Abstract:
A pusher rack system is provided. The system includes a rack and one or more pusher assemblies removably attached to the rack. The rack includes one or more wire support frames supported by vertical supports. The pusher assembly includes a connection arrangement for removably attaching the pusher assembly to the wire support rack to longitudinally fix the position of the pusher assembly relative to the rack while simultaneously allowing for lateral adjustment of the pusher assembly relative to the rack.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to shelving systems, and more particularly to shelving systems which incorporate one or more pusher assemblies thereon. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Pusher assemblies are generally known in the art as a viable way to automatically front face product in a variety of settings. While pusher systems are typically employed in the conventional retail environment for facing cosmetic items, etc., they may also be utilized refrigerated cases or the like. An exemplary embodiment of such a pusher assembly may be seen at U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/288,058 filed on Nov. 3, 2011, assigned to the instant Assignee and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0003]    Walk-in coolers, which may be employed in the food service setting to store bulk food supplies for later preparation, or be employed in the warehouse setting for the storage of refrigerated or frozen goods, etc., typically employ a rack system therein. Unfortunately, the conventional pusher assembly is not readily configured to mate with the rack system of a walk-in cooler. As a result, one must either forego the use of a pusher assembly and its attendant advantages of front facing product toward a leading edge of a shelf, or alternatively undergo a complex retrofit of existing shelving to ensure that it will adequately and securely receive a pusher assembly. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a pusher assembly rack system that may be readily employed in the context of a walk-in cooler or otherwise. 
         [0004]    The invention provides such a pusher assembly rack 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 
       [0005]    In one aspect, a pusher assembly rack system is provided. Embodiments of the pusher assembly rack system advantageously provide for the use of one or more pusher assemblies in a rack of a walk-in cooler or otherwise. Embodiments according to this aspect include a plurality of vertical supports and at least one wire rack mounted to the plurality of vertical supports. The at least one wire rack includes an outer peripheral wire formed into a generally rectangular shape having a pair of longitudinally extending edges in opposed-spaced relation and a front edge and a back edge in opposed-spaced relation and extending laterally between the pair of longitudinally extending edges. A plurality of laterally extending wires are joined to and extend between the longitudinally extending edges of the outer peripheral wire. A first connection element is joined to an underside of the at least one wire rack adjacent one of the longitudinally extending edges of the outer peripheral wire. A second connection element is joined to the underside of the at least one rack adjacent the other one of the longitudinally extending edges of the outer peripheral wire. The pusher assembly rack system also includes at least one pusher assembly for front facing a linear row of products toward a front edge of the at least one rack. The at least one pusher assembly includes a connection arrangement operable to connect the pusher assembly to the at least one wire rack such that the at least one pusher assembly is laterally adjustable between the pair of longitudinally extending edges of the outer peripheral wire of the at least one wire rack, and longitudinally fixed between the front edge and the back edge of the outer peripheral wire of the at least one wire rack. 
         [0006]    Each of the plurality of vertical supports include the plurality of slotted openings formed through a back wall thereof for attaching the at least one wire rack to the plurality of vertical supports. 
         [0007]    The first and second connection elements each include front and rear forwardly facing pins. The plurality of vertical supports includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth vertical support. The front forwardly facing pin of the first connection element is received in one of the slotted openings of the first vertical support. The rear forwardly facing pin of the first connection element is received in one of the slotted openings of the second vertical support. The front forwardly facing pin of the second connection element is received in one of the slotted openings of the third vertical support. The rear forwardly facing pin of the second connection element is received in one of the slotted openings of the fourth vertical support. In certain embodiments, the plurality of slotted openings of each vertical support includes two linear rows of slotted openings. 
         [0008]    The at least one pusher assembly includes a base structure for supporting items loaded into the pusher assembly. The base structure includes a pair of support bars in opposed-spaced relation, and a pair of support elements extending laterally between the pair of support bars. One of the pair of support elements is proximal to a front end of each of the pair of support bars. The other one of the pair of support elements is proximal to a back end of each of the pair of support bars. A wire support frame is mounted to the pair of support bars and extends over a top of each of the pair of support elements. 
         [0009]    The connection arrangement includes a connection portion of each of the pair of support bars. The connection portion of each support bar includes a plurality of discreet connection points for connecting the pusher assembly to the at least one wire rack. The plurality of discreet connection points of each connection portion of each support bar includes a forwardly opening notch, a downwardly opening notch, and a shoulder. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, a pusher assembly for a rack is provided. The pusher assembly is advantageously adapted to quickly mate with a rack that includes a plurality of vertical supports and at least one wire rack mounted to the plurality of vertical supports. The pusher assembly is configured for front facing a linear row of products toward a front edge of the at least one wire rack. The pusher assembly includes a connection arrangement operable to connect the pusher assembly to the at least one wire rack such that the pusher assembly is moveable in a direction parallel to the front edge of the at least one wire rack and fixed relative to movement along a direction perpendicular to the front edge of the at least one wire rack. 
         [0011]    The pusher assembly also includes a base structure having a pair of support bars in opposed-spaced relation. A pair of support elements extend laterally between the pair of support bars. One of the pair of support elements is proximal to a front end of each of the pair of support bars. The other one of the pair of support elements is proximal to a back end of each of the pair of support bars. A wire support frame is mounted to the pair of support bars and extends over a top of each of the pair of support elements. A pusher is slideable along the base structure toward and away from a front stop connected to a front end of the base structure. A pair of side barriers are moveable in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the pusher. 
         [0012]    The connection arrangement is provided by a connection portion of each of the pair of support bars. The connection portion of each support bar includes a plurality of discreet connection points for connecting the pusher assembly to the at least one wire rack. The plurality of discreet connection points of each connection portion of each support bar includes a forwardly opening notch, a downwardly opening notch, and a shoulder. The pusher of the pusher assembly includes a locking arm for selectively locking the pusher relative to the base structure to prevent movement of the pusher relative to the base structure. 
         [0013]    Each one of the pair of side barriers includes a divider wall and front and back wire extension elements connected to the divider wall. The front wire extension element of each side barrier is received in the support element mounted proximal to the front end of each of the pair of support bars. The rear wire extension element of each side barrier is received in the support element mounted proximal the back end of each of the pair of support bars. Each of the pair of support elements includes a pair of tension clips for holding the respective front or rear wire extension element in a fixed position. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, each divider of each side barrier is a metal plate element. In yet another aspect, a method for installing a pusher assembly on a rack is provided. The rack includes a plurality of vertical supports and at least one wire rack mounted to the plurality of vertical supports. The pusher assembly is configured for front facing a linear row of products toward a front edge of the at least one wire rack and includes a connection arrangement for connecting the pusher assembly to the at least one wire rack. The method comprises receiving a wire of the at least one wire rack in a forwardly opening notch of the connection arrangement, and rotating the pusher assembly about the wire received in the forwardly opening notch in order to receive a second wire of the at least one wire rack in a downwardly opening notch of the connection arrangement and also abut a third wire of the at least one wire rack with a shoulder of the connection arrangement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    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: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pusher rack system according to the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a rack of the pusher rack system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the pusher rack system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a pusher assembly of the pusher rack system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is another perspective view of a pusher assembly of the pusher rack system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a partial view of a bottom of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a partial view of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 , shown in cross section; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a partial view of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 , shown in cross section; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a partial view of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 , shown in cross section; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is another partial perspective view of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0027]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are side views of the pusher assembly of  FIG. 4 , schematically showing the installation thereof with the rack of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
       [0028]    While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    Turning now to the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a pusher assembly rack system is shown at  FIGS. 1-12 . With specific reference to  FIG. 1 , the pusher assembly rack system  20  includes a frame-like rack structure  22  herein referred to as rack  22 , with a plurality of pusher trays  24  installed thereon. As will be explained in greater detail below, the current configuration shown in  FIG. 1  advantageously allows for one or more pusher trays to be employed in a rack system within environments such as walk-in coolers or the like. Such a configuration also advantageously allows for the lateral adjustment of pusher assemblies  24  relative to rack  22  for customization purposes. Additionally, and as will also be explained in greater detail below, each pusher assembly  24  is longitudinally held in place relative to rack  22  to provide a stable mounting for the pusher assembly  24 . Rack system  20  shown in  FIG. 1  may be readily employed in environments such as walk-in coolers or the like, storage and front facing of bulk goods. However, it would be readily recognized by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the invention herein may be applied to other context not limited to walk-in cooler-type environments. 
         [0030]    As stated above, rack system  20  includes a rack  22  with a plurality of pusher trays  24  mounted thereto. All four pusher trays  24  are shown on an upper-most shelf of rack  22 , and four pusher trays  24  are shown on a lower-most shelf of rack  22 . It will be readily recognized that fewer pusher trays  24  may be included on any of the shelves of rack  22 . Furthermore, the number and location of the shelves shown in  FIG. 1  is not in any way limiting on the invention. Fewer or greater shelves may be utilized, and they may be situated at various locations along rack  22 . 
         [0031]    Rack  22  includes a plurality of vertical supports  26  which are generally spaced apart at the four corners of a rectangular pattern. A plurality of shelves in the form of wire support frames  28  (also referred to herein as wire racks) are supported by vertical supports  26 . The location of wire support frames  28  may be readily reconfigured as described below. Each pusher tray  24  is configured to carry a linear row of products  30  as schematically represented in  FIG. 1 . As is generally understood by those skilled in the art, each pusher assembly  24  is operable to bias the linear row of products  30  (i.e. from right to left or along direction  32 ) towards a front edge of each wire support frame  28 . This ensures that products  30  carried by pusher trays  24  are situated at the front edge of wire support frame  28  to provide easy access thereto. 
         [0032]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , wire support frame  28  will be described in greater detail. Wire support frame  28  includes an outer peripheral wire  40  of a generally rectangular shape. A plurality of lateral wire members  42  are connected to and extend between longitudinally extending edges of outer peripheral wire  40 . Each of lateral wires  42  are situated parallel to front and back edges of outer peripheral wire  40  as illustrated. A pair of rack connection elements  44  are mounted to an underside of wire support frame  28 . Rack connection elements  44  allow for the rapid installation of wire support frame  28  to vertical supports  26 . (See  FIG. 1 ). Each connection element  44  includes front and rear forwardly extending connection pins  46  for mounting wire support frame  28  to vertical supports  26 . 
         [0033]    More specifically, and turning now to  FIG. 3 , each vertical support  26  includes a plurality of slots  52  formed through a back wall  54  of each vertical support  26 . It will be recognized that in the view shown in  FIG. 3 , a portion of outer peripheral wire  40  of upper and lower-most wire support frames  28  has been removed to expose the ends of lateral wire members  42  to illustrate the mounting configuration of each pusher assembly  24  relative to wire support frame  28 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is the interaction between front and rear connection pins  46  of each connection element  44  relative to supports  26 . Taking as an example upper-most wire support frame  28 , it can be seen that the front-most connection pin  46  (i.e. connection pin shown on the right-most side of the illustration of  FIG. 3 ), is received one of slotted openings  52  of vertical support  26 . The same configuration is true for the rear-most connection pin  46  of the upper-most wire support frame  28  shown in  FIG. 3 . Although not illustrated, connection element  44  situated on the other side of the upper-most wire support frame  28  shown in  FIG. 3  exhibits an identical mounting configuration with vertical supports  26 . 
         [0034]    As can also be seen from  FIG. 3 , each vertical support  26  includes a plurality of slotted openings  52  which are arranged in two linear rows. Each wire support frame  28  is positionable in any one of slotted openings  52  to provide clearance for different heights of products carried by rack system  20 . 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4-12 , and particularly  FIG. 4 , pusher assembly  24  will be described in greater detail. Pusher assembly  24  includes a base structure  60  and a pair of moveable side barriers  62  (See also  FIG. 5 ) which are mounted to base structure  60  and moveable relative to base structure  60  along directional axis  64 . Such adjustment capability allows for pusher assembly  24  to accommodate product of differing widths, which may include retail merchandise of a greater width than the width of base structure  60 . Pusher assembly  24  also includes a pusher  66  mounted to base structure  60  and moveable relative thereto along directional axis  68 . As described above, pusher  66  is operable to bias a linear row of product  30  forward, i.e. along directional axis  68  from right to left  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]    Base structure  60  includes a pair of support bars  70 . Support bars  70  are in an opposed-spaced relation as shown in  FIG. 4 . Each support bar  70  includes a connection portion  72 , which as will be described in greater detail below, permits for the connection of pusher assembly  24  to the remainder of rack system  20 . Each connection portion  72  includes a forwardly opening notch  74 , a downwardly opening notch  76 , and a shoulder  78 . Each of the aforementioned elements contacts one of lateral members  42  shown for example in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and discussed below. 
         [0037]    Base structure  60  also includes a wire support frame  86  (See  FIG. 5 ) mounted generally on top of support bars  70 . Wire support frame  86  include a plurality of longitudinally extending wires  88 , commonly connected to front and rear laterally extending wires  90  as shown. Base structure  60  also includes a pair of support elements  92  positioned between support bars  70 . As described in greater detail below, support elements  92  receive portions of side barriers  62 , and allow for the adjustment thereof relative to base structure  60 . It will be recognized that only a single side barrier  62  is illustrated in  FIG. 4  for purposes of clarity. 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , pusher assembly  24  is shown in a perspective view. As can be seen in this figure, pusher assembly  24  also includes a removable front stop  94  which may also incorporate additional structures such as a label holder  98 . Front stop  94  is received on upturned ends  96  of outer-most longitudinally extending wires  88 . Each side barrier  62  includes a divider  102  and front and back wire extension elements  104 . The front-most wire extension element of each side barrier  62  passes through apertures  106  formed in support bar  70  and extends into passages  108  of the front-most support element  92  which are aligned with apertures  106 . The same mounting configuration exists for the rear-most wire extension elements  104  shown in  FIG. 5  relative to the rear-most support element  92  shown therein. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , front-most support element  92  will be described in greater detail with particular attention made to its interaction with side barrier  62 . It will be recognized that the following description applies equally well to rear-most support element  92 , and for purposes of brevity, such an additional description is not provided. As stated above, support element  92  includes passages  108  which align with apertures  106  formed in support bar  70 . The front-most extension wire  104  of each side barrier  62  extends into passages  108  through apertures  70 . Each support element  92  also includes a rotatable pin  110  with a tension clip  112  depending therefrom. Each rotatable pin  110  is positioned between passages  108 . 
         [0040]    Turning now to  FIG. 7 , the aforementioned configuration is shown in cross-section at  FIG. 7  relative to the left-most tension clip shown in  FIG. 5 . Pin  110  is received in collar  116  of each support element  92 . Tension clip  114  includes a generally hook-shaped end which extends into an exposed portion  114  of each passage  108  to clamp against wire extension element  104  received thereby. This clamping force restricts movement of wire extension element  104 , and thus its respective divider  102 , relative to base structure  60 . As a result, tension clips  112  function to lock each side barrier  62  in its adjusted position. Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a similar cross-section taken through the right-most tension clip shown in  FIG. 5  is illustrated therein. As shown in this view, tension clip  112  includes a hook portion which depends inwardly into an exposed portion  114  of passage  108  to provide a clamping force against wire extension element  104  to restrict movement thereof relative to passage  108 . Each tension clip  112  may be readily unsnapped from its connection to its respective wire extension element  104  to allow for the adjustment of side barrier  62 . Once adjusted, tension clips are snapped once again through exposed portion  114  against wire extension element  104  received thereby to lock side barrier  62  in place. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIG. 9 , each support element  92  includes shoulders  118  which extend into apertures  106  to fix the position of support element  92  relative to support bar  70 . Additionally, pin  110  may also include a shoulder  120  which extends through an aperture  122  formed between apertures  106  for additional mounting purposes. Additionally, a pin or other fastener may extend through aperture  120  into support element  92  to provide additional mounting thereof. 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIG. 10 , pusher  66  will be described in greater detail. Pusher  66  includes a generally upright wall  124  which defines a contact face  126  which will contact a rear-most one of a row of product  30  (See  FIG. 1 ). A plurality of notches  28  are formed proximal a bottom region of wall  124 . Notches  128  receives longitudinal wires  88  of wire support frame  86  of base structure  60 . Longitudinal wires  88  are freely slideable relative to notches  128  to promote the smooth movement of pusher  66  relative to base structure  60 . An opening  130  is formed between the two inner-most notches  120  through which an uncoiled portion of a coil spring  132  extends. This uncoiled portion  132  may connect to a front portion of pusher assembly  24 , e.g. the front-most lateral wire  90  of wire support frame  96 . Other connection points are possible which will result in the coil spring  130  attempting to recoil itself into pusher  66  causing pusher  66  to move forward towards the point of connection of spring  132  to pusher assembly  24 . Turning now to  FIG. 11 , a rear side of pusher  66  is illustrated. As shown in this view, the remainder of spring  132  is shown in its coiled configuration supported by a bottom wall  140  of pusher  66 . Additionally, pusher  66  may include a locking arm  142 . Locking arm  142  includes two hook portions  144  which lock against rear-most lateral wire  90 . Such a configuration advantageously allows pusher  66  to be locked in place for purposes of loading product into pusher assembly  24 . 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , the process of installing pusher assembly  24  relative to wire support frame  28  will be described in greater detail. As shown in this view, only lateral wire members  42  are shown for purposes of clarity. To install pusher assembly  24 , forwardly opening notch  74  is aligned with the left-most lateral wire member  42 . Pusher assembly  24  is then moved generally along direction  150  until lateral wire  42  is fully seated in forwardly opening notch  74  as shown. Thereafter, pusher assembly  24  is rotated about the left-most lateral wire  42  generally in rotational direction  152  until downwardly opening notch receives the lateral wire member  42  positioned between the left and right-most lateral wire members  42  of  FIG. 12 . Simultaneously, shoulder  78  makes contact with right-most lateral wire member  42  to fully seat pusher assembly  24  on rack  22 . Referring momentarily back to  FIG. 1 , such a mounting configuration allows for the lateral adjustment of pusher assembly  24  relative to rack  22  along wire support frame  28 . Such a configuration is particularly advantageous where it will be necessary to ensure there is enough clearance for later adjustment of side barriers  62  to accommodate wider product. Despite this lateral adjustment, pusher assembly  24  is fixed longitudinally relative to rack  22  to prevent movement thereof generally along direction  32  relative to rack  22 . As a result, a stable configuration is achieved. 
         [0044]    As described herein, embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a pusher assembly rack system that may be readily implemented in walk-in coolers or other areas it is desirable to incorporate one or more pusher assemblies on a rack-style shelving unit. 
         [0045]    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. 
         [0046]    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. 
         [0047]    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.