U.S. patent application number 10/755766 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for adjustable divider base for a display rack.
Invention is credited to Hawkinson, Rodney Bruce.
Application Number | 20050150847 10/755766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34739644 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050150847 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawkinson, Rodney Bruce |
July 14, 2005 |
Adjustable divider base for a display rack
Abstract
The present invention provides a display rack (100) having a
base (103) that further includes a plurality of recessed troughs
that form a plurality of slots (110) whereby each of the plurality
of slots include a plurality of holes (108) therein. The display
rack further includes a plurality of divider pieces (102) whereby
each one of the divider pieces is adapted for insertion into a
selected one of the slots of the base. The dividers also include a
plurality of tabs (112) that are aligned with the plurality of
holes within its respective slot so as to facilitate stability and
rigidity of the dividers when mated and recessed within its
respective slot of the base. The dividers take the form of a
L-shaped configuration which allows the dividers to be recessed
within a slot of the base in a first or a second orientation
thereby allowing variable bin width adjustment with respect to
adjacent dividers. The dividers may also take form of a T-shaped
configuration which, when used in conjunction with L-shaped
dividers, allow for even finer adjustment of adjacent bin
widths.
Inventors: |
Hawkinson, Rodney Bruce;
(Dripping Springs, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bradley J. Batsch
3601 Avendale Drive
Austin
TX
78738
US
|
Family ID: |
34739644 |
Appl. No.: |
10/755766 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.2 ;
211/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/059.2 ;
211/184 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/00 |
Claims
1. A display rack, comprising: a base having a plurality recessed
troughs for forming a plurality of slots, each one of said
plurality of slots having a plurality of holes formed therein; and
a plurality of dividers, each one of said plurality of dividers are
adapted to be inserted into one of said plurality of slots of said
base, each one of said plurality of dividers including at least one
tab portion such that said at least one tab portion is aligned with
a respective hole in said base for securing said one of said
plurality of dividers to said base.
2. The display rack according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
said plurality of dividers forms an L-shaped configuration having a
first segment and a second segment, said first segment adapted to
be recessed in one of said plurality of slots when said at least
one of said plurality of dividers is inserted into said base.
3. The display rack according to claim 2 wherein a top surface of
said first segment is substantially planer with a top surface of
said base when said at least one of said plurality of dividers is
inserted into said base.
4. The display rack according to claim 2 wherein said second
segment is substantially perpendicular to said base when said at
least one of said plurality of dividers is inserted into said
base.
5. The display rack according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
said plurality of dividers forms an L-shaped configuration having a
first segment and a second segment and wherein said at least one of
said plurality of dividers may be inserted into one of said
plurality of slots in either a first orientation or in a second
orientation for adjusting a width between adjacent ones of said
plurality of dividers.
6. The display rack according to claim 5 wherein said first
orientation forms an L-shaped configuration when said at least one
of said plurality of dividers is inserted into said base and said
second orientation forms a reverse L-shaped configuration when said
at least one of said plurality of dividers is inserted into said
base.
7. The display rack according to claim 1 wherein said base further
includes a plurality of rails on a bottom side of said base for
elevating said base.
8. The display rack according to claim 1 wherein said base further
includes at least one breakpoint region for breaking off a portion
of said base thereby adjusting at least one dimension of said
base.
9. The display rack according to claim 1 wherein said base further
includes a front stop secured to a front portion of said base for
preventing items stored on said display rack from falling over a
front edge of said base.
10. A display rack having a plurality of bins for displaying items,
the display rack comprising: a base having a plurality of slots
formed therein, each one of said plurality of slots having a
plurality of holes formed thereon; and a plurality of dividers for
insertion into said plurality of slots thereby forming the
plurality of bins of the display rack, at least one of said
plurality of dividers being capable of insertion into a selected
one of said plurality of slots in either a first orientation or a
second orientation, wherein when said at least one of said
plurality of dividers is inserted into said selected one of said
plurality of slots in said first orientation a first distance
between said at least one of said plurality of dividers and an
adjacent one of said plurality of dividers is achieved, and wherein
when said at least one of said plurality of dividers is inserted
into said selected one of said plurality of slots in said second
orientation a second distance between said at least of said
plurality of dividers and said adjacent one of said plurality of
dividers is achieved thereby allowing for adjustment of a width of
a bin.
11. The display rack according to claim 10 wherein said at least
one of said plurality of dividers includes a first segment and a
second segment, said first segment being recessed in said selected
one of said plurality of slots such that a top surface of said
first segment is substantially planer with a top surface of base
when said at least one of said plurality of dividers is inserted
into said selected one of said plurality of slots.
12. The display rack according to claim 10 wherein said at least
one of said plurality of dividers includes a plurality of locking
clips such that said plurality of locking clips align and mate with
said plurality of holes of said selected one of said plurality of
slots upon insertion of said at least one of said plurality of
dividers into said selected one of said plurality of slots.
13. The display rack according to claim 10 wherein said at least
one of said plurality of dividers includes a pair of said locking
clips that align and mate with at least one of said plurality of
holes of said selected one of said plurality of slots.
14. The display rack according to claim 10 wherein said at least
one of said plurality of dividers has an L-shaped
configuration.
15. The display rack according to claim 10 wherein at least one of
said plurality of dividers has a T-shaped configuration being
capable of insertion into another one of said plurality of slots,
wherein the use of said T-shaped configuration divider along with
said L-shaped configuration divider allows for even greater
adjustment of a width of a bin.
16. The display rack according to claim 10 further including a
plurality of drainage holes in said base and a plurality of rails
on a bottom side of said base to allow leaky products displayed on
said base to drain thereby maintaining said products in a cleaner
and dryer condition.
17. The display rack according to claim 10 wherein said base
further includes at least one breakpoint region for breaking off a
portion of said base thereby adjusting at least one dimension of
said base
18. A display rack, comprising: a base having a plurality of slots
formed on a first surface of said base, each one of said plurality
of slots having a plurality of holes formed thereon, said base
further includes a plurality of rails on a second side of said base
for elevating said base; and a plurality of dividers for insertion
into said plurality of slots thereby forming a plurality of bins of
the display rack, at least one of said plurality of dividers having
an L-shaped configuration and being capable of insertion into a
selected one of said plurality of slots in either a first
orientation or a second orientation, wherein when said at least one
of said plurality of dividers is inserted into said selected one of
said plurality of slots in said first orientation a first distance
between said at least one of said plurality of dividers and an
adjacent one of said plurality of dividers is achieved, and wherein
when said at least one of said plurality of dividers is inserted
into said selected one of said plurality of slots in said second
orientation a second distance between said at least one of said
plurality of dividers and said adjacent one of said plurality of
dividers is achieved thereby allowing for adjustment of a width of
a bin.
19. The display rack according to claim 18 wherein said at least
one of said plurality of dividers that forms an L-shaped
configuration has a first segment and a second segment, said first
segment adapted to be recessed in said selected one of said
plurality of slots when said at least one of said plurality of
dividers is inserted into said base, and wherein a top surface of
said first segment is substantially planer with a top surface of
said base when said at least one of said plurality of dividers is
inserted into said base.
20. The display rack according to claim 18 wherein said base
includes a plurality of drainage holes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates, in general, to a display rack having
adjustable dividers and, in particular, to a display rack having a
base with adjustable bin sizes for storing, allocating and managing
shelf space among rows of products.
[0002] In retail stores, such as in grocery stores, products are
displayed on shelves for customer inspection and selection. It is
therefore desirable that products be organized on the shelves to
maximize the use of the shelf space since shelf space is very
valuable in the grocery store. Accordingly, efficient use of the
shelf space and the organized and appealing representation of the
products displayed on the shelf are important for effective sale of
products. Typically when displaying such products, an elongated
shelf of a standard length (for example 3 or 4 feet) will be
subdivided by vertical walls or dividers to provide appropriate
bins of suitable widths to accommodate various products to be
displayed. However, since the shapes and sizes of products vary
greatly and since inventories, promotions, and sales are constantly
changing, there is a need for efficiently and quickly adjusting of
the width of the bins with increased variability.
[0003] Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,694, there is described a
shelf organizer that comprises a two element assembly; a front stop
rail and a vertical divider whereby a plurality of such vertical
dividers are adapted to be slidably and releaseably retained by the
stop rail. However, although this shelf organizer is capable of bin
width adjustability, the dividers are attached to the front stop
rail thereby requiring it to be attached to existing conventional
shelving.
[0004] Hence, there exist a need for an improved adjustable shelf
organizer having bin width adjustability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the accompanying drawings forming a part of the
specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate
like parts throughout,
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating an adjustable
divider base display rack in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the display rack of FIG. 1
illustrating its use for storing a plurality of product types
having different widths;
[0008] FIG. 3 is an enlarged portion of a divider illustrating the
locking clips;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the display rack
illustrating the front of the rack in more detail;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a partial end view of the display rack
illustrating in detail how the width between the dividers can be
adjusted based on the orientation of the dividers with respect to
the base;
[0011] FIG. 6 is an isometric view illustrating an adjustable
divider base display rack in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 7 is a partial end view of the display rack, similar to
FIG. 5, illustrating in detail how the width between the dividers
can be adjusted based on the orientation of the dividers with
respect to the base and based on the selection of types of
dividers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an isometric view
illustrating adjustable divider base display rack 100. Display rack
100 includes base 103 that includes a plurality of recessed trough
regions that form a plurality of slots 110. Each of the plurality
of slots 110 includes a plurality of holes 108 therein. The holes
108 typically start at the front of base 103 and are spaced apart
throughout its respective slot from front to back by a
predetermined distance. However, it should be understood that a
variety of hole patterns in slots 110 may be utilized. Further, the
plurality of slots 110 are positioned between first side 114 and
second side 116 and are typically spaced apart by a predetermined
distance. However, it should be understood that a variety of slot
patterns within base 103 may be utilized.
[0014] Display rack 100 also includes a plurality of dividers 102
for insertion into the plurality of slots 110. Dividers 102 are
typically pieces of plastic acting as a wall or divider for
separating products on the shelf and keeping the products from
hitting each other on their sides. The plurality of dividers 102
form a plurality of bins where each bin is typically defined by two
adjacent dividers. It is understood that dividers 102 can be made
at various heights to accommodate variable types of products.
Dividers 102 have locking clips 112 for mating with corresponding
holes 108 of base 103. In this manner, dividers 102 are received by
respective ones of slots 110 whereby locking clips 112 are designed
to align with a respective hole 108 of its corresponding slot 110.
In a preferred embodiment, a pair of locking clips 112 are aligned
to mate with one of the holes 108 so as to provide increased
stability and rigidity of divider 102.
[0015] As will be shown in more detail hereinafter, dividers 102
may be inserted into slots 110 in at least two orientations. The
first orientation may be represented by divider 102a, which takes
the form of an L-shaped configuration, whereby the portion 118 of
divider 102 is closer to first side 114 of base 103 than the outer
edge of portion 120 of divider 102a. A second orientation for
insertion of a divider 102 into base 103 may be represented by
divider 102b, which takes the form of a reverse L-shaped
configuration, whereby the portion 122 of divider 102b is closer to
second edge 116 of base 103 than the outer edge (not visible in
FIG. 1) of the portion 124. As will be further explained
hereinafter, the width of a bin that is formed between two adjacent
dividers 102 may be adjusted based on the orientation of how
adjacent dividers are inserted into the slots of base 103. Portion
120 of divider 102a typically has a width that is substantially the
same as the width of one of the slots 110 to which it is to be
inserted therein such that, when inserted, dividers 102 are snapped
into slots 110 for locking dividers 102 in place thereby giving it
rigidity and stability.
[0016] Display rack 100 also includes a front stop 104 for use in
preventing products positioned behind it from falling off the front
of the display rack when stocked. The front stop 104 is typically
needed with dairy cases that are stocked from behind to prevent the
product from falling off the shelf. It is understood, however, that
front stop 104 is optional whereby the deli lip generally
associated with a retailer's shelves may also serve as a stop for
products. The front stop 104 is designed to be removable and may be
attached to base 103 in a similar manner that dividers 102 are
attached. That is, front stop 104 may include locking clips,
similar to locking clips 112 of dividers 102, for insertion into a
slot (similar to slots 110) having corresponding holes (similar to
holes 108) on base 103. However, it should be understood that front
stop 104 may be secured to base 103 in other ways such as by a
molded pin-and-boss arrangement. Display rack 100 also includes
curved member 106, which is attached to front stop 104 for securing
base 103 over the deli lip and for ensuring that base 103 is in a
more stable position. Front stop 104 and curved member 106 will
explained in more detail hereinafter with respect to FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 1 also illustrates that base 103 includes break point
regions 119 and that dividers 102 includes break point regions 117.
These break point regions are regions on the molded plastic where
the plastic is typically thinner to allow the plastic to be snapped
off fairly easily at such regions. In this manner, the break point
regions allow the depth of display rack 100 to be quickly modified
for different retailer store space configurations. The break point
regions 119 are located on base 103 starting near the front of base
103 and extending to the back of base 103 and are spaced apart by a
predetermined distance. The break point regions 117 on dividers 102
correspond to and align with break point regions 119 so that the
base 103 and dividers 102 can be custom tailored for a variety of
applications. It is understood that these break point regions may
start at virtually any desired distance from the front of base 103
and be spaced apart by any desired distance. Further, they may be
randomly or unequally spaced apart. Although break point regions
119 on base 103 are only illustrated as only running from side 114
to side 116, it is understood that a similar set of break point
regions could exist on base 103 that run from front to back thereby
allowing the width of display rack 100 to be quickly modified.
Accordingly, these break point regions allow for easy modification
of the width or depth of the display rack 100 for a variety of
applications for the retailer.
[0018] FIG. 1 also illustrates that base 103 includes a plurality
of drainage holes 126. These holes provide a path to drain any
leakage of products that are stored on base 103 thereby helping to
keep the products cleaner and dryer. This drainage feature will be
described in more detail when discussing the molded rails with
respect to FIG. 5
[0019] Display rack 100 is typically formed from an injection
molded flat piece of plastic but other materials may also be used.
The dimensions of base 103 may be, for example, 22 inches in depth
and 24 inches wide and approximately 1/4 inch in height. However,
it should be understood that these dimensions may be different to
accommodate a variety of applications and uses. Further, through
the use of break point regions, display rack 100 may be tailored
for just about any application.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an isometric view of
display rack 100 of FIG. 1 illustrating its use for storing a
plurality of different product types having variable widths. FIG. 2
illustrates that dividers 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g and 102h may be
spaced appropriately within selected ones of slots 110 of base 103
so as to provide bins of different width for accommodating product
types having different widths. For example, dividers 102d and 102e
are appropriately spaced apart to accommodate the width of a first
product type 202. Similarly, divider 102f is spaced appropriately
apart from divider 102e to accommodate a second product type 204.
Also, divider 102g is spaced appropriately apart from divider 102f
to accommodate a third product type 206. Finally, divider 102h is
spaced appropriately apart from divider 102g to accommodate a
fourth product type 208. Accordingly, it is clear that the present
invention readily allows dividers to be placed within base 103 in a
plurality of different orientations and spacing differences so as
to create a plurality of different bin sizes to accommodate a
plurality of different product types having different widths.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an enlarged portion of
divider 102. As shown in FIG. 3, a typical divider 102 is
configured in an L-shaped configuration having first and second
portions 302 and 304 whereby, when inserted into base 103, portion
302 is typically perpendicular to base 103 and portion 304 is
typically parallel with base 103. However, it should be understood
that the present invention is not limited to portions 302 and 304
being formed in these directions. As aforementioned with respect to
FIG. 1, divider 102 may be inserted into a selected one of slots
110 in at least two different orientations. The first orientation
represents an L-shaped configuration and is characterized by
portion 302 being closer to edge 114 (of base 103 of FIG. 1) than
edge 305 of portion 304. The first orientation was generally shown
in FIG. 1 by divider 102a. The second orientation represents a
reverse L-shaped configuration and is characterized by portion 302
being closer to edge 116 (of base 103 of FIG. 1) than edge 305 of
portion 304. The second orientation was generally shown in FIG. 1
by divider 102b. As should be observed, the second orientation is a
180-degree rotation of divider 102 with respect to the first
orientation. As a variation to divider 102, it is understood that
portion 302 may be rounded, as opposed to linear, so as to
efficiently store circular products such as frozen pizzas, and the
like. In such case, portion 304 would remain the same as still be
inserted into a selected one of slots 110 and portion 302 would be
integrally molded with portion 304.
[0022] FIG. 3 also illustrates tabs 112 in more detail. In
particular, tabs 112 include angled edges 306 and 308 for aligning
with the first and second edges, respectively, of a corresponding
hole 108 of a slot 110. This allows for easier insertion of divider
102 into base 103 while still providing appropriate rigidity and
stability of the divider when inserted and received by slot 110. It
should be understood that tabs 112 could also be rounded at the
edges, as opposed to having angled members 306 and 308, for easier
insertion into slots 110. Further, it should be understood that
tabs 112 may take a plurality of different configurations to enable
easier insertion into holes 108 while still providing appropriate
rigidity and stability for the divider 102 when inserted into a
selected slot 110 of the base 103.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a partial side view
of the display illustrating the front portion in more detail. FIG.
4 illustrates that top surface 412 of front stop 104 is coplanar
with top surface 410 of base 103. This feature allows products that
are stored on base 103 to fully rest up against the vertical
portion of front stop 104 thereby efficiently utilizing as much
shelf space as possible. Further, by not having a raised portion
caused by the insertion of front stop into base 103, products
easily slide to the edge of the front stop thereby minimizing
damage to the products. FIG. 4 also illustrates that curved member
106 is attached to base 103 whereby such attachment may be
accomplished by molding member 106 with base 103 or by otherwise
securing member 106 to base 103 by the use of glue, screws or the
like.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a partial end view
of display rack 100 illustrating in detail how the width between
adjacent dividers 102 can be varied based on the orientation
direction that the dividers are inserted into base 103. Dividers
102k and 102l are recessed within base 103 in a first orientation
that represents an L-shaped configuration, as shown, On the other
hand, dividers 102j and 102m are recessed within base 103 in a
second orientation that represents a reverse L-shaped
configuration, as shown. Because divider 102j is recessed in the
first orientation and its adjacent divider 102k is recessed in the
second orientation, the width of a first bin is represented by
distance 502. Similarly, because adjacent dividers 102k and 102l
are both recessed in slots of base 103 in the first orientation, a
second bin width may be achieved as represented by distance 504.
Finally, because divider 102l is recessed in base 103 in the first
orientation and its adjacent divider 102m is recessed in base 103
in the second orientation, a third bin width may be achieved as
represented by distance 506.
[0025] It should be clearly observed that distance 502 is a smaller
distance than what the distance between adjacent dividers 102j and
102k would be if either one of the dividers were recessed in their
opposite orientations. For example, if the orientation of divider
102k was reversed, then the bin width would be similar to distance
504. Likewise, if the orientation of dividers 102j and 102k were
both reversed, then the bin width would be similar to distance 506.
It is in this manner that the widths of the bins may be
adjusted.
[0026] It is understood that although the adjacent dividers shown
in FIG. 5 are placed in consecutive recessed troughs/slots for
simplicity, it is understood that larger bin widths may be obtained
by skipping one or more slots between adjacent dividers.
Nonetheless, based on the orientation of each of the adjacent
dividers, the bin width defined by such adjacent dividers may be
finely tuned. Accordingly, FIG. 5 clearly shows that based on the
orientation of insertion of dividers 102 into its corresponding
slots of base 103, a plurality of bin width offsets may be
achieved. Further, since space on retail shelves is extremely
valuable, savings of 1/4 inch, 1/8 inch or even less in some bin
widths is a tremendous selling point for use of the present
invention.
[0027] As is also shown in FIG. 5, base 103 includes recessed
troughs that form slots for receiving and mating with the plurality
of dividers 102. When divider 102 is fully inserted into a recessed
trough of base 103, the top surface 510 of base 103 is
substantially planar with the top surface 512 of divider 102. This
provides for a substantially planar bottom surface for each of the
bins thereby providing a better storage space for products.
[0028] FIG. 5 also shows molded rails 508 that exist on the bottom
portion of base 103. Rails 508 function to raise the overall
display rack 100 off the retailer's shelf that it typically rests
upon thereby allowing potentially leaky products, such as milk and
the like, to adequately drain below that divider rack 100 through
holes 126. Thus, rails 508 along with drainage holes 126 help
ensure that the products on base 103 are kept in a cleaner and
dryer condition when customers remove them from the self.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an isometric view
illustrating adjustable divider base display rack 600 in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6
illustrates that dividers 102n and 102p may take the form of a
T-shaped configuration. Generally, T-shaped dividers can only be
inserted into slots 110 in one orientation, as opposed to the
L-shaped dividers which could be inserted in two different
orientations. However, as will be more clearly shown in FIG. 7,
when using both T-shaped dividers and L-shaped dividers in selected
slots of the same base 103, an even finer adjustment of bin widths
may be achieved.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a partial end view
of the display rack 100, similar to FIG. 5, illustrating in detail
how the width between the dividers can be adjusted based on the
orientation of the dividers with respect to the base and based on
the selection of types of dividers. As shown in FIG. 7, because
dividers 102s and 102u are T-shaped, a different bin width
adjustment may be achieved with respect to its adjacent dividers.
For example, the bin width between adjacent dividers 102r and 102s
may be represented by distance 702 whereby distance 702 is slightly
wider than distance 502 (of FIG. 5) since divider 102s is T-shaped.
Similarly, the bin width between adjacent dividers 102t and 102u
may be represented by distance 706 whereby distance 706 is slightly
narrower than distance 506 (of FIG. 5) since divider 102u is
T-shaped. Therefore, by the use of T-shaped dividers in conjunction
with L-shaped dividers, it is possible to provide even finer
adjustment of the bin widths.
[0031] FIG. 7 also illustrates that top surface 712 of T-shaped
divider 102u is coplanar with top surface 510 of base 103 in a
similar manner that top surface 512 of L-shaped divider 102m was
coplanar with the top surface of base 103, as illustrated in FIG.
5. This coplanar feature provides for a substantially planar bottom
surface for each of the bins thereby providing a better storage
space for products.
[0032] By now it should be apparent from the foregoing description
that a novel display rack has been provided. The display rack
includes a base having a plurality of recessed troughs that form a
plurality of slots whereby each of the plurality of slots include a
plurality of holes therein. The display rack further includes a
plurality of divider pieces whereby each one of the divider pieces
is adapted for insertion into a selected one of the slots of the
base. The dividers also include a plurality of tabs that are
aligned with the plurality of holes within its respective slot so
as to facilitate stability and rigidity of the dividers when mated
and recessed within its respective slot of the base. The dividers
take the form of a L-shaped configuration which allows the dividers
to be recessed within a slot of the base in a first or a second
orientation thereby allowing variable bin width adjustment with
respect to adjacent dividers. The dividers may also take form of a
T-shaped configuration which, when used in conjunction with
L-shaped dividers, allow for even finer adjustment of adjacent bin
widths.
[0033] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention that have been described are illustrative of some of the
applications of the principles of the present invention. However,
numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *