Low-Friction Shelf System

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.

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

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.

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.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

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, a merchandise systemis generally shown. The merchandise systemmay be installed on a top surface of a shelf(), or other suitable base surface. The shelfmay be located in a store or other suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As best shown in, a length of the shelfextends from a front edgeto an opposite rear edge. Generally, the front edgeis configured to face an aisle or customer area of a retail environment, while the rear edgeis configured to face towards a wall or mounting portion of the merchandise system. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edgeto the rear edgedefines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edgeand the rear edgedefines a lateral direction of the shelf. In some implementations, the shelfmay include a shelf panelincluding a plurality of shelf aperturesextending through a thickness of the shelf paneland arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edgeand/or the rear edgeof the shelf.

Referring to, the merchandise systemincludes one or more connectors, one or more rails, one or more glide mats. The merchandise systemmay optionally include a securing systemthat selectively attaches to the shelfand secures the merchandise systemto the shelfby engaging with the shelf apertures. With the merchandise systeminstalled on a shelf, any suitable merchandise may be positioned within a product receiving area A defined by the one or more glide mats. As shown, the connectorsconnect first ends of the one or more glide matsto a first rail(also referred to as a front rail) and second ends of the one or more glide matsto a second rail(also referred to as a rear rail). It should be apparent, however, that the merchandise systemmay include alternate configurations of rails, such as, without limitation, one (1) first rail, two (2) first railsone (1) second rail (), and/or two (2) second rails (). Additionally or alternatively, the merchandise systemmay exclude the securing system, and instead be secured to the shelfvia one or more of the rails, the glide mats, and the connectors.

Advantageously, each of the connectorsincludes a plurality of connector segmentsand a plurality of snap pointsdisposed between adjacent connector segments. Each connector segmentis configured to selectively receive a respective glide mat, and to break away from the connectorat its respective adjacent snap points. In other words, the snap pointsseparating the connector segments, allows the connectorto be resized by removing one or more connector segmentsfrom the connector. The snap pointsmay be formed as perforations or reliefs (i.e., areas of reduced thickness) between adjacent ones of the connector segments, which allow the connector segmentsto be detached from each other by bending or snapping along the snap pointsand without the use of additional tools. To this end, the connectormay be combined with additional other connectorsto increase the size (i.e. the width) of the receiving area A, or individual connectorsmay be broken down into multiple connector segmentsused with any configuration of glide matsas well as any combination of dividers, pushers, roller tracks, and/or stop lenses.

In some implementations, the connectoris injection molded and includes multiple snap pointsdividing the connectorinto its component connector segments. For example, the connectormay be 12 inches long, and include snap pointsevery two (2) inches to allow for resizing and/or reconfigurations of the connector(i.e., by separating adjacent connector segmentsat their common snap point). In this example, the connectormay include six (6) connector segments, where each connector segmentmay be two (2) inches. However, the snap pointsmay be distributed along the connectorto produce different sized connector segments, 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 connectorsare selectively positionable along the railsand are configured to receive the one or more glide matsat a first end of the product receiving area A to retain merchandise on the shelfuntil removed by a customer.

In the illustrated example, the merchandise systemincludes a plurality of glide matseach connected to a first railand a second railand a plurality of connectorsconnecting each of the glide matsto the first railand the second railWith reference to, the first railincludes a bottom wall, a front wall, and a rear wall. When the first railis installed on the shelf, the front wallis closer to the front edgeof the shelf(i.e., the customer's vantage point) than the rear wall. The bottom wall, the front wall, and the rear wallcooperate to define an elongate channelthat extends continuously along the lateral direction of the shelfand provides a sliding engagement interface for each connector. As best shown in, the front wallextends from the bottom wallto a distal end and includes a retaining flangethat extends towards the rear wall. While the front wallof the first railincludes a continuous front lensthat is integrally formed with the front walland extends continuously along the lateral direction of the shelf, it should be understood that the merchandise systemmay optionally include a railwith a modular lens system (e.g., one or more stop lenses()).

The front wallfurther includes a front engagement surfaceextending between the retaining flangeand the bottom wall, whereby the retaining flange, the front engagement surface, and the bottom wallcooperate to define a space for receiving and retaining a portion of the connectorwithin the first rail, as discussed below. The rear wallextends from the bottom wallto a distal endand forms a rear wall lipthat is configured to interface with a catch or flangeof a connector segmentwhen the merchandise systemis assembled. In the illustrated example, the rear wall lipis defined by a notch formed at an intersection of the bottom walland the rear wall, whereby the rear wall lipis formed along a bottom edge of the rear wall. As shown in, the rear wall lipfaces rearwardly (i.e., away from the front wall). While the rear wall lipis illustrated as being a horizontal surface, the rear wall lipmay be formed as an undercut feature extending along the length of the rear wall. In other words, the rear wall lipmay extend at an oblique angle relative to the bottom wall.

Each glide matincludes a first end, a second enddisposed on an opposite end of the glide matthan the first end, a top surface, and a bottom surfaceformed on an opposite side of the glide matthan the top surface. As best shown in, a width of each glide matis defined by a pair of parallel sidewallsthat are laterally spaced apart from each other and aligned with a central longitudinal axis A, and extend from the first endof the glide matto the second endof the glide mat. The one or more glide matsmay be extruded in strips of varying widths. For example, the extruded strips of the glide matsmay include a half (½) inch, one (1) inch, two (2) inches, etc.

In some implementations, each glide matfurther includes upwardly extending ribseach extending from the top surfaceof the glide matand parallel to the central longitudinal axis A. The upwardly extending ribsmay provide a low friction surface for products placed in the receiving area A. In the example shown in, the glide matincludes eight (8) upwardly extending ribs, however it should be understood that any number and density of ribsmay be used to form the low friction surface of the glide mat. Each glide matmay further include a pair of integrated ribsextending from the bottom surfaceof the glide matparallel to the central longitudinal axis A, and extending along a length of the glide matfrom the first endof the glide matto the second endof the glide mat. The integrated ribsmay provide strength and rigidity to the glide matfor receiving heavier products in the receiving area A.

Additionally, each glide matincludes an elongated clipextending from the bottom surfaceand along the central longitudinal axis Aand along a length of the glide matfrom the first endof the glide matto the second endof the glide mat. The elongated clipmay define a channelhaving a rectangular cross-section as it extends along the central longitudinal axis Aand configured to receive a portion of a connector segment. As best shown in, the elongated clipis defined by parallel opposing prongsthat mirror one another about the central longitudinal axis A. Each prongmay include an outer surfaceand an opposing inner surface. The prongsmay be further defined by a first legextending downwardly from a first end disposed on the bottom surfaceof the glide matto a second end disposed away from the bottom surface, and a second legextending at a first end formed with the second end of the first legto a second, terminal end. As shown, the second legextends substantially parallel to the bottom surfaceof the glide mat.

Referring in particular to, each of the prongsfurther include one or more cutoutsformed in the respective second leg. Each cutoutmay be formed as an arcuate concave cutout that extends through a thickness of the prong(i.e., from the outer surfaceto the inner surface) and inwardly from the second, terminal end. The cutoutsof the opposing prongsmay cooperate to form an aperturein the elongated clip. As best shown, an aperturemay be disposed adjacent to one or more of the first endand the second endof the glide matand are each configured to receive a portion of the connector segment. For example, each elongated clipmay include a first aperturedisposed adjacent to the first endof the glide matand a second aperturedisposed adjacent to the second endof the glide mat. As described in more detail below, the aperturesare configured to receive a locking tabof the connector segmentwhen the connector segmentis seated within the glide mat.

Referring again to, each of the parallel sidewallsof the glide matdefine a respective slotextending from the first endof the glide matto a second endof the mat. Each slotis configured to interface with a portion of the connector segment. In particular, each sidewallincludes an outer surfaceand an opposing inner surface, and is further defined by a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portionextends downwardly from the top surfaceof the glide matand is spaced apart from and opposes the third portion. Here, the second portionis disposed between and connects the first portionand the third portion. As shown, the second portionextends substantially parallel to the bottom surfaceof the glide mat. Collectively, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portioncooperate to define the slot.

With reference to, the connectorincludes a first end, a second enddisposed on an opposite end of the connectorthan the first end, and a plurality of connector segmentseach separated by a plurality of snap points. The plurality of connector segmentsand the snap pointsare aligned in series along a central axis Aof the connectorand alternate such that each snap pointis separated from an adjacent snap pointby a connector segment. As best shown in, each snap pointextends between the adjacent connector segmentsand between the first endof the connectorand the second endof the connector. Each connector segmentmay be connected to its adjacent connector segmentsat a bridgeof material of the connectorthat can be broken when a user applies pressure to a respective connector segment.

In some implementations, each connector segmentincludes a main bodyextending from a first endto a second enddisposed on an opposite side of the main bodythan the first end, and a pair of sidewallsextending between the first endand the second end. Each connector segmentmay further include a rail couplerdisposed at the first endof the main bodyand a mat couplerdisposed at the second endof the main body. The rail couplermay be configured to selectively engage a rail, while the mat couplermay selectively engage a glide mat.

The rail couplerof the connector segmentmay further include a front lipspaced apart from a bearing elementand a catch. The front lipis disposed at the first endof the connector segmentand extends therefrom, while the bearing elementand the catchare disposed adjacent to at the second endof the connector segment. The front lipmay further be defined by a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portionof the front lipextends from the main bodyof the connector segmentat the first endand is spaced apart from and opposes the second portionto form a channel. Here, the third portionmay be disposed between and connect the first portionand the second portionsuch that the first portionand the second portiondiverge as they extend away from the third portion. Thus, the third portionallows the front lip, and particularly the second portionthereof, to flex relative to the main bodyduring engagement of the rail couplerwith the first rail. The second portionincludes a second engagement surfacethat opposes the engagement surfaceof the front railin an interference fit when a connector segmentof the connectoris engaged with the first rail.

The bearing elementof the connector segmentincludes an elongate member extending along a bottom side of the main bodyin the lateral direction. As best shown in, a width of the bearing elementis aligned with a width of the connector segmentsuch that the bearing elementextends between the sidewallsof the connector segmentand engages the first railwhen assembled. Specifically, when the merchandise systemis assembled, the bearing elementmay oppose or interface with an inner surfaceof the rear wallof the first railand provide additional stability to prevent the connector segmentfrom rotating or tipping within the channelof the first rail. In other words, the bearing elementis configured to contact corresponding surfaces of the front railand minimize splaying of the connectorwhen lateral forces are applied, either during repositioning of the merchandise systemor when merchandise is loaded onto the glide mat. As best shown in, the bearing elementincludes a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. Optionally, an edge of the bearing elementbetween the bottom surface of the bearing elementand the rear surface of the bearing elementmay be chamfered to maximize surface contact between the bearing surfaces of the bearing elementand the inner surfaceof the front rail.

Referring to, the main bodyfurther includes a guide slotextending continuously across a width of the main bodyand between the bearing elementand the catch. The guide slotis configured to selectively receive a portion of the rear wallof the first railbetween the catchand the bearing element, providing a sliding interface between the first railand the connector segment.

The catchis disposed along a bottom side of the connector segmentand projects at least partially into the guide slot. In the illustrated example, the catchextends from a proximal end attached to the bottom side of the main bodyto a distal endconfigured to selectively engage the first rail. As shown in, the distal endof the catchmay have a protuberance defining a projecting profile configured to engage the rear wall lipwhen the first railis engaged with the slot. As discussed below, the distal endof the catchis 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 endof the catchmay be moved to the first position to engage the distal endwith the rear wall lipand to the second position to disengage or retract the distal endfrom the rear wall lip. The angled profile of the protuberance defines an angled lower surface at a forward-facing of the distal end, whereby the angled surface functions to bias the catchtoward the second position as the distal endpasses along the rear wall. Thus, the catchcan be disengaged from the rear wall lipby lifting the connector segmentupward such that the rear wall lipbiases the catchtoward the second position and allows the rail couplerto detach from the rear wall.

The connector segmentmay further include a locating windowformed through a thickness (i.e., from a top surface of the main bodyto a bottom surface of the main body) of the main bodysuch that rear wallof the first railis visible and accessible through the windowwhen the connector segmentis positioned in the channelof the first rail. In other words, the windowmay facilitate proper positioning of the connector segmentwithin the first railby providing a visual indicator that the connector segmentis in position to engage the rear wallof the front rail. The connector segmentmay also include a series of elongate notchesformed through the thickness of the main body, where each elongate notchextends perpendicular to the central axis Aof the connector, and the notchesare aligned in series extending between the sidewallsof the main body. As shown in, each of the elongate notchesmay partially extend into a thickness of the bearing element. As will be described in more detail below, the plurality of elongate notchesare configured to receive various modular components of the merchandise system.

The mat couplerdisposed at the second endof the connector segmentmay extend from a rear wallof the connector segmentand include an outer surfaceand an opposing inner surface. A substantially rectangular framethat surrounds a locking tabeach extend from the outer surfaceof the rear walland are configured to lockingly engage the glide matwith the respective connector segment. The frameincludes peripheral wallsand a pair of support barsthat extend between the peripheral walls. For example, the framemay be defined by a proximal peripheral walla distal peripheral walland a pair of side peripheral wallsThe proximal peripheral wallis formed along the outer surfaceof the rear walland is spaced apart from and opposes the distal peripheral wallto form an enclosure. Here, the side peripheral wallsand the support barsextend between the proximal peripheral walland the distal peripheral wallThe locking tabmay be disposed within the enclosureformed by the framesuch that the peripheral wallsand the support barsprotect the locking tabfrom external forces that may damage (e.g., snap off) the locking tabfrom the rear wall.

With continued reference to, the framemay be further defined by an inner surface, an opposing outer surface, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The top edgeand the bottom edgeof the framemay cooperate to provide the peripheral wallof the framewith a stepped profile. The peripheral wallsof the framemay further define a central barextending between and connecting mirrored connecting branches. Each connecting branchmay be defined by an inner wallconnected to a respective end of the central bar, an outer wallspaced away from and parallel to the inner walland forming a terminal end of the connecting branch, and a central walldisposed between and connecting the inner walland the outer wall. The inner wall, the outer wall, and the central wallcooperate to define an elongate groovethat extends continuously between the proximal peripheral walland the distal peripheral walland provides a sliding engagement interface that receives a portion of the glide mat. For example, as shown in, a height Hof the outer wallmay be less than a height Hof the inner wallto accommodate the sidewallsof the glide mat.

Referring to, the connecting branchesdisposed on opposing ends of the central barare each configured to be received by respective slotsof the glide matwhen the connector segmentis engaged with the glide mat. In particular, each connecting branchmay be disposed between the integrated riband the sidewall. As shown, the connecting branchslides into its corresponding slotsuch that the top edgeof the peripheral walldisposed along the inner wallcontacts the integrated rib, while the outer surfaceof the peripheral wallalong the outer wallcontacts the inner surfaceof the sidewall. Here, the height Hof the outer wallis less than the height Hof the inner wallto accommodate the second portionof the sidewallas it slides beneath the connecting branchduring assembly. Additionally, the sidewallwraps around the connecting branchsuch that the third portionof the sidewallextends into the grooveof the connecting branch, thereby engaging the connecting branchin two (2) dimensions (i.e., vertically and laterally) when the mat coupleris positioned within the glide mat.

With continued reference to, the locking tabextends from a first enddisposed at the inner surfaceof the proximal peripheral wallto a second end. Each second endof the locking tabincludes an upwardly facing cylindrical distal endhaving an upper surfaceincluding a beveled portion, and a flat edge opposing and substantially parallel to the distal peripheral wallof the frame. When the merchandise systemis assembled, the cylindrical distal endof the locking tabis configured to be received within a respective apertureof the glide matwhen the glide matis lockingly engaged with the connector segment. While the distal endof the locking tabis generally cylindrical, it should be appreciated that the distal endmay include any shape (i.e., square, triangular, etc.) that corresponds to the aperturesin the glide mat. As discussed below, the cylindrical distal endof the locking tabis 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 endmay include an upwardly projecting profile configured to engage the apertureof the glide matwhen the connector segmentis engaged with the glide mat. In particular, the cylindrical distal endof the locking tabis 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 endof the locking tabmay be moved to the first position to engage the cylindrical distal endwith the aperturein the glide matand to the second position to disengage or retract the locking tabfrom the aperture. The beveled portionof the cylindrical distal enddefines an angled outer surface at the upper surfaceof the cylindrical distal end, whereby the beveled portionfunctions to bias the locking tabtoward the second position as the cylindrical distal endpasses along the outer surfacesof the opposing prongsof the glide mattoward the aperture. Once the cylindrical distal endreaches the aperture, the cylindrical distal endsprings back to the first position and seats within the aperture. Thus, the locking tabcan be disengaged from the apertureby pressing the upper surfacedownwardly to bias the locking tabto the second position and pulling the second endof the connector segmentout of the channelof the glide mat.