Patent Description:
Retail merchandise displays are generally known in the art. Once such display is a self-facing pusher system. A conventional pusher system incorporates one or more pusher paddles or pusher bodies that ride along a respective elongated track. A spring is connected between the pusher body and a leading edge of the track. The spring acts to bias the pusher body forward along the track towards the leading edge thereof.

A user can retract the pusher body away from the leading edge of the track and position items of retail merchandise in a linear row on top of the track and between the leading edge of the track and the pusher body. The biasing force provided by the spring and exerted upon the pusher body serves to bias the linear row of retail merchandise forward to ultimately "front face" the merchandise.

That is, when a customer removes the leading most item of merchandise from the linear row of merchandise, the pusher body will be drawn forward by the spring to index the row of merchandise forward so that the next item of merchandise in the row is positioned proximate the leading edge of the track in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Such automatic front facing eliminates the necessity for retail store employees to manually face the merchandise, and thus ultimately reduces the cost of labor of the retailer.

The aforementioned pusher systems have been utilized in various retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, a plurality of pusher bodies and their corresponding tracks are arranged in a side by side manner along the shelf. Each pusher body and its corresponding track are separated by dividers to maintain a plurality of generally straight rows of merchandise that run from the front to the back of the shelf. Such a familiar configuration can be found in many retail stores for selling hygiene items such as deodorant, as one example.

In another configuration, the pusher system may be embodied as a stand-alone pusher tray. These trays may include means for mounting the tray as a cantilevered extension from another structure, such as a bar. These trays may also be situated directly on a retail shelf. Further, these trays may include side barriers which are adjustable so as to accommodate merchandise of differing widths.

<CIT> discloses a retail merchandise tray according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> discloses a retail mechanidse tray assembly with a front stop mounted to a mechandiese support frame proximate a first end and being rotatable. <CIT> discloses a product biasing system with a moveable member and a biasing element connected to a moveable member.

The invention relates to improvements in the retail merchandise tray assemblies, such as pusher trays. These and other advantages of the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, as well as additional inventive features as defined in the dependent claims, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. It is noted that some of the features will have applicability in retail merchandise tray assemblies that do not include pushers.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly includes a wire support structure, a front stop hinge, a front stop and a biasing member. The wire support structure includes at least one longitudinal member extending between a first end and a second end along a first longitudinal axis and at least one lateral member attached to and extending generally perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member and the first longitudinal axis. The first front stop hinge is rotatably mounted on the at least one lateral member for rotation about the at least one lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The front stop is mounted to the front stop hinge for rotation with the front stop hinge about the at least one lateral member between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front stop is in an upright orientation relative to the wire support structure. In the second angular position, the front stop is in a reclined orientation relative to the wire support structure. The biasing member biases the front stop hinge from the second angular position toward the first angular position.

In one embodiment, the wire support structure defines a substantially planar product support plane. The front stop has a front surface. The front surface of the front stop is more parallel to the planar product support plane when the front stop hinge is in the second angular position than when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position. This allows for improved loading of the tray assembly of product when the front stop hinge is in the second angular position.

In one embodiment, the biasing member is a torsion spring extending angularly about the at least one lateral member.

In one embodiment, the front stop is releasably mounted to the front stop hinge such that the front stop can be removed from the front stop hinge without the front stop hinge being removed from the at least one lateral member of the wire support structure.

In one embodiment, the front stop includes a mounting slot. The front stop hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin slidably received in the mounting slot for releasably mounting the front stop to the front stop hinge.

In one embodiment, the front stop includes a flexible mounting clip extending from a first end attached to the front stop and a free end. The free end of the flexible mounting clip is biased into the at least one lateral member when the mounting pin is received in the mounting slot to secure the front stop to the front stop hinge.

In one embodiment, the flexible mounting clip can be resiliently bent such that the free end is disengaged from the at least one lateral member to remove the front stop from the front stop hinge.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes at least one pair of opposed load bearing members. The wire support structure is mounted to the pair of opposed load bearing members. The front stop hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages at least one of the opposed load bearing members or the wire support structure when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position. The biasing member and the engagement of the rotation limiting abutment with at least one of the opposed load bearing members or the wire support structure fixing the front stop hinge in the first angular position. The biasing member biases the front stop hinge into the at least one of the opposed load bearing members or the wire support structure.

In one embodiment, a first end of the torsion spring is engaged with the at least one lateral member such that the first end cannot rotate about the at least one lateral member. A second end of the torsion spring is engaged with front stop hinge such that it rotates with the front stop hinge around the at least one lateral member.

In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting slot and the mounting pin is tapered such increased insertion of the pin into the mounting slot increases frictional engagement between the mounting slot and the mounting pin.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second front stop hinge rotatably mounted to the wire support structure. The first and second front stop hinges rotating about a common rotational axis. The first and second front stop hinges are laterally spaced apart along the rotational axis. The rotational axis is generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the first front stop hinge is mounted proximate the first end of the at least one longitudinal member. A top of the front stop rotates towards the second end of the at least one longitudinal member when the first front stop hinge rotates from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Additionally, the top rotates towards the wire support structure when the front stop hinge rotates from the first angular position to the second angular position.

In another embodiment, a method of loading a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The method includes pivoting a front stop of the retail merchandise tray assembly between a first orientation to a second orientation. The retail merchandise tray assembly includes a wire support structure that includes at least one longitudinal member extending between a first end and a second end along a first longitudinal axis and at least one lateral member attached to and extending generally perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member and the first longitudinal axis The retail merchandise tray assembly further includes a first front stop hinge rotatably mounted on the at least one lateral member for rotation about the at least one lateral member between a first angular position corresponding to the first orientation of the front stop and a second angular position corresponding to the second orientation of the front stop. The retail merchandise tray assembly further includes a biasing member acting on the first front stop hinge. The front stop is mounted to the front stop hinge for rotation with the front stop hinge about the at least one lateral member between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front stop extends upward relative to the wire support structure a greater extent than when in the second angular position. The method further including biasing the front stop hinge from the first angular position toward the first angular position such that the front stop is biased towards the first orientation.

In one method, pivoting the front stop transitions the front stop from a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a top surface defined by the wire support structure to a substantially parallel orientation relative to the top surface defined by the wire support structure.

Substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular shall be less than or equal to plus or minus fifteen degrees.

In an embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly including a merchandise support frame, a divider, a longitudinally divider mount and a resilient friction member is provided. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and having opposed first and second sides. A longitudinally extending divider mount is slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. The resilient friction member is mounted to the merchandise support frame and engages the divider mount. The diver mount is slidable relative to the resilient friction member when adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, the resilient friction member is an O-ring and the divider mount includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod. An inner diameter of the O-ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical rod such that insertion of the cylindrical rod into the O-ring causes stretching of the O-ring to provide frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

In one embodiment, the merchandise support frame includes a wire support structure defining a product support surface. The merchandise support frame includes a pair of opposed spaced apart load bearing members. The wire support structure is operably mounted to the load bearing members. A spacer is interposed between the pair of load bearing members. The resilient friction member is mounted to the spacer.

In one embodiment, the divider mount extends through the spacer.

In one embodiment, the resilient friction member is an O-ring. The divider mount includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod. The inner diameter of the O-ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical rod such that insertion of the cylindrical rod into the O-ring causes stretching of the O-ring to provide frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

In one embodiment, the spacer defines a cylindrical tube. The O-ring aligns with the cylindrical tube. The cylindrical rod slides within the cylindrical tube.

In an embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly including a merchandise support frame, a divider, a sign adaptor and a sign is provided. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and having opposed first and second sides. The divider adjustably mounts to the merchandise support frame for adjusting a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. The sign adaptor mounts to the divider and moves with the divider when the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame is adjusted. The sign is attached to the sign adaptor.

In one embodiment, the sign adaptor is attached to the divider in at least two attachment locations to prevent rotation of the sign adaptor relative to the divider.

In one embodiment, a divider mount adjustably attaches the divider to the merchandise support frame. The sign adaptor is attached to the divider mount providing one of the at least two attachment locations.

In one embodiment, the sign adaptor includes a c-shaped snap connector that snap engages the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, the sign adaptor is attached to the divider with a resilient push pin extending into an aperture in the divider providing a second one of the at least two attachment locations.

In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second divider adjustably mounted to the merchandise support frame. The second divider is adjustably positionable relative to the second side of the merchandise support frame. The merchandise support frame being interposed between the first and second dividers. A second divider mount extends between opposed first end and second ends. The second divider mount adjustably attaches the second divider to the merchandise support frame. The second divider being attached to a first end of the second divider mount. The sign adaptor includes a cavity that receives the second end of the second divider mount when the second divider is positioned at a closest most position relative to the second side.

In one embodiment, the sign adaptor includes a sign attachment arrangement including spaced apart first and second sidewall defining a channel therebetween. The first and second sidewalls are attached to one another proximate adjacent sides. The sign is captured, at least in part, within the channel and between the first and second sidewalls.

In one embodiment, the first sidewall includes a nib extending from an inner face thereof towards the second sidewall.

In one embodiment, the first sidewall includes a nib extending from an inner face thereof. The second sidewall includes a cavity in the inner face thereof. The nib extends into the cavity of the second sidewall when the first and second sidewalls are in a relaxed state.

In one embodiment, the sign has a nib receiving region that engages the nib when the sign is positioned within the channel defined by the first and second sidewalls.

In one embodiment, the channel is closed on only a bottom thereof where the first and second sidewalls are attached to one another such that the channel is open on opposite ends thereof as well as open in a side that extends between the open opposite ends.

In an embodiment, a method of mounting a sign in a retail merchandise tray assembly includes providing the retail merchandise tray assembly. The retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame extending between a first end and a second end and having opposed first and second sides. The tray assembly includes a divider adjustably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. The tray assembly includes a sign adaptor mounted to the divider and being movable with the divider when the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame is adjusted. The method includes attaching the sign to the sign adaptor mount.

In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a position of the sign relative to the merchandise support frame by adjusting the position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame, a divider, and a longitudinally extending divider mount. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and has opposed first and second sides. The divider includes a divider body and a mounting socket. The longitudinally extending divider mount press fit engages within the mounting socket of the divider. The divider mount is slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame.

In one embodiment, an outer surface of a portion of the divider mount that is press fit within the mounting socket has a knurled outer surface that engages an inner surface of the mounting socket.

In one embodiment, the divider body and mounting socket are formed from a continuous piece of material.

In one embodiment, the divider body and mounting socket are formed from plastic.

In one embodiment, the mounting socket is provided by a press nut that is mounted within an aperture formed in the divider body. The press nut has an enlarged head portion and a cylindrical body defining a central cavity in which the divider mount is press fit. The cylindrical body has a smaller outer dimension than a dimension of the head portion.

In an embodiment, a retail merchandise tray divider assembly including a divider body, a mounting socket and a divider mount is provided. The divider body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is powder coated. The mounting socket is attached to the divider body at least in part adjacent to the inner surface of the divider body. The divider mount has a first end inserted into the mounting socket and having an opposed free second end. The divider mount is unpainted (e.g. not powder coated or otherwise painted).

In one embodiment, the divider mount is zinc plated.

In one embodiment, a divider support defines a receiving cavity receiving the second end within the receiving cavity.

In one embodiment, the divider support includes a friction member frictionally engaging the outer periphery of the divider mount.

In one embodiment, the mounting socket is a press nut extending through an aperture in the divider body.

In an embodiment, a method of assembling a retail merchandise tray divider is provided. The method includes providing a divider body including an outer surface and an inner surface. The method includes painting the outer surface of the divider body. The method includes providing a mounting socket attached to the divider body and being, at least in part, adjacent to the inner surface of the divider body. The method includes inserting a first end of a divider mount into the mounting socket and having an opposed free second end. The divider mount is unpainted.

In one method, providing the mounting socket includes inserting a press nut through an aperture formed in the divider body.

In one method, the step of painting is provided by powder coating. The step of painting occurs after the step of inserting the press nut through the aperture.

In one method, the divider mount is zinc plated.

In one method, the method includes inserting the second free end of the divider mount into a receiving cavity of a divider support.

In one method, the step of inserting the second free end includes engaging an outer periphery of the divider mount with a friction member to provide a sliding frictional engagement therebetween.

In an embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame, a front stop, and a sign holder. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end. The front stop is mounted to the merchandise support frame proximate the first end. The sign holder is releasably secured to the front stop. The sign holder has a sign mounting channel.

In one embodiment, a sign flag is mounted in the sign holder. The sign flag has a mounting portion and a flag portion extending substantially orthogonal to the mounting portion. The mounting portion is removably mounted in the sign holder. The flag portion is external to the sign holder and generally orthogonal to a front face of the front stop.

In one embodiment, the sign flag is slidably mounted within the sign mounting channel in a lateral direction generally parallel to a front face of the front stop.

In one embodiment, the flag portion and mounting portion are formed as a continuous component having a fold connecting the flag portion to the mounting portion.

In one embodiment, the sign holder includes a front panel, a rear panel and a channel formed therebetween. A mounting channel is formed behind the rear panel. The mounting portion of the sign flag is received in the mounting channel with the rear panel of the sign holder interposed between the mounting portion of the sign flag and the front panel of the sign holder.

In one embodiment, a framing sign is provided. The framing sign has a mounting portion and a framing portion that surrounds the mounting portion. The mounting portion and framing portion are substantially coplanar when mounted to the sign holder. The framing portion surrounds the sign holder when the framing sign is mounted to the sign holder.

In one embodiment, the mounting portion could be formed by a U-shaped slit formed into the material forming the framing sign.

In one embodiment, the front stop has a front surface that is generally planar. The framing portion is generally parallel to the front surface, when mounted.

In one embodiment, the front stop has a front surface that is generally planar, the framing portion being generally covering the front surface, when mounted.

In an embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly including a merchandise support frame, a divider support, a front stop, at least one divider and an accessory attachment clip is provided. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end. The front stop is mounted proximate the first end of the merchandise support frame. The at least one divider is slidably mounted to the divider support for adjustment of a position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame. The accessory attachment clip is releasably clipped to a bottom side of the divider support. The accessory attachment clip has an accessory mount positioned forward of the divider support and lower than a bottom edge of the front stop.

In one embodiment, the accessory mount defines a channel for holding an accessary. The channel has a downward directed mouth.

In one embodiment, a light strip is mounted within the channel. Light generated by the light strip extends through the mount of the channel.

In one embodiment, a light strip or an electronic label is mounted to the accessory attachment clip.

In one embodiment, the accessory attachment clip includes a main body with a pair of spaced attachment legs extending upward from a top side thereof. The attachment legs snap attaching the accessory attachment clip to the divider support with the main body being positioned below the divider support.

In another embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly including a product support frame and a first front stop hinge is provided. The product support frame extends longitudinally between a first frame end and a second frame end parallel to a first longitudinal axis. The product support frame defines a product support surface. The product support frame includes a first load bearing member and a first lateral member. The first load bearing member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first load bearing member has a first end portion proximate the first frame end. A top of the first end portion is more proximate the product support surface than a bottom of the first end portion. The top of the first end portion is spaced away from the product support surface. The first lateral member is operably attached to the load bearing member. The first lateral member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along a second longitudinal axis. The first lateral member is proximate the first frame end and is positioned offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface with the first lateral member being positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface. The first front stop hinge is rotatably mounted on the first lateral member for rotation about the first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first front stop hinge is axially slidable along the first lateral member parallel to the second axis to remove and to mount the first front stop hinge relative to the first lateral member.

The mounting of the first fronts top hinge can be done without manipulating a positioning of the first load bearing member relative to the lateral member.

The load bearing member prevents removal of the front stop hinge when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position.

Further, when mounted, the first front stop hinge is positioned in board of the first load bearing member.

In one example, the first load bearing member has a first height being orthogonal to the product support surface and measured between a top and a bottom of the first end portion.

In one example, the first lateral member is a first wire of a wire support structure. The wire support structure further including a first longitudinal member in the form of a second wire extending from a first end attached to the first lateral member and a second end proximate the second frame end.

In one example, the first front stop hinge is positioned laterally between the load bearing member and the first longitudinal member when it is mounted to the lateral member.

In one example, the first lateral member is operably attached to the load bearing member in a fixed position.

In one example, the first front stop hinge is removable from and mountable to the first lateral member when the first lateral member is in an operational position relative to the load bearing member. The operational position is when product may be supported on the product support surface. In other words, the user need not move the lateral member relative to the load bearing member to allow for mounting or removing the first front stop hinge.

In one example, a front stop is mounted to the first front stop hinge for rotation with the first front stop hinge about the first lateral member between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front stop is in an upright orientation relative to the product support surface. In the second angular position, the front stop is in a reclined orientation relative to the product support surface.

In one example, the first front stop hinge is removable from and mountable to the first lateral member when the first front stop hinge is in the second angular position. The first front stop hinge is not removable from or mountable to the first lateral member when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position.

This is due to interference between the load bearing member and the first front stop hinge when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position.

In one example, the first load bearing member interferes with the first front stop hinge when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position to prevent removal from or mounting to the first lateral member by the first front stop hinge.

In one example, the first load bearing member includes an intermediate portion having a second height being orthogonal to the product support surface and measured between a top and a bottom of the intermediate portion. The top of the intermediate portion is more proximate the product support surface than the bottom. The top of the first end portion is spaced farther away from the product support surface than the top of the intermediate portion.

In one example, the first height is less than the second height.

In one example, a portion of the top of the first end portion is tapered such that the height of the first end portion increases when moving from the first end towards the second end.

In one example, the top of the first end portion includes an arcuate region providing a relief through which the first front stop hinge passes when the first front stop hinge is mounted to or removed from the first lateral member. The relief is formed between the first end portion and the lateral member.

In one example, the first front stop hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin, the mounting collar defines a mounting aperture through which the lateral member extends when the first front stop hinge is mounted and the mounting pin extends axially from the mounting collar.

In one example, the mounting pin extends along a mounting pin axis. The mounting pin axis is offset from and generally orthogonal to a central axis of the mounting collar.

In one example, the first front stop hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin defining a mounting pin axis, in the first angular position the mounting pin axis is generally orthogonal to the product support surface and in the second angular position the mounting pin axis is closer to parallel to the product support surface than in the first angular position.

In one example, rotation of the first front stop hinge from the first angular position to the second angular position is greater than <NUM> degrees.

In one example, the first front stop hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin having a tip. In the first angular position, the tip of the first front stop hinge is on a first side of the product support surface. In the second angular position, the tip of the first front stop hinge is on a second side of the product support surface, opposite the first side. The first lateral member is on the second side of the product support surface.

In one example, the first front stop hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin. In the first angular position, the mounting pin extends generally orthogonal to the product support surface. In the second angular position, the mounting pin extends in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the product support surface and extends towards the second frame end.

In one example, the longitudinal member includes an end portion that is attached to the first lateral member, an intermediate portion position closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion that connects the end portion to the intermediate portion. The transition portion extends non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis such that the end portion is laterally offset from the intermediate portion parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

In one example, the intermediate portion, end portion and transition portion of the longitudinal member being formed by a single continuous piece of material.

In one example, a second front stop hinge is included and is laterally spaced apart from the first front stop hinge. The second front stop hinge is rotatably mountable on the first lateral member for rotation about the first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first and second angular positions of the second front stop hinge corresponding to the first and second angular positions of the first front stop hinge. A front stop is attached to the first and second front stop hinges.

In one example, the front stop is removably attached to the first and second front stop hinges.

In one example, at least one first longitudinal member extends from a first end attached to the first lateral member and a second end proximate the second frame end. The first end of the first longitudinal member is positioned between the first and second front stop hinges. The first lateral member extends between first and second ends along the second longitudinal axis. The at least one first longitudinal member is attached between the first and second ends separating the first lateral member into a first portion between the first end and the first longitudinal member and a second portion between the second end and the second longitudinal member. The first front stop hinge mounts to the first portion. Notably, multiple longitudinal members may be located between the first and second portions of the longitudinal members. This configuration shall be included in the situation outlined previously. The second front stop hinge is mounted to the second portion. The first longitudinal member prevents the first front stop hinge from being removed from the first lateral member at the second portion. The first longitudinal member prevents the second front stop hinge from being removed from the first lateral member at the first portion.

In one example, a second load bearing member is laterally spaced from the first load bearing member a first distance measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first lateral member extends between first and second ends a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first length being greater than the first distance. The first lateral end being positioned proximate the first end portion of the first load bearing member and extending laterally outward beyond an inner surface of the first load bearing member. The second lateral is being positioned proximate a first end portion of the second load bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond an inner surface of the second load bearing member.

In one example, a gap is formed between a the first end portion of the first load bearing member and a the first lateral member. The first front stop hinge has a main body defining a mounting aperture. The main body has a first portion sized to abut the first lateral member when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position preventing removal of the first front stop hinge from the first lateral member. The main body has a second portion sized to pass through the gap when the first front stop hinge is in the second angular position permitting removal of the first front stop hinge from the first lateral member.

In one example, the front stop hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages the first load bearing when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position limiting the angular rotation of the first front stop away from the second angular position.

In one example, the first lateral member does not extend through either the first or second load bearing member.

In another example, a method of assembling a retail merchandise tray as outlined above is provided. With the first lateral member in an operational position relative to the load bearing member, the method includes installing the first front stop hinge on the first lateral member.

In one example, during the step of installing the front stop hinge, the first lateral member is operably attached to the load bearing member in a fixed position.

In one example, the method includes mounting a front stop to the first front stop hinge for rotation with the first front stop hinge about the first lateral member between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front stop is in an upright orientation relative to the product support surface. In the second angular position, the front stop is in a reclined orientation relative to the product support surface.

In one example, the method includes preventing removal of the first front stop hinge with the first load bearing member when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position.

In one example, the top of the first end portion is tapered such that the height of the first end portion increases when moving from the first end towards the second end.

In one example, installing the first front stop hinge includes passing the first front stop hinge through a relief provided by an arcuate region formed in the top of the first end portion when the first front stop hinge is mounted to the first lateral member.

In one example, the first front stop hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin. The mounting collar defines a mounting aperture and the mounting pin extends axially from the mounting collar. The step of installing includes inserting the first lateral member through the mounting aperture while the first lateral member is in an operational position relative to the first load bearing member.

In one example, the first longitudinal member includes an end portion that is attached to the first lateral member, an intermediate portion position closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion that connects the end portion to the intermediate portion, the transition portion extending non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis such that the end portion is laterally offset from the intermediate portion parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

In one example, the intermediate portion, end portion and transition portion of the longitudinal member are formed by a single continuous piece of material.

In one example, the method includes installing a second front stop hinge on the first lateral member in laterally spaced apart relation to the first front stop hinge. The second front stop hinge has a mounting aperture rotatably mounting the second front stop hinge on the first lateral member for rotation about the first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first and second angular positions of the second front stop hinge correspond to the first and second angular positions of the first front stop hinge. The second front stop hinge is mounted to the first lateral member from an opposite end of the first lateral member as the first front stop hinge. The method includes attaching a front stop to the first and second front stop hinges.

In one example, a second load bearing member is laterally spaced from the first load bearing member a first distance measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first lateral member extends between first and second ends a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first length is greater than the first distance. The first lateral end is positioned proximate the first end portion of the first load bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond an inner surface of the first load bearing member. The second lateral end is positioned proximate a first end portion of the second load bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond an inner surface of the second load bearing member.

In one example, a gap is formed between the first end portion of the first load bearing member and the first lateral member. The first front stop has a first portion sized to abut the first load bearing member when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position preventing removal of the first front stop hinge from the first lateral member. T first front stop hinge has a second portion sized to pass through the gap when the first front stop hinge is in the second angular position permitting removal of the first front stop hinge from the first lateral member. The step of installing includes orienting the second portion with the gap and then sliding the first front stop hinge onto the first lateral member.

In one example, the load bearing member and the lateral member form a gap therebetween. The blocking member is sized to extend across the gap when the first front stop hinge is in the first angular position.

In one example, the first front stop hinge has a mounting collar that extends around at least a part of the first lateral member when mounted to the first lateral member. The mounting collar has a portion that aligns with the gap and is sized to pass through the gap when the first front stop hinge is in the second angular position.

In one example, the load bearing member and the lateral member form a gap therebetween. The first front stop hinge is sized and configured to prevent passage of the first front stop hinge through the gap when in the first angular position to prevent removal of the first front stop hinge from the lateral member. The first front stop hinge is sized and configured to allow passage of the first front stop hinge through the gap when in the second angular position to allow mounting or removing the first front stop hinge from the lateral member.

Turning now <FIG>, an embodiment of a retail merchandise tray assembly <NUM> (also referred to as a "tray") is illustrated.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> includes a merchandise support frame <NUM> that defines a merchandise support surface, which is typically planar, upon which merchandise to be displayed is supported. In the illustrated embodiment, the merchandise support frame <NUM> includes a pair of load bearing members <NUM>, a wire support structure <NUM> and spacers <NUM>.

The wire support structure <NUM> typically defines the merchandise support surface. The wire support structure <NUM> will typically be removably mounted to the load bearing members <NUM> and spacers <NUM> in an orientation such that the merchandise support surface is vertically above the load bearing members <NUM> and spacers <NUM>.

The wire support structure <NUM> will typically be formed by one or more, typically a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinal members <NUM> extending from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the tray <NUM> along a longitudinal axis.

The wire support structure <NUM> of this embodiment includes a plurality of lateral members <NUM> and <NUM>. The lateral members <NUM>, <NUM> interconnect various ones or all of the longitudinal members <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral members <NUM>, <NUM> extend generally perpendicular to longitudinal members <NUM>. Typically, the lateral members <NUM>, <NUM> are welded to the longitudinal members <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, a single co-molded structure could provide the longitudinal and lateral members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, in other examples, the merchandise support frame <NUM> could be formed from a single continuous piece of material.

The various components of the support frame <NUM> could be formed from metal or plastic or a suitable combination of metal and plastic.

Lateral members <NUM> are positioned at opposite ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the wire support structure <NUM> and typically extend the entire width of the wire support structure <NUM>. Lateral members <NUM> are shorter than lateral members <NUM> and extend less than the entire width of the wire support structure <NUM> and interconnect less than all of the longitudinal members <NUM>.

The spacers <NUM> are interposed between and maintain the lateral spacing of the load bearing members <NUM>. The spacers are typically connected to the load bearing members <NUM> by screws or other fasteners to create a unitary frame structure out of the spacers <NUM> and load bearing members <NUM>.

The free ends of lateral members <NUM> extend into cavities in the form of apertures or recesses formed into the load bearing members <NUM> to removably attach the wire support structure <NUM> to the load bearing members <NUM>. As used herein, "removably attached" means an attachment which may be readily undone in a non-destructive manner and subsequently repeated in the same manner. Within this meaning "removably attached" does not include welds, comolding, or other permanent forms of attachment which require component destruction or damage to undo.

While typically formed from metal, the wire support structure <NUM> and load bearing members <NUM> can be formed from plastic. The spacers <NUM> are typically formed from plastic.

The tray <NUM> may be configured to be mounted onto a shelf or in a cantilevered orientation relative to a retail merchandise bar of the type typically found in refrigerated cases or other retail merchandise displays. In this embodiment, the load bearing members <NUM> include cut-outs <NUM> sized to receive a retail merchandise bar for the cantilevered mounting configuration.

With reference to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> includes a front stop <NUM> mounted to the merchandise support frame <NUM> proximate first end <NUM> of the tray <NUM>.

A pusher <NUM> is mounted to the support frame <NUM> and slideable thereon in directions <NUM>, <NUM>. Pusher <NUM> is operable to bias a row or rows of retail merchandise situated on top of wire support structure <NUM> and load bearing members <NUM> from second end <NUM> of tray <NUM> to first end <NUM> of tray <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> is biased in the direction of arrow <NUM> towards the first end <NUM> of the tray <NUM> by coil spring <NUM> or other biasing element as is generally well known.

The front stop <NUM>, when in an upright orientation such as illustrated in <FIG>, prevents merchandise from being pushed off of the tray by pusher <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the coil spring <NUM> may be connected to the first end of tray <NUM> (e.g. the merchandise support frame <NUM>) and increasingly uncoiled the closer the pusher <NUM> is pushed toward second end <NUM>.

A pair of movable dividers <NUM> are positioned on either side of tray <NUM>. Divider assemblies <NUM> are movable in directions <NUM>, <NUM> to modify a width or distance between the divider assemblies <NUM>. This lateral adjustment allows for accommodating retail merchandise of differing widths.

The dividers extend vertically above the top surface of the wire support structure <NUM>.

The dividers <NUM> and front stop <NUM> generally define the storage region in which merchandise is stored and displayed using tray <NUM>. As merchandise is removed from the tray <NUM>, the pusher <NUM> will push merchandise forward towards front stop <NUM> and first end <NUM>.

The present embodiment includes a front stop <NUM> that is operably mounted to allow for pivoting between an upright orientation shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG> and a reclined orientation shown, for example, in <FIG>. In the upright orientation, the front stop <NUM> inhibits removal of merchandise from the tray <NUM>. In the reclined orientation, merchandise may be more easily loaded into the tray <NUM> from the first end <NUM> of tray <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the front stop <NUM> is mounted to the merchandise support frame <NUM> and particularly to the wire support structure <NUM> by a pair of front stop hinges <NUM>. The front stop hinges <NUM> are mirror images of one another in the illustrated embodiment.

The front stop hinges <NUM> are mounted to lateral member <NUM> for rotation about lateral member <NUM> and particularly axis <NUM> defined thereby. The front stop hinges <NUM> rotate between a first angular position that maintains the front stop <NUM> in the upright orientation and a second angular position that maintains the front stop <NUM> in the reclined orientation. As such, each front stop <NUM> rotates about lateral member <NUM> between the upright and reclined orientations.

The main body of the front stop hinge <NUM> includes a mounting cavity that receives a free end of lateral member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting cavity is in the form of a bore that extends entirely through the main body. In other embodiments, the mounting cavity could be a recess.

In the current embodiment, the adjacent bearing member <NUM> secures the front stop hinge <NUM> on lateral member <NUM>. In the particular embodiment, the free end of lateral member <NUM> extends into a correspondence cavity of the bearing member <NUM>. As such, the bearing member <NUM> is positioned laterally to the side of the front stop hinge <NUM> such that it cannot be removed from lateral member <NUM>. This locks the front stop hinge <NUM> to the wire support structure <NUM> and particularly lateral member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in the reclined orientation, the front surface <NUM> of the front stop <NUM> is substantially parallel to the product support surface defined by wire support structure <NUM> (e.g. plus or minus <NUM> degrees). In the upright orientation, the front surface <NUM> is substantially orthogonal to the product support surface (e.g. plus or minus <NUM> degrees). At a minimum, when the front stop <NUM> is rotated rearwards, the top edge <NUM> of the front stop <NUM> is closer to the wire support structure <NUM> than when front stop <NUM> is in the upright orientation.

When in the upright orientation, the top edge <NUM> of the front stop <NUM> extends further above wire support structure than a bottom edge of the front stop <NUM> extends below the wire support structure. In some embodiments, the front stop need not extend below the wire support structure.

A biasing member <NUM> illustrated in the form of a torsion spring that extends angularly about lateral member <NUM> biases the front stop hinge <NUM> toward the first angular position, e.g. away from the second end <NUM>. Thus, the default angular position is the first angular position such that the front stop <NUM> is in the upright orientation.

A first end <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> (illustrated in the form of a hook) engages the merchandise support frame <NUM> and particularly wire support structure <NUM> and more particularly lateral member <NUM> to inhibit rotation of that end of the biasing member <NUM>. An opposite end of the biasing member <NUM> is captured in a slot <NUM> formed by the front stop hinge <NUM>. This end rotates with the front stop hinge <NUM> when the front stop hinge <NUM> is rotated between the first and second angular positions.

When a user goes to load the tray <NUM>, the user can simply push the front stop <NUM> rearward towards the second end <NUM> to cause the front stop <NUM> to recline and allow access to the storage region of the tray <NUM>. Once the merchandise is loaded into the tray <NUM>, the front stop <NUM> will swing back to the upright orientation to prevent the merchandise from being ejected from the tray <NUM> by the pusher <NUM>.

The front stop <NUM> is preferably releasably mounted to the front stop hinges <NUM> such that the front stop <NUM> can be removed from the front stop hinges <NUM> without the front stop hinges <NUM> needing to be removed from the merchandise support frame <NUM> and particularly from the wire support structure <NUM> and more particularly from lateral member <NUM>. This allows for simple replacement in the event of damage, reconfiguration, different front stops <NUM>, etc. without requiring disassembly of the system.

With reference to <FIG>, the front stop <NUM> includes a pair of mounting slots <NUM> that receive a corresponding axially extending mounting pin <NUM> of the corresponding front stop hinge <NUM>. Preferably, a friction fit is provided between the mounting slots <NUM> and mounting pins <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or both of the mounting pins <NUM> or mounting slots <NUM> have a taper such that increased insertion of the pin <NUM> into the mounting slot <NUM> increases frictional engagement between the components.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front stop <NUM> includes a pair of flexible mounting clips <NUM> extending rearward from a rear side <NUM> of the front stop <NUM>. The mounting clips <NUM> help secure the front stop <NUM> to the front stop hinges <NUM>.

Flexible mounting clips <NUM> extend from a first end <NUM> attached to the front stop <NUM> and a free end <NUM>. The free end <NUM> is biased against the lateral member <NUM> when the front stop <NUM> is mounted to the front stop hinges <NUM>. The free end <NUM> acts on an opposite side of the lateral member <NUM> as where the mounting pin <NUM> is located so that it biases the front stop <NUM> onto the mounting pin and inhibits removal of the front stop <NUM> from pins <NUM>. The flexible mounting clip <NUM> can be biased out of engagement with the lateral member <NUM> when it is desired to remove the front stop <NUM>.

The flexible mounting clip <NUM> preferably has a tapered orientation relative to the mounting slots <NUM> so that when the front stop <NUM> is being mounted onto pins <NUM>, the flexible mounting clip <NUM> will slide along lateral member <NUM> and the tapered orientation will automatically flex the flexible mounting clip as it is being installed. Once sufficiently installed, the free end <NUM> will travel past the lateral member <NUM> and spring back to its relaxed state with the free end <NUM> adjacent the opposite side of lateral member <NUM>.

The front stop hinges <NUM> include rotation limiting abutments <NUM> that have an abutment surface <NUM> that engages the merchandise support frame <NUM> and particularly one or both of the load bearing members or the wire support structure <NUM> when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position. This abutment is illustrated in <FIG>. The biasing member <NUM> will bias the rotation limiting abutments <NUM> into engagement with the corresponding structure of the merchandise support frame <NUM>.

This engagement and biasing force provided by the biasing member <NUM> will maintain the front stop <NUM> in the upright orientation.

As noted, the position of the dividers <NUM> relative to the merchandise support frame <NUM> can be adjusted to accommodate merchandise of different widths.

With reference to <FIG>, each divider <NUM> is operably slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame <NUM> by a longitudinally extending divider mount <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the divider mount <NUM>, is in the form of a cylindrical rod.

In the illustrated embodiment, the divider mount <NUM> extends through an aperture in the load bearing member <NUM> to which the corresponding divider <NUM> is positioned and into a corresponding cylindrical tube portion <NUM> of an adjacent spacer <NUM>.

The spacer <NUM> may be considered a divider support as the divider mounts <NUM> extend into cylindrical tube portions <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, a resilient friction member mounted to the merchandise support frame <NUM> engages the divider mount <NUM> to provide some resistance to movement of the dividers <NUM>. The divider mount <NUM> is slidable relative to the resilient friction member when adjusting the position of the divider <NUM> relative to the merchandise support frame <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the resilient friction member is in the form of O-ring <NUM>. The inner diameter of O-ring <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter of the divider mount <NUM>. As such, when the divider mount <NUM> passes through the O-ring the O-ring is stretched providing a desired frictional engagement.

The spacer <NUM> has slots <NUM> that are transverse to the cylindrical tube portion <NUM> for receipt of O-ring <NUM>. When properly aligned, the opening of the O-ring <NUM> will align with the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube portion <NUM>. The outside diameter of the O-ring <NUM> is greater than the inside diameter of the cylindrical tube portion <NUM> so that the O-ring <NUM> will axially abut the opposed sides <NUM>, <NUM> of slot <NUM> depending the direction of adjustment of the position of the divider <NUM> relative to spacer <NUM>.

It can often be beneficial to mount signs adjacent a tray <NUM> such as for advertising, coupons, or to otherwise display relevant information. As illustrated in <FIG>, tray <NUM> includes a sign <NUM> operably attached to one of the dividers <NUM>. However, a sign could be operably attached to both dividers <NUM>.

A sign adaptor <NUM> is used to connect the sign <NUM> to divider <NUM>. In this embodiment, the sign adaptor <NUM> extend outward from an end of divider <NUM> (e.g. outward beyond the first end <NUM> of the tray <NUM>).

By attaching the sign <NUM> to the divider, the sign <NUM> will be adjusted relative to the rest of the tray <NUM> when the divider <NUM> position is changed. This prevents the sign <NUM> from interfering with access to the merchandise stored within tray <NUM>.

The sign adaptor <NUM> operably attaches to the divider <NUM> in at least two spaced apart locations to prevent rotation of the sign adaptor <NUM> relative to divider <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sign adaptor <NUM> includes a c-shaped snap connector <NUM> that can snap engage around divider mount <NUM>. This provides a first one of the attachment locations. The mouth of the c-shaped snap connector <NUM> is smaller than the diameter of the divider mount <NUM>. When mounting, the c-shaped snap connector <NUM> resiliently flexes and then resilient returns to shape to secure the sign adaptor <NUM> to the divider mount <NUM>.

Further, a push pin <NUM> is used as the second attachment location. Here, push pin <NUM> is resilient pushed through aperture <NUM> in the sign adaptor <NUM> and aperture <NUM> in divider <NUM>. The diameter of aperture <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft of the push pin <NUM> to provide proper engagement therebetween.

<FIG> illustrate the sign adaptor <NUM>. The sign adaptor <NUM> includes a sign attachment arrangement. In this embodiment, the sign attachment arrangement is in the form of a pair of spaced apart sidewall portions <NUM>, <NUM> that define a channel <NUM> therebetween. When mounted, the sign <NUM> is captured at least in part within channel <NUM>.

The opposed sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> are operably coupled to one another proximate adjacent sides thereof. The connection providing a bottom to the channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is bounded on only a single side such that the sign can be larger in dimension than the channel <NUM> and extend outward therefrom (see e.g. <FIG>).

With particular reference to <FIG>, the sign adaptor <NUM> includes a pair of nibs <NUM> that extend from an inner face <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> towards sidewall <NUM>.

Preferably, nibs <NUM> extend outward from surface <NUM> a greater distance than the spacing between sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> such that the nibs <NUM> extend into cavities in the inner surface <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> that could be recesses or apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are in the form of apertures <NUM> in sidewall <NUM>.

The sign <NUM> has nib receiving regions <NUM> that align with and cooperate with nibs <NUM> to secure the sign <NUM> within channel <NUM>. In this embodiment, the receiving regions <NUM> are apertures, but dimples or recesses formed within the sign <NUM> could work as well.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sign adaptor <NUM> includes a further cavity in the form of aperture <NUM> that receives a free end of divider mount <NUM> that mounts the divider <NUM> on the opposed side of tray <NUM> when the other divider <NUM> is positioned at a closest most position relative to the merchandise support frame <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cavity could be a recess that does not extend entirely through the sign adaptor. This free end is the end of divider mount <NUM> that is opposite the end that is connected to the other divider <NUM>.

It is noted that the sign adaptor <NUM> can be mounted to either the left or right divider <NUM>. Further, the sign adaptor <NUM> is located on an inner side of the dividers <NUM> (e.g. on the side of the adjacent divider <NUM> that faces the opposed divider <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the divider <NUM> includes a divider body <NUM> and a mounting socket <NUM>. The divider mount <NUM> axially press fit into a cavity of the mounting socket <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the portion of the divider mount <NUM> that is received in the cavity of mounting socket <NUM> is knurled or has other surface features to improve the engagement between the divider mount <NUM> and the mounting socket <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as where the divider body <NUM> is plastic, the divider body <NUM> and mounting socket <NUM> are formed from a continuous piece of material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the divider body <NUM> and mounting socket <NUM> are separate components. Here, the mounting socket <NUM> is provided by press nut <NUM> that extends through aperture <NUM> in divider body <NUM>.

The press nut <NUM> has an enlarged head portion <NUM> connected to a reduced diameter cylindrical body <NUM>. Here, the press nut <NUM> would be press mounted to the divider body <NUM> from an exterior side of the divider body <NUM>.

This arrangement of using a press nut <NUM> provides for improved aesthetics and is more conducive to a powder coated arrangement.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the divider body <NUM> is powder coated while the divider mount <NUM> is not powder coated. The divider mount <NUM> may be zinc coated wire.

By foregoing painting/powder coating the divider mount <NUM>, the diameter of the divider mount <NUM> can be better controlled as it can be difficult to control paint thickness on round or substantially round members. This improves the engagement between the divider mount <NUM> and the spacers <NUM>. This is particularly true when friction members and particularly resilient friction members are used to provide desired resistance to the adjustment of the divider <NUM> relative to the merchandise support frame <NUM>.

This finds particularly beneficial implementation where the painting/powder coating of the divider body <NUM> is done by an automated system rather than by manual painting/powder coating, where a user can better control the application of paint/powder coating to the components.

During assembly when a press nut is used, the press nut <NUM> will typically be installed to the divider body <NUM> prior to powder coating. Thereafter, the divider mount <NUM> can be press fit into the press nut <NUM>.

This is an improvement over prior designs where a wire extends through and mounts to the divider body <NUM>.

To provide for customization of the display of information, the front stop <NUM> is configured to mount price channel extrusions thereto.

<FIG> illustrate a first sign holder extrusion <NUM> that can be removably mounted to front stop <NUM>. The front stop <NUM> includes a pair of slots <NUM>, <NUM> formed in the main panel thereof that receive a pair of opposed legs <NUM>, <NUM> of first extrusion <NUM>.

The pair of opposed legs are bent in opposed directions to allow for engagement with the rear side <NUM> of the front stop <NUM> to secure the first extrusion <NUM> thereto. The extrusion <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to allow sufficient bending that legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be biased towards one another and the legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be inserted through slots <NUM>, <NUM>.

Legs <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and mounted to support panel <NUM>. Support panel <NUM> will rest against front surface <NUM> of front stop <NUM> when properly mounted.

First extrusion <NUM> has forward facing legs configured to mount an electronic shelf label <NUM>, however other configurations are contemplated (e.g. see the following extrusions).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate alternative extrusion arrangements that can be attached to front stop <NUM> to provide additional information. More particularly, second, third and fourth sign holder extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are illustrated.

Rather than having legs that extend through both slots <NUM>, <NUM>, these extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have attachment configurations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that use one slot <NUM> and wrap around and capture a rearward extending bottom flange <NUM> of the front stop <NUM>. The principle difference between extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are the configuration of the sign attachment mechanisms for attaching signs (e.g. price labels, product information, etc.).

The attachment configurations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially identical so only attachment configuration <NUM> will be described.

The attachment configuration includes a top clip portion <NUM> that is generally L-shaped including a rear leg portion <NUM> and downward extending foot portion <NUM>. Leg portion <NUM> extends through slot <NUM> such that foot portion <NUM> can engage rear side <NUM> of front stop <NUM> when mounted thereto.

The attachment configuration <NUM> also includes a bottom clip portion <NUM> that is generally J-shaped. A rearward extend leg portion <NUM> extends below and sufficiently rearward past bottom <NUM> of front stop <NUM> such that a hook portion <NUM> can wrap around a rear side <NUM> of bottom flange <NUM>. The hook portion <NUM> extends around rear side <NUM> and back over top side <NUM> of bottom flange <NUM>.

Upper portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be biased against the front of front stop <NUM> and placed in a slight state of bending to fix the extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and prevent slop between the extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the front stop <NUM>.

The extrusions herein could be formed from a single material or multiple materials such as being formed from two materials being co-extruded with one another. This will allow different portions, for example, to be formed from different materials, different color materials or combinations of both. For example front panels could be transparent while rear panels could be opaque.

In addition to extrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, accessory attachment clips <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided. These accessory attachment clips <NUM>, <NUM> attach to spacer <NUM> in an identical manner and will be described with reference to accessory attachment clip <NUM>. A pair of opposed flexible legs <NUM> wrap around front and rear sides of spacer <NUM> and particularly around the outer periphery of the cylindrical tube portions <NUM>. The legs <NUM> will flex away from one another during mounting and then resiliently come back together to secure the clip <NUM> to spacer <NUM>.

Accessory attachment clip <NUM> is configured for mounting LED light strips <NUM> in an accessory mount in the form of channel <NUM>.

Accessory attachment clip <NUM> has an accessory mount <NUM> to which information can be attached, such as for example an electronic shelf label.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a further arrangement. In this arrangement, extrusion <NUM> is used. In addition, an adjustable sign flag <NUM> is used with extrusion <NUM> and front stop <NUM>.

The sign flag <NUM> includes a mounting portion <NUM> and a flag portion <NUM>. The mounting portion <NUM> is generally planar and the flag portion <NUM> is generally planar but generally orthogonal to mounting portion <NUM>. The flag portion <NUM> preferably extends forward of the mounting portion <NUM>. Mounting portion <NUM> is configured and sized to be received in extrusion <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion <NUM> and flag portion <NUM> are formed by a single continuous piece of material, e.g. molded plastic, folded plastic, folded paper/card stock, etc. The intersection <NUM> between mounting portion <NUM> and flag portion <NUM> may be scored or creased to help maintain the substantially orthogonal orientation (e.g. plus or minus <NUM> degrees) between the components.

In some embodiments, the vertical heights H1 and H2 of the mounting portion <NUM> and flag portion <NUM> may be the same or different. Typically, height H2 of the flag portion <NUM> will be greater than the height H1 of the mounting portion <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, mounting portion <NUM> could be received in different sign flag mounting channels of the extrusion <NUM>. For example, mounting portion <NUM> could be received in the channel <NUM> formed between front and rear panels <NUM>, <NUM> where pricing information would typically be stored. Alternatively, with regard to this extrusion <NUM>, the mounting portion <NUM> could be mounted in a rear mounting channel <NUM> formed between opposed hook portions <NUM> (e.g. flanges) and panel <NUM>.

The front and rear panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be translucent in some embodiments.

The sign flag <NUM> is slidably mounted to extrusion <NUM> such that the lateral position of the sing flag <NUM> can be adjusted, such as represented by arrows <NUM>, <NUM>.

Both mounting portion <NUM> and flag portion <NUM> may include information the retailer would like to display relative to the rest of tray <NUM>.

While a single sign flag <NUM> is illustrated in conjunction with extrusion <NUM>, in other arrangements multiple (e.g. two) sign flags <NUM> may be used. Typically, they would extend out of opposed ends of the common extrusion.

Further, while the sign flag <NUM> is disclosed as being used with extrusion <NUM>, the sign flag could be used with other ones of the extrusions.

<FIG> illustrate a further arrangement. This arrangement mounts to sign holder similar to sign flag <NUM>, but does not include a flag.

This arrangement includes a framing sign <NUM>. Framing sign <NUM> includes a mounting portion <NUM> that functions in the same manner as mounting portion <NUM> discussed above. However, rather than having an outward extending flag portion <NUM>, this framing sign <NUM> includes a framing portion <NUM> that circumscribes the mounting portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the mounting portion <NUM> is inserted into the sign holder <NUM>, the framing portion <NUM> surrounds or otherwise frames the sign holder <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the mounting portion <NUM> and framing portion <NUM> are generally coplanar when mounted to sign holder <NUM> (e.g. plus or minus <NUM> degrees).

The mounting portion <NUM> is a laterally extending portion that has a free end <NUM> that would be slid into a mounting channel of the sign holder <NUM>.

The framing portion <NUM> includes a pair of spaced apart leg portions <NUM>, <NUM> that have the mounting portion <NUM> positioned therebetween. The leg portions <NUM>, <NUM> are connected by and extend laterally between end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The leg portions <NUM>, <NUM> and end portions <NUM>, <NUM> define a central area in which the mounting portion <NUM> is positioned and in which the sign holder <NUM> generally fits when the framing sign <NUM> is mounted to the sign holder <NUM>.

The length L2 of the central area defined by leg portions <NUM> is substantially equal to the length L1 of the width of the sign holder <NUM>.

Similarly, the height H4 of the central area defined by end portions <NUM>, <NUM> is substantially equal to the height H3 of the portion of the sign holder positioned within the central area when the framing sign <NUM> is mounted.

Mounting portion <NUM> extends laterally from end portion <NUM> towards end portion <NUM>.

The framing portion <NUM> may be generally parallel to the front surface of a front stop <NUM> when mounted. Additionally, the framing portion <NUM> may be sized to fully or only partially cover the front surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a further example of a tray <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The tray <NUM> is similar to the prior trays in many aspects. Those features not expressly discussed below but discussed above can be incorporated into tray <NUM> unless contrary to the operation of the present example. For example, the divider assemblies and associated features, signs, sign holders, label holders, and accessory attachment clips can all be incorporated into the tray <NUM>. While front stop <NUM> is not illustrated to include upper opening <NUM> in front stop <NUM>, this feature could be incorporated, for example.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the tray <NUM> generally includes a merchandise support frame <NUM> (best illustrated in part in <FIG>) that defines a merchandise support surface upon which merchandise to be displayed is supported. Similar to prior trays, the tray <NUM> includes a pair of load bearing members <NUM>, a wire support structure <NUM> and spacers <NUM>.

The wire support structure <NUM> is operably removably mounted to the load bearing members <NUM>. The wire support structure <NUM> includes, typically, a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinal members <NUM> extending from a first end <NUM> of the tray <NUM> to a second end <NUM> of the tray <NUM> along a longitudinal axis.

A front stop <NUM> is mounted to the merchandise support frame <NUM> proximate the first end <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. The front stop <NUM> that is operably mounted to allow for pivoting between an upright orientation shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and a reclined orientation (not shown, but shown for tray <NUM> in <FIG>). In the upright orientation, the front stop <NUM> inhibits removal of merchandise from the tray <NUM>. In the reclined orientation, merchandise may be more easily loaded into the tray <NUM> from the first end <NUM> of tray <NUM>.

Front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> mount the front stop <NUM> to the merchandise support frame <NUM> and particularly to the wire support structure <NUM>. The front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to lateral member <NUM> for rotation about lateral member <NUM> and particularly axis <NUM> defined thereby. The front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> allow the front stop <NUM> to rotate between the upright and reclined orientations.

In this example, the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> and the main panel <NUM> are formed as a continuous piece and are permanently attached to one another. Thus, separate components from the main panel <NUM> such as front stop hinges <NUM> are not required. In this example, the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> project rearward from a rear face of the main panel <NUM>.

The front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and the diameters of the apertures <NUM> therethrough are sufficiently sized to allow for one end of lateral member <NUM> to be inserted into one of the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> at an angle and then sufficiently rotated so that the other end can bypass the other one of the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> and then inserted into the aperture <NUM> thereof.

In alternative examples, the apertures <NUM> need not be complete circles and could be provided by C-shaped clips that allow for snapping the front stop <NUM> to the lateral member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, biasing member <NUM> engages front stop hinge <NUM> and the wire support structure <NUM> to bias the front stop <NUM> toward the upright orientation. In this example, the biasing member <NUM> is a coil spring that extends around lateral member <NUM>. Other resilient biasing members are contemplated.

One end <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> engages longitudinal member <NUM> while the other end <NUM> of the biasing member engages the front stop hinge <NUM>.

Front stop hinge <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> that receives end <NUM>.

Front stop hinge <NUM> includes a cover region <NUM> that covers a portion of the biasing member <NUM> and particularly a portion of the coils of the coil spring.

While a single biasing member is illustrated, multiple biasing members could be employed.

The rear face of the main panel <NUM> provides rotation limiting abutments <NUM> that abut corresponding structure of the merchandise support frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this example, the rotation limiting abutments <NUM> abut ends of the load bearing members <NUM> when in the upright orientation (see <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a retail merchandise tray assembly <NUM> also referred to as tray <NUM>. This tray <NUM> is similar in many aspects to prior trays such as tray <NUM> or tray <NUM>. The principle distinctions of tray <NUM> will be described. Any feature of the prior trays or structures that is not directly inconsistent with the features of tray <NUM> described below can be incorporated into and used with the features of tray <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the tray <NUM> generally includes a product support frame <NUM> that is used to support retail merchandise. The frame <NUM> includes a pair of longitudinal members in the form of opposed spaced apart load bearing members <NUM> that extend between first and second ends (front and rear ends) <NUM>, <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. The load bearing members <NUM> extend longitudinally parallel to a.

The load bearing members <NUM> operably support a wire support structure <NUM> of frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM>, and particularly the wire support structure <NUM> in this example, defines a product support surface upon which product is supported.

In one example, the wire support structure <NUM> and its longitudinally extending members <NUM> and lateral members <NUM>, <NUM> are formed into a unitary component. More particularly, the members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are operably welded together. In one example, the members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are formed by wires.

The wire support structure <NUM> can be formed from metal or plastic.

The wire support structure <NUM> is operably attached to the load bearing members such that the members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are operably attached to the load bearing members <NUM>. However, each member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> need not be directly attached to the load bearing members <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the wire support structure <NUM> in an operational position relative to the load bearing members <NUM> such that the frame <NUM> can be used to support retail merchandise. The front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> are operably removeable from the lateral member <NUM> when the wire support structure <NUM>, and specifically lateral member <NUM>, is in this position relative to the load bearing members <NUM>.

In one example, the wire support structure <NUM> is permanently attached to the load bearing members <NUM>. As such, the members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in a generally fixed position relative to the load bearing members <NUM>. Notably, some limited flexibility allows for some limited relative motion. The permanent attachment can be done by way of welding various ones of the lateral members, such as lateral members <NUM> to the load bearing members <NUM>. Adhesives or other mechanical means of attachment (e.g. deformation of one of the lateral members) could also be used.

In other examples, the wire support structure <NUM> can be removably attached to the load bearing members <NUM>. This can be done similar to trays <NUM> and <NUM>. For example ends of one or more of the lateral members <NUM>, other than lateral members <NUM>, can be axially inserted into apertures within the load bearing members <NUM>.

The tray <NUM> includes a pusher that is mounted to the frame <NUM>, and particularly, longitudinally extending members <NUM> for pushing product towards first end <NUM> and towards a front stop <NUM>. The tray <NUM> and particularly the product support frame <NUM> defines a first longitudinal axis <NUM> that extends between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, front stop <NUM> is a removable front stop but a front stop similar to front stop <NUM> of tray <NUM> could be incorporated in other examples.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wire support structure <NUM> also includes lateral members <NUM>, <NUM>.

To mount the front stop <NUM>, a pair of front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to the frame <NUM> for pivoting motion between first and second angular positions. In particular, the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> can rotate about longitudinal axis <NUM> that is generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis <NUM>. As described previously, this allows a front stop <NUM> to be transitioned from an upright orientation, similar to <FIG> and a reclined orientation, similar to <FIG>).

In this example, the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to wire support structure <NUM> and particularly to lateral member <NUM>. In this example, axis <NUM> is defined by lateral member <NUM>.

In this tray <NUM>, the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> can be mounted to and removed from the frame <NUM> without disassembling the frame <NUM>. In prior examples, the wire support structure was required to be disconnected from one or both of the load bearing members.

In this example, the load bearing members <NUM> need not be disconnected from the wire support structure <NUM>. In particular, the lateral member need not be moved relative to the load bearing members <NUM> to mount or remove the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> relative to lateral member <NUM>.

This is particularly beneficial when retrofitting the tray <NUM> when installed in a retail environment. Further, it allows for the fronts top hinges <NUM>, <NUM> or an alternative front stop <NUM> to be mounted after fully assembling the frame <NUM> or rest of tray <NUM>.

In this example, the load bearing members <NUM> extend longitudinally between first and second ends parallel to longitudinal axis <NUM> (<FIG>). The load bearing members <NUM> are generally identical but mirror images of one another. Thus, the description of one load bearing member is applicable to the other load bearing member <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, load bearing member <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM>, an intermediate portion <NUM>, and a second end portion <NUM>. When assembled, the first end portion <NUM> is located proximate first end <NUM> while the second end portion <NUM> is located proximate second end <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> is located axially between the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, the first portion <NUM> has a height H5 defined between a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM>. The height H5 is measured generally orthogonal to the product support surface <NUM> defined by the frame <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> which is an enlarged portion of the frame <NUM>, the top <NUM> is positioned closer to or more proximate to the product support surface <NUM> (e.g. the top of the wire support structure <NUM> in this example) than the bottom <NUM>. Further, in this example, the top <NUM> is spaced away from the product support surface <NUM>.

In this example, the height H6 of the intermediate portion <NUM> is greater than the height H5 of the first end portion <NUM>. The height H6 is measured between a top of the intermediate portion and a bottom of the intermediate portion <NUM>. In this example the bottom of the intermediate portion <NUM> is aligned with the bottom of the first end portion <NUM>. In this arrangement, the top <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> is closer to the product support surface <NUM> than the top <NUM> of the first end portion <NUM>.

In this example, the top <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the load bearing member <NUM> is contoured. The contour includes a tapered region that increases in height when moving from the first end <NUM> towards the second end <NUM>.

The contour also includes a pair of arcuate regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The first arcuate region <NUM> is aligned with the first lateral member <NUM>. The first arcuate region <NUM> is offset from the product support surface <NUM>.

A gap <NUM> is formed between the top <NUM> and the lateral member <NUM> and particularly between the first arcuate region <NUM> of top <NUM> and the first lateral member <NUM>. In particular, the lateral member <NUM> is offset from the top <NUM> toward the product support surface <NUM> with the lateral member being positioned between the top <NUM> of the first end portion <NUM> and the product support surface.

The gap <NUM>, in this example, has a spacing S1. This gap <NUM> allows front stop hinge <NUM> to mounted and removed from the first lateral member <NUM>, when the front stop hinge <NUM> is properly oriented. The front stop hinge <NUM> passes through the gap when the front stop hinge <NUM> is removed and mounted to the first lateral member <NUM>.

In particular, in one example, the front stop hinge <NUM> can axially slide (see e.g. arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) along the lateral member <NUM> and parallel to axis <NUM> to remove and to mount the front stop hinge <NUM> relative to the lateral member <NUM>, again, when the stop hinge <NUM> is properly oriented.

<FIG> illustrates the front stop hinge <NUM> in the first angular position. In this position, the load bearing member <NUM> prevents the front stop hinge <NUM> from sliding off of the end of the lateral member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the front stop hinge <NUM> in the second angular position. In this position, the front stop hinge <NUM> is oriented such that it does not interfere with the load bearing member <NUM> and can slide off lateral member <NUM>.

More particularly, the body <NUM> of the front stop hinge <NUM> includes a blocking portion <NUM>. The blocking portion <NUM> is aligns with a portion of the first end portion <NUM> of the load bearing member <NUM> such that when the front stop hinge is in the orientation shown in <FIG> the blocking portion <NUM> prevents axially sliding the front stop hinge <NUM> off the lateral member <NUM>. In <FIG>, the blocking portion <NUM> is illustrated in dashed lines.

In the second angular position illustrated in <FIG>, the front stop hinge <NUM> has been rotated about axis <NUM> and lateral member <NUM>. In this orientation, the blocking portion <NUM> of body <NUM> is rotated out of alignment with first end portion <NUM> such that when the hinge portion is slid axially along the lateral member <NUM> and axis <NUM>, the blocking portion <NUM> will slide past the load bearing member <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of front stop hinge <NUM> includes a collar portion <NUM> that defines a mounting aperture <NUM> that receives the lateral member <NUM>. The portion of collar portion <NUM> that aligns with the gap <NUM> (see <FIG>) between the lateral member <NUM> and the arcuate region <NUM> when the front stop hinge <NUM> is in the second angular position is sized to pass through gap <NUM>. For example, the radial thickness R1 (see FIG. of that portion of the collar portion <NUM> is typically less than the spacing S1 of gap <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the front stop hinge <NUM> must be rotated away from the first angular position a sufficient degree such that mounting pin axis <NUM> of the front stop mounting pin <NUM> transitions past being parallel to the product support surface. In this example, the front stop hinge <NUM> must rotate more than <NUM> degrees from vertical (e.g. from the orientation in <FIG> to the orientation in <FIG>).

In the second angular position, in this example, the mounting pin <NUM> extends in a non-orthogonal orientation relative to product support surface <NUM> and extends towards the second end <NUM>.

In one example, the tip of the mounting pin <NUM> must pass below the product support surface <NUM> in the second angular position in which the front stop hinge <NUM> can be removed from the lateral member <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> removed from the frame <NUM> but in the first and second angular positions illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Further, in one example, when the front stop <NUM> is mounted to the front stop hinge <NUM>, the front stop <NUM> will abut the frame <NUM>, such as wire support structure <NUM>, prior to the front stop hinge <NUM> rotating to this orientation. As such, once the front stop <NUM> is mounted to the front stop hinge <NUM>, the front stop hinge <NUM> cannot be removed from the lateral member <NUM>. This is due to the front stop <NUM> limiting the angular rotation of the front stop hinge <NUM> from reaching the orientation in <FIG>.

The construction of the wire support structure <NUM> divides the lateral member <NUM> into multiple portions include a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. The front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

To accommodate the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM>, several longitudinal members <NUM> are not perfectly straight. Instead, the two outer most longitudinal members <NUM>, in the illustrated example, include an end portion <NUM> proximate first end <NUM>, an intermediate portion <NUM> closer to the second end <NUM>, and a transition portion <NUM> that connects the end portion <NUM> to the intermediate portion <NUM>.

When assembled, the longitudinal members <NUM>, at least some, are connected to the lateral member <NUM>. Thus, the ends of the longitudinal members are positioned between the front stop hinges <NUM>, <NUM>. The longitudinal members <NUM> thus prevent front stop hinge <NUM> from being removed from the lateral member <NUM> at second end portion <NUM>. Similarly, the longitudinal members <NUM> prevent front stop hinge <NUM> from being removed from the lateral member <NUM> at first end portion <NUM>.

In this example, the end portion <NUM> is attached to lateral members <NUM> and <NUM>.

For these longitudinal members <NUM>, the end portion <NUM> is laterally offset from the intermediate portion <NUM> parallel to axis <NUM> (e.g. perpendicular to axis <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, the inner faces of the load bearing members <NUM> is spaced a distance D1. The length L3 of the lateral member <NUM> is greater than distance D1. Further, length L3 is greater than the distance D2 defined by the outer faces of the load bearing members <NUM>.

In this example, the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> of lateral member <NUM> extend axially beyond the inner faces and axially beyond the outer faces of load bearing members <NUM>. Notably, however, the lateral member <NUM> does not extend into or through apertures formed through the load bearing members <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the ends of the lateral member <NUM> may be spaced inward of the adjacent load bearing members <NUM> but be spaced less than a width of the body <NUM> that defines the mounting aperture <NUM> such that the load bearing member <NUM> still interferes with blocking portion <NUM> to prevent removal when in the first rotational position.

Similar to prior embodiments, the front stop hinge <NUM> includes a rotation limiting abutment <NUM> that axially abuts the end of the adjacent load bearing member when the front stop hinge <NUM> is in the first angular orientation (see e.g. <FIG>).

Claim 1:
A retail merchandise tray assembly comprising:
a product support frame (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between a first frame end (<NUM>) and a second frame end (<NUM>) parallel to a first longitudinal axis (<NUM>), the product support frame (<NUM>) defining a product support surface (<NUM>), the product support frame including:
a first load bearing member (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end parallel to the first longitudinal axis (<NUM>), the first load bearing member (<NUM>) having a first end portion (<NUM>) proximate the first frame end (<NUM>), a top (<NUM>) of the first end portion (<NUM>) being more proximate the product support surface than a bottom (<NUM>) of the first end portion (<NUM>), the top (<NUM>) of the first end portion (<NUM>) being spaced away from the product support surface (<NUM>);
a first lateral member (<NUM>) operably attached to the load bearing member (<NUM>), the first lateral member (<NUM>) extending perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along (<NUM>) a second longitudinal axis (<NUM>), the first lateral member being proximate the first frame end and positioned offset from the top (<NUM>) of the first end portion (<NUM>) toward the product support surface (<NUM>) with the first lateral member (<NUM>) being positioned between the top (<NUM>) of the first end portion (<NUM>) and the product support surface (<NUM>); characterized in that
a first front stop hinge (<NUM>, <NUM>) rotatably mountable on the first lateral member (<NUM>) for rotation about the first lateral member (<NUM>) between a first angular position and a second angular position, is provided, the first front stop hinge (<NUM>, <NUM>) being axially slidable along the first lateral member (<NUM>) parallel to the second axis to remove and to mount the first front stop hinge (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to the first lateral member (<NUM>).