Patent Publication Number: US-7913861-B2

Title: Shelving system

Description:
This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/682,169 which was filed On Oct. 9, 2003 now abandoned. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/348,306 which was filed on Jan. 21, 2003 and is still pending. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an adjustable shelving system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable forward-feeding display shelving system for storing and displaying merchandise of a variety of shapes and sizes and automatically delivering the merchandise to the front of the shelf. The shelving system can be removably attached to an associated shelf and is configured to organize merchandise on the shelf. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shelving is used extensively for stocking and storing products or merchandise in a variety of stores. Most stores have immovable shelving which is arranged back-to-back between aisleways. The nature of the fixed shelves makes it difficult to add and remove products. Moreover, such shelves make difficult the rotation of the shelved products, which involves moving the older stock to the front of the shelf and positioning new stock behind the older stock. For a number of important merchandising considerations, it is desirable that merchandise be displayed at the front of a shelf so that the customer is induced to purchase such forwardmost article. For example, if the goods are perishable or are subject to becoming stale (e.g. cigarettes, fruit juices, dairy products, or any item with an expiration date or a freshness date), it is important that the articles be removed in a first in, first out basis to maintain freshness. Also, if merchandise is not displayed at the front of a shelf, it may not catch the shopper&#39;s eye, which may cost the merchant sales. 
     In order to automatically move an item forward as the one before it is removed, numerous forward feed devices have been devised. There devices generally fall into three categories. The first category is inclined tracks, relying on gravity to feed, slide, or roll products forward. Gravity feeding is unpredictable in that various materials slide easier than others because of different weights and frictional interfaces between the products and the track. The second category employs conveyor belts which still use gravity to effect forward movement. These devices typically are cumbersome, expensive, and complicated, due to the need to properly tension and track the conveyor belts. The third category uses spring-biased paddles to feed the product forward. Such paddle-based forward feed devices have been found useful for certain merchandise. 
     However, a merchant with two or more different depths of shelving must purchase tracks of two or more depths, to employ the spring-biased paddles. There thus exists a need for a track system that is capable of accommodating shelving of varying depths. 
     Also, the current mounting designs of such spring biased paddles on rails is not optimum and, thus, leaves room for improvement. 
     Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved track system for merchandise display which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved product pusher device is provided. In one embodiment, the product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end and a rail. A paddle is moveably connected to the track for movement along the rail. The paddle comprises a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. A foot protrudes from the paddle, the foot extending away from the front face and being slidably engaged with the rail. A biasing element is operatively connected to the paddle for urging the paddle towards the track. 
     According to another embodiment, a product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, a rail and a length for placement on an associated shelf having a depth and a length wherein the track extends generally transverse to the length of the associated shelf. The track supports a plurality of associated products thereon. A paddle is moveably connected to the track for movement along the rail. The paddle includes a base portion, a front face connected to the base portion for engagement with a rearmost one of the associated products positioned on the track and a foot slidably engaged with the rail. The foot protrudes from the base portion. A biasing element is provided for urging the paddle towards the track front end. 
     According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a product pusher device includes an elongate track having a longitudinal axis and a rail extending along the longitudinal axis. A paddle is moveably connected to the track for movement along the rail. The paddle includes a base portion, a pusher face connected to the base portion for engagement with a rear most one of a set of associated products positioned on the track and a guide protruding from the base portion. The guide slidably engages the rail. A biasing element urges the paddle towards one end of the track. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a merchandise display system is provided. The system includes an integrated base and divider assembly for supporting displayed merchandise wherein the base and divider assembly includes a base adapted for operative coupling to a shelf and a divider wall for dividing displayed merchandise into rows. The divider wall protrudes from the base such that the divider wall separates the base into a first portion having a pusher track and a second portion. A first rail is located on the pusher track. A pusher is mounted on the pusher track for pushing merchandise along the base first portion towards a front of the associated shelf. The pusher comprises a guide slidably engaged with the first rail. 
     Still other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of average skill in the art upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view of a shelf management system according to the present invention, including a portion of an elongate track, two paddles in accordance with a first and a second embodiment, a front panel, and a front end clip; 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded perspective view of a merchandise shelving system according to the present invention, including a portion of the elongate track, two rear panels and two rear end clips in accordance with the first and second embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectioned view through the shelf management system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an assembled perspective view of the shelf management system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a shelf management system including an elongated track and paddle assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a reduced top plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 5  along line  6 - 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a paddle of the assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the paddle of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a shelf management system including an elongate track and paddle assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a reduced top plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 10  along line  11 - 11 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 10  along line  12 - 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a paddle of the assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the paddle of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevational view of a shelf management system including an elongate track and paddle assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevational view of a shelf management system including an elongate track and paddle assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating several preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show two embodiments of the shelf management system according to the present invention. 
     More particularly,  FIG. 1A  shows an exploded view of the components comprising a shelving system generally designated by reference numeral  10  including a portion of an elongate track  12 , a product pusher paddle  14  with a foot  16  in accordance with a first embodiment, a front end clip  18 , and a front panel  20 . Also shown in phantom lines is an alternative product pushing paddle  15  without the foot in accordance with a second embodiment. The components of the shelving system  10  could be formed in accordance with the present invention from a conventional thermoplastic, such as polyvinyl chloride plastic or any other suitable plastic by extrusion, molding, or any suitable plastic forming technique. The shelving system  10  is configured in such a way so as to accept packages of various widths, depths, and configurations. More particularly, the spacing between adjacent tracks  12  can be adjusted to accommodate packages of different widths. Also, the shelving system can be employed on shelves of differing depths. 
     The track  12  is generally configured in an elongate orientation, including a front end portion  13  and a rear end portion  17  as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively. The track  12  includes a base wall  22  and a side wall  24 . The base wall  22  and the side wall  24  are perpendicular to each other. The base wall  22  of the track  12  includes a pair of T-shaped rails  26 ,  28  thereon. The T-shaped rails  26 ,  28  each include a vertical leg  30 ,  32 , respectively extending transverse to an upper surface  33  of the base wall  22 . The vertical legs  30 ,  32  each have a flattened horizontal surface  34 ,  36 , respectively thereon. The flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  increase the support surface area for carrying product without impeding the sliding movement of product along the horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  utilizing the available forces provided by the product feeding shelving system. The vertical legs  30 ,  32  space the flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  from the upper surface  33  of the base wall  22 . The T-shaped rails  26 ,  28  extend collinear with the length of the track  12 . 
     The track  12 , at one side, includes the side wall  24  extending perpendicular to the base wall  22 . The side wall  24  functions as a divider member to separate the shelf space into individual merchandise display areas. The side wall  24  includes a first face  40 , a second face  42 , and a flange  44 . The flange  44  is generally transverse to the second face  42  of the side wall  24 . The flange  44  is collinear with the length of the track  12 . The flange  44  is proximal to the base wall  22  and generally coplanar with the flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  of the T-shaped rails  26 ,  28 . The flange  44  has a horizontal surface  47 . The base wall  22 , at another side, includes a terminal edge  46 , distal to the side wall  24 , which extends upward generally perpendicular to the base wall  22 . The terminal edge  46  is collinear with the length of the track  12 . The front edges of the rails  27 ,  29 , the front edge of the base wall  23 , the front edge of the side wall  25 , and the front edge of the flange  45  are coplanar and aligned generally with the front edge of the associated shelf, not shown. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the paddle  14  according to the first embodiment includes the foot  16 . The paddle  14  further includes a pusher wall  56  with a front face  58  and a pair of gussets  60 ,  62  which extend rearwardly from a rear face  64 . These are generally angled from the top of the pusher wall  56  to a base  70  of the paddle  14 . The gussets  60 ,  62  serve to stiffen the pusher wall  56 . The foot  16  extends forward of the pusher wall front face  58 . An upper surface (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the base  70  serves as a spring carrier surface  72 . At opposing sides of the spring carrier surface  72  are a pair of outside edges  76  and (not visible) projecting downward generally perpendicular to the spring carrier surface  72 . The outside edges are parallel to one another and are spaced to slidably engage, along with an underside or sliding surface  80  of the spring carrier surface  72 , the flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  of the T-rails  26 ,  28 . The foot  16  extends forwardly transverse to the front face  58  of the pusher wall  56 . The foot  16  includes a pair of opposing outside flanges  82 ,  84 . A pair of product supporting arms  86 ,  88  are included on a top surface of the foot  16 . A pair of guide legs  87 ,  89  are included on a bottom surface of the foot  16 . The arms  86 ,  88  and legs  87 ,  89  are collinear with T-rails  26 ,  28  when the shelving system  10  is in an assembled arrangement, as will be described hereinafter. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 1A , the second embodiment of the paddle  15  does not include a foot. However, the paddle  15  does include a pusher wall  90  with a front face  92  and a pair of gussets  94 ,  96  extending rearwardly from a rear face  98 . These generally angle from the top of the pusher wall  90  to a base  100  of the paddle  15 . The gussets  94 ,  96  serve to stiffen the pusher wall  90 . An upper surface of the base  100  serves as a spring carrier surface. At opposing sides of the spring carrier surface are a pair of rolled edges  104 ,  106  projecting downwardly and inwardly. The base  100  also includes a pair of legs  118 ,  120  extending transverse to a lower or sliding surface  108  of the base  100 . The legs  118 ,  120  are configured to slidably engage the upper surface  33  of the base wall  22  to support and align the paddle  15  along the track  12 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , a front end clip  18  for each track  12  is shown. This includes a vertical rectangular front plate  130  with a front face  132  and a rear face  134 . The front plate  130  includes a mounting element  136  extending transverse to the rear face  134  of the plate  130 . The mounting element  136  comprises a pair of vertically oriented opposing side walls  138 ,  140  and a bottom wall. The mounting element  136  of the front end clip  18  slides in between the T-rails  26 ,  28  in the front end portion  13  of the track and frictionally engages legs  30 ,  32 , flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  and the upper surface  33  of the base wall  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a tooth  152  protrudes from a lower face of the clip and engages in a slot  154  in the track to fix the front end clip  18  to the front end portion  13  of the track  12  without the use of any glue or other adhesive material. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1A  is the front panel  20 . The front panel  20 , which can be an extruded piece, is cut to fit the length of the shelf. The front panel  20 , and a rear panel described hereinafter, generally allow the product tracks  12  to be stabily held so as to define a width for the product as well as to hold the product tracks  12  to the shelf at both the front and the back ends of the shelf, yet allowing them to slide sideways on the shelf. The front panel  20  and rear panel are advantageously configured such that a plurality of product tracks  12  can be slidably mounted to them. The front panel  20  is generally configured in an L-shaped arrangement with a base wall  160  and a front wall  162  extending upward generally transverse to the base wall  160 . The front panel  20  may be comprised of a clear plastic material to allow a merchant or prospective purchaser a clear line of vision to the product being carried by the shelving system. The front wall  162  includes a front face  164  and a rear face  166 . A downward extending flange  168  projects from the rear face  166  of the front panel  20 . The flange  168  includes a first leg  170  which extends perpendicular to the rear face  166  and a second leg  172  generally perpendicular to the first leg  170 . The second leg  172  extends downward generally parallel to the rear face  166 . The first leg  170  and the second leg  172  form the downward extending flange configuration which provides an open slot  174 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the open slot  174  is configured to receive the front plate  130  of the front end clip  18 . An upper portion  176  of the front wall  162  serves as a product retaining wall which extends upward and preferably angles slightly rearward from a location above the flange  168 . The product retaining wall  176  serves as a forwardmost stopping surface for the shelf management system  10  and utilizes the rearward angle to hold products within the adjustable shelf management system  10  while the product is being urged forward in the manner described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , a low profile rear end clip  180  cooperates with a low profile rear panel  214  in the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference now to  FIG. 3 , these two elements are configured in such a way as to allow a rear end of the pusher paddle  14  to extend rearward beyond the rear end portion  17  of the track  12 . However, the foot  16  holds the pusher paddle on the track. The low profile rear end clip  180  includes vertically extending first and second walls  184 ,  186 , respectively. A horizontal connecting wall (not visible) connects the first and second walls  184 ,  186  at their respective bottom edges thereby defining an upwardly open slot  190  between the first  184  and second  186  walls. Extending transverse to the second wall  186  are two opposing upper mounting tabs  192 ,  194  at opposing ends of the second wall  186 . A lower mounting tab  196  extends transverse to the second wall  186  centered along a lower edge  198  of the second wall  186  between the two upper mounting tabs  192 ,  194 . Each upper mounting tab  192 ,  194  includes a pair of integrally formed support walls  200 ,  201  and  202 ,  203 , respectively, extending from a top edge  187  of the second wall  186  angularly to the front edge of the tabs. Planar bottom surfaces are provided for the mounting tabs  192  and  194 . These are configured to slidingly engage the upper surface  33  of the track base wall  22 . The lower mounting tab  196  has a planar upper surface  204  including an upward projecting tooth  206  generally centered between opposed side edges  205  and (not visible) of the lower mounting tab  196  proximal to a front edge  197 . The upper surface  204  of the lower mounting tab  196  is configured to slidingly engage the bottom surface  35  of the track base wall  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upward projecting tooth  206  engages an opening  210  in the base wall  22  between the T-rails  26 ,  28  thereby preventing disengagement of the rear end clip  180  from the track  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the low profile rear panel  214  of the first embodiment is defined by a base wall  216  and an upwardly extending rear wall  218 . The rear wall  218  extends transverse to the base wall  216  and includes an L-shaped upper edge  220 . The L-shaped upper edge  220  has a first leg  222  generally perpendicular to the rear wall  218  and a second leg  224  extending downward generally parallel to the rear wall  218 . The first leg  222  and the second leg  224  form a downwardly open channel  226 . The channel  226  is configured to engage the first vertically extending wall  184  of the rear end clip  180 . As with the front panel, the rear panel  214  is cut to the length of the shelf and accommodates a plurality of product tracks  12 . The base wall  216  of the rear panel  214  may include anti-skid layer  230  extending along the length of the bottom side of the base wall  216  proximal to the rear wall  218  for preventing movement of the rear panel in relation to the shelf. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a set of anti-skid bumps  232  may be used. The layer  230  or bumps  232  can be co-extruded or separately applied to the rear panel  214 . 
     With reference now to the second embodiment, the front end clip  18  may be utilized also as the rear end clip as shown in  FIG. 1B . For this purpose, a second embodiment of a rear panel  240  is employed. In this embodiment, the rear panel  240  includes a base wall  242  and a rear wall  244 . The rear wall  244  projects upwardly transverse to the base wall  242 . The rear wall  244  includes an L-shaped upper edge  246 . The L-shaped upper edge  246  includes a first leg  248  projecting transverse to the rear wall  244  in a forward direction. A second leg  250  projects downward, generally parallel to the rear wall  244 , from the first leg  248 . In this embodiment, the rear panel  240  is similar to the front panel  20  but without a product retaining wall (upper portion). 
     According to the first embodiment, the paddle  14  is in sliding connection with the product track  12  (best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The sliding connection comprises a first and second pair of surfaces, with the first pair located adjacent the first T-shaped rail and the second pair of surfaces located adjacent the second T-shaped rail. One surface of the first and second pairs is formed on the top side of the outside flanges  82 ,  84  of the foot. The other surface of each of the first and second pairs is on the upper surfaces of the T-rails  26 ,  28 . The first and second pairs of surfaces engage to resist separation of the paddle from the track. Additionally, there is a third pair of surfaces  87 ,  89  located on the bottom side of the foot  16 . These engage adjacent surface  33  on the track base wall  22  to maintain alignment of the paddle  14  with the track  12 . Furthermore, there is a fourth pair of surfaces located on the bottom side of the foot. These include respective notches  91  and (not visible) as shown in  FIG. 1A . The notches engage a surface of the rear end clip  180  to halt rearward travel of the paddle on the track. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the front face  58  of the paddle  14  extends generally normal to the upper surface  33  of the track  12 . The front face  58  of the paddle is designed to allow the paddle to maintain contact with the products positioned directly in front of it. The spring carrier surface  72  and the sliding surface  80  of the paddle  14  are generally formed from the same section of material which extends rearward of the pusher wall  56  along a direction generally perpendicular to the front face  58 . In the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 2 , the gussets  60 ,  62  support the relationship between the pusher wall  56  and the base  70 . The outer edges  76  and (not visible) of the base  70  extend downward transverse to the spring carrier surface  72 . These outer edges form a fifth pair of sliding surfaces. These cooperate with a respective surface of the track  12 . The fifth pair of surfaces engage to maintain alignment of the paddle  14  with the track  12 . The base  70  includes a central opening  71 , proximate to the rear face  64 , which allows a roll spring to pass therethrough. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1A , the opposing outside flanges  82 ,  84  are designed to slide under the flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  of the rails  26 ,  28 . The sliding surface  80  ( FIG. 2 ) of the paddle  14  is designed to slide over the flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  of the rails  26 ,  28 . Through the use of the opposing flanges  82 ,  84 , the opposing outside edges  76 ,  78 , and the rails  26 ,  28  of the track  12 , a slidable positive lock between the track  12  and the paddle  14  is formed. The slidable positive lock reduces the likelihood of the paddle  14  separating or misaligning from the track  12  under high load. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the second embodiment of the paddle  15  (phantom lines) comprises first and second rolled edges  104 ,  106  which, in use, are located adjacent the rails  26 ,  28  of the track. These cooperate with the respective adjacent track  34 ,  36 . The rolled edges engage the tracks to maintain alignment of the paddle with the track. Additionally, the legs  118 ,  120  of the second paddle  15  engage adjacent portions of the respective T-rails  26 ,  28 . Such engagement helps resist separation of the paddle from the track. 
     The pushing surface or front face  92  extends generally normal to the upper surface  33  of the base wall  22 . The spring carrier surface  102  and the sliding surface  108  are generally formed from the same section of material which extends rearward of the rear face  98  of the pusher wall  90  along a direction generally perpendicular to the front face  92  or pushing surface. In the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 1A , a pair of gussets  94  and (not visible) support the relationship between the pusher wall  90  and the base  100  of the paddle  15 . 
     In both embodiments, a biasing element in the form of a spring  260  is used to bias the paddle  14  toward the front end portion  13  of the track  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the biasing element can be a roll spring  260 . The roll spring  260  has characteristics which may make it desirable over various other types of springs, such as compression springs. For instance, the roll spring  260  naturally recoils back into its tightly wound initial state after being extended and released. Also, as the roll spring  260  is stretched, the force exerted by it is approximately the same during such stretching. It will be appreciated that other biasing elements may be used, i.e. elastic straps, coil springs, and other biasing members. The roll spring  260  is advantageous because it provides a uniform force throughout its extension, is simple to install, and does not require attachment to the foot  70 . The roll spring  260  may be permanently, semi-permanently, or removably attached to the front clip  18 . In the embodiment illustrated, the roll spring  260  is semi-permanently attached to the clip  18  by inserting a first end  262  of the spring  260  into a slot (not visible) in the clip. A spring portion  264  immediately adjacent the first end  262  is then bent 90° and inserted into a stem of the clip. The remainder of the spring is then rotated 90° around its longitudinal axis. 
     The balance of the roll spring  260  rests on a spring carrying surface  72  of the base  70  of the paddle  14 . Due to the configuration of the roll spring  260 , it does not need to be secured to the spring carrier surface  72 . Alignment of the coiled section of the roll spring  260  is maintained by the rear face  64  of the pusher wall  56 , and the inside walls (not shown) of the gussets  60 ,  62 . The rear face  64  of the pusher wall  56  provides a front support and the inside walls of the gussets  60 ,  62  provide side restraints with respect to movement of the roll spring  260 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 2 , it is appreciated that in the first embodiment, the foot  16  of the paddle  14  limits the forward travel of the paddle  14 . Although the forward travel of the paddle is inhibited by the foot  16 , the foot  16  enables the pusher wall  56  to extend rearward beyond the rear portion  17  of the track  12  (as seen in  FIG. 3 ). This additional rearward travel of the paddle  14  allows the entire length of the track to be utilized for storing and moving products. It will be appreciated that, in the second embodiment, using the paddle  15 , the paddle  15  can traverse substantially the entire length of the track  12  but the pusher wall  90  does not travel beyond the rear end of the track  12 . 
     The shelf management system  10  comprises the track  12  to underlie a plurality of products. The track  12  extends longitudinally between the front and rear end portions  13 ,  17 , and laterally between the terminal edge  46  and the side wall  24 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the shelving system  10  and feeding assembly generally comprises a number of product tracks  12 . It will be appreciated that the base walls  160 ,  216 ,  242  of the front and rear panels are of sufficient depth in order to provide the necessary stability and alignment to the product tracks extending therebetween. Due to the use of T-rails  26 ,  28  product tracks  12  decrease the contact surface area between the packages and the product supporting and feeding assembly such that friction may be reduced between the products and the assembly. The horizontal surface  47  of flange  44  of a first track  12  is coplanar with the flattened horizontal surfaces  34 ,  36  of a second adjacent track  12  to improve the product support and alignment as the products move along the track  12 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a plurality of adjacent tracks  12  are shown stabily held by the front panel  20  and the rear panel  214 . This configuration results in a secure connection of a plurality of tracks  12  within the shelving system  10  such that the individual tracks  12  cannot flop around. The front panel  20  may be attached to the shelf in any suitable manner, including friction fitting or permanent attachment (i.e. a Christmas tree clip  270  as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The side wall  24  of each respective track  12  separates the products supported on individual tracks  12  such that the product carried by one product track  12  will not interfere with the movement of product carried by an adjacent product track  12 . As shown, the side wall  24  is integral with the base wall  22 . However, the side wall can be a separate divider wall (not shown). It is also appreciated that a product label  272  may be affixed to the front face  164  of the front panel  20 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of a paddle is there illustrated. In this embodiment, like components are identified by like numerals with a primed (′) suffix and new components are identified by new numerals. In this embodiment, a paddle  300  is slidably mounted on a track  12 ′. The track is generally configured as an elongated member oriented such that it extends from a front of a shelf to a rear of the shelf. The track includes a base wall  22 ′. Mounted on the base wall are a pair of T-shaped rails  26 ′ and  28 ′. Spaced from the rails is a side wall  24 ′. The side wall includes a first face  40 ′ and a second face  42 ′ ( FIG. 6 ). The paddle includes a pusher wall  310 . With reference now also to  FIG. 5 , the pusher wall  310  includes a front face  312  for contacting merchandise and a rear face  314 . The pusher wall  310  is mounted on a base  316 . A pair of gussets  320  and  322  are located on opposed side edges of the pusher wall  310  and extend from the pusher wall to the base  316 . The gussets are meant to reinforce the pusher wall  310 . Reinforcing stakes on ribs  324  may also be provided adjacent the side walls. The stakes can be molded together with the side walls. 
     Positioned atop the base  316  is a spring  330 . As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the spring  330  may be a coil spring. In this embodiment, the coil spring is not supported by the gussets  320  and  322  since the gussets are spaced a considerable distance from the relatively central location of the spring  330 . Rather, the spring is simply held on the base  316 . The spring  330  does not vary its location laterally in the process of coiling and uncoiling so that it would approach either of the gussets. The spring  330  is looped around the distal end of the base  316  and then extends forward, such that a central portion  332  is located between the rails  26 ′ and  28 ′, as is best seen in  FIG. 5 . If desired, the spring can have a front end (not visible) which is secured either to the track  12 ′ or to a front clip (not illustrated), which can be of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     Defined between the side wall  24 ′ and the second rail  28 ′ is a slot  338  ( FIG. 6 ). Positioned in the slot is a foot, guide or extension  340  of the paddle. With reference now also to  FIG. 7 , the foot is located adjacent the second gusset  322  and projects from a lower surface  341  ( FIG. 8 ) of the base  316 . The foot can be in the shape of an upside down U and can comprise a top wall  342 . Projecting from opposite side edges of the top wall  342  are first and second arms or walls  46 . Extending laterally from the first arm  344  is a flange  348 . The flange is adapted to contact a lower surface  352  of the second rail  28 ′ as is most evident from  FIG. 6 . At the same time, the second arm  346  abuts against the first face  40 ′ of the side wall  24 ′ to brace the paddle  300  and retard lateral movement thereof. Cooperation of the flange  348  and the second rail  28 ′ retards vertical movement of the paddle  300 . However, sliding movement along the rails  26 ′,  28 ′ is permitted. As is best shown in  FIG. 8 , a transverse stiffening wall  356  can extend between the two arms  344  and  346  between the ends thereof. It is also apparent from  FIG. 8  that a rear end  360  the foot  340 , can terminate short of the rear edge of the base  316 , if so desired. 
     In this embodiment, the foot or guide  340  of the paddle is thus captured between the rail  28 ′ and the sidewall  24 ′. It should, however, be recognized that the guide  340  could be captured between a rail and any sort of wall or approximately vertically extending protrusion of the track  12 ′. In other words, instead of the side wall  24 ′ as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , some sort of protrusion could be employed in combination with a rail in order to capture the guide. In such a design, the side wall could be absent or could be located on the opposite side of the track. Also, a much wider track could be provided including a plurality of rails and, perhaps, a plurality of pushers mounted on such rails with each pusher having an extension that is captured between an adjacent rail and some sort of protrusion that may extend approximately vertically in relation to a base wall of the track. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , still another embodiment of a paddle is there illustrated. For ease of appreciation and understanding of this embodiment, like components are identified by like numerals with a double primed suffix (″) and new components are identified by new numerals. In this embodiment, a track  12 ″ includes a base wall  22 ″ and a side wall  24 ″. Located on the base wall  22 ″ are a pair of spaced rails  26 ″ and  28 ″. Slidably mounted on the track  12 ″ is a paddle  400 . As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the paddle includes a pusher wall  410  having a front face  412  and a rear face  414 . The pusher wall  410  extends from a base  416 . Extending from the pusher wall  410  to the base  416  are a pair of gussets  420  and  422 . These are located on opposed side edges of the pusher wall  410  and base  416 . 
     A spring, such as a coil spring  330 ″ is positioned on an upper surface of the base  416 . The coil spring is significantly smaller in width than is the distance between the pair of gussets  420  and  422 . As a result, the gussets do not support the coil spring  330 ″ as it coils and uncoils. Rather, the coil spring is spaced by a considerable gap from an inner face of each of the gussets. Only the base  416  supports the coil spring  330 ″. 
     Depending from the base  416  is a foot, guide, or extension  440 . More particularly, the foot depends from a lower surface  441  of the base, as is best seen in  FIG. 14 . The foot comprises a top wall  442  ( FIG. 13 ) as well as a first side wall  444  and a second side wall  446  which extend from opposed side edges of the top wall  442 . As best seen in  FIG. 13 , the foot  440  can protrude transversely from the base  416  adjacent the second gusset  422 . Protruding radially from the first wall or arm  444  is a flange  448 . As can be best seen from  FIG. 12 , the flange is accommodated beneath a head of the second T-shaped rail  28 ″ such that the flange is located beneath a lower surface  352 ″ of the rail. It should be apparent from  FIGS. 11 and 12  that the foot  440  is located in a slot  338 ″ formed between the second rail  28 ″ and the side wall  24 ″. In this regard, the second arm  446  contacts a first face  40 ″ of the side wall  24 ″. Thus, the foot  440  braces the paddle  400  against the second rail  28 ″ and the side wall  24 ″. With reference to  FIG. 14 , a front face  452  can be provided for the foot  440 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 13 , the foot  440  can have arms of differing dimensions. For example, the arms can become thicker approaching a distal end of the foot  440  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . Of course, the arms can have any other suitable desired configuration. The different thicknesses or widths of the arms or sidewalls can be seen by a comparison of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , which illustrate cross sections through the foot  440  at differing locations, as shown in  FIG. 10 . It is apparent from  FIG. 12  that the arms  444  and  446  can contact the base wall  22 ″ thereby bracing the pusher, not only against the second rail  28 ″ and the side wall  24 ″, but also against the base wall  22 ″ of the track  12 ″. It is noted that tapered surfaces  458  can be located on the rear ends of the arms beneath the distal end of the gusset  422 , as also illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     Protruding from a central portion of the base  416  is a tab  470 . The tab is meant to be used when the paddle  400  is fully retracted towards a back rail as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . In use, the tab  470  braces the paddle on the rear rail, when the paddle is fully retracted, to prevent it from wobbling. In the embodiment shown, the tab  470  can have a closed lower surface  472  ( FIG. 14 ) and an open upper surface  474  ( FIG. 13 ). The tab protrudes from a front edge of the base lower surface  441  in a spaced manner from the foot  440 . It should be appreciated, however, that the tab can have many different designs. As is evident from  FIG. 11 , a portion  332 ″ of the spring extends beneath the tab  470  and between the rails  26 ″ and  28 ″. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 15 , yet another embodiment of the present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a shelving system includes an elongate track  502  mounted to a panel (not illustrated). While mention has been made herein of both a front panel (such as panel  20  of  FIG. 1A ) and a rear panel (such as panel  214  of  FIG. 1B ), it should be appreciated by those of average skill in the art that both panels do not always need to be used. Rather, one could employ only a front panel or only a rear panel which would be engaged by a track. All that is necessary is that the at least one panel extend longitudinally along a subjacent shelf and that the track or plurality of tracks mounted to the panel extend transversely over the shelf so as to organize the product being presented on the shelf. 
     The track  502  comprises a base wall  504  and a side wall  506 , which protrudes upwardly from the base wall. Defined on the base wall are a plurality of spaced top rails or ridges  510 . Also defined on a bottom face of the base is a bottom rail  512 . Extending longitudinally along the base wall  504  is a groove  514 . The groove comprises a base wall  516  and a pair of spaced side walls  518  and  520 . 
     Mounted on the track  502  is a pusher wall  528 . The pusher can move in relation to the track  502  so as to be selectively located longitudinally along the length of the track  502  at a desired position. The pusher includes a wall  530  which is mounted on a base  536 . As in the previous embodiments, a suitable spring (not illustrated) can be used to bias the pusher towards a front portion of the track  502 . The coil spring can be positioned on the base  536 . Extending from the pusher wall  530  to the base  536  are a pair of gussets for suitable reinforcing elements  540  and  542 . These can be located on opposed side edges of the pusher wall  530  and the base  536 . 
     Depending from the base  536  is a foot  550 . More particularly, the foot depends from a lower surface  552  of the base  536 . A first portion of the foot  554  can be aligned with the first gusset  540  if so desired. A second portion  556  of the foot can be oriented approximately normal to the first portion  554  and can be parallel to a plane of the base  536 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a somewhat U-shaped design is thus formed for accommodating a flange  560  of the track  502 . Protruding from the lower surface  552  of the pusher wall base  536  is a protrusion  570 . The protrusion includes a pair of side walls  572  and  574 . It should be apparent from  FIG. 15  that the first side wall  572  of the protrusion is spaced a considerable distance from the groove first side wall  518  but that the protrusion second side wall  574  is located adjacent the groove second side wall  520 . In use, as the pusher  528  reciprocates on the track  502 , the pusher base  536  rides on the top and bottom rails  510  and  512  such that the lower surface  552  of the pusher base contacts at least one of the top rails  510  while the second portion  556  of the foot or guide contacts the bottom rail  512 . Due to the cooperation of the foot  550  and the protrusion  570  with the track  502 , the pusher  528  cannot be lifted away from the track  502 . Rather, the pusher must be slid to an end of the track and subsequently removed. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 16 , a further embodiment of the present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a track  602  includes a base  604  and a sidewall  606 . Protruding from the side wall is a flange  608 . Extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track is a first rail  610 . Spaced therefrom is a second rail  612 . 
     Mounted on the track is a paddle  620 . The paddle includes a pusher wall  622 , which has a rear face  624 , and a base  626 . A first gusset  630  connects the pusher wall  622  to the base  626 . Spaced from the first gusset is a second gusset  632 . As is apparent, the gussets are located adjacent opposite side edges of the pusher wall and the base. If desired, reinforcing ribs  634  may be provided on the gussets. It should be apparent that the gussets serve to stiffen the paddle  620  and serve to retard any flexing of the pusher wall  622  in relation to the base  626 . 
     Positioned on the base  626  is a spring  640 . As in the embodiment of  FIG. 1B , the spring can be a coil spring. It should be apparent from  FIG. 16  that the side edges of the coil spring are positioned a significant distance away from the two gussets. In this way, the spring does not contact the gussets as it rolls and unrolls and is not supported or restrained thereby. It should be apparent that the coil spring has a portion that is looped around the base  626  such that the spring portion extends between the two tracks  610 ,  612  towards a front end of the track  602 . 
     While mention has been made herein of the use of a coil spring, such as the spring  260  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it should be recognized that other types of biasing means can also be provided for resiliently urging the different versions of pushers or paddles illustrated herein towards one end of an associated track. It is known in the art to use, for example, compression springs, elastic bands and other types of biasing means for this purpose. 
     A guide  650  mounts the paddle  620  on the track  602 . In this embodiment, the guide comprises a first section  652  which extends from the base and is aligned with the first gusset  630  and a second section  654  which extends from the base in a spaced manner from the first section. The first section  652  includes a first wall  660  that is oriented parallel to a plane of the first gusset  630  and a second wall  662  which is oriented approximately normal to the first section. In other words, an approximately backwards L-shaped first guide section is thus provided. The second guide section  654  can comprise a first wall  670  that extends approximately normal to a plane of the base  626  and a second section  672  which extends approximately parallel to the plane of the base. Thus, a second approximately L-shaped guide section is provided. As is apparent, these two guide sections surround a horizontal portion of the second rail  612  and serve to slidably mount the paddle  620  on the second rail  612 . It is noted that no similar guide is provided for the first rail  610 . Rather, the paddle simply slides on the first rail as it moves along the second rail. An extension  674  may be provided for the guide second section  654 . The extension can be oriented in a common plane with the guide second section first wall  670  as is illustrated. The extension  674  may prove useful to limit the retraction of the paddle  620  on the track  602  past a front panel (not illustrated) or a rear panel (not illustrated) should one be provided. 
     The advantages of the present design include a new and improved shelf management system including a product pusher. The product pusher can include a paddle which is extendible beyond the rear end of a track and is used for urging merchandise items toward the front end of the track. The shelf management system maintains the alignment of the associated products on the track. Additionally, the shelf management system may be quickly installed or rearranged without the need for tools. Furthermore, the present design provides for a paddle which may be used to extend the usable surface of the track, thereby providing functionality on a plurality of shelves having varying depths. 
     The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.