hingedly connected at one end thereof to the bodies 206, 208 of spacers 178, 188 in another embodiment. In such an embodiment, the clips 210, 212 can rotate about said hinge at one end to contact the extensions 166, 168 at another end of the clips 210, 212 in a similar manner as described above.
Turning now to FIG. 5, the connection of one end of spacer 188 to load bearing member 142 is illustrated. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the other end of spacer 188 is connected to load bearing member 144 in the same manner. Further, the ends of spacer 178 are connected to load bearing members 142, 144 in the same manner as well. As shown at FIG. 5, the end of spacer 188 extends through notch 190 formed in reinforcement bar 156. Flanges 216 extending from the ends of bores 204 extend into apertures 162 of the structural bar 146. Flanges 216 thus quickly align spacer 188 relative to apertures 162 of load bearing member 142 and also quickly align bore 218 which extends through body 208 and receives pin 174. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that pin 174 may be omitted and spacer 188 will be held in place by the interconnection of flanges 216 within apertures 162.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a cross-section of bore 202 extending through spacer 178 is illustrated. As illustrated, bore 202 includes a keyway 220. The keyway 220 allows for passage of a key 222 formed at an end of extension 168. Further the left most clip 210 in FIG. 6 also includes a keyway aligned with keyway 220. It will be recognized, however, that the right most clip 210 does not incorporate such a keyway. As a result, key 222 will abut the edge of clip 210 and prevent further movement from left to right of divider 112 as shown in FIG. 6. Such a configuration limits or prevents the divider 112 from being entirely removed from bore 202. Although not shown, a similar configuration is provided in the other bore 202 of spacer 178 to prevent the removal of divider 114. Additionally, spacer 188 incorporates a like configuration such that the dividers 112, 114 are limited to a maximum width position and are not readily removable from the remainder of tray 100.
Turning to FIG. 7, the particulars of the pusher 116 will be discussed in greater detail. The pusher 116 includes a pusher body 230 that is a generally upright paddle as illustrated. At a bottom edge of the pusher body 230, there is disposed a plurality of notches 232 that receive longitudinal members 128. The pusher body 230 is slidable along longitudinal members 128 at notches 232. As illustrated, the inner most notches 232 are generally curved, while the outer most notches 232 are generally a right angle cut-out. Pusher body 230 also incorporates a pair of slots 234 therethrough for receipt of a locking arm 236 which will be described in greater detail below. Pusher body 116 also carries spring 122 introduced above at FIG. 2. Those skilled in the art will recognize that pusher body 116 is interchangeable with other sizes of pusher bodies to accommodate differing sizes of retail merchandise.
More particularly, and with reference now to FIG. 8, spring 122 is carried within an internal cavity 238 of the pusher body 230. The internal cavity 238 is bounded and defined by generally vertical support walls 240 (See also FIG. 9) which support the pusher body 230. As illustrated at FIG. 8, spring 122 is generally a coil spring that extends from internal cavity 238 through opening 242 formed in pusher body 230. A terminal end of spring 122 is fixedly connected to the front most horizontal member 130 of wire floor 126 (See FIG. 3). Alternatively, spring 122 could be attached elsewhere, such as to front stop 134 in other embodiments.
Turning now to FIG. 9, the locking arm 236 include a transverse member 244 and a pair of longitudinal members 246. Each of the longitudinal members 246 include a hook portion 248 at an end thereof. The hook portion 248 incorporates a notch 250 for selective receipt of the rear most horizontal member 130.
More specifically, and with reference now to FIG. 10, a portion of the tray 100 is illustrated with retail merchandise 104 carried therein. As illustrated, merchandise 104 is positioned against the transverse member 244 of the locking arm 236 such that the transverse member 244 is generally parallel to the vertically extending front face of the pusher body 230. As a result, notch 250 remains out of contact with the rear most horizontal member 130 of the wire frame 126 (See also FIG. 3).
However, and referring now to FIG. 11, when tray 100 is unloaded and pusher 116 is at its refracted position, locking arm 236 will rotate in direction 252 as illustrated such that notches 250 of the longitudinal members 246 of the locking arm 236 engage the rear most horizontal member 130 of wire frame 126. Such rotation in direction 252 occurs as a result of the cantilevered extension of longitudinal members 246 out of slots 234 formed in pusher body 230.
Such a configuration allows a user to lock the pusher 116 in place when it is not loaded with merchandise 104 (See FIG. 10). This configuration advantageously allows a user to load tray 100 using two hands, as opposed to holding the pusher 116 in its refracted or rear most position while using another single hand to load tray 100. Put differently, locking arm 236 allows for the two-handed manipulation and loading of merchandise into tray 100. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that this advantageously overcomes existing designs wherein it is required to hold a pusher with one hand and load merchandise with only a single hand.
Turning now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a tray 300 is illustrated. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiment described above with the exception that the tray 300 incorporates solid side dividers 312, 314, as opposed to the wire-type dividers 112, 114 (See FIG. 3) described above. This embodiment of tray 300 also contemplates bar mounting to a merchandise bar 302. Further, this embodiment also incorporates a pusher 316 as described above. Dividers 312, 314 and pusher 316 are mounted to the base structure 310 and are moveable relative thereto in the same manner as described above. Additionally, this embodiment also incorporates an integrated label holder 336 mounted to front stop 334 of tray 300. Integrated label holder 336 is mounted to front stop 334 in such a way that the bottom surface of integrated label holder 336 is flush with a bottom surface of front stop 334. Integrated label holder 336 may also be incorporated with all other embodiments disclosed herein.
Turning now to FIG. 13, another embodiment of a tray 400 is illustrated. This embodiment also is mounted to a retail merchandise bar 402. This embodiment also incorporates a pusher 416 moveable relative to a base structure 410 of the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, tray 400 incorporates moveable dividers 412, 414 that function in the same manner as described above. However, it will be recognized from inspection of FIG. 13 that only one of dividers 412, 410, particularly divider 412, includes a plate-like side member.
As illustrated, the other divider 414 is simply a wire. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous for functioning as an end tray of a row of trays mounted to bar 402. Indeed, this illustrated embodiment presents a left most tray 400 of a row of trays mounted to bar 402. In an embodiment not illustrated, the plate-like divider is reversed such that divider 414 contains an upright plate-like member while divider 412 is simply a wire. Such an embodiment would function as a right most tray of a plurality of trays mounted to bar 402.
Finally, turning now to FIG. 14, yet another embodiment of a tray 500 is illustrated. This embodiment incorporates a moveable pusher 516 as well as moveable dividers 512, 514. Unlike the previous embodiments, however, this embodiment of tray 500 is mounted to a conventional retail shelf 502, and thus does not incorporate any cantilever-type mounting. This embodiment also incorporates a front stop 534 with an integrated label holder 536 as described above.
Although not illustrated, all of the aforementioned embodiments can omit the movable dividers 112, 114, 312, 314, 412, 414 entirely and still achieve the various advantages described herein. Further, the embodiments shown at FIGS. 12-14 incorporate all of the features of the embodiment described at FIGS. 1-11, with the exception of the differences identified in the preceding.
The embodiments shown in FIGS. 15-24 are similar to, and provide the same advantages of, the embodiments described above. However, each of the embodiments of trays (also referred to below as anti-sweep trays) shown in FIGS. 15-24 include an anti-sweeping security structure which extends along a portion or the entirety of the merchandise channel of these embodiments. As will be described in greater detail below, the anti-sweeping security structure deters or entirely prevents the removal of multiple items of retail merchandise simultaneously from the retail merchandise channel. Additionally, some of the embodiments described below allow for the anti-sweeping security structure to also operate as a retail merchandise securing means in that it extends through an aperture formed in the packaging of retail merchandise, in much the same way that a retail merchandise hook carries hung merchandise. The structural details of the various trays described relative to FIGS. 15-24 are the same or substantially similar to those described above, but for the addition of the anti-sweeping structure. As such, and for purposes of brevity, the following description focuses primarily on the anti-sweeping structure.
Turning now to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a tray 600 is illustrated which includes side dividers 612, 614 and an anti-sweeping security structure in the form of an arm member 682 that includes a vertical arm member 660 and a horizontal arm member in the form of a vertically fixed anti-sweep bar 683. The vertical arm member 660 includes two vertical support sides 670, 672 having inner surfaces 666, 668. The two vertical support sides 670,672 are separated by a distance only slightly exceeding that of the reinforcement bars 656, 658 and are joined together by a transverse member 674 that has a top surface 676 and a bottom surface 678. The vertical arm member 660 includes an open end 680.
The two inner surfaces of the vertical support sides 666,668 are fixedly attached by welding or other mechanical means to each reinforcement bar 656,658. As shown, the fixed end 618 of the horizontal arm member in the form of a vertically fixed anti-sweep bar 683 is fixedly attached by welding or other mechanical means to the bottom surface 678 of the transverse member 674 of the vertical arm member 660. The depth 601 of horizontal arm member in the form of a vertically fixed anti-sweep bar 683 does not exceed the front stop 634, although in other embodiments it can. It is envisioned in various embodiments that the width of the horizontal arm member in the form of a vertically fixed anti-sweep bar 683 may or may not exceed the width of the transverse member depending further on the desired dimensions of the retail merchandise to be accommodated by the tray, at the time of manufacture. Although not shown, retail merchandise may be positioned entirely beneath the horizontal member in the form of an anti-sweep bar anti-sweep bar 683, or alternatively, the horizontal member in the form of an anti-sweep bar 683 may extend through an aperture formed in the retail merchandise packaging similar to a retail merchandise hook configuration.
Turning to FIG. 16, a side view of the anti-sweep tray of FIG. 15 is illustrated with particular attention directed to the structure of the tray 600 surrounding the retail merchandise display bar 602. A locking member 604 is pivotally attached 606 to the reinforcement bar 656 by means of a fastener. The hook 686 over the retail display bar and the locking member underneath the bar prevent the removal, by theft, of the entire tray off the retail shelf.
Turning to FIGS. 17-18, a further embodiment of the anti-sweeping tray 700 is illustrated which includes an anti-sweeping security structure in the form of an arm member 782 that allows for vertical height adjustment 795. The arm member 782 includes a vertical rod member 794 and a horizontal rod member 783 formed at generally a right angle to one another. The arm member 782 is at a fixed depth 701 and does not allow for rotational movement 797.
The vertical rod member 794 includes an inner surface 791. The vertical member 794 has at one end the horizontal rod member 783 and at the other end, a flared end 702. The vertical rod member 794 includes a flat bar 798 that is fixedly attached by welding or other mechanical means to the inner surface 791 of vertical rod member 794. The width of the flat bar 798 is slightly greater than the diameter of the vertical rod member 794 and the height of the flat bar 798 is slightly less than the distance defined by the horizontal rod member 783 and the flared end 702.
A mounting bracket 786 receives the vertical rod member 794. The mounting bracket 786 includes a top surface 704 and bottom surface 706 and transverse member 708 defining an open end 710. The bottom surface 706 of the mounting bracket 786 is fixedly attached by welding or other mechanical means to the top surfaces 712, 714 of the reinforcement bars 756, 758.
The top and bottom surfaces 704, 706 of the mounting bracket 786 include a keyed aperture 716. The keyed aperture 716 receives the vertical rod member 794 that includes a fixedly attached flat bar 798. The vertical member 794 is fixedly retained against the mounting bracket 786 by a bracket plate 788 that is forced against the vertical rod member 794 by the tightening of two bracket fasteners 790, 792 that are inserted through the two mounting holes 718, 720 of the transverse member 708. The mounting holes 718, 720 of the mounting bracket 786 are axially aligned with the mounting holes 722, 724 of the bracket plate 788. The mounting holes 718, 720 are at equal distances laterally from the center of the transverse member 708 of the mounting bracket 786 so as to allow the vertical rod member 794 to pass between them.
It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the vertical rod member 794 of the arm member 782 may be raised or lowered by the tightening or loosening of the bracket fasteners 790, 792. When the bracket fasteners 790, 792 are loosened the bracket plate 788 may be pulled away from the vertical member 794 allowing for the freedom of movement only in the vertical direction 795 thereby allowing for a higher or lower horizontal rod member 783 height relative to the wire floor 726 to accommodate various product heights. In adjusting the vertical height 795, the diameter of the flared end 702 exceeds that of the keyed aperture 716 and prevents the vertical rod member's 794 removal from the mounting bracket 786.
It should be further recognized by those skilled in the art that the structure of the keyed aperture 716 prevents the rotational movement 797 in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction of the horizontal rod member 783. The prevention of the rotational movement of the horizontal rod member 783 prevents the horizontal rod member 783 from being forcibly rotated 797 away from the top of the retail merchandise which in turn prevents a sweeping theft of the retail product. Similar to the embodiment described relative to FIG. 15, retail merchandise may be positioned entirely beneath the horizontal rod member 783, or alternatively, the horizontal rod member 783 may extend through an aperture formed in the retail merchandise packaging similar to a retail merchandise hook configuration.
Turning to FIG. 19, a further illustration is shown of an embodiment of a tray 800 that allows for vertical height adjustment 895 of an anti-sweeping security structure in the form of a wire loop arm member 882. In this embodiment the wire loop arm member 882 is at a fixed depth 801 and does not allow for rotational movement 897. As such, the illustrated tray 800 is generally similar to the embodiment of a tray 700 described above relative to FIGS. 17 and 18, with the exception of using a wire loop arm member 882 instead of arm member 782.
The anti-sweeping security structure in the form of a wire loop arm member 882 includes horizontal parallel wire members 883, 884 joined at one end by transverse member 881 that defines a closed end 898. The wire loop arm member 882 also includes vertical parallel wire members 891, 893. One end 802, 803 of each of the vertical parallel wire members 891, 893 is flared. The vertical parallel wire members 891, 893 are separated a distance apart defined by the length of the transverse member 881. A mounting bracket 886, a bracket plate 888, and a bracket fastener 892 allow for the vertical height adjustment 895 of the anti-sweeping security structure in the form of a wire loop arm member 882.
The vertical parallel wire members 891, 893 are received by the mounting bracket 886. The mounting bracket has a top surface 804, a bottom surface 806 and a sidewall surface 808. The bottom surface 806 of the mounting bracket 886 is fixedly attached by welding or other mechanical means to the top surfaces 812, 814 of the reinforcement bars 856, 858. The top and bottom surfaces 804, 806 of the mounting bracket 886 include mounting holes 816, 817 to receive the two parallel vertical members 891, 893.
The sidewall surface 808 of the mounting bracket 886 includes at its center a mounting hole 818 through which the bracket fastener is received. The bracket plate includes a mounting hole 822 through which a bracket fastener 892 is received. As the bracket fastener 892 is tightened, the bracket plate 888 is drawn towards the sidewall surface 808, thereby biasing the parallel vertical members 891, 893 against the sidewall surface 808. The parallel vertical members 891, 893 may be raised or lowered by the tightening or loosening of the bracket fastener 892, which in turn allows the bracket plate 888 to be pulled away from the two parallel vertical members 891, 893 allowing for freedom of movement in the vertical direction 895 either higher or lower relative to the wire floor 826 so as to accommodate various product heights.
It will be further recognized by those skilled in the art that the parallel vertical members 891, 893 together with the mounting bracket 886, bracket plate 888 and fastener 892 prevent rotational movement 897 the parallel horizontal members 883, 884 of anti-sweeping security structure in the form of a wire loop arm member 882. Retail merchandise may be positioned entirely beneath horizontal parallel wire members 883, 884, or alternatively, horizontal parallel wire members 883, 884 may extend through an aperture formed in the retail merchandise packaging similar to a retail merchandise hook configuration. The prevention of the rotation of the wire loop arm member 882 in turn prevents sweeping theft of the retail product.
Turning to FIG. 20, a further embodiment of a tray 900 that allows for both the vertical height adjustment 995 and depth adjustment 901 of the anti-sweeping security structure in the form of a wire loop arm member 982 is illustrated. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment 882 described above but for the additional inclusion of a sleeve-like depth adjuster 920. The wire loop arm member 982 includes parallel horizontal members 981, 983 that are joined by a transverse member 984 that defines close end 998. The closed end 998 slidably inserts into the front face 985 of the sleeve-like depth adjuster 920. The sleeve-like depth adjuster 920 includes a closed end 987. The insertion into the front face 985 biases the parallel horizontal members 981, 983 against the side walls 970, 972 of the sleeve-like depth adjuster 920 for a snug fit that permits movement by pushing or pulling the sleeve-like depth adjuster 920 to its desired depth 901. Meanwhile, the vertical height 995 of the anti-sweeping security structure in the form of a wire loop arm member 982 is achieved as discussed in the previous embodiment 800 shown in FIG. 19. In this embodiment retail merchandise may be positioned entirely beneath parallel horizontal members 981, 983 or alternatively, the parallel horizontal members 981, 983 may extend through an aperture formed in the retail merchandise packaging similar to a retail merchandise hook configuration.
Turning to FIG. 21, a further embodiment of the anti-sweep tray 1000 that allows for vertical height adjustment 1095 of the anti-sweeping security structure in the form of arm member 1082 is illustrated. The arm member includes a vertical mounting bracket member 1086 and a horizontal member 1083.
The vertical mounting bracket member is 1086 includes parallel vertical members 1091, 1093 that are joined together by a transverse member 1081. Opposite the transverse member 1081 is an open end 1018. The transverse member 1081 includes a bottom surface 1016. Each parallel vertical member 1091, 1093 further includes a slot 1008, 1012. The greater diameter of the slots 1008, 1012 runs from the open end 1018 of the vertical mounting bracket 1086 to the bottom surface 1016 of the transverse member 1081.
The open end 1018 of the vertical mounting bracket 1086 is inserted between the reinforcement bars 1056, 1058 so that the parallel vertical members 1091, 1093 are generally perpendicular to the wire floor 1026. The vertical mounting bracket 1086 is then attached to the reinforcement bars 1056, 1058 by inserting bolts 1020, 1022 through the mounting holes 1060, 1062, 1064, 1068 of the reinforcement bar 1056,1058 and then through the slots 1008, 1012 of the parallel vertical members 1091,1093 of the vertical mounting bracket 1086 and secured with fasteners 1024, 1026.
The horizontal member 1083 includes a fixed end 1028 fixedly attached to the bottom surface 1016 of the transverse member 1081. The depth 1001 of the horizontal member 1083 is fixed and does not exceed the distance from reinforcement bars 1056, 1058 to the front stop 1034.
The slots 1008, 1012 of the parallel vertical members 1091, 1093 allow the vertical mounting bracket 1086 to be moved vertically 1095 to increase the height of the anti-sweeping security structure in the form of arm member 1082 by moving the vertical mounting bracket towards or away from the wire floor 1026 so as to accommodate various retail merchandise height. Retail merchandise may be positioned entirely beneath horizontal member 1083, or alternatively, horizontal member 1083 may extend through an aperture formed in the retail merchandise packaging similar to a retail merchandise hook configuration.
Turning to FIGS. 22 through 24 a further embodiment of the anti-sweeping tray 1100 that allows for both vertical height adjustment 1195 and adjustable depth 1101 by use of an anti-sweeping security structure in the form of arm member 1182 is illustrated. The anti-sweeping security structure in the form of arm member 1182 includes a vertical mounting bracket member 1186, a fixed horizontal tube member 1183 and an adjustable horizontal tube member 1184. The vertical mounting bracket 1186 is as described in the previous embodiment's 1086. However, unlike the previous embodiment of FIG. 21, here the depth 1101 of anti-sweeping security structure in the form of arm member 1182 is adjustable. The fixed end 1198 of the fixed depth tube 1183 is fixedly attached to the center of the bottom surface 1116 of the transverse member 1181 of the vertical mounting bracket 1186. The fixed depth tube 1183 has a plurality of apertures 1190. The fixed depth tube 1183 has a receiving end 1199 that receives the adjustable depth tube 1184 that includes an insertion end 1196.
The adjustable depth tube 1184 is of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the fixed depth tube 1183 so as to permit the insertion end 1196 of the adjustable depth tube 1184 into the receiving end 1199 of the fixed depth tube 1183. The insertion end 1196 of the adjustable depth tube 1184 includes a spring clip 1188 that includes detent 1192. The depth 1101 of the adjustable depth tube 1184 is adjusted by depressing the detent 1192 and either pulling or pushing the adjustable depth tube 1184 towards, or away from, the reinforcement bar 1156. Retail merchandise may be positioned entirely beneath the fixed depth tube 1183 and the adjustable depth tube 1184, or alternatively, the fixed depth tube 1183 and the adjustable depth tube 1184 may extend through an aperture formed in the retail merchandise packaging similar to a retail merchandise hook configuration.
As described herein, embodiments of the present invention provide a new and improved solution to existing pusher systems given that the invention may be readily incorporated in a commercial refrigerated or freezer-type display. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide for enhanced load bearing capabilities to counteract the otherwise bending loads exerted upon typical cantilever mounted retail support structures mounted in such environments. Embodiments of the present invention provide a new and improved locking arrangement to lock a pusher in place so that a user may employ both hands while loading a merchandise pusher tray incorporating such a locking arrangement. Embodiments of the present invention provide an anti-sweeping security structure which extends along a portion or the entirety of the merchandise channel. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an anti-sweep pusher tray with structure that obstructs retail merchandise on four sides. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an anti-sweeping security structure that can be fixed or adjusted both vertically above the merchandise or horizontally over or through the merchandise along the merchandise channel. Finally, certain embodiments of the invention further provide a locking mechanism to secure the anti-sweep tray to the retail merchandise tray.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

## Claims

1. A merchandise pusher tray, comprising:
a base structure extending between a front end of the base structure and a rear end of the base structure;
a retail merchandise channel having a length extending between the front end and the rear end;
a pusher movable relative to the base structure along a first axis;
a pair of dividers mounted to the base structure and slideably movable relative to the base structure along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis;
a security structure mounted to the base structure and extending at least partially along the length of the retail merchandise channel;
a front stop mounted to the base structure at the front end;
wherein the base structure, pair of dividers, front stop, and security structure respectively bound a bottom, opposed sides, a front, and a top, of the retail merchandise channel, and are configurable to permit removal of a single item of retail merchandise at a time upwardly out of the retail merchandise channel proximate the front stop;
wherein the pair of dividers are slideable to vary a width of the retail merchandise channel defined between the pair of dividers.

2. The tray of claim 1 wherein the security structure is mounted to the base structure and arranged such that it is situated proximate an upper-most edge of the single item of retail merchandise.

3. The tray of claim 1 wherein the security structure includes a keyed aperture to prevent rotation of the security structure.

4. The tray of claim 1 wherein the security structure is adjustable in at least one of vertical or horizontal.

5. A merchandise pusher tray, comprising:
a base structure for supporting one or more items of retail merchandise; the base structure extending between a front end of the base structure and a rear end of the base structure;
a retail merchandise channel having a length extending between the front end and the rear end;
a pusher slidably mounted to the base structure; the pusher configured to slide from proximately the back end to the front end of the base structure along the length of the retail merchandise channel; and

a pair of slideably movable dividers mounted to the base structure; and
a security structure mounted to the base structure and arranged such that it is situated proximate an upper-most edge of the one or more items of retail merchandise; and
wherein the pair of dividers are slideable to vary a width of the retail merchandise channel defined between the pair of dividers.

6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the security structure is mounted to the base structure and extends at least partially along the length of a retail merchandise channel.

7. The tray of claim 5, comprising a front stop mounted to the base structure at the front end; and wherein the base structure, pair of dividers, front stop, and security structure respectively bound a bottom, opposed sides, a front and a top of the retail merchandise channel, such that only a single item of retail merchandise at a time is removable upwardly out of the retail merchandise channel proximate the front stop.

8. The tray of claim 5, wherein the security structure includes a keyed aperture to prevent rotation of the security structure.

9. The tray of claim 5, wherein the security structure is adjustable in at least one of vertical or horizontal.

10. The tray of claim 9, wherein the security structure adjustable in vertical and horizontal.