Abstract:
This invention is an integrally molded display floor for a gravity feed display tray where the floor has no integrally molded side walls extending upward but has a plurality of longitudinal ribs which can receive upward extending partitions which are releasably attachable to the floor and extend longitudinally, thus dividing the display tray into laterally spaced compartments. Each display tray has opposite marginal side walls extending downward and transversely extending support beams intersecting the longitudinal ribs. The downward extending side walls extend below the bottom surfaces of the longitudinal ribs thus establishing a basement where the bottom surfaces of the ribs constitute the ceiling of the basement. This basement is a space suitable for receiving downward extending tabs of the partition to engage and stabilize such partition with the display track. The basement also provides suitable space for lateral extending coupling means from one display track to the next for coupling adjacent display tracks to provide a wider transverse area thereof. Furthermore, the basement allows space for further coupling members extending from the rear end of any display track element to the front end of the next for coupling thereto. These coupling elements are flexible hook type members which engage into mating recesses and are releasable upon deflecting and/or bending one with respect to the other. A variety of additional coupling means are provided for insuring that the partition is securely engaged but readily releasable from the display track and repositionable on the surface of the display track between any two pair of adjacent longitudinal ribs.

Description:
[0001]    Related Patents: This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application having U.S. Ser. No. 10/043,844 filed Jan. 14, 2002 having Attorney Docket No. 36314/89 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a display track, and more particularly to a depth and width adjustable track unit with removable partitions.  
           [0003]    Display shelves are commonly found in stores, supermarkets, and the like for the display of products available for sale. The display shelf may be flat, in which case there is typically a spring-loaded pusher unit to push the displayed products forward as each foremost product is purchased and removed, or inclined, in which case, as each foremost product is removed, the remainder of the products move forwardly under the influence of gravity (such shelves typically being known as “gravity-feed shelves”). Depending upon the type of products to be displayed, the display shelf maybe disposed on a counter or table top (for example, where the products for display are batteries, film, or other dry, canned, boxed or bagged food and consumer products commonly sold at room temperature) or on a supporting tray in a refrigeration unit (for example, where the products are bottles or cans of beer, soda, milk or other products commonly sold chilled). The display shelf may consist of a single track or channel but more commonly consists of a plurality of such tracks disposed side-by-side in either a fixed or releasable relationship.  
           [0004]    From the point of view of the retailer, the display shelf should be of sufficient depth (that is, the length from the front thereof to the back thereof) that the entire depth of the support surface (i.e., the counter, table top or refrigeration tray) is occupied by the shelf-that is, so that there is no wasted space. If the display shelf does not occupy the full depth, objects placed on the support surface in front of the display shelf will conceal the products intended to be displayed on the display shelf, while objects placed on the support surface behind the display shelf will be at least partially hidden from customer view and not readily accessible to a potential customer. This problem has been addressed in the past by providing a “standard depth” shelf which has breakaway rear portions enabling the depth of the display shelf to be shortened to meet the available space. An obvious disadvantage of this solution to the problem is that some counters, tabletops or refrigeration trays will be deeper than the “standard depth” display shelves.  
           [0005]    Another solution to this problem is to provide the retailer with a “standard depth” display shelf and add-on sections. The add-on sections may be “added on” to the back of the display shelf (assuming that the display shelf does not have a back wall which would interfere with the passage of products from the add-on sections to the main display shelf). Alternatively, where the front and back sections of the display shelf may be separated (e.g., broken-away), the add-on sections may be inserted between the separated front and back sections of the display shelf.  
           [0006]    The “add-on sections” solution is not favored, however, either by the retailer or the display shelf manufacturer. Typically additional members—e.g., fasteners or connecters—must be used to connect the add-on sections either to the back section of the display shelf or to the front of the back section and the back of the front section of the display shelf. Such connecters are typically relatively small and easy to lose during the assembly process. From the point of view of the manufacturer of the display shelf, the add-on sections solution is particularly onerous because the manufacturer must not only purchase, maintain and operate the usual molds for the production of the standard depth display shelf, but also a special mold for the production of the add-on sections. The add-on sections solution further entails logistical problems in that a separate inventory of the add-on sections must be maintained by the manufacturer, made available for purchase, and delivered to purchasers. In brief, the manufacturer must manufacture, sell and deliver two products—that is, the standard depth display shelf and the add-on sections—rather than merely one product (that is, the standard depth display shelf).  
           [0007]    As a practical matter, the dilemma of the producer is even greater since the customer may desire add-on sections of different depths so that the customer can make full use of the available depths of a variety of different-depth support surfaces. Each of these add-on sections of differing depth then becomes yet another product line to be manufactured, sold and delivered by the manufacturer.  
           [0008]    For the various racks, whether enlarged or reduced in the length and width dimensions, it is typical to utilize a plurality longitudinally extending partition which may be installed in selected locations to accommodate products of various widths. It is important to provide removable partitions extending lengthwise on the display tracks which partitions need to be easily installed and easily removed and easily changed in length to match the shape and space in the gondola display case.  
           [0009]    Further problems with partitions are that products divided by the partitions nevertheless tend to topple off the front of the display track or in display cabinets with front doors, to slide too far and lie against the front door and then fall out when the door is open. Also these partitions become dislodged because customers pull on products or pull on the partitions themselves when products become wedged between them.  
           [0010]    A further factor is economy of space. Space is at a premium and it is desirable to have the absolute maximum amount of lateral and depth space and also height. Therefore, the partitions need to be coupled to the tracks while utilizing a minimum of depth of the track.  
           [0011]    Typical prior art partitions have included numerous structural and functional features which inhibit their usefulness. this usually occurs when achieving one objective necessitates sacrifice or compromises another. For example, ease of installation and removal often results in partitions that are easily dislodged or are unstable against topping forces. Conversely, highly secure and stable partitions are often quite cumbersome to install and remove. Efforts to solve these problems have been hindered by various factors inherent in the industry, including the need to maximize display space, and to incorporate maximum flexibility to enlarge or reduce display rack dimensions, and to render these products so user friendly that minimum training is required for installation and adjustment.  
           [0012]    It is an objective for these partitions to be easily installable and removable, and to be resistant to dislodgment or tipping, and to be adjustable in length to correspond to the length selected for the display rack.  
           [0013]    It is a further objective to have the new improvements applicable to various known display track structures, and particularly to the display track as disclosed in the parent application of the present continuation-in-part application.  
           [0014]    It is still further objective to design partitions which are readily installed, are highly resistant to tipping, shifting or otherwise being dislodged while installed and are readily removable without special skills or equipment.  
           [0015]    Another object is to provide releasably locking or safety coupling means so that these partitions cannot be accidentally dislodged by customers when they take displayed products or by store operators when they install or adjust these display locks.  
           [0016]    A further object is to provide a front lip onto the display track to prevent forward toppling of products.  
           [0017]    A still further object is to utilize existing structure of adjacent longitudinal support bars of triangular cross-sections to cooperate with partitions to result in easy releasable connectability and stability.  
           [0018]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a depth-extendable displaytrack unit enabling a customer to form a depth-extended display track.  
           [0019]    Another object is to provide such a unit which in one preferred embodiment consists of at least two essentially identical standard depth display tracks.  
           [0020]    A further object is to provide such a unit which in one preferred embodiment does not require the manufacturer to manufacture, sell or deliver add-on sections to enable formation of the depth-extended display track.  
           [0021]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a unit wherein in one preferred embodiment depth extension is achievable without the use of additional components such as fasteners.  
           [0022]    It is a further object to provide such a unit which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and use.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0023]    It has now been found that the above and related objects of the present invention are obtained in a depth-extendable and/or width extendible display track unit which is adapted to receive one or more partitions with new coupling elements for releasable attachment to the display track which has corresponding structure to receive the partition coupling elements and to receive other releasable coupling elements for longitudinal or depth and transverse or width dimensional changes in the basic display track unit. The depth-extendable display track unit consists of at least two essentially identical standard depth display tracks for forming a single depth-extended display track from one of the standard depth display tracks and at least one section of another of the standard depth display tracks. Each of the essentially identical standard depth display tracks comprises a front section, a breakaway back section with rear engagement means at the rear thereof, and an interconnected series of breakaway intermediate sections connecting the front and back sections. The intermediate and back sections define at the front of each such section forward engagement means for engagement with the rear engagement means at the rear of the back section, the forward engagement means being exposed for engagement by breaking away of the immediately forward section.  
           [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, in each of the essentially identical standard depth display tracks, the rear engagement means projects rearwardly from the back section, and the forward engagement means is configured and dimensioned to receive therein the rear engagement means. Preferably the forward engagement means is female in nature, the rear engagement means is male in nature, and the forward and rear engagement means cooperatively form a male/female engagement. Preferably the forward and rear engagement means are disposed below the level of an article-supporting surface of the intermediate and back sections.  
           [0025]    Optionally the front section defines at the front thereof stop means for limiting forward movement of articles on the standard depth display track.  
           [0026]    In each of the essentially identical standard depth display tracks, at least one of the intermediate sections preferably differs in depth from at least one other of the intermediate sections.  
           [0027]    This new invention provides an integrally molded display track unit for a gravity feed display tray where the floor surface of each track unit has no upstanding side walls but is adapted to hold removable partitions. These partitions are releasably engageable to the display track by virtue of having coupling fingers that extend below the top surface of the display tray. The top surface is defined by a plurality of laterally spaced apart longitudinal ribs whose top surfaces define the product support surface and whose bottom surfaces define the ceiling of a basement space, this space being further defined by longitudinal side walls and transverse front and rear walls. Extending transversely of said longitudinal ribs is a plurality of transverse beams spaced apart in said longitudinal direction. All these rib, beam and wall components comprise an integrally formed injection molded display track unit.  
           [0028]    This basement comprises structure and space to receive positioning and releasable locking tabs or fingers that extend from the partitions downward between pairs of adjacent ribs and engage basement structure below the ceiling. In some embodiments, the downward extending fingers from the partitions engage the bottom surfaces of transverse beams; in other embodiments these fingers engage the bottom surfaces of the longitudinal ribs. In all these embodiments the fingers cooperate with the basement structure to help position, stabilize and secure the partitions with respect to the display tracks, and particularly to prevent partitions from being lifted or otherwise unintentionally displaced from their proper position. The basement further provides structure to engage the various coupling elements for joining display track segments to extend in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction.  
           [0029]    It is a further object of this invention to provide on the bottom of each partition a plurality and darts or arrow shaped coupling means which extend downward between adjacent longitudinal ribs in the display track for releasably coupling thereto. In a preferred embodiment these downward extending coupling means extending alternatively left and right and are resilient for easier installation and removal.  
           [0030]    A further object of the invention is to provide stop means of various heights at the front of certain partitions to bar packages from falling off the front edge. Such stop means may be in the form of: (a) a transverse strip or plate which extends across the entire front of the display track unit and extends upward from the top surface of the track, or (b) a narrow wall segment extending upward to an elevation higher than said transverse strip and extending only a short distance on one side of the partition or on both sides, the latter called a cathedral configuration.  
           [0031]    A further object of this invention is to provide additional support and strengthening means for the plurality of display tracks which are coupled together in a transverse direction. This strengthening is provided by a transverse beam extending across and snugly engaging the front walls of all of the display track segments that are joined together side-by-side. A variation of this beam not only traverses and engages all the front walls of the joined display track units, but extends upward and is called lip extender to serve the additional function of stopping articles from falling off the front.  
           [0032]    Another object of the invention is to include with the releasable coupling element for the partition, a trigger formed as a resilient portion of the partition itself. Pulling the trigger releases a finger from its engagement with a mating part of the display track. Preferably such mating part would be a portion of a transverse beam in the structure thereof.  
           [0033]    A still further object of this invention to arrange for the partition to be stabilized in its desired location by having a plurality of longitudinally spaced fingers each extending forward so that the partition, when installed and slid forward, cannot be displaced upward by accident unless and until the user releases the coupling and pushes the partition rearward to disengage the forward directed fingers. Here a trigger release will allow the partition to be slid rearward and then lifted upward.  
           [0034]    An additional object of this invention to provide below the display track a basement area which provides space for all the coupling means of the partitions and for lateral connection and lengthwise connection means of the respective display track components. Such basement will provide a strong structure to support a front lip molded integrally with the display track.  
           [0035]    A further object of this invention it to configure the longitudinal ribs to have triangular cross-section where the apex of the triangle faces upward and where the adjacent sides of adjacent ribs define a generally triangular space pointing downward. The bottom portion of the partition has a downward pointing triangular shape whose sides engage the spaced apart sloping sides of the two triangular ribs. The ribs thus support the partition from extending farther downward and also stabilize it from tilting or rocking while it is coupled to these longitudinal ribs. Coupling is enhanced by a tooth surface or tab which is cammed transversely as the partition is pressed downward, until it snaps under one of the longitudinal ribs. It is subsequently releasable by tilting and pulling of the partition upward.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0036]    The above and related objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the presently preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 1 is an isometric schematic view of a depth-extendable display track unit according to the present invention, including two standard depth display tracks;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of one of the two standard depth display tracks of the unit;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 3 is an isometric schematic view of a depth-extended display track formed from the unit of FIG. 1 and the left-over remnants of the unit;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 4 is a top plan semi-schematic view, to an enlarged scale, of a standard depth display track of the unit;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 5 is a side elevational semi-schematic view, to an enlarged scale, thereof;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary isometric view, to a greatly enlarged scale, of a portion of a standard depth display track of the unit;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary views, to a further enlarged scale, of the bracketed segment of FIG. 3 (identified by the designations of FIGS. 7 and 8) showing the rear and front engagement means in a separated relationship in FIG. 7 and in an engaged relationship in FIG. 8;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views taken along the lines  9 - 9  of FIGS. 7 and 10- 10  of FIG. 8, respectively;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIGS. 11, 12 and  13  are fragmentary views, to a further enlarged scale, of the bracketed segment of FIG. 6 showing the lateral connecting means, FIGS. 11 and 12 being fragmentary top plan and sectional side elevational views, respectively, of the lateral connecting means prior to connection and FIG. 13 being a fragmentary sectional side elevational view showing the lateral connection means after connection;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary top, front perspective view of a display cabinet or gondola containing a plurality of the new display tracks of this invention;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 15 is a fragmentary top, rear prospective exploded view of a display track including removable display track units and a front lip extender;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 15A is a fragmentary bottom, rear perspective view of a track unit of FIG. 15;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 15B is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line  15 B- 15 B in FIG. 15A;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of display track unit of FIG. 15;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 17 is a fragmentary left side elevation view of the display track in section and of a partition and front lip extender assembled together, taken along line  17 - 17  in FIG. 16;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  in FIG. 16 showing the connection of two side-by-side segments of the display track;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 19 is a bottom front perspective view of a partition;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 20 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the partition of FIG. 6 taken along line  20 - 20  in FIG. 19;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 21 is a fragmentary top plan view similar to FIG. 20 of the partition, now broken apart;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line  22 - 22  in FIG. 16 showing the connector of a partition beginning engagement with a display track;  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 23 similar to FIG. 22 showing the connector fully engaged;  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along lines  24 - 24  in FIG. 16 showing the connection of the partition into the shelf at a location longitudinally displaced from the connection in FIG. 23;  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 25 is a fragmentary front and bottom prospective view of a second embodiment of a partition;  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 26 is a fragmentary side elevation view partially in section showing the partition of FIG. 25 assembled with the shelf of FIG. 14;  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 26A is similar to FIG. 26,but show a further embodiment of the partition and display track;  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 27 is a fragmentary left side elevation view of a display track in a cabinet;  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 28 is a fragmentary side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing a further embodiment of the new partition;  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 29 is a fragmentary side view similar to FIG. 28, showing a further embodiment of a partition with a trigger release element;  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 30 is a top, front perspective view of a gondola shelf of FIG. 14 with a display track.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 31 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the track and support channel; and  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled track and support channel taken along line  32 - 32  of FIG. 31. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0068]    While the present invention will be illustrated and described herein in the context of a display shelf consisting of a single display track, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same principles may be applied to any display shelf, whether it contains only one or a plurality of display tracks.  
         [0069]    Referring now to the drawing, and in particular FIG. 1 thereof, therein illustrated is a depth-extendable display track unit according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . The unit  10  consists of at least two essentially identical standard depth display tracks, generally designated  12 ,  12 ′. The display tracks  12 ,  12 ′ are essentially identical in that they are formed in essentially identical molds and preferably have essentially identical surface ornamentation applied thereto. The display tracks may be purchased as a kit consisting of at least two such tracks  12 ,  12 ′ to form the unit  10 , or each track  12 ,  12 ′ may be purchased separately and independently of one another but then cooperatively used as indicated herein below, just as if they had been purchased as a unit  10 . Of course, each display track  12 ,  12 ′ may be used separately and independently from the others as a standard depth display track.  
         [0070]    As the tracks  12 ,  12 ′ are identical, the detailed description of track  12  herein below will also serve as a detail explanation of the track  12 ′. Similar elements of the tracks  12 ,  12 ′ will be identified by the same reference numeral, but with the elements of track  12 ′ being primed.  
         [0071]    Referring now in particular to FIGS. 2 and 4- 6 , each of the essentially identical standard depth display tracks  12  comprises a front section  14 , a back section  16  and an interconnected series  18  of intermediate sections  20 , the interconnected series  18  serving to connect the front and back sections  14 ,  16 . As illustrated, the interconnected series  18  contains some five intermediate sections  20  identified as  20 A through  20 E.  
         [0072]    The front section  14  is of conventional design and, especially in a gravity-feed display, will include stop means for limiting forward movement of articles on the track  12 , typically an upstanding lip  21  restraining the forward movement of the lead article in a series of articles. The back section  16  has a conventional breakaway feature which enables the retailer to separate the back section  16  from the immediately forward section which, in the present instance, would be the last intermediate section  20 E of the interconnected series  18 . The breakaway feature is typically implemented by providing a plane of weakness  22  extending through the track  12  transverse to the major longitudinal dimension of the track. Thus a horizontal line of weakness  22  extends not only across the floor  24  of the track which supports the articles to be displayed, but also through the entire height of any sidewalls  26  on either side of the floor  24 . Thus the plane of weakness  22  extending through the floor  24  and sidewalls  26  enables the back section  16  to be easily and conveniently intentionally removed from the remainder of the track  12 . This breakaway back feature is conventional in nature and hence need not be described herein in further detail. The breakaway feature is conventionally used to enable the conventional standard depth display track to be used in situations where there is only limited depth available.  
         [0073]    The interconnected series  18  of intermediate sections  20  connecting the front and back sections  14 ,  16  is also characterized by a breakaway feature allowing each intermediate section  20  to be broken-away, either individually and successively or as one or more groups of intermediate sections  20 , where a further depth reduction is required above and beyond that provided by removal of the back section  16  alone.  
         [0074]    A display tray may consist of a single track  12 , just wide enough to accommodate a single lane or channel of product to be displayed, or a plurality of such tracks  12  disposed side-by-side. In the latter instance, each sidewall  26  of a track  12  is provided with lateral connecting means  62  to facilitate joinder of the side-by-side tracks  12 , preferably in a releasable manner. Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS.  4 - 6 , the front and back sections  14 ,  16 , the first intermediate section  20 A (that is, the intermediate section of greatest length), and at least one or more of the remaining intermediate sections  20 B- 20 E is also provided with connecting means  62 . Means for connecting display tracks in side-by-side relationship are well-known in the art and hence, need not be described herein in further detail.  
         [0075]    Turning now to the novel aspects of the present invention, and referring now as well to FIGS. 6 through 10, the back section  16  is provided at the rear thereof with rear engagement means  30 , and each of the intermediate and back sections  20 ,  16  defines at the front of each such section  20 ,  16  forward engagement means  32 . The rear engagement means  30  projects rearwardly from the back section  16 , and the forward engagement means  32  is disposed at the front of each such section  20 , 16 . Preferably the rear engagement means  30  is male in nature, while the forward engagement means  32  is female in nature, the rear and forward engagement means  30 ,  32  thus being capable of forming a secure male/female engagement. The forward engagement means  32  is typically configured and dimensioned as a channel with a front constriction designed to receive there through and retain therein the two divergently biased barbs of the rear engagement means  30 .  
         [0076]    Preferably the rear and forward engagement means  30 ,  32  are both disposed below the level of the article-supporting floor  24  of the intermediate and back sections  20 ,  16 . For example, the forward engagement means  32  may be a channel configured and dimensioned to receive the rear engagement means  30  and extending the full length of the track  12 , or just the full length of the back and intermediate sections  16 , 20 . Alternatively, as illustrated, the forward engagement means  32  need not extend the full length of either intermediate sections  20  or the back section  16  and may simply be disposed at the front of each intermediate section  20  and back section  16 . While the rear engagement means  30  always projects rearwardly from the back section  16 , available for engagement, the forward engagement means  32  of the back and intermediate sections  16 ,  20  must be exposed (before engagement by the rear engagement means  30 ) by breaking away of the immediately forward section thereto 0(whether that be the front section  16  or an intermediate section  20 ).  
         [0077]    Referring now to FIG. 3 in particular, therein illustrated is a depth-extended display track, generally designated  50 , formed from a depth-extendable display track unit  10  according to the present invention. Also illustrated therein are the left-over remnants  52  of the second track  12 ′ which has been sacrificed in order to provide the first track  12  with an extension of 8″ by donating to the first track  12  two of its intermediate sections  20 A′ and  20 B′. What remains as remnants  52  of the second track  12 ′—that is, the front section  14 ′, intermediate sections  20 C′ through  20 E′—and back section  16 ′ may be discarded as waste.  
         [0078]    Alternatively, the “waste” may be used in the formation of another depth-extended display track (not shown). Where the forward engagement means  32  also extends under the front section  14 , the front section  14 ′ of the second track  12 ′ may also be used by itself (rotated 180°) in the formation of another depth-extended display track. Indeed, even where the forward engagement means  32  does not extend under the front section  14 , the sub-assembly of the front section  14 ′ and at least one intermediate section  20 ′ left attached thereto may be used (rotated 180°) in the formation of another depth-extended display track.  
         [0079]    Preferably, the front section  14  is of the greatest depth (for example, about 9″) and the back section  16  is of the least depth (for example, about 2″), while individual ones of the intermediate sections  20  may range from about 2″ to 6″. The number of intermediate sections  20  in the series  18  may vary, but typically five are provided, initial section  20 A being about 6″ deep and the remaining sections  20 B- 20 E each being about 2″ deep. Thus, between the breakaway back section  16  and the breakaway intermediate sections  20 , a standard depth display track  12  of 25″ maybe reduced to 23″ (by removal of aback section  16  of 2″ alone), or to 21″, 19″, 17″ or 15″ (by further removal of one, two, three or four of the smaller intermediate sections  20  of 2″ each) or to 9′ (by removal as well of the large intermediate section  20 A′ of 6″).  
         [0080]    Thus, a depth-extended display track  50  may be made as deep as 41″ and consist of one standard 25″ depth track  12  plus one 6″ intermediate section  20 A′ plus four 2″ intermediate sections  20 B′- 20 E′ plus one 2″ back section  16 ′ from the other track  12 ′. Indeed, it is possible for a depth-extended display track  50  to be made as deep as 48″ by including 14″ from the intermediate sections  20 ′ and 9″ from the front section  14 ′ (rotated 180°).  
         [0081]    Further, if the rear engagement means  30  is itself of a breakaway design, a depth-extended display track  50  of 50″ may be formed from two standard 25″ depth display tracks  12 ,  12 ′ by simply breaking away the rear engagement means  30 ′ of the second track  12 ′ and then connecting that second track (rotated 180°) to the rear engagement means  30  of the first track  12 . Of course, in this instance, there is no waste whatsoever (except for the broken-away rear engagement means  30 ), but it does require that the forward engagement means  32  either extend the fill length of the back section  16  or at least be exposed at the back end thereof after the rear engagement means  30  is removed.  
         [0082]    Similarly, if the front lip  21  acting as stop means is itself of a breakaway design, a depth-extend display track  50  of 50″ may be formed from two standard 25″ depth display tracks  12 ,  12 ′ by simply breaking away the front lip  21 ′ of the second track  12 ′ and then connecting that second track (without rotation) to the rear engagement means  30  of the first track  12 . Of course, in this instance, there is also no waste whatsoever (except for the broken-away front lip  21 ), but it does require that the forward engagement means  32  either extend the full length of the front section  14  or at least be at the exposed front end thereof after the front lip  21 ′ is removed.  
         [0083]    Preferably, as illustrated, at least one of the intermediate sections  20  (e.g., section  20 A) differs in depth from at least one other of the intermediate sections  20  to enable fine tuning of the depth of the depth-extended display track  50 .  
         [0084]    While the sacrifice of one of the tracks  12  to enable the transformation of the other track  12  into the depth-extended track  50  may entail a certain amount of material waste, the economic savings effected by the manufacturer, who is now able to meet the needs of his customers without maintaining at least one independent “add-on section” production line, more that compensates the manufacturer. Further, the present invention places the cost of extending the standard depth display track precisely where it belongs—namely on the retailer who is seeking to maximize the utility of the available shelf-supporting surfaces in his establishment. In other words, the cost is allocated to the person who receives the benefits.  
         [0085]    Referring now to FIGS.  4 - 6  and  11 - 13  in particular, therein illustrated are the improved lateral connecting means  62  of the present invention, comprising female lateral connecting means  62 A and male lateral connecting means  62 B. To engage the male and female lateral connecting means  62 B,  62 A, the male connecting means  62 B is forced downwardly into the opening  63  of the female connecting means  62 A. During insertion, the male connecting means  62 B is cammed along the adjacent inclined surface of the female connecting means  62 A until it snaps back underneath the camming surface ledge  64 , where it is then held until forcible displacement. For expository purposes and clarity of illustration, lateral connecting means  62  are omitted from FIGS.  1 - 3 .  
         [0086]    To summarize, this first embodiment of the present invention provides a depth-extendable display track unit enabling a customer to form a depth-extended display track. The unit consists of at least two essentially identical standard depth display tracks and does not require the manufacturer to manufacture, sell or deliver add-on sections to enable formation of the depth-extended display track. Further, the depth-extended display track is achieved without the use of additional components such as fasteners. The unit is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and use.  
         [0087]    Further embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  14 - 30 . FIG. 14 shows a fragmentary front prospective view of a cabinet or gondola  70  as typically used in a retail sales display environment which has a right side wall  71 , a left side wall not shown, and principal support shelves  72 ,  73  and  74  which are secured to the side walls. These shelves may be solid boards as shown or maybe wire racks  150  as seen in FIG. 27 and described later, or may have still other structure. Support shelves  72 - 74  are inclined slightly upward in the direction from the front to the rear to provide the gravity feed for products, boxes or other containers, which then tend to slide downward to the front of the display.  
         [0088]    The embodiment of the new invention as seen in FIG. 14 comprises a display track  75  (also called display tray or floor) formed of display track units  76 ,  77  and  78  which extend rearward in the direction of arrow  79  toward the back wall  80  of the display box and extend transversely, left and right as indicated by arrow  81  between the side walls. Wide shelves can hold a plurality of side-by-side display tracks releasably coupled together, as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 14- 16 .  
         [0089]    Each display track is adapted to receive one or more vertical partitions as indicated by reference numbers  82 ,  83 ,  84  and  85 , which are removably insertable onto the top surface of the display track. These partitions may vary in height and shape and in the manner of coupling to a display track unit as described later herein.  
         [0090]    Typical display tracks include a stop  86  which may be provided in the form of a short vertical wall at the front edge to restrain product boxes or other containers from sliding completely off the front of each display track. The basic stop member  86  is a strip having slight height, extending transversely and formed integrally with the base  87  of the track. Some other stops are taller and curved at the top, suggestive of a cathedral and called by that name and shown by reference  88 .  
         [0091]    As was discussed above, and as seen in FIGS. 6 and 14- 16 , each of these display tracks is extendable or shortenable in the front-to-rear direction and is extendable or shortenable in the transverse direction, in order to most efficiently use the space within the side walls of whatever display cabinet or gondola is being used.  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 15 shows a top rear prospective view of display track  75  comprising display track unit  76  which is attachable to an adjacent display track unit  77  by connections  76 C, as described earlier.  
         [0093]    Each display track unit as seen in FIGS. 15 and 15A is formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending product support means or ribs  92  which are bounded on each marginal side by a longitudinally extending left side marginal support  93  and right side marginal support  94 . There are a plurality of transversely extending beams  95  which extend between marginal side walls  93  and  94  and engage each of the longitudinally extending ribs  92 . This entire display track is preferably formed by a single operation injection molding procedure. The aligned ribs  92  define an upper surface which is the product support surface where products are situated and slide downward to the left in the direction of arrow  96 , which is to the front of this product.  
         [0094]    Since the side walls  93  and  94  extend downward below the bottom surface  92 C of longitudinal ribs  92 , as seen in FIGS. 15, 15A,  16 - 18 ,  22 - 24  and  26 , there is established a basement  92 B wherein said bottom surfaces of ribs  92 C form the ceiling of the basement. This basement is a chamber bounded by said ceiling  92 C, side walls  93 ,  94  and front and rear end walls  76 F,  76 R. As seen, these track units are essentially flat on top devoid of upstanding side walls, and define a basement chamber beneath the longitudinal ribs  92  that provides a space for secure but releasable coupling of the partitions  82 - 85  to the track units and for secure but releasable coupling one track unit to another. Since one objective is to maximally utilize the total vertical height in the cabinet, the basement allows an unobstructed top surface of each track unit and a space of shallow depth beneath each top surface for all the coupling requirements. As will be further described below, the transverse beams  95  being spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, provide sub-chambers, to accommodate and support engagement of the coupling elements of the partitions and engagement of the further coupling elements for joining display track units as lateral extensions in the transverse direction, and/or as longitudinal extensions in the front-to-rear direction.  
         [0095]    The longitudinal ribs  92  are seen more clearly in FIGS.  22 - 27  where their cross-section is shown as a generally triangular shape with a slightly rounded top edge  97 , the top edge being of relatively small area to minimize friction between it and the products which are supported and slide thereon. The triangular cross-section also provides adequate strength against bending of the beam, and the inclined sides provide a taper which enables removal of the product from the injection mold after injection is completed.  
         [0096]    The partitions can be installed essentially anywhere in the transverse direction between any two adjacent longitudinal ribs of any track unit, and even between two adjacent marginal side walls of two adjacent but coupled-together track units. Two different embodiments of partitions are illustrated herein. Both have the same general shape and construction of the upstanding body part or blade part, but each has a different lower part that functions as the coupling element for engagement to a display track unit.  
         [0097]    The upstanding partitions have various forms and combinations. FIG. 14 shows a set of partitions  84 ,  85  and  84 A, where partitions  84  and  84 A each have a short right angle wall  84 C which serves as a stabilizer and/or stop for articles sliding downward against said stop. Between partition  84  and  84 A is the intermediate partition  85  whose front end terminates in the cathedral stop  88  which cooperates with the adjacent right angle stops  84 C.  
         [0098]    To the right of partition  84  is the plain partition  83  which has no elevated body part like the one seen at the front of partition  85  and no front stop part, except for the standard stop  86  formed as a transverse lip. On the lower shelf  73  the partitions on the display tracks have the transverse lip  86  (not seen) plus a lip extender  160  to extend the height of lip  86 , as seen more clearly in FIGS. 15 and 17 and further described below.  
         [0099]    A first embodiment of the partitions is illustrated by FIGS. 15, 19 and  22 - 24 ; a second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 17, 25 and  26 . As seen in FIG. 15, partition  84 A has coupling element  98  extending downward from its bottom edge. When this partition is installed on a display track unit, as seen in FIGS.  22 - 24 , the partition is positioned to be aligned with a pair of adjacent spaced apart longitudinally ribs  92  and to have its coupling elements  98 , seen in FIGS. 15, 19 and  22 - 24 , positioned between a pair of adjacent ribs  92 . The partition is forced downward causing each element to be inserted between ribs which causes one or more ribs to deflect and/or causes the coupling element to deflect, such that the element descends until its releasable locking tooth  99  descends to a position below the bottom edge  92 C′ of longitudinally extending rib  92 , where it locks thereunder. This tooth remains locked until the partition is forcibly pulled upward.  
         [0100]    As further illustrated in FIGS.  22 - 24 , inclined surface  104  of the tooth  99 A allows the lower portion  105  of this coupling element to cam outward and flex as the partition is pulled upward and the element is released from said locked position between two longitudinal ribs. The space L between longitudinal beams  92  is defined by a pair of tapered walls  92 A and  92 B which together form a triangular shape tapering from a wider opening at the top to a smaller opening at the bottom. Surfaces  92 A,  92  are dimensioned to receive and hold surfaces  92 C,  92 D respectfully of the lower portion or coupling element  98  of the partition  82 .  
         [0101]    In FIG. 22 locking tooth  99 A of the coupling element  98  initially rides against surface  92 A, then is deflected inward as indicated by arrow  100 , until tooth  99 A descends and locks just below rib  92  as seen in FIG. 23.  
         [0102]    As further seen in FIG. 23 surfaces  92 C,  92 D of the downward coupling element  98  of the partition lie against and are snugly supported by surfaces  92 A,  92 B of opposite faces of ribs  92 A and  92 B. FIG. 24 shows a coupling connection the same as that of FIGS.  23 , but longitudinally displaced therefrom as seen in FIGS. 15 and 19. Thus, teeth  99 A,  99 B on elements  98 ,  98 A are alternately directed left and right along the length of the partition. This helps to stabilize the partition in both transverse directions, and also facilitates insertion of the partition by a downward force and removal by an upward force with slight tilting or rocking to cause dislodgement of the locking teeth  99 A,  99 B.  
         [0103]    Each of these first embodiment partitions has additional means to insure that after it is inserted, it does not easily dislodge due to movement of product or due to touching by users or retail customers. As seen in FIG. 19 the partition has a tab  107  which has a forward extending finger part  108 . The partition is installed downward and then slid forward, and the finger  108  moves under a rearward extending bar  109 , as seen in FIG. 17, extending rearward from the front wall  110  of the display track unit. Finger  108  becomes releasably locked under bar  109 .  
         [0104]    The second embodiment  119  of the partition as seen in FIGS. 25 and 26 utilizes releasable locking tabs  120 A- 120 D with forward directed fingers  121 A- 121 D respectively. Tab  120 A and its finger  121 A are similar to tab  107  and finger  108  in FIGS. 17 and 18; however, this partition  119  has no transversely directed locking finger  99  seen in FIGS.  22 - 24 . As seen in FIG. 26, partition  119  has a plurality of longitudinally spaced, forwardly directed fingers  121 A- 121 D which, acting together, restrain the partition from being dislodged or lifted at any point along its length, until it is specifically pushed rearwardly to disengage all the fingers  121 A- 121 D from beneath the respective transverse bars  122 A- 122 D of display track unit  123 . FIG. 26 does not show the forwardmost finger  121 A and bar  121 D which corresponds in shape and function to those seen in FIG. 17. In one variation of this embodiment there would be only two forwardly directed fingers, namely one at the front end of the partition and a second situated either at the rear of the partition or at the rear of the primary segment of the partition before the first break-away area. Accordingly, no matter how many segments were broken away, at least the always-remaining primary and forwardmost segment would be downwardly restrained unless and until it were slid rearward.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 26A illustrates a variation of the partition and display track connection. In FIG. 26A partition  119  ‘has downwardly directed fingers  120 B′- 120 D′, each having a forwardly directed finger  121 B′- 121 D′ which engage respectively transverse beams  124 B- 124 D which extend across the display track between the outer side walls and beneath the longitudinal ribs. Each of beams  124 B- 124 D is situated between two adjacent principal transverse beams, such as those marked  122 B′- 122 D′. A typical finger  121 C′ engages under a beam  124 C when the partition  119 ′ is slid forwardly, and this coupling releasably secures the partition to the display track.  
         [0106]    Since there is the possibility of the partition being accidentally pushed rearward by a store operator or by a customer, a third embodiment  130  of the partition as seen in FIG. 28. This partition has a spring element  131  whose finger  132  resiliently pushes in a rearward direction of arrow  133  against transverse bar  134  of the display track unit. This resiliently urges the partition  130  in the forward direction of arrow  135  and thus urges locking finger  108  to remain beneath transverse bar  109 . This prevents any accidental rearward movement of the partition and accordingly prevents accidental or unintentional upward movement of the partition out of its proper position and alignment.  
         [0107]    In this embodiment spring element  131  is formed as a trigger  137  having a relaxed state as shown, and which is movable upward to the position indicated by dotted line  138  so that finger  132  clears transverse beam  134 , and the partition can be slid rearward. This trigger is formed by cut-out portions  139 , leaving finger hole  140  for easy engagement by the user.  
         [0108]    A further embodiment of a partition with a trigger release is illustrated in FIG. 29 where for convenience elements corresponding to those in FIG. 28 are given the same reference number followed by an “A”. Accordingly, in FIG. 29 of the partition  130 A has a finger  132 A extending from a resilient trigger element  137 A, the latter be defined by cutout area  139 A. This partition has a front locking finger  135 A that functions is finger  135  in FIG. 28.  
         [0109]    In FIG. 29 partition  130 A has, in addition to forward finger  108 A, a rear finger  108 B which extends forwardly beneath transverse rib  134 D on transverse beam  134 C. FIG. 15 illustrates the separable segments of partition  84 A to reduce its length as desired, and it is useful to have a separate finger  108 B of FIG. 29 extending from the bottom of each of said separable segments so that all remaining segments after severing will have floor-engaging means. This will assure restraint from lifting either end of the partition unless and until it is slid rearwardly to first disengage its floor-engaging means.  
         [0110]    As discussed above, each display track unit has breakaway areas so that longitudinally extending segments of track can be removed. Also, as discussed, such longitudinally extending segments can be added by using the transverse releasable connectors marked  76 C in FIG. 15- 18 . A typical connector as seen in FIG. 18, has a transverse base  140 , an upward stem  141  and a transverse locking finger  142 . At a corresponding longitudinal location the adjacent display track segment to be attached has a window  143  and a latching lip  144 . The engagement of locking finger  142  and latching lip  144  occurs in the basement portion  92 B of the track unit as seen in FIGS. 17 and 18. This basement structure described above provides rapid, easy and secure releasable coupling while utilizing the height aspect of the space efficiently.  
         [0111]    The coupling elements for longitudinal extension of track as described above also utilize this basement structure to create and interlock both the male and female components thereof.  
         [0112]    A still further feature is a front lip extender  160  illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16,  17  and  28 . As seen in FIG. 15 a display track unit  77  maybe extended transversely by the coupling thereto of adjacent display track unit  76 . For this connection coupling members  76 C of track unit  77  engage in mating coupling elements formed in the basement structure of display track unit  76 , the detail of which is seen in FIG. 18. Because this coupling is designed to be easily engageable and disengagable, it is less rigid than an integral construction against downward bending of one display track with respect to the other. Normally bending is not a problem since these display track units are supported on a horizontal shelf; however, to enhance the strength of this assembly against bending there is provided the front lip extender  160  which releasably attaches to the front lip portions of coupled display track units. FIG. 15 shows the display track units to have a front stop wall or lip  86 , and lip extender  160  is applied to these lips. FIG.  17  shows the front stop wall designated  110  with a top lip  110 T displaced slightly outward leaving a small slot  110 S behind lip  110 T.  
         [0113]    The lip extender  160  is a strip having a bottom lip  160 B which engages under bottom edge  76 F of the display track front wall, and has top flange  160 T which locks over and behind lip  110 T and into slot  110 S. Lip  110 T is also seen in FIGS. 15 and 27. When lip extender  160  is engaged to two or more aligned and coupled display track units, the strength of the assembly against bending is greatly enhanced, particularly because the lip extender has a high height to thickness ratio and thus is subject to shear forces rather than bending. This lip extender is quickly and easily attachable and removable, and serves the added function of heightening the stop wall to prevent products from falling forward.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 27 discloses a further structural feature which may be used as a “candy blocker” with any of the display tracks and partitions described above. This structure is particularly useful with gondolas where the shelf is formed as a wire rack  150  having a transverse front wire  151 . The display track unit  152  has upward extending recesses or notches  153  and  154 . The new display track is positioned downward until its recess  153  overlies a transverse wire  151  of the rack. This engagement positions the display track properly and prevents it from moving forward or rearward. The plurality of notches  153 ,  154  allows the display track to be moved as far forward as possible toward the front door  155  of the cabinet  156  to the position shown by dotted lines  158 A,  158 B. In this forward position the display track is sufficiently close to door  155 , that a store operator is prevented from installing onthe inside of door  155  a container  157  for candy bars orthe like. Such a container, if it were installed, would extend rearward from the front door, and would block the retail customers&#39; view of what products were on the display track. Obviously, it is in the interest of those selling products in the display tracks, that such products be seen without obstruction or distraction.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 30 illustrates the concept that a display track  165  on the downward inclined gondola shelf  166  can be restrained from sliding forward in the direction of arrow  165  by restraining means which may take the form of pins  168  as shown, or tie wires  169  coupling the display rack to the rear of the shelf, or by other well known means.  
         [0116]    [0116]FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate one final embodiment where a channel  210  with upstanding flanges  230  is secured below display track  72 . The channel is strong metal such a steel or aluminum and extends longitudinally. Releasable coupling is achieved by spring fingers  200  which extend from the display track downwardly into slots  220  of the channel. The track  72  includes grooves  240  th receive the flanges  230 . The channels reside within the display track basement and provide substantial added strength and stability against bending and/or twisting of the display track when loaded.  
         [0117]    Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and limited only by the appended claims and not by the forgoing specification.