Shelf tray system

• US 20010010302A1
• Filed: 03/23/2001
• Published: 08/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Retail Space Solutions LLC
• Original Assignee: DCI Marketing Inc (IMI PLC)
• Inventors: Nickerson, Terry L.
• Granted Patent: US 6,409,028 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 211/59.3
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 1/126 the pushing device being urged by spring means

Abstract

A self-facing, add-on shelf system is made up of universal base, divider, front, and rear sections. Universal in the sense that these sections form basic building sections for constructing shelf systems of various sizes and operational mode. The front and rear track sections are identical and can be combined with various combinations of bases, dividers and end sections to provide systems of different, desired widths. The depth of the self-facing shelf is generally set by the depth of the shelf with which it is to be used. The individual sections can be selected and combined to provide center pusher, side pusher, and gravity feed types of self facing systems. The bases, dividers and end sections are configured such that they can be extruded and interlock in assembly.

Claims

1. A shelving system comprising:

an extruded shelf divider including a generally vertical panel having a longitudinal extension and defining a horizontally-extending slot, and a generally horizontal panel having a longitudinal extension and defining a horizontal support surface, said vertical and horizontal panels being co-extruded and substantially co-extensive;

a pusher element having a tab positioned within and slidable along said slot on said vertical panel, and also having a pusher face cantilevered with respect to said vertical panel and extending over said horizontal support surface; and

a biasing element biasing said pusher element toward a first end of said shelf divider such that products supported on said horizontal support surface are urged toward said first end of said shelf divider by said pusher element.

2. The shelving system of

claim 1

, further comprising a plurality of low-friction ribs co-extruded and integrally formed with said horizontal panel and extending along said longitudinal extent of said horizontal panel, said ribs defining said horizontal support surface.

3. The shelving system of

claim 1

, wherein said slot is defined by a back wall and two L-shaped projections extending away from said back wall.

4. The shelving system of

claim 1

, wherein said vertical panel includes only one said slot.

5. The shelving system of

claim 1

, wherein said tab of said pusher element is substantially T-shaped, and wherein said slot is substantially T-shaped and corresponds to the shape of said tab.

6. The shelving system of

claim 1

, wherein said biasing element includes a coil spring having a first end anchored at said first end of said shelf divider and a coil portion positioned adjacent the side of said pusher element facing away from said first end of said shelf divider.

7. The shelving system of

claim 1

, further comprising a track adapted to be mounted to a shelf, said track being extruded along a longitudinal extension that is perpendicular to said longitudinal extensions of said vertical and horizontal panels of said divider, wherein said divider is releasably interconnectable with said track.

8. The shelving system of

claim 7

, wherein said track includes a mounting structure formed integrally therewith, and wherein said divider includes mounting structure that is releasably secured to said mounting structure of said track.

9. The shelving system of

claim 8

, wherein said mounting structure of said track includes a holding rib and a lip, and wherein said mounting structure of said divider includes a slot receiving said rib and a portion received under said lip.