Retail merchandise tray assembly

Abstract

A retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly has a frame to which a front flap hinge is attached in a first angular position. The front flap hinge can be attached to or removed from the frame in a second angular position. The front flap hinge is prevented from being removed from the frame.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This patent application is a partial continuation to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 502,845, filed October 15, 2021, which is currently pending and is a continuation to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 154,299, filed January 21, 2021, which is now U.S. Patent No. 11,166,571, issued November 9, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 964,476, filed January 22, 2020. All of these teachings and disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. Invention Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to retail merchandise display, and more specifically to retail merchandise tray assemblies for use with retail merchandise displays. Background of the Invention

[0004] Retail merchandise displays are well known in the field. Such displays are once self-oriented propeller systems. Traditional propeller systems include one or more propeller paddles or propeller bodies that travel along corresponding elongated tracks. Springs connect the propeller body and the leading edge of the track. Springs are used to bias the propeller body forward along the track toward its leading edge.

[0005] Users can retract the pusher body from the leading edge of the track and position the retail items in a linear row at the top of the track. A biasing force provided by a spring and applied to the pusher body between the leading edge of the track and the pusher body is used to bias the linear row of retail items forward to ultimately “front-view” the items.

[0006] In other words, when a customer removes the first item from the linear display of goods, the pusher body is pulled forward by a spring to rotate the display forward, so that the next item in the display is positioned in an aesthetically pleasing manner near the front edge of the track. This automatic front display eliminates the need for retail staff to manually front the goods, thereby ultimately reducing the retailer's labor costs.

[0007] The aforementioned pusher system has been used in various retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, multiple pushers and their corresponding tracks are arranged side by side along the shelf. Each pusher body and its corresponding track is separated by dividers to maintain multiple generally straight rows of merchandise running from the front to the back of the shelf. For example, as an example, this familiar configuration can be found in many retail stores that sell hygiene products such as deodorants.

[0008] In another configuration, the pusher system can be embodied as a separate pusher tray. These trays may include tools for mounting the tray as a cantilevered extension from another structure, such as a rod. These trays may also be located directly on retail shelves. In addition, these trays may include adjustable side panels to accommodate goods of different widths. Examples of these trays can be readily seen in U.S. Patents Nos. 9,254,049, 9,241,583, and 8,720,702, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention relates to improvements in retail merchandise tray assemblies, such as pusher trays. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. It should be noted that certain features will be applicable to retail merchandise tray assemblies that do not include pushers.

[0010] In one embodiment, a retail goods tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly includes a wire support structure, a front flap hinge, a front flap, and a biasing member. The wire support structure includes at least one longitudinal member and at least one transverse member, the at least one longitudinal member extending between a first longitudinal axis and a second end, the at least one transverse member being attached to the at least one longitudinal member and extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member and the first longitudinal axis. A first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted on the at least one transverse member for rotating about the at least one transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The front flap is mounted to the front flap hinge to rotate together with the front flap hinge about the at least one transverse member between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front flap is upright relative to the wire support structure. In the second angular position, the front flap is tilted relative to the wire support structure. The biasing member biases the front flap hinge from the second angular position toward the first angular position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wire support structure defines a substantially flat product support plane. The front baffle has a front surface that is more parallel to the flat product support plane when the current baffle hinge is in the second angle position than when the current baffle hinge is in the first angle position. This allows for improved loading of the product's tray assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the biasing member is a torsion spring that extends at an angle around at least one transverse member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the front flap is releasably mounted to a front flap hinge such that the front flap can be removed from the front flap hinge without removing the front flap hinge from at least one lateral member of the wire support structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the front bumper includes a mounting slot. The front bumper hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin that is slidably received in the mounting slot for releasably mounting the front bumper to the front bumper hinge.

[0015] In one embodiment, the front bumper includes a flexible mounting clip extending from a first end attached to the front bumper and a free end. When a mounting pin is received in a mounting slot to secure the front bumper to the front bumper hinge, the free end of the flexible mounting clip is biased into at least one transverse member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the flexible mounting clip can be elastically bent such that the free end disengages from at least one transverse member to remove the front flap from the front flap hinge.

[0017] In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes at least one pair of opposing load-bearing members. A wire support structure is mounted to the pair of opposing load-bearing members. The front flap hinge includes a rotation-limiting abutment that, when the front flap hinge is in a first angular position, engages at least one of the opposing load-bearing members or the wire support structure. A biasing member, and the engagement of the rotation-limiting abutment with at least one of the opposing load-bearing members or the wire support structure, secures the front flap hinge in the first angular position. The biasing member biases the front flap hinge into at least one of the opposing load-bearing members or the wire support structure.

[0018] In one embodiment, a first end of the torsion spring engages with at least one transverse member such that the first end cannot rotate about the at least one transverse member. A second end of the torsion spring engages with a front sill hinge such that it rotates about the at least one transverse member together with the front sill hinge.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting groove and the mounting pin is tapered, such that the increased insertion of the pin into the mounting groove increases the frictional engagement between the mounting groove and the mounting pin.

[0020] In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second front flap hinge rotatably mounted to a wire support structure. The first and second front flap hinges rotate about a common axis of rotation. The first and second front flap hinges are laterally spaced along the axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first front flap hinge is mounted near the first end of at least one longitudinal member. When the first front flap hinge rotates from a first angular position to a second angular position, the top of the front flap rotates toward the second end of at least one longitudinal member.

[0022] In addition, when the current baffle hinge rotates from the first corner position to the second corner position, the top rotates toward the wire support structure.

[0023] In another embodiment, a method of loading a retail goods pallet assembly is provided. The method includes pivoting a front flap of the retail goods pallet assembly between a first orientation and a second orientation. The retail goods pallet assembly includes a wire support structure comprising at least one longitudinal member extending along a first longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and at least one transverse member attached to and extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member. The retail goods pallet assembly further includes a first front flap hinge rotatably mounted on the at least one transverse member for rotating about the at least one transverse member between a first angular position corresponding to a first orientation of the front flap and a second angular position corresponding to a second orientation of the front flap. The retail goods pallet assembly also includes a biasing member acting on the first front flap hinge. The front flap is mounted to the front flap hinge to rotate together with the front flap hinge about the at least one transverse member between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front flap extends upward relative to the wire support structure by a greater extent than in the second angular position. The method further includes biasing the front flap hinge from the first angular position toward the first angular position such that the front flap is biased toward the first orientation.

[0024] In one method, pivoting the front vent changes its orientation from being substantially perpendicular to the top surface defined by the wire support structure to being substantially parallel to the top surface defined by the wire support structure.

[0025] The basic parallelism and basic perpendicularity should be less than or equal to plus or minus 15 degrees.

[0026] In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, including a merchandise support frame, a divider, a longitudinal divider support, and an elastic friction member. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and has opposing first and second longitudinally extending sides. The divider support is slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. The elastic friction member is mounted to the merchandise support frame and engages the divider support. When the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame is adjusted, the divider support is slidable relative to the elastic friction member.

[0027] In one embodiment, the elastic friction member is an O-ring and the separator support 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 the O-ring to stretch to provide frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

[0028] In one embodiment, the product support frame includes a wire support structure defining a product support surface. The product support frame includes a pair of opposing, spaced-apart load-bearing members. The wire support structure is operatively mounted to the load-bearing members. A spacer is inserted between the pair of load-bearing members. An elastic friction member is mounted on the spacer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the spacer support extends through the spacer.

[0030] In one embodiment, the resilient friction member is an O-ring. The separator support 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 the O-ring to stretch to provide frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

[0031] In one embodiment, the spacer defines a cylindrical tube O-ring aligned with the cylindrical tube, allowing the cylindrical rod to slide within the cylindrical tube.

[0032] In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, including a merchandise support frame, a divider, a sign attachor, and a sign. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and has opposing first and second sides. The divider is adjustablely mounted to the merchandise support frame to adjust the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. When the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame is adjusted, the sign attachor is mounted to the divider and moves with the divider to attach a sign.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sign attacher is attached to the separator in at least two attachment positions to prevent rotation of the sign attacher relative to the separator.

[0034] In one embodiment, the divider holder adjustably attaches the divider to the merchandise support frame. A sign attachable device is attached to the divider holder, which provides at least two attachment positions.

[0035] In one embodiment, the sign connector includes a C-shaped snap connector that engages with the merchandise support frame snap.

[0036] In one embodiment, the marker connector is attached to the separator, with a resilient pin extending into a hole in the separator, providing a second of at least two attachment positions.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second divider adjustablely mounted to a merchandise support frame. The second divider is adjustablely positioned relative to a second side of the merchandise support frame. The merchandise support frame is inserted between the first and second dividers. A second divider support extends between opposing first and second ends. The second divider support adjustably attaches the second divider to the merchandise support frame. The first end of the second divider support is attached to the second divider support. A marking connector includes a cavity that receives the second end of the second divider support when the second divider is positioned at its closest point relative to the second side.

[0038] In one embodiment, the sign attacher includes a sign attachment device comprising spaced-apart first and second sidewalls defining a channel therebetween. The first and second sidewalls attach to each other near adjacent sides, and the sign is at least partially captured within the channel and between the first and second sidewalls.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first sidewall includes a protruding portion (nib) extending from its inner surface toward the second sidewall.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first sidewall includes a protrusion extending from its inner surface, and the second sidewall includes a cavity in its inner surface. When the first and second sidewalls are in a relaxed state, the protrusion extends into the cavity of the second sidewall.

[0041] In one embodiment, the sign has a protruding receiving area that engages the protrusion when the sign is positioned within a channel defined by the first and second sidewalls.

[0042] In one embodiment, the channel is closed only at the bottom of the channel where the first and second sidewalls are attached to each other, such that the channel is open at its opposite ends and is open on one side extending between the open opposite ends.

[0043] In one embodiment, a method of mounting a sign in a retail merchandise pallet assembly includes providing the retail merchandise pallet assembly. The retail merchandise pallet assembly includes a merchandise support frame extending between a first end and a second end and having opposing first and second sides. The pallet assembly includes a divider adjustablely mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame. The pallet assembly includes a sign attachor mounted to the divider and 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 a sign to a sign attachor holder.

[0044] In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting the position of the sign relative to the merchandise support frame by adjusting the position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame.

[0045] In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame, a divider, and a longitudinally extending divider bracket. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end and has opposing first and second sides. The divider includes a divider body and a mounting base. The longitudinally extending divider bracket is press-fitted into the mounting base of the divider. The divider bracket is slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support frame.

[0046] In one embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the spacer bracket press-fitted within the mounting base has a knurled outer surface that engages with the inner surface of the mounting base.

[0047] In one embodiment, the separator body and the mounting base are formed from a single piece of continuous material.

[0048] In one embodiment, the separator body and the mounting base are made of plastic.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mounting base is provided by a press-fit nut installed in a hole formed in the separator body. The press-fit nut has an enlarged head portion and a cylinder defining a central cavity, in which the separator bracket presses against the cylinder. The external dimensions of the cylinder are smaller than the dimensions of the head portion.

[0050] In one embodiment, a retail goods tray divider assembly is provided, comprising a divider body, a mounting base, and a divider support. The divider body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is powder-coated. The mounting base is attached to the divider body and has at least a portion of the inner surface adjacent to the divider body. The divider support has a first end inserted into the mounting base and a relatively free second end. The divider support is uncoated (e.g., unpowdered or otherwise coated).

[0051] In one embodiment, the separator support is galvanized.

[0052] In one embodiment, the separator support defines a receiving cavity in which the second end is received.

[0053] In one embodiment, the partition support includes a friction member that frictionally engages the outer periphery of the partition bracket.

[0054] In one embodiment, the mounting base is a press-fit nut that extends through a hole in the separator body.

[0055] In one embodiment, a method of assembling a retail goods pallet divider is provided. The method includes providing a divider body including an outer surface and an inner surface. The method includes coating the outer surface of the divider body with a paint. The method includes providing a mounting base attached to the divider body and at least partially adjacent to the inner surface of the divider body. The method includes inserting a first end of a divider support into the mounting base and having a relatively free second end, the divider support, without paint.

[0056] In one method, providing the mounting base includes inserting a press nut through a hole formed in the body of the separator.

[0057] In one method, the coating step is provided by powder coating, and the coating step occurs after the step of inserting the press nut through the hole.

[0058] In one method, the separator support is galvanized.

[0059] In one method, the method includes inserting a second free end of a spacer holder into a receiving cavity of the spacer holder.

[0060] In one method, the step of inserting the second free end includes engaging the outer periphery of the separator support with a friction member to provide a sliding friction engagement therebetween.

[0061] In one embodiment, the retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support frame, a front flap, and a sign holder. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end. The front flap is mounted to the merchandise support frame near the first end. The sign holder is releasably secured to the front flap. The sign holder has a sign mounting channel.

[0062] In one embodiment, a sign flag is mounted in a sign retainer. The sign flag has a mounting portion and a flag portion extending substantially perpendicular to the mounting portion. The mounting portion is detachably mounted in the sign retainer. The flag portion is outside the sign retainer and substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the front bumper.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sign flag is slidably mounted in the sign mounting channel in a lateral direction generally parallel to the front of the front spoiler.

[0064] In one embodiment, the flag portion and the mounting portion are formed as a continuous component, having folds that connect the flag portion to the mounting portion.

[0065] In one embodiment, the sign retainer includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a channel formed therebetween. A mounting channel is formed behind the rear panel, in which a mounting portion of the sign flag is received. The rear panel of the sign retainer is inserted between the mounting portion of the sign flag and the front panel of the sign retainer.

[0066] In one embodiment, a frame sign is provided. The frame sign has a mounting portion and a frame portion surrounding the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the frame portion are substantially coplanar when mounted to a sign holder. When the frame sign is mounted to the sign holder, the frame portion surrounds the sign holder.

[0067] In one embodiment, the mounting portion may be formed by a U-shaped slit formed in the material forming the frame sign.

[0068] In one embodiment, the front flap has a generally flat front surface, and during installation, the frame portion is typically parallel to the front surface.

[0069] In one embodiment, the front bumper has a generally flat front surface, and the frame portion generally covers the front surface when installed.

[0070] In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, including a merchandise support frame, a divider support, a front flap, at least one divider, and an attachment clip. The merchandise support frame extends between a first end and a second end. The front flap is mounted near the first end of the merchandise support frame. At least one divider is slidably mounted to the divider support for adjusting the position of the divider relative to the merchandise support frame. The attachment clip is releasably clipped to the underside of the divider support. The attachment clip has an attachment bracket positioned in front of the divider support and below the bottom edge of the front flap.

[0071] In one embodiment, the accessory holder defines a channel for holding an accessory. The channel has a downward opening.

[0072] In one embodiment, a light strip is installed within a channel, and the light generated by the light strip extends through a bracket of the channel.

[0073] In one embodiment, the light strip or electronic tag is mounted to an accessory attachment clip.

[0074] In one embodiment, the attachment clip includes a body having a pair of spaced-apart attachment legs extending upward from its top side. The attachment legs snap the attachment clip to a spacer support, the body being positioned below the spacer support.

[0075] In another embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, including a product support frame and a first front flap hinge. 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 transverse member. The first load-bearing member extends longitudinally between the first and second ends, parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first load-bearing member has a first end portion near the first frame end. The top of the first end portion is closer to the product support surface than the bottom of the first end portion. The top of the first end portion is spaced apart from the product support surface. A first transverse member is operatively attached to the load-bearing member. The first transverse member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along a second longitudinal axis. The first transverse member is near the first frame end and positioned offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface. The first transverse member is positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface. A first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted on the first transverse member for rotation about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first front flap hinge is axially slidable along the first transverse member parallel to the second axis to remove and install the first front flap hinge relative to the first transverse member.

[0076] The installation of the first front top hinge can be completed without manipulating the positioning of the first load-bearing member relative to the transverse member.

[0077] When the first front bumper hinge is in the first angle position, the load-bearing member prevents the front bumper hinge from being removed.

[0078] Furthermore, during installation, the first front flap hinge is positioned on the plate of the first load-bearing member.

[0079] In one example, the first load-bearing member has a first height orthogonal to the product support surface and measured between the top and bottom of the first end portion.

[0080] In one example, the first transverse member is a first wire of the wire support structure. The wire support structure also includes a first longitudinal member in the form of a second wire extending from a first end attached to the first transverse member and a second end near the second frame end.

[0081] In one example, when the first front flap hinge is mounted to the transverse member, the first front flap hinge is laterally positioned between the load-bearing member and the first longitudinal member.

[0082] In one example, the first transverse member is operatively attached to the load-bearing member in a fixed position.

[0083] In one example, when the first transverse member is in the operating position relative to the load-bearing member, the first front flap hinge is removable from and installable to the first transverse member. The operating position of the first transverse member is the position when the product can be supported on the product support surface. In other words, the user does not need to move the transverse member relative to the load-bearing member to allow the installation or removal of the first front flap hinge.

[0084] In one example, the front vent is mounted to a first front vent hinge to rotate together with the first front vent hinge about a first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. In the first angular position, the front vent is in an upright orientation relative to the product support surface. In the second angular position, the front vent is in an inclined orientation relative to the product support surface.

[0085] In one example, when the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position, the first front flap hinge is removable from and installable to the first lateral member; when the first front flap hinge is in the first corner position, the first front flap hinge cannot be removed from or installed to the first lateral member.

[0086] This is due to interference between the load-bearing member and the first front bumper hinge when the first front bumper hinge is in the first angular position.

[0087] In one example, when the first front flap hinge is in the first angular position, the first load-bearing member interferes with the first front flap hinge to prevent removal from or installation onto the first transverse member via the first front flap hinge.

[0088] In one example, the first load-bearing member includes an intermediate portion having a second height perpendicular to the product support surface, and the top of the intermediate portion is closer to the product support surface than the bottom of the intermediate portion when measured between the top and bottom of the intermediate portion. The top of the first end portion is further away from the product support surface than the top of the intermediate portion.

[0089] In one example, the first altitude is less than the second altitude.

[0090] In one example, the top portion of the first end portion is gradient, such that the height of the first end portion increases as it moves from the first end to the second end.

[0091] In one example, the top of the first end portion includes a curved region that provides a relief notch through which the first front flap hinge passes when it is installed to or removed from the first transverse member. The relief notch is formed between the first end portion and the transverse member.

[0092] In one example, the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin, the mounting collar defining a mounting hole through which a lateral member extends when the first front flap hinge is installed, and the mounting pin extending axially from the mounting collar.

[0093] In one example, the mounting pin extends along the mounting pin axis, which is offset from the central axis of the mounting collar and is generally orthogonal to the central axis of the mounting collar.

[0094] In one example, the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin that defines a mounting pin axis that, in a first angular position, is approximately orthogonal to the product support surface, while in a second angular position, the mounting pin axis is more parallel to the product support surface than in the first angular position.

[0095] In one example, the first front flap hinge rotates more than 90 degrees from the first corner position to the second corner position.

[0096] In one example, the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin with a tip in a first angular position, the tip of the first front flap hinge being located on a first side of the product support surface in a second angular position, and the tip of the first front flap hinge being located on a second side of the product support surface opposite to the first side, with a first transverse member on the second side of the product support surface.

[0097] In one example, the first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin in a first angular position, the mounting pin extending substantially perpendicular to the product support surface in a second angular position, and the mounting pin extending in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the product support surface toward the second frame end.

[0098] In one example, the longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to a first transverse member, a middle portion located closer to a second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the middle portion. The transition portion extends not parallel to the first longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset from the middle portion which is parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

[0099] In one example, the middle, end, and transition sections of the longitudinal member are formed from a single continuous piece of material.

[0100] In one example, a second front bulge hinge is included and is laterally spaced from a first front bulge hinge. The second front bulge hinge is rotatably mounted on a first lateral member for rotation about the first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position and the second angular position of the second front bulge hinge correspond to the first angular position and the second angular position of the first front bulge hinge. The front bulge is attached to the first and second front bulge hinges.

[0101] In one example, the front bumper is detachably attached to the first and second front bumper hinges.

[0102] In one example, at least one first longitudinal member extends from a first end attached to a first transverse member and a second end near the second frame end. The first end of the first longitudinal member is positioned between the first and second front bulge hinges. The first transverse member extends along a second longitudinal axis between the first and second ends. At least one first longitudinal member is attached between the first and second ends, dividing the first transverse 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 bulge hinge is mounted to the first portion. It is worth noting that multiple longitudinal members may be located between the first and second portions of the longitudinal member. This configuration should be included in the cases outlined above. The second front bulge hinge is mounted to the second portion. The first longitudinal member prevents the first front bulge hinge from being removed from the first transverse member at the second portion. The first longitudinal member prevents the second front bulge hinge from being removed from the first transverse member at the first portion.

[0103] In one example, the second load-bearing member is laterally spaced from the first load-bearing member by a first distance, which is parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first lateral member extends between the first end and the second end by a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first length is greater than the first distance. The first outer end is located near the first end portion of the first load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the first load-bearing member. The second outer end is located near the first end portion of the second load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load-bearing member.

[0104] In one example, a gap is formed between a first end portion of a first load-bearing member and a first transverse member. A first front flap hinge has a body that defines a mounting hole. The body has a first portion sized to abut the first transverse member when the first front flap hinge is in a first angular position, preventing the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member. The body has a second portion sized to pass through the gap when the first front flap hinge is in a second angular position, thereby allowing the first front flap hinge to be removed from the first transverse member.

[0105] In one example, the front bumper hinge includes a rotation-limiting abutment that, when the first front bumper hinge is in a first angular position, engages a first load-bearing element to limit angular rotation of the first front bumper away from a second angular position.

[0106] In one example, the first transverse member does not extend through the first load-bearing member or the second load-bearing member.

[0107] In another example, a method for assembling a retail goods pallet as described above is provided, wherein, with the first transverse member in an operative position relative to the load-bearing member, the method includes mounting a first front flap hinge onto the first transverse member.

[0108] In one example, during the step of installing the front bumper hinge, the first lateral member is operably attached to the load-bearing member in a fixed position.

[0109] In one example, the method includes mounting a front bulge to a first front bulge hinge to rotate together with the first front bulge hinge about a first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position. In the first angular position, the front bulge is in an upright orientation relative to a product support surface. In the second angular position, the front bulge is in an inclined orientation relative to a product support surface.

[0110] In one example, when the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position, the first front flap hinge is removable from and installable to the first lateral member; when the first front flap hinge is in the first corner position, the first front flap hinge cannot be removed from or installed to the first lateral member.

[0111] In one example, the method includes preventing the first front flap hinge from being removed along with the first load-bearing member when the first front flap hinge is in a first angular position.

[0112] In one example, the top of the first end portion is gradient, such that the height of the first end portion increases as it moves from the first end to the second end.

[0113] In one example, installing the first front flap hinge includes, when the first front flap hinge is installed to the first transverse member, passing the first front flap hinge through a tip notch provided by a curved region formed in the top of the first end portion.

[0114] In one example, the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin. The mounting collar defines a mounting hole and the mounting pin extends axially from the mounting collar. The mounting step includes inserting the first transverse member through the mounting hole when the first transverse member is in the operating position relative to the first load-bearing member.

[0115] In one example, the first longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to a first transverse member, a middle portion located closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the middle portion, the transition portion extending not parallel to the first longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset from the middle portion which is parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

[0116] In one example, the middle, end, and transition sections of the longitudinal member are formed from a single continuous piece of material.

[0117] In one example, the method includes mounting a second front bulge hinge to a first transverse member in a manner laterally spaced relative to a first front bulge hinge. The second front bulge hinge has mounting holes that rotatably mount the second front bulge hinge to the first transverse member for rotation about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first and second angular positions of the second front bulge hinge correspond to the first and second angular positions of the first front bulge hinge. The second front bulge hinge is mounted to the first transverse member from an end opposite to the first front bulge hinge. The method includes attaching a front bulge to both the first and second front bulge hinges.

[0118] In one example, the front bumper is detachably attached to a first front bumper hinge and a second front bumper hinge.

[0119] In one example, the second load-bearing member is laterally spaced from the first load-bearing member by a first distance, which is parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first transverse member extends between the first end and the second end by a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first length is greater than the first distance. The first outer end is located near the first end portion of the first load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the first load-bearing member. The second outer end is located near the first end portion of the second load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load-bearing member.

[0120] In one example, a gap is formed between a first end portion of a first load-bearing member and a first transverse member. The first front gusset has a first portion sized to abut the first transverse member when the first front gusset hinge is in a first angular position, preventing the first front gusset hinge from being removed from the first transverse member. The first front gusset hinge has a second portion sized to pass through the gap when the first front gusset hinge is in a second angular position, thereby allowing removal of the first front gusset hinge from the first transverse member. The mounting steps include orienting the second portion with the gap and then sliding the first front gusset hinge onto the first transverse member.

[0121] In one example, the front bumper hinge includes a rotation-limiting abutment that engages a first load-bearing element when the first front bumper hinge is in a first angular position, limiting angular rotation of the first front bumper away from a second angular position.

[0122] In another example, a retail merchandise tray assembly including a product support frame and a front flap 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 longitudinal member extending generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal member has a first end portion having a top portion facing and spaced apart from the product support surface. The product support frame includes a first transverse member operably attached to the first longitudinal member. The first transverse member extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis along a second longitudinal axis. The first transverse member is adjacent to the first end portion. The first transverse member is offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface, and the first transverse member is positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface. A first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted to the first longitudinal member. A transverse member for rotating about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. A first front gusset hinge has a blocking portion. When the first front gusset hinge is in the first angular position, the blocking portion is aligned with a longitudinal member such that when the first front gusset hinge is axially moved parallel to a second axis, the longitudinal member and the blocking portion are abutted, preventing the first front gusset hinge from being removed relative to the first transverse member or installed relative to the first transverse member. When the first front gusset hinge is in the second angular position, the blocking portion is not aligned with the longitudinal member such that when the first front gusset hinge is axially moved parallel to the second axis, the alignment member and the blocking portion are not abutted, allowing the first front gusset hinge to be removed relative to the first transverse member or installed relative to the first transverse member.

[0123] In one example, the longitudinal and transverse members form a gap between them. When the first front bumper hinge is in the first angular position, the blocking member is sized to extend across the gap.

[0124] In one example, the first front flap hinge has a mounting collar that extends around at least a portion of the first transverse member when mounted to the first transverse member. The mounting collar has a portion aligned with the gap and is sized to pass through the gap when the first front flap hinge is in a second angular position.

[0125] In one example, the longitudinal member and the transverse member form a gap between them. The dimensions and construction of the first front bumper hinge are designed to prevent the first front bumper hinge from passing through the gap when in a first angular position, so as to prevent the first front bumper hinge from being removed from the transverse member. The dimensions and construction of the first front bumper hinge are designed to allow the first front bumper hinge to pass through the gap when in a second angular position, so as to allow the first front bumper hinge to be installed or removed from the transverse member.

[0126] Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0127] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a top-view perspective view of an embodiment of a retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially disassembled top-view perspective of a retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded top-view perspective of the merchandise support frame of a retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the front panel of a retail goods tray, with the front panel in an upright orientation; Figure 6 This is a side view of the front baffle in an upright orientation; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the front panel of a retail goods tray, with the front panel tilted in an orientation; Figure 8 This is a side view of the front bumper in an inclined orientation; Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the front of a retail merchandise tray assembly, showing a front flap removed from the front flap hinge; Figure 11 It is an enlarged, upward-viewing stereoscopic view showing the front bumper and... Figure 1 The joining of the wire support structure of the retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 12 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of retail merchandise tray components; Figure 13 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the divider supports and spacers of the retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view of a retail merchandise tray assembly, showing the sign connector attached to the divider and the corresponding sign; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A three-dimensional view of the sign, sign connector, and separator; Figures 16-19 The sign connector is shown; Figure 20An exploded view of an optional first embodiment of a front bumper and a sign holder releasably fixed to the front bumper; Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the arrangement, with the sign holder installed on the front bumper; Figure 22 and Figure 23 It is a cross-sectional view of a plurality of alternative sign holder devices that can be releasably fixed to the front bumper; Figure 24 and Figure 25 It is a outline drawing of an attachment clip that can be releasably attached to a tray spacer / divider support; Figure 26 and Figure 27 It is a 3D diagram showing a sign flag that can be attached to the front fender via a sign holder; Figure 28 and Figure 29 Another marking device is shown; Figure 30 A partial perspective view of another tray is shown, with dividers and part of the merchandise support frame removed; Figure 31 yes Figure 30 A partial 3D view of one end of the tray; Figure 32 It is installed on the product support frame. Figure 30 Illustration of the front baffle of the tray; Figure 33 yes Figure 31 A 3D view of the front baffle of the tray; Figure 34 yes Figure 32 Exploded view; Figure 35 This is another example of a retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 36 Show Figure 35 The frame of a retail goods tray; Figure 37 yes Figure 36 A breakdown diagram of the framework; Figure 38 yes Figure 36 Side view of the frame, with the front fender mounting hinge removed from the frame; Figure 39 yes Figure 36 An enlarged view of a portion of the frame, showing the front bumper hinge in the first corner position; Figure 40 yes Figure 36 An enlarged view of a portion of the frame, showing the front bumper hinge in the second corner position; Figure 41 yes Figure 36 A partial exploded view of the frame shows the front bumper hinge removed and in the first corner position; Figure 42 yes Figure 36 A partial exploded view of the frame shows the front fender hinge removed and in the second corner position; and Figure 43 yes Figure 36 A cross-sectional view of the frame that extends through the transverse member, to which the front flap hinge is mounted.

[0128] While the invention will be described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit it to those embodiments. Rather, its purpose is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0129] Now turn to reference Figures 1-4 An embodiment of a retail goods tray assembly 100 (also referred to as a "tray") is shown.

[0130] Special Reference Figure 4 The tray 100 includes a merchandise support frame 109 defining a merchandise support surface, which is generally planar. Merchandise to be displayed is supported on this merchandise support surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the merchandise support frame 109 includes a pair of load-bearing members 102, a wire support structure 110, and spacers 112.

[0131] The wire support structure 110 typically defines the product support surface. The wire support structure 110 is typically removably mounted to the load-bearing member 102 and the spacer 112 in an orientation such that the product support surface is vertically positioned above the load-bearing member 102 and the spacer 112.

[0132] The wire support structure 110 will typically be formed by one or more, or more, laterally spaced longitudinal members 116 extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end 114 of the tray 100 to a second end 118.

[0133] The wire support structure 110 of this embodiment includes a plurality of transverse members 120 and 122. The transverse members 120 and 122 interconnect various longitudinal members 116 or all longitudinal members. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse members 120 and 122 extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal members 116. Typically, the transverse members 120 and 122 are welded to the longitudinal members 116. However, in other embodiments, a single co-molded structure may provide both longitudinal and transverse members 116, 120, and 122. Furthermore, in other examples, the commodity support frame 109 may be formed from a single continuous piece of material.

[0134] The various components of the support frame 109 can be formed from metal or plastic or a suitable combination of metal and plastic.

[0135] Transverse members 120 are positioned at opposite ends 114, 118 of the wire support structure 110 and generally extend the entire width of the wire support structure 110. Transverse members 122 are shorter than transverse members 120 and extend less than the entire width of the wire support structure 110, and are interconnected less than all longitudinal members 116.

[0136] Spacer 112 is located between load-bearing members 102 and maintains lateral spacing between the load-bearing members 102. The spacer is typically connected to the load-bearing members 102 by screws or other fasteners to form a unified frame structure outside the spacer 112 and the load-bearing members 102.

[0137] The free end of the transverse member 120 extends into a cavity in the form of a hole or recess formed in the load-bearing member 102 to removably attach the wire support structure 110 to the load-bearing member 102. As used herein, “removably attached” means an attachment that can be easily detached in a non-destructive manner and subsequently repeated in the same manner. In this sense, “removably attached” does not include welding, co-mode, or other forms of permanent attachment that require component destruction or damage to be removed.

[0138] Although typically made of metal, the wire support structure 110 and the load-bearing member 102 can be made of plastic. The spacer 112 is typically made of plastic.

[0139] The tray 100 can be configured to be mounted on a shelf or cantilevered relative to retail bar poles typically found in refrigerated boxes or other retail merchandise displays. In this embodiment, the load-bearing member 102 includes a cutout 119 sized to receive a retail bar pole for a cantilever mounting configuration.

[0140] refer to Figure 1 The pallet 100 includes a front flap 104 of a goods support frame 109 mounted to a first end 114 of the pallet 100.

[0141] Pusher 106 is mounted to support frame 109 and is slidable thereon along directions 124, 126. Pusher 106 is operable to bias one or more rows of retail goods located on top of wire support structure 110 and load-bearing member 102 from a second end 118 of tray 100 to a first end 114 of tray 100. Pusher 106 is biased toward the first end 114 of tray 100 in the direction of arrow 126 by helical spring 128 or other well-known biasing element.

[0142] Front bumper 104 in such a state Figure 1When the tray is upright as shown, it prevents the goods from being pushed off the tray by the pusher 106.

[0143] In some embodiments, the helical spring 128 may be attached to a first end of the tray 100 (e.g., merchandise support frame 109) and the helical spring 128 unfolds more as the pusher 106 is pushed closer to the second end 118.

[0144] A pair of movable dividers 130 are positioned on both sides of the tray 100. The divider assemblies 130 are movable along directions 132, 134 to change the width or distance between the divider assemblies 130. This lateral adjustment allows for the accommodation of retail goods of different widths.

[0145] The separator extends vertically above the top surface of the wire support structure 110.

[0146] Dividers 130 and front baffles 104 typically define a storage area in which goods are stored and displayed using trays 100. When goods are removed from trays 100, pushers 106 push the goods forward toward the front baffles 104 and the first end 114.

[0147] This embodiment includes a front bumper 104, which is operably mounted to allow, for example, in Figures 1-2 and Figures 5-7 The upright orientation shown and, for example, in Figures 7-8 The tilt orientation shown in the diagram pivots between the upright orientation and the tilt orientation. In the upright orientation, the front baffle 104 prevents goods from being removed from the pallet 100. In the tilt orientation, goods can be more easily loaded into the pallet 100 from the first end 114.

[0148] refer to Figures 5-9 The front flap 104 is mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 via a pair of front flap hinges 140, particularly to the wire support structure 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the front flap hinges 140 are mirror images of each other.

[0149] Front flap hinge 140 is mounted to transverse member 120 to rotate about transverse member 120 and, in particular, axis 142 defined therein. Front flap hinge 140 rotates between holding front flaps 104 in a first angular position in an upright orientation and holding front flaps 104 in a second angular position in a tilted orientation. Thus, each front flap 104 rotates about transverse member 120 between upright and tilted orientations.

[0150] The body of the front bumper hinge 140 includes a mounting cavity for receiving the free end of the transverse member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting cavity is in the form of a hole extending completely through the body. In other embodiments, the mounting cavity may be a recess.

[0151] In the current embodiment, the adjacent support member 102 secures the front flap hinge 140 to the transverse member 120. In a particular embodiment, the free end of the transverse member 120 extends into the corresponding cavity of the support member 102. Thus, the support member 102 is laterally positioned to one side of the front flap hinge 140, preventing it from being removed from the transverse member 120. This locks the front flap hinge 140 to the wire support structure 110, particularly the transverse member 120.

[0152] In some embodiments, in a tilt orientation, the front surface 143 of the front baffle 104 is substantially parallel to the product support surface defined by the wire support structure 110 (e.g., ±20 degrees). In an upright orientation, the front surface 143 is substantially perpendicular to the product support surface (e.g., ±20 degrees). At least, when the front baffle 104 is rotated backward, the top edge 145 of the front baffle 104 is closer to the wire support structure 110 than when the front baffle 104 is in an upright orientation.

[0153] When in an upright orientation, the top edge 145 of the front bulge 104 extends further above the wire support structure than the bottom edge of the front bulge 104 extends below the wire support structure. In some embodiments, the front bulge does not need to extend below the wire support structure.

[0154] A biasing member 144, shown in the form of a torsion spring, extends at an angle around the transverse member 120, biasing the front shroud hinge 140 toward a first angular position, for example, away from the second end 118. Thus, the default angular position is the first angular position, such that the front shroud 104 is in an upright orientation.

[0155] The first end 146 (shown in the form of a hook) of the biasing member 144 engages the merchandise support frame 109, particularly the wire support structure 110, and more particularly the transverse member 120, to suppress rotation of this end of the biasing member 144. The opposite end of the biasing member 144 is captured in the groove 146 formed by the front baffle hinge 140. When the front baffle hinge 140 rotates between the first angular position and the second angular position, this end rotates with the front baffle hinge 140.

[0156] When a user goes to load pallet 100, the user can simply push the front baffle 104 backward toward the second end 118 to tilt the front baffle 104 and allow access to the storage area of ​​pallet 100. Once the goods are loaded into pallet 100, the front baffle 104 will swing back to an upright orientation to prevent the goods from being ejected from pallet 100 by pusher 104.

[0157] The front bumper 104 is preferably releasably mounted to the front bumper hinge 140, such that the front bumper 104 can be removed from the front bumper hinge 140 without removing the front bumper hinge 140 from the merchandise support frame 109, particularly from the wire support structure 110, and even more particularly from the transverse member 120. This allows for simple replacement in case of damage, reconfiguration, different front bumpers 104, etc., without disassembling the system.

[0158] refer to Figure 10 The front bumper 104 includes a pair of mounting slots 150 that receive corresponding axially extending mounting pins 152 of the corresponding front bumper hinge 140. Preferably, a frictional engagement is provided between the mounting slots 150 and the mounting pins 152. In some embodiments, one or both of the mounting pins 152 or the mounting slots 150 are tapered, such that the pins 152 are inserted more deeply into the mounting slots 150, increasing the frictional engagement between the components.

[0159] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The front bumper 104 includes a pair of flexible mounting clips 154 extending rearward from the rear side 156 of the front bumper 104. The mounting clips 154 facilitate securing the front bumper 104 to the front bumper hinge 140.

[0160] The flexible mounting clip 154 ​​extends from its first end 158, attached to the front retainer 104, and its free end 160. When the front retainer 104 is mounted to the front retainer hinge 104, the free end 160 is biased against the transverse member 120. The free end 160 acts on the side of the transverse member 120 opposite to the location of the mounting pin 152, causing it to bias the front retainer 104 onto the mounting pin and prevent the front retainer 104 from being removed from the pin 152. When it is necessary to remove the front retainer 104, the flexible mounting clip 154 ​​can be biased out of engagement with the transverse member 120.

[0161] The flexible mounting clip 154 ​​preferably has a tapered orientation relative to the mounting groove 150, so that when the current baffle 104 is mounted onto the pin 152, the flexible mounting clip 154 ​​will slide along the transverse member 120 as it is being installed, and the tapered orientation will automatically bend the flexible mounting clip. Once fully installed, the free end 160 will travel through the transverse member 120 and spring back to its relaxed state, wherein the free end 160 is adjacent to the opposite side of the transverse member 120.

[0162] The front flap hinge 140 includes a rotation-limiting abutment 162 having an abutment surface 164 that engages the merchandise support frame 109, particularly one or both of the load-bearing member or wire support structure 110, when the front flap hinge is in a first angular position. Figure 5 The description explains that the biasing member 144 biases the rotation-limiting adjacent member 162 into a corresponding structural engagement with the commodity support frame 109.

[0163] The engagement and biasing force provided by the biasing member 144 will keep the front flap 104 in an upright orientation.

[0164] As noted, the position of the divider 130 relative to the merchandise support frame 109 can be adjusted to accommodate merchandise of different widths.

[0165] refer to Figure 12 Each divider 130 is operably and slidably mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 via a longitudinally extending divider bracket 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the divider bracket 166 is in the form of a cylindrical rod.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer support 166 extends through a hole in the load-bearing member 102, and the corresponding spacer 130 is positioned in the hole and enters the corresponding cylindrical tube portion 167 of the adjacent spacer 112.

[0167] When the spacer bracket 166 extends into the cylindrical tube portion 167, the spacer 112 can be considered as a spacer support.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic friction member mounted to the merchandise support frame 109 engages the divider bracket 166 to provide some resistance to the movement of the divider 130. When the position of the divider 130 relative to the merchandise support frame 109 is adjusted, the divider bracket 166 is slidable relative to the elastic friction member.

[0169] refer to Figure 13 The elastic friction member is in the form of an O-ring 168. The inner diameter of the O-ring 168 is smaller than the outer diameter of the spacer bracket 166. Thus, when the spacer bracket 166 passes through the O-ring, the O-ring is stretched to provide the desired frictional engagement.

[0170] The spacer 112 has a groove 170 transverse to the cylindrical tube portion 167 for receiving an O-ring 168. When properly aligned, the opening of the O-ring 168 will align with the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube portion 167. The outer diameter of the O-ring 168 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube portion 167, such that the O-ring 168 will axially abut the opposite sides 172, 174 of the groove 170, depending on the direction of adjustment of the position of the spacer 130 relative to the spacer 112.

[0171] Placing signs near tray 100 is often beneficial, such as for advertising, coupons, or other ways of displaying relevant information. Figure 1 As shown, the tray 100 includes a sign 180 operably attached to one of the dividers 130; however, the sign may be operably attached to both dividers 130.

[0172] The sign connector 182 is used to attach the sign 180 to the divider 130. In this embodiment, the sign connector 182 extends outward from one end of the divider 130 (e.g., extending outward beyond the first end 114 of the tray 100).

[0173] By attaching the mark 180 to the divider, the mark 180 will adjust relative to the rest of the tray 100 when the position of the divider 130 changes. This prevents the mark 180 from interfering with access to the goods stored in the tray 100.

[0174] The sign connector 182 is operably attached to the separator 130 in at least two spaced-apart positions to prevent the sign connector 182 from rotating relative to the separator 130. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The sign connector 182 includes a C-shaped snap connector 184 that snaps into the spacer bracket 166. This provides an attachment position where the opening of the first C-shaped snap connector 184 is smaller than the diameter of the spacer bracket 166. When installed, the C-shaped snap connector 184 bends elastically and then elastically returns to its shape to secure the sign connector 182 to the spacer bracket 166.

[0175] Furthermore, the button 186 serves as a second attachment position, whereby the button 186 is elastically pushed through the hole 188 in the mark connector 182 and the hole 190 in the separator 130. The diameter of the hole 190 is smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft of the button 186 to provide proper engagement between them.

[0176] Figures 16-19 The sign attachor 182 is shown. The sign attachor 182 includes a sign attachment device. In this embodiment, the sign attachment device is in the form of a pair of spaced-apart sidewall portions 192, 194 that define a channel 196 therebetween. When installed, the sign 180 is at least partially captured within the channel 196.

[0177] Opposite sidewalls 192 and 194 are operatively connected to each other near their adjacent sides. This connection provides a bottom channel 196. Channel 196 is bounded by only one side, allowing the size of the sign to be larger than channel 196 and extend outward therefrom (see example). Figure 15 ).

[0178] Special Reference Figure 16 The sign connector 182 includes a pair of protrusions 198 extending from the inner surface 200 of the sidewall 192 toward the sidewall 184 194.

[0179] Preferably, the protrusion 198 extends outward from the surface 200 by a greater distance than the interval between the sidewalls 192 and 194, such that the protrusion 198 extends into a cavity in the inner surface 206 of the sidewall 194, which may be a recess or a hole. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity is in the form of a hole 202 in the sidewall 194.

[0180] The mark 180 has a protruding receiving area 210 that aligns with and engages with the protrusion 198 to secure the mark 180 within the channel 196. In this embodiment, the receiving area 210 is a hole, but a shallow recess or indentation formed within the mark 180 may also function.

[0181] refer to Figure 15 and Figure 19 The sign connector 182 includes another cavity in the form of a hole 214 that receives the free end of a divider bracket 166 that mounts the divider 130 on the opposite side of the tray 100 when the other divider 130 is positioned closest to the merchandise support frame 109. In other embodiments, the cavity may be a recess that does not fully extend through the sign connector. The free end is the end of the divider bracket 166 opposite to the end connected to the other divider 130.

[0182] It should be noted that the sign connector 182 can be installed on either the left or right divider 130. Furthermore, the sign connector 182 is located inside the divider 130 (e.g., on the side of the adjacent divider 130 facing the opposite divider 130).

[0183] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The separator 130 includes a separator body 220 and a mounting base 222. The separator bracket 166 is axially press-fitted into the cavity of the mounting base 222.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of a portion of the spacer bracket 166 received in the cavity of the mounting base 222 is knurled or has other surface features to improve the engagement between the spacer bracket 166 and the mounting base 222.

[0185] In some embodiments, such as when the separator body 220 is plastic, the separator body 220 and the mounting base 222 are formed from a continuous sheet of material.

[0186] In the illustrated embodiment, the separator body 220 and the mounting base 222 are separate components. Here, the mounting base 222 is provided by a press nut 226 extending through a hole 228 in the separator body 220.

[0187] The press-fit nut 226 has an enlarged head portion 230 connected to a cylinder 232 with a reduced diameter. Here, the press-fit nut 226 will press from the outside of the separator body 220 onto the separator body 220.

[0188] This arrangement using the press nut 226 provides improved aesthetics and is more conducive to powder coating application.

[0189] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the separator body 220 is coated with powder, while the separator support 166 is not coated with powder. The separator support 166 may be a galvanized wire.

[0190] By applying paint / powder to the spacer bracket 166 as described above, the diameter of the spacer bracket 166 can be better controlled, as it can be difficult to control the paint thickness on circular or nearly circular components. This improves the engagement between the spacer bracket 166 and the spacer 112, especially when friction components, and particularly elastic friction components, are used to provide the necessary resistance for adjusting the spacer 130 relative to the commodity support frame 109.

[0191] This is particularly beneficial when the coating / powder coating of the separator body 220 is performed by an automated system rather than by manual coating / powder coating, where the user has better control over the application of coating / powder coating to the component.

[0192] During assembly using the press nut, the press nut 226 is typically installed onto the separator body 220 before powder coating. Subsequently, the separator bracket 166 can be press-fitted into the press nut 226.

[0193] This is an improvement on the existing design where the wire extends through and is installed into the separator body 220.

[0194] To provide customized information display, the front bumper 104 is configured to mount the price channel extruder thereon.

[0195] Figure 20 and Figure 21 A first sign retainer extruder 300 is shown that can be removably mounted to a front bumper 104. The front bumper 104 includes a pair of slots 250, 252 formed in its main panel, which receive a pair of opposing legs 302, 304 of the first extruder 300.

[0196] The opposing legs bend in opposite directions to allow engagement with the rear side 156 of the front baffle 104 to secure the first extruder 300 thereto. The extruder 300 has sufficient flexibility to allow sufficient bending so that the legs 302, 304 can be biased toward each other and the legs 302, 304 can be inserted through the slots 250, 252.

[0197] Legs 302 and 304 are spaced apart and mounted to support panel 308. When correctly installed, support panel 308 will rest against the front surface 143 of front baffle 104.

[0198] The first extruder 300 has forward-facing legs configured to mount electronic shelf labels 320, but other configurations are also possible (see, for example, the following extruder).

[0199] Figure 22 and Figure 23 Alternative extrusion devices that can be attached to the front baffle 104 are shown to provide additional information. More specifically, second, third, and fourth mark retainer extrusions 400, 500, and 600 are shown.

[0200] These extrusions 400, 500, and 600 do not have legs extending through the two slots 250 and 252, but instead have attachment configurations 402, 502, and 602 that use a slot 252 and surround and capture the rearwardly extending bottom flange 266 of the front baffle 104. The main difference between the extrusions 400, 500, and 600 lies in the configuration of the sign attachment mechanism for attaching signs (such as price tags, product information, etc.).

[0201] Attachment configurations 402, 502, and 602 are essentially the same, therefore only attachment configuration 402 will be described.

[0202] The attachment configuration includes a generally L-shaped top clamping portion 406, which includes a rear leg portion 408 and a downwardly extending foot portion 410. The leg portion 408 extends through a groove 252 such that the foot portion 410 can engage the rear side 156 of the front baffle 104 when mounted thereon.

[0203] The attachment configuration 402 also includes a generally J-shaped bottom clamping portion 412 and a rearwardly extending leg portion 414 that extends below the bottom 260 of the front flap 104 and extends sufficiently rearward beyond the bottom 260 of the front flap 104, such that the hook portion 416 can wrap around the rear side 270 of the bottom flange 266, extending around the rear side 270 and rearward beyond the top side 272 of the bottom flange 266.

[0204] The upper portions 412, 512, and 612 of the extrusions 400, 500, and 600 can be biased against the front of the front baffle 104 and are in a slightly bent state to fix the extrusions 400, 500, and 600 and prevent tilting between the extrusions 400, 500, and 600 and the front baffle 104.

[0205] The extrusions described herein can be formed from a single material or multiple materials, such as co-extrusion of two materials. This will allow for different parts, for example, formed from different materials, materials of different colors, or a combination of both. For example, the front panel can be transparent while the rear panel can be opaque.

[0206] In addition to extrusions 300, 400, 500, and 600, accessory attachment clips 700 and 800 may also be provided. These accessory attachment clips 700 and 800 are attached to the spacer 112 in the same manner, and will be described with reference to accessory attachment clip 700. A pair of opposing flexible legs 702 surround the front and rear sides of the spacer 112, particularly surrounding the outer periphery of the cylindrical tube portion 167. The legs 702 will bend away from each other during installation and then elastically return together to secure the clip 700 to the spacer 112.

[0207] The accessory attachment clip 700 is configured to mount the LED light strip 720 in an accessory bracket in the form of a channel 710.

[0208] The accessory attachment clip 800 has an accessory bracket 810 to which information, such as an electronic shelf label, can be attached.

[0209] Figure 26 and Figure 27 Another arrangement is shown in which the extruder 600 is used. Additionally, an adjustable flag 650 is used in conjunction with the extruder 600 and the front bumper 104.

[0210] The flag 650 includes a mounting portion 652 and a flag portion 654. The mounting portion 652 is generally planar and the flag portion 654 is generally planar but generally orthogonal to the mounting portion 652. The flag portion 654 preferably extends in front of the mounting portion 652, which is configured and sized to be received in the extrusion 600.

[0211] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 are formed from a single continuous piece of material, such as molded plastic, folded plastic, folded paper / cardboard, etc. At the junction 674 between the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654, notches or creases may be made to help maintain a substantially orthogonal orientation (e.g., ±15 degrees) between the components.

[0212] In some embodiments, the vertical heights H1 and H2 of the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 may be the same or different. Generally, the height H2 of the flag portion 654 will be greater than the height H1 of the mounting portion 652.

[0213] For further reference Figure 22The mounting portion 652 can be received in different flag mounting channels of the extrusion 600. For example, the mounting portion 652 can be received in a channel 659 formed between the front panel 660 and the rear panel 662, where pricing information is typically stored. Alternatively, with respect to the extrusion 600, the mounting portion 652 can be mounted in a rear mounting channel 656 formed between opposing hook portions 657 (e.g., flanges) and the panel 662.

[0214] In some embodiments, the front panel 660 and the rear panel 662 may be semi-transparent.

[0215] The sign flag 650 is slidably mounted on the extrusion 600, thereby allowing adjustment of the lateral position of the sign flag 650, as shown by arrows 670 and 672.

[0216] Both mounting section 652 and flag section 654 can include information that the retailer wants to display relative to the rest of pallet 100.

[0217] Although the combined extrusion 600 shows a single sign flag 650, multiple (e.g., two) sign flags 650 can be used in other arrangements, typically extending from opposite ends of the common extrusion.

[0218] Furthermore, although the flag 650 is disclosed to be used with the extrusion 600, the flag can be used with other extrusions.

[0219] Figure 28 and Figure 29 Another arrangement of this device is shown, mounted on a sign holder similar to the sign flag 650, but excluding the flag.

[0220] The device includes a frame sign 900. The frame sign 900 includes a mounting portion 952 that functions in the same manner as the mounting portion 652 described above. However, the frame sign 900 does not have an outwardly extending flag portion 654, but instead includes a frame portion 954 that surrounds the mounting portion 652.

[0221] like Figure 29 As shown, when the mounting portion 952 is inserted into the sign holder 600, the frame portion 954 surrounds or otherwise encircles the sign holder 600.

[0222] In some embodiments, the mounting portion 952 and the frame portion 954 are typically coplanar (e.g., ±15 degrees) when mounted to the sign retainer 600.

[0223] Mounting portion 952 is a laterally extended portion having a free end 960 that slides into the mounting channel of sign holder 600.

[0224] The frame portion 954 includes a pair of spaced-apart leg portions 962, 964, each having a mounting portion 952 positioned therebetween. The leg portions 962, 964 are connected by end portions 966, 968 and extend laterally between the end portions 966, 968. The leg portions 962, 964 and the end portions 966, 968 define a central region in which the mounting portion 952 is positioned, and where the sign holder 600 is typically fitted when the frame sign 900 is mounted to the sign holder 600.

[0225] The length L2 of the central region defined by the leg portion 962 is substantially equal to the length L1 of the width of the sign holder 600.

[0226] Similarly, the height H4 of the central area defined by the end portions 966 and 968 is approximately equal to the height H3 of the portion of the sign holder positioned within the central area when the frame sign 900 is installed.

[0227] Mounting portion 952 extends laterally from end portion 968 toward end portion 966.

[0228] The frame portion 954 can be installed generally parallel to the front surface of the front bumper 104. In addition, the dimensions of the frame portion 954 can be designed to fully or only partially cover the front surface 143.

[0229] Figures 30-34 Another example of a tray 1000 according to this disclosure is shown. The tray 1000 is similar in many respects to the previous tray. Unless the operation is contrary to that of this example, those features not explicitly discussed below but discussed above can be incorporated into the tray 1000. For example, divider components and associated features, signs, sign holders, label holders and accessory attachment clips can be incorporated into the tray 1000. Although the front baffle 1004 is not shown to include the upper opening 250 in the front baffle 104, such feature can be incorporated, for example.

[0230] refer to Figure 30 and Figure 31 The tray 1000 typically includes a goods support frame 1009 that defines the goods support surface (in... Figure 31 (Best shown in the middle section), the merchandise support to be displayed is similar to a previous tray on the merchandise support surface. The tray 1000 includes a pair of load-bearing members 1002, a wire support structure 1010, and spacers 1012.

[0231] The wire support structure 1010 is operably and removably mounted to the load-bearing member 1002. The wire support structure 1010 typically includes a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinal members 1016 extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end 1014 of the tray 1000 to a second end 1018 of the tray 1000.

[0232] The front baffle 1004 is mounted to the first end 1014 of the pallet 1000 near the merchandise support frame 109. The front baffle 1004 is operably mounted to allow for... Figure 30 and Figure 31 The upright orientation and tilted orientation shown (not shown, but in...) Figures 7-8 The diagram shows a pivoting mechanism between pallets 1000. In the upright orientation, a front baffle 1004 prevents goods from being removed from pallets 1000. In the tilt orientation, goods can be more easily loaded into pallets 1000 from the first end 1014.

[0233] Front flap hinges 1040 and 1041 mount the front flap 1004 to the merchandise support frame 1009, and particularly to the wire support structure 1010. The front flap hinges 1040 and 1041 are mounted to the transverse member 1020 to rotate about the transverse member 1020, and particularly to the axis 1042 defined therein. The front flap hinges 1040 and 1041 allow the front flap 1004 to rotate between an upright orientation and a tilted positioning.

[0234] In this example, the front flap hinges 1040, 1041 and the main panel 1047 are formed as a continuous piece and permanently attached to each other. Therefore, there is no need for components separate from the main panel 1047, such as the front flap hinge 140. In this example, the front flap hinges 1040, 1041 protrude rearward from the rear surface of the main panel 1047.

[0235] The front bumper hinges 1040 and 1041 are spaced apart, and the diameter of the hole 1053 passing through them is large enough to allow one end of the lateral member 1020 to be inserted at an angle into one of the front bumper hinges 1040 and 1041, and then rotated sufficiently so that the other end can be inserted into the hole 1053 of the other front bumper hinge 1041 and 1040.

[0236] In an alternative example, hole 1053 does not need to be a complete circle and can be provided by a C-shaped clip that allows front flap 1004 to snap onto transverse member 1020.

[0237] refer to Figure 32 The biasing member 1044 engages the front shroud hinge 1040 and the wire support structure 1010 to bias the front shroud 1004 toward an upright orientation. In this example, the biasing member 1044 is a helical spring extending around the transverse member 1020. Other elastic biasing members are conceivable.

[0238] One end 1061 of the biasing member 1044 engages with the longitudinal member 1016, while the other end 1063 of the biasing member engages with the front bumper hinge 1040.

[0239] The front bumper hinge 1040 includes a slot 1059 for receiving end 1063.

[0240] The front bumper hinge 1040 includes a coverage area 1065 that covers a portion of the biasing member 1044 and, in particular, a portion of the coil spring coil.

[0241] Although a single biasing member is shown, multiple biasing members can be used.

[0242] The rear surface of the main panel 1047 provides a rotation-limiting abutment 1062, which abuts the corresponding structure of the merchandise support frame 1009 (see [link]). Figure 32 In this example, the rotation-limiting abutment 1062 abuts the end of the load-bearing member 1002 when in an upright orientation (see [reference]). Figure 31 ).

[0243] Figure 35 Another example of a retail goods pallet assembly 1100, also known as pallet 1100, is shown. This pallet 1100 is similar in many respects to previous pallets, such as pallet 100 or pallet 1000. The main differences of pallet 1100 will be described. Any features of previous pallets or structures that are not directly inconsistent with the features of pallet 1100 described below may be incorporated into and used with the features of pallet 1100.

[0244] exist Figure 35 In this pallet 1100, the product support frame 1109 is typically used to support retail goods. The frame 1109 includes a pair of longitudinal members in the form of load-bearing members 1102 that are spaced apart from each other and extend between a first end and a second end (front end and rear end) 1114, 1118 of the pallet 1100. The load-bearing members 102 extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis 1117.

[0245] The load-bearing member 1102 operably supports the wire support structure 1110 of the frame 1109. The frame 1109, particularly the wire support structure 1110 in this example, defines a product support surface on which the product is supported.

[0246] In one example, the wire support structure 1110 and its longitudinal extension 1116 and transverse members 1120, 1122 are formed as a single component. More specifically, members 1116, 1120, 1122 are operably welded together. In one example, members 1116, 1120, 1122 are formed of wire.

[0247] The wire support structure 1110 can be formed of metal or plastic.

[0248] The wire support structure 1110 is operably attached to the load-bearing member, such that members 1116, 1120, and 1122 are operably attached to the load-bearing member 1102. However, each member 1116, 1120, and 1122 does not need to be directly attached to the load-bearing member 1102.

[0249] Figure 36 A wire support structure 1110 is shown in an operational position relative to the load-bearing member 1102, such that the frame 1109 can be used to support retail merchandise. When the wire support structure 1110, particularly the transverse member 1120, is in this position relative to the load-bearing member 1102, the front flap hinges 1140, 1141 are operably removed from the transverse member 1120.

[0250] In one example, the wire support structure 1110 is permanently attached to the load-bearing member 1102, such that members 1116, 1120, and 1122 are in a generally fixed position relative to the load-bearing member 1102. Specifically, some limited flexibility allows for some limited relative movement. The permanent attachment can be accomplished by welding various transverse members, such as transverse member 1122, to the load-bearing member 1102. Adhesives or other mechanical attachment methods (e.g., deformation of one of the transverse members) can also be used.

[0251] In other examples, the wire support structure 1110 can be removably attached to the load-bearing member 1102. This can be done similarly to trays 100 and 1000. For example, in addition to the transverse member 1120, the ends of one or more transverse members 1122 can be axially inserted into holes within the load-bearing member 1102.

[0252] The tray 1100 includes a pusher mounted to the frame 1109 (particularly the longitudinal extension member 1116) for pushing the product toward the first end 1114 and forward the front baffle 1104 of the tray 1100. In particular, the product support frame 1109 defines a first longitudinal axis 1117 extending between the first end and the second ends 1114, 1118.

[0253] In the example shown, front bumper 1104 is a removable front bumper, but a front bumper similar to the front bumper 1004 of tray 1000 can be combined in other examples.

[0254] For further reference Figure 36 and Figure 37 The wire support structure 1110 also includes transverse members 1120 and 1122.

[0255] To mount the front shroud 1104, a pair of front shroud hinges 1140, 1141 are mounted to the frame 1109 to pivot between a first angular position and a second angular position. Specifically, the front shroud hinges 1140, 1141 are rotatable about a longitudinal axis 1142 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1117. As previously described, this allows the front shroud 1104 to rotate from a position similar to... Figure 6 upright orientation and similar Figure 8 The tilt-oriented change.

[0256] In this example, front flap hinges 1140, 1141 are mounted to wire support structure 1110 and, in particular, lateral member 1120. In this example, axis 1142 is defined by lateral member 1120.

[0257] In the tray 1100, the front flap hinges 1140, 1141 can be installed on and removed from the frame 1109 without disassembling the frame 1109. In the previous example, the wire support structure needed to be disconnected from one or both of the load-bearing components.

[0258] In this example, the load-bearing member 1102 does not need to be disconnected from the wire support structure 1110. In particular, the lateral member does not need to be moved relative to the load-bearing member 1102 to install or remove the front bumper hinges 1140, 1141 relative to the lateral member 1120.

[0259] This is particularly beneficial when retrofitting the pallet 1100 for installation in a retail environment. Furthermore, it allows for the installation of the front top hinges 1140, 1141, or optional front baffle 1104 after the frame 1109 or the rest of the pallet 1100 has been fully assembled.

[0260] In this example, the load-bearing member 1102 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 1117 ( Figure 36 The load-bearing members 1102 that extend longitudinally between the first and second ends are generally the same but mirror images of each other. Therefore, the description of one load-bearing member applies to the other load-bearing member 1102.

[0261] refer to Figure 36 and Figure 37 The load-bearing member 1102 includes a first end portion 1170, a middle portion 1172, and a second end portion 1174. When assembled, the first end portion 1170 is located near the first end 1114, while the second end portion 1174 is located near the second end 1118. The middle portion 1172 is axially located between the first and second end portions 1170 and 1172.

[0262] In this example, the first portion 1172 has a height H5 defined between the top 1176 and the bottom 1178. The height H5 is generally perpendicular to the product support surface 1179 defined by the frame 1109. Figure 38 It is an enlarged portion of frame 1109, with top 1176 positioned closer to or closer to the product support surface 1179 than bottom 1178 (e.g., the top of wire support structure 1110 in this example). Furthermore, in this example, top 1176 is spaced apart from product support surface 1179.

[0263] In this example, the height H6 of the middle portion 1172 is greater than the height H5 of the first end portion 1170. Height H6 is measured between the top and bottom of the middle portion 1172. In this example, the bottom of the middle portion 1172 is aligned with the bottom of the first end portion 1170. In this arrangement, the top 1185 of the middle portion 1172 is closer to the product support surface 1179 than the top 1176 of the first end portion 1170.

[0264] In this example, the top 1176 of the first portion 1170 of the load-bearing member 1102 is shaped such that the profile includes a gradient region where the height increases as it moves from the first end 1114 to the second end 1118.

[0265] The profile also includes a pair of curved regions 1180 and 1181. The first curved region 1180 is aligned with the first transverse member 1120. The first curved region 1180 is offset from the product support surface 1179.

[0266] A gap 1182 is formed between the top 1176 and the transverse member 1120, particularly between the first curved region 1180 of the top 1176 and the first transverse member 1120. Specifically, the transverse member 1120 is offset from the top 1120 toward the product support surface 1179, and the transverse member is positioned between the top 1176 of the first end portion 1170 and the product support surface.

[0267] In this example, the gap 1182, with interval S1, allows the front flap hinge 1140 to be installed and removed from the first transverse member 1120 when the front flap hinge 1140 is correctly oriented. When the front flap hinge 1140 is removed and installed onto the first transverse member 1120, the front flap hinge 1140 passes through the gap.

[0268] Specifically, in one example, when the front flap hinge 1140 is correctly oriented, the front flap hinge 1140 can slide axially along the transverse member 1120 and parallel to the axis 1142 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 36 (See arrow 1183) to remove and reinstall the front bumper hinge 1140 again relative to the transverse member 1120.

[0269] Figure 39 The front bumper hinge 1140 is shown in a first corner position, in which the load-bearing member 1102 prevents the front bumper hinge 1140 from slipping off the end of the transverse member 1120.

[0270] Figure 40 The diagram illustrates the front flap hinge 1140 in the second corner position. In this position, the front flap hinge 1140 is oriented such that it does not interfere with the load-bearing member 1102 and can slide away from the lateral member 1120.

[0271] More specifically, the main body 1184 of the front bumper hinge 1140 includes a blocking portion 1186. The blocking portion 1186 is aligned with a portion of the first end portion 1170 of the load-bearing member 1102, such that the current bumper hinge is in a position where... Figure 39 In the indicated direction, the blocking portion 1186 prevents the front bumper hinge 1140 from sliding axially away from the transverse member 1120. Figure 39 In the middle, the blocking part 1186 is shown in dashed lines.

[0272] exist Figure 40 In the second corner position shown, the front flap hinge 1140 has rotated about axis 1142 and transverse member 1120. In this orientation, the blocking portion 1186 of the body 1184 rotates and is misaligned with the first end portion 1170, such that when the hinge portion slides axially along transverse member 1120 and axis 1142, the blocking portion 1186 will slide over the load-bearing member 1102.

[0273] The body 1184 of the front bumper hinge 1140 includes a collar portion 1188 defining a mounting hole 1190, which receives the lateral member 1120 when the front bumper hinge 1140 is in the second angular position, and a gap 1182 between the lateral member 1120 and the bending region 1180 (see [link]). Figure 38 The dimensions of the aligned collar portion 1188 are designed to pass through the gap 1182, for example, the radial thickness R1 (see that portion of the collar portion 1188). Figure 39 The interval S1 is usually smaller than the gap 1182.

[0274] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 40 As shown, the front bumper hinge 1140 must rotate a sufficient angle from the first angular position so that the mounting pin axis 1191 of the front bumper mounting pin 1152 transitions beyond the parallel surface of the product support. In this example, the front bumper hinge 1140 must rotate more than 90 degrees from upright (e.g., from...). Figure 39 Orientation to Figure 40 (Direction in the middle).

[0275] In this example, at the second corner position, the mounting pin 1152 extends in a non-orthogonal orientation relative to the product support surface 1179 and extends toward the second end 1118.

[0276] In one example, the tip of the mounting pin 1152 must pass under the product support surface 1179 in a second corner position, in which the front flap hinge 1140 can be removed from the lateral member 1120.

[0277] Figure 41 and Figure 42 It shows the removal from frame 1109 but in Figure 39 and Figure 40 Front flap hinges 1140 and 1141 in the first and second corner positions shown

[0278] Furthermore, in one example, when the front baffle 1104 is mounted to the front baffle hinge 1140, the front baffle 1104 will abut the frame 1109, such as the wire support structure 1110, before the front baffle hinge 1140 rotates to that orientation. Therefore, once the front baffle 1104 is mounted to the front baffle hinge 1140, the front baffle hinge 1140 cannot be removed from the transverse member 1120. This is because the front baffle 1104 restricts the angular rotation of the front baffle hinge 1140 to reach... Figure 40 Orientation in

[0279] The wire support structure 1110 is constructed to divide the transverse member 1120 into multiple parts, including a first end part 1194 and a second end part 1195. Front flap hinges 1140 and 1141 are respectively mounted on the first and second end parts 1194 and 1195.

[0280] In order to accommodate the front flap hinges 1140, 1141, the longitudinal members 1116 are not completely straight. In the example shown, the two outermost longitudinal members 1116 include an end portion 1196 near the first end 1114, a middle portion 1197 closer to the second end 1118, and a transition portion 1198 connecting the end portion 1196 to the middle portion 1197.

[0281] During assembly, longitudinal members 1116 (at least some) are connected to transverse members 1120. Thus, the ends of the longitudinal members are positioned between front bumper hinges 1140 and 1141. The longitudinal members 1116 thus prevent the front bumper hinges 1140 from being removed from the transverse members 1120 at the second end portion 1195. Similarly, the longitudinal members 1116 prevent the front bumper hinges 1141 from being removed from the transverse members 1120 at the first end portion 1194.

[0282] In this example, end portion 1196 is attached to transverse members 1120 and 1122.

[0283] For these longitudinal members 1116, the end portion 1196 is laterally offset from the middle portion 1197 parallel to the axis 1142 (e.g., perpendicular to the axis 1117).

[0284] refer to Figure 43 The distance D1 between the inner surface of the load-bearing member 1102 and the transverse member 1120 is greater than the distance D1. Furthermore, the length L3 is greater than the distance D2 defined by the outer surface of the load-bearing member 1102.

[0285] In this example, the first and second end portions 1194, 1195 of the transverse member 1120 extend axially beyond the inner surface and axially beyond the outer surface of the load-bearing member 1102. However, it is worth noting that the transverse member 1120 does not extend into or pass through the hole formed through the load-bearing member 1102.

[0286] In some embodiments, the ends of the transverse member 1120 may be spaced apart inside adjacent load-bearing members 1102, but the spacing is less than the width of the body 1184 defining the mounting hole 1190, such that the load-bearing member 1102 still interferes with the blocking portion 1186 to prevent it from being removed in the first rotational position.

[0287] Similar to previous embodiments, the front flap hinge 1140 includes a rotation-limiting abutment 1162 when the front flap hinge 1140 is in a first angular orientation (see, for example...). Figure 39 The rotation-limiting abutment 1162 is axially abutted to the end of the adjacent load-bearing member.

[0288] All references, including publications, patent applications and patents cited herein, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that each reference is individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated herein by reference and fully elaborated herein.

[0289] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar indicators should be interpreted as covering both singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). Unless otherwise stated herein, the enumeration of ranges of numerical values ​​herein is intended only as a concise expression for each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually enumerated herein. Unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., “such as”) is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, no language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for the practice of the invention.

[0290] This document describes preferred embodiments of the invention, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to appropriately employ such variations, and the inventors intend to carry out the invention in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Therefore, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter set forth in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of all possible variations of the foregoing elements.

Claims

1. A retail merchandise tray assembly, comprising: A product support frame extends longitudinally parallel to a first longitudinal axis between a first frame end and a second frame end, defining a product support surface. The product support frame includes: A first load-bearing member extends longitudinally parallel to a first longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The first load-bearing member has a first end portion near the first frame end. The top of the first end portion is closer to the product support surface than the bottom of the first end portion. The top of the first end portion is spaced apart from the product support surface. A first transverse member, operably attached to a load-bearing member, extends perpendicularly to a second longitudinal axis along a second longitudinal axis. The first transverse member is located near the end of the first frame and positioned offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface. The first transverse member is positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface. A first front flap hinge is rotatably mounted on a first transverse member to rotate about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first front flap hinge is axially slidable along the first transverse member parallel to a second axis to remove the first front flap hinge relative to the first transverse member or to mount the first front flap hinge relative to the first transverse member.

2. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first transverse member is the first wire of the wire support structure, which also includes a first longitudinal member in the form of a second wire extending from a first end attached to the first transverse member and a second end near the second frame end.

3. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first transverse member is operably attached to the load-bearing member in a fixed position.

4. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein, When the first transverse member is in the operating position relative to the load-bearing member, the first front flap hinge can be removed from and installed onto the first transverse member, the operating position being the position where the product can be supported on the product support surface.

5. The retail goods tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front flap mounted to a first front flap hinge for rotating together with the first front flap hinge about a first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position, wherein in the first angular position the front flap is vertically oriented relative to the product support surface, and in the second angular position the front flap is obliquely oriented relative to the product support surface.

6. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position, the first front flap hinge can be removed from and installed onto the first transverse member; and When the first front flap hinge is in the first corner position, the first front flap hinge cannot be removed from or installed onto the first transverse member.

7. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 6, wherein, When the first front bumper hinge is in the first angular position, the first load-bearing member interferes with the first front bumper hinge to prevent the first front bumper hinge from being removed from or installed onto the first transverse member.

8. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first load-bearing member has a first height, which is perpendicular to the product support surface and is measured between the top and bottom of the first end portion; The first load-bearing member includes an intermediate portion having a second height, which is perpendicular to the product support surface and is measured between the top and bottom of the intermediate portion, with the top of the intermediate portion being closer to the product support surface than the bottom. and The top of the first end portion is further away from the product support surface than the top of the middle portion.

9. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 8, wherein, The first altitude is smaller than the second altitude.

10. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top portion of the first end portion is gradient, so that the height of the first end portion increases as it moves from the first end to the second end.

11. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The top of the first end portion includes a curved region that provides a tip notch through which the first front flap hinge passes when it is installed onto or removed from the first lateral member.

12. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first front flap hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin, the mounting collar defining a mounting hole that receives a first transverse member when the first front flap hinge is installed, and the mounting pin extending axially from the mounting collar.

13. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 12, wherein, The mounting pin extends along the mounting pin axis, which is offset from and approximately orthogonal to the central axis of the mounting collar.

14. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin defining a mounting pin axis that, in a first angular position, is approximately orthogonal to the product support surface, and in a second angular position, is more nearly parallel to the product support surface than in the first angular position.

15. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first front flap hinge rotates more than 90 degrees from the first corner position to the second corner position.

16. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin with a pointed tip; In the first corner position, the tip of the first front flap hinge is located on the first side of the product support surface; In the second corner position, the tip of the first front flap hinge is located on the second side of the product support surface opposite to the first side; and The first transverse member is located on the second side of the product support surface.

17. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first front flap hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin; In the first corner position, the mounting pin extends approximately perpendicular to the product support surface; In the second corner position, the mounting pin extends in a non-perpendicular orientation relative to the product support surface and toward the second frame end.

18. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 2, wherein, The first longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to the first transverse member, a middle portion located closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the middle portion, the transition portion extending not parallel to the first longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset from the middle portion parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

19. The retail merchandise tray assembly of claim 18, wherein the middle portion, end portion and transition portion of the first longitudinal member are formed from a single continuous piece of material.

20. The retail merchandise tray assembly of claim 1, further comprising: The second front blind hinge is laterally spaced from the first front blind hinge. The second front blind hinge has a mounting hole that rotatably mounts the second front blind hinge onto the first transverse member, allowing it to rotate about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first and second angular positions of the second front blind hinge correspond to the first and second angular positions of the first front blind hinge. Front flaps attached to the first and second front flap hinges.

21. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that, The front bumper is removably attached to the first front bumper hinge and the second front bumper hinge.

22. The retail merchandise tray assembly of claim 20, further comprising at least one first longitudinal member extending from a first end attached to a first transverse member and a second end near the second frame end; Its features are: At least one first end of the first longitudinal member is positioned between the first front bumper hinge and the second front bumper hinge; A first transverse member extends along a second longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and at least one first longitudinal member is attached between the first end and the second end, dividing the first transverse member into a first portion between the first end and at least one first longitudinal member and a second portion between the second end of the first transverse member and at least one first longitudinal member. The first front flap hinge is installed on the first part; The second front flap hinge is installed on the second part; At least one first longitudinal member prevents the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member at the second portion; and At least one first longitudinal member prevents the second front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member at the first portion.

23. The retail goods pallet assembly according to claim 1 further includes a second load-bearing member, the second load-bearing member being laterally spaced from the first load-bearing member by a first distance, the first distance being measured parallel to a second longitudinal axis; characterized in that The first transverse member extends a first length parallel to the second longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, and the first length is greater than the first distance. The first lateral end is located near the first end portion of the first load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the first load-bearing member; and The second lateral end is positioned near the first end portion of the second load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load-bearing member; and The first transverse member does not extend through the first load-bearing member or the second load-bearing member.

24. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gap is formed between the top of the first end portion of the first load-bearing member and the bottom of the first transverse member; The first front flap hinge has a body that defines a mounting hole. The body has a first portion that is sized to abut against a first transverse member when the first front flap hinge is in a first angular position, preventing the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member. and The main body has a second part, the size of which is designed to pass through the gap when the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position, thereby allowing the first front flap hinge to be removed from the first transverse member.

25. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front bumper hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages a first load-bearing element when the first front bumper hinge is in a first angular position, thereby limiting angular rotation of the first front bumper away from a second angular position.

26. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first transverse member does not extend through the first load-bearing member or the second load-bearing member.

27. A method for assembling a retail merchandise tray, comprising: A product support frame is provided, extending longitudinally parallel to a first longitudinal axis between a first frame end and a second frame end. The product support frame defines a product support surface and includes: A first load-bearing member extends longitudinally parallel to a first longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The first load-bearing member has a first end portion near the first frame end. The top of the first end portion is closer to the product support surface than the bottom of the first end portion. The top of the first end portion is spaced apart from the product support surface. A first transverse member, operably attached to a load-bearing member, extends perpendicularly to a second longitudinal axis along a second longitudinal axis. The first transverse member is located near the end of the first frame and positioned offset from the top of the first end portion toward the product support surface. The first transverse member is positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface. A first front flare hinge is provided, rotatably mounted on a first transverse member for rotation about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position; the first front flare hinge is axially slidable along the first transverse member parallel to a second axis for removal of the first front flare hinge relative to the first transverse member and for mounting the first front flare hinge relative to the first transverse member; and With the first transverse member in the operating position relative to the load-bearing member, the first front flap hinge is mounted on the first transverse member.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, During the installation of the front bumper hinge, the first lateral member is operably attached to the load-bearing member in a fixed position.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising: The front bulge is mounted to a first front bulge hinge to rotate together with the first front bulge hinge about a first lateral member between a first angular position and a second angular position, wherein the front bulge is vertically oriented relative to the product support surface in the first angular position and tilted relative to the product support surface in the second angular position.

30. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that: When the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position, the first front flap hinge can be removed from the first transverse member and can be installed onto the first transverse member; and When the first front flap hinge is in the first corner position, the first front flap hinge cannot be removed from the first transverse member or cannot be installed onto the first transverse member.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein when the first front bumper hinge is in the first angular position, the first front bumper hinge is prevented from being removed together with the first load-bearing member.

32. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that: The first load-bearing member includes an intermediate portion having a second height, which is perpendicular to the product support surface and is measured between the top and bottom of the intermediate portion, with the top of the intermediate portion being closer to the product support surface than the bottom. and The top of the first end portion is further away from the product support surface than the top of the middle portion.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, The first altitude is smaller than the second altitude.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein, The top of the first end portion is gradient, so that the height of the first end portion increases as it moves from the first end to the second end.

35. The method of claim 27, wherein, Installing the first front bumper hinge includes, when the first front bumper hinge is installed to the first transverse member, passing the first front bumper hinge through a tip notch provided by a curved area formed in the top of the first end portion.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein, The first front flap hinge has a mounting collar and a mounting pin, the mounting collar defining a mounting hole and the mounting pin extending axially from the mounting collar; The installation steps include inserting the first transverse member into the mounting hole while the first transverse member is in the operating position relative to the first load-bearing member.

37. The method of claim 28, wherein, The first longitudinal member includes an end portion attached to the first transverse member, a middle portion located closer to the second end than the end portion, and a transition portion connecting the end portion to the middle portion, the transition portion extending not parallel to the first longitudinal axis, such that the end portion is laterally offset from the middle portion which is parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein, The middle, end, and transition portions of the first longitudinal member are formed from a single continuous material piece.

39. The method of claim 27, further comprising: A second front bumper hinge is mounted on a first transverse member in a relationship that is laterally spaced relative to a first front bumper hinge. The second front bumper hinge has a mounting hole that rotatably mounts the second front bumper hinge on the first transverse member to rotate about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position and the second angular position of the second front bumper hinge correspond to the first angular position and the second angular position of the first front bumper hinge. The second front flap hinge is mounted to the first transverse member from the end of the first transverse member opposite to the first front flap hinge; Attach the front bumper to the first and second front bumper hinges.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein, The front bumper is removably attached to the first front bumper hinge and the second front bumper hinge.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising a first longitudinal member extending from a first end attached to the first transverse member and a second end near the second frame end; Its features are: The first end of the first longitudinal member is positioned between the first front baffle hinge and the second front baffle hinge. The first transverse member extends along the second longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, and the first longitudinal member is attached between the first end and the second end, dividing the first transverse member into a first part between the first end and the first longitudinal member and a second part between the second end and the second longitudinal member. The first front flap hinge is installed on the first part; The second front flap hinge is installed on the second part; The first longitudinal member prevents the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member at the second portion; and The first longitudinal member prevents the second front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member at the first portion.

42. The method according to claim 27, further comprising a second load-bearing member, the second load-bearing member being laterally spaced from the first load-bearing member by a first distance measured parallel to a second longitudinal axis; characterized in that The first transverse member extends between the first end and the second end, parallel to the second longitudinal axis, for a first length, the first length being greater than the first distance; The first lateral end is located near the first end portion of the first load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the first load-bearing member; and The second lateral end is located near the first end portion of the second load-bearing member and extends laterally outward beyond the inner surface of the second load-bearing member.

43. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that: A gap is formed between the top of the first end portion of the first load-bearing member and the bottom of the first transverse member; The first front flap hinge has a body that defines a mounting hole. The body has a first portion that is sized to abut a first transverse member when the first front flap hinge is in a first angular position, preventing the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member. and The main body has a second part, which is sized to pass through a gap when the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position, thereby allowing the first front flap hinge to be removed from the first transverse member. and The installation steps include orienting the second part with the gap, and then sliding the first front flap hinge onto the first transverse member.

44. The method of claim 27, wherein, The front bumper hinge includes a rotation limiting abutment that engages a first load-bearing element when the first front bumper hinge is in a first angular position, thereby limiting angular rotation of the first front bumper away from a second angular position.

45. A retail merchandise tray assembly, comprising: A product support frame extends longitudinally parallel to a first longitudinal axis between a first frame end and a second frame end, the product support frame defining a product support surface, and the product support frame comprising: A first longitudinal member extends generally parallel to a first longitudinal axis and has a first end portion having a top facing the product support surface and spaced apart from the product support surface. A first transverse member, operably attached to a first longitudinal member, extends perpendicularly to a second longitudinal axis along a second longitudinal axis. The first transverse member is located near a first end portion and is offset from the top of the first end portion toward a product support surface. The first transverse member is positioned between the top of the first end portion and the product support surface. A first front deflector hinge is rotatably mounted to a first transverse member to rotate about the first transverse member between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first front deflector hinge has a blocking portion. The feature is that: When the first front baffle hinge is in the first angle position, the blocking portion is aligned with the first longitudinal member, such that the first longitudinal member and the blocking portion abut each other when the first front baffle hinge moves axially parallel to the second axis, preventing the removal or installation of the first front baffle hinge relative to the first transverse member; and When the first front baffle hinge is in the second corner position, the blocking portion is not aligned with the first longitudinal member, such that when the first front baffle hinge moves axially parallel to the second axis, the first end portion and the blocking portion are not adjacent, allowing the first front baffle hinge to be removed or installed relative to the first transverse member.

46. The retail merchandise pallet assembly of claim 45, wherein, A first longitudinal member and a first transverse member form a gap therebetween, and the first front flap hinge is sized to extend across the gap when the first front flap hinge is in a first angular position.

47. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 46, characterized in that: The first front flap hinge has a mounting collar that extends around at least a portion of the first transverse member when mounted to the first transverse member. The mounting collar has a portion that aligns with the gap and is sized to pass through the gap when the first front flap hinge is in the second corner position.

48. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 45, characterized in that: A gap is formed between the first longitudinal member and the first transverse member; The dimensions and construction of the first front flap hinge are designed to prevent the first front flap hinge from passing through the gap when in the first angular position, and to prevent the first front flap hinge from being removed from the first transverse member; and The dimensions and construction of the first front flap hinge are designed to allow the first front flap hinge to pass through the gap when in the second corner position, so as to allow the first front flap hinge to be installed or removed from the first transverse member.

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