Patent Publication Number: US-11657735-B2

Title: Extruded profile for electronic shelf label holder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/009,48, entitled “EXTRUDED PROFILE FOR ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL HOLDER”, and filed at the United States Patent Office on Apr. 14, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to label holders and relates more particularly to holders for electronic devices generally mounted at the front of a merchandise shelf in a retail establishment to provide information regarding products carried by the shelf. These are called Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL). More particularly, the invention relates to the integration of ESLs to existing product label/tag infrastructures found in various retail locations while achieving specific performance criteria. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Consumer-oriented product information labels are commonly found in supermarkets, drug stores, and the like and provide purchasers with the unit price, promotional and nutritional information, and the like and, also, commonly include bar codes or other inventory control information for the use of the store personnel. Such information may be carried on paper or plastic labels secured directly to the side of a shelf unit or the front edge of a merchandise shelf, but the use of adhesively-backed labels has obvious disadvantages in the constantly changing commercial environment found in today&#39;s marketplace. More often, the front edge of the merchandise shelf is provided with an integral C-channel or the like which is adapted to either carry the labels directly or, alternatively, to carry plastic holders which are adapted to removably receive and display the labels in a well-known manner. 
     More recently, in place of, or in addition to, such paper or plastic information containing labels, electronic information carriers have been employed. ESLs are generally integrated with the in-store processor (ISP) or a free-standing controller that communicates with file information supporting the store&#39;s point-of-sale system. The ESL system may include low-voltage communication electronics or communication base stations (CBS) located in store ceilings away from the store operations. The ESLs are positioned throughout the store to identify an item&#39;s retail price and other information of interest to the consumer or for use by the store&#39;s inventory system. 
     Price changes may be initiated through the store&#39;s controller which updates item price files. This information, which has an association to a particular product identified by item number or UPC code, is communicated to the CBS in the ceiling and transmitted via a high frequency radio signal to the corresponding ESL. 
     The ESLs are programmed with differing addresses that are also associated with the item number or UPC code of the product they represent. Once the addressed device is found, the label display changes and reflects an acknowledgment back to the CBS to confirm that the transmission was received and enacted. This acknowledgment is then communicated back to the ISP to complete the transaction. 
     These systems, allow the ESLs to be independent of wires and cables below the ceiling, which reduces installation time and cost. Since there are no wires or cables required from the ceiling down, the label is free to be positioned anywhere. When store shelf resets occur, ESLs move easily with the shelves. 
     These ESL units, however, much like paper labels, require a carrier device to facilitate supporting them at selected locations, usually on the front of a store merchandise shelf. It is ESL carriers of this type with which the present invention is concerned. The invention is used to replace label/tag holders which only accept paper labels or tags. 
     During the installation process paper tags are removed and temporarily installed in the new ESL holder via an incorporated track at the bottom of the new rail and positions the pricing in the intended location until the installation team inserts the ESL and pairs-it to the product on the shelf. Once the ESL is clipped into the rail, paired to the product and displays the intended price, the paper label can be discarded. 
     Retail Products are commonly stored, displayed and sold using flat and inclined shelving. These shelves are manufactured with a variety of shelf edge frontage designs used to showcase a product&#39;s pricing. To showcase pricing of a product, the shelf s edge is either used as-is or retrofitted with a common label holder. The label holder is usually attached to the shelf by compressing into the channel integrated in the metal shelving&#39;s design. For the past few decades retailers have opted to retrofit their shelves with these extruded plastic profiles (also known as data-tracks, rails, holders or strips) to accommodate paper price tags of different sizes and colors. The current colored rails are also used to define different departments, draw attention from consumers, increase the edge size of the shelf to accept larger paper price tags and to renew the cosmetic appeal of the shelf via regular data-track replacements. 
     However, using ESLs versus printed media to showcase pricing and information regarding the product has become a more sustainable, efficient, attractive and more cost-efficient solution when compared to paper media. 
     An in-depth study and proper due diligence was performed at countless retail locations across multiple retail store brands to properly study and understand the impacts on the retail chain when migrating to ESL technology while retaining store layout and existing infrastructures. 
     While a number of existing label holders do their job of actually holding the ESL, when the shelving needs to be cleaned some holders need to be removed to allow accumulated debris and contaminants (dust, sugar, flour, liquids, milk, etc. . . . ) to be properly cleaned away. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the purposes of the invention is to allow various models of ESLs to be attached to various models of existing shelving and displays found in most retail outlets. 
     Another object of the invention is to facilitate the removal contaminants generated by the goods being sold (flour, milk, juice, etc. . . . ). 
     The invention takes into consideration the realities of retail locations in regards to high traffic, viewing angle of the information, premature aging of the current rails, product placement, safety towards consumers, application environments (hot&amp;cold), augmented performance and lifespan, tamper proofing and universality of integration. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforesaid and other objectives of the present invention are realized by generally providing the same frontage to accept the ESLs and various retention design at the rear of the profile to offer the same sanitation characteristics in all departments of the retail location. Some areas require a flat back with adhesive for glass, wood or wall application while other require attachment onto metal wire displays, c-channel rails, flat metal plate hooks, custom freezer shelving, etc. . . . . 
     The invention achieves these results by incorporating a curved upwardly extending edge at the rear of the topmost portion where debris and contaminants can accumulate. By incorporating this feature, we enable the associates to easily and effectively wipe or clean the topmost surface without the need to actually remove the label holder, since the radius is designed to espouse the curves of a finger making wiping debris simple and effective. By maintaining the front design of the invention, rear attachment systems can be varied to fit onto multiple surfaces as seen here by either clipping or adhering to surfaces. This invention meets the requirements of the ESL manufacturers by accepting various sizes and models of tags required to be viewed at specific angle ranges. The invention also meets many anti-tamper criteria and fixed positioning (once installed) by ensuring the tags stay aligned with the intended goods and prevent unauthorized movement of the tags that can result in mislabelling of merchandise by associates or consumers. 
     The invention circumvents the need to have perforated label holders for tags with locking pins (a feature incorporated into many ESLs) and it also facilitates removal or repositioning of the tags without the need for standard or specialty tools. 
     No other device destined for this application also complies with the requirements of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) as this invention does. This invention is the first of its kind to have incorporated a curved upwardly extending edge at the rear of the topmost portion which we call Radius Shaped Transition™ onto the shelf to prevent the collection of debris and contaminants between itself and the shelf edge. The surface finish is preferably completely free of porosity to prevent colonisation of bacteria and is preferably manufactured using an anti-bacterial polymer blend. 
     The invention is preferably manufactured with a proprietary chemical composition, developed through multiple trials and research in regards to stress testing, accelerated aging, impact resistance, etc. . . . . The result of which yielded a molecularly stable engineered blend of polymers which can be reliably processed via extrusion. The preferable use of non-toxic Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) Directive compliant chemical additives ensures the engineered blend of polymers meets safety guidelines for consumer environments and food contact, UV stability criteria (preventing the color fading or yellowing and deterioration of the resin compound), anti-fungal aspects (when used in wet or humid environments), impact resistance (for maximized lifespan). 
     Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice. 
     Main aspects of the invention consider the installation technique and time allocated for the retrofit. The rails must be easy to install while offering solid retention onto the shelving in order to accommodate for the forces applied when removing the ESLs from the holder. This is achieved by maintaining the proper shape at the back of the holder as well as the proper material blend and thickness. It must also offer a temporary area to affix paper labels as well as an innovative design to accommodate the presence (or lack of) locking pins. 
     The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The single most exclusive feature being it&#39;s conformity to NSF requirements for cleanliness achieved by it&#39;s radius top filleted towards the surface of the shelf or fixture and allowing a finger to swipe across the top and removing 98% more contaminants than all other designs of ESL holders. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the extruded profile is a clip-on model for Madix™ shelves. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the extruded profile is attached to the shelve using an adhesive. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1    wherein the extruded profile is installed on a shelf. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG.  2    wherein the extruded profile is installed on a shelf using an adhesive. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the extruded profile is installed on a single wire shelf. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the extruded profile is installed on a double wire shelf. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A novel ESL holder profile will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. 
     An embodiment of the invention is seen in  FIG.  1    wherein the extruded profile is a clip-on model  100 . The clip-on model  100  is to be generally installed on a shelf with a downward face at its outermost portion. As such, the clip-on model may not need any adhesive or fastener to be secured on a shelf and may therefore be easier and faster to install and uninstall then other installation options. 
     Another embodiment is shown in  FIG.  2    in which the extruded profile is an adhesive model  200 . The adhesive model  200  may be suited to any shelf having a generally flat surface at its furthermost portion. This extruded profile model may generally be installed on the same shelves than the clip-on model  100 , but it may further be installed on shelf types having parts obstructing the access behind the relatively flat surface wherein a clip may not go. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  3   , the clip-on model of  FIG.  1    is installed on a shelf  40 . The shelf  40  for a clip-on model  100  generally has a flat surface going downwards from the outermost portion of the shelf and a smaller horizontal surface going inwards of the shelf starting from the bottom of the flat downward surface. The back surface of the model  100  is to be generally flat so that it may lay on the shelf surface with no free space. Any free space between the back of the clip-on model and the shelf surface may allow the accumulation of unwanted particles such as debris, bacteria and humidity which is to be avoided. Having no space behind the clip-on model  100 , unwanted particles may instead accumulate on the top portion of the same. A curved upwardly extending edge  10  is provided at the rear of the top portion. As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , this curved portion preferably has a radius generally corresponding to the tip of the index finger of the person who will be cleaning the profile. This radius is usually in the range of 4 to 10 mm. The profile should be manufactured to comply with the requirements of the NFS. The curved edge  10  is manufactured so that no unwanted particle is unreachable when the profile is cleaned or wiped. More precisely, any unwanted particle may be wiped with a finger on the curved edge  10 . 
     In order to be installed on a shelf, the model  100  further comprises a retention clip  110 . The retention clip  110  in the embodiment shown has a shape which may cover the bottom and the downward surfaces of the shelf  40 . The clip  110  may further have any shape and size which may secure a clip-on model  100  on a shelf. In order to accommodate paper labels, the model  100  may further comprise paper label accommodations  20  of any shape and size known in the art. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  3   , such accommodations  20  may be presented as small strips protruding from the top and bottom sections of the model  100 . The label strips  20  are sized to receive the respective top and bottom portions of a label. The label strips  20  proportions are manufactured so that the majority of commercially available paper labels may have the majority of the printed information readable when properly installed. 
     In some cases, ESLs may be installed in label holders in lieu of paper labels. ESL devices may have locking pins to be secured to those label holders. Consequently, the invention may have locking pin accommodations  30  of any shape or size known in the art to accommodate locking pins of the sort. In the presented embodiment, such accommodations  30  may be presented as a strip protruding vertically and away from the topmost portion of the profile  100 . The strip  30  comprises two notches  35 ,  36  going inwards of the profile  100 , one at the end and one at the beginning of the strip  30 . Such notches  35 ,  36  may help secure a locking pin in place. Unlike other ESL holders known in the art, accommodations of the kind do not require drilling sections of a shelf to secure the ESLs into place. 
       FIG.  4    shows an embodiment of an extruded profile  200  made to be coupled with an adhesive for its installation. The adhesive profile  200  may comprise the same label holding mechanisms than the clip-on profile  100 . Both models may mainly vary in regards to their fastening mechanism to the shelf  40 . In that regard and contrary to the first model embodiment, there may be space between the back surface of the adhesive profile  200  and the flat surface of a shelf  40 . The space  210  may allow the insertion of an adhesive  220 , such as an adhesive strip with adhesive on both its surfaces. To avoid the accumulation of unwanted particles behind the profile  200 , the top portion of the curved edge  10  may be manufactured to protrude towards the flat surface of the shelf  40  so that it may be in contact and may block the passage of the above-mentioned particles. To further stabilize the adhesive profile  200 , a stabilizing flange  230  may be positioned on the back of the same and protruding towards the shelf  40 . 
     Shown on  FIGS.  5  &amp;  6    are extruded profiles made to be installed on wire shelves  40 . This embodiment may be installed on single wire shelves  40 , as seen on  FIG.  5   , and on double wire shelves  40  as seen on  FIG.  6   . The wire shelf profile  300  may comprise the same label holding mechanisms as the clip-on  100  profile and adhesive profile  200 , but may differ from those same models in regard to its shelf securing mechanism. As such, the wire shelf profile  300  may comprise a plurality of tabs allowing a secure fit to a shelf and its wires. The number of tabs may vary and their shape and size may also vary as to fit to different types of wire shelves. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  5  &amp;  6   , the profile  300  comprises three tabs. A first tab  310 , protruding from the top portion of the curved edge  10 , is manufactured to apply pressure to the back surface of the shelf  40  while simultaneously protecting the back section of the profile  300  against the entry of unwanted particles from the top. A second tab  320 , protruding from the middle section of the back of the profile  300 , is manufactured to possibly enter in contact against a wire of the shelf  40 . It may prevent the wire shelf model  300  from falling to the ground would the other tabs start sliding off from the shelf  40 . A third tab  330 , protruding from the bottom section of the profile  300 , is manufactured to apply pressure to the forward bottom face of the shelf  40 . There is an additional portion protruding from the part in contact with the shelf that may add further stabilization would a second wire be on the shelf in this zone. This portion may go upwards or downwards, depending on the position of the second wire. 
     Any embodiment of the present invention, such as the clip-on profile  100 , adhesive profile  200  and shelf wire profile  300  may be made of any material known in the art, but is to be generally made of a rigid material with an elastic modulus allowing a slight deformation to install and uninstall the invention without having to apply too much force and without risk of breaking it. The material may further be a blend of polymers and may contain non-toxic chemicals that are ROHS compliant comprising, for example, UV stability properties, anti-fungal aspects and a resistance to everyday use impacts. Moreover, the invention may be covered by a surface finish so that it may be completely free of porosity, which may also prevent the accumulation of bacteria. The surface finish may further be manufactured using an anti-bacterial polymer blend for added hygiene and longevity. Because the invention may be used in environments having a low ambient temperature, such as in freezers or fridges, it is also important that the invention be resistant to low temperatures and that it may retain its characteristics and performance as mentioned above in most commercial applications. 
     While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.