Pusher apparatus for merchandise

Abstract

A pusher apparatus comprises a track, a pusher mounted on the track for movement along the track; a spring mounted on the pusher for urging the pusher along the track; an axle rotatably mounted on the pusher; and at least one wheel fixed to the axle for positively engaging the track. In one aspect of the invention, two of the said wheels are fixed to the axle to avoid canting of the pusher as it moves along the track. In another aspect of the invention, the spring is a coil spring contained within the pusher unit for driving rotation of the axle. Preferably, a rotary damper regulates the operation of the coil spring.

1 . Pusher apparatus comprising: 
 a track;    a pusher mounted on the track for movement along the track;    a spring mounted on the pusher for urging the pusher along the track;    an axle rotatably mounted on the pusher; and    at least two wheels fixed to the axle for simultaneous rotation, wherein each wheel positively engages the track.    
   
   
       2 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the track includes at least one line of slots along the track; and wherein each wheel is a cog bearing teeth that positively engage the slots of the track.  
   
   
       3 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the track includes at least one line of teeth along the track; and wherein each wheel is a cog bearing teeth that positively engage the teeth of the track.  
   
   
       4 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring is a coil spring.  
   
   
       5 . (canceled)  
   
   
       6 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein a first end of the spring is attached to a front end of the track and a second end of the spring is attached to the pusher, whereby coiling of the spring draws the pusher along the track.  
   
   
       7 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 6 , further comprising a second axle mounted on the pusher, wherein the second end of the spring is coiled about the second axle  
   
   
       8 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 4 , further comprising a rotary damper mounted on the pusher for regulating the rate of coiling or uncoiling of the spring.  
   
   
       9 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the rotary damper includes means for adjusting a damping effect of the rotary damper  
   
   
       10 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a latch for retaining the pusher at a desired position along the track  
   
   
       11 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising trigger means located at the front end of the track, wherein the latch is mounted on the track and is operable by the trigger means to release the pusher from the desired position.  
   
   
       12 . Pusher apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the latch is mounted on the track and is operable to release the pusher from the desired position by applying rearward pressure to the pusher.