Product display and dispensing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a shelving system comprising a gondola display having two rows of rear-loading shelves arranged back-to back. In one row of shelves, the shelves are hingedly attached to the gondola display, thereby allowing the shelves to be rotated away from the gondola. This exposes both the rear of the rotated shelves and the rear of the shelves located directly behind the rotated shelves, thereby allowing for easy rear-loading of product into both row of shelves at the same time. The present invention can also be used to allow for easy rear-loading of conventional gondola displays having a fixed base or bases. In such instances, a row of rotating shelf units, each having a retractable support wheel, is attached to one side of the conventional gondola. When these units are in their display position and when first rotated away from the gondola, the wheel is in a retracted position so that it is in contact with and can be rolled along the top surface of the fixed base. As the unit is rotated away from the gondola display and into its loading position, the wheel will extend downwardly from the bottom of the unit so that the wheel contacts and moves along the ground surface. In this manner, the retractable wheel is always available to provide support for, and facilitate the rotating movement of, the rotating shelf unit.