Patent Publication Number: US-8967393-B2

Title: Display tray assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/472,458, filed Apr. 6, 2011, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application is directed to a display tray assembly. More specifically, the present application is directed to a freezer tray assembly for use in the display of products in a retail environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current shelving systems, specifically freezer shelving systems, are designed to accommodate one or only a few varying product offering and/or shelf sizes. Universal shelving systems having a base and adjustable side walls for use with product packaging of any size and dimension, are not currently available. Such current systems also do not offer such functionality with a pusher having a forward bias for keeping product faced to the front of the shelf. 
     SUMMARY 
     The system of the present application includes a display tray assembly having base and center tray sections that are configured to form a gap that receives a side tray section on either side. The side tray sections are configured such that they may move laterally with respect to the base and center tray section in order to adjust the width of the entire display tray assembly to accommodate any size product in a retail environment. In lieu of side tray sections, the display tray assembly may include union tray sections that may engage two separate base and center tray section assemblies in order to create a continuous display tray assembly with adjustable widths. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a display tray assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a display tray assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a top plan view of the display tray assembly of  FIG. 1  in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a top plan view of the display tray assembly of  FIG. 1  in the expanded position; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a top plan view of the display tray assembly of  FIG. 2  in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a top plan view of the display tray assembly of  FIG. 2  in the expanded position; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a center tray section incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the center tray section of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7   a  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a side tray section incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a side elevation view of the side tray section of  FIG. 7   a;    
         FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a side tray section incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8   b  is a side elevation view of the side tray section of  FIG. 8   a;    
         FIG. 9   a  is a top view of an embodiment of a union tray that may optionally be incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9   b  is a side elevation view of the union tray of  FIG. 9   a;    
         FIG. 10   a  is a top view of an embodiment of a union tray that may optionally be incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 10   b  is a side elevation view of the union tray of  FIG. 10   a;    
         FIG. 11  is a top plan view of a base incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a pusher incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of a bias element, in the form of a coil spring, incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2  for biasing the pusher forwardly; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of a fence or end wall incorporated in the display tray assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a cut away view of an embodiment of the center tray section of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be applied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a display tray assembly  10 . Embodiments of the display tray assembly  10  as disclosed in further herein can be used in a variety of settings including the display of retail products. For the purposes of description, embodiments of the display tray assembly  10  that are adapted for use in a freezer will be described in detail herein; however, this is not intended to be limiting on the scope of display tray assemblies as disclosed herein. Generally, the display tray assembly  10  comprises a center tray section  20  and two side tray sections  30  that are movable with respect to the center tray section  20 . Thus, the width of the freezer tray assembly  10  may be increased or decreased depending on certain conditions, e.g., the type of item to be stored on the freezer tray assembly  10  or the size of the freezer in which the freezer tray assembly  10  is mounted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an additional embodiment of the present application includes side tray sections  30  and a union tray section  40  that has a greater width than the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . It should be further noted that the embodiments shown in both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are exemplary only, and should not limit the claims to side tray sections  30  and union tray section  40  having the widths illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Likewise,  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  correspond with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  correspond with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  FIGS. 3   a  and  4   a  illustrate the display tray assembly  10  of each embodiment in a minimum width configuration, or retracted position, while  FIGS. 3   b  and  4   b  illustrate the embodiments of the display tray assembly  10  in a maximum width configuration, or extended position. All the sets of figures,  FIGS. 3   a, b  and  FIGS. 4   a, b , illustrate exemplary embodiments of the display tray assembly shown in a position that defines the minimum and maximum width of its respective display tray assembly  10 , and should not be construed to limit the display tray assemblies  10  to these widths. In other words, the display tray assemblies  10  shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 4   b  do not illustrate the infinite amount of positions between the minimum and maximum width configurations that the display tray assemblies  10  can achieve. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the center tray section  20  may be in the form of a rectangular plate. The center tray section  20  preferably provides a solid floor for the freezer tray assembly  10  in that the surface of the center tray section  20  is substantially free of openings, as opposed to prior art freezer display assemblies that have open areas (such as is the case with mesh-type configurations that feature a number of open areas). A solid floor configuration provides support for less rigid items e.g., bags of frozen vegetables or potato products, in sliding along the freezer tray assembly  10  as the forward items are removed from the freezer tray assembly  10  by consumers. It is also contemplated, however, that the floor of center section  20  may be provided with slots or holes that are sized and configured so as not to catch the items as they are moved forwardly on the freezer try assembly  10 . The slots or holes in the floor of center section  20  are designated to accommodate the flow of air within the freezer while providing unobstructed movement of the frozen items on freezer tray assembly  10 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the center tray section  20  has a number of raised, axial ridges  22  that support items placed on the center tray section  20 . The ridges  22  are substantially parallel to one another and run along a longitudinal axis of the center tray section  20 . The ridges  22  are preferably equidistantly spaced from one another. The ridges  22  are preferably rounded, i.e., each ridge  22  has a radiused top surface. However, any suitable shape may be used for the ridges  22 , so long as the ridges  22  are able to support the items on freezer try assembly  10  and facilitate (and do not hinder) the sliding of the items along the freezer tray assembly  10 . Alternatively, some embodiments of the center tray section  20  may have no ridges  22  at all. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the ridges  22  are separated into two groups on either side of the center tray section  20 . The space defined between the two groups of ridges  22  accommodates a pusher  24  and bias element  23 , e.g., a coil spring, that secures items on the freezer tray assembly  10  and also pushes the items supported on the center tray section  20  to the front of the freezer tray assembly  10  (i.e., the end of the tray proximate the freezer door) as other items are removed by consumers. The freezer tray assembly is stocked by a retail employee by overcoming the force applied by the pusher  24  to insert new product into the freezer tray assembly. The pusher  24  and bias element  23  are further illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a partial cutaway view taken along line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the top surface of the center tray section  20  comprises a plurality of ridges  22  that have a wave-like configuration that defines the ribs  22 . Each rib  22  has a convex shape that defines a peak  25 , i.e., the highest part of the rib  22 , which contacts the bottom surface of a container resting on the ribs  22 . Between the ribs  22  are valleys  27 . The valleys  27  merge with the sides of the ribs  22 , and have a concave shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the center tray section  20  has a plurality of ribs  22  that support the container or package, and valleys  27  between the ribs  22 . Any number of ribs  22  and valleys  27  may be used as desired, in order to provide the optimal balance between a desired low degree of friction as provided by the disclosed center tray section  20  design and the weight and pressure of the container or package. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the ribs  22  are spaced apart by a distance (as measured between the peak  25  of two adjacent ribs  22 ) of between about 2% and about 6% of the width of the center tray section  20 . In one embodiment, the ribs  22  are spaced apart by a distance of about 4% of the width of the center tray section  20 . In still further non-limiting embodiments, the ribs  22  are spaced apart by a distance of between about 10% and 20% of the width of the center tray section  20 . It is understood, however, that the ratio of the width between the ribs  22  and the width of the center tray section  20  may vary according to the parameters of the containers or packages, including weight, bottom footprint, configuration of the portion of the container or package that rests on the ribs, etc. The ribs  22  are spaced so as to minimize the number of contact points with the container, which minimizes friction and facilitates sliding of containers along the plurality of ribs  22 . In addition, the spacing between the ribs  22  makes it easy to clean the glide strip. Specifically, the concave configuration of the valleys  27  and the convex configuration of the ribs  22  provide a smooth cross-section, without sharp corners or crevices, within which contaminants can be trapped. This feature provides for easy cleaning of embodiments of the freezer tray assembly  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the ribs  22  is between about 0.01 inch and about 0.1 inch, and more preferably, about 0.06 inch although the height of the ribs may vary for different containers or packages. The distance between the ribs  22  is between about 0.2 inch and about 0.5 inch, and more preferably, about 0.3 inch although again the spacing of ribs  22  may vary for different containers or packages. In an embodiment, the convex top of each rib  22  is preferably rounded, having a radius of curvature between about 0.05 inch and about 0.125 inch, which in a further embodiment is about 0.06 inch. The concave rounded side walls of the ribs  22  exemplarily have a radius of curvature between 0.05 inch and about 0.2 inch, and in one non-limiting embodiment, about 0.125 inch. As further depicted in  FIG. 15 , in an embodiment of the center tray section  20  the bottom of each valley  26  has a portion  31  that is substantially flat. This substantially flat portion  31 , in an embodiment, has a width of between about 0.5 inch and about 0.15 inch, in a further embodiment, the substantially flat portion  31  is about 0.1 inch. In a still further non-limiting embodiment, the substantially flat portion  31  is between about 0.03 inch and about 0.09 inch. 
     As disclosed above, and in further detail herein, the plurality of ribs  22  minimizes the surface area that is in contact with a bottom surface of a container supported by the plurality of ribs  22 . In particular, the radiused peak of each rib  22  provides point-type contact that significantly reduces contact surface area, while not digging into or otherwise damaging the material of the container, and without the package or container digging into, or otherwise damaging the material of the ribs  22  themselves, as could occur with ribs that have a more pointed construction. The radiused peak of each rib  22  functions to deflect or route pressure or stress on the rib  22  from the package or container radially downwardly to the valleys  27 , much in the same manner as is accomplished by a Roman arch design. This cross-sectional configuration of the ribs  22  functions to dissipate the force and pressure from the container or package into the valleys  27 , and decreases pressure and rib deformation or creep from the weight of the container or package, which greatly enhances the ability of the containers or packages to move along the ribs when a force is applied. Creep is undesirable because it presents increased friction between a container and its supporting surface and thereby can inhibit the sliding movement of the containers along a shelf or other support structure. By eliminating creep, as mentioned above, the center tray section  20  as disclosed reduces the force required to translate containers or packages along the center tray section  20 . 
     At least an upper surface of the center tray section  20  as disclosed herein may be formed of a low friction material, which further facilitates the forward sliding movement of containers along the plurality of ribs  22 . Exemplarily, the upper surface of the glide strip  10  may be formed of a Teflon material such as a DuPont Teflon® grade 7B granular compression molding resin or an ABS plastic material incorporating a low friction agent such as Siloxane, although it is understood that any other satisfactory low friction material may be employed. The center tray section  20  may be over-molded, coated, sprayed, or simply made of low friction material. Alternatively, the center tray section  20  may be made of a material that includes a low friction additive such, but not limited to, Teflon. 
     This disclosed embodiment of the center tray section  20  is, in embodiments, dimensioned particularly for the types of containers or packages with which the freezer tray assembly  10  will be used. This design provides optimal operation by including any number of ribs  22  greater than two to be in contact with the bottom of the container or package, according to container variables including container type (flexible or rigid), weight, surface area, material, and finish. 
     Embodiments of the center tray section  20  as disclosed herein provide additional advantages for use in retail merchandising applications. The plurality of ribs  22  are easy to clean by virtue of the ungulate wave-like concave-convex configuration of valleys  27  and ribs  22 , without the presence of sharply angled corners, cracks or crevices within which dirt, spillage, or bacteria tend to be trapped. The design of embodiments provide a superior low drag surface that provides further advantages as will be described in further detail herein. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the center tray section  20  further includes a fence  21  that prevents items from falling (or being pushed by the pusher  24 ) off the end of the freezer tray assembly  10 . A number of views of an exemplary fence  21  are illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     The center tray section  20  is secured to a base  12 , which provides stability to the freezer tray assembly  10  and also functions support the freezer tray assembly  10  on a shelf or other supporting structure within a freezer. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the base  12  has a series of lugs  14  that define openings for receiving fasteners, e.g., snaps or the like, that secure the center tray section  20  to the base  12 . The base  12  may be in the form of a rectangular plate that has a series of apertures  15 . The apertures  15  are of such a shape and size so as to reduce the amount of material needed to manufacture the base  12  without compromising its structural integrity. When secured together, the center tray section  20  and the base  12  form gaps within which the side tray sections  30  are received. 
     Two examples of side tray sections  30  are shown in  FIGS. 7   a, b  and  8   a, b . The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  correspond to the first exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  correspond to the second exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 . It should be noted that in the illustrated configurations there are side tray sections  30  positioned on either side of the center tray sections  20 . Thus, there may be right side tray sections  30  and left side tray sections  30 . However, the preferred design is such that the side tray sections  30  may be used on either the left side or the right side of the center tray section  20 , i.e., there is no difference in design between left side trays  30  and right side trays  30 . In this manner, the side tray sections  30  are modular and interchangeable components of the freezer tray assembly  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  8   a , side tray sections  30  are in the form of a rectangular plate, having a similar thickness and length as the center tray section  20 . The side tray sections  30  have raised ridges  32  that are of similar size, of similar orientation, and similarly spaced as the ridges  33  of the center tray section  20 . Therefore, in an embodiment, a cross-section through the side tray section  30  appears the same or similar to that depicted in  FIG. 15 . The side tray section  30  further include notches  33  in the edge of the side tray sections  30  that are proximate the center tray section  20 . The lugs  14  of base  12  are received within notches  34 , and function to guide movement of the side tray sections  30  relative to the center tray section  20 . Thus, when the side tray sections  30  are moved relative to the center tray section  20  and the base  12 , the lugs  14  provide front-to-back alignment of the side tray sections  30 , to prevent side tray sections  30  from skewing when the side tray sections  30  are moved inwardly and outwardly relative to center tray section  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  8   a , the ridges  32  of the side tray sections  30  have intermittent breaks or gaps that form a plurality of grooves  34 . The grooves  34  correspond with guides  26  that extend beneath the center tray section  20 , as further illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Thus, as the side tray sections  30  move relative to the center tray section  20 , the guides  26  slide along the grooves  34  to guide the side tray sections  30  and to ensure that the side tray sections  30  move uniformly in a front-to-back direction so as to prevent the side tray sections  30  from skewing relative to the center tray section  20 . 
     In these illustrated embodiments, the center tray section  20  has a plurality of clips  28  that secure the side tray section  30  at a discrete lateral position with respect to the center tray section  20 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , each clip  28  is formed by slots in the center tray section  20  that extend perpendicular to a side edge of the center tray section  20 . Each clip  28  has a downwardly extending lip  29  that normally resides in a first position. In operation, the downwardly extending lip  29  engages and secures the side tray section  30  by extending into a space between two adjacent tracks  32 . When the side tray is moved as desired, the tracks  32  flex the lip  29  (and thus the clip  28 ) upwardly into a second position that allows the track  32  to pass beneath it. Once the lip  29  has moved over the track  32 , the lip  29  returns to the first position and settles into the adjacent space. Thus, the side tray  30  is moved amongst a plurality of discrete positions that correspond with the spaces between the tracks  32 . 
     In another embodiment, the side trays  30  are received within the space provided between the base  12  and the center tray section  20 . The lugs  14  of the base  12  provide a spacing between the base  12  and the center tray section  20 . This space is dimensioned to approximate the thickness of the side tray section  30  so that the side tray section  30  is sandwiched between the base  12  and the center tray section  20 . The side tray section  30  is thus infinitely positionable laterally with respect to the center tray section  20  while the engagement of the lugs  14  of the base  12  with the notches  33  maintain alignment of the side tray section  30  and the center tray section  20  as described above. 
     The side tray section  30  preferably has a fence or side wall  36  that is vertically oriented and extends along a longitudinal axis of the side tray section  30 . The side wall  36  helps to secure items on the freezer tray assembly  10 , and to guide items as they are moved on the freezer tray assembly  10 . The side wall  36  may be integral with side tray section  30 , or it may be a separate, removable component. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the width of the side tray section  30  is about half the width of the center tray section  20 . Thus, a freezer tray assembly  10  that includes a center tray section  20  and two side tray sections  30  has a wide range of adjustably in terms of surface area for storing items. In one embodiment, the width of the freezer tray assembly  10  can range from at the smallest (in the fully retracted position in  FIG. 3   a ) the width of the center tray section  20  to at the largest (in the fully extended position in  FIG. 3   b ) approaching twice the width of the center tray section  20 . As discussed above, in one embodiment the overall width of the freezer tray assembly  10  can be varied along increments that correspond with the spaces between the tracks  32  of the side tray sections  30 . Such an embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b . It should be noted that an alternate system may be used to secure the side tray sections  30  within the assembly. Alternatively, the clips  28  may be eliminated to allow for infinite adjustment in the width of the freezer assembly  10  (as opposed to the discrete number of widths when the clips  28  are utilized). 
     In the alternative embodiment described above that includes the functionality of infinite adjustment of the width of the freezer assembly  10 , two additional advantages may be observed. First, some infinitely adjustable embodiments provide an improved user experience when setting up and stocking freezer tray assemblies  10  of these embodiments. The infinitely adjustable nature of the embodiment allows the width of the freezer tray assembly to be expanded for receiving containers or packages. After the freezer tray assembly has been loaded with product, the side tray sections  30  are adjusted to a minimum or other desired width. 
     Secondly, other infinitely adjustable embodiments of the freezer tray assembly maximize the use of space when a plurality of freezer tray assemblies  10  are used within a freezer or across a shelf. Since the side tray sections  30  move freely with respect to the center tray section  20  in an infinitely adjustable manner, the width of the freezer tray assembly  10  can be minimized specifically to the dimensions of the products stored within the freezer tray assembly  10 . This is to be contrasted with embodiments wherein the freezer tray assemblies are only adjustable incrementally. Since the increments are set to standardized spaces, a user must consistently select a larger freezer tray assembly width than is ultimately needed in order for the product to fit within the freezer tray assembly. The elimination of the incremental adjustments, allows the user to minimize the width of each freezer tray assembly to the product contained within that specific freezer tray assembly  10 . Over the course of an entire freezer or shelf, this can add valuable product facings. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a union tray section  40  may be used between two adjacent center tray sections  20 , such as in the place of one or more adjacent side tray sections  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 9   a, b  and  10   a, b , the union tray section  40  is comprised of two side tray sections  30  that are joined along their respective inner edges, i.e., the edges that do not have notches  33 . The union tray section  40  has a center wall  42  that is used to form adjacent rows for storing items within the freezer. Thus, the union tray section  40  may slide laterally between the adjacent center trays  20  whereby the lateral motion of the center wall  42  caries the width of the adjacent rows. The center wall  42  of the union tray section  40  can thus be used with adjacent freezer tray assemblies  10 , in order to provide a single divider wall between adjacent tray assemblies  10 , thus eliminating a double wall thickness resulting from two adjacent tray assemblies placed side-by-side. 
     The freezer tray assembly  10  of the present invention may include any desired combination of center tray sections  20 , side tray sections  30  and union tray sections  40 . These components are modular and interchangeable so that a specific freezer tray assembly  10  may be assembled to accommodate a variety of freezers and products. The various components of the freezer tray assembly  10  may be made of any suitable material. Preferably the components of the freezer tray assembly  10  are made from injection molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and, although it is understood that any other satisfactory material may be employed. 
     The freezer tray assembly  10  of the present disclosure accomplishes a number of desirable objectives in the retail display of frozen products. By providing a solid floor, the freezer tray assembly  10  insures that items are reliably moved forwardly toward the front of the freezer when a forwardmost item is removed. This reduces door opening times, which can result in significant savings in energy costs. The adjustable side tray sections  30  allow the freezer tray assembly to have virtually any desired width, which can accommodate the vast majority of frozen products such as frozen vegetables, frozen potato produces and frozen entrées. Adjacent freezer tray assemblies  10  can be chained together using union tray sections  40 , to effectively form a unitary tray structure that can extend any desired width within a freezer. This is particularly advantageous, in that the products supported by all of the interconnected freezer tray assemblies  10  function as ballast to prevent unwanted movement of the freezer tray assemblies within the freezer. The freezer tray assembly  10  is preferably formed of a material, such as HDPE, which is capable of withstanding low temperature environments such as are found in supermarket freezers, and the construction of the freezer tray assembly  10  is such that the various pieces and parts are capable of operating in such an environment. Typically, however, the fence  21  will be formed of a clear material to provide product visibility. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4   b , in further embodiments, the combination of particular features as disclosed herein can provide additional features. As described above, the center tray section  20 , side tray sections  30 , or union tray sections  40  can be specifically designed with a plurality of ridges  22  and valleys  27  that are designed and arranged as described above to reduce a coefficient sliding friction between the product and the surfaces. The further disclosed combinations of low friction materials can further reduce this friction while also giving the freezer tray assembly improved durability. 
     In an embodiment, such as that depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pusher assembly  24  is used to progressively face the product by moving the product along the freezer tray assembly  10  and into contact with the fence  21 . A coil spring  23  provides the force to achieve this automated facing. One such spring that may be used in embodiments is a variable force spring such as is available from Vulcan Spring and Mfg. Co. of Telford, Pa. An exemplary spring  23  is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The design of variable force coil springs allow for the spring to provide varying degrees of force at different stages of extension along the freezer tray assembly  10 . Thus, greater force can be achieved when the coil spring is fully extended, such as when the freezer tray assembly  10  is filled with product and this increased force can be translated through the pusher assembly  24  to the entirety of the containers placed within the freezer tray assembly to force all of the containers forward against the fence  21 . However, when only one or a few containers remain within the freezer tray assembly  10 , the variable force coil spring  23  is designed to apply a minimized force to keep the remaining container or containers faced within the freezer tray assembly  10 . 
     In an embodiment of the freezer tray assembly  10  that combines the disclosed ridges  22  and valleys  27  for reduced friction with the variable force spring  23 , the result is that a smaller spring with reduced variable forces at each stage of the variable force spring cannot be used. In some embodiments, a reduction of required force of 20% or more can be achieved with this combination of structural features. The reduction of the force required in the variable force spring may be achieved by adjusting the gauge, girth, or the tightness of the coil in the coil spring. 
     The practical effect of this embodiment is an improved stocking and consumer experience when interacting with the freezer tray assembly embodiments. Reduced spring force improves the stocking experience as less force is required by store personnel to overcome the pusher assembly  24  in order to fill the freezer tray assembly with product. The consumer experience is also improved as the force applied by the variable force spring  23  can further be reduced such that the products are easily removed from the freezer tray assembly by the consumer. As the pusher assembly  24  places a compressive force upon the product between the pusher  24  and the fence  21 , this applied force can make removal of product difficult for some consumers. Furthermore, when the last or one of the last of the products remaining in the freezer tray assembly  10  is removed by the consumer, some embodiments of freezer tray assembly can experience “snapping” wherein the coil spring  23  moves the pusher  24  into a forwardmost position, sometimes in contact with the fence  21 . By minimizing the force applied to the pusher assembly  24 , this experience can be minimized or eliminated. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make anew the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.