SHELVING SYSTEM

• US 20130112640A1
• Filed: 12/23/2009
• Published: 05/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JSH Capital Pte., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: IPH Holdings Pty Ltd.
• Inventors: Desmond, Brett John
• Granted Patent: US 9,532,662 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 211/153
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 47/00 Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements A47B43/00, A47B45/00 take precedence; features for adjusting shelves or partitions A47B57/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 57/58 with means for adjusting partitions horizontally book-ends A47B65/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 65/00 Book-troughs; Accessories specially adapted for book-storing, e.g. book-ends
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 96/02 Shelves movable shelves coupled to doors A47B96/16
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 96/021 Structural features of shelf bases
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/00 Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/0043 Show shelves shelves in general A47B96/02; brackets or similar shelf-supporting means A47B96/06; advertising or price indication G09F
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/005 Partitions therefore horizontally adjustable A47B57/58; constructional details of drawers A47B88/90
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/0068 Shelf extensions, e.g. fixed on price rail
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/204 specially adapted to be attached to a shelf or the like

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shelf system or assembly, and a shelf module therefore. The shelf module defines a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprises an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured. Each of an associated partition, display strip, shelf connector module and shelf end module are also disclosed, where each of these is for removable attachment to the shelf module.

Claims

1. A shelf module for a shelf system, the shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured.

2. The shelf module of claim 1, wherein the pair of slats having partition retaining connection means in an adjacent pair of slats.

3. The shelf module of claim 1, wherein the slats sit proud of the ribs, so as to define a level above that of the ribs.

4. The shelf module as in claim 1, wherein the partition retaining connection means comprises flange formations at or near an upper edge of the slats, each flange formation being separated from the flange formation on any adjacent slat.

5. The shelf module of claim 4, wherein slats providing flange formations have an array of flange formations spaced apart lengthwise along the length thereof.

6. The shelf module of claim 5, wherein all of the modules slats have an array of flange formations spaced apart lengthwise along the length thereof.

7. The shelf module as in claim 1, wherein at least one end edge of the shelf module has an upstanding lip extending there along so as to form thereby a front edge of the shelf module.

8. The shelf module as in claim 1, wherein the shelf module comprises end engagement means at or toward a rear edge of the shelf module.

9. The shelf module as in claim 1, wherein the shelf module comprises lateral engagement means along the lengthwise edges thereof, which enable it to be connected to a lengthwise edge of another shelf module.

10. The shelf module of claim 9, wherein one lateral edge incorporates male lateral engagement means, and the other lateral edge incorporated female lateral engagement means.

11. The shelf module as in claim 1, wherein the module is divided lengthwise into at least two sections by a plane of weakness extending through the module, so that in use, the sections can be separated at the plane of weakness.

12. The shelf module of claim 11, wherein the module is divided lengthwise into four sections by three planes of weakness.

13. A partition for removable attachment to a shelf module, the shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured, the partition comprising a wall portion with a bottom edge and connection means at or near said bottom edge, said connection means being for removable securement between the pair of outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means.

14. The partition of claim 13, wherein connection means for the partition comprises a foot portion located at or near a lowermost edge of the wall portion.

15. The partition of claim 14, wherein the partition comprises an array of foot portions spaced apart along its length.

16. The partition of claim 15, wherein the spacing of foot portions corresponds with the spacing of flange formations along the slats of a shelf module.

17. The partition of claim 14, wherein the or each foot of the partition interlocks with the pair of flange formations that retain it.

18. The partition of claim 14, wherein the or each foot portion of the partition has a pair of opposing slots formed therein, each of which is sized and adapted to receive an end of one of the flanges.

19. The partition of claim 13 to a partition, wherein the partition is divided lengthwise into at least two sections by a plane of weakness extending through the partition, so that in use, the sections can be separated at the plane of weakness.

20. The partition of claim 19, wherein the partition is divided lengthwise into five sections by four planes of weakness.

21. The partition of claim 13 to a partition, wherein both ends of the wall portion have an end wall extending transversely therefrom.

22. A display strip for removable attachment to a shelf module, the shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured, the display strip comprising a back portion adapted to be secured to the upstanding lip of the shelf module, and a wing intersecting the base portion such that these subtend an angle between them.

23. The display strip as in claim 22, wherein the angle subtended by the portions of the display strip is equal to or greater than the angle of inclination of the shelf module to which the display strip is to be secured.

24. The display strip as in claim 22, wherein the angle subtended by the portions of the display strip is an acute angle.

25. A shelf connector module for removable attachment to the rear end of a shelf module, the shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured, wherein such removable attachment of the shelf connector extends the length of the shelf module.

26. The shelf connector module of claim 25, wherein the shelf module defines a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, and forward end engagement means at or toward a forward edge thereof that enable it to be connected to a rear end of the shelf module.

27. The shelf connector module of claim 26, wherein the connector module further comprises rear end engagement means at or toward a rear edge thereof

28. The shelf connector module of claim 26, wherein the forward end engagement means is a male engagement means, and the rear end engagement means is a female engagement means.

29. The shelf connector module as in claim 25 to a shelf connector module, wherein the shelf connector module comprises lateral engagement means along the lengthwise edges thereof, which enable it to be connected to a lengthwise edge of another module.

30. The shelf connector module of claim 29, wherein one lateral edge incorporated male lateral engagement means, and the other lateral edge incorporated female lateral engagement means.

31. A shelf end module for removable attachment to either of a shelf module or a shelf connector module, the shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured, and the shelf connector module for removable attachment to the rear end of the shelf module, wherein such removable attachment of the shelf connector extends the length of the shelf module.

32. The shelf end module of claim 31, wherein the shelf module defines a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, and end engagement means at or toward a forward edge thereof that enable it to be connected to a rear end of either of a shelf module or a shelf connector module.

33. The shelf end module of claim 32, wherein the rear edge of the shelf module has an upstanding lip extending there along so as to form thereby a rear edge of an assembled shelf.

34. The shelf end module as in claim 31 to a shelf end module, wherein the shelf end module comprises lateral engagement means along the lengthwise edges thereof, which enable it to be connected to a lengthwise edge of another module.

35. The shelf end module of claim 34, wherein one lateral edge incorporates male lateral engagement means, and the other lateral edge incorporated female lateral engagement means.

36. A shelving system. comprising:

a shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured;

at least one shelf connector module for removable attachment to the rear end of the shelf module, wherein such removable attachment of the shelf connector extends the length of the shelf module; and

a shelf end module for removable attachment to either of the shelf module or the shelf connector module,

the shelf module, shelf connector module, and shelf end module being configured to be joined end to end to form a length of shelving having upstanding lips at forward and rear edges thereof.

37. The shelving system of claim 36, further comprising at least two longitudinally extending partitions for removable attachment to the shelf module, the partition comprising a wall portion with a bottom edge and connection means at or near said bottom edge, said connection means being for removable securement between the pair of outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means, where said partitions are secured so as to be transversely separated from each other and defining between them a travel path for products placed on the shelf and between the partitions.

39. The shelving system of claim 36, further comprising a display strip for removable attachment to the shelf module, the display strip comprising a back portion adapted to be secured to the upstanding lip of the shelf module, and a wing intersecting the base portion such that these subtend an angle between them, where the display strip is secured to the upstanding lip at one end of the shelf module.

38. A shelving system, comprising:

a first shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the first shelf module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the first shelf module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured;

at least one first shelf connector module for removable attachment to the rear end of the first shelf module, wherein such removable attachment of the first shelf connector extends the length of the first shelf module;

a first shelf end module for removable attachment to either of the first shelf module or the first shelf connector module,

the first shelf module, first shelf connector module, and first shelf end module being configured to be joined end to end to form a length of shelving having upstanding lips at forward and rear edges thereof;

a second shelf module defining a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the second shelf module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the second shelf module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured;

at least one second shelf connector module for removable attachment to the rear end of the second shelf module, wherein such removable attachment of the second shelf connector extends the length of the second shelf module; and

a second shelf end module for removable attachment to either of the second shelf module or the second shelf connector module,

the second shelf module, second shelf connector module, and second shelf end module being configured to be joined end to end to form a length of shelving having upstanding lips at forward and rear edges thereof,

the combination of the first shelf module, first shelf connector module, and first shelf end module and the combination of the second shelf module, second shelf connector module, and second shelf end module disposed side by side and connected along contiguous edges thereof to form a shelf of a desired width.

40. (canceled)