Merchandising system

Abstract

A merchandising system is disclosed. The merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of products contained in product cases comprising a base having a front end and a back end, the base being configured to support the products. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the products from the back end to the front end, and a frame that engages a successive product unit to be presented for display.

1 . A merchandising system for presenting and storing products provided in product cases, the system comprising: 
 a base having a front end and a back end, the base being configured to support the products;    an assembly for advancing the products from the back end to the front end; and    at least one frame for engaging a successive product unit to be presented for display.    
   
   
       2 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein products are in a substantially vertical orientation.  
   
   
       3 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one frame is located near the front end of the base.  
   
   
       4 . The merchandising system of  claim 3  wherein the at least one frame is releasably attached to the base.  
   
   
       5 . The merchandising system of  claim 4  wherein the at least one frame is interchangeable.  
   
   
       6 . The merchandising system of  claim 4  wherein the at least one frame comprises a top member and two side members.  
   
   
       7 . The merchandising system of  claim 6  wherein at least one of the two side members and top member is at least partially curved along its length.  
   
   
       8 . The merchandising system of  claim 4  wherein the at least one frame comprises one continuous member that is generally curved along its length.  
   
   
       9 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one frame comprises a wire frame.  
   
   
       10 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one frame is sized to accommodate products of varying shape.  
   
   
       11 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein the assembly for advancing the products comprises a pusher device that provides a biasing force against the products.  
   
   
       12 . The merchandising system of  claim 11  wherein the assembly for advancing the products provides the biasing force from the back end of the base toward the front end of the base along at least one slot located therein.  
   
   
       13 . The merchandising system of  claim 12  wherein the at least one frame selectively retains product against the biasing force provided by the assembly for advancing product.  
   
   
       14 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  further comprising a front panel for displaying product information.  
   
   
       15 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein the base further comprises side walls.  
   
   
       16 . The merchandising system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one frame provides an opening to allow removal of a product unit.  
   
   
       17 . A merchandising system for presenting and storing products, the merchandising system comprising: 
 a support assembly having a front end and a back end, the support assembly being configured to support the products in a substantially vertical orientation; and    at least one frame member located near the front end of the support assembly for selectively dispensing the products from the merchandising system.    
   
   
       18 . The merchandising system of  claim 17  wherein the at least one frame member is releasably attached to the support assembly.  
   
   
       19 . The merchandising system of  claim 18  wherein the at least one frame member is an interchangeable component of the merchandising system and is at least partially curved along its length.  
   
   
       20 . The merchandising system of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one frame member comprises a wire frame sized to accommodate products of varying shape.  
   
   
       21 . The merchandising system of  claim 17  wherein the support assembly further comprises an assembly for advancing the products from the back end toward the front end of the support assembly.  
   
   
       22 . The merchandising system of  claim 21  wherein the assembly for advancing the products comprises a pusher device that provides a biasing force against the products.  
   
   
       23 . The merchandising system of  claim 22  wherein the at least one frame member selectively retains product against the biasing force provided by the assembly for advancing product.  
   
   
       24 . A merchandising system for storing and presenting products on a shelf or display case, the products provided in product cases, the merchandising system comprising: 
 means for supporting the products in a substantially vertical orientation;    means for advancing the products along a predefined path; and    means for selectively distributing the products from the merchandising system.    
   
   
       25 . A merchandising system for dispensing products comprising: 
 a base;    a pusher providing a force on the products; and    a frame member having a portal through which the products may be dispensed;    wherein the frame member provides a holding force against the force provided by the pusher on the products;    and wherein one or more of the products may be dispensed through the portal by disengagement from the frame member.    
   
   
       26 . The merchandising system of  claim 25 , wherein the frame member is a first frame member and further comprising a second frame member interchageable with the first frame member so that products having at least two configurations can be dispensed.