Merchandising system with roller tracks

Abstract

A merchandising system for a retail shelf includes one or more roller tracks extending between a first end and a second end, each including (a) a roller frame disposed between the first end and the second end and including a roller frame base and sidewalls coupled to the roller frame base and (b) one or more rollers coupled to the roller frame between the sidewalls. The merchandising system includes at least one rail adapter selectively coupled to the one or more roller tracks between the roller frame and the one or more rollers.

Description

Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878MERCHANDISING SYSTEM WITH ROLLER TRACKS FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a selectively securable roller track for merchandise display systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] In self-service retail establishments, such as drug stores and grocery stores, merchandise is commonly displayed on racks with one or more vertically spaced shelves. To maintain product visibility and accessibility, retailers often use feed systems that push inventory7towards the front edge of the shelves. These systems ensure that products are always front-facing and readily available for customers to pick up.

[0004] However, existing feed systems are typically designed with fixed configurations, limiting their flexibility. They cannot be easily adjusted to accommodate different types or arrangements of merchandise. This rigidity poses a challenge for retailers who need to adapt their shelving systems to various products and display strategies.

[0005] Therefore, there is a clear need for a more versatile merchandising system. Such a system would allow retailers to easily modify the configuration to ensure that merchandise is consistently fed to the front edge of the shelf, regardless of the type or arrangement of the products. This adaptability would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of product displays in self-service retail environments.SUMMARY

[0006] An aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandising system for a retail shelf including one or more roller tracks extending between a first end and a second end, each including (a) a roller frame disposed between the first end and the second end and including a roller frame base and sidewalls coupled to the roller frame base and (b) one or more rollers coupled to the roller frame between the sidewalls. The merchandising system includes at least one rail adapter selectively coupled to the one or more roller tracks between the roller frame and the one or more rollers.

[0007] Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the roller frame base includes an upper surface and a lower surface and includes one or more openings extending through the upper surface and the lower surface. In 163525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878some implementations, the sidewalls include one or more pairs of reliefs arranged between the first end and the second end, and the roller frame base includes one or more first segments and one or more second segments intersecting one another and coupled to the lower surface, the first and second segments define one or more sockets at the first end and the second end of the one or more roller tracks. In some configurations, the at least one rail adapter includes one or more track fasteners, including one or more upper fingers engaged with the one or more pairs of reliefs, and one or more lower fingers disposed in the sockets at the first end or second end.

[0008] In some implementations, the at least one rail adapter includes one or more track fasteners, including one or more upper fingers arranged in between the one or more rollers and an upper surface of the roller frame base, and one or more lower fingers arranged adjacent a lower surface of the roller frame base.

[0009] In some configurations, the at least one rail adapter includes a base that has a front side and a rear side, the rear side including a first surface and a second surface that is offset from the first surface. In some implementations, the at least one rail adapter further includes track fasteners coupled to and extending from the first surface and the second surface. Optionally, the at least one rail adapter includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a projection coupled to the upper surface. In some examples, a portion of the projection is coplanar with the one or more rollers. In some implementations, the at least one rail adapter includes divider channel that has two arcuate ribs opposing one another.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandising system for a retail shelf, the merchandising system including a rail having a first end and a second end and including a receptacle between a first wall and a second wall spaced from the second wall. The merchandising system further includes a rail adapter having a base arranged between a first side and second side of the rail adapter, one or more track fasteners coupled to the base, and one or more rail fasteners coupled to the base and engaged with the rail.

[0011] Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the second wall includes a notch extending between the first end and the second end. In some examples, the rail further includes a lens coupled to the first wall and angled toward the second wall. In some implementations, the one or more rail fasteners include a first arm coupled to and cantilevered with respect to the base and a second arm coupled to and cantilevered with respect to the base. In some configurations, the second arm engages the first wall and the first arm engages the notch.

[0012] In some examples, the one or more rail fasteners include a divider channel coupled to the base and extending between the first side and the second side. In some configurations, a 263525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878divider is coupled to the divider channel and selectively positioned between the first side and the second side. In some examples, the base includes a channel extending between the first side and the second side, the one or more rail fasteners includes a first arm including a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end spaced from the proximal end and including a flange extending into the channel. In some examples a portion of the second wall is retained between the channel and the flange.

[0013] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] 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.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise system for a retail shelf or other surface according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 1, whereby the merchandise system is installed on a retail shelf;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of a roller track of the merchandising system of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 is an end view of the roller track of FIG. 4;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of the roller track of FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the roller track of FIG. 4 along line 7-7;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a frame of the roller track of FIG. 4;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of the frame of FIG. 8;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of FIG. 8 along line 11-11;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a rail adapter aligned with one or more of the rollers of FIG. 4;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the rail adapter aligned with one or more of the rollers of FIG. 4;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a side view of the rail adapter of FIG. 11;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a top view of the rail adapter of FIG. 11 ;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the rail adapter disposed within a portion of one or more roller tracks of FIG. 4;363525465.1Attorney Docket No.: 251043-557878

[0030] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary’ side view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1:

[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective of a divider of the merchandising system of FIG. 1 ; and

[0033] FIG. 19 is a side view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1.

[0034] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 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.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a merchandise system 10 is generally shown. The merchandise system 10 includes a first or right side 12, a second or left side 14 spaced from the right side 12, a first or front end 16 extending between the right side 12 and the left side 14, and a second or rear end 18 spaced from the front end 16 and extending between the right side 12 and the left side 14. The merchandise system 10 may be installed on atop surface of ashelf 20, or other suitable base surface. The shelf 20 may be located in a store or other suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As shown in FIG. 2, a length of the shelf 20 extends from a front edge 22 to an opposite rear edge 24. Generally, the front edge 22 is configured to face an aisle or customer area of a retail environment, while the rear edge 24 is configured to face towards a wall or mounting portion of the merchandise system 10. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edge 22 to the rear edge 24 defines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edge 22 and the rear edge 24 defines a lateral direction of the shelf 20. In some implementations, the shelf 20 may include a shelf panel (not shown) including a plurality of apertures extending through a thickness of the shelf panel and arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edge 22 and / or the rear edge 24 of the shelf 20. Portions of the merchandise system 10 may be secured to the shelf 20 via fasteners (e.g., pins) engaged w ith the apertures. The merchandise system 10 may be secured to the shelf 20 in any suitable manner, and the merchandise system 10 may be selectively 463525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878detached from the shelf 20 and moved, for example, to another shelf or other surface.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the merchandise system 10 includes one or more roller tracks 100, one or more rail adapters 200, a first or front rail 300, a second or rear rail 400, and optionally, one or more dividers 500. With the merchandise system 10 installed on the shelf 20, any suitable merchandise may be positioned within a product receiving area A defined by one or more of the roller tracks 100 and between the front rail 300 and the rear rail 400. The roller tracks 100 are selectively positionable in the lateral direction along the front rail 300 and rear rail 400. Additionally, as customers remove merchandise from the product receiving area A, the roller tracks 100 can be configured to convey merchandise from the rear end 18 of the merchandising system 10 toward the front end 16.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 3, the illustrated example includes the roller tracks 100 and the rail adapters 200 coupled to the roller tracks 100. Each roller track 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104 disposed on an opposite end of the roller track 100 than the first end 102. The roller tracks 100 include a roller frame 106 and one or more rollers 108 coupled to the roller frame 106. The roller frame 106 includes a roller base 110 extending between the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the roller track 100 with respect to a longitudinal axis L. The roller base 110 includes a width WHO between a first edge 112a and a second edge 112b. The roller frame 106 also includes a pair of sidewalls 114 extending from the roller base 110 and along the edges 112a, 112b. The sidewalls 114 each include an upper end 116 and a lower end 118 spaced from the upper end 116. The sidewalls 114 also include an inner surface 120 extending between the upper end 116 and the lower end 118 and an outer surface 122 formed on an opposite side and spaced from the inner surface 120. Thus, the respective inner surfaces 120 of the sidew alls 114 face each other to define an interior region 124 of the roller frame 112.

[0039] The sidewalls 114 each include one or more spacers 126 that are coupled to and extend outwardly from the outer surface 122 in the lateral direction. The spacers 126 are optional but can be desirable for minimizing or eliminating gaps betw een the roller tracks 100 upon being arranged with respect to the rail adapters 200. In the illustrated example, the spacers 126 are provided as elongate ribs extending along the outer surface 122 of each sidewall 114 in the longitudinal direction. Optionally, each sidewall 114 includes a pair of the spacers 126 disposed adjacent to the upper end 116 and the lower end 118, respectively.

[0040] Each sidewall 114 includes receptacles 128 that are arranged betw een the first end 102 and the second end 104, as shown in FIG. 9. The receptacles 128 extend from an opening 130 formed at the upper end 116 toward the lower end 118, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. With 563525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878reference to FIG. 4, the receptacles 128 can include retainers 132 that are configured to engage with a portion of the rollers 108 so that the rollers 108 can be arranged and maintained in the roller frame 112. As shown, each of the retainers 132 extend across the opening 130 and include a biasing surface 134 formed at an oblique angle relative to the inner surface 120 of the sidewalls 114.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 4, the rollers 108 each include a pair of axles 136 disposed on each end of the rollers 108. The axles 136 are configured to selectively engage with the biasing surface 134 as the rollers 108 are inserted into the receptacles 128. According to one aspect, with reference to FIG. 6, the receptacles 128 are positioned on each of the sidewalls 114 so that a portion of each roller 108 remains proud with respect to the upper end 116 of the sidewalls 114. This is desirable so that the merchandise (not shown) primarily engages with the rollers 108 rather than the upper ends 116 of the sidewalls 114. Each of the sidewalls 114 also include one or more reliefs 138 (e.g., apertures or recesses) arranged between the first end 102 and the second end 104 and extending through the inner and outer surface 120, 122. In the present illustrative example, the reliefs 138 are arranged on each sidewall 114 between the receptacles 128 and the lower ends 118. As will be discussed in more detail below, the reliefs 138 can be configured to receive and maintain a portion of one of the rail adapters 200.

[0042] With reference again to FIG. 5, the roller base 110 includes an upper surface 140 and a low er surface 142 opposite of the upper surface 140. As show n in FIG. 8, the roller base 110 includes one or more openings 144 that extend through the upper and lower surfaces 140, 142 and can be configured to engage with at least a portion of the rail adapters 200. With reference to FIG. 7, the roller frame 112 includes one or more support ribs 146 that are coupled to the upper surface 140 of the roller base 110 and to the sidew alls 114. The support ribs 146 extend across one or more of the openings 144 and are configured to provide a chute for receiving debris that may enter the roller base 110. For instance, the support ribs 146 are provided as corresponding pairs of ribs, where each of the support ribs 146 in a respective pair includes an upper guide segment 148 and extend tow ard the top side of the roller track 100 at an oblique angle to provide a tapered space between the support ribs 146. As debris falls into the roller track 100 between adj acent rollers 108. the tapered opening formed between the upper guide segments 148 may capture the debris and guide it out of the roller track 100 through the openings 144.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 8, the roller frame 112 includes one or more first support segments 150 coupled to the lower surface 142 of the roller base 110 and to the sidewalls 114. Additionally, one or more second support segments 152 are coupled to the lower surface 142663525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878of the roller base 110 and intersect the first support segments 150 between the first end 102 and the second end 104. According to one aspect, the first support segments 150 and the second support segments 152 reinforce (i. e. , strengthen) the roller frame 106 between the first end 102 and the second end 104. According to another aspect, at the first and second ends 102, 104 of the roller track 100, the first support segments 150 and the second support segments 152 define one or more sockets 154 that correspond with and are configured to receive portions of the rail adapters 200.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 3, the rail adapters 200 are arranged at and configured to selectively engage with the first end 102 and the second end 104 of the roller tracks 100. In the present example, the rail adapters 200 are configured to selectively arrange the roller tracks 100 with respect to the front rail 300 and / or the rear rail 400. The rail adapters 200 include a first end 202, a second end 204 spaced from the first end 202, a first side 206, and a second side 208 spaced from the first side 206, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each rail adapter 200 includes a third or top side 210 (FIG. 11) and a fourth or bottom side 212 (FIG. 12) opposite the top side 210. The rail adapter 200 includes a base 214 that extends between the first side 206 and the second side 208 and includes a first or front side 216 facing the first end 202 and a second or rear side 218 facing the second end 204. A channel 220 configured to correspond with a portion of the front rail 300 or the rear rail 400 is arranged in the rail adapter 200 and extends continuously through a width of the rail adapter 200 from the first side 206 to the second side 208. The base 214 also includes an upper side 222 extending between the front side 216 and the rear side 218 and a lower side 224 extending between the front side 216 and the rear side 218. A projection 226 is coupled to and extends from the upper side 222 and can be configured to support merchandise in a manner similar to the rollers 108. The projection 226 can be arranged so that the projection 226 and the rollers 108 share a plane P that extends between the first end 102 and the second end 104. A cavity 228 extends between the lower side 224 and the upper side 222, as shown in FIG. 12. According to one aspect, the front side 216 of the base 214 includes a staggered arrangement. More particularly, the front side 216 can include one or more surfaces, such as a first surface 230 and a second surface 232 that is offset from the first surface 230, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. According to one aspect, the first surface 230 is arranged closer to the first end 202 than the second surface 232.

[0045] The rail adapters 200 include one or more fasteners coupled to the base 214, such as one or more track fasteners 234 and one or more rail fasteners 236, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The track fasteners 234 are configured to secure the rail adapters 200 to one or more of the roller tracks 100 and the rail fasteners 236 are configured to couple the rail adapters 200763525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878to the front rail 300 and / or the rear rail 400. The track fasteners 234 are coupled to and extend from the front side 216 of the base 214 toward the first end 202. More particularly, the track fasteners 234 are coupled to the first surface 230 and the second surface 232 and extend toward the first end 202. Due to the offset nature of the first surface 230 and the second surface 232, the track fasteners 234 are also offset from one another. In the present illustrative example, the track fasteners 234 include one or more fingers that are configured to align the rail adapter 200 with respect to the one or more roller tracks 100 and / or can be configured to secure the rail adapter 200 to the roller tracks 100. With reference to FIG. 13, the track fasteners 234 include first or upper fingers 238 and second or lower fingers 240. The upper fingers 238 can be cantilevered with respect to the base 214 and configured to flex when engaging with portions of the roller tracks 100. Upon installation, the upper fingers 238 are arranged between the rollers 108 and the roller base 110. According to one aspect, the upper fingers 238 include inner fingers 242 and outer fingers 244. The one or more inner fingers 242 are configured to engage with the openings 144 of the roller base 110. For instance, in the present example, one of the inner fingers 242 can include a key 243 with an engagement surface 243a that is configured to engage with the roller base 110 while the rail adapter 200 is being arranged with respect to the roller track 100. Upon engagement, the inner finger 242 will bend or flex away from roller base 110 until the key 243 corresponds with one of the openings 144 of the roller base 110. The inner finger 242 will automatically return (i.e., snap back) to its original position to prevent the rail adapter 200 from being removed from the roller track 100. The outer fingers 244 are configured to engage with the reliefs 138 of the sidewalls 114. The lower fingers 240 can be cantilevered with respect to the base 214 and can be configured to align the rail adapters 200 with respect to the roller tracks 100. More particularly, the lower fingers 240 can be configured to engage with and be received by the one or more sockets 154.

[0046] Upon installation, with reference to FIG. 3, the roller tracks 100 are offset from one another because of the offset nature of the track fasteners 234 of the rail adapters 200. More particularly, the rail adapters 200 position the roller tracks 100 so that the one or more rollers 108 are offset from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis L. This is desirable to ensure that merchandise can continue to move (i.e.. advance) in the product receiving area A between the second end 104 and the first end 102 without interruption. When a customer removes one or more pieces of merchandise in the product receiving area A at the first end 102, the rollers support and move the remaining merchandise in the product receiving area A toward the first end 102. At the first end 102 and the second end 104, the projection 226 helps ensures that the merchandise is not leaning toward the right side 12 or the left side 14 of the 863525465.1Attorney Docket No.: 251043-557878merchandising system 10. In other words, the rollers 108 and the projections 226 can help maintain an orientation that is appealing to a consumer or customer at the front end 16 of the merchandising system 10.

[0047] With continued reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the rail fasteners 236 are coupled to and extend from the base 214. More particularly, the track fasteners 234 include a first arm 246 that has a proximal end 248 coupled to the base 214 within the cavity 228 and a distal end 250 spaced from the proximal end 248. A flange 252 is coupled to the first arm 246 at the distal end 250 and extends in the channel 220 toward the second end 204. The rail fasteners 236 include a divider channel 254 that is coupled to the rear side 218 of base 214 and extends toward the second end 204.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 14, a channel support 256 extends from the rear side 218 of the base 214 toward the second end 204 of the rail adapter 200. The divider channel 254 is coupled to and extends from an upper side 258 of the channel support 256. Additionally, the divider channel 254 extends continuously between the first side 206 and the second side 208 of the rail adapter 200 and can be configured so that the dividers 500 can translate in the lateral direction between the right and left sides 12, 14 of the merchandising system 10. The divider channel 254 includes two arcuate ribs 260 that define a semi-cylindrical profile 262 between the first side 206 and the second side 208, as shown in FIG. 13. The ribs 260 are coupled to the channel support 256 or formed with the base 214 so that the ribs 260 are flexible and allow insertion of a corresponding member of the one or more dividers 500. In other words, gaps 264 exist between the ribs 260 and the upper side 258 of the channel support 256 so that the ribs 260 can flex outwardly away from one another and respectively toward the first end 202 and second end 204 of the rail adapter 200.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 13, a second arm 266 extends from the base 214 and / or from the channel support 256 tow ard the second end 204 of the rail adapter 200. The second arm 266 includes a first or front segment 268, a second or middle segment 270, and a third or end segment 272. The first segment 268 is coupled to the channel support 256 and extends aw ay from the upper side 258 of the channel support 256. The second segment 270 is coupled to first segment and extends toward the second end 204 and the third segment is coupled to the second segment and defines the second end of the rail adapter 200. The second arm 266 and, more particularly, the first, second, and third segments 268, 270, 272 are cantilevered with respect to the base 214. The second arm 266 can be configured to flex and act as a spring when engaging with a portion of the front rail 300 or rear rail 400. As will be discussed in more detail below, the rail fasteners 236 are configured so that a portion of the front rail 300 or the 963525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878rear rail 400 is confined or retained between the first arm 246 and the second arm 266.

[0050] In assembly, with reference to FIG. 15. the second arm 266 is configured to flex or compress when contacting or engaging with a portion of the front rail 300 or rear rail 400. The compressible nature of the second arm 266 can help ease installation with respect to the front rail 300 or the rear rail 400 and also help retain the rail adapter 200 in the front rail 300 or the rear rail 400.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 1, an illustrative example of the front rail 300 is provided and is configured to receive and / or retain a portion of at least one of the rail adapters 200. In the present illustrative example, the front rail 300 is positioned at the front end 16 of the merchandising system 10 and extends between the right side 12 and the left side 14. With reference to FIG. 16, the front rail 300 includes a first or front end 302 and a second or rear end 304 each extending between a first side 306 (FIG. 1) and a second side 308 (FIG. 1). The front rail 300 includes a base wall 310 extending between the front end 302 and the rear end 304, a first or front wall 312 coupled to the base wall 310 at the front end 302, and a second or rear wall 314 coupled to the base wall 310 at the rear end 304. The base wall 310, the front wall 312, and the rear wall 314 cooperate to define a receptacle 316 that corresponds with and is configured to receive at least a portion of the rail fastener 236 of the rail adapters 200. The rear wall 314 includes a notch 318 that extends between the first side 306 and the second side 308 and is configured to receive and / or retain at least a portion of the flange 252 of the first arm 246. A lens 320 is coupled to the front wall 312 and defines a portion of the product receiving area A. According to one aspect, the lens 320 can be angled with respect to the front wall 312 and toward the rear end 18 of the merchandising system 10.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 1, an illustrative example of the rear rail 400 is provided and is configured to receive and / or retain a portion of at least one of the rail adapters 200. In the present illustrative example, the rear rail 400 is positioned at the rear end 18 of the merchandising system 10 and extends between the right side 12 and the left side 14. With reference to FIG. 17, the rear rail 400 includes a first or front end 402 and a second or rear end 404 each extending between a first side 406 (FIG. 1) and a second side 408 (FIG. 1). The rear rail 400 includes a base wall 410 extending between the front end 402 and the rear end 404, a first or front wall 412 coupled to the base wall 410 at the front end 402, and a second or rear wall 414 coupled to the base wall 410 at the rear end 404. The base wall 410, the front wall 412, and the rear wall 414 cooperate to define a receptacle 416 that corresponds with and is configured to receive at least a portion of the rail fastener 236 of the rail adapters 200. The front wall 412 includes a notch 418 that extends between the first side 406 and the second side 1063525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878408 and is configured to receive and / or retain at least a portion of the flange 252 of the first arm 246.

[0053] Optionally, the merchandise system 10 may be configured with any combination of the roller tracks 100, the rail adapters 200, the front and rear rails 300, 400, and one or more of the dividers 500 to define the product receiving areas A. With reference to FIG. 18, the dividers 500 can include a plate 502 and one or more feet or rails 504 coupled to the plate 502. The rails 504 can be configured to cooperate with the divider channel 254 so that the dividers 500 can move and / or be positioned between the right side 12 and the left side 14 of the merchandising system 10, as shown in FIG. 19. Any number (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, etc.) of the dividers 500 can be arranged to create merchandise slots between the right side 12 and the left side 14. Dividing and / or separating merchandise can help support the merchandise, protect the merchandise from being damaged, and allow for the merchandise to easily be removed from the merchandising system 10 by a consumer or store associate, for example.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.1163525465.1Attorney Docket No.: 251043-557878

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.1263525465.1

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 251043-557878CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A merchandising system for a retail shelf, the merchandising system comprising: one or more roller tracks extending between a first end and a second end, each including (a) a roller frame disposed between the first end and the second end and including a roller frame base and sidewalls coupled to the roller frame base and (b) one or more rollers coupled to the roller frame between the sidewalls; andat least one rail adapter selectively coupled to the one or more roller tracks betw een the roller frame and the one or more rollers.

2. The merchandising system of Claim 1, wherein the roller frame base includes an upper surface and a lower surface and includes one or more openings extending through the upper surface and the low er surface.

3. The merchandising system of Claim 2, w herein the sidewalls include one or more pairs of reliefs arranged between the first end and the second end, and the roller frame base includes one or more first segments and one or more second segments intersecting one another and coupled to the lower surface, the first and second segments define one or more sockets at the first end and the second end of the one or more roller tracks.

4. The merchandising system of Claim 3, wherein the at least one rail adapter includes one or more track fasteners, including:one or more upper fingers engaged with the one or more pairs of reliefs, and one or more lower fingers disposed in the sockets at the first end or second end.

5. The merchandising system of any of Claims 1-4, wherein the at least one rail adapter includes one or more track fasteners, including:one or more upper fingers arranged in between the one or more rollers and an upper surface of the roller frame base; andone or more lower fingers arranged adjacent a lower surface of the roller frame base.

6. The merchandising system of any of Claims 1-5, wherein the at least one rail adapter includes a base that has a front side and a rear side, the rear side including a first surface and a 1363525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-557878second surface that is offset from the first surface.

7. The merchandising system of Claim 6, wherein the at least one rail adapter further includes track fasteners coupled to and extending from the first surface and the second surface.

8. The merchandising system of Claim 6. wherein the at least one rail adapter includes:an upper surface;a lower surface opposite the upper surface; anda projection coupled to the upper surface.

9. The merchandising system of Claim 8, wherein a portion of the projection is coplanar with the one or more rollers.

10. The merchandising system of any of Claims 1-9, wherein the at least one rail adapter includes a divider channel that has two arcuate ribs opposing one another.

11. A merchandising system for a retail shelf, the merchandising system comprising: a rail having a first end and a second end and including a receptacle between a first wall and a second wall spaced from the second wall; anda rail adapter including:a base arranged between a first side and second side of the rail adapter; one or more track fasteners coupled to the base; andone or more rail fasteners coupled to the base and engaged with the rail.

12. The merchandising system of Claim 11, wherein the second wall includes a notch extending between the first end and the second end.

13. The merchandising system of Claim 12, wherein the rail further includes a lens coupled to the first wall and angled toward the second wall.

14. The merchandising system of Claim 12, wherein the one or more rail fasteners include a first arm coupled to and cantilevered with respect to the base and a second arm coupled to and cantilevered with respect to the base.1463525465.1Atorney Docket No.: 251043-55787815. The merchandising system of Claim 14, wherein the second arm engages the first wall and the first arm engages the notch.

16. The merchandising system of any of Claims 11-15, wherein the one or more rail fasteners include a divider channel coupled to the base and extending between the first side and the second side.

17. The merchandising system of Claim 1 , wherein a divider is coupled to the divider channel and selectively positioned between the first side and the second side.

18. The merchandising system of any of Claims 11-17, wherein the base includes a channel extending between the first side and the second side.

19. The merchandising system of Claim 18, wherein the one or more rail fasteners includes a first arm including a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end spaced from the proximal end and including a flange extending into the channel.

20. The merchandising system of Claim 19, wherein a portion of the second wall is retained between the channel and the flange.1563525465.1

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