Low-Friction Shelf System

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/742,408, filed on Jan. 6, 2025, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/642,276, filed on May 3, 2024. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a low friction shelf system for merchandise display systems.

BACKGROUND

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

Merchandise trays are widely utilized in retail environments to display and dispense items from shelves. These trays are typically designed to hold a variety of products, such as packaged foods, beverages, and small consumer goods, in an organized manner. They are often placed on retail shelves to enhance product visibility and accessibility, allowing customers to easily view and select items. The trays are usually equipped with mechanisms that facilitate the forward movement of products as items are removed, ensuring that the front of the shelf remains stocked and visually appealing.

Despite their widespread use, current merchandise dispensing systems face significant limitations in terms of adaptability. Most existing systems are designed with fixed dimensions and configurations, making them suitable only for specific shelf sizes and layouts. This lack of flexibility poses challenges for retailers who need to frequently reconfigure their shelf arrangements to accommodate different product sizes, promotional displays, or seasonal changes. As a result, retailers often find themselves constrained by the rigid design of these dispensing systems, which can lead to inefficient use of shelf space and suboptimal product presentation.

Moreover, the inability to easily modify these systems to fit various shelf sizes and configurations can result in increased operational costs and labor. Retail staff may need to manually adjust or replace trays to fit new shelf setups, which is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. This inflexibility not only hampers the efficiency of store operations but also limits the retailer's ability to quickly adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences. Therefore, there is a clear need for a more versatile and easily adjustable merchandise display and dispensing system that can seamlessly integrate with different retail shelf configurations.

SUMMARY

A merchandise system for a retail shelf including a first rail defining a channel, a connector, and a glide mat. The connector includes a first end slidably engaged with the first rail and a second end disposed on an opposite side of the connector than the first end, the connector including a plurality of connector segments and a plurality of snap points each disposed between adjacent connector segments of the plurality of the connector segments Here, each of the connector segments are configured to break away from the connector at respective adjacent snap points. The glide mat is attached to the second end of the connector.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, each connector segment of the plurality of connector segments further includes a respective rail coupler configured to selectively engage with the first rail. In these implementations, each respective rail coupler may include a front lip, a bearing element, and a catch, the front lip configured to selectively engage with the first rail when the connector is engaged with the first rail.

In some examples, each connector segment of the plurality of connector segments further includes a respective mat coupler configured to selectively engage with the glide mat. In these examples, each connector segment may include a frame and a locking tab. Here, the frame may include a peripheral wall defining an enclosure. The peripheral wall may be defined by a top edge and a bottom edge that cooperate to form a stepped profile. Additionally or alternatively, the locking tab is disposed within the enclosure. The glide mat may be defined by a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the glide mat than the top surface, and sidewalls extending from a first end of the glide mat to a second end of the glide mat, the glide mat including an elongated clip formed on the bottom surface and extending along a length of the glide mat from the first end of the glide mat to the second end of the glide mat. Optionally, a portion of the frame is received within the sidewalls, and the locking tab is seated in an aperture formed in the elongated clip when the glide mat is lockingly engaged with the second end of the connector.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a merchandise system for a retail shelf including a first rail defining a channel, one or more connector segments, and one or more glide mats. The one or more connector segments each include a rail coupler slidably engaged with the first rail and a mat coupler disposed on an opposite side of the connector segment than the rail coupler. The one or more glide mats each selectively attached to the mat coupler by a respective one of the one or more connector segments.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, at least one of the one or more connector segments is detached from the other of the one or more connector segments. In some examples, each respective rail coupler includes a front lip, a bearing element, and a catch, the front lip configured to selectively engage with the first rail when the connector is engaged with the first rail.

In some implementations, each respective mat coupler includes a frame defining an enclosure surrounding a locking tab. In these implementations, each of the one or more glide mats is defined by (i) a top surface, (ii) a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the glide mat than the top surface, (iii) sidewalls extending from a first end of the glide mat to a second end of the glide mat, (iv) includes integrated ribs formed on the bottom surface and extending along a length of the glide mat from a the first end of the glide mat to the second end of the glide mat, and (v) includes an elongated clip formed on the bottom surface and extending along the length of the glide mat from the first end of the glide mat to the second end of the glide mat. Here, the elongated clip may include an aperture formed through a thickness of the elongated clip. The frame may be received by the sidewalls and the locking tab may be seated in the aperture when the glide mat is lockingly engaged with the mat coupler of the connector. Optionally, the frame defines a pair of mirrored connecting branches connected by a central bar. Here, each of the connecting branches may be disposed between a respective one of the integrated ribs and a respective one of the sidewalls when the connector segment is lockingly engaged with the glide mat. In some examples, each glide mat further includes a plurality of upwardly extending ribs formed in a top surface of the glide mat, each of the upwardly extending ribs extending parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the glide mat.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandise system for a retail shelf including a front rail defining a channel extending along a first direction. The system includes a first rail defining a channel, a connector, and a glide mat. The connector includes a first end slidably engaged with the first rail and a second end disposed on an opposite side of the connector than the first end, the connector including a plurality of connector segments and a plurality of snap points each disposed between adjacent connector segments of the plurality of the connector segments. The glide mat is attached to the second end of the connector.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, each connector segment of the plurality of connector segments includes a respective rail coupler configured to selectively engage with the first rail, and a respective mat coupler configured to selectively engage with the glide mat. In these examples, each respective rail coupler may include a front lip, a bearing element, and a catch, the front lip configured to selectively engage with the first rail when the connector is engaged with the first rail. Additionally or alternatively, each respective mat coupler may define a rear wall including a pair of locking outer tabs, tension prongs, and a recessed surface formed in the rear wall and between the tension prongs. Here, the glide mat may be defined by a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the glide mat than the top surface, and sidewalls extending from a first end of the glide mat to a second end of the glide mat, the glide mat including elongated clips formed on the bottom surface and extending along a length of the glide mat from the first end of the glide mat to the second end of the glide mat. The elongated clips may be received by the tension prongs and be seated in the recessed surface when the glide mat is lockingly engaged with the second end of the connector. Optionally, the locking outer tabs of the mat coupler are received in respective apertures formed in the sidewalls of the glide mat when the glide mat is lockingly engaged with the second end of the connector.

In some implementations, the glide mat is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the glide mat than the top surface. Here, the glide mat includes one or more integrated ribs each formed on the bottom surface and extending along a length of the glide mat from a first end of the glide mat to a second end of the glide mat. In these implementations, the glide mat may further include a plurality of upwardly extending ribs formed in the top surface of the glide mat, each of the upwardly extending ribs extending parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the glide mat. In some examples, each of the connector segments are configured to break away from the connector at the respective adjacent snap points.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandise system for a retail shelf. The merchandise system includes a first rail defining a channel and one or more connector segments each including a first end slidably engaged with the first rail and a second end disposed on an opposite side of the connector segment than the first end. The merchandise system further includes one or more glide mats each selectively attached to the second end of a respective one of the one or more connector segments.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, at least one of the one or more connector segments is detached from the other of the one or more connector segments. In some implementations, at least one of the one or more connector segments is attached to the other of the one or more connector segments. In some examples, at least one of the one or more connector segments is attached to the other of the one or more connector segments along a snap point.

In some configurations, each connector segment of the one or more connector segments includes a respective rail coupler configured to selectively engage with the first rail, and a respective mat coupler configured to selectively engage with the a respective one of the one or more connector segments. In some examples, each respective rail coupler includes a front lip, a bearing element, and a catch, where the front lip is configured to selectively engage with the first rail when the connector is engaged with the first rail.

In some implementations, each respective mat coupler defines a rear wall including a pair of locking outer tabs, tension prongs, and a recessed surface formed in the rear wall and between the tension prongs. Optionally, each of the one or more glide mats is defined by (i) a top surface, (ii) a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the glide mat than the top surface, (iii) sidewalls extending from a first end of the glide mat to a second end of the glide mat, and (iv) includes elongated clips formed on the bottom surface and extending along a length of the glide mat from the first end of the glide mat to the second end of the glide mat. In some examples, the elongated clips are received by the tension prongs and are seated in the recessed surface when the glide mat is lockingly engaged with the second end of the connector.

In some implementations, each of the one or more glide mats further includes a plurality of upwardly extending ribs formed in a top surface of the glide mat, each of the upwardly extending ribs extending parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the glide mat.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandise display kit for a retail system. The merchandise display kit includes a plurality of glide mats, a first end rail defining a channel, and a connector. The connector includes a plurality of connector segments configured to detach from the connector at a respective snap point formed in the connector. Here, the connector is lockingly engaged with the plurality of glide mats and slidably engaged with the first end rail.

Aspects of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, each connector segment of the plurality of the connector segments includes a series of elongate notches formed through a thickness of the connector segment. In these examples, the merchandise display kit may further include a divider lockingly engaged with the series of elongate notches.

In some implementations, the merchandise display kit further includes a divider lockingly engaged with the first end rail. In these implementations, the merchandise display kit may further include a stop lens lockingly engaged with the divider. Additionally or alternatively, the merchandise display kit further includes a pusher lockingly engaged with the first rail.

In some examples, the merchandise display kit further includes a divider lockingly engaged with a series of elongate notches formed through a thickness of the connector segment, and a roller track lockingly engaged with the first end rail. In these examples, the merchandise display kit may further include a stop lens configured to selectively engage the roller track. In some implementations, each connector segment of the plurality of connector segments includes a respective rail coupler configured to selectively engage with the first rail, and a respective mat coupler configured to selectively engage with the glide mat. In some examples, each of the plurality of connector segments is attached to an adjacent connector segment at a bridge.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

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.

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;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, partial, perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a glide mat of the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of the glide mat of the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a front view of the glide mat of the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a connector segment of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of a connector segment of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5C is a top plan view of a connector segment of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5D is a bottom plan view of a connector segment of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5E is a side perspective view of the connector segment of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the merchandise system of FIG. 1, as taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial, bottom perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partial, side perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the merchandise system of FIG. 1, as taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a merchandise system for a retail shelf or other surface according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a rear perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a merchandise system for a retail shelf or other surface according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a merchandise system for a retail shelf or other surface according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an exploded, partial, perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of a glide mat of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15B is a bottom plan view of the glide mat of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15C is a front view of the glide mat of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an attachment system of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a connector segment of the attachment system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A is a side perspective view of the connector segment of the attachment system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18B is a top plan view of the connector segment of the attachment system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged, partial, bottom perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial, side perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a merchandise system for a retail shelf or other surface according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22B is a rear perspective view of the merchandise system of FIG. 22A; and

FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of a merchandise system for a retail shelf or other surface according to an example of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a merchandise system 10 is generally shown. The merchandise system 10 may be installed on a top surface of a shelf 12 (FIGS. 11A and 11B), or other suitable base surface. The shelf 12 may be located in a store or other suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As best shown in FIG. 10, a length of the shelf 12 extends from a front edge 14 to an opposite rear edge 16. Generally, the front edge 14 is configured to face an aisle or customer area of a retail environment, while the rear edge 16 is configured to face towards a wall or mounting portion of the merchandise system. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edge 14 to the rear edge 16 defines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edge 14 and the rear edge 16 defines a lateral direction of the shelf 12. In some implementations, the shelf 12 may include a shelf panel 13 including a plurality of shelf apertures 15 extending through a thickness of the shelf panel 13 and arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edge 14 and/or the rear edge 16 of the shelf 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the merchandise system 10 includes one or more connectors 100, one or more rails 200, one or more glide mats 300. The merchandise system 10 may optionally include a securing system 400 that selectively attaches to the shelf 12 and secures the merchandise system 10 to the shelf 12 by engaging with the shelf apertures 15. With the merchandise system 10 installed on a shelf 12, any suitable merchandise may be positioned within a product receiving area A defined by the one or more glide mats 300. As shown, the connectors 100 connect first ends of the one or more glide mats 300 to a first rail 200a (also referred to as a front rail 200a) and second ends of the one or more glide mats 300 to a second rail 200b (also referred to as a rear rail 200b). It should be apparent, however, that the merchandise system 10 may include alternate configurations of rails 200, such as, without limitation, one (1) first rail 200a, two (2) first rails 200a, one (1) second rail (200b), and/or two (2) second rails (200b). Additionally or alternatively, the merchandise system 10 may exclude the securing system 400, and instead be secured to the shelf 12 via one or more of the rails 200, the glide mats 300, and the connectors 100.

Advantageously, each of the connectors 100 includes a plurality of connector segments 106 and a plurality of snap points 108 disposed between adjacent connector segments 106. Each connector segment 106 is configured to selectively receive a respective glide mat 300, and to break away from the connector 100 at its respective adjacent snap points 108. In other words, the snap points 108 separating the connector segments 106, allows the connector 100 to be resized by removing one or more connector segments 106 from the connector 100. The snap points 108 may be formed as perforations or reliefs (i.e., areas of reduced thickness) between adjacent ones of the connector segments 106, which allow the connector segments 106 to be detached from each other by bending or snapping along the snap points 108 and without the use of additional tools. To this end, the connector 100 may be combined with additional other connectors 100 to increase the size (i.e. the width) of the receiving area A, or individual connectors 100 may be broken down into multiple connector segments 106 used with any configuration of glide mats 300 as well as any combination of dividers 500, pushers 600, roller tracks 700, and/or stop lenses 800.

In some implementations, the connector 100 is injection molded and includes multiple snap points 108 dividing the connector 100 into its component connector segments 106. For example, the connector 100 may be 12 inches long, and include snap points 108 every two (2) inches to allow for resizing and/or reconfigurations of the connector 100 (i.e., by separating adjacent connector segments 106 at their common snap point 108). In this example, the connector 100 may include six (6) connector segments 106, where each connector segment 106 may be two (2) inches. However, the snap points 108 may be distributed along the connector 100 to produce different sized connector segments 106, such as, without limitation, every one (1) inch, every four (4) inches, etc., or may be spaced apart at varying distances. As described in more detail below, the connectors 100 are selectively positionable along the rails 200 and are configured to receive the one or more glide mats 300 at a first end of the product receiving area A to retain merchandise on the shelf 12 until removed by a customer.

In the illustrated example, the merchandise system 10 includes a plurality of glide mats 300 each connected to a first rail 202a and a second rail 202b, and a plurality of connectors 100 connecting each of the glide mats 300 to the first rail 202a and the second rail 202b. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first rail 200a includes a bottom wall 202, a front wall 204, and a rear wall 206. When the first rail 200a is installed on the shelf 12, the front wall 204 is closer to the front edge 14 of the shelf 12 (i.e., the customer's vantage point) than the rear wall 206. The bottom wall 202, the front wall 204, and the rear wall 206 cooperate to define an elongate channel 208 that extends continuously along the lateral direction of the shelf 12 and provides a sliding engagement interface for each connector 100. As best shown in FIG. 9, the front wall 204 extends from the bottom wall 202 to a distal end and includes a retaining flange 220 that extends towards the rear wall 206. While the front wall 204 of the first rail 200a includes a continuous front lens 216 that is integrally formed with the front wall 204 and extends continuously along the lateral direction of the shelf 12, it should be understood that the merchandise system 10 may optionally include a rail 200 with a modular lens system (e.g., one or more stop lenses 800 (FIG. 12)).

The front wall 204 further includes a front engagement surface 210 extending between the retaining flange 220 and the bottom wall 202, whereby the retaining flange 220, the front engagement surface 210, and the bottom wall 202 cooperate to define a space for receiving and retaining a portion of the connector 100 within the first rail 200, as discussed below. The rear wall 206 extends from the bottom wall 202 to a distal end 212 and forms a rear wall lip 214 that is configured to interface with a catch or flange 130 of a connector segment 106 when the merchandise system 10 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the rear wall lip 214 is defined by a notch formed at an intersection of the bottom wall 202 and the rear wall 206, whereby the rear wall lip 214 is formed along a bottom edge of the rear wall 206. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear wall lip 214 faces rearwardly (i.e., away from the front wall 204). While the rear wall lip 214 is illustrated as being a horizontal surface, the rear wall lip 214 may be formed as an undercut feature extending along the length of the rear wall 206. In other words, the rear wall lip 214 may extend at an oblique angle relative to the bottom wall 202.

Each glide mat 300 includes a first end 302, a second end 304 disposed on an opposite end of the glide mat 300 than the first end 302, a top surface 306, and a bottom surface 308 formed on an opposite side of the glide mat 300 than the top surface 306. As best shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, a width of each glide mat 300 is defined by a pair of parallel sidewalls 310 that are laterally spaced apart from each other and aligned with a central longitudinal axis A₃₀₀, and extend from the first end 302 of the glide mat 300 to the second end 304 of the glide mat 300. The one or more glide mats 300 may be extruded in strips of varying widths. For example, the extruded strips of the glide mats 300 may include a half (½) inch, one (1) inch, two (2) inches, etc.

In some implementations, each glide mat 300 further includes upwardly extending ribs 312 each extending from the top surface 306 of the glide mat 300 and parallel to the central longitudinal axis A₃₀₀. The upwardly extending ribs 312 may provide a low friction surface for products placed in the receiving area A. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, the glide mat 300 includes eight (8) upwardly extending ribs 312, however it should be understood that any number and density of ribs 312 may be used to form the low friction surface of the glide mat 300. Each glide mat 300 may further include a pair of integrated ribs 316 extending from the bottom surface 308 of the glide mat 300 parallel to the central longitudinal axis A₃₀₀, and extending along a length of the glide mat 300 from the first end 302 of the glide mat 300 to the second end 304 of the glide mat 300. The integrated ribs 316 may provide strength and rigidity to the glide mat 300 for receiving heavier products in the receiving area A.

Additionally, each glide mat 300 includes an elongated clip 318 extending from the bottom surface 308 and along the central longitudinal axis A₃₀₀ and along a length of the glide mat 300 from the first end 302 of the glide mat 300 to the second end 304 of the glide mat 300. The elongated clip 318 may define a channel 320 having a rectangular cross-section as it extends along the central longitudinal axis A₃₀₀ and configured to receive a portion of a connector segment 106. As best shown in FIGS. 3C, the elongated clip 318 is defined by parallel opposing prongs 322 that mirror one another about the central longitudinal axis A300. Each prong 322 may include an outer surface 324 and an opposing inner surface 326. The prongs 322 may be further defined by a first leg 328 extending downwardly from a first end disposed on the bottom surface 308 of the glide mat 300 to a second end disposed away from the bottom surface, and a second leg 330 extending at a first end formed with the second end of the first leg 328 to a second, terminal end 332. As shown, the second leg 330 extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface 308 of the glide mat 300.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3B, each of the prongs 322 further include one or more cutouts 334 formed in the respective second leg 330. Each cutout 334 may be formed as an arcuate concave cutout that extends through a thickness of the prong 322 (i.e., from the outer surface 324 to the inner surface 326) and inwardly from the second, terminal end 332. The cutouts 334 of the opposing prongs 322 may cooperate to form an aperture 336 in the elongated clip 318. As best shown, an aperture 336 may be disposed adjacent to one or more of the first end 302 and the second end 304 of the glide mat 300 and are each configured to receive a portion of the connector segment 106. For example, each elongated clip 318 may include a first aperture 336 disposed adjacent to the first end 302 of the glide mat 300 and a second aperture 336 disposed adjacent to the second end 304 of the glide mat 300. As described in more detail below, the apertures 336 are configured to receive a locking tab 158 of the connector segment 106 when the connector segment 106 is seated within the glide mat 300.

Referring again to FIG. 3C, each of the parallel sidewalls 310 of the glide mat 300 define a respective slot 314 extending from the first end 302 of the glide mat 300 to a second end 304 of the mat 300. Each slot 314 is configured to interface with a portion of the connector segment 106. In particular, each sidewall 310 includes an outer surface 338 and an opposing inner surface 340, and is further defined by a first portion 342, a second portion 344, and a third portion 346. The first portion 342 extends downwardly from the top surface 306 of the glide mat 300 and is spaced apart from and opposes the third portion 346. Here, the second portion 344 is disposed between and connects the first portion 342 and the third portion 346. As shown, the second portion 344 extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface 308 of the glide mat 300. Collectively, the first portion 342, the second portion 344, and the third portion 346 cooperate to define the slot 314.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, the connector 100 includes a first end 102, a second end 104 disposed on an opposite end of the connector 100 than the first end 102, and a plurality of connector segments 106 each separated by a plurality of snap points 108. The plurality of connector segments 106 and the snap points 108 are aligned in series along a central axis A₁₀₀ of the connector 100 and alternate such that each snap point 108 is separated from an adjacent snap point 108 by a connector segment 106. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each snap point 108 extends between the adjacent connector segments 106 and between the first end 102 of the connector 100 and the second end 104 of the connector 100. Each connector segment 106 may be connected to its adjacent connector segments 106 at a bridge 110 of material of the connector 100 that can be broken when a user applies pressure to a respective connector segment 106.

In some implementations, each connector segment 106 includes a main body 112 extending from a first end 114 to a second end 116 disposed on an opposite side of the main body 112 than the first end 114, and a pair of sidewalls 118 extending between the first end 114 and the second end 116. Each connector segment 106 may further include a rail coupler 120 disposed at the first end 114 of the main body 112 and a mat coupler 122 disposed at the second end 116 of the main body 112. The rail coupler 120 may be configured to selectively engage a rail 200, while the mat coupler 122 may selectively engage a glide mat 300.

The rail coupler 120 of the connector segment 106 may further include a front lip 126 spaced apart from a bearing element 128 and a catch 130. The front lip 126 is disposed at the first end 114 of the connector segment 106 and extends therefrom, while the bearing element 128 and the catch 130 are disposed adjacent to at the second end 116 of the connector segment 106. The front lip 126 may further be defined by a first portion 132, a second portion 134, and a third portion 136. The first portion 132 of the front lip 126 extends from the main body 112 of the connector segment 106 at the first end 114 and is spaced apart from and opposes the second portion 134 to form a channel 140. Here, the third portion 136 may be disposed between and connect the first portion 132 and the second portion 134 such that the first portion 132 and the second portion 134 diverge as they extend away from the third portion 136. Thus, the third portion 136 allows the front lip 126, and particularly the second portion 134 thereof, to flex relative to the main body 112 during engagement of the rail coupler 120 with the first rail 200. The second portion 134 includes a second engagement surface 142 that opposes the engagement surface 210 of the front rail 200 in an interference fit when a connector segment 106 of the connector 100 is engaged with the first rail 200.

The bearing element 128 of the connector segment 106 includes an elongate member extending along a bottom side of the main body 112 in the lateral direction. As best shown in FIGS. 5B and 9, a width of the bearing element 128 is aligned with a width of the connector segment 106 such that the bearing element 128 extends between the sidewalls 118 of the connector segment 106 and engages the first rail 200 when assembled. Specifically, when the merchandise system 10 is assembled, the bearing element 128 may oppose or interface with an inner surface 218 of the rear wall 206 of the first rail 200 and provide additional stability to prevent the connector segment 106 from rotating or tipping within the channel 208 of the first rail 200. In other words, the bearing element 128 is configured to contact corresponding surfaces of the front rail 200 and minimize splaying of the connector 100 when lateral forces are applied, either during repositioning of the merchandise system 10 or when merchandise is loaded onto the glide mat 300. As best shown in FIG. 5E, the bearing element 128 includes a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. Optionally, an edge of the bearing element 128 between the bottom surface of the bearing element 128 and the rear surface of the bearing element 128 may be chamfered to maximize surface contact between the bearing surfaces of the bearing element 128 and the inner surface 218 of the front rail 200.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5B, the main body 112 further includes a guide slot 144 extending continuously across a width of the main body 112 and between the bearing element 128 and the catch 130. The guide slot 144 is configured to selectively receive a portion of the rear wall 206 of the first rail 200 between the catch 130 and the bearing element 128, providing a sliding interface between the first rail 200 and the connector segment 106.

The catch 130 is disposed along a bottom side of the connector segment 106 and projects at least partially into the guide slot 144. In the illustrated example, the catch 130 extends from a proximal end attached to the bottom side of the main body 112 to a distal end 146 configured to selectively engage the first rail 200. As shown in FIGS. 5E and 9, the distal end 146 of the catch 130 may have a protuberance defining a projecting profile configured to engage the rear wall lip 214 when the first rail 200 is engaged with the slot 144. As discussed below, the distal end 146 of the catch 130 is operable to move along the longitudinal direction between an engaged first position in a resting state and a disengaged second position in a biased state. Particularly, the distal end 146 of the catch 130 may be moved to the first position to engage the distal end 146 with the rear wall lip 214 and to the second position to disengage or retract the distal end 146 from the rear wall lip 214. The angled profile of the protuberance defines an angled lower surface at a forward-facing of the distal end 146, whereby the angled surface functions to bias the catch 130 toward the second position as the distal end 146 passes along the rear wall 206. Thus, the catch 130 can be disengaged from the rear wall lip 214 by lifting the connector segment 106 upward such that the rear wall lip 214 biases the catch 130 toward the second position and allows the rail coupler 120 to detach from the rear wall 206.

The connector segment 106 may further include a locating window 138 formed through a thickness (i.e., from a top surface of the main body 112 to a bottom surface of the main body 112) of the main body 112 such that rear wall 206 of the first rail 200 is visible and accessible through the window 138 when the connector segment 106 is positioned in the channel 208 of the first rail 200. In other words, the window 138 may facilitate proper positioning of the connector segment 106 within the first rail 200 by providing a visual indicator that the connector segment 106 is in position to engage the rear wall 206 of the front rail 200. The connector segment 106 may also include a series of elongate notches 148 formed through the thickness of the main body 112, where each elongate notch 148 extends perpendicular to the central axis A₁₀₀ of the connector 100, and the notches 148 are aligned in series extending between the sidewalls 118 of the main body 112. As shown in FIG. 5B, each of the elongate notches 148 may partially extend into a thickness of the bearing element 128. As will be described in more detail below, the plurality of elongate notches 148 are configured to receive various modular components of the merchandise system 10.

The mat coupler 122 disposed at the second end 116 of the connector segment 106 may extend from a rear wall 150 of the connector segment 106 and include an outer surface 152 and an opposing inner surface 154. A substantially rectangular frame 156 that surrounds a locking tab 158 each extend from the outer surface 152 of the rear wall 150 and are configured to lockingly engage the glide mat 300 with the respective connector segment 106. The frame 156 includes peripheral walls 160 and a pair of support bars 162 that extend between the peripheral walls 160. For example, the frame 156 may be defined by a proximal peripheral wall 160a, a distal peripheral wall 160b, and a pair of side peripheral walls 160c, 160d. The proximal peripheral wall 160a is formed along the outer surface 152 of the rear wall 150 and is spaced apart from and opposes the distal peripheral wall 160b to form an enclosure 161. Here, the side peripheral walls 160c, 160d and the support bars 162 extend between the proximal peripheral wall 160a and the distal peripheral wall 160b. The locking tab 158 may be disposed within the enclosure 161 formed by the frame 156 such that the peripheral walls 160 and the support bars 162 protect the locking tab 158 from external forces that may damage (e.g., snap off) the locking tab 158 from the rear wall 150.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5A-5E, the frame 156 may be further defined by an inner surface 164, an opposing outer surface 166, a top edge 168, and a bottom edge 170. The top edge 168 and the bottom edge 170 of the frame 156 may cooperate to provide the peripheral wall 160 of the frame 156 with a stepped profile. The peripheral walls 160 of the frame 156 may further define a central bar 172 extending between and connecting mirrored connecting branches 174. Each connecting branch 174 may be defined by an inner wall 176 connected to a respective end of the central bar 172, an outer wall 178 spaced away from and parallel to the inner wall 176 and forming a terminal end of the connecting branch 174, and a central wall 180 disposed between and connecting the inner wall 176 and the outer wall 178. The inner wall 176, the outer wall 178, and the central wall 180 cooperate to define an elongate groove 182 that extends continuously between the proximal peripheral wall 160a and the distal peripheral wall 160b and provides a sliding engagement interface that receives a portion of the glide mat 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a height H₁₇₈ of the outer wall 178 may be less than a height H₁₇₆ of the inner wall 176 to accommodate the sidewalls 310 of the glide mat 300.

Referring to FIG. 10, the connecting branches 174 disposed on opposing ends of the central bar 172 are each configured to be received by respective slots 314 of the glide mat 300 when the connector segment 106 is engaged with the glide mat 300. In particular, each connecting branch 174 may be disposed between the integrated rib 316 and the sidewall 310. As shown, the connecting branch 174 slides into its corresponding slot 314 such that the top edge 168 of the peripheral wall 160 disposed along the inner wall 176 contacts the integrated rib, while the outer surface 166 of the peripheral wall 160 along the outer wall 178 contacts the inner surface 340 of the sidewall 310. Here, the height H₁₇₈ of the outer wall 178 is less than the height H₁₇₆ of the inner wall 176 to accommodate the second portion 344 of the sidewall 310 as it slides beneath the connecting branch 174 during assembly. Additionally, the sidewall 310 wraps around the connecting branch 174 such that the third portion 346 of the sidewall 310 extends into the groove 182 of the connecting branch 174, thereby engaging the connecting branch 174 in two (2) dimensions (i.e., vertically and laterally) when the mat coupler 122 is positioned within the glide mat 300.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6 and 10, the locking tab 158 extends from a first end 184 disposed at the inner surface 164 of the proximal peripheral wall 160a to a second end 186. Each second end 186 of the locking tab 158 includes an upwardly facing cylindrical distal end 188 having an upper surface 190 including a beveled portion 192, and a flat edge opposing and substantially parallel to the distal peripheral wall 160b of the frame 156. When the merchandise system 10 is assembled, the cylindrical distal end 188 of the locking tab 158 is configured to be received within a respective aperture 336 of the glide mat 300 when the glide mat 300 is lockingly engaged with the connector segment 106. While the distal end 188 of the locking tab 158 is generally cylindrical, it should be appreciated that the distal end 188 may include any shape (i.e., square, triangular, etc.) that corresponds to the apertures 336 in the glide mat 300. As discussed below, the cylindrical distal end 188 of the locking tab 158 is operable to move along the vertical direction between an engaged first position in a resting state and a disengaged second position in a biased state.

The cylindrical distal end 188 may include an upwardly projecting profile configured to engage the aperture 336 of the glide mat 300 when the connector segment 106 is engaged with the glide mat 300. In particular, the cylindrical distal end 188 of the locking tab 158 is operable to move along the vertical direction between the engaged first position in a resting state and a disengaged second position in a biased state. Particularly, the cylindrical distal end 188 of the locking tab 158 may be moved to the first position to engage the cylindrical distal end 188 with the aperture 336 in the glide mat 300 and to the second position to disengage or retract the locking tab 158 from the aperture 336. The beveled portion 192 of the cylindrical distal end 188 defines an angled outer surface at the upper surface 190 of the cylindrical distal end 188, whereby the beveled portion 192 functions to bias the locking tab 158 toward the second position as the cylindrical distal end 188 passes along the outer surfaces 324 of the opposing prongs 322 of the glide mat 300 toward the aperture 336. Once the cylindrical distal end 188 reaches the aperture 336, the cylindrical distal end 188 springs back to the first position and seats within the aperture 336. Thus, the locking tab 158 can be disengaged from the aperture 336 by pressing the upper surface 190 downwardly to bias the locking tab 158 to the second position and pulling the second end 116 of the connector segment 106 out of the channel 320 of the glide mat 300.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6-9, the merchandise system 10 optionally includes the securing system 400 configured to selectively secure the merchandise system 10 to a retail shelf 12. The securing system 400 includes a rail mount 402 and one or more fasteners 412. The rail mount 402 includes a base 406, and a bearing lip 408. When the rail mount 402 is disposed on the shelf 12, the base 406 opposes and contacts a top surface of the shelf panel 13 of the shelf 12. The base 406 may include one or more apertures 404 formed through a thickness of the base 406 and configured to receive the fasteners 412. For instance, the base 406 may be positioned on the shelf panel 13 such that the apertures 404 align with one or more of the plurality of shelf apertures 15, whereby the fasteners 412 extend through the apertures 404 of the rail mount 402 and through the shelf apertures 15 of the shelf 12 to attach the securing system 400 to the shelf 12. Additionally, the rail mount 402 includes a bearing lip 408 that extends upwardly from a front edge of the base 406. As best shown in FIG. 9, the bearing lip 408 extends from a first end disposed at the base 406 to an angled distal end 410 that extends toward a back edge of the base 406. The angled distal end 410 may be positioned at an oblique angle relative to the base 406 to engage the front wall 204 of the rail 200 to retain the rail 200 within the securing system 400. The one or more fasteners 412 may be defined by a roundhead 414 and a shank 416 extending therefrom. Notably, the roundhead 414 may include a low profile to fit in a gap formed between the outer wall 178 of the connecting branch 174 and the base 406 of the rail mount 402. However, it should be appreciated that the fasteners 412 may be any manner of fasteners (e.g., pins, tabs, etc.) capable of securing the rail mount 402 to the shelf 12.

In operation, the merchandise system 10 may be installed on a shelf 12 at a place of commerce. The connecting system 400 may be secured to the shelf 12 via the fasteners 412 extending through the apertures 404 of the rail mount 402. The first rail 200 may be inserted into the rail mount 402 via a user exerting a force on the first rail 200 to seat it against the base 406 and the angled distal end 410 of the bearing lip 408. Thereafter, the connector 100 including one or more connector segments 106 may be inserted into the first rail 200 via a user exerting a force on the rail coupler 120 such that the second portion 134 of the front lip 126 of the rail coupler 120 is received against the engagement surface 210 of the front rail 200, within the space between the retaining flange 220 and the bottom wall 202. The rear wall 206 of the front rail 200 biases the distal end 146 of the catch 130 rearwardly until the rear wall 206 is positioned fully within the guide slot 144. The distal end 146 of the catch 130 may spring back to the first position when the rear wall 206 is positioned within the slot 144 such that that the distal end 146 engages the rear wall lip 214 to maintain the rear wall 206 within the slot 144 during assembly. Once the connector segment 106 is fully engaged with the first rail 200, the connector segment 106 may be slid along the first rail 200 via a user exerting a lateral force on the connector segment 106.

Each connector segment 106 may receive a respective glide mat 300. In implementations where the merchandise system 10 includes both a front rail 200 (e.g., the first rail 200a) and a rear rail 200 (e.g., the second rail 200b), the first end 302 of each glide mat 300 is lockingly engaged with the second end 116 of a connector segment 106 and the second end 304 of each glide mat 300 is lockingly engaged with the second end 116 of another connector segment 106. In particular, the connector 100 including the one or more connector segments 106 may be inserted into one or more corresponding glide mats 300 via a user exerting a force on the one or more connector segments 106 such that the locking tab 158 is received within the corresponding aperture 336 in the glide mat 300, and the connecting branches 174 are received within the corresponding slots 314 in the glide mats 300. The outer surfaces 324 of the opposing prongs 322 bias the cylindrical distal end 188 downwardly until the cylindrical distal end 188 is positioned fully within the aperture 336. The locking tab 158 may spring back to the first position when the cylindrical distal end 188 is positioned within the aperture 336 such that the locking tab 158 engages the glide mat 300 to lockingly engage the glide mat 300 along a longitudinal direction with the second end 116 of the connector segment 106 during assembly. Additionally, the corresponding slots 3 14 of the glide mat 300 may receive the connecting branches 174 of connector segment 106 such that the connecting branch 174 is engaged vertically between the bottom surface 308 of the glide mat 300 and the inner surface 340 of the sidewall 310 at the second portion 344 of the sidewall 310. Similarly, each connecting branch 174 is engaged laterally between the integrated rib 316 and the first portion 342 of the sidewall 310. As such, the mat coupler 122 provides the merchandise system 10 with three (3) dimensions of positional engagement when the glide mat 300 and the connector segment 106 are assembled.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a merchandise system 10a is shown including one or more glide mats 300 attached to a first rail 200 via a plurality of connector segments 106. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the merchandise system 10 with respect to the merchandise system 10a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In particular, the merchandise system 10a may generally be referred to as a merchandise display kit 10a and includes individual connector segments 106 slidably attached to a front rail 200 and positioned on the shelf 12. Each connector segment 106 is lockingly engaged with a glide mat 300, where each connector segment 106 and corresponding glide mat 300 is separated from an adjacent connector segment 106 and corresponding glide mat 300 by one of a divider 500 or a pusher 600. The dividers 500 may include conventional dividers having a divider base 502 that lockingly engages with the first rail 200, a divider wall 504 that extends vertically from the base 502, and a divider stop lens 506 at the first rail 200 to maintain product in the product area A. The pushers 600 each include a center-push device having a pusher base 602 that lockingly engages with the first rail 200 and a pusher paddle 604 coupled to the pusher base 602. The pusher paddle 604 is operable to travel along the lengthwise direction of the shelf 12 (i.e., from front to back) and to bias merchandise towards the front edge 14). The pusher base 602 may include a rail engagement mechanism (not shown) configured to selectively engage the first rail 200 to inhibit lateral movement of the pusher 600 along the first rail 200.

As shown, each product receiving area A is defined by a first rail 200 extending along the front edge 14 of the shelf 12, opposing dividers 500, a central pusher 600, and two glide mats 300 disposed between the dividers 500 and the pusher 600. Optionally, the merchandise display kit 10a may be configured with any combination of the connectors 100, rails 200, glide mats 300, securing systems 400, dividers 500, and/or pushers 600 to define the product receiving areas A.

Referring to FIG. 12, a merchandise system 10b is shown including one or more glide mats 300 attached to a first rail 200 via a plurality of connector segments 106. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the merchandise system 10 with respect to the merchandise system 10b, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In particular, the merchandise system 10b may generally be referred to as a merchandise display kit 10b, and includes individual connector segments 106 slidably attached to the first rail 200 and positioned on the shelf 12. Each connector segment 106 is lockingly engaged with a glide mat 300. Here, each connector segment 106 and corresponding glide mat 300 may be separated from an adjacent connector segment 106 and corresponding glide mat 300 by a roller track 700. The roller tracks 700 may include a roller base 702 for supporting products, and an engagement interface 704 that lockingly engages with the front rail 200. The merchandise display kit 10b further includes dividers 500a having a divider wall 504a that is lockingly engaged with a corresponding connector segment 106 via the series of elongate notches 148 formed in the main body of the connector segment 106. Optionally, the merchandise display kit 10b includes one or more modular stop lenses 800 selectively engaged with a respective roller track 700. The stop lens 800 may include a front panel 802 and engagement arms 804 that each extend from a proximal end attached to the front panel 802 to a distal end that engages with the engagement interface 704 of the roller track 700.

Referring to FIGS. 13-21, a merchandise system 1010 is generally shown. The merchandise system 1010 may be installed on a top surface of a shelf 1012 (FIGS. 22A and 22B), or other suitable base surface. The shelf 1012 may be located in a store or other suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As best shown in FIG. 22A, a length of the shelf 1012 extends from a front edge 1014 to an opposite rear edge 1016. Generally, the front edge 1014 is configured to face an aisle or customer area of a retail environment, while the rear edge 1016 is configured to face towards a wall or mounting portion of the merchandise system. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edge 1014 to the rear edge 1016 defines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edge 1014 and the rear edge 1016 defines a lateral direction of the shelf 1012. In some implementations, the shelf 1012 may include a shelf panel 1013 including a plurality of apertures 1015 extending through a thickness of the shelf panel 1013 and arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edge 1014 and/or the rear edge 1016 of the shelf 1012. Portions of the merchandise system 1010 may be secured to the shelf 1012 via fasteners (e.g., pins) engaged with the apertures. The merchandise system 1010 may be secured to the shelf 1012 in any suitable manner, and the merchandise system 1010 may be selectively detached from the shelf 1012 and moved, for example, to another shelf or other surface.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the merchandise system 1010 includes one or more connectors 1100, one or more rails 1200, and one or more glide mats 1300. With the merchandise system 1010 installed on a shelf 1012, any suitable merchandise may be positioned within a product receiving area A defined by the one or more glide mats 1300. As shown, the connectors 1100 connect first ends of the one or more glide mats 1300 to a first rail 1200a (also referred to as a front rail 1200a) and second ends of the one or more glide mats 1300 to a second rail 1200b (also referred to as a rear rail 1200b). It should be apparent, however, that the merchandise system 1010 may include alternate configurations of rails 1200, such as, without limitation, one (1) first rail 1200a, two (2) first rails 1200a, one (1) second rail (1200b), and/or two (2) second rails (1200b).

Advantageously, each of the connectors 1100 includes a plurality of connector segments 1106 and a plurality of snap points 1108 disposed between adjacent connector segments 1106. Each connector segment 1106 is configured to selectively receive a respective glide mat 1300, and to break away from the connector 1100 at its respective adjacent snap points 1108. In other words, the snap points 1108 separating the connector segments 1106, allows the connector 1100 to be resized by removing one or more connector segments 1106 from the connector 1100. The snap points 1108 may be formed as perforations or reliefs (i.e., areas of reduced thickness) between adjacent ones of the connector segments 1106, which allow the connector segments 1106 to be detached from each other by bending or snapping along the snap points 1108 and without the use of additional tools. To this end, the connector 1100 may be combined with additional other connectors 1100 to increase the size (i.e. the width) of the receiving area A, or individual connectors 1100 may be broken down into multiple connector segments 1106 used with any configuration of glide mats 1300 as well as any combination of dividers 1500, pushers 1600, roller tracks 1700, and/or stop lenses 1800.

In some implementations, the connector 1100 is injection molded and includes multiple snap points 1108 dividing the connector 1100 into its component connector segments 1106. For example, the connector 1100 may be 12 inches long, and include snap points 1108 every two (2) inches to allow for resizing and/or reconfigurations of the connector 1100 (i.e., by separating adjacent connector segments 1106 at their common snap point 1108). In this example, the connector 1100 may include six (6) connector segments 1106, where each connector segment 1106 may be two (2) inches. However, the snap points 1108 may be distributed along the connector 1100 to produce different sized connector segments 1106, such as, without limitation, every one (1) inch, every four (4) inches, etc., or may be spaced apart at varying distances. As described in more detail below, the connectors 1100 are selectively positionable along the rails 1200 and are configured to receive the one or more glide mats 1300 at a first end of the product receiving area A to retain merchandise on the shelf 1012 until removed by a customer.

In the illustrated example, the merchandise system 1010 includes a plurality of glide mats 1300 each connected to a first rail 1202a and a second rail 1202b, and a plurality of connectors 1100 connecting each of the glide mats 1300 to the first rail 1202a and the second rail 1202b. With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the first rail 1200a includes a bottom wall 1202, a front wall 1204, and a rear wall 1206. When the first rail 1200a is installed on the shelf 1012, the front wall 1204 is closer to the front edge 1014 of the shelf 1012 (i.e., the customer's vantage point) than the rear wall 1206. The bottom wall 1202, the front wall 1204, and the rear wall 1206 cooperate to define an elongate channel 1208 that extends continuously along the lateral direction of the shelf 1012 and provides a sliding engagement interface for each connector 1100. As best shown in FIG. 21, the front wall 1204 extends from the bottom wall 1202 to a distal end and includes a retaining flange 1220 that extends towards the rear wall 1206. While the front wall 1204 of the first rail 1200a includes a continuous front lens 1216 that is integrally formed with the front wall 1204 and extends continuously along the lateral direction of the shelf 1012, it should be understood that the merchandise system 1010 may optionally include a rail 1200 with a modular lens system (e.g., one or more stop lenses 1800).

The front wall 1204 further includes a front engagement surface 1210 extending between the retaining flange 1220 and the bottom wall 1202, whereby the retaining flange 1220, the front engagement surface 1210, and the bottom wall 1202 cooperate to define a space for receiving and retaining a portion of the connector 1100 within the first rail 1200, as discussed below. The rear wall 1206 extends from the bottom wall 1202 to a distal end 1212 and forms a rear wall lip 1214 that is configured to interface with a catch or flange 1130 of a connector segment 1106 when the merchandise system 10 is assembled. In the illustrated example, the rear wall lip 1214 is defined by a notch formed at an intersection of the bottom wall 1202 and the rear wall 1206, whereby the rear wall lip 1214 is formed along a bottom edge of the rear wall 1206. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the rear wall lip 1214 faces rearwardly (i.e., away from the front wall 1204). While the rear wall lip 1214 is illustrated as being a horizontal surface, the rear wall lip 1214 may be formed as an undercut feature extending along the length of the rear wall 1206. In other words, the rear wall lip 1214 may extend at an oblique angle relative to the bottom wall 1202.

Each glide mat 1300 includes a first end 1302, a second end 1304 disposed on an opposite end of the glide mat 1300 than the first end 1302, a top surface 1306, and a bottom surface 1308 formed on an opposite side of the glide mat 1300 than the top surface 1306. As best shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, a width of each glide mat 1300 is defined by a pair of parallel sidewalls 1310 that are laterally spaced apart from each other and aligned with a central longitudinal axis A₁₃₀₀, and extend from the first end 1302 of the glide mat 1300 to the second end 1304 of the glide mat 1300. The one or more glide mats 1300 may be extruded in strips of varying widths. For example, the extruded strips of the glide mats 1300 may include a half (½) inch, one (1) inch, two (2) inches, etc.

In some implementations, each glide mat 1300 further includes upwardly extending ribs 1312 each extending from the top surface 1306 of the glide mat 1300 and parallel to the central longitudinal axis A₁₃₀₀. The upwardly extending ribs 1312 may provide a low friction surface for products placed in the receiving area A. In the example shown in FIG. 15C, the glide mat 1300 includes eight (8) upwardly extending ribs 1312, however it should be understood that any number and density of ribs 1312 may be used to form the low friction surface of the glide mat 1300. Each glide mat 1300 may further include a pair of integrated ribs 1316 extending from the bottom surface 1308 of the glide mat 1300 parallel to the central longitudinal axis A₁₃₀₀, and extending along a length of the glide mat 1300 from the first end 1302 of the glide mat 1300 to the second end 1304 of the glide mat 1300. The integrated ribs 1316 may provide strength and rigidity to the glide mat 1300 for receiving heavier products in the receiving area A. Additionally, each glide mat 1300 includes an elongated clip 1318 extending from the bottom surface 1308 and along the central longitudinal axis A₁₃₀₀ and along a length of the glide mat 1300 from the first end 1302 of the glide mat 1300 to the second end 1304 of the glide mat 1300. The elongated clip 1318 is configured to be received within a portion of an engagement subsection 1106 and may define a channel 1320 that optionally receives a support 1400 (FIG. 20) for increasing the strength and rigidity of the glide mat 1300.

As best shown in FIG. 15C, each of the parallel sidewalls 1310 of the glide mat 1300 define a respective slot 1314 extending from the first end 1302 of the glide mat 1300 to a second end 1304 of the mat 1300. Each slot 1314 is configured to interface with a portion of the connector segment 1106. In particular, each sidewall 1310 includes an outer surface 1322 and an opposing inner surface 1324, and is further defined by a first portion 1326, a second portion 1328, and a third portion 1330. The first portion 1326 extends downwardly from the top surface 1306 of the glide mat 1300 and is spaced apart from and opposes the third portion 1330. Here, the second portion 1328 is disposed between and connects the first portion 1328 and the third portion 1330. As shown, the second portion 1328 extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface 1308 of the glide mat 1300. Collectively, the first portion 1326, the second portion 1328, and the third portion 1330 cooperate to define the slot 1314. Each of the parallel sidewalls 1310 further include one or more apertures 1332 formed in the respective first portion 1326 and through a thickness of the sidewall 1310 from the outer surface 1322 to the inner surface 1324. As shown, each sidewall 1310 may include a first aperture 1332 disposed adjacent to the first end 1302 of the glide mat 1300 and a second aperture 1332 disposed adjacent to the second end 1304 of the glide mat 1300. As described in more detail below, the apertures 1332 are configured to receive outer locking tabs 1156 of the engagement subsection 1106 when the engagement subsection 1106 is seated within the glide mat 1300.

With reference to FIGS. 16-18B, the connector 1100 includes a first end 1102, a second end 1104 disposed on an opposite end of the connector 1100 than the first end 1102, and a plurality of connector segments 1106 each separated by a plurality of snap points 1108. The plurality of connector segments 1106 and the snap points 1108 are and aligned along a central axis A₁₁₀₀ of the connector 1100 and alternate such that each snap point 1108 is separated from an adjacent snap point 1108 by a connector segment 1106. As best shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, each snap point 1108 extends between the adjacent connector segments 1106 and between the first end 1102 of the connector 1100 and the second end 1104 of the connector 1100. Each connector segment 1106 may be connected to its adjacent connector segments 1106 at a bridge 1110 of material of the connector 1100 that can be broken when a user applies pressure to a respective connector segment 1106.

In some implementations, each connector segment 1106 includes a main body 1112 extending from a first end 1114 to a second end 1116 disposed on an opposite side of the main body 1112 than the first end 1114, and a pair of sidewalls 1118 extending between the first end 1114 and the second end 1116. Each connector segment 1106 may further include a rail coupler 1120 disposed at the first end 1114 of the main body 1112 and a mat coupler 1122 disposed at the second end 1116 of the main body 1112. As best shown in FIGS. 16-18B, the rail coupler 1120 may include a central gap 1124 formed in the rail coupler 1120 that extends in the lateral direction and minimizes the material needed to form the connector segment 1106 while maintaining a strong interface with the first rail 1200.

The rail coupler 1120 of the connector segment 1106 may further include a front lip 1126 spaced apart from a bearing element 1128 and a catch 1130. The front lip 1126 is disposed at the first end 1114 of the connector segment 1106, while the bearing element 1128 and the catch 1130 are disposed adjacent to at the second end 1116 of the connector segment 1106. The front lip 1126 may further be defined by a first portion 1132, a second portion 1134, and a third portion 1136. The first portion 1132 of the front lip 1126 extends from the main body 1112 of the connector segment 1106 and is spaced apart from and opposes the second portion 1134 to form a channel 1140. Here, the third portion 1136 may be disposed between and connect the first portion 1132 and the second portion 1134 such that the first portion 1132 and the second portion 1134 diverge as they extend away from the third portion 1136. Thus, the third portion 1136 allows the front lip 1126, and particularly the second portion 1134 thereof, to flex relative to the main body 1112 during engagement of the rail coupler 1120 with the first rail 1200. The second portion 1144 includes a second engagement surface 1142 that opposes the engagement surface 1210 of the front rail 1200 in an interference fit when a connector segment 1106 of the connector 1100 is engaged with the first rail 1200.

The bearing element 1128 of the connector segment 1106 includes an elongate member extending along a bottom side of the main body 1112 in the lateral direction. As best shown in FIG. 17, a width of the bearing element 1128 is aligned with a width of the connector segment 1106 such that the bearing element 1128 is aligned with the sidewalls 1118 of the connector segment 1106, and engages the first rail 1200 when assembled. Specifically, when the merchandise system 10 is assembled, the bearing element 1128 may oppose or interface with an inner surface 1218 of the rear wall 1206 of the first rail 1200 and provide additional stability to prevent the connector segment 1106 from rotating or tipping within the channel 1208 of the first rail 1200. In other words, the bearing element 1128 is configured to contact corresponding surfaces of the front rail 1200 and minimize splaying of the roller tracks 1100 when lateral forces are applied, either during repositioning of the merchandise system 10 or when merchandise is loaded onto the glide mat 1300. As best shown in FIG. 18A, the bearing element 1128 includes a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. Optionally, an edge of the bearing element 1128 between the bottom surface of the bearing element 1128 and the rear surface of the bearing element 1128 may be chamfered to maximize surface contact between the bearing surfaces of the bearing element 1128 and the inner surface 1218 of the front rail 1200

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18A, the main body 1112 further includes a guide slot 1144 extending continuously across a width of the main body 1112 and between the bearing element 1128 and the catch 1130. The guide slot 1144 is configured to selectively receive a portion of the rear wall 1206 of the first rail 1200 between the catch 1130 and the bearing element 1128, providing a sliding interface between the first rail 1200 and the engagement subsection 1106.

The catch 1130 is disposed along a bottom side of the engagement subsection 1106 and projects at least partially into the guide slot 1144. In the illustrated example, the catch 1130 extends from a proximal end attached to the bottom side of the main body 1112 to a distal end 1146 configured to selectively engage the first rail 1200. The distal end 1146 of the catch 1140 may have a protuberance defining a projecting profile configured to engage the rear wall lip 1214 when the first rail 1200 is engaged with the slot 1144. As discussed below, the distal end 1146 of the catch 1130 is operable to move along the longitudinal direction between an engaged first position in a resting state and a disengaged second position in a biased state. Particularly, the distal end 1146 of the catch 1130 may be moved to the first position to engage the distal end 1146 with the rear wall lip 1214 and to the second position to disengage or retract the distal end 1146 from the rear wall lip 1214. The angled profile of the protuberance defines an angled lower surface at a forward-facing of the distal end 1146, whereby the angled surface functions to bias the catch 1130 toward the second position as the distal end 1146 passes along the rear wall 1206. Thus, the catch 1130 can be disengaged from the rear wall lip 1214 by lifting the engagement subsection 1106 upward such that the rear wall lip 1214 biases the catch 1130 toward the second position and allows the rail coupler 1120 to detach from the rear wall 1206.

The engagement subsection 1106 may further include a locating window 1138 formed through a thickness of the main body 1112 such that rear wall 1206 of the first rail 1200 is visible and accessible through the window 1138 when the engagement subsection 1106 is positioned in the channel 1208 of the first rail 1200. In other words, the window 1138 may facilitate proper positioning of the engagement subsection 1106 within the first rail 1200 by providing a visual indicator that the engagement subsection 1106 is in position to engage the rear wall 1206 of the front rail 1200. The engagement subsection 1106 may also include a series of elongate notches 1148 formed through the thickness of the main body 1112, where each elongate notch 1148 extends perpendicular to the central axis A₁₁₀₀ of the connector 1100, and the notches 1148 are aligned in series extending between the sidewalls 1118 of the main body 1112. As shown in FIG. 17, each of the elongate notches 1148 may partially extend into a thickness of the bearing element 1128. As will be described in more detail below, the plurality of elongate notches 1148 are configured to receive various modular components of the merchandise system 10.

The mat coupler 1122 disposed at the second end 1116 of the connector segment 1106 may define a rear wall 1150 of the connector segment 1106 and include an outer surface 1152 and an opposing inner surface 1154. A pair of locking outer tabs 1156 and tension prongs 1158 each extend from the outer surface 1152 of the rear wall 1150, and are configured to lockingly engage the glide mat 1300 with the respective attachment subsection 1106. Each of the locking outer tabs 1156 extend from a first end 1162 disposed at the outer surface 1152 of the rear wall 1150 to a second end 1164. Each second end 1164 of the locking outer tabs 1156 includes a cylindrical distal end 1166 having a beveled outer surface 1168 formed in the outer facing surface 1170. When the merchandise system 10 is assembled, the cylindrical distal end 1166 of each of the outer locking tabs 1156 is configured to be received within a respective aperture 1332 of the glide mat 1300 when the glide mat 1300 is lockingly engaged with the engagement subsection 1106. While the distal end 1166 of each of the outer locking tabs 1156 is cylindrical, it should be appreciated that the distal ends 1166 may include any shape (i.e., square, triangular, etc.) that corresponds to the apertures 1332 in the glide mat 1300. As discussed below, the cylindrical distal end 1166 of the locking outer tabs 1156 is operable to move along the lateral direction between an engaged first position in a resting state and a disengaged second position in a biased state.

The cylindrical distal end 1166 may include an outwardly projecting profile configured to engage the aperture 1332 of the glide mat 1300 when the engagement subsection 1106 is engaged with the glide mat 1300. In particular, the cylindrical distal end 1166 of the outer locking tab 1156 is operable to move along the lateral direction between the engaged first position in a resting state and a disengaged second position in a biased state. Particularly, the cylindrical distal end 1166 of the outer locking tab 1156 may be moved to the first position to engage the cylindrical distal end 1166 with the aperture 1332 in the glide mat 1300 and to the second position to disengage or retract the outer locking tab 1156 from the aperture 1332. The beveled outer surface 1168 of the cylindrical distal end 1166 defines an angled outer surface at an outer surface 1170 of the cylindrical distal end 1166, whereby the beveled outer surface 1168 functions to bias the outer locking tab 1156 toward the second position as the cylindrical distal end 1166 passes along the inner surface 1324 of the sidewall 1310 of the glide mat 1300 toward the aperture 1332. Once the cylindrical distal end 1166 reaches the aperture 1332, the cylindrical distal end 1166 springs back to the first position and seats within the aperture 1332. Thus, the outer locking tab 1156 can be disengaged from the aperture 1332 by pressing the outer surface 1170 to bias the outer locking tab 1156 to the second position, and pulling the second end 1116 of the connector segment 1106 out of the channel 1320 of the glide mat 1300.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, the tension prongs 1158 include arcuate concave facing surfaces configured to receive the clip 1318 of the glide mat 1300. However, the tension prongs 1158 may be straight, or angular. Optionally, the rear wall 1150 includes a recessed surface 1160 formed in the outer surface 1152 of the rear wall 1150. The recessed surface 1160 may be disposed between the tension prongs 1158, and may be sized to receive a support 1400 disposed within the channel 1320 of the glide mat 1300. In other implementations, the elongate clip 1318 of the glide mat 1300 is received by the tension prongs 1158 and seated within the recessed surface 1160 when the glide mat 1300 is lockingly engaged with the connector segment 1106.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the locking outer tabs 1156 may be offset from the tension prongs 1158 along a height H₁₁₀₆ of the connector segment 1106. In particular, a height H₁₁₅₆ if the locking outer tabs 1156 may be generally centered on the height H₁₁₀₆ of the connector segment 1106, while a height H₁₁₅₈ of the tension prongs 1158 may be offset from a center point of the height H₁₁₀₆ of the connector segment 1106.

In operation, the merchandise system 1010 may be installed on a shelf 1012 at a place of commerce. The connector 1100 including one or more connector segments 1106 may be inserted into the first rail 1200 via a user exerting a force on the rail coupler 1120 such that the second portion 1134 of the front lip 1126 of the rail coupler 1120 is received against the engagement surface 1210 of the front rail 1200, within the space between the retaining flange 1220 and the bottom wall 1202. The rear wall 1206 of the front rail 1200 biases the distal end 1146 of the catch 1130 rearwardly until the rear wall 1206 is positioned fully within the guide slot 1144. The distal end 1146 of the catch 1130 may spring back to the first position when the rear wall 1206 is positioned within the slot 1144 such that that the distal end 1146 engages the rear wall lip 1214 to maintain the rear wall 1206 within the slot 1144 during assembly. Once the connector segment 1106 is fully engaged with the first rail 1200, the connector segment 1106 may be slid along the first rail 1200 via a user exerting a lateral force on the connector segment 1106.

Each connector segment 1106 may receive a respective glide mat 1300. In implementations where the merchandise system 1010 includes both a front rail 1200 (e.g., the first rail 1200a) and a rear rail 1200 (e.g., the second rail 1200b), the first end 1302 of each glide mat 1300 is lockingly engaged with the second end 1116 of a connector segment 1106 and the second end 1304 of each glide mat 1300 is lockingly engaged with the second end 1116 of another connector segment 1106. In particular, the connector 1100 including the one or more connector segments 1106 may be inserted into one or more corresponding glide mats 1300 via a user exerting a force on the one or more connector segments 1106 such that the locking outer tabs 1156 are received within the corresponding apertures 1332 in the glide mats 1300. The inner surfaces 1324 of the sidewalls 1310 bias the cylindrical distal ends 1166 inwardly until the cylindrical distal ends 1166 are positioned fully within the apertures 1332. The locking outer tabs 1156 may spring back to the first position when the cylindrical distal ends 1166 are positioned within the apertures such that the locking outer tabs 1156 engage the glide mat 1300 to lockingly engage the glide mat 1300 with the second end 1116 of the connector segment 1106 during assembly. Additionally, the tension prongs 1158 of the connector segment 1106 may receive the elongated clip 1318 of the glide mat 1300. For example, the elongated clip 1318 may have an outer diameter substantially similar to the inner diameter of the tension prongs 1158 such that the elongated clip 1318 is received in the tension prongs 1158 in a press fit. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, to secure the respective second ends 1304 of the one or more glide mats 1300, the second ends 1304 may be lockingly engaged with respective connector segments 1106 slidably engaged with a second rail 1200b.

Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, a merchandise system 1010a is shown including one or more glide mats 1300 attached to a first rail 1200 via a plurality of connector segments 1106. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the merchandise system 1010 with respect to the merchandise system 1010a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In particular, the merchandise system 1010a may generally be referred to as a merchandise display kit 1010a, and includes individual connector segments 1106 slidably attached to a front rail 1200 and positioned on the shelf 1012. Each connector segment 1106 is lockingly engaged with a glide mat 1300, where each connector segment 1106 and corresponding glide mat 1300 is separated from an adjacent connector segment 1106 and corresponding glide mat 1300 by one of a divider 1500 or a pusher 1600. The dividers 1500 may include conventional dividers having a divider base 1502 that lockingly engages with the first rail 1200, a divider wall 1504 that extends vertically from the base 1502, and a divider stop lens 1506 at the first rail 1200 to maintain product in the product area A. The pushers 1600 each include a center-push device having a pusher base 1602 that lockingly engages with the first rail 1200 and a pusher paddle 1604 coupled to the pusher base 1602. The pusher paddle 1604 is operable to travel along the lengthwise direction of the shelf 1012 (i.e., from front to back) and to bias merchandise towards the front edge 1014). The pusher base 1602 may include a rail engagement mechanism (not shown) configured to selectively engage the first rail 1200 to inhibit lateral movement of the pusher 1600 along the first rail 1200.

As shown, each product receiving area A is defined by a first rail 1200 extending along the front edge 1014 of the shelf 1012, opposing dividers 1500, a central pusher 1600, and two glide mats 1300 disposed between the dividers 1500 and the pusher 1600. Optionally, the merchandise display kit 1010a may be configured with any combination of the connectors 1100, rails 1200, glide mats 1300, supports 1400, dividers 1500, and/or pushers 1600 to define the product receiving areas A.

Referring to 23, a merchandise system 1010b is shown including one or more glide mats 1300 attached to a first rail 1200 via a plurality of connector segments 1106. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the merchandise system 1010 with respect to the merchandise system 1010b, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

In particular, the merchandise system 1010b may generally be referred to as a merchandise display kit 1010b, and includes individual connector segments 1106 slidably attached to the first rail 1200 and positioned on the shelf 1012. Each connector segment 1106 is lockingly engaged with a glide mat 1300. Here, each connector segment 1106 and corresponding glide mat 1300 may be separated from an adjacent connector segment 1106 and corresponding glide mat 1300 by a roller track 1700. The roller tracks 1700 may include a roller base 1702 for supporting products, and an engagement interface 1704 that lockingly engages with the front rail 1200. The merchandise display kit 1010b further includes dividers 1500a having a divider wall 1504a that is lockingly engaged with a corresponding connector 1106 via the series of elongate notches 1148 formed in the main body of the connector 1106. Optionally, the merchandise display kit 1010b includes one or more modular stop lenses 1800 selectively engaged with a respective roller track 1700. The stop lens 1800 may include a front panel 1802 and engagement arms 1804 that each extend from a proximal end attached to the front panel 1802 to a distal end that engages with the engagement interface 1704 of the roller track 1700.

The terminology used herein is for 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.

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.

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.

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.