Merchandising system for canned products

Abstract

A merchandising system includes a first dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a first base extending from a first edge to a second edge, (ii) a first sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the first base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end, and (iii) at least one tab extending from second edge of the first base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 762,460, filed on Feb. 24, 2025. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a product pusher and, more particularly, to a product pusher for maintaining orientation of merchandise within a product receiving area.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Retail product pushers are widely used in various retail environments to ensure that products are consistently presented at the front of the shelf, enhancing visibility and accessibility for customers. These systems typically consist of a series of spring-loaded or gravity-fed mechanisms that push products forward as items are removed. This not only maintains a neat and organized appearance but also helps in inventory management by making it easier to identify when stock levels are low. Retail product pushers are particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas where product turnover is rapid, ensuring that shelves remain stocked and appealing without constant manual restocking.

[0005] Traditional retail product pusher systems often involve the use of dispensing trays that are designed to hold and push forward products of various sizes and shapes. These trays are usually placed side by side on retail shelves, separated by dividers to keep different product types organized and to prevent items from spilling over into adjacent trays. However, the design and implementation of these dividers can sometimes be inefficient, requiring excessive shelf space between trays. This inefficiency can lead to a significant reduction in the usable width of the shelf, thereby limiting the number of products that can be displayed at any given time.

[0006] Conventional systems that necessitate large gaps between trays not only reduce the overall display capacity but also can result in wasted shelf space that could otherwise be utilized for additional products. This is particularly problematic in retail environments where maximizing shelf space is crucial for both sales and customer satisfaction. The need for a more efficient modular retail product pusher system that minimizes the space between trays while maintaining effective product separation is evident. Such a system would allow retailers to optimize their shelf space, display a greater variety of products, and improve the overall shopping experience for customers.SUMMARY

[0007] An aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandising system including a first dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a first base extending from a first edge to a second edge, (ii) a first sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the first base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end, and (iii) at least one tab extending from the second edge of the first base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the merchandising system further includes a divider wall selectively received by the first sidewall. In some configurations, the divider wall includes at least one recess longitudinally aligned with the at least one coupler socket of the first sidewall. Optionally the at least one coupler socket includes a plurality of coupler sockets, the at least one tab includes a plurality of tabs each aligned along the lateral direction with one of the coupler sockets, and the at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses each aligned with one of the coupler sockets. In some configurations, the divider wall includes a stopper disposed at a first end of the divider wall.

[0009] In some configurations, the merchandising system includes a pusher moveably attached to the dispensing tray and operable to apply a biasing force along a direction from the second end to the first end. In some examples, the pusher is moveably attached to the divider wall. In some configurations, the pusher includes a concave front surface.

[0010] In some implementations, the merchandising system includes a second dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a second base extending from a third edge to a fourth edge, and (ii) at least one tab extending from the fourth edge of the second base and received within the at least one coupler socket of the first sidewall of the first dispensing tray. Optionally, the second dispensing tray includes a second sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the second base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end. In some configurations, the merchandising system includes a coupling rail attached to the first end of the first dispensing tray and the first end of the second dispensing tray.

[0011] In some implementations, the first dispensing tray includes a front retainer disposed at the first end. In some configurations, the front retainer includes a first front retainer disposed along the first edge of the first base and a second front retainer disposed along the second edge of the first base, each of the first front retainer and the second front retainer including a concave retainer surface facing a product receiving area of the base. In some aspects, the front retainer includes a front rail configured to attach to a coupling track.

[0012] In some configurations, the at least one coupler socket includes a first engagement element and the at least one tab includes a second engagement element configured to interface with the first engagement element of an adjacent dispensing tray.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a dispensing tray for a product merchandising system. The dispensing tray includes a first base having a length extending from a first end to a second end and a width extending from a first edge to a second edge, a first sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end, and at least one tab extending from the second edge of the base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

[0014] In some examples, the at least one coupler socket includes a first engagement element and the at least one tab includes a second engagement element configured to interface with the first engagement element of an adjacent dispensing tray.

[0015] In some examples, the dispensing tray includes a front retainer disposed at the first end. In some examples, the front retainer includes a first front retainer disposed along the first edge of the base and a second front retainer disposed along the second edge of the base, each of the first front retainer and the second front retainer including a concave retainer surface facing a product receiving area of the base. In some examples, front retainer includes a front rail configured to attach to a coupling track.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a merchandising system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a subsection of the merchandising system of FIG. 1, showing first and second trays of the merchandising system.

[0019] FIG. 3 is top perspective view an example of a tray of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of a divider of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the divider of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of the divider and a pusher of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a first tray and a second tray of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an assembled view of the first tray and the second tray of FIG. 8.

[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the first tray and second tray of FIG. 9 and a divider of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 11 is an assembled perspective view of the first tray, the second tray, and the divider of FIG. 10.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 11, taken along Line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 11, taken along Line 13-13 of FIG. 11.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a left side view of a tray of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a right side view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a front view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a left side view of a divider of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0039] FIG. 23 is a front view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a top view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0042] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a merchandising system 100 is generally shown. The merchandising system 100 can be installed in a retail environment, such as a shelf 12. For instance, the shelf 12 may be the shelf 12 of a refrigerator or a freezer. The merchandising system 100 can be arranged on a top surface 14 of the shelf 12, or arranged on another suitable base surface. The shelf 12 may be located in a store or another suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 14 of the shelf 12 extends from a front edge 16 to an opposite rear edge 18. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edge 16 to the rear edge 18 defines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edge 16 and the rear edge 18 defines a lateral direction. In some implementations, the shelf 12 may include apertures extending through the top surface 14 and arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edge 16 and the rear edge 18 of the shelf 12. Portions of the merchandising system 100 may be secured to the shelf 12 via fasteners engaging with the apertures of the shelf 12. The merchandising system 100 may be secured to the shelf 12 in any suitable manner, and the merchandising system 100 may be selectively detached from the shelf 12 and moved, for example, to another shelf or other surface.

[0045] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the merchandising system 100 includes a length L100 extending between a first or front end 102 adjacent the front edge 16 of the shelf 12 and a second or rear end 104 opposite the front end 102 and adjacent to the rear edge 18 of the shelf 12. Additionally, a width W100 of the merchandising system 100 includes a first or left side 106 and a second or right side 108 spaced laterally from the left side 106. As discussed herein, references to a “longitudinal direction” relate to the direction from the front end 102 to the rear end 104 of the merchandising system 100 while references to a “lateral direction” relate to the direction from the left side 106 to the right side 108.

[0046] As described in greater detail below, the merchandising system 100 includes one or more trays 110 each defining respective product receiving areas A separated by optional dividers 112. Optionally, each of the trays 110 may include a pusher 114 configured to bias merchandise towards the front edge 16 of the shelf 12 when the merchandising system 100 is installed on the shelf 12. When a plurality of the trays 110 are provided on a shelf 12, the merchandising system 100 may further include one or more coupling tracks 116 configured to couple the plurality of trays 110 together. Each tray 110 is generally configured so that a user (e.g., store associate) can load (i.e., stock, dispose, etc.) merchandise within the respective product receiving area A. Additionally, the merchandising system 100 is generally configured to maintain an upright orientation of merchandise after a user (e.g., a customer or consumer) removes a forward-most item of merchandise from the merchandising system 100 and the remaining merchandise retained in the respective product receiving area A advances toward the front edge 16 of the shelf 12 to maintain the merchandise at a front-facing position of the shelf 12.

[0047] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the one or more trays 110 of the merchandising system 100 includes a plurality of trays 110 connected together by the coupling tracks 116 along the front edge 16 of the shelf 12. Particularly, the plurality of trays 110 include one or more intermediate trays 110a and an end tray 110b disposed on each side 106, 108 of the merchandising system 100. Generally, the intermediate trays 110a and the end trays 110b are substantially similar, except that the intermediate trays 110a are configured to couple with additional intermediate trays 110a or end trays 110b on both sides 106, 108 while the end trays 110b are configured for coupling with additional trays 110a, 110b on a single side. Thus, while the illustrated example includes unique end trays 110b, the merchandising system 100 could be assembled using only intermediate trays 110a. Alternatively, a pair of the end trays 110b could be coupled directly to each other without any intervening intermediate trays 110a.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 2, adjacent ones of the trays 110 may be separated by a removable divider 112 that is selectively coupled to the merchandising system 100 between adjacent trays 110. As discussed in greater detail below, the adjacent ones of the trays 110 cooperate to define an interface for attaching each divider 112 to the merchandising system 100. Thus, a single divider 112a can be shared by adjacent trays 110, which minimizes the overall width W100 of the merchandising tray 110, thereby maximizing the available area of the shelf.

[0049] Optionally, the merchandising system 100 may include the pushers 114 associated with any one of the product receiving areas A defined by the trays 110 and the dividers 112. Generally, the pushers 114 are configured to moveably attach to the trays 110 and / or the dividers 112 such that the pushers 114 can translate in the longitudinal direction along each respective product receiving area A. The pushers 114 include a biasing means that applies a continuous biasing force along the longitudinal direction toward the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100. As discussed in greater detail below, the pushers 114 of the present example are provided as side-push style pushers 114, whereby the pushers are slidably coupled to one of the dividers 112. However, aspects of the disclosure may also be realized in configurations with center-push style pushers that slide along the trays 110 and / or without pushers (e.g., gravity fed).

[0050] Referring still to FIG. 2, the coupling track 116 is attached at the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100 and provides various benefits to the merchandising system 100. Structurally, the coupling track 116 functions to further secure and align adjacent trays 110 of the plurality of trays 110 of the merchandising system 100, thereby providing a continuous interface along the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100. Additionally, the coupling track 116 defines a portion of a merchandise stop or retainer at the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100 to contain merchandise within the respective product receiving areas A of the merchandising system 100.

[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example tray 110 of the plurality of trays 110. The example tray 110 is shown as an illustrated example of one of the intermediate trays 110a. Except as otherwise noted herein, the end trays 110b have the same configurations as the intermediate trays 110a. Accordingly, features of the trays 110 will be described with respect to the illustrated example of the intermediate tray 110a. Each tray 110 includes a base 120 defining a length L110 of the tray 110 and extending from a first end 122 associated with the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100 to an opposite second end 124 associated with the rear end 104 of the merchandising system 100. The base 120 further defines a width W110 of the tray 110 and extends from a first edge 126 to an opposite second edge 128. The base 120 may be further described as including a top side 130 that defines a support surface of the product receiving area A and an opposite bottom side 132 that faces the top surface 14 of the shelf 12 when the merchandising system 100 is installed on the shelf 12. Optionally, the top side 130 of the base 120 includes a plurality of elongate ribs 131 extending from the first end 122 to the second end 124 to provide a low-friction tray surface for sliding merchandise.

[0052] Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tray 110 includes one or more tray couplers 134 arranged along the first edge 126 of the tray 110. In the illustrated example, the one or more tray couplers 134 includes a plurality of the tray couplers 134 arranged in series between the first end 122 and the second end 124 along the first edge 126 of the base 120. Adjacent ones of the tray couplers 134 are separated by gaps 135 that are configured to receive portions of the dividers 112 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled.

[0053] As shown, each of the tray couplers 134 is embodied as a tongue 134 or tab 134 extending in a vertical direction (i.e., transverse to the lateral and longitudinal directions) from a proximal end 136 attached to the first edge 126 of the base 120 to an opposite distal end 138. Each of the tray couplers 134 includes a thickness T134 defined by a distance from an inner side surface 140 to an outer side surface 142 and a length L134 extending from an anterior end to a posterior end. Optionally, the thickness T134 and / or the length L134 may taper along a direction from the proximal end 136 to the distal end 138 to aid in alignment and engagement of the tray couplers 134 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. Further, the tray couplers 134 may include a chamfered or filleted edge to provide additional guiding features along the distal end 138.

[0054] Each of the tray couplers 134 further includes a first engagement element 148 configured to interface with a corresponding second engagement element 148 of an adjacent tray 110 to secure the trays 110 together. In the illustrated example, the first engagement elements 148 are formed as apertures 150 extending through the thickness T134 of the tray coupler 134, whereby the distal end 138 of each tray coupler 134 defines a retaining rib 152. While the illustrated example shows the apertures 150 extending entirely through each tray coupler 134, the first engagement elements 148 may also be embodied as detents formed only in the inner side surface 140 and / or the outer side surface 142.

[0055] The tray 110 further includes a sidewall 160 disposed adjacent to the second edge 128 of the base 120. In the illustrated example, the sidewall 160 extends from a first end 162 to a second end 164 along the second edge 128 between the first end 122 and the second end 124 of the base 120. In the illustrated example, the first end 162 of the sidewall 160 is adjacent to the first end 122 of the base 120 and the second end 164 of the sidewall 160 is adjacent to and coincident with the second end 124 of the base 120. However, the ends 162, 164 of the sidewall 160 may be longitudinally spaced from the ends 122, 124 of the base 120. As shown, the sidewall 160 extends in a vertical direction (i.e., transverse to the lateral and longitudinal directions) from the top side 130 of the base 120 and includes a proximal end 166 attached to the base 120 and an opposite upper distal end 168 formed at an opposite end from the proximal end 166.

[0056] Generally, the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 is configured to interface with an adjacent one of the trays 110 while the distal end 168 of the sidewall 160 is configured to interface with one of the dividers 112. More particularly, the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 defines one or more coupler sockets 170 configured to receive a corresponding one of the tray couplers 134 and the distal end 168 includes one or more divider receptacles 172 configured to receive a portion of one of the dividers 112.

[0057] The sidewall 160 may be separated into an inner sidewall 176 and an outer sidewall 178 separated from each other to define the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacles 172 therebetween. Optionally, the inner sidewall 176 and the outer sidewall 178 are separated by a channel 180 that extends continuously along the length of the sidewall 160. As shown, the channel 180 is formed through the distal end 168 of the sidewall 160 and defines portions of the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacle 172. For example, each of the coupler sockets 170 includes a coupler socket opening 184 formed through the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 and into the channel 180. The coupler socket opening 184 may be formed as notch or recess within the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 that accommodate a portion of the base 120 of an adjacent one of the trays 110 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. Thus, the portions of the base 120 of a first tray 110 that include the tray couplers 134 extend into and overlap with the outer sidewall 178 when the tray couplers 134 are inserted into the coupler sockets 170. Each of the divider receptacles 172 includes a divider receptacle opening 182 defined by the channel 180 at the distal end 168 of the sidewall 160. As mentioned previously, the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacles 172 are continuously formed with each other along the length of the channel 180. However, the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacles 172 may be separated by intermediate walls.

[0058] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sidewall 160 includes a plurality of tray engagement elements 188, 190 arranged along the length of the sidewall 160 and configured to selectively couple the tray 110 to adjacent trays 110 and / or dividers 112. As discussed below, each of the tray engagement elements 188, 190 includes a resilient tab defined by segments of the sidewall 160 that are interrupted by notches 186 formed through the distal end 168. For example, a segment of the inner sidewall 176 may be segmented by a pair of the notches 186 to define a segment of the inner sidewall 176 that can flex independently of the other portions of the inner sidewall 176.

[0059] The tray engagement elements 188, 190 include one or more coupler retainers 188 each associated with a respective one of the coupler sockets 170 of the sidewall 160. The coupler retainers 188 are formed as coupler retainer tabs 192 each including a coupler retainer protuberance 196 configured to mate with the first engagement element 148 of a respective one of the tray couplers 134 of an adjacent tray 110 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the coupler retainer tabs 192 are defined by portions of the inner sidewall 176 that are segmented by a pair of the notches 186. Thus, each of the coupler retainer tabs 192 includes a segregated portion of the inner sidewall 176 that is aligned with one of the coupler sockets 170 of the sidewall 160. The coupler retainers 188 are aligned with respective ones of the tray couplers 134 along a lateral direction of the tray 110. In other words, the coupler retainers 188 have the same longitudinal spacing along the length of the tray 110 as the tray coupler 134, thereby allowing tray couplers 134 of adjacent ones of the trays 110 to mate with the corresponding coupler retainers 188.

[0060] The tray engagement elements 188, 190 include one or more divider retainers 190 each associated with a respective one of the divider receptacles 172. The divider retainers 190 are formed as divider retainer tabs 198 each including a divider retainer protuberance 200 (see FIG. 13) configured to mate with a corresponding engagement element (discussed below) of one of the dividers 112 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the divider retainer tabs 198 are defined by portions of the inner sidewall 176 or the outer sidewall 178 that are segment by a pair of the notches 186. Thus, each of the divider retainer tabs 198 includes a segregated portion of the inner sidewall 176 or the outer sidewall 178 that are aligned with one of the divider receptacles 172 of the sidewall 160. As shown, the divider retainer tabs 198 are alternatingly arranged on the inner sidewall 176 and the outer sidewall 178 along the length of the sidewall 160 (e.g., inner sidewall, outer sidewall, inner sidewall, etc.). By providing the divider retainer tabs 198 in an alternating configuration, the sidewall 160 is configured to engaged each divider 112 on opposite sides to improve retention and stability of the divider 112. However, the sidewall 160 could also be formed with the divider retainers 190 on a single one of the inner sidewall 176 or the outer sidewall 178.

[0061] The base 120 of each tray 110 further includes product retainers 210, 212 disposed at each of the first end 122 and the second end 124. Particularly, the base 120 includes a rear product retainer 210 formed as a rear wall or rib 210 extending from the top side 130 across the width of the base 120. In other configurations, the rear product retainer 210 may include protrusions or other types of stops formed at the second end 124 of the base 120 and configured to prevent merchandise from being pushed beyond the second end 124 of the base 120.

[0062] The base 120 further includes one or more front product retainers 212 disposed at the first end 122 of the base 120. In the illustrated example, the front product retainers 212 include an opposing pair of the front product retainers 212 disposed along the opposite edges 126, 128 adjacent to the first end 122 of the base 120. Each of the front product retainers 212 includes a front side 214 formed along the first end 122 of the base 120, an outer side 216 extending along the respective edge 126, 128 along which the front product retainer 212 is disposed, and a rear-facing retaining surface 218 facing the product receiving area A and extending between the front side 214 and the outer side 216. In the illustrated example, the rear-facing retaining surface 218 has a concave profile extending from the front side 214 to the outer side 216. Thus, the front product retainers 212 cooperate to provide concave retaining surfaces 218 on opposite sides of the product receiving area A at the first end 122 of the base 120. In use with canned merchandise, and particularly, canned merchandise that is provided in tandem packaging (e.g., two cans side-by-side), the retaining surfaces 218 cooperate to receive the cylindrical profiles of the cans.

[0063] The front side 214 of each of the front product retainers 212 may further include a tray coupling rail 220 configured to interface with the coupling track 116. In the illustrated example, the tray coupling rail 220 is a T-rail including a neck and a head portion configured to slidably mate with a corresponding T-slot of the coupling track 116. Thus, in addition to serving to align and retain merchandise within the tray 110, the front product retainers 212 provide an interface for attaching each tray 110 to the coupling track 116.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a divider 112 according to the present disclosure is shown. The divider 112 includes a length extending from a first end 230 to an opposite second end 232. The divider 112 further includes a first side 234 configured to face the left side 106 of the merchandising system 100 and an opposite second side 236 formed on an opposite side from the first side 234. The divider 112 may be further described in terms of a top side 238 and an opposite bottom side 240.

[0065] Referring still to FIG. 5, the divider 112 includes a divider wall 242 extending continuously from the first end 230 to the second end 232 of the divider 112. The divider wall 242 includes a pusher track 244 disposed on at least one of the first side 234 or the second side 236. In the illustrated example, the pusher track 244 is formed in the first side 234 and includes an upper pusher rail 246 and a lower pusher rail 248 that cooperate to slidably receive portions of the pusher 114 on the divider wall 242.

[0066] The upper pusher rail 246 is defined by an upper pusher channel 250 formed at least partially within the first side 234 of the divider wall 242 and an upper channel retainer 252 extending along the length of the upper pusher channel 250. While the upper channel retainer 252 may be continuous along its length, the upper channel retainer 252 of the present disclosure is provided as an intermittent design including a plurality of upper channel retainer tabs 254 spaced along the length of the upper channel retainer 252. Adjacent ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 254 are spaced such that a portion of a carriage of the pusher 114 that is received within the upper pusher channel 250 is always captured within the upper pusher channel 250 by at least one of the upper channel retainers tabs 254. As shown in FIG. 6, the divider wall 242 includes reliefs 256 formed through the divider wall 242 within the upper pusher channel 250, which correspond to the position of respective ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 254 to improve manufacturability (e.g., mold relief).

[0067] The lower pusher rail 248 is defined by a lower pusher channel 260 formed at least partially within the first side 234 of the divider wall 242 and a lower channel retainer 262 extending along the length of the lower pusher channel 260. While the lower channel retainer 262 may be continuous along its length, the lower channel retainer 262 of the present disclosure is provided as an intermittent design including a plurality of lower channel retainer tabs 264 spaced along the length of the lower channel retainer 262. Adjacent ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 264 are spaced such that a portion of a carriage of the pusher 114 that is received within the lower pusher channel 260 is always captured within the lower pusher channel 260 by at least one of the lower channel retainers tabs 264. As shown in FIG. 6, the divider wall 242 includes reliefs 266 formed through the divider wall 242 within the lower pusher channel 260, which correspond to the position of respective ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 264 to improve manufacturability (e.g., mold relief).

[0068] The divider wall 242 further includes a rear pusher retainer 270 disposed at the second end 236 of the divider wall 242 between the upper pusher rail 246 and the lower pusher rail 248. The rear pusher retainer 270 includes a rear biasing surface 272 formed at an oblique angle relative to the first side 234 of the divider wall 242 and a front retaining surface 274 formed perpendicular or undercut relative to the first side 234 of the divider wall 242. The rear biasing surface 272 is configured to guide the pusher 114 into the pusher track 244 and causes the rear pusher retainer 270 to move towards the second side 236. Once the pusher 114 is clear of the rear pusher retainer 270, the rear pusher retainer 270 returns to the position shown such that the front retaining surface 274 obstructs the pusher track 244 at the second end 232 to prevent removal of the pusher 114.

[0069] The divider 112 further includes one or more merchandise retainers 278 disposed at the first end 230. In the illustrated example, the merchandise retainers 278 are formed as resilient tabs 280 extending longitudinally from the divider wall 242 at the first end 230. Each merchandise retainer 278 includes a stopper 282 disposed at a distal end of the resilient tab 280 and extending transverse (i.e., across) relative to the divider wall 242. As shown in FIG. 5, the merchandise retainers 278 may further include arcuate gussets 284 formed between the resilient tab 280 and the stopper 282. Here, the gussets 284 have a concave curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front product retainers 212 of the tray 110.

[0070] The divider 112 further includes one or more divider coupling tabs 286 extending from the divider wall 242 along the bottom side 240. Each of the coupling tabs 286 is configured to interface with a respective one of the one or more divider receptacles 172 formed in the sidewall 160 of the tray 110. Additionally, the coupling tabs 286 are longitudinally separated from each other by recesses 287 which are configured to receive or mate with the tray coupler tabs 134 of an attached tray 110 within the channel 180 of the sidewall 160 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. Thus, the recesses 287 are longitudinally aligned with the coupler sockets 170 formed in the sidewall 160. As shown, each of the coupling tabs 286 includes a coupling tab slot 288 formed within the coupling tab 286 and configured to engage with a corresponding one of the divider retainer protuberances 200 formed on the divider retainers 190.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, the pusher 114 includes a pusher carriage 290 including a pair of carriage rails 292 configured to be slidably received by the pusher rails 246, 248 of the divider wall 242. The pusher 114 further includes a pusher wall 294 attached to the carriage 290. In the illustrated example, the pusher wall 294 includes a front pusher surface 296 extending from a proximal end 298 adjacent to the carriage 290 to a distal end 300 formed at an opposite end from the carriage 290. The front pusher surface 296 has a compound profile including a concave portion formed adjacent to the proximal end 298 and a flat profile adjacent to the distal end 300. Thus, the front pusher surface 296 is configured to interface with canned merchandise that is provided in side-by-side bundles that define an obround profile.

[0072] As discussed above, the pusher 114 is assembled to the divider 112 by aligning the carriage rails 292 of the pusher 114 with the pusher rails 246, 248 of the divider wall 242. The pusher 114 is pushed along the pusher track 244 towards the first end 230 of the divider 112 until the carriage 290 engages the rear biasing surface 272 of the rear pusher retainer 270. As the carriage 290 is moved into the pusher track 244, the rear biasing surface 272 is depressed towards the second side 236 of the divider 112 by the carriage 290 and the carriage 290 passes over the rear pusher retainer 270 into the pusher track 244. Once fully engaged with the pusher track 244, the rear pusher retainer 270 returns to the initial state and a free end of a coil spring 302 is attached to the divider wall 242 adjacent to the first end 230 (see FIG. 5).

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 8-13, assembly of a portion of the merchandising system 100 is shown and described. In FIG. 7, a first end tray 110b and an intermediate tray 110a are shown. As discussed above, the first end tray 110b is substantially similar to the intermediate tray 110a, except the end trays 110b include a sidewall 160b disposed along the first edge 126 instead of the tray coupler tabs 134, thereby allowing one of the dividers 112 to be coupled to the end tray 110b. The sidewall 160b includes the divider receptacles 172 for interfacing with the dividers 112.

[0074] Referring still to FIG. 8, the intermediate tray 110a is initially assembled to the end tray 110b by inserting the tray couplers 134 of the intermediate tray 110a through the socket openings 184 formed in the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 of the end tray 110b. Here, the tray couplers 134 are inserted such that the retaining rib 152 formed at the distal end 138 of the tray coupler 134 passed over the coupler retainer protuberance 196 and the coupler retainer protuberance 196 engages with the aperture 150 formed through the tray coupler 134. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the intermediate tray 110a fully assembled with the end tray 110b, whereby the tray coupler tabs 134 are engaged with the coupler sockets 170 formed in the sidewall 160. By integrating the coupler sockets 170 within the sidewalls 160 of the trays the effective widths of the merchandising system 100 dedicated to coupling and dividing functions of the merchandising system 100 are minimized, while simultaneously maximizing the effective widths of the merchandising system allocated to the product receiving areas A.

[0075] Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, assembly of a divider 112 and pusher 114 to the merchandising system 100 is shown. The divider 112 is positioned above the sidewall 160 of the intermediate tray 110 such that the divider coupling tabs 286 are aligned with the divider receptacle openings 182. The divider 112 is then lowered onto the sidewall 160 so that the divider coupling tabs 286 are received within respective ones of the divider receptacles 172. As the divider coupling tabs 286 are inserted into the divider receptacles 172, the divider retainer protuberances 200 formed on the divider retainers tabs 198 engage the coupling tab slots 288 formed on the divider coupling tabs 286 to secure the divider 112 within the sidewall 160, as best shown in FIG. 12.

[0076] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,”“an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0077] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,”“attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or 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,”“directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,”“adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0078] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,”“second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0079] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0043]Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0044]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a merchandising system 100 is generally shown. The merchandising system 100 can be installed in a retail environment, such as a shelf 12. For instance, the shelf 12 may be the shelf 12 of a refrigerator or a freezer. The ...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 762,460, filed on Feb. 24, 2025. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a product pusher and, more particularly, to a product pusher for maintaining orientation of merchandise within a product receiving area.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Retail product pushers are widely used in various retail environments to ensure that products are consistently presented at the front of the shelf, enhancing visibility and accessibility for customers. These systems typically consist of a series of spring-loaded or gravity-fed mechanisms that push products forward as items are removed. This not only maintains a neat and organized appearance but also helps in inventory management by making it easier to identify when stock levels are low. Retail product pushers are particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas where product turnover is rapid, ensuring that shelves remain stocked and appealing without constant manual restocking.

[0005] Traditional retail product pusher systems often involve the use of dispensing trays that are designed to hold and push forward products of various sizes and shapes. These trays are usually placed side by side on retail shelves, separated by dividers to keep different product types organized and to prevent items from spilling over into adjacent trays. However, the design and implementation of these dividers can sometimes be inefficient, requiring excessive shelf space between trays. This inefficiency can lead to a significant reduction in the usable width of the shelf, thereby limiting the number of products that can be displayed at any given time.

[0006] Conventional systems that necessitate large gaps between trays not only reduce the overall display capacity but also can result in wasted shelf space that could otherwise be utilized for additional products. This is particularly problematic in retail environments where maximizing shelf space is crucial for both sales and customer satisfaction. The need for a more efficient modular retail product pusher system that minimizes the space between trays while maintaining effective product separation is evident. Such a system would allow retailers to optimize their shelf space, display a greater variety of products, and improve the overall shopping experience for customers.SUMMARY

[0007] An aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandising system including a first dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a first base extending from a first edge to a second edge, (ii) a first sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the first base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end, and (iii) at least one tab extending from the second edge of the first base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

[0008] Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the merchandising system further includes a divider wall selectively received by the first sidewall. In some configurations, the divider wall includes at least one recess longitudinally aligned with the at least one coupler socket of the first sidewall. Optionally the at least one coupler socket includes a plurality of coupler sockets, the at least one tab includes a plurality of tabs each aligned along the lateral direction with one of the coupler sockets, and the at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses each aligned with one of the coupler sockets. In some configurations, the divider wall includes a stopper disposed at a first end of the divider wall.

[0009] In some configurations, the merchandising system includes a pusher moveably attached to the dispensing tray and operable to apply a biasing force along a direction from the second end to the first end. In some examples, the pusher is moveably attached to the divider wall. In some configurations, the pusher includes a concave front surface.

[0010] In some implementations, the merchandising system includes a second dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a second base extending from a third edge to a fourth edge, and (ii) at least one tab extending from the fourth edge of the second base and received within the at least one coupler socket of the first sidewall of the first dispensing tray. Optionally, the second dispensing tray includes a second sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the second base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end. In some configurations, the merchandising system includes a coupling rail attached to the first end of the first dispensing tray and the first end of the second dispensing tray.

[0011] In some implementations, the first dispensing tray includes a front retainer disposed at the first end. In some configurations, the front retainer includes a first front retainer disposed along the first edge of the first base and a second front retainer disposed along the second edge of the first base, each of the first front retainer and the second front retainer including a concave retainer surface facing a product receiving area of the base. In some aspects, the front retainer includes a front rail configured to attach to a coupling track.

[0012] In some configurations, the at least one coupler socket includes a first engagement element and the at least one tab includes a second engagement element configured to interface with the first engagement element of an adjacent dispensing tray.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a dispensing tray for a product merchandising system. The dispensing tray includes a first base having a length extending from a first end to a second end and a width extending from a first edge to a second edge, a first sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end, and at least one tab extending from the second edge of the base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

[0014] In some examples, the at least one coupler socket includes a first engagement element and the at least one tab includes a second engagement element configured to interface with the first engagement element of an adjacent dispensing tray.

[0015] In some examples, the dispensing tray includes a front retainer disposed at the first end. In some examples, the front retainer includes a first front retainer disposed along the first edge of the base and a second front retainer disposed along the second edge of the base, each of the first front retainer and the second front retainer including a concave retainer surface facing a product receiving area of the base. In some examples, front retainer includes a front rail configured to attach to a coupling track.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a merchandising system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a subsection of the merchandising system of FIG. 1, showing first and second trays of the merchandising system.

[0019] FIG. 3 is top perspective view an example of a tray of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the tray of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of a divider of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the divider of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of the divider and a pusher of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a first tray and a second tray of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an assembled view of the first tray and the second tray of FIG. 8.

[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the first tray and second tray of FIG. 9 and a divider of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 11 is an assembled perspective view of the first tray, the second tray, and the divider of FIG. 10.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 11, taken along Line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 11, taken along Line 13-13 of FIG. 11.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a left side view of a tray of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a right side view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a front view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 14.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a left side view of a divider of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0039] FIG. 23 is a front view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a top view of the divider of FIG. 20.

[0042] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a merchandising system 100 is generally shown. The merchandising system 100 can be installed in a retail environment, such as a shelf 12. For instance, the shelf 12 may be the shelf 12 of a refrigerator or a freezer. The merchandising system 100 can be arranged on a top surface 14 of the shelf 12, or arranged on another suitable base surface. The shelf 12 may be located in a store or another suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 14 of the shelf 12 extends from a front edge 16 to an opposite rear edge 18. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edge 16 to the rear edge 18 defines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edge 16 and the rear edge 18 defines a lateral direction. In some implementations, the shelf 12 may include apertures extending through the top surface 14 and arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edge 16 and the rear edge 18 of the shelf 12. Portions of the merchandising system 100 may be secured to the shelf 12 via fasteners engaging with the apertures of the shelf 12. The merchandising system 100 may be secured to the shelf 12 in any suitable manner, and the merchandising system 100 may be selectively detached from the shelf 12 and moved, for example, to another shelf or other surface.

[0045] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the merchandising system 100 includes a length L100 extending between a first or front end 102 adjacent the front edge 16 of the shelf 12 and a second or rear end 104 opposite the front end 102 and adjacent to the rear edge 18 of the shelf 12. Additionally, a width W100 of the merchandising system 100 includes a first or left side 106 and a second or right side 108 spaced laterally from the left side 106. As discussed herein, references to a “longitudinal direction” relate to the direction from the front end 102 to the rear end 104 of the merchandising system 100 while references to a “lateral direction” relate to the direction from the left side 106 to the right side 108.

[0046] As described in greater detail below, the merchandising system 100 includes one or more trays 110 each defining respective product receiving areas A separated by optional dividers 112. Optionally, each of the trays 110 may include a pusher 114 configured to bias merchandise towards the front edge 16 of the shelf 12 when the merchandising system 100 is installed on the shelf 12. When a plurality of the trays 110 are provided on a shelf 12, the merchandising system 100 may further include one or more coupling tracks 116 configured to couple the plurality of trays 110 together. Each tray 110 is generally configured so that a user (e.g., store associate) can load (i.e., stock, dispose, etc.) merchandise within the respective product receiving area A. Additionally, the merchandising system 100 is generally configured to maintain an upright orientation of merchandise after a user (e.g., a customer or consumer) removes a forward-most item of merchandise from the merchandising system 100 and the remaining merchandise retained in the respective product receiving area A advances toward the front edge 16 of the shelf 12 to maintain the merchandise at a front-facing position of the shelf 12.

[0047] Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the one or more trays 110 of the merchandising system 100 includes a plurality of trays 110 connected together by the coupling tracks 116 along the front edge 16 of the shelf 12. Particularly, the plurality of trays 110 include one or more intermediate trays 110a and an end tray 110b disposed on each side 106, 108 of the merchandising system 100. Generally, the intermediate trays 110a and the end trays 110b are substantially similar, except that the intermediate trays 110a are configured to couple with additional intermediate trays 110a or end trays 110b on both sides 106, 108 while the end trays 110b are configured for coupling with additional trays 110a, 110b on a single side. Thus, while the illustrated example includes unique end trays 110b, the merchandising system 100 could be assembled using only intermediate trays 110a. Alternatively, a pair of the end trays 110b could be coupled directly to each other without any intervening intermediate trays 110a.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 2, adjacent ones of the trays 110 may be separated by a removable divider 112 that is selectively coupled to the merchandising system 100 between adjacent trays 110. As discussed in greater detail below, the adjacent ones of the trays 110 cooperate to define an interface for attaching each divider 112 to the merchandising system 100. Thus, a single divider 112a can be shared by adjacent trays 110, which minimizes the overall width W100 of the merchandising tray 110, thereby maximizing the available area of the shelf.

[0049] Optionally, the merchandising system 100 may include the pushers 114 associated with any one of the product receiving areas A defined by the trays 110 and the dividers 112. Generally, the pushers 114 are configured to moveably attach to the trays 110 and / or the dividers 112 such that the pushers 114 can translate in the longitudinal direction along each respective product receiving area A. The pushers 114 include a biasing means that applies a continuous biasing force along the longitudinal direction toward the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100. As discussed in greater detail below, the pushers 114 of the present example are provided as side-push style pushers 114, whereby the pushers are slidably coupled to one of the dividers 112. However, aspects of the disclosure may also be realized in configurations with center-push style pushers that slide along the trays 110 and / or without pushers (e.g., gravity fed).

[0050] Referring still to FIG. 2, the coupling track 116 is attached at the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100 and provides various benefits to the merchandising system 100. Structurally, the coupling track 116 functions to further secure and align adjacent trays 110 of the plurality of trays 110 of the merchandising system 100, thereby providing a continuous interface along the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100. Additionally, the coupling track 116 defines a portion of a merchandise stop or retainer at the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100 to contain merchandise within the respective product receiving areas A of the merchandising system 100.

[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example tray 110 of the plurality of trays 110. The example tray 110 is shown as an illustrated example of one of the intermediate trays 110a. Except as otherwise noted herein, the end trays 110b have the same configurations as the intermediate trays 110a. Accordingly, features of the trays 110 will be described with respect to the illustrated example of the intermediate tray 110a. Each tray 110 includes a base 120 defining a length L110 of the tray 110 and extending from a first end 122 associated with the front end 102 of the merchandising system 100 to an opposite second end 124 associated with the rear end 104 of the merchandising system 100. The base 120 further defines a width W110 of the tray 110 and extends from a first edge 126 to an opposite second edge 128. The base 120 may be further described as including a top side 130 that defines a support surface of the product receiving area A and an opposite bottom side 132 that faces the top surface 14 of the shelf 12 when the merchandising system 100 is installed on the shelf 12. Optionally, the top side 130 of the base 120 includes a plurality of elongate ribs 131 extending from the first end 122 to the second end 124 to provide a low-friction tray surface for sliding merchandise.

[0052] Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tray 110 includes one or more tray couplers 134 arranged along the first edge 126 of the tray 110. In the illustrated example, the one or more tray couplers 134 includes a plurality of the tray couplers 134 arranged in series between the first end 122 and the second end 124 along the first edge 126 of the base 120. Adjacent ones of the tray couplers 134 are separated by gaps 135 that are configured to receive portions of the dividers 112 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled.

[0053] As shown, each of the tray couplers 134 is embodied as a tongue 134 or tab 134 extending in a vertical direction (i.e., transverse to the lateral and longitudinal directions) from a proximal end 136 attached to the first edge 126 of the base 120 to an opposite distal end 138. Each of the tray couplers 134 includes a thickness T134 defined by a distance from an inner side surface 140 to an outer side surface 142 and a length L134 extending from an anterior end to a posterior end. Optionally, the thickness T134 and / or the length L134 may taper along a direction from the proximal end 136 to the distal end 138 to aid in alignment and engagement of the tray couplers 134 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. Further, the tray couplers 134 may include a chamfered or filleted edge to provide additional guiding features along the distal end 138.

[0054] Each of the tray couplers 134 further includes a first engagement element 148 configured to interface with a corresponding second engagement element 148 of an adjacent tray 110 to secure the trays 110 together. In the illustrated example, the first engagement elements 148 are formed as apertures 150 extending through the thickness T134 of the tray coupler 134, whereby the distal end 138 of each tray coupler 134 defines a retaining rib 152. While the illustrated example shows the apertures 150 extending entirely through each tray coupler 134, the first engagement elements 148 may also be embodied as detents formed only in the inner side surface 140 and / or the outer side surface 142.

[0055] The tray 110 further includes a sidewall 160 disposed adjacent to the second edge 128 of the base 120. In the illustrated example, the sidewall 160 extends from a first end 162 to a second end 164 along the second edge 128 between the first end 122 and the second end 124 of the base 120. In the illustrated example, the first end 162 of the sidewall 160 is adjacent to the first end 122 of the base 120 and the second end 164 of the sidewall 160 is adjacent to and coincident with the second end 124 of the base 120. However, the ends 162, 164 of the sidewall 160 may be longitudinally spaced from the ends 122, 124 of the base 120. As shown, the sidewall 160 extends in a vertical direction (i.e., transverse to the lateral and longitudinal directions) from the top side 130 of the base 120 and includes a proximal end 166 attached to the base 120 and an opposite upper distal end 168 formed at an opposite end from the proximal end 166.

[0056] Generally, the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 is configured to interface with an adjacent one of the trays 110 while the distal end 168 of the sidewall 160 is configured to interface with one of the dividers 112. More particularly, the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 defines one or more coupler sockets 170 configured to receive a corresponding one of the tray couplers 134 and the distal end 168 includes one or more divider receptacles 172 configured to receive a portion of one of the dividers 112.

[0057] The sidewall 160 may be separated into an inner sidewall 176 and an outer sidewall 178 separated from each other to define the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacles 172 therebetween. Optionally, the inner sidewall 176 and the outer sidewall 178 are separated by a channel 180 that extends continuously along the length of the sidewall 160. As shown, the channel 180 is formed through the distal end 168 of the sidewall 160 and defines portions of the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacle 172. For example, each of the coupler sockets 170 includes a coupler socket opening 184 formed through the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 and into the channel 180. The coupler socket opening 184 may be formed as notch or recess within the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 that accommodate a portion of the base 120 of an adjacent one of the trays 110 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. Thus, the portions of the base 120 of a first tray 110 that include the tray couplers 134 extend into and overlap with the outer sidewall 178 when the tray couplers 134 are inserted into the coupler sockets 170. Each of the divider receptacles 172 includes a divider receptacle opening 182 defined by the channel 180 at the distal end 168 of the sidewall 160. As mentioned previously, the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacles 172 are continuously formed with each other along the length of the channel 180. However, the coupler sockets 170 and the divider receptacles 172 may be separated by intermediate walls.

[0058] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sidewall 160 includes a plurality of tray engagement elements 188, 190 arranged along the length of the sidewall 160 and configured to selectively couple the tray 110 to adjacent trays 110 and / or dividers 112. As discussed below, each of the tray engagement elements 188, 190 includes a resilient tab defined by segments of the sidewall 160 that are interrupted by notches 186 formed through the distal end 168. For example, a segment of the inner sidewall 176 may be segmented by a pair of the notches 186 to define a segment of the inner sidewall 176 that can flex independently of the other portions of the inner sidewall 176.

[0059] The tray engagement elements 188, 190 include one or more coupler retainers 188 each associated with a respective one of the coupler sockets 170 of the sidewall 160. The coupler retainers 188 are formed as coupler retainer tabs 192 each including a coupler retainer protuberance 196 configured to mate with the first engagement element 148 of a respective one of the tray couplers 134 of an adjacent tray 110 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the coupler retainer tabs 192 are defined by portions of the inner sidewall 176 that are segmented by a pair of the notches 186. Thus, each of the coupler retainer tabs 192 includes a segregated portion of the inner sidewall 176 that is aligned with one of the coupler sockets 170 of the sidewall 160. The coupler retainers 188 are aligned with respective ones of the tray couplers 134 along a lateral direction of the tray 110. In other words, the coupler retainers 188 have the same longitudinal spacing along the length of the tray 110 as the tray coupler 134, thereby allowing tray couplers 134 of adjacent ones of the trays 110 to mate with the corresponding coupler retainers 188.

[0060] The tray engagement elements 188, 190 include one or more divider retainers 190 each associated with a respective one of the divider receptacles 172. The divider retainers 190 are formed as divider retainer tabs 198 each including a divider retainer protuberance 200 (see FIG. 13) configured to mate with a corresponding engagement element (discussed below) of one of the dividers 112 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the divider retainer tabs 198 are defined by portions of the inner sidewall 176 or the outer sidewall 178 that are segment by a pair of the notches 186. Thus, each of the divider retainer tabs 198 includes a segregated portion of the inner sidewall 176 or the outer sidewall 178 that are aligned with one of the divider receptacles 172 of the sidewall 160. As shown, the divider retainer tabs 198 are alternatingly arranged on the inner sidewall 176 and the outer sidewall 178 along the length of the sidewall 160 (e.g., inner sidewall, outer sidewall, inner sidewall, etc.). By providing the divider retainer tabs 198 in an alternating configuration, the sidewall 160 is configured to engaged each divider 112 on opposite sides to improve retention and stability of the divider 112. However, the sidewall 160 could also be formed with the divider retainers 190 on a single one of the inner sidewall 176 or the outer sidewall 178.

[0061] The base 120 of each tray 110 further includes product retainers 210, 212 disposed at each of the first end 122 and the second end 124. Particularly, the base 120 includes a rear product retainer 210 formed as a rear wall or rib 210 extending from the top side 130 across the width of the base 120. In other configurations, the rear product retainer 210 may include protrusions or other types of stops formed at the second end 124 of the base 120 and configured to prevent merchandise from being pushed beyond the second end 124 of the base 120.

[0062] The base 120 further includes one or more front product retainers 212 disposed at the first end 122 of the base 120. In the illustrated example, the front product retainers 212 include an opposing pair of the front product retainers 212 disposed along the opposite edges 126, 128 adjacent to the first end 122 of the base 120. Each of the front product retainers 212 includes a front side 214 formed along the first end 122 of the base 120, an outer side 216 extending along the respective edge 126, 128 along which the front product retainer 212 is disposed, and a rear-facing retaining surface 218 facing the product receiving area A and extending between the front side 214 and the outer side 216. In the illustrated example, the rear-facing retaining surface 218 has a concave profile extending from the front side 214 to the outer side 216. Thus, the front product retainers 212 cooperate to provide concave retaining surfaces 218 on opposite sides of the product receiving area A at the first end 122 of the base 120. In use with canned merchandise, and particularly, canned merchandise that is provided in tandem packaging (e.g., two cans side-by-side), the retaining surfaces 218 cooperate to receive the cylindrical profiles of the cans.

[0063] The front side 214 of each of the front product retainers 212 may further include a tray coupling rail 220 configured to interface with the coupling track 116. In the illustrated example, the tray coupling rail 220 is a T-rail including a neck and a head portion configured to slidably mate with a corresponding T-slot of the coupling track 116. Thus, in addition to serving to align and retain merchandise within the tray 110, the front product retainers 212 provide an interface for attaching each tray 110 to the coupling track 116.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a divider 112 according to the present disclosure is shown. The divider 112 includes a length extending from a first end 230 to an opposite second end 232. The divider 112 further includes a first side 234 configured to face the left side 106 of the merchandising system 100 and an opposite second side 236 formed on an opposite side from the first side 234. The divider 112 may be further described in terms of a top side 238 and an opposite bottom side 240.

[0065] Referring still to FIG. 5, the divider 112 includes a divider wall 242 extending continuously from the first end 230 to the second end 232 of the divider 112. The divider wall 242 includes a pusher track 244 disposed on at least one of the first side 234 or the second side 236. In the illustrated example, the pusher track 244 is formed in the first side 234 and includes an upper pusher rail 246 and a lower pusher rail 248 that cooperate to slidably receive portions of the pusher 114 on the divider wall 242.

[0066] The upper pusher rail 246 is defined by an upper pusher channel 250 formed at least partially within the first side 234 of the divider wall 242 and an upper channel retainer 252 extending along the length of the upper pusher channel 250. While the upper channel retainer 252 may be continuous along its length, the upper channel retainer 252 of the present disclosure is provided as an intermittent design including a plurality of upper channel retainer tabs 254 spaced along the length of the upper channel retainer 252. Adjacent ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 254 are spaced such that a portion of a carriage of the pusher 114 that is received within the upper pusher channel 250 is always captured within the upper pusher channel 250 by at least one of the upper channel retainers tabs 254. As shown in FIG. 6, the divider wall 242 includes reliefs 256 formed through the divider wall 242 within the upper pusher channel 250, which correspond to the position of respective ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 254 to improve manufacturability (e.g., mold relief).

[0067] The lower pusher rail 248 is defined by a lower pusher channel 260 formed at least partially within the first side 234 of the divider wall 242 and a lower channel retainer 262 extending along the length of the lower pusher channel 260. While the lower channel retainer 262 may be continuous along its length, the lower channel retainer 262 of the present disclosure is provided as an intermittent design including a plurality of lower channel retainer tabs 264 spaced along the length of the lower channel retainer 262. Adjacent ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 264 are spaced such that a portion of a carriage of the pusher 114 that is received within the lower pusher channel 260 is always captured within the lower pusher channel 260 by at least one of the lower channel retainers tabs 264. As shown in FIG. 6, the divider wall 242 includes reliefs 266 formed through the divider wall 242 within the lower pusher channel 260, which correspond to the position of respective ones of the upper channel retainer tabs 264 to improve manufacturability (e.g., mold relief).

[0068] The divider wall 242 further includes a rear pusher retainer 270 disposed at the second end 236 of the divider wall 242 between the upper pusher rail 246 and the lower pusher rail 248. The rear pusher retainer 270 includes a rear biasing surface 272 formed at an oblique angle relative to the first side 234 of the divider wall 242 and a front retaining surface 274 formed perpendicular or undercut relative to the first side 234 of the divider wall 242. The rear biasing surface 272 is configured to guide the pusher 114 into the pusher track 244 and causes the rear pusher retainer 270 to move towards the second side 236. Once the pusher 114 is clear of the rear pusher retainer 270, the rear pusher retainer 270 returns to the position shown such that the front retaining surface 274 obstructs the pusher track 244 at the second end 232 to prevent removal of the pusher 114.

[0069] The divider 112 further includes one or more merchandise retainers 278 disposed at the first end 230. In the illustrated example, the merchandise retainers 278 are formed as resilient tabs 280 extending longitudinally from the divider wall 242 at the first end 230. Each merchandise retainer 278 includes a stopper 282 disposed at a distal end of the resilient tab 280 and extending transverse (i.e., across) relative to the divider wall 242. As shown in FIG. 5, the merchandise retainers 278 may further include arcuate gussets 284 formed between the resilient tab 280 and the stopper 282. Here, the gussets 284 have a concave curvature corresponding to the curvature of the front product retainers 212 of the tray 110.

[0070] The divider 112 further includes one or more divider coupling tabs 286 extending from the divider wall 242 along the bottom side 240. Each of the coupling tabs 286 is configured to interface with a respective one of the one or more divider receptacles 172 formed in the sidewall 160 of the tray 110. Additionally, the coupling tabs 286 are longitudinally separated from each other by recesses 287 which are configured to receive or mate with the tray coupler tabs 134 of an attached tray 110 within the channel 180 of the sidewall 160 when the merchandising system 100 is assembled. Thus, the recesses 287 are longitudinally aligned with the coupler sockets 170 formed in the sidewall 160. As shown, each of the coupling tabs 286 includes a coupling tab slot 288 formed within the coupling tab 286 and configured to engage with a corresponding one of the divider retainer protuberances 200 formed on the divider retainers 190.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, the pusher 114 includes a pusher carriage 290 including a pair of carriage rails 292 configured to be slidably received by the pusher rails 246, 248 of the divider wall 242. The pusher 114 further includes a pusher wall 294 attached to the carriage 290. In the illustrated example, the pusher wall 294 includes a front pusher surface 296 extending from a proximal end 298 adjacent to the carriage 290 to a distal end 300 formed at an opposite end from the carriage 290. The front pusher surface 296 has a compound profile including a concave portion formed adjacent to the proximal end 298 and a flat profile adjacent to the distal end 300. Thus, the front pusher surface 296 is configured to interface with canned merchandise that is provided in side-by-side bundles that define an obround profile.

[0072] As discussed above, the pusher 114 is assembled to the divider 112 by aligning the carriage rails 292 of the pusher 114 with the pusher rails 246, 248 of the divider wall 242. The pusher 114 is pushed along the pusher track 244 towards the first end 230 of the divider 112 until the carriage 290 engages the rear biasing surface 272 of the rear pusher retainer 270. As the carriage 290 is moved into the pusher track 244, the rear biasing surface 272 is depressed towards the second side 236 of the divider 112 by the carriage 290 and the carriage 290 passes over the rear pusher retainer 270 into the pusher track 244. Once fully engaged with the pusher track 244, the rear pusher retainer 270 returns to the initial state and a free end of a coil spring 302 is attached to the divider wall 242 adjacent to the first end 230 (see FIG. 5).

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 8-13, assembly of a portion of the merchandising system 100 is shown and described. In FIG. 7, a first end tray 110b and an intermediate tray 110a are shown. As discussed above, the first end tray 110b is substantially similar to the intermediate tray 110a, except the end trays 110b include a sidewall 160b disposed along the first edge 126 instead of the tray coupler tabs 134, thereby allowing one of the dividers 112 to be coupled to the end tray 110b. The sidewall 160b includes the divider receptacles 172 for interfacing with the dividers 112.

[0074] Referring still to FIG. 8, the intermediate tray 110a is initially assembled to the end tray 110b by inserting the tray couplers 134 of the intermediate tray 110a through the socket openings 184 formed in the proximal end 166 of the sidewall 160 of the end tray 110b. Here, the tray couplers 134 are inserted such that the retaining rib 152 formed at the distal end 138 of the tray coupler 134 passed over the coupler retainer protuberance 196 and the coupler retainer protuberance 196 engages with the aperture 150 formed through the tray coupler 134. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the intermediate tray 110a fully assembled with the end tray 110b, whereby the tray coupler tabs 134 are engaged with the coupler sockets 170 formed in the sidewall 160. By integrating the coupler sockets 170 within the sidewalls 160 of the trays the effective widths of the merchandising system 100 dedicated to coupling and dividing functions of the merchandising system 100 are minimized, while simultaneously maximizing the effective widths of the merchandising system allocated to the product receiving areas A.

[0075] Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, assembly of a divider 112 and pusher 114 to the merchandising system 100 is shown. The divider 112 is positioned above the sidewall 160 of the intermediate tray 110 such that the divider coupling tabs 286 are aligned with the divider receptacle openings 182. The divider 112 is then lowered onto the sidewall 160 so that the divider coupling tabs 286 are received within respective ones of the divider receptacles 172. As the divider coupling tabs 286 are inserted into the divider receptacles 172, the divider retainer protuberances 200 formed on the divider retainers tabs 198 engage the coupling tab slots 288 formed on the divider coupling tabs 286 to secure the divider 112 within the sidewall 160, as best shown in FIG. 12.

[0076] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,”“an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0077] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,”“attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or 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,”“directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,”“adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0078] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,”“second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0079] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0043]Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0044]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a merchandising system 100 is generally shown. The merchandising system 100 can be installed in a retail environment, such as a shelf 12. For instance, the shelf 12 may be the shelf 12 of a refrigerator or a freezer. The ...

Claims

1. A merchandising system, comprising:a first dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a first base extending from a first edge to a second edge, (ii) a first sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the first base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end, and (iii) at least one tab extending from the second edge of the first base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

2. The merchandising system of claim 1, further comprising a divider wall selectively received by the first sidewall.

3. The merchandising system of claim 2, wherein the divider wall includes at least one recess longitudinally aligned with the at least one coupler socket of the first sidewall.

4. The merchandising system of claim 3, wherein the at least one coupler socket includes a plurality of coupler sockets, the at least one tab includes a plurality of tabs each aligned along the lateral direction with one of the coupler sockets, and the at least one recess includes a plurality of recesses each aligned with one of the coupler sockets.

5. The merchandising system of claim 4, wherein the divider wall includes a stopper disposed at a first end of the divider wall.

6. The merchandising system of claim 2, further comprising a pusher moveably attached to the first dispensing tray and operable to apply a biasing force along a direction from the second end to the first end.

7. The merchandising system of claim 6, wherein the pusher is moveably attached to the divider wall.

8. The merchandising system of claim 6, wherein the pusher includes a concave front surface.

9. The merchandising system of claim 1, further comprising a second dispensing tray extending from a first end to a second end and including (i) a second base extending from a third edge to a fourth edge, and (ii) at least one tab extending from the fourth edge of the second base and received within the at least one coupler socket of the first sidewall of the first dispensing tray.

10. The merchandising system of claim 9, wherein the second dispensing tray includes a second sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the second base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end.

11. The merchandising system of claim 9, further comprising a coupling rail attached to the first end of the first dispensing tray and the first end of the second dispensing tray.

12. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein the first dispensing tray includes a front retainer disposed at the first end.

13. The merchandising system of claim 12, wherein the front retainer includes a first front retainer disposed along the first edge of the first base and a second front retainer disposed along the second edge of the first base, each of the first front retainer and the second front retainer including a concave retainer surface facing a product receiving area of the first base.

14. The merchandising system of claim 12, wherein the front retainer includes a front rail configured to attach to a coupling track.

15. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupler socket includes a first engagement element and the at least one tab includes a second engagement element configured to interface with the first engagement element of an adjacent dispensing tray.

16. A dispensing tray for a product merchandising system, the dispensing tray comprising:a base having a length extending from a first end to a second end and a width extending from a first edge to a second edge;a sidewall extending from a proximal end attached to the first edge of the base to a distal end at the opposite end from the proximal end and including a divider receptacle formed through the distal end and at least one coupler socket formed through the proximal end; andat least one tab extending from the second edge of the base and aligned along a lateral direction with the at least one coupler socket.

17. The dispensing tray of claim 16, wherein the at least one coupler socket includes a first engagement element and the at least one tab includes a second engagement element configured to interface with the first engagement element of an adjacent dispensing tray.

18. The dispensing tray of claim 16, wherein the dispensing tray includes a front retainer disposed at the first end.

19. The dispensing tray of claim 18, wherein the front retainer includes a first front retainer disposed along the first edge of the base and a second front retainer disposed along the second edge of the base, each of the first front retainer and the second front retainer including a concave retainer surface facing a product receiving area of the base.

20. The dispensing tray of claim 18, wherein the front retainer includes a front rail configured to attach to a coupling track.

Images