Product hanging tool and display shelf

Abstract

This product hanging tool comprises: a rod extending in a substantially horizontal direction so as to allow hanging of a product and extending from a base end portion toward a tip portion opposite to the base end portion; a storage portion provided extending from the base end portion of the rod to the tip portion inside the rod; a first axis portion provided at the tip portion in the storage portion; a second axis portion provided at the base end portion in the storage portion; a circular belt member wound around the first axis portion and the second axis portion so as to be rotatable in the storage portion; and a plurality of protrusions that are provided at predetermined intervals on the outer surface of the circular belt member and that protrude from the outer surface so as to be contactable with the product. One portion of the plurality of protrusions protrudes outside the outer peripheral surface of the rod, and another portion of the plurality of protrusions that faces the one portion of the plurality of protrusions is positioned inside the outer peripheral surface.

Description

Product hanging fixtures, display shelves

[0001] The present invention relates to a product hanger that allows products to be delivered forward.

[0002] A product display device has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This product display device includes a rod-shaped member from which a product can be hung and a product advancement mechanism that advances the product hung from the rod-shaped member. The product advancement mechanism includes a pair of shaft members, an endless belt-shaped member stretched across the pair of shaft members, and a plate-shaped member protruding from the outer surface of the endless belt-shaped member. The plate-shaped member has a notch that receives the rod-shaped member. When a purchaser removes a product, the product behind it is pushed forward by the action of the endless belt-shaped member and the plate-shaped member.

[0003] JP 2009-285047 A

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional product display devices, the pair of shaft members, the endless belt-like member, and the plate-like member require a relatively large space in the display shelf, which means that they do not meet the needs of stores that want to display as many products as possible in the limited space within the store.On the other hand, there are rod-like members that are configured with a downward slope (downward slope) so that the installation height decreases toward the front in order to display products forward, but this downward slope in the rod-like member creates dead space, which causes a problem of reducing the number of products that can be displayed on the shelf.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a product hanger that can semi-automatically advance products forward and minimizes dead space.

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the present invention as follows: That is, a commodity hanger of the present invention (1) comprises: a rod that extends in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be able to hang a commodity, and that extends from a base end to a tip end on the opposite side to the base end, a storage section that is provided inside the rod and extends from the base end to the tip end of the rod, a first shaft that is provided at the tip end within the storage section, and a belt member that is bent in a U shape and is disposed within the storage section, and is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward within the storage section with the first shaft as a fulcrum.

[0007] Furthermore, the product hanger of the present invention (2) is the product hanger described in (1), and is provided with a second shaft portion provided at the base end portion within the storage portion, and the belt member is annular, is wound around the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and is provided rotatably within the storage portion.

[0008] The product hanger of the present invention (3) is a product hanger according to (1) or (2), and is provided with a plurality of protrusions provided at predetermined intervals on the outer surface of the belt member, protruding from the outer surface so as to be able to come into contact with the product.

[0009] Furthermore, the product hanger of the present invention (4) is a product hanger according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a part of the plurality of protrusions protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the rod, and another part of the plurality of protrusions opposite to the part of the plurality of protrusions is positioned inward from the outer peripheral surface.

[0010] Furthermore, a commodity hanger of the present invention (5) is a commodity hanger according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the outer peripheral surface of the rod has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, some of the plurality of protrusions are provided at positions corresponding to the top surface and protrude outward from the top surface, and other some of the plurality of protrusions are provided at positions corresponding to the bottom surface and are located more inward than the bottom surface.

[0011] Furthermore, a commodity hanger of the present invention (6) is the commodity hanger described in (3), wherein the belt member has a belt body, and the protrusion has a sloped portion where, when the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface, the protrusion height from the outer surface of the belt body increases in the direction from the tip end toward the base end.

[0012] Furthermore, a product hanger of the present invention (7) is the product hanger described in (6), wherein the protrusion, when at a position corresponding to the top surface, has a step portion that is provided closer to the base end than the slope portion, and that extends from the outer surface of the belt body in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the product hanger of the present invention (8) is the product hanger described in (7), wherein the protrusion has a rectangular base portion directly connected to the belt body and a semicircular portion formed on the upper side of the rectangular base portion.

[0014] The product hanger of present invention (9) is the product hanger according to (3), wherein the diameter of the arc surface of the first shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion in the circumferential direction of the belt member.

[0015] The display shelf of the present invention (10) is the commodity hanger according to (3), wherein the diameter of the arc surface of the second shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion in the circumferential direction of the belt member.

[0016] The product hanger of the present invention (11) is the product hanger according to (1), wherein the rod has a protruding portion protruding upward at the tip.

[0017] Furthermore, a commodity hanger of the present invention (12) is a commodity hanger according to (2), wherein the rod comprises a rod body having a U-shaped cross section and having the storage section inside, and a cover member attached to the rod body so as to cover the storage section, and the cover member includes the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion.

[0018] Furthermore, a display shelf according to the present invention (13) is provided with the product hanger according to the present invention (1).

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product hanger that can semi-automatically feed products forward and minimizes dead space.

[0020] 1 is a perspective view showing a commodity hanger of a first embodiment and a display shelf equipped with the same. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1 from the side. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1 from above. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing an enlarged view of part F4 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1, cut longitudinally at the center line. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the tip end of the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the base end of the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 2, cut along line F8-F8. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a partial cutaway view of the tip end side of the rod of the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a partial cutaway view of the base end side of the rod and fixing part of the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1, with the rod main body, cover member, and circular belt member disassembled. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state before a customer removes a commodity from the commodity hanger shown in FIG. 1. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the tip end of the product hanger shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the tip end of the product hanger shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the tip end of the product hanger shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the tip end of the product hanger shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the base end of the product hanger shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the base end of the product hanger shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the product hanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a display shelf equipped with the product hanger according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the product hanger shown in FIG. 22, cut along line F23-F23. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a product hanger according to a fifth embodiment and a display shelf provided with the same, cut vertically at the center line position. Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a tip end of the product hanger shown in Fig. 24.Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the base end of the commodity hanger shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the commodity hanger shown in Fig. 24 taken along a width direction intersecting with the front-rear direction.

[0021] The product hanger of this embodiment and a display shelf equipped with the same will be described below with reference to the drawings. The product hanger of this embodiment uses the force of a customer removing a product to bring the following product forward. In the following description, the direction in which the rod extends is referred to as the longitudinal direction, the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction as the width direction, the customer side as the front direction, and the side opposite the customer as the rear direction. [First embodiment]

[0022] A product hanger 13 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 , the display shelf 11 includes beam members 12 (corner bars) and product hangers 13 attached to the beam members 12 .

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 , the product hanger 13 includes a hollow rod 14, a fixed portion 15 that supports the rod 14 and is fixed to a beam member 12 (corner bar) extending laterally of the product display shelf, and an annular belt member 16 rotatably attached to the rod 14. The rod 14 has a base end 17 fixed to the fixed portion 15 and a tip end 18 on the opposite side of the base end 17 in the longitudinal direction. A portion of the rod 14 and the fixed portion 15 are formed of a metal material such as steel. The base end 17 of the rod 14 (rod body 23) is fixed to the fixed portion 15 by, for example, welding. The rod 14 further has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 opposite the top surface 21. The annular belt member 16 is an example of a belt member as defined in the present invention.

[0025] The fixing part 15 is formed in an inverted J-shape and can be hooked onto the beam member 12. In other words, the fixing part 15 can hold the beam member 12 (corner bar) inside. Therefore, the fixing part 15 is detachable from the beam member 12.

[0026] The rod 14 extends in a substantially horizontal direction so that a product 54 can be suspended from it. The rod 14 extends from a base end 17 to a tip end 18 on the opposite side of the base end 17. As shown in Figures 8 and 11 , the rod 14 has a rod body 23 formed in an elongated U-shaped cross section, a storage section 24 formed in an elongated shape inside the rod body 23, and a cover member 25 that covers the storage section 24 of the rod body 23. The rod body 23 opens upward, and the storage section 24 is formed within the opening.

[0027] The storage portion 24 is formed in the shape of an elongated groove extending from the base end portion 17 to the tip end portion 18. A part of the circular belt member 16 can be stored inside the storage portion 24.

[0028] The rod body 23 is formed into a thin, elongated rod shape from a metal material such as steel. The rod body 23 is formed into a U-shaped cross section by, for example, bending a metal plate. As shown in Figures 8 and 11 , the rod body 23 has a bottom wall 31, a pair of side wall portions 32 rising upward from both widthwise ends of the bottom wall portion 31, a pair of receiving portions 33 provided at the distal ends of the pair of side wall portions 32, a pair of holding portions 34 provided so as to protrude upward from the proximal ends of the pair of side wall portions 32, a plurality of first engaging portions 35 provided on the pair of side wall portions 32, and a lower opening 36 (see Figures 6 and 9 ) provided at the distal end of the bottom wall portion 31.

[0029] The pair of receiving portions 33 are recessed rearward in the longitudinal direction relative to the periphery so that they can hook onto and hold hook portions 53 of the cover member 25, which will be described later. The pair of holding portions 34 can sandwich and hold stopper portions 43 on the base side of the cover member 25 between their inner sides. As shown in Figure 8, each of the multiple first engaging portions 35 is formed as a protrusion that can be inserted into a second engaging portion 52 (through hole) of the cover member 25, which will be described later.

[0030] 6 and 9, the lower opening 36 is formed in a slit shape, and exposes a portion of the circular belt member 16 (protrusion 62) wound around the first shaft portion 46 to the lower side. This prevents the diameter of the rod 14 from increasing and prevents the circular belt member 16 from interfering with the bottom wall portion 31.

[0031] 6 to 8 and 11, the cover member 25 includes a long, thin, flat cover body 41, a raised portion 42 provided at the tip end of the cover body 41 and raised upward, a stopper portion 43 provided at the base end of the cover body 41, a recessed rail groove 44 for accommodating a portion of the annular belt member 16, a pair of retaining claws 45 for retaining a portion of the annular belt member 16 in the rail groove 44, a first shaft portion 46 provided at the tip end 18 within the storage portion 24, a second shaft portion 47 provided at the base end 17 within the storage portion 24, a plurality of legs 51 protruding from the cover body 41 to enter the storage portion 24, second engagement portions 52 provided on the legs 51, and a hook portion 53 provided at a lower portion of the tip end of the cover body 41.

[0032] 1, 2, and 6, the raised portion 42 is formed in a mountain shape so as to protrude upward. The raised portion 42 has a groove 42A in the center in the width direction thereof, through which the annular belt member 16 passes when the annular belt member 16 is wound around the first shaft portion 46.

[0033] 1, 10 and 11, the stopper portion 43 protrudes radially outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical rod 14, and can stop the product 54 so that it does not move further toward the base end 17. The base end side of the stopper portion 43 is held by being sandwiched between the inner sides of the pair of holding portions 34.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the rail groove 44 extends elongatedly along the longitudinal direction of the rod 14 and is recessed from the surrounding area.

[0035] 4, 8, and 11, pairs of retaining claws 45 are provided at multiple locations at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the rod 14. The pair of retaining claws 45 protrude from the side walls (side wall portions 32) on both sides of the rail groove 44 toward the inside of the rail groove 44. In other words, the retaining claws 45 protrude from the upper edge of the rail groove 44 toward the center of the rail groove 44.

[0036] 4, circular belt member 16 has a notch 55 at one location, the notch 55 having a length E that is larger than the thickness (wall thickness) of holding claw 45 and smaller than the length D of holding claw 45 in the longitudinal direction of rod 14. A pair of notches 55 are provided at both ends in the width direction of circular belt member 16. When assembling product hanger 13, an operator can insert circular belt member 16 into rail groove 44 through this notch 55.

[0037] 5 and 6 , the first shaft portion 46 has a non-circular cross section. However, the first shaft portion 46 has a semicircular arc surface 56 that is convex toward the tip of the rod 14. The diameter A of this arc surface 56 (semicircle) is larger than the width B of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the annular belt member 16. The center of the semicircle (arc surface 56) of the first shaft portion 46 is located closer to the center of the rod 14 than the bottom surface of the rail groove 44.

[0038] 5 and 7 , the second shaft portion 47 has a non-circular cross section. However, the second shaft portion 47 has a semicircular second arcuate surface 57 that is convex toward the base end of the rod 14. The diameter C of this second arcuate surface 57 (semicircle) is larger than the width B of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the annular belt member 16. The center of the semicircle (arcuate surface 56) of the second shaft portion 47 is located radially outward of the bottom surface of the rail groove 44.

[0039] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the multiple legs 51 protrude from the widthwise ends of the cover body 41 toward the inside of the storage section 24. The legs 51 are arranged alternately. For example, when one leg 51 protrudes from the widthwise right end of the cover body 41, the adjacent leg protrudes from the widthwise left end of the cover body 41. Each of the multiple legs 51 has a second engagement portion 52. The second engagement portion 52 is formed, for example, as a through hole. The protrusion of the first engagement portion 35 is inserted into this second engagement portion 52. This fixes the cover member 25 to the rod body 23.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, the hook portions 53 are formed in a claw shape that protrudes rearward and has a shape complementary to that of the receiving portions 33 so as to be hooked onto the pair of receiving portions 33.

[0041] The circular belt member 16 is wound around the first shaft portion 46 and the second shaft portion 47 and rotatably disposed within the storage portion 24. The circular belt member 16 is formed, for example, from a flexible synthetic resin material. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 , the circular belt member 16 includes a circular, band-shaped belt body 61 and a plurality of protrusions 62 disposed on an outer surface 65 of the belt body 61. The protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 at predetermined intervals. The circular belt member 16 is disposed across the rail groove 44 of the cover body 41 and the storage portion 24 of the rod 14. When the circular belt member 16 is located within the rail groove 44, it is positioned corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14 (see FIG. 5 ). When located corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, some of the protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface (top surface 21) of the rod 14 (see FIG. 2 ). On the other hand, when the circular belt member 16 is inside the storage portion 24 of the rod 14, it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22 (see FIG. 5). When it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22, some of the protrusions 62 are located inside the outer peripheral surface (bottom surface 22) of the rod 14.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6 , each of the multiple protrusions 62 has an outer shape resembling a shark's dorsal fin. That is, the protrusions 62 have a sloped portion 63 and a stepped portion 64 adjacent to the sloped portion 63. When the protrusions 62 are located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the sloped portion 63 is located closer to the distal end 18 than the stepped portion 64. The sloped portion 63 is inclined so that the height of the protrusion from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 increases in the direction from the distal end 18 toward the proximal end 17. Similarly, when the protrusions 62 are located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 is located closer to the proximal end 17 than the sloped portion 63. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0043] Therefore, the protrusion 62 is shaped so that the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 can easily get caught when a customer takes the product 54 out towards the front, and so that the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 cannot easily get caught when a store manager replenishes the product 54 towards the rear.

[0044] The product 54 hung from the product hanger 13 of this embodiment for display has a through-hole through which the rod 14 passes. This through-hole is usually formed with a diameter that is much larger than that of the rod 14. For example, while the diameter of the rod 14 is 4 to 6 mm, the diameter of the through-hole of the product 54 is 8 to 10 mm.

[0045] Next, the operation of the product hanger 13 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 12 , multiple products 54 are hung from product hangers 13 and displayed. When a customer visiting a store removes a product 54 from the front, as shown in FIG. 13 , the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 catches on the protrusion 62 (step portion 64) of the circular belt member 16, causing the circular belt member 16 to rotate along with the product 54, pulling a portion of the circular belt member 16 toward the customer. As the circular belt member 16 rotates along with the product 54, the sloped portion 63 of the protrusion 62 enters the through-hole of the product 54, allowing the subsequent product 54 to be carried on the upper side of the sloped portion 63. With the subsequent product 54 carried on the upper side of the sloped portion 63, the circular belt member 16 continues to rotate along with the product 54, semi-automatically bringing the subsequent product 54 forward. This ensures that the products 54 are always lined up in the front row.

[0047] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the product 54 in the product hanger 13 with the product 54 facing backward, the sloped portion 63 formed in the protrusion 62 prevents the product 54 from getting caught on the protrusion 62, and the product 54 can be smoothly replenished.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the following can be said: Product hanger 13 includes rod 14, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be able to hang product 54, and which extends from base end 17 toward tip end 18 on the opposite side of base end 17, storage section 24 provided inside rod 14 from base end 17 to tip end 18 of rod 14, first shaft 46 provided at tip end 18 within storage section 24, and a belt member bent in a U-shape and disposed within storage section 24, which is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward within storage section 24 with first shaft 46 as a fulcrum.

[0049] With this configuration, the belt member and protrusions 62 can be used to semi-automatically advance subsequent products 54 by utilizing the action of a customer removing a product 54. This reduces the labor required for the store manager's daily store operation of advancing products 54. Also, because the belt member is stored inside the rod 14, there is no need to provide additional space for the belt member, making it possible to realize a display shelf 11 that is space-saving and has a high packing density of products 54. Furthermore, because the rod 14 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, it is possible to realize a display shelf 11 that is space-saving and has a high packing density of products 54, compared to a case in which the rod 14 is configured with a slanted front.

[0050] The product hanger 13 has a second shaft portion 47 provided at the base end portion 17 within the storage section 24, and the belt member is annular, wrapped around the first shaft portion 46 and the second shaft portion 47, and is rotatably provided within the storage section 24.

[0051] According to this configuration, since the belt member is circular, it is possible to realize a product hanger 13 that allows the store manager to efficiently replenish products without requiring a return operation of the belt member.

[0052] In this case, the belt member has a plurality of protrusions 62 provided at predetermined intervals on the outer surface 65 thereof, protruding from the outer surface 65 so as to be able to come into contact with the merchandise 54. This configuration makes it possible to realize a belt member with a structure that easily catches on the merchandise 54.

[0053] Some of the protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rod 14, while other portions of the protrusions 62 that face the other portions are positioned inward from the outer circumferential surface. With this configuration, only some of the protrusions 62 in one row of the protrusions 62 can be made to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rod 14, while other portions of the protrusions 62 in the opposing row can be stored inside the outer circumferential surface. This allows the circular belt member 16 to efficiently rotate in one direction along with the product 54 when a customer removes the product 54 from the rod 14. This allows the product 54 to be automatically and efficiently delivered forward.

[0054] In this case, the outer surface of the rod 14 has a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 opposite the top surface 21, and some of the multiple protrusions 62 are provided at positions corresponding to the top surface 21 and protrude outward from the top surface 21, while other parts of the multiple protrusions 62 are provided at positions corresponding to the bottom surface 22 and are positioned more inward than the bottom surface 22.

[0055] Typically, products 54 displayed by hanging on the rod 14 have a through-hole through which the rod 14 passes. This through-hole is often formed with a diameter sufficiently large compared to the rod 14. The product 54 is then suspended from the rod 14 by hooking the upper edge of the through-hole onto the top surface 21 of the rod 14. Meanwhile, due to the relationship between the diameter of the through-hole and the diameter of the rod 14, the lower edge of the through-hole is often positioned away from the rod 14. This configuration allows some of the multiple protrusions 62 to be positioned so that they can easily hook onto the product 54. This allows the protrusions 62 to easily hook onto the product 54, and also efficiently transmits the force of the customer pulling the product 54 forward to the belt member, causing the belt member to rotate in one direction. This allows other following products 54 to be brought forward.

[0056] The belt member has a belt body 61, and the protrusion 62 has a slope portion 63 in which, when it is at a position corresponding to the top surface 21, the protrusion height from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 increases as it moves in the direction from the tip end 18 toward the base end 17.

[0057] With this configuration, the sloped portion 63 makes it difficult for the products 54 to get caught on the protrusions 62 when replenishing the products 54. Furthermore, when the circular belt member 16 and the protrusions 62 are rotated in one direction as a customer removes the products 54, the sloped portion 63 makes it easy for the protrusions 62 to get under the products 54. This makes it easy to carry the products 54 above the protrusions 62, and the rotational force of the circular belt member 16 and the protrusions 62 allows the following products 54 to be efficiently advanced forward.

[0058] When the protrusion 62 is at a position corresponding to the top surface 21, it has a step portion 64 that is located closer to the base end 17 than the slope portion 63, and extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0059] This configuration makes it easier for the protrusions 62 to catch on the product 54 when the customer takes out the product 54. This allows the belt member to be efficiently rotated by utilizing the force of taking out the product 54, allowing other following products 54 to be efficiently brought forward.

[0060] The diameter of the arcuate surface 56 of the first shaft portion 46 is greater than the width of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the belt member. With this configuration, the belt member can be rotated smoothly with little resistance and without getting caught.

[0061] The diameter of the second shaft portion 47 is larger than the width of the protrusion 62 in the circumferential direction of the belt member. With this configuration, the belt member can be rotated smoothly with little resistance and without getting caught.

[0062] The rod 14 has an upwardly protruding portion 42 at the tip 18. This configuration makes it difficult for the product 54 to fall off the rod 14.

[0063] The rod 14 comprises a rod body 23 having a U-shaped cross section and a storage section 24 inside, and a cover member 25 attached to the rod body 23 so as to cover the storage section 24, and the cover member 25 includes a first shaft portion 46 and a second shaft portion 47.

[0064] According to this configuration, the structure for covering the storage section 24 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0065] Next, modified embodiments of the display shelf 11 and the commodity hanger 13 of this embodiment will be described. In the following modified embodiments, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted. (Modified Embodiments)

[0066] A modified example of the commodity hanger 13 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. In this modified example, the rod main body 23 opens to the side, and a storage section 24 is formed within the opening. The cover member 25 is attached to the side of the rod main body 23 so as to cover the storage section 24 that opens to the side. In this case, the multiple protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rod 14 when positioned within the rail groove 44. The multiple protrusions 62 are positioned inward from the outer circumferential surface of the rod 14 when positioned within the storage section 24.

[0067] With this modified example, the protrusion 62 can also be hooked onto the edge of the through hole of the product 54, thereby achieving substantially the same effect as the first embodiment, such as allowing the customer to use the force of pulling the product 54 forward to bring the following product 54 forward.

[0068] Next, a modified embodiment of the commodity hanger 13 of this embodiment will be described. In the following embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted. [Second embodiment]

[0069] 15 to 18, a second embodiment of a commodity hanger 13 and a display shelf 11 equipped with the same will be described. In this embodiment, the shape of the protrusion 62 of the annular belt member 16 is different from that of the first embodiment, but other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0070] The display shelf 11 includes a beam member 12 (corner bar) and a product hanger 13 attached to the beam member 12.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 16 , the circular belt member 16 has a circular, band-shaped belt body 61 and a protrusion 62 provided on an outer surface 65 of the belt body 61. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18 , the protrusion 62 has a square base 71 directly connected to the belt body 61 and a semicircular portion 72 formed on the upper side (outside) of the square base 71. The circular belt member 16 is an example of the belt member referred to in the present invention.

[0072] More specifically, the protrusion 62 has a slope portion 63 and a step portion 64 provided adjacent to the slope portion 63. As shown in Fig. 17, when the semicircular portion 72 is at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the slope portion 63 is located closer to the tip end 18 than the step portion 64. The slope portion 63 is arc-shaped so that the protruding height from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 increases in the direction from the tip end 18 toward the base end 17.

[0073] 16 , the rectangular base 71 has a stepped portion 64. When the rectangular base 71 is located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 is located closer to the base end 17 than the slope portion 63. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0074] Next, the operation of the product hanger 13 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] A plurality of products 54 are hung from the product hangers 13 and displayed. When a customer visiting the store removes a product 54 from the front, the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 catches on the protrusion 62 (step portion 64) of the circular belt member 16, causing the circular belt member 16 to rotate along with the product 54, pulling a portion of the circular belt member 16 toward the customer. As the circular belt member 16 rotates along with the product 54, the sloped portion 63 of the protrusion 62 enters the through-hole of the product 54, allowing the subsequent product 54 to be carried on the upper side of the sloped portion 63. With the subsequent product 54 carried on the upper side of the sloped portion 63, the circular belt member 16 continues to rotate along with the product 54, semi-automatically bringing the subsequent product 54 forward. This ensures that the products 54 are always lined up in the front row.

[0076] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes merchandise toward the rear of the merchandise hanger 13, the sloped portion 63 formed on the protrusion 62 prevents the merchandise 54 from getting caught on the protrusion 62, and the merchandise 54 can be smoothly replenished.

[0077] The following can be said about this embodiment. The protrusions 62 are semicircular. This configuration makes it difficult for the products 54 to get caught on the protrusions 62 when replenishing the products 54. Furthermore, when the belt member and protrusions 62 are rotated in one direction as a customer removes the products 54, the semicircular shape makes it easy for the protrusions 62 to fit under the products 54. This makes it easy to carry the products 54 above the protrusions 62, and the rotational force of the belt member and protrusions 62 allows the following products 54 to be efficiently advanced. [Third Embodiment]

[0078] 19 to 21, a description will be given of a product hanger 13 according to a third embodiment and a display shelf 11 equipped with the same. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the annular belt member 16 is configured with a non-annular belt member 81, but other parts are common to the first embodiment.

[0079] The belt member 81 is not annular, but rather belt-shaped. The belt member 81 is formed, for example, from a flexible synthetic resin material. The belt member 81 includes a belt-shaped belt main body 61, a plurality of protrusions 62 provided on the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61, and a finger hook 82 for returning the belt member 81 to its original position. The plurality of protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 at predetermined intervals. The belt member 81 is bent into a U-shape around the first shaft portion 46 and disposed across the rail groove 44 of the cover main body 41 and the storage portion 24 of the rod 14. When the belt member 81 is located within the rail groove 44, it is positioned corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14. When located corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the plurality of protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface (top surface 21) of the rod 14. On the other hand, when the belt member 81 is inside the storage section 24 of the rod 14, it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22. When it is located at a position corresponding to the bottom surface 22, the plurality of protrusions 62 are located inside the outer peripheral surface (bottom surface 22) of the rod.

[0080] Each of the multiple protrusions 62 has an outer shape similar to a shark's dorsal fin. That is, the protrusions 62 have a sloped portion 63 and a stepped portion 64 provided adjacent to the sloped portion 63. As shown in FIG. 19 , when the protrusions 62 are located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the sloped portion 63 is located on the distal end 18 side. The sloped portion 63 is inclined so that the protruding height from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 increases in the direction from the distal end 18 toward the proximal end 17. Similarly, when the protrusions 62 are located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the stepped portion 64 is located on the proximal end 17 side. The stepped portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0081] Therefore, the protrusion 62 has a shape that makes it easy for the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 to get caught when a customer removes the product 54 toward the front, but makes it difficult for the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 to get caught when a store manager refills the products 54. Although not shown, a U-shaped guide member may be provided on the outside of the belt member 81 to efficiently make a U-turn around the first shaft 46.

[0082] Next, the operation of the commodity hanger 13 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0083] When a customer visits the store and removes a product from the front, the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 catches on the protrusion 62 (step portion 64) of the circular belt member 16, causing the belt member 81 to rotate along with the product 54, pulling a portion of the belt member 81 toward the customer. This causes the belt member 81, which is positioned within the rail groove 44, to make a U-turn around the first shaft portion 46 and move into the storage section 24. At this time, the belt member 81 slides in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 20 and 21 . This sliding movement of the belt member 81 causes the sloped portion 63 of the protrusion 62 to enter the through-hole of the product 54, allowing the subsequent product to be carried above the sloped portion 63. With the subsequent product 54 carried above the sloped portion 63, the belt member 81 continues to rotate along with the product 54, semi-automatically pushing the subsequent product 54 forward. This ensures that the products 54 are always lined up at the front.

[0084] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes product 54 in product hanger 13, he or she pushes finger hook 82 toward base end 17, causing belt member 81 to slide back to its original position. In this state, the store manager replenishes product 54 toward the rear of product hanger 13. At this time, because protrusion 62 has sloped portion 63 formed thereon, product 54 does not get caught on protrusion 62, and product 54 can be replenished smoothly.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the following can be said: Product hanger 13 includes rod 14, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be able to hang product 54, and which extends from base end 17 to tip end 18 on the opposite side of base end 17, storage section 24 provided inside rod 14 from base end 17 to tip end 18 of rod 14, first shaft 46 provided at tip end 18 within storage section 24, and belt member 81 bent in a U-shape and disposed within storage section 24, and which is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward within storage section 24 with first shaft 46 as a fulcrum.

[0086] With this configuration, the action of a customer taking out a product 54 can be used to advance the following product 54 by the belt member 81 and the protrusion 62. Also, because the belt member 81 is stored inside the rod 14, there is no need to provide a separate space for installing the belt member 81, and a space-saving display shelf 11 with a high packing density of the products 54 can be realized. Furthermore, because the rod 14 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, a space-saving display shelf 11 with a high packing density of the products 54 can be realized compared to when the rod 14 is configured to slope downward at the front. [Fourth Embodiment]

[0087] 22 and 23, a fourth embodiment of a commodity hanger 13 and a display shelf 11 equipped with the same will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the annular belt member 16 is not a belt made of a resin material but is made of a ball chain with many balls linked together in a string, and the rod 14 is made of a cylindrical pipe material, but other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0088] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the circular belt member 16 has multiple protrusions 62. The multiple protrusions 62 protrude outward from the belt main body 61 at predetermined intervals. The circular belt member 16 is disposed across the interior and exterior of the rod 14, which is made of a cylindrical pipe material. When the circular belt member 16 is located outside the rod 14, it is positioned corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14. Thus, when it is positioned corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the multiple protrusions 62 protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface (top surface 21) of the rod 14. On the other hand, when the circular belt member 16 is located inside the rod 14, it is positioned corresponding to the bottom surface 22. Thus, when it is positioned corresponding to the bottom surface 22, the multiple protrusions 62 are positioned more inward than the outer peripheral surface (bottom surface 22) of the rod 14. The circular belt member 16 is an example of a belt member as defined in the present invention.

[0089] Each of the multiple protrusions 62 has a spherical outer shape. The protrusions 62 have a sloped portion 63 formed by a portion of the spherical surface and a step portion 64 adjacent to the sloped portion 63. The step portion 64 is the boundary position between adjacent protrusions 62 (spheres). As shown in FIG. 21 , when the protrusions 62 are located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the sloped portion 63 is located closer to the tip end 18 than the step portion 64. The sloped portion 63 is inclined so that the protruding height from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 increases in the direction from the tip end 18 toward the base end 17. Similarly, when the protrusions 62 are located at a position corresponding to the top surface 21 of the rod 14, the step portion 64 (the boundary position of the protrusions 62 (spheres)) is located closer to the base end 17 than the sloped portion 63. The step portion 64 extends from the outer surface 65 of the belt main body 61 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 65.

[0090] Therefore, the protrusion 62 is shaped so that the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 can easily get caught when a customer takes the product 54 out towards the front, and the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 cannot easily get caught when a store manager refills the product 54.

[0091] Next, the operation of the product hanger 13 of this embodiment will be described.

[0092] When a customer visits the store and removes a product 54 from the front, the edge of the through-hole of the product 54 catches on the protrusion 62 (step portion 64) of the circular belt member 16, causing the circular belt member 16 to rotate so as to pull a part of the circular belt member 16 toward the customer. This rotation of the circular belt member 16 causes the following product 54 to be semi-automatically brought forward. This ensures that the products 54 are always lined up in the front row.

[0093] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the products 54 at the rear of the product hanger 13, the sloped portion 63 formed on the protrusion 62 makes it difficult for the products 54 to get caught on the protrusion 62, allowing for smooth replenishment of the products 54. [Fifth embodiment]

[0094] 24 to 27, a product hanger 13 according to a fifth embodiment and a display shelf 11 equipped with the same will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the circular belt member 16 does not have a protrusion 62, the shapes of the first shaft portion 46 and the second shaft portion 47 are different, and the shape of the rod 14 is different, but other parts are common to the first embodiment.

[0095] The circular belt member 16 has a base material layer 16A and an elastic layer 16B provided on the outer surface of the base material layer 16A. The base material layer 16A is made of a synthetic resin material. The elastic layer 16B is made of an elastic material such as rubber with a relatively high coefficient of friction or a sponge made of other materials. In this embodiment, the protrusions 62 are omitted from the circular belt member 16. The circular belt member 16 is an example of a belt member as defined in the present invention.

[0096] The first shaft portion 46 has a semicircular arc surface 56 that convex toward the tip end of the rod 14. The rear side of the first shaft portion 46 is formed integrally with the wall that forms the bottom surface of the rail groove 44. The second shaft portion 47 has a semicircular second arc surface 57 that convex toward the base end of the rod 14. The front side of the second shaft portion 47 is formed integrally with the wall that forms the bottom surface of the rail groove 44.

[0097] 27, in this embodiment, the rod 14 is integrally molded from a synthetic resin material or the like into an "H"-shaped cross section. In this embodiment, the rod main body 23 and the cover member 25 are omitted, and the rod 14 is integrally formed into an "H"-shaped cross section.

[0098] The operation of the product hanger 13 of this embodiment will now be described. When a customer visiting a store attempts to remove a product 54 from the front, the edge of the through-hole in the product 54 bites into the elastic layer 16B of the annular belt member 16, causing the annular belt member 16 to rotate so as to pull a portion of the annular belt member 16 toward the customer. This rotation of the annular belt member 16 semi-automatically advances the following product 54 forward. This ensures that the products 54 are always lined up in the front row.

[0099] On the other hand, when the store manager replenishes the products 54 at the rear side of the product hanger 13, the replenishment of the products 54 can be carried out smoothly because the protrusion 62 is omitted in this embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the annular belt member 16 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Naturally, instead of the annular belt member 16, a non-annular belt member in the shape of a band can also be used together with the finger hook portion 82, as in the third embodiment.

[0101] The above-described embodiment can be further embodied by adding various substitutions and modifications, and it is of course possible to appropriately combine the above-described different modifications and embodiments to form a single invention.

[0102] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 Display shelf 12 Beam member 13 Product hanging device 14 Rod 16 Circular belt member 17 Base end portion 18 Tip portion 21 Top surface 22 Bottom surface 23 Rod body 24 Storage portion 25 Cover member 41 Cover body 42 Raised portion 46 First shaft portion 47 Second shaft portion 51 Leg portion 54 Product 56 Arc surface 57 Second arc surface 61 Belt body 62 Protrusion portion 63 Slope portion 64 Step portion 65 Outer surface 71 Rectangular base portion 72 Semicircular portion 81 Belt member 82 Finger hook portion

Claims

1. A merchandise hanging tool, comprising: a rod extending in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be able to hang a commodity, the rod extending from a base end portion toward a tip end portion opposite to the base end portion; a storage portion provided inside the rod and extending from the base end portion to the tip end portion of the rod; a first shaft portion provided at the tip end portion within the storage portion; and a belt member bent in a U shape and disposed within the storage portion, the belt member being provided so as to be able to move forward and backward within the storage portion with the first shaft portion as a fulcrum.

2. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 1, further comprising a second shaft portion provided at the base end portion within the storage portion, wherein the belt member forms a ring shape, is wound around the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and is provided so as to be rotatable within the storage portion.

3. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of protrusions provided at predetermined intervals on an outer surface of the belt member and protruding from the outer surface so as to be able to contact the commodity.

4. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 3, wherein a part of the plurality of protrusions protrudes outside an outer peripheral surface of the rod, and another part of the plurality of protrusions facing the part of the plurality of protrusions is located inside the outer peripheral surface.

5. The outer peripheral surface of the rod has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, a part of the plurality of protrusions is provided at a position corresponding to the top surface and protrudes outside the top surface, and another part of the plurality of protrusions is provided at a position corresponding to the bottom surface and is located inside the bottom surface. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 4.

6. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 3, wherein the belt member has a belt body, and when the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface, the protrusion has a slope portion where a protruding height from the outer surface of the belt body increases as going in a direction from the tip end portion toward the base end portion.

7. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion is a step portion provided on a side of the base end portion rather than the slope portion when the protrusion is at a position corresponding to the top surface, and the step portion extends in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface from the outer surface of the belt body.

8. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion has a square base portion directly connected to the belt body and a semi-circular portion formed above the square base portion.

9. The merchandise hanging tool according to claim 3, wherein a diameter of an arc surface of the first shaft portion is larger than a width of the protrusion in a circumferential direction of the belt member.

10. The diameter of the arc surface of the second shaft portion is larger than the width of the protrusion portion in the circumferential direction of the belt member. The product hanging tool according to claim 3.

11. The rod has a raised portion that bulges upward at the tip portion. The product hanging tool according to claim 1.

12. The rod includes a rod body having a U-shaped cross section and having the storage portion inside, and a cover member attached to the rod body so as to cover the storage portion. The cover member includes the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. The product hanging tool according to claim 2.

13. A display shelf provided with the product hanging tool according to claim 1.

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