RETAIL GOODS TRAY

Abstract

A retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly may have an adjustable divider. The tray assembly may have a sign adapter for mounting a sign to the divider. The tray assembly may have an accessory holder. The tray assembly may have a pivoting front stop. The tray assembly may have sign holders mounted to a front stop. The tray assembly may include signs mounted on a sign holder that mounts to the front stop. The divider may be powder-coated, while the divider assemblies may be unpainted. Methods are also provided.

Description

RETAIL GOODS TRAY Field of Invention The present invention relates generally to retail merchandise displays and more particularly to retail merchandise tray assemblies for use with retail merchandise displays. Background of the Invention Retail merchandise displays are generally known in the art. One such display is an automatic pusher system. A conventional pusher system incorporates one or more pusher panels or pusher bodies that slide along a respective elongated rail. A spring is connected between the pusher body and a leading edge of the rail. The spring serves to move the pusher body forward along the rail toward its leading edge. A user can retract the pusher body away from the leading edge of the track and place retail merchandise items in a linear row on the track, between the leading edge of the track and the pusher body. The displacement force provided by the spring and exerted on the pusher body moves the linear row of retail merchandise forward, ultimately displaying the merchandise at the front. In other words, when a customer removes the item at the front of the linear merchandise aisle, the pusher mechanism moves forward via a spring, advancing the merchandise aisle so that the next item in line is positioned near the leading edge of the lane in a neat, spherical fashion. This automatic forward movement eliminates the need for retail employees to manually replenish merchandise, thus significantly reducing the retailer's labor costs. The aforementioned pusher systems have been used in various retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, a plurality of pusher bodies and their corresponding rails are arranged side by side along the shelf. Each pusher body and its corresponding rail are separated by spacers to maintain a plurality of generally straight rows of merchandise running from the front to the back of the shelf. Such a familiar configuration can be found in many retail stores selling hygiene products such as deodorants. In another configuration, the push system may be configured as a self-contained push tray. These trays may include means for mounting the tray as a lift-up extension from another structure, such as a bar. These trays may also be placed directly onto a retail shelf. In addition, these trays may include side barriers that are adjustable to accommodate merchandise of varying widths. Examples of such trays can be readily observed 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. Brief Description of the Invention The invention relates to improvements in the assembly of retail merchandise trays, such as push trays. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will become apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. It is appreciated that some of the features will be applicable to retail merchandise tray assemblies that do not include pushers. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly includes a wire support structure, a front stop hinge, a front stop, and a sliding element. The wire support structure includes at least one longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end along a first longitudinal axis and at least one lateral element attached to it, generally extending perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal element and the first longitudinal axis. The first front stop hinge is rotatably mounted on the at least one lateral element so that it rotates about the at least one lateral element between a first angular position and a second angular position. The front stop is mounted to the front stop hinge so that it rotates with the front stop hinge about the at least one lateral element between the first and second angular positions.In the first angular position, the front stop is vertically oriented relative to the wire support structure. In the second angular position, the front stop is tilted relative to the wire support structure. The displacement element moves the front stop hinge from the second angular position to the first angular position. In one embodiment, the wire support structure defines a substantially flat product support plane. The front stop has a front surface. The front surface of the front stop is more parallel to the flat product support plane when the front stop hinge is in the second angular position than when it is in the first angular position. This allows for improved loading of the product tray assembly when the front stop hinge is in the second angular position. In one embodiment, the displacement element is a torsion spring that extends angularly around at least one lateral element. In one embodiment, the front stop is releasably mounted to the front stop hinge such that the front stop can be removed from the front stop hinge without the front stop hinge being removed from at least one side element of the wire support structure. In one embodiment, the front stop includes a mounting slot. The front stop hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin that slides into the mounting slot to releasably mount the front stop to the front stop hinge. In one embodiment, the front stop includes a flexible mounting bracket extending from a first end attached to the front stop and a free end. The free end of the flexible mounting bracket moves toward at least one side element when the mounting pin is received in the mounting slot to secure the front stop to the front stop hinge. In one embodiment, the flexible mounting fastener can be flexed elastically such that the free end disengages from at least one side element to remove the front stop of the front stop hinge. In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes at least one pair of opposing load-bearing elements. The wire support structure is mounted to the pair of opposing load-bearing elements. The front stop hinge includes a rotation limit stop that engages at least one of the opposing load-bearing elements or the wire support structure when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position. The displacement element and the engagement of the rotation limit stop with at least one of the opposing load-bearing elements or the wire support structure fix the front stop hinge in the first angular position. The displacement element moves the front stop hinge by at least one of the opposing load-bearing elements or the wire support structure. In one embodiment, a first end of the torsion spring is engaged with at least one side element such that the first end cannot rotate around the at least one side element. A second end of the torsion spring is engaged with the front stop hinge such that it rotates with the front stop hinge around the at least one side element. In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting slot and the mounting pin is tapered such that the greater the insertion of the pin into the mounting slot, the greater the frictional engagement between the mounting slot and the mounting pin. In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second front stop hinge rotatably mounted on the wire support structure. The first and second front stop hinges rotate about a common rotational axis. The first and second front stop hinges are laterally spaced along the rotational axis. The rotational axis is generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the first front stop hinge is mounted near the first end of at least one longitudinal member. An upper portion of the front stop pivots toward the second end of at least one longitudinal member when the first front stop hinge rotates from the first angular position to the second angular position. Additionally, the top part rotates toward the wire support structure when the front stop hinge rotates from the first angular position to the second angular position. In another embodiment, a method is provided for loading a retail merchandise tray assembly. The method includes pivoting a front stop of the retail merchandise tray assembly between a first orientation and a second orientation. The tray assembly ML / a / ZUZZ / UU i azu retail goods includes a wire support structure comprising at least one longitudinal member extending between a first end and a second end along a first longitudinal axis and at least one lateral member attached to and generally extending perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal member and the first longitudinal axis. The retail goods tray assembly further includes a first front stop hinge rotatably mounted on the at least one lateral member to rotate about the at least one lateral member between a first angular position corresponding to the first orientation of the front stop and a second angular position corresponding to the second orientation of the front stop. The retail goods tray assembly further includes a displacement element acting on the first front stop hinge.The front stop is mounted on the front stop hinge to rotate with the front stop hinge around at least one side element between the first and second angular positions. In the first angular position, the front stop extends upward relative to the wire support structure to a greater extent than when it is in the second angular position. The method further includes shifting the front stop hinge from the first angular position to the second angular position such that the front stop is shifted toward the first orientation. In one method, pivoting the front stop changes the front stop from a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a top surface defined by the wire support structure to a substantially parallel orientation relative to the top surface defined by the wire support structure. The substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular orientations will be less than or equal to plus or minus fifteen degrees. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, comprising a merchandise support structure, a divider, a longitudinally extending divider assembly, and an elastic friction element. The merchandise support structure extends from a first end to a second end and has opposing first and second sides. A longitudinally extending divider assembly is slidably mounted to the merchandise support structure to adjust the divider's position relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure. The elastic friction element is mounted to the merchandise support structure and engages the divider assembly. The divider assembly is slidable relative to the elastic friction element when the divider's position is adjusted relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure. In one embodiment, the elastic friction element is an O-ring, and the spacer assembly includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod. The O-ring's inner diameter is smaller than the cylindrical rod's outer diameter, so inserting the cylindrical rod into the O-ring causes the O-ring to stretch, providing a frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod. In one embodiment, the goods support structure includes a wire support structure that defines a product support surface. The goods support structure includes a pair of opposing, spaced load-bearing elements. The wire support structure is operably mounted to the load-bearing elements. A spacer is interposed between the pair of load-bearing elements. The elastic friction element is mounted on the spacer. In one embodiment, the separator assembly extends through the spacer. In one embodiment, the elastic friction element is an O-ring. The spacer assembly includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod. The O-ring's inner diameter is smaller than the cylindrical rod's outer diameter, so inserting the rod into the O-ring causes the O-ring to stretch, providing a frictional engagement between the O-ring and the rod. In one configuration, the spacer defines a cylindrical tube. The O-ring aligns with the cylindrical tube. The cylindrical rod slides inside the cylindrical tube. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, comprising a merchandise support structure, a divider, a sign adapter, and a sign. The merchandise support structure extends from a first end to a second end and has opposing first and second sides. The divider is adjustablely mounted to the merchandise support structure to adjust the divider's position relative to the first side of the support structure. The sign adapter is mounted to the divider and moves with the divider when the divider's position is adjusted relative to the first side of the support structure. The sign is attached to the sign adapter. In one embodiment, the sign adapter is attached to the spacer at at least two attachment sites to prevent rotation of the sign adapter relative to the spacer. In one embodiment, a divider assembly attaches the divider to the merchandise support structure in an adjustable manner. The sign adapter attaches to the divider assembly, providing one of at least two attachment points. In one embodiment, the sign adapter includes a C-shaped snap-fit ​​connector that snaps onto the merchandise support structure. In one embodiment, the sign adapter is attached to the spacer with a spring-loaded push pin that extends into an opening in the spacer, providing a second attachment site of the at least two attachment sites. In one embodiment, the tray assembly includes a second divider adjustable to the merchandise support structure. The second divider can be adjusted to the position relative to the second side of the merchandise support structure. The merchandise support structure is positioned between the first and second dividers. A second divider assembly extends between the opposite ends of the first and second divider assembly. This second divider assembly adjustably connects the second divider to the merchandise support structure. The second divider is attached to one end of the second divider assembly. The sign adapter includes a cavity that receives the second end of the second divider assembly when the second divider is positioned closer to the second side. In one embodiment, the sign adapter includes a sign mounting arrangement that includes first and second spaced side walls that define a channel between ML / a / ZUZZ / UU l them. The first and second side walls join together near adjacent sides. The sign is captured, at least in part, within the channel and between the first and second side walls. In one embodiment, the first side wall includes a point that extends from an inner face of it towards the second side wall. In one embodiment, the first side wall includes a point extending from its inner face. The second side wall includes a cavity in its inner face. The point extends into the cavity of the second side wall when the first and second side walls are in a relaxed state. In one embodiment, the sign has a tip-receiving region that engages the tip when the sign is placed within the channel defined by the first and second side walls. In one embodiment, the channel is closed only at one end where the first and second side walls join together in such a way that the channel is open at both ends, as well as open on one side that extends between the opposite open ends. In one embodiment, a method of mounting a sign on a retail merchandise tray assembly includes providing the retail merchandise tray assembly. The retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support structure extending from a first end to a second end and having opposite first and second sides. The tray assembly includes a spacer adjustable to the merchandise support structure to adjust the spacer's position relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure. The tray assembly includes a sign adapter mounted to the spacer that moves with the spacer when the spacer's position is adjusted relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure. The method includes attaching the sign to the sign adapter assembly. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a sign position relative to the merchandise support structure by adjusting the position of the separator relative to the merchandise support structure. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support structure, a divider, and a longitudinally extending divider assembly. The merchandise support structure extends between a first and a second end and has opposing first and second sides. The divider includes a divider body and a mounting sleeve. The longitudinally extending divider assembly snaps into the divider mounting sleeve. The divider assembly slides onto the merchandise support structure to adjust the divider's position relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure. In one embodiment, an external surface of a portion of the spacer assembly that is press-fitted inside the mounting sleeve has a knurled external surface that engages an internal surface of the mounting sleeve. In one embodiment, the separator body and the mounting bushing are formed from a continuous piece of material. In one embodiment, the separator body and the mounting sleeve are formed from plastic. In one embodiment, the mounting sleeve is provided with a pressure nut that is mounted within an opening formed in the spacer body. The pressure nut has an elongated head portion and a cylindrical body that defines a central cavity into which the spacer assembly is press-fitted. The cylindrical body has an external dimension smaller than one dimension of the head portion. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray divider assembly is provided, comprising a divider body, a mounting sleeve, and a divider assembly. The divider body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is powder-coated. The mounting sleeve is attached to the divider body at least partially adjacent to the inner surface of the divider body. The divider assembly has a first end inserted into the mounting sleeve and a second, opposite, free end. The divider assembly is unpainted (e.g., not powder-coated or otherwise painted). In one configuration, the separator assembly is zinc-plated. In one embodiment, a separator support defines a receiving cavity that receives the second end within the receiving cavity. In one embodiment, the spacer support includes a friction element that frictionally engages the outer periphery of the spacer assembly. In one embodiment, the mounting bushing is a pressure nut that extends through an opening in the spacer body. In one embodiment, a method for assembling a retail merchandise tray is provided. The method includes providing a divider body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. The method includes painting the outer surface of the divider body. The method includes providing a mounting sleeve 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 assembly into the mounting sleeve and having a second, opposite, free end. The divider assembly is unpainted. In one method, providing the mounting bushing includes inserting a pressure nut through an opening formed in the spacer body. In one method, the painting step is achieved by means of a powder coating. The painting step takes place after the step of inserting the pressure nut through the opening. In one method, the spacer assembly is zinc-plated. In one method, the method includes inserting the second free end of the spacer assembly into a receiving cavity of a spacer holder. In one method, the step of inserting the second free end includes engaging an outer periphery of the spacer assembly with a friction element to provide a sliding friction engagement between them. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly includes a merchandise support structure, a front stop, and a sign holder. The merchandise support structure extends from a first end to a second end. The front stop is mounted to the structure. ML / a / ZUZZ / UU l azu merchandise support near the first end. The sign holder is releasably secured to the front stop. The sign holder has a sign mounting channel. In one embodiment, a sign flag is mounted on the sign holder. The sign flag has a mounting portion and a flag portion that extends substantially orthogonally to the mounting portion. The mounting portion is removably mounted on the sign holder. The flag portion is external to the sign holder and generally orthogonal to a front face of the front stop. In one embodiment, the sign flag is slidably mounted within the sign mounting channel in a lateral direction generally parallel to a front face of the front stop. In one embodiment, the flag portion and the mounting portion are formed as a continuous component having a fold that connects the flag portion to the mounting portion. In one embodiment, the sign holder includes a front panel, a back panel, and a channel formed between them. A mounting channel is formed behind the back panel. The mounting portion of the sign flag is received in the mounting channel with the back panel of the sign holder interposed between the mounting portion of the sign flag and the front panel of the sign holder. In one version, a frame sign is provided. The framed sign has a mounting portion and a frame portion that surrounds the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the frame portion are substantially coplanar when mounted on the sign holder. The frame portion surrounds the sign holder when the framed sign is mounted on the sign holder. In one embodiment, the mounting portion could be formed by a U-shaped slit formed in the material that forms the frame sign. In one configuration, the front stop has a front surface that is generally flat. The frame portion is generally parallel to the front surface when mounted. In one embodiment, the front stop has a front surface that is generally flat, with the frame portion generally covering the front surface, when mounted. In one embodiment, a retail merchandise tray assembly is provided, comprising a merchandise support structure, a divider bracket, a front stop, at least one divider, and an accessory attachment fastener. The merchandise support structure extends from a first end to a second end. The front stop is mounted near the first end of the merchandise support structure. The at least one divider is slidably mounted to the divider bracket for adjusting the divider's position relative to the merchandise support structure. The accessory attachment fastener is loosely attached to a lower side of the divider bracket. The accessory attachment fastener has an accessory mounting positioned in front of the divider bracket and lower than a lower edge of the front stop. In one configuration, the accessory mount defines a channel for holding an accessory. The channel has a downward-facing opening. In one configuration, a light strip is mounted inside the channel. The light generated by the light strip extends through the channel assembly. In one configuration, a light strip or electronic label is mounted to the accessory mounting bracket. In one embodiment, the accessory mounting bracket includes a main body with a pair of spaced mounting legs extending from its top. The mounting legs snap the accessory mounting bracket to the spacer bracket with the main body positioned beneath the spacer bracket. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more evident from the following detailed description when considered together with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figures 1 and 2 are top perspective aerial views of one type of retail merchandise tray assembly; Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective top view of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective top view of a merchandise support structure of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective illustration of a front stop of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1, with the front stop in a vertical orientation; Figure 6 is a side view of the front stop in the vertical orientation; Figure 7 is a perspective illustration of a front stop of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1, with the front stop in a reclined orientation; Figure 8 is a side view of the front stop in the reclined orientation; Figures 9 and 10 are partial exploded view illustrations of the front of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1, which has the front stop removed from the front stop hinges; Figure 11 is an enlarged bottom perspective illustration to show the engagement of the front stop with the wire support structure of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1; Figure 12 is an exploded view illustration of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional illustration of the separator and spacer assembly of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1; Figure 14 is a partial exploded view illustration of the retail merchandise tray assembly of Figure 1, illustrating the sign adapter and its corresponding sign that are attached to the divider; Figure 15 is a perspective illustration of the sign, sign adapter, and separator from Figure 14; Figures 16-19 illustrate the sign adapter; Figure 20 is an exploded view illustration of the front stop and a first optional form of a sign holder that can be releasably secured to the front stop; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional illustration of the arrangement in Figure 20 with the sign holder mounted on the front stop; Figures 22 and 23 are cross-sectional illustrations of a plurality of alternative sign holder arrangements that can be releasably secured to the front stop; Figures 24 and 25 are illustrations of the profile of fixing fasteners that can be releasably attached to the tray spacer / separator support; Figures 26 and 27 are perspective illustrations depicting sign flags that can be attached to the front top by means of a sign holder; Figures 28 and 29 illustrate an additional sign arrangement; Figure 30 illustrates a partial perspective view of another tray having a divider and a portion of the merchandise support structure removed; Figure 31 is a partial perspective illustration of one end of the tray in Figure 30; Figure 32 is an illustration of the front stop of tray 30 mounted to the goods support structure; Figure 33 is a perspective illustration of the front top of the tray in Figure 31; and Figure 34 is an exploded view illustration of Figure 32. Although the invention will be described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference now to Figures 1-4, one modality of a retail merchandise tray assembly 100 (also referred to as a tray) is illustrated. With particular reference to Figure 4, the tray 100 includes a merchandise support structure 109 that defines a merchandise support surface, typically flat, on which the merchandise to be displayed is supported. In the illustrated embodiment, the merchandise support structure 109 includes a pair of load-bearing elements 102, a wire support structure 110, and spacers 112. The wire support structure 110 typically defines the goods-bearing surface. The wire support structure 110 is typically removably mounted to the load-bearing elements 102 and spacers 112 in an orientation such that the goods-bearing surface is vertically above the load-bearing elements 102 and spacers 112. The wire support structure 110 will typically consist of one or more, typically a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinal elements 116 extending from a first end 114 to a second end 118 of the tray 100 along a longitudinal axis. The wire support structure 110 of this embodiment includes a plurality of side members 120 and 122. The side members 120 and 122 interconnect several or all of the longitudinal members 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the side members 120 and 122 generally extend perpendicular to the longitudinal members 116. Typically, the side members 120 and 122 are welded to the longitudinal members 116. However, in other embodiments, a single, jointly molded structure could provide the longitudinal and side members 116, 120, and 122. Furthermore, in other examples, the goods support structure 109 could be formed from a single continuous piece of material. The various components of the support structure 109 could be formed from metal or plastic or a suitable combination of metal and plastic. The side elements 120 are arranged on opposite sides 114, 118 of the wire support structure 110 and typically extend across the entire width of the wire support structure 110. The side elements 122 are shorter than the side elements 120 and extend less than the entire width of the wire support structure 110 and are interconnected less than all the longitudinal elements 116. Spacers 112 are interposed between and maintain the lateral spacing of the load-bearing elements 102. The spacers are typically connected to the load-bearing elements 102 by means of screws or other fasteners to create a unitary frame structure from spacers 112 and load-bearing elements 102. The free ends of side members 120 extend into cavities in the form of openings or gaps formed in the load-bearing members 102 to removably join the wire support structure 110 to the load-bearing members 102. As used herein, removably joined means a joint that can be easily undone nondestructively and subsequently repeated in the same manner. In this meaning, removably joined does not include welding, molding, or any other form of permanent joining that requires the destruction or damage of components to undo it. Although typically made of metal, the wire support structure 110 and load-bearing elements 102 can be made of plastic. The spacers 112 are typically made of plastic. The tray 100 can be configured to be mounted on a shelf or in a lift-up orientation relative to a retail merchandise bar of the type typically found in refrigerated cases or other retail merchandise displays. In this embodiment, the load-bearing elements 102 include cutouts 119 sized to receive a retail merchandise bar for the lift-up mounting configuration. With reference to figure 1, tray 100 includes a front stop 104 mounted to the goods support structure 109 near the first end 114 of tray 100. A pusher 106 is mounted to the support structure 109 and is movable on it in directions 124, 126. The pusher 106 operates to displace one or more rows of retail merchandise located on the wire support structure 110 and the load-bearing elements 102 from the second end 118 of the tray 100 to the first end 114 of the tray 100. The pusher 106 is displaced in the direction of arrow 126 towards the first end 114 of the tray 100 by means of a coil spring 128 or other displacement element as is generally well known. ML / a / ZUZZ / UU i azu When the front stop 104 is in a vertical orientation as illustrated in Figure 1, it prevents the merchandise from being pushed out of the tray by the pusher 106. In some embodiments, the coiled spring 128 can be connected to the first end of the tray 100 (for example, the goods support structure 109) and unwinds more and more as the pusher 106 is pushed further towards the second end 118. A pair of movable dividers 130 are positioned on each side of the tray 100. The divider assemblies 130 are movable in directions 132, 134 to modify the width or distance between the divider assemblies 130. This lateral adjustment allows for the accommodation of retail merchandise of different widths. The spacers extend vertically above the top surface of the wire support structure 110. The dividers 130 and the front stop 104 generally define the storage region in which merchandise is stored and displayed using the tray 100. When merchandise is removed from the tray 100, the pusher 106 will push the merchandise forward towards the front stop 104 and the first end 114. The present embodiment includes a front stop 104 that is operably mounted to allow pivoting between a vertical orientation shown, for example, in Figures 1-2 and 5-7, and a reclined orientation shown, for example, in Figures 7-8. In the vertical orientation, the front stop 104 inhibits the removal of goods from the tray 100. In the reclined orientation, goods can be more easily loaded into the tray 100 from the first end 114 of the tray 100. With reference to Figures 5-9, the front stop 104 is mounted to the goods support structure 109 and particularly to the wire support structure 110 by means of a pair of front stop hinges 140. The front stop hinges 140 are mirror images of each other in the illustrated manner. The front stop hinges 140 are mounted to the side member 120 to rotate around the side member 120 and particularly around the axis 142 as defined. The front stop hinges 140 rotate between a first angular position that holds the front stop 104 in the upright orientation and a second angular position that holds the front stop 104 in the reclined orientation. Therefore, each front stop 104 rotates around the side member 120 between the upright and reclined orientations. The main body of the front stop hinge 140 includes a mounting cavity that receives a free end of the side element 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting cavity is in the form of a bore that extends completely through the main body. In other embodiments, the mounting cavity could be a recess. In the current embodiment, the adjacent support element 102 secures the front stop hinge 140 to the side element 120. In this particular embodiment, the free end of the side element 120 extends into a corresponding cavity in the support element 102. As such, the support element 102 is positioned laterally next to the front stop hinge 140 in such a way that it cannot be removed from the side element 120. This locks the front stop hinge 140 to the wire support structure 110 and, in particular, to the side element 120. In some embodiments, in the reclined orientation, the front surface 143 of the front stop 104 is substantially parallel to the product support surface defined by the wire support structure 110 (i.e., plus or minus 20 degrees). In the upright orientation, the front surface 143 is substantially orthogonal to the product support surface (e.g., plus or minus 20 degrees). At a minimum, when the front stop 104 is rotated backward, the upper edge 145 of the front stop 104 is closer to the wire support structure 110 than it is to the front stop 104 in the upright orientation. When in the vertical orientation, the upper edge 145 of the front stop 104 extends farther above the wire support structure than a lower edge of the front stop 104 extends below the wire support structure. In some embodiments, the front stop does not need to extend below the wire support structure. A displacement element 144 illustrated in the form of a torsion spring extending angularly around the side element 120 displaces the front stop hinge 140 towards the first angular position, for example, away from the second end 118. Therefore, the default angular position is the first angular position such that the front stop 104 is in the vertical orientation. A first end 146 of the displacement element 144 (illustrated as a hook) engages the goods support structure 109 and particularly the wire support structure 110 and more particularly the side element 120 to inhibit the rotation of that end of the displacement element 144. An opposite end of the displacement element 144 is captured in a groove 146 formed by the front stop hinge 140. This end rotates with the front stop hinge 140 when the front stop hinge 140 rotates between the first and second angular positions. When a user is going to load a tray 100, the user can simply push the front stop 104 back towards the second end 118 to make the front stop 104 will recline and allow access to the storage region of tray 100. Once the goods are loaded into tray 100, the front stop 104 will swing back to the vertical orientation to prevent the goods from being ejected from tray 100 by the pusher 104. The front stop 104 is preferably releasably mounted to the front stop hinges 140 in such a way that the front stop 104 can be removed from the front stop hinges 140 without the front stop hinges 140 having to be removed from the goods support structure 109 and particularly from the wire support structure 110 and more particularly from the side element 120. This allows for simple replacement in case of damage, reconfiguration, different front stops 104, etc., without having to disassemble the system. With reference to Figure 10, the front stop 104 includes a pair of mounting slots 150 that receive a corresponding axially extending mounting pin 152 from the corresponding front stop hinge 140. Preferably, a friction fit is provided between the mounting slots 150 and the mounting pins 152. In some embodiments, one or both mounting pins 152 or mounting slots 150 are tapered such that inserting the pin 152 further into the mounting slot 150 increases the friction engagement between the components. ML / a / ZUZZ / UU i azu With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the front stop 104 includes a pair of flexible mounting fasteners 154 that extend rearward from a rear side 156 of the front stop 104. The mounting fasteners 154 help to secure the front stop 104 to the front stop hinges 140. Flexible mounting fasteners 154 extend from a first end 158 attached to the front stop 104 and a free end 160. The free end 160 is displaced against the side member 120 when the front stop 104 is mounted on the front stop hinges 104. The free end 160 acts on a side opposite the side member 120, such that it displaces the front stop 104 over the mounting pin and prevents removal of the front stop 104 from the pins 152. The flexible mounting fastener 154 can be displaced to disengage from the side member 120 when removal of the front stop 104 is desired. The flexible mounting bracket 154 preferably has a tapered orientation relative to the mounting slots 150 such that when the front stop 104 is being mounted onto the pins 152, the flexible mounting bracket 154 will slide along the side element 120 and the tapered orientation will automatically flex the flexible mounting bracket during installation. Once sufficiently installed, the free end 160 will move beyond the lateral element 120 and return to its relaxed state with the free end 160 adjacent to the opposite side of the lateral element 120. The front stop hinges 140 include rotation limit stops 162 having a contact surface 164 that makes contact with the goods-supporting structure 109 and particularly one or both of the load-bearing elements or the wire support structure 110 when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position. This contact is illustrated in Figure 5. The displacement element 144 will displace the rotation limit stops 162 into contact with the corresponding structural part of the goods-supporting structure 109. This contact and the displacement force provided by the displacement element 144 will keep the front stop 104 in the vertical orientation. As can be seen, the position of the separators 130 in relation to the goods support structure 109 can be adjusted to accommodate goods of different widths. With reference to Figure 12, each separator 130 is slidably and operably mounted to the goods support structure 109 by means of a longitudinally extending separator assembly 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the separator assembly 166 is in the form of a cylindrical rod. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer assembly 166 extends through an opening in the load-bearing element 102 in which the corresponding spacer 130 is placed and into a corresponding cylindrical tube portion 167 of an adjacent spacer 112. Spacer 112 can be considered a spacer support when spacer assemblies 166 extend into cylindrical tube portions 167. In a preferred embodiment, an elastic friction element mounted to the goods support structure 109 engages the spacer assembly 166 to provide some resistance to the movement of the spacers 130. The spacer assembly 166 is slidable relative to the elastic friction element when the position of the spacer 130 is adjusted relative to the goods support structure 109. With reference to Figure 13, the elastic friction element 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 assembly 166. As such, when the spacer assembly 166 passes through the O-ring, the O-ring is stretched, providing the desired friction engagement. Spacer 112 has grooves 170 that are transverse to the cylindrical tube portion 167 for receiving the 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 so that the O-ring 168 will make axial contact with opposite sides 172, 174 of the groove 170 depending on the adjustment direction of the spacer 130 position relative to spacer 112. It can often be advantageous to mount signs adjacent to a tray 100, such as for advertising, coupons, or to otherwise display pertinent information. As illustrated in Figure 1, the tray 100 includes a sign 180 operably attached to one of the dividers 130. However, a sign could be operably attached to both dividers 130. A sign adapter 182 is used to connect sign 180 to divider 130. In this embodiment, sign adapter 182 extends outward from one end of divider 130 (for example, outward beyond the first end 114 of tray 100). By attaching sign 180 to the divider, sign 180 will adjust itself relative to the rest of tray 100 when the position of divider 130 is changed. This prevents sign 180 from interfering with access to the goods stored in tray 100. The sign adapter 182 operably secures the spacer 130 at at least two spaced locations to prevent rotation of the sign adapter 182 relative to the spacer 130. With reference to Figures 14 and 15, the sign adapter 182 includes a C-shaped snap-on connector 184 that can be snapped around the spacer assembly 166. This provides a first attachment site. The opening of the C-shaped snap-on connector 184 is smaller than the diameter of the spacer assembly 166. When assembled, the C-shaped snap-on connector 184 flexes elastically and then elastically returns to its original shape to secure the sign adapter 182 to the spacer assembly 166. Additionally, a push pin 186 is located at the second joining site. Here, the push pin 186 is elastically pushed through the opening 188 in the sign adapter 182 and the opening 190 in the spacer 130. The diameter of the opening 190 is smaller than the outside diameter of the shaft of the push pin 186 to provide a proper engagement between them. Figures 16-19 illustrate sign adapter 182. Sign adapter 182 includes a sign-fixing arrangement. In this embodiment, the sign-fixing arrangement is in the form of a pair of spaced sidewall portions 192, 194 that define a channel 196 between them. When mounted, the sign 180 is captured, at least in part, within the channel 196. Opposite side walls 192, 194 are operably coupled to each other near their adjacent sides. The connection provides a background for channel 196. Channel 196 is bounded on only one side so that the sign can be larger than channel 196 and extend outwards from it (see, for example, Figure 15). With particular reference to figure 16, the sign adapter 182 includes a pair of prongs 198 extending from an inner face 200 of the side wall 192 towards the side wall 194. Preferably, the tips 198 extend outward from the surface 200 over a distance greater than the spacing between the side walls 192, 194, such that the tips 198 extend into cavities on the inner surface 206 of the side wall 194, which may be hollows or openings. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are in the form of openings 202 in the side wall 194. The 180 sign has tip-receiving regions 210 that align and cooperate with the 198 tips to secure the 180 sign within the 196 channel. In this mode, the 210 receiving regions are openings, but depressions or gaps formed in the 180 sign would also be useful. With reference to Figures 15 and 19, the sign adapter 182 includes an additional opening-shaped cavity 214 that receives a free end of the divider assembly 166, which mounts the divider 130 onto the opposite side of the tray 100 when the other divider 130 is positioned closer to the goods support structure 109. In other embodiments, the cavity could be a gap that does not extend completely through the sign adapter. This free end is the end of the divider assembly 166 that is opposite the end that connects to the other divider 130. It can be seen that the sign adapter 182 can be mounted to either the left or right separator 130. In addition, the sign adapter 182 is located on an inner side of the separators 130 (for example, on the side of the adjacent separator 130 that faces the opposite separator 130). With reference to Figures 13 and 14, the spacer 130 includes a spacer body 220 and a mounting sleeve 222. The spacer assembly 166 is axially press-fitted within a cavity of the mounting sleeve 222. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the portion of the spacer assembly 166 that is received in the cavity of the mounting bushing 222 is knurled or has other surface features to improve the engagement between the spacer assembly 166 and the mounting bushing 222. In some embodiments, such as when the separator body 220 is made of plastic, the separator body 220 and the mounting sleeve 222 are formed from a continuous piece of material. In the illustrated version, the separator body 220 ML / a / ZUZZ / UU The azu and the mounting sleeve 222 are separate components. Here, the mounting sleeve 222 is provided with a pressure nut 226 that extends through the opening 228 in the spacer body 220. The pressure nut 226 has an enlarged head portion 230 connected to a reduced-diameter cylindrical body 232. Here, the pressure nut 226 would be press-mounted to the spacer body 220 from an outside side of the spacer body 220. This arrangement of using a 226 pressure nut provides improved aesthetics and is more conducive to a powder-coated arrangement. In some versions, the outer surface of the 220 separator body is powder-coated, while the 166 separator assembly is not. The 166 separator assembly may be zinc-coated wire. By omitting the aforementioned paint / powder coating for the spacer assembly 166, the diameter of the spacer assembly 166 can be better controlled because it can be difficult to control the paint thickness on round or substantially round elements. This improves the engagement between the spacer assembly 166 and the spacers 112. This is particularly true when friction elements, and especially elastic friction elements, are used to provide the desired resistance to the fit of the spacer 130 relative to the goods support structure 109. This results in a particularly advantageous implementation when the paint / powder coating of the 220 separator body is performed by an automated system rather than a manual paint / powder coating, where a user can better control the application of the paint / powder coating to the components. During assembly, when using a pressure nut, pressure nut 226 is typically installed on the spacer body 220 before powder coating. The spacer assembly 166 can then be press-fitted into pressure nut 226. This is an improvement over previous designs where a wire extends through the 220 separator body and is mounted to it. To provide customized information display, the 104 front stop is configured to mount channel extrusions for pricing. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a first sign holder extrusion 300 that can be removably mounted to the front stop 104. The front stop 104 includes a pair of slots 250, 252 formed in its main panel that receive a pair of opposing legs 302, 304 from the first extrusion 300. The pair of opposite legs flex in opposite directions to allow engagement with the rear side 156 of the front stop 104 to secure the first extrusion 300 there. The extrusion 300 is sufficiently flexible to allow sufficient flexing of legs 302, 304 so that they can deflect towards each other and the legs 302, 304 can be inserted through the slots 250, 252. Legs 302, 304 are spaced and mounted to the support panel 308. The support panel 308 will rest on the front surface 143 of the front stop 104 when properly mounted. The first 300 extrusion has forward-facing legs configured to mount an electronic shelf label 320, however, other configurations are contemplated (for example, see the following extrusions). Figures 22 and 23 illustrate alternative extrusion arrangements that can be attached to the front stop 104 to provide additional information. More specifically, second, third, and fourth letter-holder extrusions 400, 500, and 600 are illustrated. Instead of having legs that extend through both slots 250, 252, these extrusions 400, 500, 600 have attachment configurations 402, 502, 602 that utilize a slot 252 and wrap around and capture a lower flange that extends back 266 from the front stop 104. The main difference between the extrusions 400, 500, 600 is the configuration of the sign attachment mechanisms for attaching signs (e.g., price tags, product information, etc.). The 402, 502, and 602 mounting configurations are substantially identical, so only one 402 mounting configuration will be described. The fastening configuration includes an upper fastener portion 406 that is generally L-shaped, which includes a rear leg portion 408 and a downward-extending leg portion 410. The leg portion 408 extends through the slot 252 so that the leg portion 410 can engage the rear side 156 of the front stop 104 when mounted to it. The fastening configuration 402 also includes a lower fastener portion 412 generally J-shaped. A rearward-extending leg portion 414 extends below and sufficiently below beyond the bottom 260 of the front stop 104 such that the hook portion 416 can wrap around a rear side 270 of the lower flange 266. The hook portion 416 extends around the rear side 270 and back over the top side 272 of the lower flange 266. The upper portions 412, 512, 612 of the extrusions 400, 500, 600 can be displaced against the part ML / a / ZUZZ / UU l front of the front stop 104 and be placed in a slight flexed state to fix the extrusions 400, 500, 600 and prevent it from tilting between the extrusions 400, 500, 600 and the front stop 104. Here, the extrusions could be made from a single material or multiple materials, such as two materials co-extruded together. This allows for the creation of different portions from different materials, materials of different colors, or combinations of both. For example, the front panels could be transparent while the back panels could be opaque. In addition to extrusions 300, 400, 500, and 600, accessory fixing fasteners 700 and 800 can be provided. These accessory fixing fasteners 700 and 800 attach to the spacer 112 in the same manner and will be described with reference to the accessory fixing fastener 700. A pair of opposing flexible legs 702 wrap around the front and rear sides of the spacer 112 and particularly around the outer periphery of the cylindrical tube portions 167. The legs 702 will flex outwards against each other during assembly and then spring back elastically to secure the fastener 700 to the spacer 112. The 700 accessory mounting bracket is configured to mount 720 LED light strips onto a 710 channel-shaped accessory mount. The 800 accessory fixing bracket has an 810 accessory mounting to which information, such as an electronic shelf label, can be attached. Figures 26 and 27 illustrate an additional arrangement. In this arrangement, extrusion 600 is used. Additionally, the adjustable sign flag 650 is used with extrusion 600 and front stop 104. The 650 sign flag includes a mounting portion 652 and a flag portion 654. The mounting portion 652 is generally flat, and the flag portion 654 is generally flat but generally orthogonal to the mounting portion 652. The flag portion 654 preferably extends in front of the mounting portion 652. The mounting portion 652 is configured and sized to be received in the 600 extrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 are formed from a single continuous piece of material, for example, molded plastic, folded plastic, folded paper / cardboard, etc. The intersection 674 between the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 may be grooved or fluted to help maintain substantially orthogonal orientation (for example, plus or minus 15 degrees) between the components. In some modalities, the vertical heights H1 and The height H2 of mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 may be the same or different. Typically, the height H2 of the flag portion 654 will be greater than the height H1 of mounting portion 652. With further reference to Figure 22, the mounting portion 652 could be received in different sign flag mounting channels of the extrusion 600. For example, the mounting portion 652 could be received in the channel 659 formed between the front and rear panels 660, 662, where pricing information would typically be stored. Alternatively, with respect to this extrusion 600, the mounting portion 652 could be mounted in a rear mounting channel 656 formed between opposing hook portions 657 (e.g., flanges) and panel 662. In some models, the front and rear panels 660, 662 may be translucent. The sign flag 650 is slidably mounted to the extrusion 600 in such a way that the lateral position of the sign flag 650 can be adjusted, as represented by arrows 670, 672. Both the mounting portion 652 and the flag portion 654 may include information that the retailer would like to display in relation to the rest of tray 100. Although a single 650 sign flag is illustrated with the 600 extrusion, multiple 650 sign flags (e.g., two) can be used in other layouts. Typically, these would extend from opposite ends of the common extrusion. Additionally, although the 650 sign flag is described as being used with the 600 extrusion, the sign flag could be used with other extrusions. Figures 28 and 29 illustrate an additional arrangement. This arrangement mounts to the sign holder in a similar manner to sign flag 650, but does not include a flag. This arrangement includes a 900 frame sign. The 900 frame sign includes a 952 mounting portion that functions in the same manner as the previously mentioned 652 mounting portion. However, instead of having a flag portion that extends outward 654, this 900 frame sign includes a 954 frame portion that surrounds the 652 mounting portion. As illustrated in Figure 29, when the mounting portion 952 is inserted into the sign holder 600, the frame portion 954 surrounds or otherwise frames the sign holder 600. In some forms, the mounting portion 952 and the frame portion 954 are generally coplanar when mounted on the sign holder 600 (e.g., plus or minus 15 degrees). The mounting portion 952 is a laterally extending portion having a free end 960 that would slide into the mounting channel of the sign holder 600. The frame portion 954 includes a pair of spaced leg portions 962, 964 with the mounting portion 952 positioned between them. The leg portions 962, 964 are connected by laterally extending end portions 966, 968. The leg portions 962, 964 and the end portions 966, 968 define a central area in which the mounting portion 952 is positioned and in which the sign holder 600 is generally mounted when the frame sign 900 is mounted to the sign holder 600. The length L2 of the central area defined by the leg portions 962 is substantially equal to the length L1 of the letter holder width 600. Similarly, the height H4 of the central area defined by the end portions 966, 968 is substantially equal to the height H3 of the portion of the sign holder placed in the central area when the frame sign 900 is mounted. The mounting portion 952 extends laterally from the end portion 968 to the end portion 966. The frame portion 954 can generally be parallel to the front surface of a front stop 104 when mounted. Additionally, the frame portion 954 can be sized to completely or partially cover the front surface 143. Figures 30-34 illustrate a further example of a 1000 tray conforming to the present description. The 1000 tray is similar to the preceding trays in many respects. Those features not expressly discussed below but addressed above may be incorporated into the 1000 tray unless contrary to the operation of the present example. For example, divider assemblies and associated features, signs, sign holders, label holders, and accessory attachment fasteners may all be incorporated into the 1000 tray. Although the front stop 1004 is not illustrated including a top opening 250 in the front stop 104, this feature could be incorporated, for example. With reference to Figures 30 and 31, the 1000 tray generally includes a merchandise support structure 1009 (which is best illustrated in part in Figure 31) that defines a merchandise support surface on which the merchandise to be displayed is supported. Similar to the previous trays, the 1000 tray includes a pair of load-bearing elements 1002, a wire support structure 1010, and spacers 1012. The wire support structure 1010 is operably and removably mounted to the load-bearing elements 1002. The wire support structure 1010 typically includes a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinal elements 1016 extending from a first end 1014 of the tray 1000 to a second end 1018 of the tray 1000 along a longitudinal axis. A front stop 1004 is mounted to the goods support structure 109 near the first end 1014 of the tray 1000. The front stop 1004 is operably mounted to allow it to pivot between a vertical orientation shown in Figures 30 and 31 and a reclined orientation (not shown but shown for tray 100 in Figures 7-8). In the vertical orientation, the front stop 1004 inhibits the removal of goods from tray 1000. In the reclined orientation, goods can be more easily loaded into tray 1000 from the first end 1014 of the tray 1000. Front stop hinges 1040, 1041 mount the front stop 1004 to the goods support structure 1009 and particularly to the wire support structure 1010. Front stop hinges 1040, 1041 are mounted to the side member 1020 to rotate around the side member 1020 and particularly around the axis 1042 defined by it. Front stop hinges 1040, 1041 allow the front stop 1004 to rotate between vertical and reclined orientations. In this example, the front stop hinges 1040, 1041 and the main panel 1047 are formed as a single continuous piece and are permanently attached to each other. Therefore, separate components of the main panel 1047, such as the front stop hinges 140, are not required. In this example, the front stop hinges 1040, 1041 project rearward from a rear face of the main panel 1047. The front stop hinges 1040, 1041 are spaced and the diameters of the openings 1053 of these are of sufficient dimensions to allow one end of the side element 1020 to be inserted into one of the front stop hinges 1040, 1041 at an angle and then rotated sufficiently so that the other end can pass over the other of the front stop hinges 1041, 1040 and then be inserted into its opening 1053. In alternative examples, the openings 1053 need not be complete circles and could be provided by means of C-fasteners that allow the front stop 1004 to be snapped onto the side element 1020. With reference to Figure 32, the displacement element 1044 engages the front stop hinge 1040 and the wire support structure 1010 to displace the front stop 1004 toward the vertical orientation. In this example, the displacement element 1044 is a coil spring that extends around the side element 1020. Other elastic displacement elements are also contemplated. One end 1061 of the displacement element 1044 engages the longitudinal element 1016 while the other end 1063 of the displacement element engages the hinge ΜΛ / a / ZUZZ / UU l front stop blue 1040. The front stop hinge 1040 includes a groove 1059 that receives the end 1063. The front stop hinge 1040 includes a cover region 1065 that covers a portion of the displacement element 1044 and particularly a portion of the coil spring coils. Although only one displacement element is illustrated, multiple displacement elements could be used. The rear face of the main panel 1047 provides rotation limit stops 1062 that make contact with a corresponding structure of the goods support structure 1009 (see Figure 32). In this example, the rotation limit stops 1062 are in contact with the ends of the load-bearing elements 1002 when they are in the vertical orientation (see Figure 31). All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are incorporated as references to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated as being incorporated as a reference and as if they were presented here in their entirety. The use of the terms "a" and "an" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) shall be deemed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The terms "comprises," "has," "includes," and "contains" shall be deemed to be open terms (i.e., meaning "includes" but not limited to) unless otherwise indicated. Mention herein of ranges of values ​​is merely intended as a shorthand method for referring individually to each separate value lying within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated in the specification as if mentioned herein individually.All methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples, or example language (e.g., such as) provided herein is merely for the purpose of clarifying the invention and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. Nothing in the specification should be deemed to indicate that any element not claimed is essential to the practice of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best means known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these preferred embodiments may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect that skilled technicians will employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors expect that the invention will be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Accordingly, the present invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the object cited in the appended claims to the extent permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, any combination of the aforementioned elements in all their possible variations is contemplated by the invention unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context.

Claims

1. A retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a wire support structure comprising: at least one longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end along a first longitudinal axis; at least one lateral element attached to and generally extending perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal element and to the first longitudinal axis; a first front stop hinge rotatably mounted on the at least one lateral element to rotate about the at least one lateral element between a first angular position and a second angular position;a front stop mounted to the front stop hinge to rotate with the front stop hinge around at least one side element between the first and second angular positions, in the first angular position, the front stop is in a vertical orientation relative to the wire support structure, and in the second angular position, the front stop is in a reclined orientation relative to the wire support structure; and a displacement element that displaces the front stop hinge from the second angular position to the first angular position.

2. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: the wire support structure defines a substantially flat product support plane; the front stop has a front surface; and the front surface of the front stop is more parallel to the flat product support plane when the front stop hinge is in the second angular position than when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position.

3. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement element is a torsion spring that extends angularly around at least one side element.

4. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the front stop is releasably mounted to the front stop hinge such that the front stop can be removed from the front stop hinge without the front stop hinge being removed from at least one side element of the wire support structure.

5. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: the front stop includes a mounting groove; and the front stop hinge includes an axially extending mounting pin slidably received in the mounting groove to freely mount the front stop to the front stop hinge.

6. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: the front stop includes a flexible mounting fastener extending from a first end attached to the front stop and a free end, the free end of the flexible mounting fastener being displaced towards the at least one side element when the mounting pin is received in the mounting slot to secure the front stop to the front stop hinge.

7. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the flexible mounting fastener can be flexed elastically such that the free end is disengaged from at least one side element to remove the front stop of the front stop hinge.

8. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one pair of opposing load-bearing elements; the wire support structure mounted to the pair of opposing load-bearing elements; the front stop hinge includes a rotation limiting stop that engages at least one of the load-bearing elements or the wire support structure when the front stop hinge is in the first angular position, the displacement element and the engagement of the rotation limiting stop with at least one of the load-bearing elements or the wire support structure fixing the front stop hinge in the first angular position.

9. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that a first end of the torsion spring engages with the at least one side element and a second end of the torsion spring engages with the front stop hinge.

10. The assembly of a retail merchandise tray according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the mounting slot and the mounting pin is tapered in such a way that the greater the insertion of the pin into the mounting slot, the greater the frictional engagement between the mounting slot and the mounting pin.

11. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second front stop hinge rotatably mounted to the wire support structure, the first and second front stop hinges rotating about a common rotational axis, the first and second front stop hinges being laterally spaced along the rotational axis, and the first and second front stop hinges being permanently formed with a main front stop panel.

12. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first front stop hinge is mounted near the first end of the at least one longitudinal element; and wherein an upper portion of the front stop pivots towards the second end of the at least one longitudinal element when the first front stop hinge pivots from the first position to the second position.

13. A method for loading a retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: pivoting a front stop of the retail merchandise tray assembly between a first orientation and a second orientation; wherein: the retail merchandise tray assembly includes: a wire support structure comprising: at least one longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end along a first longitudinal axis; at least one lateral element attached to and generally extending perpendicular to the at least one longitudinal element and to the first longitudinal axis;a first front stop hinge rotatably mounted on the at least one side element to rotate about the at least one side element between a first angular position corresponding to the first orientation of the front stop and a second angular position corresponding to the second orientation of the first front stop; and a displacement element acting on the first front stop hinge; the front stop is mounted to the front stop hinge to rotate with the front stop hinge about the at least one side element between the first and second angular positions, in the first angular position, the front stop extends upwards relative to the wire support structure to a greater extent than when it is in the second angular position;Additionally, it involves moving the front stop hinge from the first angular position to the first angular position in such a way that the front stop moves towards the first orientation.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that pivoting the front stop changes the front stop from a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to an upper surface defined by the wire support structure to a substantially parallel orientation relative to the upper surface defined by the wire support structure.

15. A retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a merchandise support structure extending between a first end and a second end and having first and second opposite sides; a divider; a longitudinally extending divider assembly, the divider assembly being slidably mounted to the merchandise support structure to adjust a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure; and an elastic friction element mounted to the merchandise support structure and engaging the divider assembly, the divider assembly being slidable relative to the elastic friction element when adjusting the position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure.

16. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the elastic friction element is an O-ring and the spacer assembly includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, the inner diameter of the O-ring being 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 a frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

17. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the merchandise support structure includes: a wire support structure defining a product support surface; a pair of spaced, opposing load-bearing elements, the wire support structure being mounted to the load-bearing elements; a spacer interposed between the pair of load-bearing elements, the elastic friction element being mounted to the spacer.

18. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the separator assembly extends through the spacer.

19. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that: the elastic friction element is an O-ring; the spacer assembly includes a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod; and an 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 a frictional engagement between the O-ring and the cylindrical rod.

20. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the spacer defines a cylindrical tube, the o-ring aligned with the cylindrical tube, the cylindrical rod sliding inside the cylindrical tube.

21. A retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a merchandise support structure extending between a first end and a second end and having first and second opposite sides; a divider adjustable to the merchandise support structure to adjust a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure; a sign adapter mounted to the divider and movable with the divider when the position of the divider is adjusted relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure; and a sign fixed to the sign adapter.

22. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the sign adapter is attached to the divider at at least two attachment sites to prevent rotation of the sign adapter relative to the divider.

23. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a divider assembly that adjustably connects the divider to the merchandise support structure; the sign adapter is attached to the divider assembly providing one of at least two attachment sites.

24. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the sign adapter includes a snap-fit ​​C-connector that snaps into the merchandise support structure.

25. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the sign adapter is attached to the divider with a spring-loaded push pin extending within an opening in the divider providing a second attachment site of the at least two attachment sites.

26. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises: a second divider adjustablely mounted to the merchandise support structure to adjust a position of the divider relative to the second side of the merchandise support structure; a second divider assembly extending between the first and second opposite ends, the second divider assembly adjustablely attaching the second divider to the merchandise support structure, the second divider being attached to a first end of the second divider assembly; wherein the sign adapter includes a cavity receiving the second end of the second divider assembly when the second divider is placed in a closer position relative to the second side.

27. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the sign adapter includes a sign fixing arrangement comprising first and second spaced side walls defining a channel between them, the first and second side walls joining together near adjacent sides, the sign being captured, at least in part, within the channel and between the first and second side walls.

28. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the first side wall includes a point extending from an inner face thereof to the second side wall.

29. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that: the first side wall includes a point extending from an inner face thereof; the second side wall includes a cavity in its inner face, the point extending into the cavity of the second side wall when the first and second side walls are in a relaxed state.

30. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that the sign has a tip-receiving region that engages the tip when the sign is placed within the channel defined by the first and second side walls.

31. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the channel is closed only at one end thereof where the first and second side walls are joined together such that the channel is open at both of its ends, and is also open on one side extending between the opposite open ends.

32. A method of mounting a sign on a retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: providing the retail merchandise tray assembly, the retail merchandise tray assembly comprising: a merchandise support structure extending between a first end and a second end and having first and second opposite sides; a spacer adjustable to the merchandise support structure for adjusting a position of the spacer relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure; a sign adapter mounted to the spacer and movable with the spacer when the position of the spacer is adjusted relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure; and a sign; and fixing the sign to the sign adapter assembly.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that it further comprises: adjusting a position of the sign in relation to the goods support structure by adjusting the position of the separator in relation to the goods support structure.

34. A retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a merchandise support structure extending between a first end and a second end and having first and second opposite sides; a divider including a divider body and a mounting sleeve; a longitudinally extending divider assembly engaged by press fit within the divider mounting sleeve, the divider assembly being slideably mounted to the merchandise support structure to adjust a position of the divider relative to the first side of the merchandise support structure.

35. The retail goods tray assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that an outer surface of a portion of the separator assembly that is press-fitted within the mounting sleeve has a knurled outer surface that engages an inner surface of the mounting sleeve.

36. The assembly of a retail goods tray according to claim 34, characterized in that the separator body and the mounting sleeve are formed from a continuous piece of material.

37. The assembly of a retail goods tray according to claim 36, characterized in that the separator body and the mounting sleeve are formed of plastic.

38. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that the mounting bushing is provided with a pressure nut that is mounted within an opening formed in the separator body, the pressure nut having an enlarged head portion and a cylindrical body defining a central cavity in which the separator assembly is press-fitted, the cylindrical body having a smaller dimension than one dimension of the head portion.

39. A retail merchandise tray divider assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a divider body including an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface being powder-coated; a mounting sleeve attached to the divider body at least partially adjacent to the inner surface of the divider body; a divider assembly having a first end inserted into the mounting sleeve and having a second opposite free end, the divider assembly being unpainted.

40. The retail merchandise tray separator assembly according to claim 39, characterized in that the separator assembly is zinc-plated.

41. The retail goods tray separator assembly according to claim 40, characterized in that it further comprises a separator support defining a receiving cavity that receives the second end within the receiving cavity.

42. The retail goods tray separator assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that the separator support includes a friction element that engages the outer periphery of the separator assembly.

43. The retail merchandise tray separator assembly according to claim 39, characterized in that the mounting bushing is a pressure nut extending through an opening in the separator body.

44. A method of assembling a retail merchandise tray divider, characterized in that it comprises: providing a divider body including an outer surface and an inner surface; painting the outer surface of the divider body; providing a mounting sleeve attached to the divider body and being, at least in part, adjacent to the inner surface of the divider body; inserting a first end of the divider assembly into the mounting sleeve and having a second opposite free end, the divider assembly being unpainted.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that providing the mounting bushing includes inserting a pressure nut through an opening formed in the spacer body.

46. ​​The method according to claim 45, characterized in that the painting step is provided by the powder coating, wherein the painting step takes place after the step of inserting the pressure nut through the opening.

47. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that the separator assembly is zinc-plated.

48. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that it further comprises inserting the second free end of the spacer assembly into a receiving cavity of a spacer support.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that the step of inserting the second free end includes engaging an outer periphery of the spacer assembly with a friction element to provide a sliding friction engagement between them.

50. A retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a merchandise support structure extending between a first end and a second end; a front stop mounted to the merchandise support structure near the first end; and a sign holder releasably secured to the front stop, the sign holder having a sign mounting channel.

51. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 50, characterized in that it further comprises a sign flag having a mounting portion and a flag portion extending substantially orthogonally to the mounting portion, the mounting portion being removably mounted on the sign holder.

52. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 51, characterized in that the sign flag is slidably mounted within the sign mounting channel in a lateral direction generally parallel to a front face of the front stop.

53. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 51, characterized in that the flag portion and the mounting portion are formed as a continuous component having a fold connecting the flag portion to the mounting portion.

54. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 51, characterized in that the sign holder includes: a front panel; a rear panel, the front panel and the rear panel forming a channel between them; and a mounting channel formed behind the rear panel, the mounting portion of the sign flag being received in the mounting channel with the rear panel of the sign holder interposed between the mounting portion of the sign flag and the front panel of the sign holder.

55. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 50, characterized in that it further comprises a frame sign having a mounting portion and a frame portion surrounding the mounting portion, the mounting portion and the frame portion being substantially coplanar when mounted to the sign holder, the frame portion surrounding the sign holder when the frame sign is mounted to the sign holder.

56. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 55, characterized in that the front stop has a front surface that is generally flat, and the frame portion is generally parallel to the front surface when mounted.

57. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 55, characterized in that the front stop has a front surface that is generally flat, the frame portion generally covering the front surface when mounted.

58. A retail merchandise tray assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a merchandise support structure extending between a first end and a second end; a divider support; a front stop mounted near the first end of the merchandise support structure; at least one divider slidably mounted to the divider support for adjusting a position of the divider relative to the merchandise support structure; an accessory attachment fastener freely attached to a lower side of the divider support, the accessory attachment fastener having an accessory mounting disposed in front of the divider support and lower than a lower edge of the front stop.

59. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 58, characterized in that the accessory assembly defines a channel for holding an accessory, the channel having a downward-facing opening.

60. The assembly of a merchandise tray for retail sale in accordance with claim 59, characterized in that it further comprises a strip of lights mounted in the channel.

61. The assembly of a retail goods tray according to claim 58, characterized in that it further comprises a light strip or an electronic label mounted to the accessory fixing bracket.

62. The retail merchandise tray assembly according to claim 58, characterized in that the accessory fixing fastener includes a main body with a pair of spaced fixing legs extending upwards from an upper side thereof, the fixing legs snap-fitting the accessory fixing fastener to the divider support with the main body positioned below the divider support.

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