Commodity hanging tool and display stand

Abstract

A commodity suspension tool is provided with: a rod which extends in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be able to suspend a commodity and which extends from a base end portion toward a tip portion opposite to the base end portion; a housing portion which is provided inside the rod and which spans the tip portion from the base end portion of the rod; and a first shaft portion which is provided inside the housing portion and is located at the tip portion. The first shaft part is arranged in the containing part and located at the base end part, the second shaft part is arranged in the containing part and located at the base end part, the annular belt part is wound around the first shaft part and the second shaft part and can rotate in the containing part, and the protruding parts are arranged on the outer side face of the belt part at preset intervals, can make contact with the commodities and protrude out of the outer side face. A part of the protruding part protrudes outside the outer peripheral surface of the rod, and another part of the protruding part opposite to the part of the protruding part is located inside the outer peripheral surface of the rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a commodity hanging tool capable of pushing commodities forward. Background Art

[0002] A product display tool has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This product display tool includes a rod-shaped member for hanging products and a product forwarding mechanism for pushing the products hung on the rod-shaped member forward. The product forwarding mechanism includes a pair of shaft members, an endless belt-shaped member mounted on the pair of shaft members, and a plate-shaped member protruding from the outer surface of the endless belt-shaped member. The plate-shaped member has a notch for accommodating the rod-shaped member. When a buyer picks up a product, the product at the rear is pushed forward by the endless belt-shaped member and the plate-shaped member.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1]: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-285047. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The aforementioned conventional merchandise display tools require a large amount of space within the display rack due to the pair of shaft members, the endless belt member, and the plate member. This makes them unsuitable for displaying as many merchandise as possible within the limited space within a store. Furthermore, although rod-shaped members are configured to tilt downward (forward) as their height decreases toward the front to push merchandise forward, the downwardly tilted portion of the rod-shaped members creates dead space, reducing the number of merchandise that can be displayed on the rack.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a commodity hanging tool that can semi-automatically push commodities forward and minimize useless space.

[0009] [Solutions for solving technical problems]

[0010] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the following invention. That is, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (1) comprises: a rod extending in a substantially horizontal direction so that commodities can be hung, and the rod extending from a base end portion toward a front end portion opposite to the base end portion; a storage portion provided inside the rod and spanning from the base end portion to the front end portion of the rod; a first shaft portion provided in the storage portion and located at the front end portion; and a belt member bent into a U-shape and arranged in the storage portion, and capable of moving forward and backward in the storage portion with the first shaft portion as a fulcrum.

[0011] Alternatively, the product hanging tool of the present invention (2) is such as the product hanging tool described in (1), and has a second shaft portion, which is arranged in the storage portion and is located at the base end portion; the belt part is annularly wound around the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and can be rotated in the storage portion.

[0012] Alternatively, the product hanging tool of the present invention (3), such as the product hanging tool described in (1) or (2), has a plurality of protrusions, which are arranged on the outer surface of the belt component at predetermined intervals and protrude from the outer surface so as to be able to contact the product.

[0013] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (4) is a commodity hanging tool as described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the multiple protrusions of a part protrude outside the outer peripheral surface of the rod, and the multiple protrusions of another part opposite to the multiple protrusions of the aforementioned part are on the inner side of the outer peripheral surface of the rod.

[0014] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (5) is a commodity hanging tool as described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the outer peripheral surface of the rod has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, the plurality of protrusions of the aforementioned part are arranged at positions corresponding to the top surface and protrude from the top surface; and the plurality of protrusions of the aforementioned other part are arranged at positions corresponding to the bottom surface and are located further inward than the bottom surface.

[0015] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (6) is a commodity hanging tool as described in (3), wherein the belt component has a belt body; the protrusion has an inclined portion, and when the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface, the protruding height of the inclined portion protruding from the outer surface of the belt body gradually increases in the direction from the front end of the protrusion to the base end.

[0016] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (7) is a commodity hanging tool as described in (6), wherein the protrusion has a step portion, and when the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface, the step portion is arranged on one side of the inclined portion of the protrusion toward the base end portion and extends from the outer surface of the belt body in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface.

[0017] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (8) is the commodity hanging tool described in (7), wherein the protrusion has a square base and a semicircular portion, the square base is directly connected to the belt body, and the semicircular portion is formed on the upper side of the square base.

[0018] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (9) is the commodity hanging tool described in (3), wherein the diameter of the arc surface of the first shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion in the circumferential direction of the belt member.

[0019] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (10) is the commodity hanging tool described in (3), wherein the diameter of the arc surface of the second shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion in the circumferential direction of the belt member.

[0020] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (11) is a commodity hanging tool as described in any one of (1), wherein the rod has a raised portion raised upward on the front end portion.

[0021] Alternatively, the commodity hanging tool of the present invention (12) is a commodity hanging tool as described in (2), wherein the rod has:

[0022] a rod body having a U-shaped cross section and having the receiving portion on the inner side; and

[0023] The cover member is mounted on the rod body to cover the accommodating portion, and the cover member includes the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion.

[0024] In addition, the present invention (13) is a display rack having the commodity hanging tool as described in (1).

[0025] [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, a commodity hanging tool can be provided which can semi-automatically push commodities forward and minimize useless space.

[0027] Summary of the Figures

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a product hanging tool and a display rack equipped therewith;

[0029] Figure 2 It is indicated from the side Figure 1 A side view of the merchandise hanging tool is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 It is indicated from above Figure 1 A plan view of the merchandise hanging tool shown;

[0031] Figure 4 It will Figure 3 The enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of F4 shown;

[0032] Figure 5 It indicates that Figure 1 The product hanging tool shown is a cross-sectional view taken in the longitudinal direction at the center line position;

[0033] Figure 6 It will Figure 5 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0034] Figure 7It will Figure 5 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the product hanging tool shown;

[0035] Figure 8 It will Figure 2 The product hanging tool shown is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line F8-F8;

[0036] Figure 9 It indicates that Figure 1 A perspective view showing a partially cutaway side view of the front end portion of the rod of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0037] Figure 10 It indicates that Figure 1 A perspective view showing a partially cutaway portion of the base end portion of the rod and the fixing portion of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0038] Figure 11 It will Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exploded schematic representation of the rod body, cover component, and annular belt component of the commercial suspension tool shown;

[0039] Figure 12 It is to instruct customers to take the goods from Figure 1 A side view of the state before the commodity hanging tool is removed;

[0040] Figure 13 It is to instruct customers to take the goods from Figure 12 A side view of the state in which the commodity hanging tool is removed;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of a product hanging tool cut along the width direction intersecting with the long axis direction;

[0042] Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of a product hanging tool and a display rack equipped with the same;

[0043] Figure 16 It is indicated from the side Figure 15 A side view of the merchandise hanging tool is shown;

[0044] Figure 17 It will Figure 15 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0045] Figure 18 It indicates that Figure 15 A partially cutaway perspective view of the front end portion of the rod of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0046] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a product hanging tool and a display rack equipped therewith cut longitudinally along the center line;

[0047] Figure 20 It will Figure 19 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0048] Figure 21 It will Figure 19 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the product hanging tool shown;

[0049] Figure 22 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a product hanging tool and a display rack equipped therewith cut longitudinally along the center line;

[0050] Figure 23 It will Figure 22 The product hanging tool shown is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line F23-F23;

[0051] Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a product hanging tool and a display rack equipped therewith cut longitudinally along the center line;

[0052] Figure 25 It will Figure 24 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the commodity hanging tool shown;

[0053] Figure 26 It will Figure 24 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the product hanging tool shown;

[0054] Figure 27 It is along Figure 24 The illustrated product hanging tool is a cross-sectional view taken in a width direction intersecting with the front-rear direction.

[0055] [Description of the mark]

[0056] 11: Display rack; 12: Beam component; 13: Product hanging tool; 14: Rod; 16: Annular belt component; 17: Base end portion; 18: Front end portion; 21: Top surface; 22: Bottom surface; 23: Rod body; 24: Storage portion; 25: Cover component; 41: Cover body; 42: Raised portion; 46: First axis portion; 47: Second axis portion; 51: Foot portion; 54: Product; 56: Arc surface; 57: Second arc surface; 61: Belt body; 62: Protrusion; 63: Inclined portion; 64: Step portion; 65: Outer surface; 71: Square base; 72: Semicircular portion; 81: Belt component; 82: Hook portion.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of the present invention

[0058] The following describes a product hanging device and a display rack equipped with the same according to this embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment utilizes the force of a customer removing an item to push subsequent items forward. The following description uses the direction along which the rod extends as the long axis, the direction intersecting the long axis as the width, the customer-facing side as the front direction, and the side opposite the customer as the rear direction.

[0059] [First embodiment]

[0060] refer to Figures 1 to 13 , the commodity hanging tool 13 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the display rack 11 includes a beam member 12 (angle bar) and a product hanging tool 13 attached to the beam member 12 .

[0062] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the product hanging tool 13 includes: a hollow rod 14, a fixing portion 15 supported by the rod 14 and fixed to a beam component 12 (angle bar) extending along the horizontal axis of the product display shelf, and an annular belt component 16 that can be installed so as to rotate relative to the rod 14. The rod 14 has a base end portion 17 fixed to the fixing portion 15 and a front end portion 18 on the opposite side of the base end portion 17 in the longitudinal direction. A portion of the rod 14 and the fixing portion 15 are formed of a metal material such as steel. The base end portion 17 of the rod 14 (rod body 23) is fixed to the fixing portion 15 by welding, for example. The rod 14 has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 located on the opposite side of the top surface 21. The annular belt component 16 is an example of the belt component described in the present invention.

[0063] The fixing portion 15 is formed in an inverted J-shape and can be hooked on the beam member 12. That is, the fixing portion 15 can support the beam member 12 (angle bar) on the inside. Therefore, the fixing portion 15 can be attached to and detached from the beam member 12.

[0064] The rod 14 allows the merchandise 54 to be suspended and extended in a substantially horizontal direction. The rod 14 extends from a base end 17 toward a front end 18 opposite to the base end 17. Figure 8 、 Figure 11 As shown, the rod 14 includes a rod body 23 having a U-shaped cross section and formed elongated, a housing portion 24 formed elongated inside the rod body 23, and a cover member 25 covering the rod body 23 and the housing portion 24. The rod body 23 has an opening facing upward, and the housing portion 24 is formed in the opening.

[0065] The housing portion 24 is formed in the shape of an elongated groove extending from the base end portion 17 across the distal end portion 18. A portion of the endless belt member 16 can be housed inside the housing portion 24.

[0066] The rod body 23 is formed into a long and thin rod shape by a metal material such as steel. The rod body 23 is a structure formed by bending a metal flat plate to form a U-shaped cross section. Figure 8 、 Figure 11 As shown, the rod body 23 has a bottom wall portion 31, a pair of side wall portions 32 erected upward from both end portions in the horizontal width direction of the bottom wall portion 31, a pair of receiving portions 33 provided on the front end side of the pair of side wall portions 32, a pair of supporting portions 34 provided to protrude upward from the base end side of the pair of side wall portions 32, a plurality of first fitting portions 35 provided on the pair of side wall portions 32, and a lower side opening portion 36 provided on the front end side of the bottom wall portion 31 (see FIG. Figure 6 、 Figure 9 ).

[0067] The pair of receiving portions 33 are formed to be concave inwardly relative to the periphery in the longitudinal direction, and can hook and support the hook portion 53 of the cover member 25 described later. The pair of supporting portions 34 can clamp and support the stopper portion 43 on the base side of the cover member 25 inside thereof. Figure 8 As shown, each of the plurality of first fitting portions 35 is constituted by a protrusion that can be inserted into a second fitting portion 52 (through hole) of the cover member 25 described later.

[0068] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the lower opening 36 is formed into a slit shape, and a portion of the annular belt member 16 (protrusion 62) wrapped around the first shaft portion 46 is exposed at the lower side. This eliminates the need to expand the diameter of the rod 14 and prevents the annular belt member 16 from interfering with the bottom wall portion 31.

[0069] The cover member 25 is integrally formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material. Figures 6 to 8 and Figure 11 As shown, the cover part 25 has a slender flat-plate-shaped cover body 41, a raised portion 42 provided on the front end side of the cover body 41 and raised upward, a stopper portion 43 provided on the base end side of the cover body 41, a track groove 44 which is concave and can accommodate a portion of the annular belt part 16, a pair of retaining claws 45 for supporting a portion of the annular belt part 16 in the track groove 44, a first shaft portion 46 located in the storage portion 24 and provided at the front end portion 18, a second shaft portion 47 located in the storage portion 24 and provided at the base end portion 17, a plurality of legs 51 protruding in a manner deep into the storage portion 24 from the cover body 41, a second fitting portion 52 provided on the legs 51, and a hook portion 53 provided at the lower portion of the front end side of the cover body 41.

[0070] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the raised portion 42 is formed in a mountain shape and protrudes upward. The raised portion 42 has a groove 42A at its widthwise center for allowing the endless belt member 16 to pass through when the endless belt member 16 is wound around the first shaft portion 46.

[0071] like Figure 1 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the stopper 43 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumference of the cylindrical rod 14, and can stop the product 54 and prevent it from moving toward the base end 17. The base end side of the stopper 43 is clamped and supported inside the pair of support parts 34.

[0072] like Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, the track groove 44 extends elongatedly along the long axis direction of the rod 14 and is configured to be more concave than the surrounding portion.

[0073] like Figure 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, a pair of retaining claws 45 are provided at predetermined intervals at multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the rod 14. The pair of retaining claws 45 protrude from the side walls (side wall portions 32) on both sides of the track groove 44 toward the inner side of the track groove 44. In other words, the retaining claws 45 protrude from the upper edge of the track groove 44 toward the center of the track groove 44.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the endless belt member 16 has a notch 55 at one location. The notch 55 has a length E that is smaller than the length D of the retaining claw 45 in the longitudinal direction of the rod 14, and a thickness (wall thickness) that is greater than that of the retaining claw 45. A pair of notches 55 are provided at both lateral ends of the endless belt member 16. When assembling the product hanging tool 13, the assembler can insert the endless belt member 16 into the track groove 44 through these notches 55.

[0075] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first shaft portion 46 has a non-circular cross-section. The first shaft portion 46 includes a semicircular arcuate surface 56 that projects toward the distal end of the rod 14. The diameter A of this arcuate surface 56 (semicircle) is larger than the width B of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the annular belt member 16. The center of the semicircle (arcumeric surface 56) of the first shaft portion 46 is positioned closer to the center of the rod 14 than the bottom surface of the track groove 44.

[0076] like Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the cross-section of the second shaft portion 47 is formed to be non-circular, but the second shaft portion 47 has a semicircular second arcuate surface 57 that protrudes toward the base end of the rod 14. The diameter dimension C of this second arcuate surface 57 (semicircle) is formed to be larger than the width dimension B of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the annular belt member 16. The center of the semicircle (arc surface 56) of the second shaft portion 47 is located radially outward of the rod 14 relative to the bottom surface of the track groove 44.

[0077] like Figure 8 、 Figure 11 As shown, most of the legs 51 protrude from the widthwise ends of the cover body 41 toward the interior of the storage portion 24. The legs 51 are arranged so as to be staggered. For example, if one leg 51 protrudes from the right widthwise end of the cover body 41, the adjacent leg protrudes from the left widthwise end of the cover body 41. Most of the legs 51 each have a second fitting portion 52. The second fitting portion 52 is formed, for example, as a through-hole. The protrusion of the first fitting portion 35 is inserted into this second fitting portion 52. This secures the cover member 25 to the rod body 23.

[0078] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 11 As shown, the hook portion 53 is formed in a claw shape that protrudes toward the rear side and is bent into a shape complementary to the receiving portion 33 so as to be hooked on the pair of receiving portions 33 .

[0079] The endless belt member 16 is provided so as to be rotatable in the housing portion 24 and is wound around the first shaft portion 46 and the second shaft portion 47. The endless belt member 16 is formed of, for example, a flexible synthetic resin material. Figures 5 to 11 As shown, the annular belt member 16 has an annular and belt-shaped belt body 61 and a plurality of protrusions 62 provided on the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61. The plurality of protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 at predetermined intervals. The annular belt member 16 is arranged to span the inside of the track groove 44 of the cover body 41 and the inside of the storage portion 24 of the rod 14. When the annular belt member 16 is located in the track groove 44, it is located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14 (refer to FIG. Figure 5 ). Thus, when located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, a portion of the plurality of protrusions 62 will protrude further outward than the outer peripheral surface (top surface 21) of the rod 14 (refer to Figure 2 On the other hand, when the annular belt member 16 is located in the storage portion 24 of the rod 14, it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22 (refer to Figure 5 Thus, when located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22 , a portion of the plurality of protrusions 62 will be located further inward than the outer peripheral surface (bottom surface 22 ) of the rod 14 .

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, each of the multiple protrusions 62 has a shark's dorsal fin-like shape. In other words, the protrusions 62 include an inclined portion 63 and a stepped portion 64 disposed adjacent to the inclined portion 63. When positioned relative to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the inclined portion 63 is positioned closer to the front end 18 than the stepped portion 64. The inclined portion 63 is inclined such that the height of the protrusion from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 increases as the front end 18 moves toward the base end 17. Similarly, when positioned relative to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 is positioned closer to the base end 17 than the inclined portion 63. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0081] Therefore, the protrusion 62 is formed in a shape that is easy to hook the edge of the through hole of the product 54 when the customer takes the product 54 out from the front side, and is not easy to hook the edge of the through hole of the product 54 when the store manager replenishes the product 54 to the rear side.

[0082] The merchandise 54 hung and displayed on the merchandise hanging device 13 of this embodiment has a through hole that can pass through the rod 14. This through hole is usually formed with a diameter that is sufficiently larger than the rod 14. For example, while the rod 14 has a diameter of 4 to 6 mm, the diameter of the through hole of the merchandise 54 is 8 to 10 mm.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , explaining the function of the commodity hanging tool 13 of this embodiment.

[0084] like Figure 12 As shown, a plurality of commodities 54 are hung and displayed on the commodity hanging tool 13. When a customer who comes to the store takes out the commodity 54 forward, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown, the edge of the through-hole 54 of the product 54 hooks onto the protrusion 62 (step 64) of the endless belt member 16, pulling a portion of the endless belt member 16 forward and rotating the endless belt member 61. By rotating the endless belt member 16, the inclined portion 63 of the protrusion 62 enters the through-hole of the product 54, allowing the upper side of the inclined portion 63 to carry the following product 54. With the following product 54 being carried by the upper side of the inclined portion 63, the endless belt member 16 can continue to rotate further, pushing the following product 54 forward semi-automatically. This ensures that the products 54 are always arranged at the front.

[0085] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the products 54 on the product hanging tool 13 from the rear, the products 54 will not be caught on the protrusion 62 because the inclined portion 63 is formed on the protrusion 62, and the products 54 can be replenished smoothly.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the product hanging tool 13 includes: a rod 14 extending in a substantially horizontal direction from a base end 17 to a front end 18 opposite the base end 17 so that the product 54 can be suspended; a storage portion 24 provided inside the rod 14, extending from the base end 17 to the front end 18; a first shaft portion 46 provided within the storage portion 24 and at the front end 18; and a belt member bent into a U-shape and disposed within the storage portion 24, capable of moving forward and backward within the storage portion 24 with the first shaft portion 46 serving as a fulcrum.

[0087] With this structure, as customers remove items 54, the belt member and protrusion 62 can semi-automatically push the following items 54 forward. This reduces the store manager's daily labor required to push items 54 forward. Furthermore, because the belt member is housed within the rod 14, no additional space is required for storing it, resulting in a space-saving display rack 11 with a high density of items 54. Furthermore, because the rod 14 extends in a slightly horizontal direction, it can save space and achieve a high density of items 54 compared to a display rack 11 with the rod 14 tilted forward.

[0088] The product hanging tool 13 includes a second shaft portion 47 provided at the base end portion 17 in the storage portion 24 . The belt member is annular and wound around the first shaft portion 46 and the second shaft portion 47 , and is rotatably provided in the storage portion 24 .

[0089] According to this structure, since the belt-shaped member is annular, the belt-shaped member does not need to be restored, and thus the product hanging tool 13 that allows the store manager to efficiently perform product replenishment operations can be realized.

[0090] In this case, a plurality of protrusions 62 are provided on the outer surface 65 of the belt member at predetermined intervals and protrude from the outer surface 65 so as to contact the product 54. With this structure, a belt member having a structure that can easily hook the product 54 can be realized.

[0091] Some of the protrusions 62 protrude further outward from the outer circumference of the rod 14, while others are located further inward from the outer circumference. This structure allows only the protrusions 62 in a single row on one side of the rod 14 to protrude further outward from the outer circumference, while the other protrusions 62 in the opposite row are located further inward from the outer circumference. This allows the endless belt member 16 to efficiently rotate in a single direction as the customer removes an item 54 from the front of the rod 14. This allows the item 54 to be pushed forward efficiently and automatically.

[0092] In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the rod 14 has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 opposite to the top surface 21, and a portion of the multiple protrusions 62 are arranged at positions corresponding to the top surface 21 and protrude more than the top surface 21; another portion of the multiple protrusions 62 are arranged at positions corresponding to the bottom surface 22 and are located further inner than the bottom surface 22.

[0093] Typically, merchandise 54 displayed on a rod 14 has a through-hole for the rod 14 to pass through. This through-hole is often formed with a diameter sufficiently large for the rod 14. Furthermore, the upper edge of the through-hole hooks onto the top surface 21 of the rod 14, thereby being suspended from the rod 14. On the other hand, due to the relationship between the diameter of the through-hole and the diameter of the rod 14, the lower edge of the through-hole is often positioned away from the rod 14. This structure allows for the placement of some of the multiple protrusions 62 in locations where they can easily hook onto merchandise 54. This makes it easier for the protrusions 62 to hook onto merchandise 54 and effectively transfers the force exerted by customers removing merchandise 54 from the front to the belt member, allowing the belt member to rotate in one direction. This allows subsequent merchandise 54 to be pushed forward.

[0094] The belt member includes a belt body 61 , and the protrusion 62 includes an inclined portion 63 whose protrusion height from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 increases as it moves from the front end 18 toward the base end 17 when located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 .

[0095] This structure makes it difficult for products 54 to get caught on the protrusions 62 when products 54 are replenished via the inclined portion 63. Furthermore, when a customer removes products 54, the endless belt member 16 and the protrusions 62 rotate in one direction, allowing the protrusions 62 to easily enter the lower side of the products 54 via the inclined portion 63. This facilitates the transport of products 54 above the protrusions 62, and the rotational force of the endless belt member 16 and the protrusions 62 allows the subsequent products 54 to be efficiently pushed forward.

[0096] The protrusion 62 has a stepped portion 64 located closer to the base end 17 than the inclined portion 63 when located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 , wherein the stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65 .

[0097] According to this structure, when the customer takes out the product 54, the protrusion 62 can easily hook the product 54. Thereby, the force of taking out the product 54 can be used to efficiently rotate the belt member, and the subsequent other products 54 can be efficiently pushed forward.

[0098] The diameter of the arc surface 56 of the first shaft portion 46 is larger than the width of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the belt member. According to this structure, the belt member can be smoothly rotated without being caught by a small resistance.

[0099] The diameter of the second shaft portion 47 is larger than the width of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the belt member. According to this structure, the belt member can be smoothly rotated without being caught by a small resistance.

[0100] The rod 14 has a protrusion 42 that protrudes upward on the front end portion 18. According to this structure, the product 54 is difficult to fall off from the rod 14.

[0101] The rod 14 includes a rod body 23 having a U-shaped cross section and a housing portion 24 therein, and a cover member 25 attached to the rod body 23 to cover the housing portion 24. The cover member 25 includes a first shaft portion 46 and a second shaft portion 47.

[0102] According to this structure, the structure for covering the storage portion 24 can be realized with a simple structure.

[0103] Next, a modified embodiment of the display rack 11 and the product hanging tool 13 of this embodiment will be described. In the following modified examples, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0104] (Variation)

[0105] refer to Figure 14 A modified example of the product hanging tool 13 of the first embodiment will now be described. In this modified example, the rod body 23 is open laterally, and a storage portion 24 is formed within this opening. A cover member 25 is attached to the side of the rod body 23 to close the laterally open storage portion 24. The plurality of protrusions 62 protrude further outward than the outer circumference of the rod 14 when positioned within the track groove 44. When positioned within the storage portion 24, the plurality of protrusions 62 are located further inward than the outer circumference of the rod 14.

[0106] According to this variation, since the protrusion 62 can be hooked on the edge of the through hole of the product 54, the force of the customer taking out the product 54 is used to push the subsequent product 54 forward, which is substantially the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0107] Next, a modified embodiment of the product hanging tool 13 of this embodiment will be described. In the following embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0108] [Second embodiment]

[0109] refer to Figures 15-18The product hanging device 13 and the display rack 11 equipped with the same according to the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, although the shape of the protrusion 62 of the endless belt member 16 is different from that of the first embodiment, the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0110] The display rack 11 includes a beam member 12 (corner bar) and a product hanging tool 13 attached to the beam member 12 .

[0111] like Figure 16 As shown, the endless belt member 16 has an endless and belt-like belt body 61 and a protrusion 62 provided on an outer surface 65 of the belt body 61. Figure 17 、 Figure 18 As shown, the protrusion 62 has a square base 71 directly connected to the belt body 61 and a semicircular portion 72 formed on the upper side (outer side) of the square base 71. The annular belt member 16 is an example of the belt member mentioned in the present invention.

[0112] More specifically, the protrusion 62 includes an inclined portion 63 and a stepped portion 64 adjacent to the inclined portion 63. Figure 17 As shown, when located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the semicircular portion 72 has an inclined portion 63 located closer to the front end portion 18 than the stepped portion 64. The inclined portion 63 is formed in an arc shape with a protruding height from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 gradually increasing in the direction from the front end portion 18 toward the base end portion 17.

[0113] like Figure 16 As shown, the square base portion 71 has a stepped portion 64. When located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 is located closer to the base end portion 17 than the inclined portion 63. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0114] Next, refer to Figures 15-18 The function of the commodity hanging tool 13 of this embodiment will be described.

[0115] Multiple products 54 are suspended and displayed on the product hanging tool 13. When a customer in the store takes a product 54 forward, the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 hooks onto the protrusion 62 (step 64) of the annular belt member 16, causing the annular belt member 16 to rotate and partially pull out toward the front. By rotating the annular belt member 16, the inclined portion 63 of the protrusion 62 enters the through-hole of the product 54, allowing the subsequent product 54 to be transported above the inclined portion 63. Because the annular belt member 16 continues to rotate while carrying the subsequent product 54 above the inclined portion 63, the subsequent product 54 is semi-automatically pushed forward. This ensures that the products 54 are always arranged in the front row.

[0116] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the merchandise 54 on the merchandise hanging tool 13 to the rear, the merchandise 54 will not be caught on the protrusion 62 because the inclined portion 63 is formed on the protrusion 62, and the merchandise 54 can be replenished smoothly.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the protrusion 62 is semicircular in shape. This configuration makes it difficult for products 54 to get caught on the protrusion 62 when restocking. Furthermore, when a customer removes a product 54, causing the belt member and protrusion 62 to rotate in one direction, the semicircular shape allows the protrusion 62 to easily enter the lower side of the product 54. This allows the upper side of the protrusion 62 to easily transport the product 54, and the rotational force of the belt member and protrusion 62 can efficiently push the subsequent product 54 forward.

[0118] [Third embodiment]

[0119] refer to Figures 19-21 Next, a third embodiment of a product hanging device 13 and a display rack 11 equipped therewith will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the annular belt member 16 is constructed as a belt member 81 rather than an annular shape, but the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0120] The belt member 81 is formed into a belt-shaped structure rather than a ring. The belt member 81 is formed of, for example, a flexible synthetic resin material. The belt member 81 has a belt-shaped belt body 61, a plurality of protrusions 62 provided on the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61, and a finger hook portion 82 for returning the belt member 81 to its original position. The plurality of protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 at predetermined intervals. The belt member 81 is bent into a U-shape with the first shaft portion 46 as the center, and is arranged to span the inside of the track groove 44 of the cover body 41 and the inside of the storage portion 24 of the rod 14. When the belt member 81 is located in the track groove 44, it is located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14. Thus, when located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the plurality of protrusions 62 protrude further outward than the outer peripheral surface (top surface 21) of the rod 14. On the other hand, when the belt member 81 is located in the housing portion 24 of the rod 14, it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22. Thus, when located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22, the plurality of protrusions 62 are located further inward than the outer peripheral surface (bottom surface 22) of the rod 14.

[0121] Each of the plurality of protrusions 62 has a shark dorsal fin-like appearance. In other words, the protrusion 62 has an inclined portion 63 and a stepped portion 64 adjacent to the inclined portion 63. Figure 19As shown, when positioned relative to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the inclined portion 63 is located to the side of the front end portion 18. The inclined portion 63 is inclined such that the protrusion height from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 increases as the front end portion 18 moves toward the base end portion 17. Similarly, when positioned relative to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 is located closer to the base end portion 17. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0122] Therefore, the protrusion 62 is formed in a shape that allows the protrusion 62 to easily catch the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 when the customer takes the product 54 out from the front, and to be less likely to catch the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 when the store manager restocks the product 54 to the rear. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a U-shaped guide may be provided on the outside of the belt member 81 to efficiently rotate the belt member 81 into a U-shape on the first shaft portion 46.

[0123] Next, please refer to Figures 19 to 21 The function of the commodity hanging tool 13 of this embodiment will be described.

[0124] When a customer comes to the store and takes out a product from the front, the edge of the through hole 54 of the product 54 will be hooked on the protrusion 62 (step 64) of the belt member 81, causing the belt member 81 to rotate and a portion of the belt member 81 to be pulled out toward the front. As a result, the belt member 81 located in the track groove 44 will rotate in a U shape around the first shaft portion 46 and move into the storage portion 24. At this time, Figure 20 、 Figure 21 The belt member 81 slides in the direction shown. By rotating (sliding) the belt member 81, the belt member 81 enters the through-hole of the product 54 via the inclined portion 63 of the protrusion 62, allowing the subsequent product 54 to be transported above the inclined portion 63. In this manner, the belt member 81 can be further rotated while the subsequent product 54 is being transported above the inclined portion 63, semi-automatically advancing the subsequent product 54. This allows the products 54 to be constantly arranged at the front.

[0125] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the merchandise 54 on the merchandise hanging tool 13, the store manager presses the finger hook portion 82 toward the base end portion 17, sliding the belt member 81 back to its original position. In this state, the store manager replenishes the merchandise 54 to the rear of the merchandise hanging tool 13. At this time, because the protrusion 62 is formed with the inclined portion 63, the merchandise 54 does not get caught on the protrusion 62, allowing for smooth replenishment of the merchandise 54.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the product hanging device 13 includes: a rod 14 extending in a substantially horizontal direction from a base end 17 to a distal end 18 opposite the base end 17 so that the product 54 can be suspended; a storage portion 24 provided inside the rod 14, extending from the base end 17 to the distal end 18; a first shaft portion 46 provided within the storage portion 24 and at the distal end 18; and a belt member 81 bent into a U-shape and disposed within the storage portion 24, capable of moving forward and backward within the storage portion 24 with the first shaft portion 46 serving as a fulcrum.

[0127] With this structure, the action of a customer removing an item 54 semi-automatically advances the subsequent item 54 via the belt member 81 and the protrusion 62. Furthermore, because the belt member 81 is housed within the rod 14, a space-saving display rack 11 with a high density of items 54 can be realized, eliminating the need for additional space to accommodate the belt member 81. Furthermore, because the rod 14 extends in a slightly horizontal direction, a space-saving display rack 11 with a high density of items 54 can be realized compared to a configuration in which the rod 14 is tilted forward.

[0128] [Fourth Implementation]

[0129] refer to Figure 22 、 Figure 23 Next, a fourth embodiment of a product hanging device 13 and a display rack 11 equipped therewith will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the annular belt member 16 is not a resin belt but a ball chain composed of a plurality of balls connected by beads, and that the rod 14 is formed of a cylindrical pipe. However, the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0130] like Figure 22 、 Figure 23 As shown, the annular belt member 16 has a plurality of protrusions 62. The plurality of protrusions 62 protrude outward from the belt body 61 at predetermined intervals. The annular belt member 16 is configured to span the inside of the rod 14 formed of a cylindrical pipe and the outside of the rod 14. When the annular belt member 16 is located on the outside of the rod 14, it is located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14. Thus, when located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the plurality of protrusions 62 will protrude further outward than the outer peripheral surface (top surface 21) of the rod 14. On the other hand, when the annular belt member 16 is located inside the rod 14, it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22. Thus, when located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22, the plurality of protrusions 62 will be located further inward than the outer peripheral surface (bottom surface 22) of the rod 14. The annular belt member 16 is an example of the belt member described in the present invention.

[0131] Each of the plurality of protrusions 62 has a spherical shape. The protrusion 62 has an inclined portion 63 formed of a partial spherical surface and a stepped portion 64 adjacent to the inclined portion 63. The stepped portion 64 is located at the boundary between two adjacent protrusions 62 (spheres). Figure 21 As shown, when positioned relative to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the inclined portion 63 is located closer to the front end 18 than the stepped portion 64. The inclined portion 63 is inclined so that the height of the protrusion from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 increases as the front end 18 moves toward the base end 17. Similarly, when positioned relative to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 (the boundary of the protrusion 62 (ball)) is located closer to the base end 17 than the inclined portion 63. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0132] Therefore, the protrusion 62 is formed in a shape that is easy to hook the edge of the through hole of the product 54 when the customer takes the product 54 out from the front side, and difficult to hook the edge of the through hole of the product 54 when the store manager replenishes the product 54 to the rear side.

[0133] Next, the function of the product hanging tool 13 of this embodiment will be described.

[0134] When a customer enters the store and takes out a product 54 from the front, the edge of the through-hole 54 of the product 54 is hooked onto the protrusion 62 (step 64) of the endless belt member 16, causing the endless belt member 16 to rotate and partially pull out toward the front. By rotating the endless belt member 16, the following product 54 is semi-automatically pushed forward. This allows the products 54 to be constantly arranged at the front.

[0135] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the products 54 on the product hanging tool 13 to the rear, the products 54 are less likely to be caught on the protrusion 62 because of the inclined portion 63 formed on the protrusion 62, and the products 54 can be replenished smoothly.

[0136] [Fifth Implementation]

[0137] refer to Figures 24 to 27 Next, a fifth embodiment of a product hanging device 13 and a display rack 11 equipped therewith are described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the annular belt member 16 lacks the protrusion 62, the first and second shaft portions 46 and 47 have different shapes, and the rod 14 has a different shape. However, all other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0138] The endless belt member 16 comprises a base layer 16A and an elastic layer 16B disposed on the outer surface of the base layer 16A. The base layer 16A is formed from a synthetic resin material. The elastic layer 16B is formed from an elastic member such as a sponge formed from a relatively high coefficient of friction rubber or other material. In this embodiment, the protrusion 62 extending from the endless belt member 16 is omitted. The endless belt member 16 is an example of a belt member as referred to in the present invention.

[0139] The first shaft portion 46 has a semicircular arcuate surface 56 that becomes convex toward the front end of the rod 14. The rear side of the first shaft portion 46 is integrally formed with the wall surface forming the bottom of the track groove 44. The second shaft portion 47 has a semicircular second arcuate surface 57 that becomes convex toward the base end of the rod 14. The front side of the second shaft portion 47 is integrally formed with the wall surface forming the bottom of the track groove 44.

[0140] like Figure 27 As shown, in this embodiment, the rod 14 is integrally formed into an H-shaped cross section by a synthetic resin material, etc. In this embodiment, the rod body 23 and the cover member 25 are omitted, and the H-shaped cross section rod 14 is adopted in which these structures are integrated.

[0141] The following describes the function of the product hanging tool 13 of this embodiment.

[0142] When a customer in the store attempts to remove a product 54 from the front, the edge of the through-hole 54 of the product 54 is sunk into the elastic layer 16B of the annular belt member 16, causing the annular belt member 16 to rotate and partially pull out toward the front. The rotation of the annular belt member 16 semi-automatically pushes the following product 54 forward. This allows the products 54 to be constantly arranged at the front.

[0143] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the commodities 54 on the commodity hanging tool 13 to the rear, the protrusion 62 is omitted in this embodiment, so the commodities 54 can be replenished smoothly.

[0144] In addition, in this embodiment, although the ring-shaped belt member 16 is used, it is not limited to this. As in the third embodiment, a non-ring-shaped belt member can be used together with the finger hook portion 82 instead of the ring-shaped belt member 16.

[0145] The embodiments described above can be further implemented with various substitutions or modifications. Of course, modifications different from the above or appropriate combinations of the embodiments can also be made to form an invention.

Claims

1. A commodity hanging tool, characterized in that: have: a rod extending in a substantially horizontal direction so that the product can be hung, wherein the rod extends from a base end portion toward a front end portion opposite to the base end portion; a storage portion provided on the inner side of the rod and extending from the base end portion of the rod across the front end portion; a first shaft portion, disposed in the receiving portion and located at the front end portion; and The belt member is bent into a U-shape and disposed in the housing portion, and is movable forward and backward in the housing portion with the first shaft portion serving as a fulcrum.

2. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The commodity hanging tool includes a second shaft portion, which is provided in the storage portion and located at the base end portion; the belt member is annular, wound around the first and second shaft portions, and is rotatable in the storage portion.

3. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The product hanging tool includes a plurality of protrusions provided on the outer surface of the belt member at predetermined intervals and projecting from the outer surface so as to be contactable with the product.

4. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: A portion of the plurality of protrusions protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the rod, and another portion of the plurality of protrusions opposite to the portion of the plurality of protrusions is located inward from the outer peripheral surface.

5. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer peripheral surface of the rod has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a portion of the multiple protrusions are arranged at positions corresponding to the top surface and protrude further outward than the top surface; another portion of the multiple protrusions are arranged at positions corresponding to the bottom surface and are located further inward than the bottom surface.

6. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The belt component has a belt body; The protrusion has an inclined portion. When the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface, a protruding height of the inclined portion protruding from the outer surface of the belt body gradually increases from the front end portion of the protrusion toward the base end portion.

7. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 6, characterized in that: The protrusion has a step portion, which is located on a side closer to the base end than the inclined portion of the protrusion when the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface and extends from the outer surface of the belt body in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface.

8. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protrusion has a square base and a semicircular portion, wherein the square base is directly connected to the belt body, and the semicircular portion is formed on an upper side of the square base.

9. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the arcuate surface of the first shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion portion in the circumferential direction of the belt member.

10. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the arcuate surface of the second shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion portion in the circumferential direction of the belt member.

11. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rod has a raised portion raised upward at the front end portion.

12. The commodity hanging tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rod has: a rod body having a U-shaped cross section and having the receiving portion on the inner side; and a cover member mounted on the rod body to cover the storage portion; The cover member includes the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion.

13. A display rack comprising the commodity hanging tool according to claim 1.

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