Information display rail system

Claim 1

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 2

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 3

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a protruding button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 4

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a protruding button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 5

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 6

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 8

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled with said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 9

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled with said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 10

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; wherein said rail further defines a lengthwise extending trough having an apex and upper and lower walls, said trough opening on said front side of said rail, said trough sized to accommodate substantially the head of screw whereby self tapping screws can be screwed through said apex from said front side without said screw walking in the vertical direction and whereby screws screwed through said apex can be substantially countersunk within said trough.

Claim 11

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed endwise, said rail defining an upward opening groove on said front side, said upward opening groove extending substantially from end to end, said rail further defining a downward opening groove on said front side, said downward opening groove being located above said upward opening groove, whereby a flexible insert can be held in place by said grooves; means in front of said grooves for removably mounting an electronic price label; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; wherein said rail further defines a lengthwise extending trough having an apex and upper and lower walls, said trough opening on said front side of said rail, said trough sized to accommodate substantially the head of screw whereby self tapping screws can be screwed through said apex from said front side without said screw walking in the vertical direction and whereby screws screwed through said apex can be substantially countersunk within said trough.

Claim 13

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, wherein said rail further defines a lengthwise extending trough having an apex and upper and lower walls, said trough opening on said front side of said rail, said trough sized to accommodate substantially the head of a screw whereby self tapping screws can be screwed through said apex from said front side without said screw walking in the vertical direction and whereby screws screwed through said apex can be substantially countersunk within said trough.

Claim 14

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, wherein said rail further defines a lengthwise extending trough having an apex and upper and lower walls, said trough opening on said front side of said rail, said trough sized to accommodate substantially the head of a screw whereby self tapping screws can be screwed through said apex from said front side without said screw walking in the vertical direction and whereby screws screwed through said apex can be substantially countersunk within said trough.

Claim 16

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; further comprising means for securing said plastic cover in said closed position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 17

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; further comprising means for securing said plastic cover in said closed position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 18

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; further comprising means for securing said plastic cover in said closed position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a protruding button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 19

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; further comprising means for securing said plastic cover in said closed position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a protruding button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 20

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 21

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 23

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled against said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 24

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having a lengthwise extending slot on one side and means for selectively engaging a ridge on an opposite side can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail, further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled against said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 25

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end, said rail having a lengthwise extending knurled surface on said front side; means for removably mounting electronic price labels to said front side; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby when an electronic price label having corresponding knurls on its back side is mounted to said rail, said corresponding knurls engage with said rail knurls thereby preventing said electronic price label from sliding lengthwise on the rail.

Claim 26

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end, said rail having a lengthwise extending knurled surface on said front side; means for removably mounting electronic price labels to said front side; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby when an electronic price label having corresponding knurls on its back side is mounted to said rail, said corresponding knurls engage with said rail knurls thereby preventing said electronic price label from sliding lengthwise on the rail.

Claim 41

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end, said rail having a lengthwise extending knurled surface on said front side, wherein knurls of said knurled surface extend in a direction between the horizontal and the vertical directions; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having top, bottom, front and back sides, and having corresponding knurls on the back side, the knurls being angled relative to the vertical, and having a lengthwise extending slot on one of said top and bottom sides and means for selectively engaging a ridge on the side opposite from said slot can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail; and whereby when said electronic price label is mounted to said rail, said corresponding knurls slidably engage with said rail knurls thereby moving said electronic price label slightly lengthwise along the rail.

Claim 42

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail having a top ledge extending outward from said top and a bottom ledge extending outward from the bottom, said top ledge having a ridge projecting downward and said bottom ledge having a ridge projecting upward, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end, said rail having a lengthwise extending knurled surface on said front side, wherein knurls of said knurled surface extend in a direction between the horizontal and the vertical directions; and means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; whereby an electronic price label having top, bottom, front and back sides, and having corresponding knurls on the back side, the knurls being angled relative to the vertical, and having a lengthwise extending slot on one of said top and bottom sides and means for selectively engaging a ridge on the side opposite from said slot can be mounted to said rail by placing one of said ridges in said slot and rotating said label about a horizontal axis coincident with said slot until said means for selectively engaging a ridge engages the other ridge thereby removably mounting said electronic price label to said rail; and whereby when said electronic price label is mounted to said rail, said corresponding knurls slidably engage with said rail knurls thereby moving said electronic price label slightly lengthwise along the rail.

Claim 48

The system of claim further comprising: upper and lower lengthwise extending ribs on said back side.

Claim 58

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; wherein said rail further defines a lengthwise extending trough having an apex and upper and lower walls, said trough opening on said front side of said rail, said trough sized to accommodate substantially the head of a screw whereby self tapping screws can be screwed through said apex from said front side without said screw walking in the vertical direction and whereby screws screwed through said apex can be substantially countersunk within said trough.

Claim 59

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; wherein said rail further defines a lengthwise extending trough having an apex and upper and lower walls, said trough opening on said front side of said rail, said trough sized to accommodate substantially the head of a screw whereby self tapping screws can be screwed through said apex from said front side without said screw walking in the vertical direction and whereby screws screwed through said apex can be substantially countersunk within said trough.

Claim 61

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on one of the electronic price labels if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 62

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on one of the electronic price labels if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 63

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a button on one of the electronic price labels if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 64

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a button on one of the electronic price labels if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 65

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 66

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 68

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled against said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 69

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label on the front side of said groove; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and means for holding one edge of a carton whereby the opposite edge can be held against the midsection of a stocking person thereby increasing the stocking efficiency of said stocking person; further comprising a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled against said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 70

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on one of the electronic price labels if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 71

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible and further comprises a lengthwise extending ridge projecting from said inside face of said plastic cover whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position causes said ridge to engage and activate a button on one of the electronic price labels if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 72

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a protruding button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 73

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said plastic cover is flexible, whereby pressing inwards on said plastic cover when it is in a closed position activates a protruding button on an electronic price label if located under an area being pressed.

Claim 74

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 75

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail defines a lengthwise extending cylindrically shaped open channel extending along the bottom of said rail, said channel being open on said front side of said rail, said opening being open less than 180°, said plastic cover further comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped bead, said cylindrically shaped bead being sized to be pivotally held within said cylindrically shaped open channel, said cylindrically shaped bead being pivotally held by said cylindrically shaped open channel.

Claim 77

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled against said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 78

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom and two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label in front of said grooves; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; a plastic cover having inside and outside faces, said plastic cover being pivotally coupled along a horizontal axis to said rail, said cover being sized and placed so that it closely covers electronic price labels removably mounted to said rail when in a closed position and provides substantially unhindered access to said labels when in an open position; wherein said rail has a lengthwise extending concavely curved upper surface and said plastic cover has a cylindrically shaped upper edge and wherein said cylindrically shaped upper edge is pivotally coupled against said concavely curved upper surface.

Claim 79

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom end two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label to said front side of said rail; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and upper and lower lengthwise extending ribs on said back side, and a protrusion between the upper and lower ribs, disposed so that the rearmost extent of the upper and lower ribs, and of the protrusion, are all substantially coplanar.

Claim 80

A system for removably mounting electronic price labels to an edge of a horizontally extending shelf comprising: a rail having a back side for mounting against said edge, a front side for mounting said electronic price labels, a top, a bottom end two ends, said rail being of substantially constant cross section when viewed from end to end; means for removably mounting an electronic price label to said front side of said rail; means for supplying electric power and signals along the length of said rail whereby an electronic price label mounted to said rail at any of a multiplicity of points can receive electric power and signals; and upper and lower lengthwise extending ribs on said back side, and a protrusion between the upper and lower ribs, disposed so that the rearmost extent of the upper and lower ribs, and of the protrusion, are all substantially coplanar.