Method and apparatus for selective engagement of shelf separation structures conformed to provide visual display surfaces

• US 6,006,678 A
• Filed: 11/03/1997
• Issued: 12/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Jo Merit, William Merit
• Original Assignee: Jo Merit, William Merit
• Inventors: Merit, William, Merit, Jo
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILKENS, JANET MARIE
• Application Number:
  US08/962,616
• Time in Patent Office: 785 Days
• Field of Search: 108/60, 108/61, 108/27, 108/31, 312/234.4, 312/234.5, 312/140.4, 211/184, 248/71, 248/74.2, 403/395, 403/397
• US Class Current: 108/60
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/005 Partitions therefore horizontally adjustable A47B57/58; constructional details of drawers A47B88/90
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7164 One rod held between bight and other rod extending through aperture in leg of connector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7176 Resilient clip

Abstract

Apparatus and method for selectively securing a shelf separator array to display shelves includes a plurality of openings formed in the shelves, and resilent clips that are securable both to the separator structure and in the openings. In the first form the clips are provided with resilient split retaining clamps engageable to the extrusion forming the separator structure and resilient opposing projections conformed for receipt in a selected opening. In another form, the extrusion forming the separator structure includes a groove formed longitudinally therein in which fitted portions of the clips are slidably received. The projections depending from the fitted portions are then useful for insertion in a selected opening in the shelf. The extrusion may then be provided with recessed display panels extending over the shelf edge in which various message cards may be displayed.

Claims

1. In a shelf separating assembly characterized by a shelf, an extrusion including an elongate base plate securable to said shelf, said base plate being defined by a front and rear edge and a first and second surface extending between said front and rear edge, an elongate split tubular rail fixed along said first surface of said base plate in spaced relationship therewith, and a plurality of separator members each provided with a fitting at one end thereof conformed for selective resilient engagement on said tubular rail to align said separator members on said shelf generally orthogonal relative said extrusion, the improvement comprising:

a slotted groove formed longitudinally in said base plate through said second surface in a direction opposite to said tubular rail;

attachment means conformed for selective engagement between said extrusion and said shelf, including a generally planar base piece defined by an upper and a lower surface and dimensioned in section for sliding receipt in said groove, and a resilient insert extending generally orthogonal from said lower surface to project through the slot of said groove;

a plurality of openings formed in said shelf each dimensioned in section for selected conforming receipt of said resilient insert; and

a display structure depending from said front edge of said base plate and conformed to provide an inclined display panel including opposed recesses for capturing message cards therebetween.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said display panel is generally arcuate between said opposed recesses.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

each said opening extends through the thickness of said shelf.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said resilient insert exposed beyond said groove extends to a dimension greater than the thickness of said shelf.