Product display and fronting assembly

Abstract

In some embodiments, a product fronting assembly includes a rotatable rear member and an elongated member extending to a handle at a front of the assembly. The rear member in some embodiments is rotatable to permit rear product loading in the assembly. Alternatively or in addition, the rear member is rotatable between a position in which forward handle movement fronts product and another position in which such handle movement does not front product. In some embodiments, a ratchet mechanism enables a handle to be returned to a stowed position after fronting product. A cable or strip can connect a handle to a rear member used to move the product. A portion of the cable or strip can be wound in a coil within or at least partially defining an assembly handle. Also, in some embodiments the assembly can be snap-fit upon a shelf.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for displaying and dispensing products. More particularly, the present invention relates to product displaying and dispensing systems and methods employing an inventory fronting feature. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Stores and other retail environments often display merchandise for sale on shelves and pallets. These conventional arrangements create a number of problems. For example, customers typically remove and purchase products from the most accessible location (e.g., from the front of shelves or pallets). This creates an absence of products on the front of the shelves or pallets, which can be unattractive to consumers due to a disorganized product appearance. [0003] Store employees typically replace merchandise at the front of a shelf or pallet by manually sliding or picking up merchandise from the rear of the shelf or pallet, moving the merchandise to the front, and placing new product behi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These conventional arrangements create a number of problems.

This creates an absence of products on the front of the shelves or pallets, which can be unattractive to consumers due to a disorganized product appearance.

This can prove to be a difficult task when other shelving is located directly over the shelves or pallets, making access to the merchandise at the rear of the shelves or pallets cumbersome or awkward.

However, in many cases (e.g., in cases where a shelf or pallet is loaded with product from the rear) it can be difficult for a store employee to determine when a shelf or pallet is completely loaded or when product is positioned at the front of the shelf or pallet.

In such cases, the store employee can push additional product onto the shelf when the shelf is completely loaded or can push the product with excessive force, both of which can cause product to fall from the front of the shelf and / or can damage the product.

As a result of these and other problems, employees often neglect to front merchandise.

This can have several undesirable consequences.

Many customers will either forego purchasing such merchandise due to its reduced accessibility or will injure themselves in an attempt to reach and retrieve the merchandise.

Also, the failure to restock the front of such shelves or pallets presents an unsightly appearance to consumers and may give consumers the impression that a store is sold out or is low in stock of a particular item.

While this approach may temporarily solve the problem relating to the lack of readily-available merchandise, it often results in newer stock being sold prior to older stock.

This can create stocking problems and, depending on the type of merchandise in question, result in spoiled or expired merchandise that cannot be sold.

Although the problems and limitations described above are with respect to merchandise on shelves, racks, or pallets, similar problems and limitations exist in non-retail environments, such as in warehouses, mail and shipping facilities, and in other locations where items are stored and / or displayed on pallets, shelves, racks, or other similar structures.

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