Patent ID: 12185845

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating several embodiments of the disclosure only,FIG.1shows a merchandising system10which includes a cooperating member40comprising a base50. A divider130can be either selectively or permanently mounted on or secured to the base50. The cooperating member40includes a front end42in which a slot46is defined. The slot46provides access to a chamber44defined in the base50. As best seen inFIG.2, located behind the chamber44is a groove54defined in the base50. The groove54which is defined in the walls of the base50can comprise an engaging element or member. At least a portion of groove54can be defined by at least one resilient tab member56.

A lock60can be received in the slot46and selectively mounted within the chamber44. At least one body58borders the slot46and retards the lock60from moving laterally in relation to the base50. Also, a wall48can extend beneath the slot46. In one embodiment, the lock60includes at least one tooth62located at a first or front end64thereof. Alternatively, a plurality of spaced teeth62can be provided on the first end64. A resilient biasing member66is located at a second or rear end68of the lock60. The resilient member66can comprise a generally ring-shaped element70. The element70is resilient due to the resilient nature of the material from which the lock60is made, such as a known thermoplastic. A tab or plateau-like portion80can also be defined on the first end64of the lock. Tab80includes a front face82adapted for manual contact by digits of users such as store personnel. Defined in the front face82are a plurality of spaced ridges84which can aid in pushing the tab80during manual contact thereof. As is evident fromFIGS.3A,3B, and7, cooperating member40with lock60can be received on an elongated mounting member20, sometimes termed a front rail. Cooperating member40is oriented in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated mounting member20.

It should be appreciated that while particular designs of teeth24and62are illustrated, any suitable types of engaging elements can be employed for this purpose. In other words, differently shaped teeth can be provided. In the embodiments illustrated, the teeth are shown as generally being trapezoidal in shape. If so desired, the shapes of the teeth can be rounded, or teeth62can be rounded while teeth24can have a different shape, such as a trapezoid or a rectangle.

Referring again toFIG.2, in one embodiment the divider130can comprise a top portion132and a front portion138. With reference now also toFIG.7, the divider130also comprises a rear portion136. In one embodiment, a locking feature can be provided for selectively securing the divider130to the base50. Further information concerning the locking feature can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,717 issued on Jun. 17, 2014, the subject matter of that patent is incorporated hereinto by reference in its entirety. It should be appreciated that there are also other types of connecting structures which can selectively connect a base and a divider to each other, but which allow the base to be separated from the divider when the divider is not needed. Due to the resiliency of the thermoplastic material from which at least one of the divider130and the base50are made, the divider can be selectively separated from the base and be selectively connected thereto any desired number of times within reason. If desired, a snap fit can be provided between the base50and the divider130. Alternatively, the divider130and base50can be of one piece.

While one embodiment of a cooperating member40is illustrated inFIG.1, namely a divider, it should be appreciated that the cooperating member could, instead be a free-standing pusher track, such as track150illustrated inFIGS.7and8. Alternatively, a combination track and divider assembly could be provided.

With reference now toFIG.8, located on a top surface of the cooperating member or track150can be first and second spaced rails152and154. These slidably accommodate a pusher156which is mounted on the rails. The pusher156can be urged forwardly on the rails by a coil spring158or like biasing member. The operation of a coil spring for urging a pusher assembly forward on a track is well known in the art.

With reference once more toFIG.1, defined on the front portion138of the divider130is a first engaging portion which can be in the form of a flange or shoulder section140. Shoulder section140can accommodate a front wall110which is oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the divider130, as is evident fromFIG.7. The front wall110can be in the form of a laterally extending support section or body112. Defined on a rear face of the front wall110is housing124. A vertically oriented slot126can extend in the housing, as best shown inFIG.9. The slot126can be located approximately equidistant between the two side edges of front wall, if so desired. The walls of the housing124defining the slot126can be considered a second engaging portion, which cooperates with the first engaging portion.

As is evident fromFIG.9, the slot126in the housing124accommodates the shoulder section140of the divider130. The body112of front wall110extends laterally in relation to the housing124. The purpose of the front wall110is to provide a retarding wall which can be employed to retard a forward most one of a column of merchandise from falling over the mounting member20and off the subjacent shelf. Front wall110can also be made from a suitable known plastic material which is transparent, so that the merchandise abutted by the front wall can be seen. It should be appreciated that in order to form the front wall, it can be molded from the suitable known transparent plastic material so that the front wall is of one piece.

With reference toFIG.2, the body112of front wall110can be generally planar and comprises a front face114from which extends a gripping portion or handle116, as well as an engaging element or protrusion118for locking the front wall to the cooperating member40. The handle116includes a recess120for cooperating with the front end42of cooperating member40to further define slot46. In one embodiment, the protrusion118is spaced from the handle116, with the protrusion being located beneath the handle. With reference now toFIG.9, in this regard, front end42of cooperating member40includes at least one body58which can comprise a seat portion for receiving the protrusion128.

In the orientation illustrated inFIG.9, the protrusion118of the front wall110can include a ledge128having a sloped portion which contacts the front end42of the cooperating member. The sloped portion of ledge128urges the protrusion118forwardly as it comes into contact with the front end42during, for example, a linear downward sliding movement of the front wall110. Upon further linear downward motion of the front wall110, the ledge128is allowed to retract or snap into the seat portion58of the front end of cooperating member. The retraction of the ledge128into the seat portion58provides a locking engagement of the front wall110with the cooperating member40.

All of the components of the merchandising system, namely, the mounting member20, cooperating member40, lock60, and front wall110, can be made from suitable known materials such as a variety of known somewhat resilient or flexible thermoplastics although other resilient materials could also be used.

The limits of movement of the front wall110can be regulated by the ledge128and how it interacts with the front end42of the cooperating member. More particularly, the condition or position of the merchandising system illustrated inFIG.2, front wall110is fully engaged with the cooperating member40and the ledge128fits in the seat portion58. Further downward movement of the front wall110past this position is, thus, prevented or at least retarded.

With reference now again toFIG.2, cooperating member40, lock60, front wall110, and divider130are shown in assembled condition. Lock60is shown as being selectively mounted within chamber40with tab80extending forward from both the slot46and the recess120of front wall110. The recess120additionally provides access to the tab80from the handle116.

In one embodiment, a connection system90is provided for connecting the lock60to the cooperating member40. As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, connection system90can include protrusion92extending downwardly from the body of the base50such that it is located in the chamber44defined in the cooperating member40. A clip94can be provided on the second end68of lock60. With reference now also toFIG.6, in one embodiment the clip94can be defined within the resilient ring-shaped element70of the lock. The clip94selectively mounts to the protrusion92in order to hold the lock60in the slot46of the cooperating member40.

With reference now toFIG.5, the elongated mounting member or front rail20includes a vertically oriented front wall22, a back wall26, and a channel26defined between the front wall and the back wall. It should be appreciated fromFIGS.3A and3D, for example, that the back wall26of the elongated mounting member or front rail20protrudes into the groove54defined in the base50of the cooperating member40when the cooperating member is mounted to the mounting member. Thus, the back wall26defines a first engaging member and the slot56defines a second engaging member, such that when the first and second engaging members are engaged with each other, a movement of the cooperating member in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mounting member in the plane of such longitudinal axis is retarded, if not entirely prevented.

A suitable conventional fastener (not illustrated) can extend through at least one opening30so as to secure the mounting member in place on a subjacent shelf (not illustrated). Such a construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,770 which is dated May 15, 2007. That patent is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. Moreover, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,076 which is dated May 15, 2012 for its disclosure of various embodiments of a merchandising assembly. That patent is also incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. As shown inFIGS.3A and5, the tab member56engages a groove57defined in the rear wall26of the mounting member20.

Defined on a rear face of the front wall22of the mounting member20is at least one vertically oriented tooth24. In one embodiment, a plurality of spaced teeth24can be provided. As shown inFIG.3A, the front end42of cooperating member40is adapted to be received behind the front wall22of the mounting member20. Thus, at least a portion of the front end42can be received in the channel26of the mounting member20. As can further be seen fromFIGS.3A and3B, when front end42is received in channel26, the front wall22of the mounting member20extends in front of the slot46of cooperating member40and the back wall26is located inside the groove54of cooperating member. The chamber44is thus located between the front wall22and the back wall26and within channel28. The at least one tooth24defined in the front wall22of the mounting member20engages the at least one tooth62of the lock60, which is mounted within chamber44. The at least one resilient tab portion56of groove54locks the back wall26of mounting member within the groove. If desired, a snap fit can be provided between the tab56and the back wall26. The protrusion80mounted on lock60extends over the front wall22such that the front face82makes the lock accessible to store personnel from the front wall of the mounting member20, as can be seen inFIG.7.

With particular reference toFIG.3A, the resilient member66of lock60, which can also be termed a third engaging member, is naturally adapted to bias the lock forwardly in chamber44. This natural bias causes the at least one tooth62of the lock60to enter grooves defined between the spaced teeth24of the mounting member or front rail20and come into engagement with a side wall of the at least one tooth24of the mounting member. In the embodiment shown, the natural bias causes the plurality of spaced teeth62of the lock60to come into engagement with the plurality of spaced teeth24of the mounting member20, as best shown inFIG.6. In the condition or position of the merchandising system illustrated inFIG.3A, the cooperating member40is retarded from, and preferably prevented from, movement laterally in relation to the mounting member20.

It should be appreciated that the resilient member66allows the lock60to be resiliently biased into contact with the front wall teeth24, due to the inherent resilient nature of the thermoplastic material from which the lock can be made. However, it should be appreciated that the lock could also be made from other suitable materials, such as various metals or the like. It should thus be appreciated that the lock could be made from a different material than the cooperating member or the mounting member. In addition, various sections of the lock could be made from different materials, if so desired. For example, the resilient member66could be made from a more resilient material than the tab80.

With reference now toFIG.3B, the tab80of lock60is shown as being urged in a direction counter to the natural bias of the resilient member66, as indicated by the arrow. A finger or digit of store personnel pushing on the tab can accomplish this action. It should be appreciated that the movement of the lock60is a linear movement. More particularly, the lock is slid rearwardly away from the mounting member and in a direction which is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cooperating member. This counter bias causes the at least one tooth62of the lock60to disengage from the at least one tooth24of the mounting member20such that the first end64of the lock is spaced away from the front wall22of the mounting member. Once this is done, the plurality of spaced teeth62of the lock60disengage from the plurality of spaced teeth24of the mounting member20such that the first end64of the lock is spaced away from the front wall22of the mounting member.

In the condition or position of the merchandising system illustrated inFIG.3B, the cooperating member40is allowed to move laterally, such as via a sliding motion, in relation to the mounting member20. However, when the tab80of lock60is no longer being contacted, as shown inFIG.3A, the resilient member66automatically biases the at least one tooth or teeth62of the lock to re-engage the at least one tooth or teeth24of the mounting member. Thus, any further lateral or sideways movement of the cooperating member in relation to the mounting member is prevented or at least retarded. The locking engagement of the plurality of spaced teeth62of lock60with the plurality of spaced teeth24of mounting member20is best shown inFIG.6.

The cooperating member is allowed to slide laterally in relation to the mounting member in the condition or position of the merchandising system illustrated inFIG.3B. However, the engagement of the cooperating member with the mounting member, via the resilient tab member56of groove54accommodating the back wall26of mounting member20, retards the cooperating member from moving in a direction perpendicular to the mounting member regardless of whether lateral movement is permitted. Thus, the cooperating member is retarded from a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting member, both in a direction rearwardly on the shelf away from the mounting member and in a direction upwardly away from the shelf and the mounting member, even when a lateral movement is permitted for the cooperating member, that is, a movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting member.

However, when the one or more teeth62and24are disengaged, the cooperating member40can be lifted vertically away from the mounting member20and removed from the merchandising assembly by snapping the tooth or protrusion56out of groove57. But, when the one or more teeth62and24are engaged, such vertical movement of the cooperating member40is retarded if not prevented by the engagement of the one or more teeth62with a flange23which extends rearwardly from the front wall22of the mounting member20and over the teeth24, as can be seen fromFIG.3A.

The orientation illustrated inFIG.4Acorresponds to the condition or position of the merchandising system illustrated inFIG.3A, however the mounting member20is not shown for simplicity.FIG.4Ashows the resilient member66in its natural bias. In other words, the resilient ring-shaped element70of resilient member66naturally biases the lock60forwardly in chamber44. The front face82of tab80is shown as being easily accessible from the front wall110. Connection system90includes the protrusion92positioned rearward in the chamber44. A clip94, located on the resilient member or ring-shaped element70, enables the lock60to be selectively mounted on the protrusion92extending into the chamber44. In other words, the lock60can be detached from the cooperating member40when so desired. The clip94also acts to hold the lock60in the slot46of the cooperating member when tab80is urged in the counter bias direction, as is evident fromFIG.4B.

The orientation illustrated inFIG.4Bcorresponds to the condition or position of the merchandising system illustrated inFIG.3B. Again, mounting member20is not shown for simplicity.FIG.4Bshows the tab80of lock60as being urged in a direction counter to the natural bias of the resilient member66, as indicated by the arrow. In this condition, the ring-shaped element70compresses against the bias of the resilient member66such that the lock60can be disengaged. The limits of movement or compression of the ring-shaped element70can be regulated by the size and shape of the chamber44. More particularly, connection system90acts against the ring-shaped element70as it is urged rearward. In addition, the resilient member66fits within the chamber44and movement past the chamber is, thus, prevented or at least retarded.

As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, a plurality of cooperating members40can be located on a shelf in a spaced side-by-side manner so as to allow multiple columns of merchandise to be urged forwardly on a shelf. Moreover, one or more tracks150can also be provided. It should be evident fromFIG.8, that cooperating members can include a type which comprises a base on which are defined rails for accommodating a pusher156. On the other hand, cooperating members, such as at40′ can include types which only comprise a divider portion130′ and do not also include a track located on a base. Disposed between such cooperating members can be one or more tracks150. In one embodiment, the tracks do not include a divider as disclosed herein, but merely include a pusher assembly156. In the disclosed embodiment, the tracks do not have a front wall member of the type illustrated inFIGS.1-4, nor do they have a lock member of the type illustrated inFIGS.1-4, and6. Of course, other embodiments of such tracks could include at least one of a front wall and/or a lock if so desired. On the other hand, cooperating member40′ does include such a front wall110′ and lock60′.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.10shows a merchandising system1010comprising a mounting member1020, a first cooperating member in the form of a divider assembly1040and a second cooperating member in the form of a track assembly1080, such that the track assembly is mounted to the divider assembly and both are mounted on the mounting member. Both the divider assembly1040and the track assembly1080can be considered cooperating members because they can each cooperate with the mounting member. Either the divider assembly1040or the track assembly1080can be individually mounted on the mounting member1020or, as illustrated inFIG.10, the track assembly can be connected to the divider assembly and the combined construction can then be mounted on the mounting member1020.

With reference now toFIG.11, the mounting member in one embodiment comprises a front wall1022which has a rearwardly extending top flange1023. Defined on a rear surface of the front wall1022are one or more vertically extending protrusions or teeth1024. In one embodiment, the one or more teeth1024are located beneath the top flange1023. Of course, other embodiments are also contemplated. Spaced from the front wall1022is a rear wall1026. Defined on a rear face of the rear wall is a groove1027. In the embodiment illustrated, the groove1027is located at the base of the rear wall1026. Defined between the front wall1022and the rear wall1026is a channel1028. The channel1028, which can be generally U-shaped, is meant to accommodate the one or more cooperating members which can be mounted to the mounting member1020. One or more apertures1030may be provided on the mounting member. Such apertures are sometimes desirable to allow the mounting member to be connected to a subjacent shelf (not illustrated) via a known connector (not illustrated). Such a construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,770 dated May 15, 2007. That patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Moreover, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,076 dated May 15, 2012 for its disclosure of various embodiments of a merchandising assembly. That patent is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As mentioned, defined on a rear face of the mounting member front wall1022is at least one protrusion or tooth1024. In one embodiment, a plurality of spaced teeth1024can be provided, separated by depressions or grooves1032. The teeth can be aligned and extend the length of the mounting member1020, as can be seen inFIG.16.

With reference now toFIG.13, the divider assembly1040comprises a base1042extending upwardly away from which is a planar divider member1044. The base includes a front end1046in which is defined a transverse groove1048. Also defined in the front end1046is a chamber1052which communicates with a slot1054. Mounted in the chamber is an engaging member1056. With reference also toFIG.20, the engaging member, which can also be termed a lock, includes a front end1058, which can be planar, on which is provided at least one protrusion or tooth1060and a rear end1062which comprises a biasing member1064. The front end1046of the base1042further comprises a tab1068which is located behind the groove1048.

With reference again toFIG.13and toFIG.12B, the lock1056further comprises a tab or contact element1070which includes a front face1072which can be ridged as at1074to make it adapted for manual contact. The tab1070is vertically spaced above the teeth1060. Also, the tab1070protrudes forwardly from the remainder of the lock1056, as can also be seen fromFIG.12A.

In one embodiment, the divider assembly1040further comprises a front wall1076which extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the base1042of the divider member1044. In one embodiment, the front wall1076can be secured or mounted to the divider member1044. Of course, other embodiments are also contemplated. The purpose for the front wall1076is to retard a forward-most one of a column of products held on the merchandising assembly from falling off the shelf on which the merchandising assembly is mounted. One such construction is illustrated inFIG.17.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the merchandising system1010further comprises a second cooperating member in the form of the track assembly1080. With reference now toFIG.14, the track assembly1080comprises an elongated base1082including an enlarged front end1084. The front end comprises at its proximal end a contact member1086which can be resilient. In one embodiment, the resilient contact member can be in the form of a ribbon-like convex contact surface which is spaced forwardly from the remainder of the front end such that the contact surface is allowed to flex when contacting the rear face of the front wall1022of the mounting member1020. Such flexure would occur when the track assembly1080is mounted to the mounting member1020separately from the divider assembly1040. Defined on the front end1084of the track assembly is a first transverse groove1090and, spaced therefrom, a second transverse groove1092. Each of these is adapted to accommodate the mounting member rear rail1026. As best illustrated inFIG.19, the front end also comprises a tab1094which is located behind the second groove1092. As may be best seen inFIG.18, the tab1010is capable of flexing as it is laterally separated from the walls of the front end.

With reference now toFIG.17, the track assembly1080further comprises a track1098on which are defined a first rail1100and a second rail1102spaced from the first rail. Mounted on the track is a pusher1110. The pusher is resiliently biased forwardly via a biasing member1120, such as a coil spring. A front end1122of the biasing member can be connected to the front end1084of the base1082. For this purpose, a downwardly extending stem1124is provided on the front end1084of the track assembly1080as best seen inFIG.19. An aperture located in the front end1122of the biasing member allows the front end to be mounted on the stem.

With reference now toFIGS.14and19, protruding laterally from the base1082of the track assembly1080and located behind the front end1084is at least one pin1130. The pin comprises an enlarged head1132located at the distal end of a stem1134that is connected to or of one piece with the base1082. In one embodiment, the track assembly1080, other than the pusher1110and the coil spring or biasing member1120, is molded as a one-piece unitary member from a suitable thermoplastic material.

As best illustrated inFIG.15, a side wall1138of the base1042of the divider assembly1040comprises a slot1140. The slot includes an enlarged diameter first end1142and a reduced diameter second end1146. Also provided in the slot is a neck1150located between the first and second ends1142and1146. To limit the extent to which the pin1130can protrude into the slot1140, an end wall1152is defined in the base1042of the divider assembly1040. When the head1132of the pin1130contacts the end wall1152, further movement of the pin into the slot1130is blocked. It should be appreciated that a respective slot1140is provided in the side wall1138of the divider assembly1040for each pin1130provided on the side wall of the track assembly base1082. In this way, the track assembly1080can be selectively connected to the divider assembly1040or disconnected therefrom. The neck1150in the slot1140serves as a snap-in lock (due to the resilience of the thermoplastic material from which the divider assembly1040can be made) to retard removal of the track assembly1080from its connection with the divider assembly1040, unless that is desired.

To effect such removal, the combined track and divider assembly need to be distanced from the mounting member1020. It should be appreciated fromFIG.16that when the track assembly1080is connected to the divider assembly1040and the entire construction is mounted to the mounting member1020, the first groove1090located on the front end1084of the base1082accommodates the rear wall1026of the mounting member1020. At the same time, the groove1048in the divider assembly1040is employed to accommodate the rear wall1026of the mounting member1020. At this time, the contact member1086of the track assembly1080is spaced away from the front wall1022of the mounting member1020as may be evident fromFIG.16.

However, when the track assembly1080is mounted on the mounting member1020separately from the divider assembly1040, then the second groove1092of the front end1084of the base1082of the track assembly1080accommodates the rear wall1026of the mounting member1020. Most of the track assembly front end1084is thus located in the channel1028of the mounting member1020. At this time, the contact member1086is in contact with the rear face of the front wall1022of the mounting member1020. In one embodiment, such contact can be with the plurality of spaced teeth1024thereof. In this arrangement, the contact member1086provides some frictional contact between the track assembly1080and the mounting member1020retarding a sideward sliding motion of the track assembly on the mounting member. However, once such frictional engagement is overcome, then such sideward sliding motion of the track assembly on the mounting member is allowed. But, a movement longitudinally of the track assembly in relation to the mounting member is not permitted due to the engagement of the rear wall1026of the mounting member in the second groove1092of the track assembly front end1084. In order to permit such movement, the track assembly1080needs to be lifted away from the mounting member1020.

With reference now toFIG.20, the biasing member1064of the lock1056is adapted to normally bias the lock forwardly in chamber1052. Such bias causes the at least one tooth1060of the lock1056to enter at least one of the grooves1032defined between the spaced teeth1024of the mounting member or front rail1020and come into engagement with a side wall of the at least one tooth1024of the mounting member. In the embodiment shown, this bias causes a plurality of spaced teeth1060of the lock1056to come into engagement with the plurality of spaced teeth1024of the mounting member1020.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a clip1160is provided for selectively securing a suitably configured track to a suitably configured divider. In this embodiment, the clip1160comprises a base wall1162in which there is defined a longitudinally extending groove1164. The clip also comprises a first side wall1166and, spaced therefrom, a second side wall1168. Thus, the clip comprises a somewhat U-shaped body in cross section. Protruding from an inner face1174of the base wall1162are spaced first and second ribs1176and1178. The ribs can be aligned with each other and with the pair of side walls1166and1168. In one embodiment, the ribs extend from a front end of the clip to a rear end thereof. Thus, they are aligned with and extend the same distance as the side walls1166and1168. It should be appreciated that the side walls1166and1168in this embodiment taper outwardly such that the side walls are further apart from each other at their apex then they are at their root. It should also be appreciated that the ribs1176,1178and side walls1166,1168define a set of longitudinally extending channels on the inner face of the base wall. More particularly, defined between the first rib1176and the first side wall1166is a first channel1182. Defined between the pair of ribs1176and1178is a second channel1184. Finally, defined between the second rib1178and the second side wall1168is a third channel1186. Located at the distal ends of the two side walls1166and1168are respective thickened or protruding sections or portions1192and1194.

With reference now also toFIG.22, there, the clip1160is shown as being mounted to a track assembly1200. In this embodiment, the track assembly comprises a top wall1202in which is defined a slot1206. The track assembly also comprises a base1210as best seen inFIG.23. The base1210comprises a first leg1212and spaced therefrom a second leg1214. The legs1212and1214can extend along a longitudinal axis of the track. If desired, a cross brace1216can be employed at one or more locations between the first and second legs1212and1214to stiffen the base while reducing the amount of material employed for the base.

With further reference toFIG.23, the clip1160is meant to selectively connect the track assembly1200to a divider assembly1230. The divider assembly comprises a top wall1232, in which is defined a slot1236, and a base1240. The base1240can comprise first and second legs1242and1244, which are spaced from each other, and one or more bracing members1246which are positioned between the pair of spaced legs1242and1244and serve to reinforce the base. Also provided in this embodiment is a back wall or rib1250, which is located along one longitudinal edge of the slot1236in a manner spaced from the leg1244. As illustrated inFIG.23, the clip1160selectively connects the track assembly1200to the divider assembly1230. For this purpose, extending into the first channel1182is the second leg1244of the divider assembly1230. In addition, extending into the third channel1186is the first leg1212of the track assembly base1210. In this way, the clip can hold the track assembly1200and divider assembly1230in a generally stable relationship with each other. The clip1160is desirably long enough so as to provide a stable connection between the track assembly1200and the divider assembly1230. In the embodiment disclosed, only a single such clip is provided. However, it should be appreciated that multiple clips could be provided depending on the length of the track assembly and the divider assembly in question. It should also be appreciated that due to the construction of the clip assembly, it maintains a desired spacing between the track assembly and the divider assembly when they are connected to each other. The size of that spacing is controlled by the width between the first and second ribs1176and1178. In other words, the spacing is controlled by the width of the second channel1184.

It should be appreciated that suitable cutouts (not visible inFIG.23) can be provided in the track assembly first leg1212and, similarly, in the divider assembly second leg1244. One such cutout1252is visible in the track assembly second leg1214. The purpose for the cutout is to accommodate the thickness of the base wall1162of the clip1160so that the combined track assembly and divider assembly1200,1230can sit stably on a subjacent surface, such as a shelf. In order to retard removal of the clip1160from the respective slots1206and1236in the track assembly top wall1202and the divider assembly top wall1232, the thickened sections1192and1194of the clip side walls1166and1168can frictionally engage wall surfaces of the track assembly and divider assembly. In one embodiment, all of the clip1160, the track assembly1200and the divider assembly1230are made of a suitable, somewhat flexible material, such as a known thermoplastic. However, it should be appreciated that any of the clip, the track assembly or the divider assembly could be made from any other known type of material, such as a metal or a fiber reinforced resin or the like.

With reference now toFIG.24, yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a merchandising system including a first cooperating member in the form of a divider assembly1340which comprises a base1342. Extending upwardly away therefrom is a divider member1344. The base includes a front end1346in which is defined a transverse groove or slot1348. With reference now also toFIG.28, defined in the front end1346of the base is a chamber1352. Mounted in the chamber is an engaging member or lock1356. As in the previous embodiments, the lock1356is biased to an end position. But the lock can be manually moved away from the end position so as to retract the one or more teeth1360.

The merchandising system further comprises a second cooperating member in the form of a track assembly1380. With reference now also toFIG.25, the track assembly comprises an elongated base1382including a front end1384. The front end comprises at its proximal end a contact member1386which can be resilient. Defined in the front end1384of the track assembly1380is a first transverse groove1390and, spaced therefrom, a second transverse groove1392. As in the previous embodiments, each of these is adapted to accommodate a mounting member rear rail. The track assembly further comprises a track section1398on which can move a pusher1410. Protruding from a side wall1418of the track assembly base1382are one or more pins1420. With reference now toFIG.26, in this embodiment, each pin can comprise an enlarged head1422and a stem1424. The head includes a flat back face1430, a flat forward face1432, and a contact face having a tapered section1434and a recessed section1436. The head1422can also include a flat rear face1438. The several faces can also have different shapes if so desired.

The pin1420is adapted to selectively engage in a slot1450defined in the base1342of the divider assembly1340, as shown inFIG.24. The slot1450can include an enlarged width section1452and a reduced width section1456. One could consider the slot1450to be somewhat T-shaped.

With reference now toFIGS.27and28, the head1422of the pin1420is adapted to enter the enlarged width section1452of the slot1450and be slid towards the reduced width section1456thereof. This is shown inFIG.27. Also illustrated inFIG.27is that in this embodiment, the divider1344can be of the type which is selectively mounted to and disengaged from the base1342of the divider assembly1340. To this end, one or more connector pins1470can protrude from a base of the divider1344and engage in one or more respective apertures1478defined in a top wall1480of the divider base1342. The top wall1480also includes a recessed section1482in which the apertures1478are defined in order to accommodate a base portion1484of the divider1344. In this way, the selectively disengageable divider1344does not protrude away from a top surface of the base1342despite the provision of the base portion1484on the divider1344.

Illustrated inFIG.27is the pin1420as its head1422is seated in the reduced width section1456of the slot1450.FIG.28illustrates that during the process of connecting the track assembly1380to the divider assembly1340, the one or more pins1420slide along the slot1450such that the tapered contact surface1434of the pin enlarged head engages a tab, knob, or bump1490positioned on a vertically oriented wall1492defined on the divider base1342. Once the pin1420is moved into the reduced width section1456of the slot1450, the tab1490will engage the recessed section1436behind the tapered section1434in order to lock the pin1420in place thereby securing the track assembly1380in place on the divider assembly1340. The tab1490will abut a shoulder1494of the contact face on the pin1420. In order to disengage these two components, the track assembly1380is slid in the opposite direction. The resistance of the shoulder1494against the tab1490is overcome due to the inherently resilient nature of the thermoplastic material from which one or both of the track assembly1380and the divider assembly1340can be made.

FIG.29illustrates a rear view of the track assembly1380showing a different version of a track1398according to this embodiment of the instant disclosure, which is different from the track illustrated inFIG.10, for example.

Disclosed has been a merchandising system comprising a first cooperating member and a second cooperating member which are adapted to be selectively connected together so as to enable the corrected structure to be selectively mounted to a mounting member. At the same time, each of the cooperating members can be separately mounted to the mounting member. In one embodiment, the first cooperating member and second cooperating member are connected together by connecting structures or elements which are integral with, or of one piece with, the respective cooperating members. In another embodiment, a separate connecting member, such as a clip, is employed to connect suitably configured cooperating members to each other.

Disclosed has been a merchandising system which comprises an elongated mounting member selectively securable to an associated shelf and a cooperating member received on the mounting member, wherein the cooperating member extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The mounting member comprises a wall. The cooperating member in one embodiment comprises an elongated body including at least one tooth. The at least one tooth is movably mounted to the cooperating member and selectively engages the wall of the elongated mounting member.

In one embodiment, an elongated mounting member wall comprises at least one tooth which selectively engages the at least one tooth of the cooperating member. The at least one tooth is located on a front end of the cooperating member and is adapted to engage the wall of the mounting member. The cooperating member can include a chamber accessible through a slot defined in the front end.

In one embodiment, a lock is mounted to the cooperating member. The lock includes at least one tooth located at a first end of a lock body and a resilient member located at a second end thereof. The resilient member is adapted to bias the at least one tooth of the lock into engagement with at least one tooth of the mounting member.

If desired, a protrusion can be mounted on the lock which protrusion is accessible from a portion of the cooperating member.

In one embodiment, the mounting member and the lock include a plurality of spaced teeth which are each adapted to selectively engage each other.

A connection system can connect the lock to the cooperating member. In one embodiment, the connection system includes a protrusion located in the slot of the cooperating member and a clip defined on the lock. The clip selectively mounts to the protrusion in order to hold the lock in the slot.

In one embodiment, a front wall is slidably mounted to a divider portion which protrudes from the base portion. If desired, the front wall can be made of a transparent material.

The disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the instant disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.