CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 62/789,843, filed January 8, 2019, entitled MERCHANDISING APPARATUS & SYSTEM, and claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 62/788,610, filed January 4, 2019, entitled MERCHANDISING APPARATUS & SYSTEM, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present inventions relate to the field of product display. The present inventions more specifically relate to the field of product or merchandise display systems and devices for management of inventory.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A variety of devices and systems are used to hold and/or display different types of merchandise. These devices and systems seek to combine the features of orderly display, ease of use, inventory monitoring and control, and security. However, existing devices and systems exhibit numerous drawbacks as they attempt to achieve such features.

Accordingly, a need exists for a merchandising apparatus and system which features orderly display, ease of use, inventory monitoring and control, and/or security, without suffering the drawbacks of existing devices.

SUMMARY

[0004] A merchandising apparatus is disclosed which is for use with a product display assembly and product display belt. The apparatus disclosed herein uses a combination of mechanical and electronic components to wirelessly communicate, in real time, merchandise inventory level, which can be used to manage inventory level, monitor said level for security concerns, and gather and analyze data with respect to product inventory, among other uses and advantages.

[0005] The merchandising apparatus and system described herein comprise two general attributes, mechanical and electrical. Mechanical motion is delivered by a consumer/user. Namely, when an item is pulled forward on the hook of the product display assembly, the belt pulls the remaining products forward, like a conveyor belt, front facing the inventory in one motion. The hook brings guidance for the belt along with supporting the products, reducing stress on the apparatus. The electrical attribute provides security and inventory tracking, among other features. More specifically, the belt is constructed with conductive materials on or making up each segment for accurate inventory tracking capability.

Directly above the belt is sensor spanning the entire length of the belt. The sensor senses the motion of the belt segments’ conductive materials as they change positions. From this, the collected position data information is passed on to a wireless chip, which in return calculates the movement of the belt, sending it to one or more inventory systems, allowing the system to count/compute inventory in real time on the product display assembly.

[0006] Accordingly, a merchandising apparatus is disclosed. The merchandising apparatus includes a product display assembly having a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material, and a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material. A position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor.

[0007] A merchandising system is also disclosed. The merchandising system includes a plurality of merchandising apparatus having a product display assembly with a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material. The system also includes a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material, wherein a position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor. A communication device is provided in operable communication with each merchandising apparatus of the plurality of merchandising apparatus and is configured for transmitting the position change detected by the sensor. A controller is also provided having a receiver in communication with the communication device for receipt of position change data and configured to calculate an inventory level based on the position change data.

[0008] These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of various examples of embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a product display assembly according to one or more examples of embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a package for a product to be displayed on the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a product display rail of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a left side view of the product display rail of FIG. 5 A.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a product display belt of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a left side view of the product display belt of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view, viewed from the back, of a flap for use with the product display belt of FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the product display rail and the product display belt for use with the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 9 depicts a left side view of the product display rail and the product display belt of FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a cap of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a clip for use with the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the clip of FIG. 11.

[0022] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the product display belt, a wheel and a wheel locking assembly of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 14 depicts a transparent, left side view of the wheel locking assembly of FIG. 10

[0024] FIG. 15 depicts a schematic view of a product display belt and electronic circuit device for use with a merchandising apparatus and system.

[0025] FIG. 16 depicts a belt position sensor for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the bottom surface of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). [0026] FIG. 17 depicts a belt position sensor for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the top surface of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of FIG. 16, showing sliding contacts.

[0027] FIG. 18 depicts a wireless digital circuit example for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the bottom surface of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

[0028] FIG. 19 depicts a belt position sensor for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the top surface of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of FIG. 19, showing sliding contacts.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a merchandise system according to one or more example of embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating communication pathways according to one or more examples of embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates one or more examples of a merchandising apparatus and system.

[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates one or more examples of a remote display for use with the merchandising apparatus and system of FIG. 22.

[0033] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. For ease of understanding and simplicity, common numbering of elements within the numerous illustrations is utilized when the element is the same in different Figures. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] A merchandising apparatus and system are disclosed which are for use with a product display assembly and product display belt. The apparatus disclosed herein uses a combination of mechanical and electronic components to wirelessly communicate, in real time, merchandise inventory level, which can be used to manage inventory level, monitor said level for security concerns, and gather and analyze data with respect to product inventory, among other uses.

[0035] The merchandising apparatus and system disclosed herein may be used in retail and non-retail settings. Likewise, the merchandising apparatus and system may be used for a variety of products including, but not limited to, hanging merchandise and shelf holders for merchandise. [0036] In one example of embodiments, the merchandising apparatus and system are for use with a product display assembly and product display belt as described by United States Patent No. 10,426,278, entitled Product Display Belt and Assembly, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0037] More specifically, a product display belt, a product display assembly which includes the belt, and a merchandise system which includes the belt and the assembly are provided for use with the merchandising apparatus and system described herein. While the device described herein is termed a“product display” assembly for purposes of discussion and illustration, the use of the assembly and various devices described herein is not limited to product display and, instead, may be used for any inventory management purpose.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an illustrative product display assembly 100. The product display assembly 100 is configured to support a plurality of hanging products, e.g., retail products, in a linear array and to mount to a display panel, e.g., a perforated panel such as a pegboard. The products to be displayed may be contained within a package configured to be hung on a hook, rod, bar, beam, etc., via an opening defined in the package. By way of illustration, FIG. 2 depicts a package 200 configured to contain a product for sale. The package 200 includes a tab 202 which defines a hole 204 to receive a hook, rod, bar, beam, etc. for hanging the package 200 and its contents thereon.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the product display assembly 100 may include a body 102, a product display belt 104, and a product display rail 106. The longitudinal axis 108 of the product display assembly 100 is also labeled. In FIG. 1, movement towards the illustrated right hand arrow of the longitudinal axis 108 corresponds to forward translation (+) while movement towards the illustrated left hand arrow corresponds to backward translation (-) along the longitudinal axis 108.

[0040] The body 102 of the product display assembly 100 is configured to support and/or house various other components of the product display assembly 100. The body 102 may include a top wall 300, a right side wall 302, a left side wall 304, and a back wall 306.

The body 102 may, optionally, be formed as two shells, e.g., a right shell and a left shell, configured to mount together.

[0041] The outer surfaces of the walls of the body 102 may take on a variety of shapes.

At a front end 320 opposite the back wall 306, the top wall 300 may curve downward to form a hook or beak-like shape. In addition, the walls of the body 102 need not be solid and continuous. The right side wall 302 and left side wall 304 may define a plurality of apertures 322 distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the body 102, each which extends from an outer surface of the right side wall 302 through the body 102 to an outer surface of the left side wall 304. Such apertures 322 may be useful for limiting the overall material in the body 102, and thus reducing its weight and cost. However, wall material separating adjacent apertures is useful for imparting strength and rigidity to the body 102. The number of apertures as well as their distribution and dimensions are not particularly limited, but may be selected to provide a desired balance between weight/cost and strength/rigidity.

[0042] The body 102 may include a projection 326 mounted to the top wall 300. The projection 326 may be used to mount a label or a label holder for identifying information about the products being displayed. In one example of embodiments, the label holder may include an antenna configured to provide Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) of individual products mounted to the product display assembly 100. This is by contrast to including such antennae on the individual products themselves.

[0043] The body 102 may be configured to mount to one or more panel mounting hooks 512, e.g., for releasably mounting the product display assembly 100 to the display panel. As shown in FIG. 3, panel mounting hooks 512, 514 may be provided by the product display rail 106. The panel mounting hooks 512, 514 (and thus the product display rail 106) may be releasably mounted to the body 102 or mounted to the rail 106. The panel mounting hooks 512, 514 need not be provided by the product display rail 106. Other mechanisms (i.e., besides hooks) for mounting the product display rail 106 to the body 102 and for mounting the body 102 to the display panel may be used. Similarly, the number of hooks as well as their dimensions and placement are not limited, but selected to provide a desired degree of security in the mountings.

[0044] The body 102 defines an interior in which a portion of the product display belt 104 belt is retained. The product display belt 104 may be held approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 102 and translate forwards (+) and backwards (-). The term "approximately parallel" is used throughout this disclosure in view of the fact that inherent limitations in manufacturing the components of the product display assembly 100 and mounting the components together may prevent a perfectly parallel orientation.

[0045] The product display belt 104 may be guided around a turning point within the interior of the body 102. In one or more examples of embodiments, a wheel 1002 (see FIG. 13) is supported within the body. The product display belt 104 may wrap around the wheel 1002 so that the wheel 1002 facilitates the translation of the product display belt 104 around a turning point (e.g., the axle of the wheel). While the wheel 1002 is disclosed for facilitating the translation of the product display belt 104 around the turning point, the wheel 1002 is not required.

[0046] The body 102 may also support an electronic circuit device 2000 (discussed below). For example, an additional track, along which an electronic circuit device (or a RFID chip or the like) operatively coupled to the product display belt 104, may be mounted. In one or more examples of embodiments, the electronic circuit device 2000 may be supported above the belt 104, although any location which accomplishes the purposes provided may be acceptable.

[0047] FIGS. 3-4 shows additional details of the product display rail 106. The product display rail 106 is configured to support a linear array of products hanging thereon. The product display rail 106 may include a hanging portion 500. The product display rail 106 may be mounted to the body 102 such that the hanging portion 500 is positioned below the bottom surface of the body 102 and centered between the right and left side walls 302, 304. (See FIG. 1.) The hanging portion 500 may extend from the back wall 306 to the front end 320 approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 108 of the body 102. In the illustrative embodiment, the hanging portion 500 is a rod having a circular cross-section, but this structure is not limiting. Other elongated structures having different cross- sectional shapes, e.g., rectangle, square, triangle, etc. may be used depending upon the products to be hung. Similarly, the hanging portion 500 may formed to have a bend 502 at a free end 504 from which products are removed, but neither the shape of the bend 502 nor its presence is required. In the illustrative embodiment, the hanging portion 500 is approximately the same length as the body 102. However, in other embodiments, the hanging portion 500 may be longer such that it (and the bend 502) projects beyond the front end 320. This is useful to make it easier for customers to replace removed individual products back onto the hanging portion 500.

[0048] It is noted that the product display rail 106 and its hanging portion 500 is a distinct component separate from the product display belt 104. Similarly, the product display rail 106 has a function (support a plurality of hanging products) separate and distinct from the product display belt 104 (separate/divide the plurality of hanging products).

[0049] The product display rail 106 may include a mounting portion 506 configured to mount to the body 102 and, in one or more examples embodiments, also to mount to the display panel. The mounting portion 506 may include a rod 508 extending upwardly, e.g., perpendicularly upwards, from an end opposite the free end 504 of the hanging portion 500. Here, the term "rod" is not meant to be limiting and other elongated structures having different cross-sectional shapes may be used. As described above with respect to the body 102, the crossbar 510 connecting the panel mounting hooks 512, 514 may be mounted to an upper end of the rod 508. These panel mounting hooks 512, 514 may be releasably inserted into holes of a perforated panel to position the product display assembly 100 approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the perforated panel.

[0050] FIGS. 5-7 show additional details of the product display belt 104. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view. FIG. 6 shows a left side view. FIG. 7 shows an individual flap 616 of the product display belt 104. The product display belt 104 is configured to facilitate the loading and unloading of products onto the product display rail 106. Regarding loading, unlike conventional product display assemblies, (e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,280 and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20090212064) multiple products (e.g., 2, 10, 15, 20, etc.) can be loaded onto the product display rail 106 as a single unit instead of having to load the products individually, one at a time. However, regarding unloading, the product display belt is configured so that individual products are unloaded individually, one at a time. Unlike conventional product display assemblies, the unloading of individual products may be accomplished by simply pulling the individual product in the forward direction (+) instead of also having to lift the individual product upwards.

[0051] The product display belt 104 may include a plurality of flaps (one individual flap 616 is labeled) mounted to the bottom surface 604 of the product display belt 104 and projecting downwardly away from the bottom surface 604. The flaps of the plurality of flaps serve as separators or dividers between adjacent products hung on the product display rail 106. The flaps may be spaced at regular intervals along the longitudinal dimension of the strip. The dimension of the spacings are not particularly limited, but rather may depend upon the dimensions of the products to be displayed. The flaps also provide resistance against forward translation (+) of an individual product. Thus, although the dimensions of the flaps and the outer shape of the flaps is not particularly limited, the dimensions and outer shape are generally selected to provide a sufficient amount of overlapping surface area between the outer surfaces of an individual product and the front and back facing surfaces of the flaps in order to achieve these functions.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, showing a product display rail 106 and the product display belt 104, the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106 passes through the recesses of the flaps and the left and right prongs of the flaps extend along both sides of the hanging portion 500 to below a bottom surface of the hanging portion 500. This forms a linear array of product enclosures along the hanging portion 500. Depending upon the number of products loaded onto the product display rail 106, each product enclosure may contain an individual hanging product.

[0053] Turning back to FIG. 7, each flap may be mounted to the bottom surface 604 of the strip 600 via an associated hinge (one of which is labeled 1436). Each hinge is configured to allow a relatively large range of motion with minimal resistance of the associated flap in the backwards direction (-) but a relatively small range of motion with greater resistance of the associated flap in the forward direction (+). This hinge mounting configuration allows each flap to be pushed in the backwards direction (-) over a relatively large angular distance, including until an individual flap is approximately parallel to the strip 600. This greatly facilitates the loading of multiple products as a single unit as noted above. That is, multiple products in a linear array can be loaded as a single unit by placing the last product of the unit on the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106 and pushing the unit backwards (-) until all products are loaded. During this process, each hinge allows each flap to be pushed backwards (-) with little resistance. After loading, gravity pulls the flaps downward to settle between the gaps between neighboring products.

[0054] At the same time, this hinge mounting configuration allows each flap to be pulled in the forward direction (+) over a smaller angular distance. Using flap 616 as an example, this is because the top surface of the flap 616 at its free end will make contact with the bottom surface 604 of the strip 600, thereby resisting and blocking any further movement of the flap 616. Instead, further forward translation pulls the entire product display belt 104 forward within the track of the body 102. Only as the flap 616 (and the strip 600 to which the flap 616 is mounted) turns around the turning point, does the forward translation allow the product to be released from the free end 504 of the product display rail 106. In addition, although not shown in the illustrative embodiment, each flap may include a foot formed from an additional bead (or ridge) of material mounted to the top surface of the flap to provide additional friction and resistance against forward translation and to further reduce the angular distance upon pulling in the forward direction.

[0055] In addition to the plurality of flaps, the product display belt 104 may further include a guide flap 656 having a different configuration from the flaps of the plurality of flaps and configured to facilitate loading of the product display belt 104 onto the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106. Although the outer shape of the guide flap 656 is not particularly limited, in the illustrative embodiment the guide flap 656 is a rectangular shaped loop defining an opening through which the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106 may be inserted. The guide flap 656 may be positioned at or near the back end 603 of the strip 600.

[0056] As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the top surface 602 of the strip 600 may include a plurality of divots 657. These divots 657 may be configured (i.e., shape, position, dimensions) to mate with teeth 1006 on an outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 as further described below. (See FIG. 13.) The bottom surface 604 of the strip 600 is corrugated, which is useful to impart flexibility to the strip 600. However, these configurations are neither necessary nor limiting. By way of illustration, the top surface 602 of the strip 600 as well as the outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 may be smooth.

[0057] A portion of the strip 600 at or near the back end 603 may be colored differently from the remaining portion of the strip 600. By way of illustration, the portion of the strip 600 near the back end 603 may be colored red, while the remaining portion of the strip 600 is clear or white. The emergence of the colored portion at the front end 320 of the body 102 as the product display belt 104 is pulled forward may be useful to indicate that the product display belt 104 is near its end.

[0058] Although not required, the product display assembly 100 may include additional components configured to provide security against unauthorized removal of products or of the entire product display assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 1, these additional components may include one or more security plates, and one or more panel mounting hooks. A variety of configurations may be used for the security plates and associated panel mounting hooks. By way of illustration, a single security plate or cap may be used with or without associated panel mounting hooks mounted thereon. Turning back to FIG. 1, and shown in FIGS. 10-12 the product display assembly 100 may include a cap 1220 and a clip 1222. The cap 1220 is configured to fit over a back end of the body 102. The front wall 1524 is shaped to define a recess to accommodate the body 102 of the product display assembly 100. The shapes and dimensions of the walls of the cap 1220 are not particularly limited, although they are generally selected to cover the entire back end of the body 102 and to extend above the panel mounting hooks 1212, 1214 of the product display rail 1206. When mounted to a display panel, a back edge 1532 of the cap 1220 is flush with the display panel and prevents the entire product display assembly 100 from being removed from the display panel unless the cap 1220 is removed first. The walls of the cap 1220 define an interior in which the clip 1222 and other components of the product display assembly (the back end of the body 102 and a back end of the product display rail 1206) are contained.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the product display assembly 100 may include a wheel locking assembly 1000. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the product display belt 104 of the product display assembly 100, the wheel 1002, and the wheel locking assembly 1000. FIG. 14 shows a transparent, left side view of the wheel locking assembly 1000.

The wheel locking assembly 1000 is configured to lock the wheel 1002 against the top surface 602 of the strip 600 of the product display belt 104. In this way, the wheel locking assembly 1000 prevents translation of the product display belt 104 and thus, removal of product from the product display rail 106.

[0060] As described above, the wheel 1002 may be mounted on the body 102 and positioned in the interior of the body 102. The outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 may include teeth 1006 which mate with divots 657 on the top surface 602 of the strip 600 of the product display belt 104. The outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 may include one or more holes 1008 defined therein. The holes 1008 may receive an end 1102 of a piston 1100 of the wheel locking assembly 1000.

[0061] The wheel locking assembly 1000 may include the piston 1100, a spring 1104 and a sleeve 1106. As shown in FIG. 14, the piston 1100 may be mounted to the spring 1104 at an opposing end 1108 or within an interior of the piston 1100. The piston 1100 and the spring 1104 may be mounted in an interior 1110 of the sleeve 1106 such that only the end 1102 of the piston 1100 extends out of the sleeve 1106. The force of the spring 1104 pushes the end 1102 of the piston 1100 into one of the holes 1008 of the wheel 1002. This locks the wheel 1002, preventing its rotation about the axle provided by the right 352 and left wheel supports. This, in turn, prevents the product display belt 104 from translating and thus, prevents removal of product from the product display rail 106. The wheel 1002 may be unlocked by retracting the spring 1104/piston 1100. This may be accomplished by forming the spring 1104 or piston 1100 or both out of a magnetic material and placing a security magnet at an appropriate location near the spring 1104/piston 1100.

[0062] The dimensions of the wheel 1002 and the dimensions of the wheel locking assembly 1000 and its outer shape are not particularly limited, but rather depend upon the dimensions of the product display belt 104 and the body 102. Other configurations may also be used for the wheel locking assembly 1000. [0063] Referring to FIGS. 15-19, the product display assembly 100 may also include an electronic circuit device 2000 and may be included in a merchandise system as described above with respect to the product display assembly 100. As indicated, the product display assemblies and the merchandise systems may be used in a variety of settings, e.g., retail stores, stockrooms, manufacturing facilities, and the like. As described above, the product display assembly 100 may include the electronic circuit device 2000, e.g., mounted or retained within the body 102. The electronic circuit device 2000 (such as a sensor 2002, an RFID chip, or the like) may be configured to provide electronic product identification and monitoring for the product display assembly 100. In one or more examples of embodiments, the information comprises information about one or more of the following: the type of product being displayed, the maximum capacity of an individual product display assembly, location of the individual product display assembly, current inventory on the individual product display assembly, quantity of product needed to replenish the individual product display assembly, and the like.

[0064] In one or more examples of embodiments, the belt 104 includes on its surface or is constructed with conductive materials on each segment (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) for accurate inventory tracking capability. In one example of embodiments, the product display belt 104 may include a magnetic or ferromagnetic material or an electrical contact for position-dependent interaction with the electronic circuit device 2000 to achieve the electronic product identification and monitoring described herein.

[0065] In this regard, as illustrated generally in FIG. 15, positioned directly above the belt 104 is a sensor 2002, which in some examples of embodiments, spans the entire length of the belt 104. While a sensor is described as extending the length of the belt and positioned directly above the belt, one of skill in the art will appreciate that variation thereon may be made without departing from the overall scope of the present invention. The sensor 2002 may sense the motion (-) (+) of the conductive material segments (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) which make up the belt 104 as they change positions.

From this, the collected position data information may be passed on to a communication system, such as for example a wireless chip, which communicates the data to a controller or process that in return calculates the movement of the belt, sending it to one or more inventory systems. As each segment (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) carries a flap 616 separating inventory, movement of the belt 104 and segments allows the system to count/compute inventory in real time on the product display assembly 100. [0066] More specifically, the product display assembly 100 with an electronic circuit 2000 is a merchandising apparatus 2004 which comprises, among other things, a product display assembly 100 having a sensor 2002, such as a linear sensor, contained within or on the product display assembly 100. A variety of suitable sensors are currently commercially available and may be suitable for use with the present invention(s).

According to one example of embodiments, one or more sensor(s) 2002 are configured to detect movement within the product display assembly 100, namely movement of the product display belt 104. In some examples of embodiments, a single sensor 2002 may be used and positioned within or on the product display assembly 100. In alternative examples of embodiments, multiple sensors 2002 (linear and/or otherwise) may be used and positioned on or within the product display assembly 100.

[0067] The sensor(s), according to one or more examples of embodiments, may be electronic sensors. However, alternative examples suitable for the purposes provided are contemplated.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16-19, a positive linear position sensor 2002 or a belt position sensor may be used with the merchandising apparatus 2004 described herein.

The belt position sensor 2002 may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) 2010 located in the body 102 of the product display assembly 100 or below a merchandise display apparatus, such as a product display assembly 100. As is known, a PCB 2010 may be used to electrically connect and mechanically support one or more components using pads, conductive tracks and other features etched from copper laminated onto non- conductive substrates. There are various types of PCBs, including but not limited to, single sided, double sided, and multilayer PCBs. It is contemplated that any one or more of said PCBs may be used with the system described herein.

[0069] FIGS. 16, 18 show a bottom surface 2012 of a PCB 2010 for use with the merchandising apparatus and system described herein. FIGS. 17, 19 show a top surface PCB 2010 for use with the merchandising apparatus and system described herein, illustrating examples of a PCB top surface 2014 with a sliding contact 2016

corresponding to an inventory level and value. According to one or more examples of embodiments, the sliding contact 2016 may be embedded within a product display belt 104, within the product display body 102, a combination thereof, or within another device for use with a merchandise display.

[0070] In one or more examples of embodiments, a merchandise level sensor 2002 (e.g., PCB) may be provided which spans or extends the length of the internal merchandising apparatus belt 104 or product display belt 104, and specifically may comprise a length corresponding to the maximum position change of the belt. In the illustrated example, the sliding contact 2016 is shown in one example position corresponding with an inventory value of 15 and a second example position, representing a sliding position change, with an inventory value of 8. One of skill in the art shall appreciate that the numerical values are provided for purposes of example only and any number of suitable designations may be used for the purposes provided. To this end, a merchandise level reading may be provided from the sensor associated with the product display device or merchandising apparatus.

[0071] While specific sensors are described, a variety of sensors can be used. For example, sensors can be adapted to other merchandising physical units, such as, but not limited to pushers, rollers, and shelving. Likewise, custom sensors may be used, such as for POP displays, grocery carts & gaskets.

[0072] A PCB Assembly (PCBA) may also be used. The PCBA may be, for example, a board obtained after printing of solder paste on the PCB and mounting of various components, like resistors, Integrated Circuits, Capacitors, and other components such as transformers, depending on the application and desired characteristics. The PCBA may undergo reflow furnace heating to establish a mechanical connection between the PCB and the components.

[0073] In one or more examples of embodiments, the PCB 2010 is connected to a PCBA containing a transmitting device, such as a wireless transmitter, within the merchandising apparatus unit 2004. The PCBA may include one or more deep sleep circuits which may instantly awake for wireless communication. In this regard, wireless communication may be achieved in milliseconds. The PCBA unit may comprise a microcontroller or be linked to another computing device containing software configured to convert the detected belt position to an inventory value, namely correlating a belt position to a merchandise inventory percentage and/or other useful data.

[0074] In one or more examples of embodiments, the software executed by the microcontroller may be written in a manner which eliminates inaccurate readings when a readout mechanism is at a bit boundary. As a specific non-limiting example of one or more embodiments, a 4-bit value may provide sixteen (16) belt 104 positions, each position representing 6.25% of full merchandise capacity inventory (e.g., 6.25 x 16 positions = 100% capacity of merchandise inventory). [0075] Constant communication may occur from one or more, and in some examples of embodiments, a plurality of sensors 2002. These sensors 2002 may work in conjunction with one or more mechanical apparatuses, such as the product display assembly 100 and/or product display belt 104 as described hereinabove, which hold merchandise. In one or more examples of embodiments, the sensors 2002 are configured to communicate via wireless transmitter(s) which pass along data and information, such as but not limited to, a sensor ID and/or a sensor value. Information is passed from the wireless transmitter(s) to a receiving device, such as may be provided with a controller 2006. In this regard, the merchandising apparatus may be a part of a system that comprises one or more wireless devices which capture communicated or transmitted sensor values and/or sensor ID’s from sensors contained within or on the merchandising apparatus.

[0076] In one or more examples of embodiments, the product display assembly 100 having the electronic circuit device 2000, which collectively may form a merchandise apparatus 2004, may be included in a merchandise system (FIG. 20). The merchandise system may be used in a variety of locations, examples of which include but are not limited to locations where it is desirable to monitor and track various inventory data, such as, for example a retail store or storage facility. In one or more examples of

embodiments, the merchandise system may include a plurality of merchandise apparatus, e.g., product display assemblies 100 each having an electronic circuit device 2000 configured as described above, and a controller 2006. In some examples, if utilizing RF signals, the merchandise system may further include an antenna assembly along with one or more scanners (e.g., handheld scanners) or a central scanning unit and one or more power sources. As is known in the art, the controller 2006 may include an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, a computer-readable medium, a processor, a control application, and a database. The merchandise system may be used to provide electronic product identification and monitoring for each of the product display assemblies in the merchandise system.

[0077] While specific examples are described, one of skill in the art may make modifications or variations thereon without departing from the overall scope of the present invention. For example, while a linear sensor is disclosed for use in association with the system, in another specific example of embodiments, a mechanical shorting brush may be used that shorts traces to a ground trace on a gray-coded circuit board. This may be used to encode the track position and, consequently, the merchandise inventory percentage level. In another example, an output connector or direct ribbon cable connection of gray code readings from a PCB connected to a wireless PCBA may be used.

[0078] As indicated, wireless communication is contemplated. To this end, a multitude of now known or future developed communication protocols may be used to facilitate and/or control the data flow and wireless communication between the merchandising apparatus 2004 and a gateway device or controller 2006, such as the nearest gateway device. For example, Zigbee, BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular communications, and their corresponding components are known and contemplated for use with the merchandising apparatus and system, and associated devices, either alone or in combination. To this end, one or more communication protocols and corresponding components and circuitry may be integrated into the system(s) and/or device(s) described herein. Accordingly, the system may support a multitude of wireless technologies with a variety of ranges, such as but not limited to up 2,000 feet, and may support standard and custom wireless protocols.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 21, in one representative example of embodiments, a wireless module may be provided having 4-6 I/O inputs minimum for inventory readings. A Zigbee microcontroller is used, along with an on-board antenna for transmission of information and data. A variety of short and long range transmissions are contemplated, as well as combinations thereof. In one example of embodiments, a connection is made to a local gateway (e.g., a short/medium range of approximately 30 - 150 feet). The local gateway in one or more examples of embodiment may be wired to an access point capable of transmitting long range (e.g., 1000 feet to 2500 feet). An I/O value is reported through the final local or Internet gateway to software on a host computer. A suitable gateway may be a Monnit 900 MHz USB or other serial gateway, or a custom built gateway. While specific examples are provided, variations thereon which accomplish the purposes provided may also be acceptable.

[0080] A store display and merchandise system are shown in FIG. 22. According to one or more examples of embodiments, the store display includes one or more merchandising apparatus.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 22-23, the gateway may be provided along with internet access, which creates a remote internet connection and may provide a real-time store- level inventory (see FIG. 23). In one or more examples of embodiments, the system may also provide automatic notifications to a user, which may be delivered, for example, when a product is low or out of stock. A visual representation may also be provided, such as for use by staff / management. To this end, a camera or other video device may be associated with or directed toward a merchandising apparatus 2004 and be in

communication with the system to transmit corresponding product visual data to the system, which may be correlated with the inventory data gathered by the system. The gateway may also permit virtual intemet/in-store shopping by, for example, allowing a consumer with a mobile device to receive real-time information regarding store inventory and/or allowing consumers to locate stores with the desired merchandise in stock.

[0082] As described, in one or more examples of embodiments, multiple merchandise apparatus 2004 are connected to the system and communicating simultaneously. These apparatus 2004 may communicate to a short/mid-range gateway. In some examples, the gateway may be further hard wired, such as via an Ethernet connection, to a host computer or router so as to create and maintain connections for the wireless PCBA’s of the merchandise apparatuses and to transfer data from wireless PCBAs to host computer through one or more long range gateways to an Ethernet connection. Of course, such gateways may be maintained through wireless connections.

[0083] One or more power sources may also be provided, as needed, to power one or more devices of the merchandising apparatus and/or system, such as but not limited to providing power for initiated communications to/via a wireless gateway, and in one or more preferred examples of embodiments, the closest wireless gateway to the merchandising apparatus via the described mechanisms and protocols. In this regard, the system provides long battery life and may accommodate several battery sizes and styles. In one example of embodiments, power may be supplied by a 3V to a triple 3V battery (e.g., CR2032 or similar), placed within the merchandising apparatus housing.

Preferably, the battery has a multi-year life and is sized to fit within the housing along with the PCB and PCBA components. While specific examples are provided, variations thereon which accomplish the purposes provided may also be acceptable.

[0084] The apparatus and system described herein allow a retailer or storage facility to capture every movement of merchandise within a product display assembly 100. In some examples of embodiments, this may be achieved by polling all merchandise apparatus 2004 in continual set time intervals, e.g., every sixty seconds, through wireless technology connecting said devices such as described herein. In other examples, immediate transmission of data is made each time a piece of merchandise is removed from the product display assembly 100. Advantageously, store level merchandise monitoring would allow a retailer quicker replenishments of store front merchandise. [0085] As described herein, the merchandising apparatus 2004 are configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiving device. The merchandising apparatus 2004 may communicate a variety of data and information, including but not limited to, a merchandise level or levels and correspond such level(s) to a relationship with a UPC or SKU associated with the displayed product. As indicated, one or more time sensitive markings may also be added. The receiving device captures the communicated or transmitted information and data and may store such information and data in a repository. To this end, the receiving device may comprise a storage system or database, or may be connected to a cloud storage system. The repository may contain the communicated information and data from the merchandising apparatus, as well as other information and data obtained from other sources.

[0086] As discussed, data may be collected in a database repository. The repository may be provided within the local location (e.g. a retail store or storage facility), remotely, or both. In some examples, the data may be further filtered. Filtered data collected may be stored and made available for reporting and data analytics. This data could also be made available for vendors responsible for replenishing merchandise. Consequently, and advantageously, vendors would know more exactly what to bring in order to restock their merchandise.

[0087] In one or more further examples of embodiments, a non-mechanical method which does not require moving contacts may be used to sense inventory level, including but not limited to LEDs with reflective pickup and/or reed switches triggered by magnetic movement(s). Likewise, a system without wireless communication may also be used. In some examples, the system may make sounds or light LEDs as merchandise is removed from the product display assembly. In other examples, an LED could display a message.

[0088] Sounds, including recordings, can also be played when merchandise is removed from the product display assembly. For example, advertisement of or broadcast of a location companion merchandise, or company advertising, may be delivered when a product is removed. Security sounds may also be made, as well as flashing LED’s, LED Display Alerts, and audio recordings when a theft or improper movement is detected.

[0089] The electronic circuit device may also be configured to trigger a security alarm upon unauthorized removal of a product (i.e., a defined unwanted movement of the belt or unexpected change in inventory level) or the entire product display assembly 100.

[0090] The merchandising apparatus and system described herein provides various advantages. In addition to those described hereinabove, the system provides notifications and alerts on merchandise levels using dashboards, emails, texts, and barcode scanners. Every merchandise apparatus is pinpointed to its physical location within the store, storefront, back room, even going out the store door. Thus, the physical locations of merchandise apparatus units are known, within storefronts, back rooms, or going out the door. The system provides high density levels of merchandise within full product display assemblies. The system also provides electronic“anti-sweeping” or anti -theft technology. Vendors responsible for keeping storefronts stocked have access to filtered data and can will be notified what needs restocking, allowing them to be prepared with what to bring with them to the store ahead of time. Remote access to storefront merchandise availability may be provided on mobile apps nationwide on every store having merchandise available in the storefront. Data from product display device movements may be correlated to other units with a relationship setup between them, even within different stores across the country within seconds. Corporate offices may perform an enterprise inventory on merchandise and locations within all stores, and such entities may be provided with enterprise dashboards, event monitoring, email, and texting alerts.

[0091] Accordingly, a merchandising apparatus is disclosed. The merchandising apparatus includes a product display assembly having a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material, and a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material. A position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor.

[0092] A merchandising system is also disclosed. The merchandising system includes a plurality of merchandising apparatus having a product display assembly with a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material. The system also includes a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material, wherein a position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor. A communication device is provided in operable communication with each merchandising apparatus of the plurality of merchandising apparatus and is configured for transmitting the position change detected by the sensor. A controller is also provided having a receiver in communication with the communication device for receipt of position change data and configured to calculate an inventory level based on the position change data. [0093] Accordingly, a merchandising apparatus and system is provided which features orderly display, ease of use, inventory monitoring and control, and/or security, among the other advantages described herein. EXAMPLES

[0094] The following Example is an illustration of one or more examples of embodiments of carrying out the invention and are not intended as to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE [0095] A sensor as described hereinabove is provided within a product display assembly, which is an Acutrack™ unit available from DaVinci Industries, Inc. (Rockton, IL). The product display assembly is positioned on a wall or display shelf, and loaded with hanging product. The sensor reads a value of corresponding to a position change of the product display belt and transmits the product display assembly’s identity and the sensor value over a wireless system to a receiving device. This wireless system communicates with either another longer range gateway or directly to a local gateway and communicates the noted information to a receiving device, such as a computer or handheld device. The information may also be stored in a repository. The user may then view the information gathered by the receiving device and take appropriate action, including, for example, restocking or reordering the corresponding product if necessary. In some examples of embodiments, the device may also signal a priority event, such as a theft, namely, the device detects a rapid change from a high level of inventory to a low level of inventory.

[0096] Accordingly, a merchandising apparatus is disclosed which is for use with a product display assembly and product display belt. The apparatus disclosed herein uses a combination of mechanical and electronic components to wirelessly communicate, in real time, merchandise inventory level, which can be used to manage inventory level, monitor said level for security concerns, and gather and analyze data with respect to product inventory, among other uses and advantages.

[0097] The merchandising apparatus and system described herein comprise two general attributes, mechanical and electrical. Mechanical motion is delivered by a consumer/user. Namely, when an item is pulled forward on the hook, the belt pulls the rest of the products forward, like a conveyor belt, front facing the inventory in one motion. The hook brings guidance for the belt along with supporting the products, reducing stress on the apparatus. The electrical attribute provides security and inventory tracking, among other features. The belt is constructed with conductive materials on each segment for accurate inventory tracking capabilities. Directly above the belt is sensor spanning the entire length of the belt, it senses the motion of the conductive materials changing positions-counting the inventory. From this, the information is passed on to a wireless chip, which in return calculates the movement of the belt, sending it to one or more inventory systems.

[0098] Aspects of the method and system described herein are implemented via software system running on a computer system. To this end, the methods and system may be implemented in, or in association with, a general-purpose software package or a specific purpose software package. As a specific, non-limiting example, the device could be a battery tester in communication with a cloud storage database and/or mobile device.

[0099] The software system described herein may include a mixture of different source codes. The system or method herein may be operated by computer-executable instructions, such as but not limited to, program modules, executable on a computer. Examples of program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like which perform particular tasks or implement particular instructions. The software system may also be operable for supporting the transfer of information within a network.

[00100] While the descriptions may include specific devices or computers, it should be understood the system and/or method may be implemented by any suitable device (or devices) having suitable computational means. This may include

programmable special purpose computers or general-purpose computers that execute the system according to the relevant instructions. The computer system or portable electronic device can be an embedded system, a personal computer, notebook computer, server computer, mainframe, networked computer, workstation, handheld computer, as well as now known or future developed mobile devices, such as for example, a personal digital assistant, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, mobile scanning device, and the like. Other computer system configurations are also contemplated for use with the

communication system including, but not limited to, multiprocessor systems,

microprocessor-based or programmable electronics, network personal computers, minicomputers, smart watches, and the like. Preferably, the computing system chosen includes a processor suitable for efficient operation of one or more of the various systems or functions or attributes of the communication system described. [00101] The system or portions thereof may also be linked to a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network(s). To this end, the system may be configured or linked to multiple computers in a network including, but not limited to, a local area network, wide area network, wireless network, and the Internet. Therefore, information, content, and data may be transferred within the network or system by wireless means, by hardwire connection, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the devices described herein communicate according to now known or future developed pathways including, but not limited to, wired, wireless, and fiber-optic channels.

[00102] In one or more examples of embodiments, data may be stored remotely (and retrieved by the application) or may be stored locally on a user’s device in a suitable storage medium. Data storage may be in volatile or non-volatile memory. Data may be stored in appropriate computer-readable medium including read-only memory, random- access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tapes, flash drives, as well as other optical data storage devices. Data may be stored and transmitted by and within the system in any suitable form. Any source code or other language suitable for

accomplishing the desired functions described herein may be acceptable for use.

[00103] Furthermore, the computer or computers or portable electronic devices may be operatively or functionally connected to one or more mass storage devices, such as but not limited to, a hosted database or cloud-based storage.

[00104] The system may also include computer-readable media which may include any computer-readable media or medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code that may be accessed by a computer. The invention can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium. To this end, the computer- readable medium may be any data storage device that can store data. The computer- readable medium can also be distributed over a network-coupled computer system so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

[00105] As utilized herein, the terms“approximately,”“about,”“substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[00106] It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g.,“top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

[00107] For the purpose of this disclosure, the term“coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[00108] Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions and shapes of the components of the product display assemblies are not particularly limited. The dimensions and shapes may be selected, in part, depending upon the number and configuration of the products to be displayed as well as the display panel to which the product display assemblies are to be mounted. Similarly, the materials used for the components are not particularly limited, but rather may be selected according to the intended function of the components. By way of illustration, the body, the product display rail, and the other components of the body may be formed from rigid polymers or metal or combinations thereof. The product display belt (including the strip, flaps and hinges) may be formed from flexible polymers. An illustrative flexible polymer is low density polyethylene (LDPE).

[00109] Unless otherwise specified, the term "mount" includes join, unite, connect, couple, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, glue, form over, form in, layer, mold, rest on, rest against, abut, and other like terms. The phrases "mounted on", "mounted to", and equivalent phrases indicate any interior or exterior portion of the element referenced. These phrases also encompass direct mounting (in which the referenced elements are in direct contact) and indirect mounting (in which the referenced elements are not in direct contact, but are connected through an intermediate element). Elements referenced as mounted to each other herein may further be integrally formed together, for example, using a molding or thermoforming process. As a result, elements described herein as being mounted to each other need not be discrete structural elements. The elements may be mounted

permanently, removably, or releasably unless specified otherwise.

[00110] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.

[00111] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

[00112] The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.