Bypass Door Assembly

Abstract

A bypass door assembly for a retail display installation includes two or more door panels, a first linking member, and a second linking member. Each door panel has a wheel assembly connected to an upper portion of the door panel and an adjustable drop rail extending from a lower portion of the door panel. The first linking member has first and second tracks that receive the wheel assemblies of the first and second door panels, respectively. The second linking member has one or more guides that receive the adjustable drop rail on one of the two or more door panels.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 528,890, filed November 17, 2021, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 115,385, filed November 18, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical Field] The present disclosure relates to a bypass door assembly for a retail display facility.

[0003] 〔background〕 Retail display fixtures are used to prominently display products or product information so that the products stand out to customers. Some retail display fixtures display products in the way that they are commonly used. Types of retail display fixtures include racks, stands, shelves, display cases, mannequins, dividers, and sign holders. Retail display fixtures can directly impact the profits and efficiency of stores and service businesses.

[0004] Some retail display fixtures include shelves and sliding doors coupled to the shelves. The sliding doors conceal products on the shelves when the sliding doors are closed and display the products on the shelves when the sliding doors are open. In some cases, the sliding doors are misaligned with the track along which the sliding doors translate. Additionally, some retail display fixtures with sliding doors are difficult to assemble.

[0005] 〔summary〕 An example of a bypass door assembly according to the present disclosure includes two or more door panels, a first linking member, and a second linking member. Each door panel includes a wheel component extending from an upper surface of the door panel and an adjustable drop rail extending from a lower surface of the door panel. Each wheel component includes a wheel and a support member connecting the wheel to each door panel. The first linking member has a first track and a second track. The first track is configured to receive a wheel of the wheel component on a first door panel of the two or more door panels. The second track is configured to receive a wheel of the wheel component on a second door panel of the two or more door panels. The second linking member includes one or more guides. Each guide is configured to receive an adjustable drop rail on one door panel of the two or more door panels.

[0006] Another embodiment of a bypass door assembly according to the present disclosure includes a door panel, a first track, a second track, and a splice bar. The door panel includes a wheel component extending from the door panel. The wheel component includes a wheel and a support member connecting the wheel to the door panel. Each of the first track and the second track is configured to receive a wheel of the wheel component in the door panel. The splice bar extends along at least a portion of each of the first track and the second track, thereby aligning the first track and the second track with each other.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] 〔drawing〕 The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustrating selected embodiments only, do not depict all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a retail display fixture with a bypass door in a closed position.

[0010] 2 is a perspective view of the retail display fixture embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the bypass doors in an open or overlapping position.

[0011] 3 is a side view of the retail display fixture embodiment shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the retail display fixture embodiment with the bypass doors in an open or overlapping position.

[0012] 4A is an enlarged view of the upper linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG.

[0013] 4B is another enlarged view of the upper linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG.

[0014] 5A is an enlarged view of the lower linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

[0015] 5B is another enlarged view of the lower linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the lower linkage system of the bypass door assembly.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a partial view of an adjacent upper linkage system of the retail display installation shown in FIG.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial component view of the retail display fixture shown in FIG.

[0019] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0020] Detailed Description Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of specific details is not necessary, that the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many different forms, and that none of these should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order described or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. It will be understood that additional or alternative procedures may be employed.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer. Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "directly between" as opposed to "between," "directly adjacent" as opposed to "adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply any sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Spatial terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as shown in the figures. Spatial terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned upside down, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an above and a below orientation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or to other orientations), and the spatial descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary retail display fixture 100. The display fixture 100 may include multiple units 102. Each unit may include at least two support members, i.e., beams 110, and multiple shelf members 120 extending from and supported by the support members 110. For example, as shown, the shelf members 120 may be connected to the support members 110 and extending vertically therefrom. Each of the multiple shelf members 120 is connected to at least two support members 110. Each support member 110 may be connected to one or more shelf members 120. For example, the support member 110 may support one or more vertically aligned shelves 120. Furthermore, as shown, each support member 110 may be connected to multiple shelf members 120 of adjacent units 102 or consecutive units 102. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the display fixture 100 may include multiple units 102 arranged adjacently or consecutively. For example, as shown, the display fixture 100 may include four consecutively arranged units. In a particular example, each unit may have a width of approximately four feet, and the assembled display fixture 100 may have an overall width of approximately sixteen feet. Additionally, although not shown, one skilled in the art will recognize that for each unit 102, multiple shelf members 120 may be arranged at different spacings or heights.

[0027] In various embodiments, each unit 102 may include a bypass panel, or door 130, extending between two of the vertically aligned shelves 120. The door 130 may include one or more frame assemblies for holding graphic media. For example, as shown, in each example, the bypass door 130 of each unit 102 may be connected to and extend between two lower shelves 120 such that the bypass door 130 of each unit 102 can slide between adjacent units 102. For example, FIG. 2 is another view of the display fixture 100 in which one or more of the bypass doors 130 of consecutive units 102 are in the open position. Each door 130 may have a height of approximately 25.25 inches and a width of approximately 46.25 inches, by way of non-limiting example. The two lower shelves 120 to which the door panel 130 is connected may be spaced approximately 31 inches apart.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the example retail display fixture shown in FIG. 2. In the retail display fixture of FIG. 3, one or more of the bypass doors 130 of consecutive units 102 are in an open or overlapping position. As shown, each door, i.e., each panel 130, may have a first or upper link 140 and a second or lower link 180. The upper link 140 may connect the door 130 to a top or upper shelf 120A. The lower link 180 may connect the door 130 to a lower shelf 120B. Each shelf 120, 120A, 120B may include multiple openings 122, such as pre-drilled holes, that may be used to connect the door 130 to the shelf 120, 120A, 120B at different positions. Also, as shown, each shelf 120, 120A, 120B may include a lip 124 that may protect the connector 140, 180. The lip 124 may also be configured to receive one or more labels or tags (not shown).

[0029] 4A and 4B are enlarged views of the upper link 140 shown in FIG. 3. The upper link 140 includes beam hanger structures 142 that extend between and connect the upper shelf 120A and the track assembly 144. For example, as shown, the beam hanger structures 142 may be H-shaped structures. In certain examples, one or more of these beam hanger structures 142 may be positioned along the length of the shelf 120A. For example, an H-shaped structure 142 may be positioned toward each end of the shelf 120A, or one or more H-shaped structures 142 may be positioned between the shelves 120A. The upper link 140 may include at least one beam hanger structure 142, and in certain embodiments, may optionally include two or more beam hanger structures 142. In this manner, the beam hanger structures 142 function together to secure the track assembly 144 to the shelf 120A, the track assembly 144 extending continuously along the length of the shelf 120A. In other embodiments, the beam hanger structure 142 may be a continuous member extending along the length of the shelf 120A.

[0030] As shown, in each example, the H-shaped structure 142 may be coupled to the upper shelf 120A using one or more fasteners 146, such as bolts. The one or more fasteners 146 may be received by one or more pre-drilled openings 122 along the length of the upper shelf 120A. In this manner, the H-shaped structure 142 may be secured at different positions along the shelf 120A along both the x-axis and the z-axis. The H-shaped structure may be coupled to a track assembly 144 by one or more similar fasteners 148. The H-shaped structure may be secured to the track assembly 144 by one or more similar fasteners 148. 4 You may move against 4.

[0031] The track assembly 144 is configured to receive wheel components. The wheel components may be coupled to each door panel 130A, 130B using one or more fasteners 152, such as bolts. Each door 130A, 130B is coupled to at least two wheel components. The wheel components include wheels 154 and supports 156. The track assembly 144 includes a front track, i.e., a first track 158, and a rear track, i.e., a second track 160, aligned with the first track 158. The first track 158 and the second track 160 extend the entire length of the shelf 120A. As shown, the first track 158 may be configured to receive the wheels 154 of the first door 130A, and the second track 160 may be configured to receive the wheels 154 of the second door 130B. In this way, the doors 130A, 130B may slide back and forth relative to one another while minimizing or eliminating track alignment issues or concerns.

[0032] Each track 158, 160 may include an end stop 162 to help retain the wheel 154 within the respective track 158, 160, as shown. Each track 158, 160 may also include a splice bar 164, 166 extending along at least a portion of the respective track 158, 160. For example, the first track 158 may include a first splice bar 164, and the second track 160 may include a second splice bar 166. In each example, the splice bars 164, 166 may be positioned within pre-formed channels 168, 170 extending from the respective track 158, 160. The splice bars 164, 166 may be coupled to the respective channels 168, 170 using one or more fasteners 172, such as bolts. In each example, the splice bars 164, 166 may aid in aligning the tracks 158, 160 of adjacent units, thereby aligning each door 130A, 130B so that the doors 130A, 130B, respectively, can slide relative to one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , a first splice bar 164 may extend between the first tracks 158 of adjacent units 102, and a second splice bar 166 may extend between the second tracks 160 of adjacent units 102.

[0033] 5A and 5B are enlarged views of the lower link 180 as shown in FIG. 3. The lower link 180 includes one or more rails 182A, 182B coupled to each door 130A, 130B and received by a receiving member 184. As shown in FIG. 6, the one or more rails 182A, 182B may extend along the length of each panel 130A, 130B. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the lower link 180 may have one or more U-shaped guides, or storage portions 186A, 186B, configured to receive and support the one or more rails 182A, 182B. The one or more U-shaped guides 186A, 186B may help maintain proper door alignment, especially when heavy loads are placed on the upper shelf 120A.

[0034] Similar to the beam hanger structure 142 described above, one or more of the receiving members 184 may be positioned along the length of the shelf 120B. For example, a receiving member 184 having one or more U-shaped guides or storage portions 186A, 186B may be positioned toward each end of the shelf 120B, and one or more receiving members 184 (each having one or more U-shaped guides or storage portions 186A, 186B) may be positioned between the shelves 120B. One or more receiving members 184 may be aligned with one or more beam hanger structures 142. The lower link 180 may include at least one receiving member 184, and in certain aspects, may optionally include two or more receiving members 184. In other embodiments, the receiving member 184 and one or more U-shaped guides or storage portions 186A, 186B may be continuous members extending along the length of the shelf 120B.

[0035] The receiving member 184 may be coupled to the lower shelf 120B using one or more fasteners 188, such as bolts, that may be received by one or more of the pre-drilled openings 122 in the lower shelf 120B. In this manner, the receiving member 184 may be secured at different positions along the shelf 120B along both the x-axis and the z-axis.

[0036] One or more rails 182A, 182B may be adjustable guide rails, such as gravity rails, that can be moved from a first, or open, position to a second, or final, position. For example, in FIG. 5B , the first rail 182A is shown in the first position and the second rail 182B is shown in the second position. One or more fasteners 190 may secure the one or more rails 182A, 182B to each door 130A, 130B. As shown in FIG. 6 , the one or more rails 182A, 182B may include vertical grooves 192 that receive the respective fasteners 190. The position of the one or more rails 182A, 182B may be changed by changing the position of the fasteners 190 within the vertical grooves 192. Thus, the one or more rails 182A, 182B may be adjustable to allow for easy placement of the doors 130A, 130B between the shelves 120A, 120B. Alternatively, one or more of the rails 182A, 182B may be adjustable to maintain a physical downward bias during use so that the doors can be maintained in an aligned position.

[0037] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be modified in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a retail display fixture with a bypass door in a closed position. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the retail display fixture embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the bypass doors in an open or overlapping position. FIG. [Figure 3]3 is a side view of the retail display fixture embodiment shown in FIG. 2, with the bypass door in an open or overlapping position; FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the upper linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is another enlarged view of the upper linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the lower linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is another enlarged view of the lower linkage system of the bypass door assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the lower linkage system of the bypass door assembly. [Figure 7] 2 is a partial view of an adjacent upper linkage system of the retail display installation shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial component view of the retail display equipment shown in FIG. 1.

Claims

1. two or more door panels, each door panel including a wheel component extending from an upper surface of the door panel and an adjustable drop rail extending from a lower surface of the door panel, the adjustable drop rail being vertically adjustable relative to the door panel without being completely separated from the door panel, and each wheel component including a wheel and a support member connecting the wheel to the respective door panel; a track assembly having a first track and a second track, the first track configured to receive the wheel of the wheel component on a first door panel of the two or more door panels, and the second track configured to receive the wheel of the wheel component on a second door panel of the two or more door panels; one or more guides, each guide configured to receive the adjustable drop rail on one of the two or more door panels.

2. 2. The bypass door assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second tracks each include a splice member configured to connect the first and second tracks, respectively, to the first and second tracks of an adjacent track assembly.

3. 3. The bypass door assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein each support member is connected to the respective door panel using one or more fasteners.

4. The bypass door assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first track and the second track each include an end stop.

5. 5. The bypass door assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjustable drop rail is urged against the one or more guides by the force of gravity.

6. Three or more beam members; a plurality of shelves coupled to and extending from the beam member; A retail display fixture comprising: a bypass door assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5 extending between a first shelf and a second shelf of the plurality of shelves.

7. The retail display fixture of claim 6 , wherein the track assembly is part of a first connecting member configured to connect the door panel to the first shelf of the plurality of shelves.

8. The retail display fixture of claim 7 , wherein the first connecting member comprises an H-shaped structure connecting the track assembly to the first shelf of the plurality of shelves.

9. one or more fasteners connecting the H-shaped structure to the first shelf of the plurality of shelves; the first shelf includes a plurality of pre-formed holes; The retail display fixture of claim 8 , wherein the one or more fasteners are received by the plurality of holes.

10. The retail display fixture of claim 6 , wherein the one or more guides are part of a second connecting member configured to connect the door panel to the second shelf of the plurality of shelves.

11. one or more fasteners connect the second connecting member to the second shelf of the plurality of shelves; the second shelf includes a plurality of pre-formed holes; The retail display fixture of claim 10 , wherein the one or more fasteners are received by the plurality of holes.

12. The retail display fixture of claim 6 , wherein the first track is positioned forward of the second track relative to a depth of at least one of the first shelf and the second shelf.

13. 6. The bypass door assembly of claim 1, wherein each guide is U-shaped.

14. 14. The bypass door assembly of claim 1, wherein each adjustable drop rail defines a vertical groove that receives a fastener for securing each adjustable drop rail to one of the door panels, thereby making each adjustable drop rail vertically adjustable relative to the respective door panel.

15. a first bypass door assembly and a second bypass door assembly of the bypass door assemblies of any one of claims 1 to 5, 13 and 14 arranged adjacent to each other; a first splice bar extending between the first track of the first bypass door assembly and the first track of the second bypass door assembly; a second splice bar extending between the second track of the first bypass door assembly and the second track of the second bypass door assembly.

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