Patent Abstract:
A gravity feed tray is provided for use as a component of a display device for retail merchandise such as bottled soft drinks or water in a retail setting. The gravity feed tray includes a first and second support structure that are forwardly and downwardly inclined when coupled to a retail display bar. The first and second support structures having inwardly extending flanges that project into a merchandise channel formed by the first and second support structures. The inwardly extending flanges provide a surface to display retail merchandise. The support surfaces being disposed downwardly and forwardly along a straight line so that rows of retail merchandise, such as bottles, may be stocked in the merchandise channel and supported by the inwardly extending flanges, whereby removal of the bottle at the front end of the merchandise channel causes a void that the remaining bottles fill by sliding via gravitational force.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to a merchandising system that includes as a part of the system an improved gravity feed tray, which can be used for the storage, and gravity feed dispensing of bottles, cans, and other merchandise. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Supermarkets and other retail settings typically utilize displays to store and dispense merchandise. Most of the display racks used in supermarkets and other retail stores are self-service displays. A common example of a self-service displays are found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and many other stores selling bottles or cans of soft drinks. Typically, the customer will select a bottle or can from the self-service display rack and then proceed to the checkout line without the help of store employees. 
         [0003]    Self-service display racks frequently implement a gravity feed configuration for the convenience of both the customer and store personnel. In typical gravity feed display racks, a shelf is tilted such that the rear edge of the shelf is above the front edge of the shelf thereby advancing items supported on the shelf toward the front edge due to gravity. In such a gravity feed configuration, the merchandise is readily accessible in a self-service manner to a customer in that it is positioned along the front edge of the shelf. This avoids the problem that it may be difficult for customers to reach bottles or merchandise on the rear or back of the shelf, particularly if the shelves are of significant depth or if several shelves are closely spaced together. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, typical gravity feed display racks are designed to automatically advance merchandise toward a front edge of the shelf after a customer has selected a product. This prevents the problem of having merchandise at the rear of the displays from being hidden from customers. 
         [0005]    Additionally, gravity feed display racks have proven to be advantageous when restocking merchandise. Gravity feed display racks allow store employees to readily ascertain whether the gravity feed tray needs to be restocked because if it was stocked the retail merchandise would be readily visible at the front edge of the gravity feed tray. Furthermore, if the merchandise on the gravity feed display rack needs to be restocked, the store employees can replenish the merchandise from the front edge or the rear edge because as the merchandise is added to the gravity feed display rack it will automatically advance toward the front edge of the shelf, which provides the additional advantage the employee restocking the merchandise will not need to keep rearranging the shelves as merchandise is added. 
         [0006]    One example of a conventional gravity feed tray includes a downwardly tilted planar support surface over which a feeder belt is arranged to slide. Such a gravity feed display shelf is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,177, which is herein incorporated by reference, issued Dec. 5, 1978. Another example of a conventional gravity feed tray is represented by U.S. Pat. No. 2,218,444, which is herein incorporated by reference, issued Oct. 15, 1940 which discloses a metal channel intended primarily for use in conjunction with milk bottles in refrigerators. This patent discloses alternative procedures for achieving the desired degree of tilt of the chute. 
         [0007]    Although, the conventional gravity feed trays described above have many advantages they are not without their faults. There are certain retail environments, such as commercial refrigerated cabinets or freezers, which have not been able to realistically incorporate conventional gravity feed trays. One reason for this is that conventional gravity feed trays fail to optimize the finite amount of space available in commercial refrigerators or freezer. As such, many retailers choose not to install conventional gravity feed trays in their freezers and refrigerators because they are unwilling to sacrifice valuable retail display space. 
         [0008]    Additionally, conventional gravity feed trays typically mount to shelving that is common in commercial refrigerated cabinets or freezers. The mounts of the conventional gravity feed systems typical couple with the retail shelving and the weight of the retail merchandise exerts a downward force on the mounts, which provides some prevention from having the mounts slide along the retail shelving. This design makes conventional gravity feed trays susceptible to dislodging. This is especially true when the conventional gravity feed trays are not fully stocked with retail merchandise and therefore there is little downward force being applied by the weight of the retail merchandise to keep the mounts of the gravity feed tray from dislodging from the retail shelving. A problem can occur if a mount dislodges before loading because it can cause the immediate collapse of the gravity feed tray. Likewise, if a conventional gravity feed system uses multiple mounts if one of them becomes dislodged or partially dislodged the weight of the retail merchandise will be applied to the non-dislodged mount which will cause excess strain on the non-dislodged mount. Over time, the strain on the non-dislodged mount can cause the non-dislodged mount to deform, in which case the retailor has to incur the cost of replacing the non-dislodged mount or the entire conventional gravity feed tray. In addition, the deformation of the mounts raises safety concerns for retailors due to the fact customers and employees routinely place their hands and arms below loaded gravity feed trays to restock or select retail merchandise. As a result, many retailers have not incorporated conventional gravity feed trays into their stores due to the financial and safety concerns raised above. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a gravity feed tray that can be readily incorporated into a refrigerated cabinet or a freezer and maximize the limited amount of space available; is prevented from inadvertently dislodging from mount shelving; and remains in a cantilevered position even while holding heavy loads of retail merchandise for extended periods of time. 
         [0010]    The invention provides such a gravity feed tray. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In one aspect, the invention provides a gravity feed tray. An embodiment of the gravity feed tray according to this aspect includes a first support and a second support structure in an opposed spaced relationship. The first support and the second support are coupled to a u-bracket. The first and second support structures having inwardly extending flanges and the first support structure having a first mount and the second support structure having a second mount. The first and second mounts being capable of coupling to a retail display bar to support the first and second support structures as cantilevered extensions. The gravity feed tray may include a bar lock located on the second support structure that prevents the inadvertent dislodging of the gravity feed tray from the retail display bar. The first support structure and the second support structure may act to define a merchandise channel where the inwardly extending flanges project into the merchandise channel. The bar lock on the first support structure may also be adjusted to accommodate for retail display bars of varying dimensions. The first mount and the second mount on the first and second support structures may take the form of hooks. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the invention provides gravity feed tray. The gravity feed tray having a first support structure and a second support structure that can mount to a retail display. The first support and the second support act to define a merchandise channel and the first support having a first flange and the second support having a second flange that project inwardly into the merchandise channel and provide a retail display surface. The first support structure may have a first mount and the second support structure may have a second mount that couple to a retail display bar and support the first and second support structure as cantilevered extensions. In addition, the width of the merchandise channel may be adjustable. Furthermore, the gravity feed tray may have half of the volume of the retail merchandise displayed on the retail display surface be located below the retail display surface. The gravity feed tray may also include a bar lock that acts to prevent the inadvertent dislodging of the gravity feed tray from the retail display bar. In addition, the first and second mounts may include an adjustable aperture for receiving retail display bars of varying dimensions. The gravity feed tray may also have first and second mounts that have an aperture that is adjustable to accommodate for retail display bars having different height or width dimensions. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect, the invention provides a gravity feed tray having a first support and a second support structure where the first support structure has a first mount and the second support structure has a second mount. The first support structure and the second support structure having inwardly extending flanges that project into a merchandise channel and provide a retail merchandise display surface. The gravity feed tray may have a bar lock having a first position and a second position where the first position allows the first and second mount to couple with a retail display bar and the second position prevents the first and second mount from decoupling with a retail display bar. The first and second support structures can have a first and second bar lock aperture where the first bar lock aperture is located above the second bar lock aperture on the first and second support structures. The bar lock being removable from the first bar lock aperture and capable of being inserted into the second bar lock aperture on the first and second support structures. The gravity feed tray having a contact surface area between the retail merchandise and the retail display surface is less than ten percent of the total surface area of the outside of the retail merchandise being displayed. The gravity feed tray capable of displaying retail merchandise having top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion where the top portion and bottom portion have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the middle portion and only the middle portion of the retail merchandise has a contact surface area with the retail display surface. 
         [0014]    Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  A is a perspective view of the gravity feed tray displaying merchandise in a retail setting according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  B is a side view of the gravity feed tray displaying merchandise in a retailing setting illustrated in  FIG. 1  A; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional perspective view of a gravity feed tray according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional perspective view of the gravity feed tray shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a gravity feed tray according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the gravity feed tray of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the gravity feed tray of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the gravity feed tray of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a side-view of the gravity feed tray of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side-view of the opposing side of the gravity feed tray illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a gravity feed tray according to one embodiment of the present application; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the gravity feed tray of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of the gravity feed tray of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a gravity feed tray according to one aspect of this invention in a retail environment illustrating a first piece of retail merchandise being selected from the gravity feed tray. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1A  illustrate a gravity feed tray  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The first support structure  100  has a first support mount  114  and the second support structure  200  has a second support mount  214 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 . In use, a retail display bar  900  can be inserted into an aperture  116  of the first support mount  114  and an aperture  216  of second support mount  214 . The first and second support structures  100  and  200  then support the gravity feed tray  10  as it hangs as a cantilevered extension from the retail display bar  900 . The movement of the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  is from the rear edge  250  of the gravity feed tray  10  to the front edge  150  of the gravity feed tray is generally indicated at  20 . 
         [0032]    As the gravity feed tray  10  hangs as a cantilevered extension from the retail display bar  900  it can be loaded with retail merchandise,  930 ,  940 , and  950 . In  FIG. 1  A, the retail merchandise is represented by a first, second, and third soda bottle,  930 ,  940 , and  950  respectively. Typically, soda bottles and other retail merchandise have a bottom portion  980  having a large diameter, a middle or neck portion  975  having a smaller diameter, and a top portion  970  having a diameter that is typically less than the bottom portion  980 , but larger than the middle or neck portion  975  diameter. This allows the gravity feed tray  10  to display soda bottles, water bottles, etc. while not taking up a great deal of space because the gravity feed tray  10  does not need to have a large contact area  955  (See  FIG. 1B ) with the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950 . In this manner the gravity feed tray  10  can display the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  while taking up a minimal amount of retail space until a self-service customer selects one of the pieces of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  for purchase. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  B is a side view of the gravity feed tray  10  displaying retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  in a retail environment. As illustrated, the gravity feed tray  10  is forwardly and downwardly inclined when couple with retail display bar  900 . The amount that the first and second support structures  100  and  200  (See  FIG. 4 ) are forwardly and downwardly inclined is generally represented as θ. 
         [0034]    As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art the angle θ required by the first and second support structure  100  and  200  will depend on a number of factors, such as but not limited to, the weight of the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950 , the contact area  955  between the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950 , and the coarseness of the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  as well as the coarseness of the surface of the retail merchandise being displayed by the gravity feed tray  10 , etc. In one embodiment, the angle θ could be in the range between 5° and 45°. However, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art the angle θ that the first and second support structures  100  and  200  extend from the retail display bar  900  are not limited to the range between the range of 5° and 45° and may be any angle θ selected by the user. 
         [0035]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , which generally illustrates the first support structure  100  of the gravity feed tray  10 . As illustrated, the first support structure  100  has an inwardly extending flange  104 . The inwardly extending flange  104  runs the length of the first support structure  100  and has a rear upturned end  106  and a front upturned end  108 . 
         [0036]    Turning back to  FIG. 2 , which generally illustrates the second support structure  200  of the gravity feed tray  10 . As illustrated, the second support structure  200  also has an inwardly extending flange indicated by  204 . The inwardly extending flange  204  runs the length of the second support structure  200  and has a rear upturned end  206  and front upturned end  208 . 
         [0037]    As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art the coarseness of the material selected for the first and second support structures  100  and  200  and in particular the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  is important because the gravity feed tray  10  relies on the force of gravity to shift the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  to the front edge  150  of the merchandise channel  30  when the first piece of retail merchandise  930  is selected by a customer. Therefore, if the material selected for the first and second support structures  100  and  200  and in particular the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  is too course the force of gravity may be unable to overcome the force of friction created between the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  and the contact surface area of the retail merchandise  970 . Therefore, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, one embodiment of the gravity feed tray  10  according to the application may incorporate a brushed metal for the first and second support structures  100  and  200  and the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204 , such as, but not limited to brushed stainless steel, brushed aluminum, or brushed nickel. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art brushed metals provide many advantages such as providing a surface that is relatively course, is mechanically strong, and is easy to clean and maintain. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  also illustrates the bar lock  600 . In the illustrated embodiment the bar lock  600  is coupled to the second support structure  200 . However, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in art other embodiments may have the bar lock  600  on the first support structure  100  or any other suitable component of the gravity feed tray  10 . For example, as best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the first support structure  100  has a bottom bar lock aperture  801  and top bar lock aperture  802  and the second support structure  200  also has a bottom bar lock aperture  803  and a top bar lock aperture  804 . As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art the bar lock  600  can be decoupled from any one of the bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , or  804  and be then be coupled to any one of the other bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , or  804  of the users choosing. As will readily be recognized by one of skill in the art the ability to couple and decouple the bar lock  600  from bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , and  804  that have different locations or positions on the gravity feed tray  10  allows the bar lock  600  to lock retail display bars  900  with varying dimensions. Furthermore, as will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art the bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , and  804  are not limited to their position or placement in the illustrated embodiment and those of skill in the art will readily recognize that bar lock apertures may be positioned on any suitable place of the gravity feed tray  10  that allows for the bar lock  600  to prevent the gravity feed tray  10  from inadvertently dislodging from the retail display bar  900 . 
         [0039]    As illustrated, a user will position the retail display bar  900  within the mount  214  of the second support structure  200  and the bracket  300 . Once the retail display bar  900  is positioned within the mount  214  and the bracket  300  the user can rotate the bar lock  600  until the triangular projection  602  of the bar lock is aligned flush with the bottom of the retail display bar  900 . After the bar lock  600  is rotated to have the triangular projection  602  aligned flush with the bottom edge  902  of the retail display bar  900  the user can tighten the fastener  700 , which will prevent further rotation of the bar lock  600 . Once the fastener  700  is tightened with the triangular projection  602  of the bar lock  600  flush with the bottom of the retail display bar  902  the mount  214  and the bracket  300  will not be able to be dislodged from the retail display bar  900 . As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art the user can remove the gravity feed tray  10  from the retail display bar  900  by untightening fastener  700  and rotating the bar lock  600  until it is no longer flush with the bottom edge  902  of the retail display bar  900 , which will provide clearance for the user to lift the mount  214  and bracket  300  from the retail display bar  900 . 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , which respectively illustrate a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the gravity feed tray  10  according to the invention. As illustrated, the first and second support structures  100  and  200  are coupled to bracket  300 . As those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize bracket  300  performs the function of acting as an additional support to the first and second support structures  100  and  200  as well as acting as a spacer between the first and second support structure  100  and  200  to define the merchandise channel  30 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  also illustrate the flip scan and plate label holder  400 , where merchants can place information about the retail merchandise being displayed by the gravity feed tray  10  such as, but not limited to, the product name, price, bar code, QR code, etc., as best illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The illustrated embodiment also shows label support  500 , which acts to secure the label holder  400  to the gravity feed tray  10  and supports the label holder  400  so that it faces towards potential customers, which allows the customers to easily view the information contained on the label holder  400 . Furthermore, as best illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the flip scan and plate label holder  400  is movable in a vertical direction, such that when a customer selects a piece of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  from the merchandise channel  30  the flip scan and plate label holder can swing up vertically so that it does not interfere with the removal of the first piece of retail merchandise  930  and then swing back down to its original position to front face the next customer and provide that customer with the information the retailor has displayed on the flip scan and plate label holder  400 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  also illustrates the bar lock  600 . In the illustrated embodiment the bar lock  600  is coupled to the second support structure  200 . However, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in art other embodiments may have the bar lock  600  on the first support structure  100  or any other suitable component of the gravity feed tray  10 . For example, as best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the first support structure  100  has a bottom bar lock aperture  801  and top bar lock aperture  802  and the second support structure  200  also has a bottom bar lock aperture  803  and a top bar lock aperture  804 . As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art the bar lock  600  can be decoupled from any one of the bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , or  804  and be then be coupled to any one of the other bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , or  804  of the users choosing. As will readily be recognized by one of skill in the art the ability to couple and decouple the bar lock  600  from bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , and  804  that have different locations or positions on the gravity feed tray  10  allows the bar lock  600  to lock retail display bars  900  with varying dimensions. Furthermore, as will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art the bar lock apertures  801 ,  802 ,  803 , and  804  are not limited to their position or placement in the illustrated embodiment and those of skill in the art will readily recognize that bar lock apertures may be positioned on any suitable place of the gravity feed tray  10  that allows for the bar lock  600  to prevent the gravity feed tray  10  from inadvertently dislodging from the retail display bar  900 . 
         [0043]    As illustrated, a user will position the retail display bar  900  within the mount  214  of the second support structure  200  and the bracket  300 . Once the retail display bar  900  is positioned within the mount  214  and the bracket  300  the user can rotate the bar lock  600  until the triangular projection  602  of the bar lock is aligned flush with the bottom of the retail display bar  900 . After the bar lock  600  is rotated to have the triangular projection  602  aligned flush with the bottom edge  902  of the retail display bar  900  the user can tighten the fastener  700 , which will prevent further rotation of the bar lock  600 . Once the fastener  700  is tightened with the triangular projection  602  of the bar lock  600  flush with the bottom of the retail display bar  902  the mount  214  and the bracket  300  will not be able to be dislodged from the retail display bar  900 . As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art the user can remove the gravity feed tray  10  from the retail display bar  900  by untightening fastener  700  and rotating the bar lock  600  until it is no longer flush with the bottom edge  902  of the retail display bar  900 , which will provide clearance for the user to lift the mount  214  and bracket  300  from the retail display bar  900 . 
         [0044]    Turning to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , which respectively illustrate a top-down and bottom-up view of the gravity feed tray  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the merchandise channel  30  has a width  921  defined by the first and second support structures  100  and  200 . In one embodiment the merchandise channel  30  may have a width  921  between 3.40 and 5.75 cm. However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the merchandise channel  30  is not limited to this range and may be smaller than 3.40 cm or larger than 5.75 cm depending on the type of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 ,  950 , being displayed within the gravity feed tray  10 . 
         [0045]    Next, the inwardly extending flanged  104  and  204  form a support and display surface for the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950 . In the illustrated embodiment the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  have a width  923  between 0.85 cm and 1.70 cm. However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the widths  923  of the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  are not limited to the range between 0.85 cm and 1.70 cm and can readily be made smaller than 0.85 cm or larger than 1.70 cm depending on the type of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  being displayed within the gravity feed tray  10 . Further, although the widths  923  of the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  are represented as being the same size in the illustrated embodiment the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  are not limited to being the same size and flange  104  could be larger than flange  204  and vice versa. 
         [0046]    Next, the distance between the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  defines a merchandise track gauge  922 . As illustrated, the merchandise track gauge  922  is between 1.70 cm and 3.38 cm. However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the merchandise track gauge  922  is not limited to this range and may be smaller than 1.70 cm or larger than 3.38 cm depending on the type of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  being displayed within the gravity feed tray  10 . 
         [0047]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the first support structure  100  and the second support structure  200  are coupled to a bracket  300 . In the illustrated embodiment the first and second support  100  and  200  are coupled to the bracket  300  via mig weld. As will be appreciated by those having skill in the art a mig welding will provide a mechanically strong and relatively inexpensive coupling between the first and second support structures  100  and  200  and the bracket  300 . However, as will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art the first and second support  100  and  200  may be coupled to the bracket  300  by any means generally known in the art. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art that the bracket  300  both provides structural support to the first and second support  100  and  200  and also acts as a spacer between the first and second support  100  and  200  and helps define the width  921  of the merchandise channel  30 . 
         [0048]    Furthermore, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 and 6 , the gravity feed tray may also have a first half u-brace  110  located on the first support structure  100  and a second half u-brace  210  located on the second support structure. In the illustrated embodiment the first half u-brace  110  is incorporated into the first support structure  100  and the second half u-brace  210  is incorporated into the second support structure  200 . In some embodiments the first u-brace  110  and the second u-brace  210  can then be coupled together via mechanical means such as, but not limited to, mig welding. Although, the illustrated embodiment show the first half u-brace  110  being a part of the first support structure  100  and the second half u-brace  210  being part of the second support structure  200  those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a u-brace does not have to be formed from two parts and can easily be formed from a single piece or a multitude of pieces that couple to the first support structure  100  and the second support structure  200  and provide structural support and act as a spacer between the first and second support structures  100  and  200 . 
         [0049]    Turning to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , which respectively represent a first side view of one embodiment of the gravity feed tray  10  and a second side view of the gravity feed tray  10  opposite the first side view. As illustrated, the length  920  of the gravity feed tray  10  is generally defined by the length of the first and second support structure  100  and  200 . In one embodiment the length  920  of the first and second support structure  100  and  200  can be in the range of 35.74 cm and 70.84 cm. However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the length  920  of the first and second support structure  100  and  200  is not limited to this range and may be smaller than 35.74 cm or larger than 70.84 cm depending on the type and amount of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  the user wants to display using the gravity feed tray  10 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 8 and 9  also illustrate the first and second forward spacers  112  and  212 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 1B . The first and second forward spacers  112  and  212  can act to support the label support  500 . In addition, as best illustrated in  FIG. 13  the first and second forward spacers  112  and  212  provide front aperture  807  that allows a customer to remove a piece of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , or  950  from the gravity feed tray  10 . 
         [0051]    Next, the retail display mounts  114  and  214  of the first and second support structures are illustrated. The mounts  114  and  214  have respective apertures  116  and  216  to insert the retail display bar  900 . In the illustrated embodiment the apertures  116  and  216  have an opening between 2.21 cm and 4.40 cm. However, as will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art the apertures  116  and  216  are not limited to the range between 2.21 cm and 4.40 cm and can readily be made smaller than 2.21 cm or larger than 4.40 cm depending on the retail display bar  900  used to mount the gravity feed tray  10 . Further, although the apertures  116  and  216  are illustrated as having the same dimensions apertures  116  and  216  are not limited to having the same dimensions and aperture  116  could be larger or smaller than aperture  216  and vice versa. 
         [0052]    Turning to  FIG. 11 , the front edge  150  of the gravity feed tray  10  is illustrated. As best illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the first support structure  100  has a front upturned end  108  and the second support structure  200  has a second front upturned end  208 . In one embodiment the front upturned ends  108  and  208  can extend angularly upward from the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  at a height  928  between range of 2.55 cm and 5.07 cm. However, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art the height  928  of the front upturned ends  106  and  206  is not limited to the above range and can be below 2.55 cm or above 5.07 cm as required by the user. The front upturned ends  106  and  206  act to prevent the second and third piece of retail merchandise  940  and  950  in the retail channel  30  from inadvertently dislodging from the merchandise channel  30  when the first piece of retail merchandise  930  is removed  930  from the retail merchandise display  30  and the second and third pieces of retail merchandise are shifted toward the front edge  998  of the retail merchandise channel  30  by gravitational force (See  FIG. 13 ). 
         [0053]    Turning to  FIG. 12 , the rear edge  250  of the gravity feed tray  10  is illustrated.  FIG. 12  best illustrates that the first support structure  100  also has a first rear upturned end  106  and the second support structure  200  has a second rear upturned end  206 . In one embodiment the rear upturned ends  106  and  206  can extend angularly upward from the inwardly extending flanges  104  and  204  at a height  927  between the range of 0.85 cm and 1.69 cm. However, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art the height  927  of the rear upturned ends  106  and  206  is not limited to the above range and can be below 0.85 cm or above 1.69 cm as required by the user. As will also be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art the rear upturned ends  106  and  206  will typically have a smaller angular height than the front upturned ends  108  and  208  because the front upturned ends  108  and  208  act to prevent the dislodging of the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  under the force of gravity. However, as will also be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art the rear upturned ends  106  and  206  can act to prevent retail merchandise  930 ,  940  and  950  from dislodging from the rear edge  250  of the merchandise channel  30  when the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  is being stocked from the front edge  150  of the merchandise channel  30 . 
         [0054]    Turning to  FIG. 12 , which illustrates a gravity feed tray  10  according to one aspect of this invention in a typical retail environment. As illustrated, the gravity feed tray  10  is displaying retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  that are represented as typical soda bottles. In use, the user will position the first and second mount openings  116  and  216  to receive the retail display bar  900 . With the first and second mounts  114  and  214  now in contact with the retail display bar  900  the first and second support structures  100  and  200  support the gravity feed tray  10  as a cantilevered extension. Once in position and secured to the gravity feed tray  10  the gravity feed tray  10  can be loaded with retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950 . In  FIG. 13  the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  is represented by soda bottles. 
         [0055]    After the gravity feed tray  10  is secured to the retail display bar  900  can then load retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  into the merchandise channel  30 . Within the merchandise channel  30  the first and second support flanges  104  and  204  prevent the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  from falling from the merchandise channel  30 . The user may place the first piece of retail merchandise  930  into the merchandise channel  30  from the forward edge  150  or the rear edge  250  of the merchandise channel  30 . As the user releases the first piece of retail merchandise  930  into the merchandise channel  30  the downward angle of the first and second support flanges  104  and  204  cause the retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  to slide forward until the retail merchandise reaches the front edge  150  of the merchandise channel  30 . 
         [0056]    After the gravity feed tray  10  has been loaded with retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  a customer can select the first piece of retail merchandise  930  that is located at the front edge of the merchandise channel  30 . When the customer selects the first piece of retail merchandise  930  from the merchandise channel  30  it will be removed from the merchandise channel  30  at a slightly upward direction  999 . Once the first piece of retail merchandise  930  is selected from the merchandise channel  30  the second and third piece of retail merchandise  940  and  950  will shift forward by the force of gravity  998  until the second piece of retail merchandise  940  abuts the front edge  150  of the retail merchandise channel  30  and fills the space left vacant by the first piece of retail merchandise  930  that has been selected by the customer. Therefore, as long as the gravity feed tray  10  remains stocked with retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  apiece of retail merchandise  930 ,  940 , and  950  will always be at the front edge  150  of the merchandise channel  30  where it can easily be identified and selected by customers. 
         [0057]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
         [0058]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0059]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0