Patent Description:
Retail merchandise trays are typically used to contain retail merchandise in neat organized linear rows. Such trays may employ spring biased pushers to front face the merchandise, i.e. move the merchandise forward to a front of the tray, by applying a force to the back end of each row of merchandise. Other trays may forego the use of a pusher entirely, and rely on gravity for front facing. The latter style of tray is commonly referred to in the industry as a tray.

While such trays are advantageous, they are not without their drawbacks. First, such trays are typically designed as a stand-alone shelf. In other words, they are not designed to mate with an existing retail shelf. Instead, they require their own custom vertical mounting rack, with each tray mounted directly to the vertical mounting rack. A contemporary example of such a system may be readily seen at <CIT>titled "Gravity Feed Display Rack". As such, one drawback is that such gravity feed systems are difficult to integrate with existing retail shelving.

Second, even where such trays are designed to operate with an existing retail shelf, they are relatively complex in their construction and typically require hand tools and the like in their assembly. An example of such a relatively complex system may be seen at <CIT> titled "Method and Apparatus For Converting Gondola Shelf to Gravity Feed Shelf". Such systems often entail a high part count to effectuate installation to a shelf, as well as the use of relatively complex componentry such as rollers and the like. Further such systems often require the use of fasteners in their assembly which requires the use of additional tools and labor. Other relevant prior art can be found in <CIT>.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a retail merchandise tray and display incorporating the same which alleviates or eliminates the above drawbacks. The invention provides such a tray and display incorporating the same. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

According to the present invention, said object is achieved by a retail merchandise tray having the characteristics set out in claim <NUM>. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. In an embodiment, the invention provides a retail merchandise display which may be fully integrated with an existing retail display system, e.g. a shelving unit. An embodiment of such a retail merchandise display includes a retail shelf. The display also includes a tray mounted to the retail shelf. The tray includes a linear row of mounting slots extending generally perpendicular to a feed direction of the tray. The display also includes a plurality of mounting plates interposed between the tray and the retail shelf. Each of the plurality of mounting plates includes at least one projection projecting upwardly from a base portion. The at least one projection is slidably received in one of the mounting slots of the tray.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the retail shelf includes an array of apertures therein. Each one of the plurality of mounting plates includes a pair of bent portions which are received in adjacent ones of the array of apertures to anchor each one of the mounting plates to the shelf. The bent portions extend away from the base portion. The bent portions are coplanar with one another and not coplanar with the base portion.

According to the invention, the tray includes a first and a second mounting rail. The first mounting rail is situated at a rear of the tray. The second mounting rail is situated at a front of the tray. The tray includes at least one tray section interposed between and mounted to the first and second mounting rails. The at least one tray section mounts to the first and second mounting rails by a resilient snap-fit connection.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, one of the plurality of mounting plates is used per one of the at least tray sections to mount the tray to the retail shelf.

In another aspect, a retail merchandise tray is provided which advantageously has a reduced part count compared to existing tray systems. According to the invention, the retail merchandise tray includes a first and a second mounting rail arranged in an opposed spaced relationship such that the first mounting rail is situated at a back end of the retail merchandise tray and the second mounting rail is situated at a front of the retail merchandise tray. The retail merchandise tray also includes at least one tray section mounted to and interposed between the first and second mounting rails. The at least one tray section provides a continuous retail merchandise support surface extending between the front and the back end.

According to the invention, the first and second mounting rails are identical. The first and second mounting rails each include a mounting channel, an upper channel, and a lower channel. The mounting channel is configured to receive at least one tray section such that the at least one tray section mounts within the mounting channel using a resilient snap-fit connection. The retail merchandise tray may also include a support leg mounted to the first mounting rail. The support leg elevates the back end relative to the front end such that the back end is elevated above the front end. The support leg mounts to the lower channel of the first mounting rail via a resilient snap-fit connection. The support leg includes a leg portion and a foot portion extending perpendicular to the leg portion. The support leg includes a projection projecting from an end of the leg portion. The projection is received within the lower channel of the first mounting rail.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the retail merchandise tray can also include a front stop. The front stop is received within the upper channel of the second mounting rail.

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the retail merchandise tray also includes a plurality of wire supports received in channels formed in a base member of the at least one tray section. The plurality of wire supports are contained within the channels by a pair of cap members mounted to the base member such that the base member is interposed between the pair of cap members.

According to the invention, the invention provides a retail merchandise tray which advantageously does not require any mounting hardware in its assembly. According to the invention, a retail merchandise tray includes a first and a second mounting rail arranged in an opposed spaced relationship such that the first mounting rail is situated at a back end of the retail merchandise tray and the second mounting rail is situated at a front end of the retail merchandise tray. At least one tray section is mounted to and interposed between the first and second mounting rails. The at least one tray section includes a base member having a plurality of hollow channels and defining a continuous retail merchandise support surface. The at least one tray section also includes a pair of cap members. The pair of cap members are mounted to the base member such that the base member is interposed between the pair of cap members. The at least one tray section also includes at least one divider extending over the retail merchandise support surface and mounted to each of the pair of cap members. Each of the pair of cap members mounts to the base member using a resilient snap-fit connection. The at least one tray section mounts to the first and second mounting rails using a resilient snap-fit connection.

The resilient snap-fit connection between the base member and each of the pair of cap members is formed by a tab formed on each of the pair of cap members and corresponding apertures formed in the base member. The tab and aperture are configured such that the tab resiliently snaps into the aperture. The tab of each cap member is formed on a projection of each cap member. The projection is received within an elongated channel of the base member.

According to the invention, the resilient snap-fit connection between the at least one tray section and the first and second mounting rails is formed by a tab formed on each of the pair of cap members on a projection portion thereof and an aperture formed within a mounting channel of each of the first and second mounting rails. The projection portion is insertable into the mounting channel such that the tab resiliently snaps into the aperture.

According to the invention, the first and second mounting rails are identical. Also in an embodiment according to this aspect, the at least one divider may include an integrated pusher assembly. The integrated pusher assembly includes a pusher paddle slidably received within a slot of a divider wall of the at least one divider. The pusher assembly also includes a coil spring operably coupled between the pusher paddle and the divider wall.

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.

Turning now to the drawings, an embodiment of a retail merchandise display <NUM> is illustrated which includes a retail merchandise tray <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as a "tray") mounted on a retail merchandise shelf <NUM>. Advantageously, tray <NUM> does not require any mounting hardware in its assembly. By "mounting hardware" it is meant screws, bolts, rivets, or any other component which a tool is typically required to install. Instead, tray <NUM> employs resilient snap-fit connections to connect its various components. As a result, no hand tools are required in the assembly and installation of tray <NUM>. Put differently, retail merchandise display <NUM> advantageously presents a <NUM>% tool-free design. As used herein, "snap-fit" connections means resilient connections in which male feature such as a tab, detent, projection, etc. is biased into a mating female feature such as a hole or slot requiring one or both of the male and female features to resiliently and elastically deform to accommodate such a connection.

As another advantage, tray <NUM> may be readily incorporated into an existing retail shelf <NUM>. Put differently, and unlike prior designs, tray <NUM> does not require a custom made shelf or custom made vertical display to mount tray <NUM> to. Instead, a plurality of mounting plates are provided which mate with conventional features on shelf <NUM> and with tray <NUM> to hold the same in place on shelf <NUM>. These and other advantages will be readily understood from the following.

With particular reference to <FIG>, display <NUM> includes tray <NUM> mounted on a top surface <NUM> of shelf <NUM>. Tray <NUM> defines a plurality of retail merchandise channels <NUM> which are arranged parallel to one another and extend from a back end <NUM> of tray <NUM> to a front end <NUM> of tray <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, channels <NUM> are arranged to carry items of retail merchandise <NUM> therein in a linear row. In the illustrated embodiment, tray <NUM> is in a gravity feed configuration in that its back <NUM> is elevated relative to its front end <NUM>. Due to the gravity feed configuration of tray <NUM>, as the lead item of merchandise <NUM> is vertically removed in direction <NUM>, the remaining items of merchandise <NUM> move forward along a feed direction <NUM> until the front-most item of retail merchandise <NUM> abuts a front stop <NUM>. It will be recognized from the teachings herein, however, that tray <NUM> need not employ the aforementioned gravity feed configuration to face retail merchandise. Instead, tray <NUM> may utilize a pusher system to bias merchandise toward front end <NUM>. In such a configuration, tray <NUM> will be generally parallel with shelf <NUM> such that back end <NUM> and front end <NUM> are at the same elevation relative to shelf <NUM>. As yet another alternative, tray <NUM> may be placed in its gravity feed configuration but nevertheless employ the pusher configuration described herein, depending on the size, weight, and other parameters of the merchandise to be faced.

Turning now to <FIG>, tray <NUM> includes a first mounting rail <NUM> and a second mounting rail <NUM>. At least one tray section <NUM> is mounted between mounting rails <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, two tray sections <NUM> are utilized. However, a single tray section <NUM> may be employed, as well as more than two tray sections <NUM>. As will be understood from the following, each tray section <NUM> is configured to connect to adjacent tray sections as well as to mounting rails <NUM>, <NUM>. Tray <NUM> also includes a support leg <NUM> mounted to first mounting rail <NUM>. Support leg <NUM> raises or elevates back end <NUM> of tray <NUM> relative to front end <NUM> to provide the aforementioned gravity feed functionality. Put differently, support leg <NUM> angles a retail merchandise support surface defined by tray <NUM> relative to top surface <NUM> of shelf <NUM> such that retail merchandise moves towards front stop <NUM> under the force of gravity. The height of front stop <NUM> may be varied to accommodate differing heights of retail merchandise.

Display <NUM> also includes a plurality of mounting plates <NUM> which are interposed between shelf <NUM> and tray <NUM>. Mounting plates <NUM> include bent portions which are received in apertures <NUM> formed in shelf <NUM>. As will be discussed in greater detail below, mounting plates <NUM> also include projection <NUM> which are received in slots <NUM> of tray <NUM> (See <FIG>). Such a configuration advantageously anchors front end <NUM> of tray <NUM> on shelf <NUM>.

It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that shelf <NUM> may take on any conventional retail shelf form which includes a plurality of apertures formed therein for receipt of bent portions of mounting plates <NUM>. Accordingly, tray <NUM> is not limited to any particular style of shelf <NUM> and may be readily retrofit into a variety of existing shelves. Although not shown in <FIG>, those of skill in the art will also recognize that shelf <NUM> is typically mounted to an upright structure. Tray <NUM> is designed so that it does not require any manipulation or modification of such an upright structure and can instead readily interact with shelf <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the various components of the aforementioned tray section <NUM> will be described in greater detail. Each tray section <NUM> includes cap members <NUM>, <NUM> which are mounted to either end of a base member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, cap members <NUM>, <NUM> are identical to one another. As such, a description of one cap member applies equally well to the other.

Base member <NUM> is an extruded component which defines a top retail merchandise support surface which is continuous and extends between back end <NUM> and front end <NUM> of tray <NUM>. Base member <NUM> may be any length given the use of the extrusion process in its manufacture. Base member <NUM> also includes a plurality of channels formed therein as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, base member <NUM> is formed by two interlocking subsections 64a, 64b. However, a single base section <NUM> may be used. In the case of multiple based subsections 64a, 64b, the same interlock with one another to present a continuous retail merchandise support surface as introduced above. Further, base member <NUM> may be extruded at a given width, and then subsequently rip cut to its desired width. Base member <NUM> may be formed of high density polyethylene as one example. In view of the foregoing, it will also be recognized that the width of cap members <NUM>, <NUM> may also vary depending on the width of base member <NUM>.

A plurality of dividers <NUM> extend over the retail merchandise support surface defined by base member <NUM> and include downwardly extending projections <NUM> which are received in select ones of the aforementioned linear row of slots <NUM>. The close spacing of the slots allows for a high degree of variability of the width of any given channel <NUM> by spacing dividers <NUM> closer or farther away from one another. These dividers <NUM> may be embodied as shown as generally flat walls, or alternatively, my incorporate a pusher assembly as described below relative to <FIG>. Further, the dividers <NUM> are easily removable such that tray <NUM> may be utilized with only a single divider, or no dividers at all. Still further, wire dividers may be utilized instead of the plate-like elements illustrated. Still further, dividers <NUM> may be any height to accommodate merchandise of differing heights.

As can be seen in <FIG>, slots <NUM> are formed in each cap member <NUM>, <NUM> and extend entirely through the same. Slots <NUM> are arranged in a linear row which is perpendicular to feed direction <NUM> (See <FIG>) of tray <NUM> and are formed in a body portion <NUM> of each cap member <NUM>, <NUM>. Each cap member <NUM>, <NUM> also includes a plurality of projections <NUM> extending away from body portion <NUM> which are received in corresponding channels <NUM> of base member <NUM> as illustrated. Additionally, a plurality of wire supports <NUM> are received in channels <NUM> of base member <NUM>. Wire supports <NUM> provide additional rigidity and structural support to base member <NUM>. Those of skill in the art will recognize that wire support <NUM> may be omitted entirely in the event that generally light merchandise will be carried by tray <NUM>. Conversely, wire support <NUM> may be tailored using different materials and dimensions to vary the structural support provided thereby.

Turning now to <FIG>, the same illustrates a cross-section taken through tray section <NUM>. As can be seen in this view, the projection <NUM> of cap member <NUM> are shown installed within channel <NUM>. Similarly, wire supports <NUM> are shown installed within channel <NUM>. Also shown in <FIG> is the interlocking capabilities of base member <NUM>. Indeed, subsection 64a includes an upwardly facing channel <NUM> on the right-most side thereof in <FIG>. Subsection 64b is identical to subsection 64a and thus also includes an upwardly facing channel <NUM> on the right-most side thereof in <FIG>. Each subsection 64a, 64b also includes a downwardly depending rib <NUM> on the left-most side thereof shown in <FIG>. This rib <NUM> is configured to be received within upwardly facing channel <NUM> to interlock subsection 64a with subsection 64b. Likewise, this channel <NUM> and rib <NUM> configuration is also utilized to interlock adjacent tray sections <NUM> to one another.

Turning now to <FIG>, the resilient snap-fit connection between each tray section <NUM> and mounting rails <NUM>, <NUM> is shown. Also, the resilient snap-fit connection between each cap member <NUM>, <NUM> and base member <NUM> is shown. In particular, <FIG> illustrates the snap-fit connection between cap member <NUM> and second mounting rail <NUM> as well as cap member <NUM> between base member <NUM>. It will be recognized that the following description of the aforementioned snap-fit connection applies equally well to cap member <NUM> and first mounting rail <NUM> as well as cap member <NUM> and base member <NUM>. Further, the description of the structural attributes of second mounting rail <NUM> shown in <FIG> applies equally well to first mounting rail <NUM> as mounting rails <NUM>, <NUM> are identical. Because of this identical construction, it is possible to utilize a front stop <NUM> with mounting rail <NUM> in the same manner as that shown with mounting rail <NUM>. Such a configuration is advantageous in front load configurations to prevent the rear-most item of merchandise from falling off of the back of tray <NUM>.

Second mounting rail <NUM> includes a horizontally extending mounting channel <NUM>. Second mounting rail <NUM> also includes an upper channel <NUM> and a lower channel <NUM> which extend generally perpendicular to mounting channel <NUM>. Mounting channel <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> formed therein. Apertures <NUM> are arranged to receive tabs <NUM> formed in a projection portion <NUM> of cap member <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> are received within apertures <NUM> via a resilient snap-fit connection in that one or both of tabs <NUM> or the wall defining channel <NUM> including apertures <NUM> elastically deforms as projection portion <NUM> is biased into mounting channel <NUM>. This continues until tabs <NUM> are fully seated within apertures <NUM> and cap member <NUM> is thus locked to mounting rail <NUM>.

A similar snap-fit connection takes place between cap member <NUM> and base member <NUM>. Indeed, base member <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> into which a projection <NUM> formed on one of the projections <NUM> of cap member <NUM> seats into. As was the case with second mounting rail <NUM> and tabs <NUM>, one or both of tab <NUM> and base member <NUM> in the region of aperture <NUM> elastically deforms until tab <NUM> is fully seated within aperture <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the same illustrates the mounting of mounting plate <NUM> relative to shelf <NUM> and relative to tray <NUM>. As stated above, mounting plate <NUM> includes bent portions <NUM>. Bent portions <NUM> may be fed through apertures <NUM> formed in shelf <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, bent portions <NUM> extend away from a base portion <NUM> of mounting plate <NUM>. Further, each mounting plate <NUM> includes a pair of bent portions <NUM> which are coplanar with one another but are not coplanar with base portion <NUM> as shown. As also described above, a projection <NUM> extends upwardly from base portion <NUM> and is received within a select one of slot <NUM>. Each mounting plate <NUM> may include a single projection <NUM> or multiple projections <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the snap-fit connection between support leg <NUM> and first mounting rail <NUM> is illustrated. As can be seen in this view, support leg <NUM> includes a generally vertical leg portion <NUM> with a foot portion <NUM> extending perpendicularly to leg portion <NUM>. Aprojection <NUM> is formed at a top end of leg portion <NUM>. This projection <NUM> has a generally circular cross-sectional profile and is received via a snap-fit connection in lower channel <NUM> of first mounting rail <NUM>. Lower channel <NUM> may include undercut or ribs for securing projection <NUM> once it is fully inserted within channel <NUM>. The round outer profile of projection <NUM> allows support leg <NUM> to rotate about its longitudinal axis within channel <NUM> to achieve a desired angle of support leg <NUM> relative to the remainder of tray <NUM>. The length of vertical leg portion <NUM> may be varied as well to obtain a desired angle of tray <NUM> relative to shelf <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, an alternative embodiment of a divider <NUM> is illustrated. Unlike divider <NUM> described above, divider <NUM> includes an integrated pusher assembly. The integrated pusher assembly includes a divider wall <NUM> with a pusher paddle <NUM> slidably mounted thereto. Pusher paddle <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> which is received in a channel <NUM> of divider wall <NUM> to effectuate the aforementioned slidable connection.

With reference to <FIG>, the pusher assembly also includes a coil spring which is uncoiled through the front of pusher paddle <NUM> and connected to divider wall <NUM> at a slot <NUM> thereof (see <FIG>). The remainder of coil spring <NUM> remains coiled and contained within pusher paddle <NUM> as shown. Turning back to <FIG>, divider wall <NUM> also includes downward projections <NUM> which are received in slots <NUM> in the same manner as described above.

Claim 1:
A retail merchandise tray (<NUM>) configured for mounting on a retail shelf, the retail merchandise tray comprising:
a first (<NUM>) and a second (<NUM>) mounting rail arranged in an opposed spaced relationship such that the first mounting rail is situated at a back end of the retail merchandise tray and the second mounting rail is situated at a front of the retail merchandise tray, wherein the first and second mounting rails are identical and each include a mounting channel (<NUM>), an upper channel (<NUM>) and a lower channel (<NUM>), the mounting channel being configured to receive at least one tray section such that the at least one tray section mounts within the mounting channels using a resilient snap-fit connection; and
the at least one tray section (<NUM>) mounted to and interposed between the first and second mounting rails, wherein the at least one tray section comprises:
∘ a base member (<NUM>) having a plurality of hollow channels (<NUM>) and defining a continuous retail merchandise support surface extending between the front end and the back end;
∘ a pair of cap members (<NUM>, <NUM>), the pair of cap members mounted to the base member such that the base member is interposed between the pair of cap members; and
∘ at least one divider (<NUM>) extending over the retail merchandise support surface and mounted to each of the pair of cap members;
wherein each of the pair of cap members mounts to the base member using a resilient snap-fit connection;
wherein the at least one tray section mounts to the first and second mounting rails using a resilient snap-fit connection; and
wherein the resilient snap-fit connection between the at least one tray section and the first and second mounting rails is formed by a tab (<NUM>) formed on each of the pair of cap members on a projection portion (<NUM>) thereof and an aperture (<NUM>) formed within the mounting channel of each of the first and second mounting rails, the projection portion insertable into the mounting channel such that the tab resiliently snaps into the aperture.