Pusher apparatus for merchandise

Abstract

A pusher apparatus comprises a track, a pusher mounted on the track for movement along the track; a spring mounted on the pusher for urging the pusher along the track; an axle rotatably mounted on the pusher; and at least one wheel fixed to the axle for positively engaging the track. In one aspect of the invention, two of the said wheels are fixed to the axle to avoid canting of the pusher as it moves along the track. In another aspect of the invention, the spring is a coil spring contained within the pusher unit for driving rotation of the axle. Preferably, a rotary damper regulates the operation of the coil spring.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The invention relates to the field of pusher apparatus, i.e. apparatus for pushing a stack of items along a track. The main application for pusher apparatus is in merchandising of items for sale, whereby the front item of the stack of merchandise is always pushed to the front of the shelf. Pusher apparatus according to the invention may also operate vertically or at other angles and words such as “front”, “forwards” and “backwards” in this specification are not intended to limit its scope to horizontal operation. Pusher apparatus may clearly also be used in other situations where items are to be dispensed to a user, not necessarily for sale. BACKGROUND [0002] It is known to use a pusher apparatus for automatically pushing items of merchandise to the front of a shelf, where they are more readily visible and accessible to a potential purchaser. This may particularly promote one type of merchandise, which is stacked on a pusher apparatus and therefore prominent a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides a pusher apparatus for moving items along a track. The apparatus includes a track with slots or teeth, a pusher mounted on the track for movement along the track, and at least one wheel fixed to the pusher for engaging the track. The pusher has a spring mounted on it for driving rotation of the axle, and the wheel(s) are cog bearing teeth for positively engaging the slots or teeth of the track. The spring can be a coil spring or a separate axle. The pusher can be started from any point on the track and retracted, and the spring drives the rotation of the axle. The pusher apparatus also includes a latch for retaining the pusher at a desired position along the track. The technical effects of the invention include improved stability and control of the pusher movement, reduced racking and injury risks, and improved efficiency for heavy loads."

Problems solved by technology

The known pusher apparatus suffers various problems.

In the prior art, the speed of the pusher has also been a problem.

When the same spring is acting on only a few items in the stack, it can accelerate them violently and push them too rapidly along the track There is a risk of injury to the fingers of a person who is loading the apparatus.

There is also a risk that the rapidly moving items will be ejected from the front of the stack, causing them to fall and be damaged.

To avoid the latter risk, the height of the retaining lip at the front of the track must be increased, which makes the items less visible and less accessible and requires a greater space above the shelf so that items can be lifted over the lip.

Known pushers have been found not to work well in cold environments such as chiller or freezer cabinets.

There is a problem with the build up of frost along the track, which impedes the sliding movement of the pusher unit.

There is also a problem of ice adhering the pusher unit to the track.

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