U.S. patent application number 11/381483 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for modular shelf management system.
This patent application is currently assigned to B-O-F CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Edward I. Knorring, Jr., Eric G. Larsen, Patrick J. Mitten, Kenneth A. Shaw.
Application Number | 20060283819 11/381483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324408 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larsen; Eric G. ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
Modular Shelf Management System
Abstract
A modular system of interconnecting track members for use on a
flat shelf or on an inclined gravity-feed shelf, wherein each
individual track member includes an overhang on a first sidewall
extending in a direction opposite the second sidewall of that track
member, the overhang defining a channel to receive a portion of a
second sidewall of an adjacent track member. The track members are
provided in a variety of configurations, including different widths
and different wall heights. The track members may also be provided
with such features as friction-reducing hip slide rails, a groove
to facilitate removal of the overhang, drainage openings, permanent
dividers, and removable dividers. The track members of each of the
various possible configurations each has the overhang on a first
sidewall, and a second sidewall having a portion that is receivable
in the channel formed by the overhang of the first sidewall of an
adjacent track member, so the retailer may arrange a plurality of
track members having different parameters (e.g., width, height,
friction-reducing surface) to optimize display of different types
and sizes of retail products on a shelf.
Inventors: |
Larsen; Eric G.;
(Bensenville, IL) ; Mitten; Patrick J.;
(Barrington, IL) ; Shaw; Kenneth A.; (Wayne,
IL) ; Knorring, Jr.; Edward I.; (Wheaton,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
B-O-F CORPORATION
Aurora
IL
|
Family ID: |
46324408 |
Appl. No.: |
11/381483 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29232370 |
Jun 17, 2005 |
|
|
|
11381483 |
May 3, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.2 ;
108/33; 108/59; D6/574 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/005 20130101;
A47F 1/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/059.2 ;
D06/574; 108/033; 108/059 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/04 20060101
A47F001/04 |
Claims
1. A track member for a shelf comprising: a bottom; a first
sidewall extending upward from the bottom; a second sidewall
extending upward from the bottom; the first sidewall having a
portion curling in a direction away from the second sidewall and
forming an overhang defining a downwardly-open channel.
2. The track member of claim 1, wherein the overhang extends from a
front end of the track member to a rear end of the track
member.
3. The track member of claim 1, including a plurality of hip slide
rails extending upward from the bottom.
4. The track member of claim 3, wherein each of the hip slide rails
is provided with a lubricant coating.
5. The track member of claim 3, in combination with at least one
divider intermediate the first sidewall and the second sidewall,
the divider comprising a wall and separating the track member into
a plurality of track channels.
6. The track member of claim 5, wherein said divider is removable
and is secured to the bottom of the track member by the hip slide
rails.
7. The track member and removable divider combination of claim 6,
wherein the removable divider includes a slanted first wing and a
slanted second wing extending from a lower portion of the removable
divider; wherein the hip slide rails are arranged in pairs and each
pair of hip slide rails defines an inverted generally V-shaped
groove to receive one of the slanted first and second wings of the
removable divider.
8. The track member of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall extends
above the overhang.
9. The track member of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
sidewall and the second sidewall includes a portion that jogs
inwardly in a direction toward the other of the first and second
sidewalls.
10. The track member of claim 1, wherein at least one drainage
opening is provided in the bottom.
11. The track member of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall
includes a wedge-shaped groove running parallel to and below the
overhang, said wedge-shaped groove facilitating removal of the
overhang.
12. A modular system of interconnecting track members for a shelf
comprising: a plurality of track members each having a bottom, a
first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall having a
portion curling in a direction away from the second sidewall and
forming an overhang defining a downwardly-open channel.
13. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
13, wherein each of the track members is selectable from at least a
set of track members having a first width and a set of track
members having a second width.
14. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein at least one of the first sidewall and the second
sidewall of at least one of the plurality of track members includes
a portion that jogs inwardly in a direction toward the other of the
first and second sidewalls of that track member.
15. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein in at least one of the plurality of track members, the
overhang extends from a front end of the track member to a rear end
of that track member.
16. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein at least one of the plurality of track members includes
a plurality of hip slide rails extending upward from the bottom of
that track member.
17. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
15, wherein each of the hip slide rails is provided with a
lubricant coating.
18. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
15, wherein at least one of the plurality of track members is
provided in combination with at least one divider intermediate the
first sidewall and the second sidewall of that track member, the
divider comprising a wall and separating that track member into a
plurality of track channels.
19. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
17, wherein the divider is removable and is secured to the bottom
of that track member by the hip slide rails.
20. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
18, wherein the removable divider includes a slanted first wing and
a slanted second wing extending from a lower portion of the
removable divider; wherein the hip slide rails of that track member
are arranged in pairs and each pair of hip slide rails defines an
inverted generally V-shaped groove to receive one of the slanted
first and second wings of the removable divider.
21. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein on at least one of the plurality of track members, the
first sidewall extends above the overhang of that track member.
22. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein on at least one of the plurality of track members, at
least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall includes a
portion that jogs inwardly in a direction toward the other of the
first and second sidewalls.
23. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
21, wherein the first or second sidewall of a second one of the
track members adjacent and interconnected to the track member
having the portion that jogs inwardly, and the sidewall including
the portion that jogs inwardly, cooperate with one another to
define a double-layer separation between two track channels defined
by the respective track members, with an air gap therebetween.
24. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein at least one of the plurality of track members has at
least one drainage opening provided in the bottom.
25. The modular system of interconnecting track members of claim
12, wherein the first sidewall of at least one of the plurality of
track members includes a wedge-shaped groove running parallel to
and below the overhang of that first sidewall, said wedge-shaped
groove facilitating removal of the overhang of that first
sidewall.
26. A method for arranging a plurality of interconnecting track
members on a shelf, comprising: selecting a plurality of track
members from a set of track members having a bottom, a first
sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall having a portion
curling in a direction away from the second sidewall and forming an
overhang defining a downwardly-open channel, and a width
complementary to retail product to be displayed in each of the
respective track members; and interconnecting the selected track
members by successively inserting a portion of the second sidewall
of one of the selected track members into the downwardly-open
channel of the overhang of an adjacent one of the selected track
members until all the selected track members are
interconnected.
27. The method of claim 26, and further including cutting along a
groove provided under the overhang on the first sidewall of an
outermost one of the selected track members and removing the
overhang.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein in interconnecting the selected
track members, arranging the track members such that on every other
track member, the first sidewall includes a portion extending above
the overhang of that sidewall.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Design
patent application No. 29/232,370, filed on Jun. 17, 2005.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates to controlled display of retail
merchandise, such as gravity feed shelving, and more specifically,
to a shelf management system including individual channel-defining
track.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] In order to increase inventory turnover and maximize
efficient use of shelf space, retailers frequently utilize gravity
feed shelving systems, wherein inclined shelves are used to stock
merchandise. In such shelf systems, consumers are presented with an
array of merchandise arranged in parallel track channels on each
shelf, generally with only the front-most ("first-in" or
"first-up") unit of merchandise in each individual track being
easily accessible, i.e. so-called "first-in-first-out" (FIFO)
product merchandising. Upon removing this front-most unit of
merchandise, the remaining units of like-merchandise in that given
track channel advance, i.e. slide down, toward the front of the
shelf, so that the next-successive unit in line becomes the new
front-most unit in that track channel.
[0004] Since conventional flat merchandise shelves, e.g.,
cantilevered or so-called "gondola"-type shelves, a ow users to
rearrange product on the shelves, such as to find product with
later expiration dates, inclined gravity feed shelving systems help
ensure that oldest product is sold first. By making rearrangement
of product more difficult for consumers, it is found that inventory
waste is reduced. The inclined arrangement of the gravity feed
shelves also allows greater shelf-space on a given footprint of
valuable floor space or the retailer, which is a particular
advantage in relatively costly refrigerated aisles and wall units
where gravity shelving systems are becoming the industry
standard.
[0005] Gravity feed shelving is used in many applications,
including for food containers, such as in grocery and convenience
stores. For example, cartons or bottles of milk, cans of soft
drinks, juice boxes, cottage cheese containers, and other like
items are transported, in a FIFO format, along angled, gravity feed
shelf systems. One such gravity flow shelving system is typified by
U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,068, owned by the assignee of the present
disclosure. Some applications for such gravity flow shelving
include indexable and adjustable positioning structure, i.e. so as
to allow the shelf lane dividers to be adjusted in their position
as desired by the retailer, to accommodate larger or smaller
product sizes, among the multiple flow lanes of a given gravity
shelf unit. Such indexable and adjustable shelf assemblies are
typified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,047,647 and 6,332,547, both owned by
the assignee of the present disclosure. There have been many
attempts to create shelf divider members that extend from the front
to the rear of a gravity feed shelf and which can be easily
adjusted.
[0006] Displaying and delivering containers of freshness-dated
liquids such as fruit juice or milk products can often be hampered
by leakage from these containers. When liquids spill onto the
gravity flow racks, sticky residues can impair the ability of
product to flow down the shelf, impair cleaning of track channels,
and unsanitary conditions can be created. A system of shelf tracks
which are easily rearranged at the option of the retailer, and
which may be easily replaced when desired, would be advantageous.
Further, track members which are more economical and less
complicated to manufacture, install, and arrange than existing
adjustable-width shelving systems would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure concerns a modular system of track
members for display shelving in which the individual track members
may stand alone or may be interconnected with either track members
having similar configurations, or with track members having
different configurations, in order to provide a flexible convenient
system to display items. The track members of the present
disclosure may be installed on a shelf individually or in groups in
order to display and deliver product of various shapes and sizes,
so as to maximize use of retail shelf space while assuring an
orderly array of retail merchandise. The display channels formed by
the individual track members may have a generally U-shape.
[0008] On each track member there exists a means for
interconnecting adjacent tracks, such as an overhang on one
sidewall which forms an inverted locking channel, which is shaped
and sized to slidingly receive a male portion of an adjacent track
member's sidewall. Typically there is only one overhang that runs
the entire length of a given track member; however, it is possible
that the overhang may extend over one or more portions of the
length of a sidewall of the track member.
[0009] A wedge-shaped groove may be incorporated, running parallel
to the overhang on one side of the sidewall having the engagement
overhang, in order to facilitate removal of the overhang. For
instance, it may be desirable to remove the overhang in the event
the overhang, if present, would interfere with the track
installation (such as when the sidewall of an outer-most track
member is installed against a hard object such as a display case
wall, support or cross bars of the shelf, or some other
obstacle).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a track member of the
present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 1B is a front view of the track member of FIG. 1A;
[0012] FIG. 1C is a left side view of the track member of FIG.
1A;
[0013] FIG. 1D is a top view of the track member of FIG. 1A;
[0014] FIG. 1E is a right side view of the track member of FIG.
1A;
[0015] FIG. 1F is a bottom view of the track member of FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 1G is a front view of a section of the base of the
track member shown in FIG. 1B, taken along detail line "FIG. 1G" of
FIG. 1B;
[0017] FIG. 1H is a front view of a section of the left sidewall of
the track member shown in FIG. 1A, taken along detail line "FIG.
1H" of FIG. 1B;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a front view of the track member of FIG. 2A;
[0020] FIG. 2C is a left side view of the track member of FIG.
2A;
[0021] FIG. 2D is a top view of the track member of FIG. 2A;
[0022] FIG. 2E is a right side view of the track member of FIG.
2A;
[0023] FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the track member of FIG. 2A;
[0024] FIG. 2G is an enlarged front view of a section of the base
of the track member shown in FIG. 2A, taken along detail line "FIG.
2G" of FIG. 2B;
[0025] FIG. 2H is an enlarged front view of a section of the left
sidewall of the track member shown in FIG. 2A, taken along detail
line "FIG. 2H" of FIG. 2B;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 5A is an enlarged front view of a section of the base
of the track member shown in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 6B is a front view of the track member of FIG. 6A;
[0032] FIG. 6C is a left side view of the track member of FIG.
6A;
[0033] FIG. 6D is a top view of the track member of FIG. 6A;
[0034] FIG. 6E is a right side view of the track member of FIG.
6A;
[0035] FIG. 6F is a bottom view of the track member of FIG. 6A;
[0036] FIG. 6G is a front view of a section of the base of the
track member shown in FIG. 6A, taken along detail line "FIG. 6G" of
FIG. 6B;
[0037] FIG. 6H is an enlarged front view of a section of the left
sidewall of the track member shown in FIG. 6A, taken along detail
line "FIG. 6H" of FIG. 6B;
[0038] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 7B is a front view of the track member of FIG. 7A;
[0040] FIG. 7C is a left side view of the track member of FIG.
7A;
[0041] FIG. 7D is a top view of the track member of FIG. 7A;
[0042] FIG. 7E is a right side view of the track member of FIG.
7A;
[0043] FIG. 7F is a bottom view of the track member of FIG. 7A;
[0044] FIG. 7G is a front view of a section of the base of the
track member shown in FIG. 7A, taken along detail line "FIG. 7G" of
FIG. 7B;
[0045] FIG. 7H is an enlarged front view of a section of the left
sidewall of the track member shown in FIG. 7A, taken along detail
line "FIG. 7H" of FIG. 7B;
[0046] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a eighth embodiment of a
track member of the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 8B is a front view of the track member of FIG. 8A;
[0048] FIG. 8C is a left side view of the track member of FIG.
8A;
[0049] FIG. 8D is a top view of the track member of FIG. 8A;
[0050] FIG. 8E is a right side view of the track member of FIG.
8A;
[0051] FIG. 8F is a bottom view of the track member of FIG. 8A;
[0052] FIG. 8G is a front view of a section of the base of the
track member shown in FIG. 8A, taken along detail line "FIG. 8G" of
FIG. 8B;
[0053] FIG. 8H is a front view of a section of the left sidewall of
the track member shown in FIG. 8A, taken along detail line "FIG.
8H" of FIG. 8B;
[0054] FIG. 8I is a front view of a track member similar to that
shown in FIG. 8A, having an inward jog not only on the left
sidewall but also on the right sidewall.
[0055] FIG. 9A is a front view of three track members of the
embodiment of FIG. 7A, connected together;
[0056] FIG. 9B is a front view of four interconnected track members
of various embodiments of this disclosure;
[0057] FIG. 9C is a front view of three interconnected track
members of various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 10A is a front view of a relatively wide track member
having two fixed dividers partitioning the track member into three
track channels;
[0059] FIG. 10B is a front view of a relatively wide track member
having two fixed dividers partitioning the track member into three
track channels;
[0060] FIG. 10C is a front view of a relatively wide track member
similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8A, and having two fixed dividers
partitioning the track member into three track channels;
[0061] FIG. 11A is a front view of an embodiment consisting of a
relatively wide track member with one removable divider
partitioning the track member into two track channels;
[0062] FIG. 11AA is an enlarged front view of a section of the base
of the track member and removable divider of FIG. 11A taken along
detail line "FIG. 11AA" of FIG. 11A;
[0063] FIG. 11B is a front view of another embodiment of a track
member in combination with an adjustable and removable divider
partitioning the track member into two track channels;
[0064] FIG. 11BB is an enlarged front view of a section of the base
of the track member and removable divider of FIG. 11B, taken along
detail line "FIG. 11BB" of FIG. 11B; and
[0065] FIG. 12 is a front view of a number of track members of
various embodiments of the present disclosure, interconnected into
a cohesive modular unit as an example of the options available for
a shelf layout.
[0066] It will be understood that the drawings are not to scale and
that, in some instances, details which are not necessary for an
understanding of the disclosed embodiments or which render other
details difficult to perceive, may have been omitted. It should
also be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the
embodiments specifically illustrated in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0067] Having reference to the drawings, where like reference
numbers comprise like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1A a track
member for display shelving, generally denoted by reference numeral
10. Track 10 includes a left sidewall 12, a right sidewall 18, and
a bottom 30. The left sidewall 12 is generally vertical as it rises
from a bottom edge 13, where it joins the bottom 30, to a top edge
16. The left sidewall 12 has a portion which curls downward from
the top edge 16, in a direction opposite the right sidewall 18,
creating an overhang 14 defining an inverted channel 15 which runs
the entire length of the left sidewall 12. Similarly, the right
sidewall 18 is generally vertical as it rises from a bottom edge
19, where it joins the bottom 30. The right sidewall 18 continues
upward until it cants outwardly at a bend 20, and then it extends
upward a short remaining distance ending at a top edge 22.
[0068] FIG. 1B shows a front view of the track member 10 with a
detail labelled "FIG. 1G", which shows a profile of a plurality of
hip slide strips 32 which extend upwardly from the bottom 30. The
hip slide strips 32 are present in order to provide a low-friction
surface over which dispensed product is gravity fed when the track
member 10 is mounted on an inclined shelf (not shown). Also shown
in FIG. 1B is a detail labelled "FIG. 1H", which shows a profile of
the top edge 16 of the left sidewall 12. The left sidewall 12 is
provided with a knife groove 17, facilitating removal of a overhang
14 if the overhang 14 impedes installation of the track member 10.
FIG. 1C shows a left side view of the track member 10, while FIG.
1D shows a top view of track member 10, including optional drain
apertures 34 cut through the bottom 30, as well as the plurality of
hip slide strips 32 running the length of the bottom 30. FIG. 1E
shows a right side view of the track member 10, while FIG. 1F shows
a bottom (underside) view of the track member 10.
[0069] With the exception of the optional drain apertures 34, the
track member 10 of the present disclosure may be formed as one
piece, in a single extrusion operation, using a suitable plastic
material.
[0070] There is shown in FIG. 2A a track member for display
shelving, generally denoted by reference numeral 210. Track 210
includes a left sidewall 212, a right sidewall 218, and a bottom
230. The left sidewall 212 is generally vertical as it rises from a
bottom edge 213, where it joins the bottom 230, to a top edge 216.
The left sidewall 212 has a portion which curls downward from the
top edge 216, in a direction opposite the right sidewall 218,
creating an overhang 214 defining an inverted channel 215 which
runs the entire length of the left sidewall 212. Similarly, the
right sidewall 218 is generally vertical as it rises from a bottom
edge 219, where it joins the bottom 230. The right sidewall 218
continues upward until it cants outwardly at a bend 220, and then
it extends upward a short remaining distance ending at a top edge
222.
[0071] FIG. 2B shows a front view of the track member 210 with a
detail labelled "FIG. 2G", which shows a profile of hip slide
strips 232 which extend upwardly from the bottom 230. The hip slide
strips 232 are present in order to provide a low-friction surface
over which dispensed product is gravity fed when the track member
210 is mounted on an inclined shelf (not shown). Also shown in FIG.
2B is a detail labelled "FIG. 2H", which shows a profile of the top
edge 216 of the left sidewall 212. The left sidewall 212 is
provided with a knife groove 217, facilitating removal of a
overhang 214 if the overhang 214 impedes installation of the track
member 210. FIG. 2C shows a left side view of the track member 210.
FIG. 2D shows a top view of track member 210 containing a plurality
of hip slide strips 232 running the length of the bottom 230;
however, unlike the previous embodiment, there are no drain
apertures cut through the bottom 230. FIG. 2E shows a right side
view of the track member 210, while FIG. 2F shows a bottom
(underside) view of the track member 210.
[0072] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a track member 310 that is
very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2; however, the track
member 310 has a flat bottom (i.e., it does not include the hip
slide strips 232 as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2G). FIG. 4 shows an
embodiment of a track member 410 that is very similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1; however, FIG. 4 contains no hip slide
strips 32 as shown in FIG. 1B and 1G. FIG. 5 shows another
embodiment of a track member 510 which is very similar to the
embodiment in FIG. 1; however, instead of having a plurality of hip
slide strips 32 as shown in FIG. 1G, this embodiment contains slide
strips 532 having a block profile, as shown in FIG. 5A.
[0073] There is shown in FIG. 6A a track member for display
shelving, generally denoted by reference numeral 610. Track member
610 includes a left sidewall 612, a right sidewall 618, and a
bottom 630. The left sidewall 612 is generally vertical as it rises
from a bottom edge 613, where it joins the bottom 630, to a top
edge 621. On the left sidewall 612 there is an overhang 614 formed
by a portion of the left sidewall 612 which curls downward, in a
direction opposite the right sidewall 618. The overhang 614 defines
an inverted channel 615 which runs the entire length of the left
sidewall 612. Similarly, the right sidewall 618 is generally
vertical as it rises from a bottom edge 619, where it joins the
bottom 630, and continues upward to a top edge 624. On the right
sidewall 618, there is a fastening lip 623 which has a top edge 622
and is connected to the right sidewall 618 by an outwardly canting
bend 620. As explained in more detail below, the portion of the
sidewall 612 extending above the overhang 614 provides an increased
height relative to track members of the previous embodiments. This
increased wall height is advantageous for use with, for example,
tall products to be displayed, such as bottles, as well as products
intended to be displayed in a stacked manner in a given track
channel, such as cottage cheese tubs, one product container on top
of another.
[0074] FIG. 6B shows a front view of the track member 610 with a
detail labelled "FIG. 6G", which shows a profile of a plurality of
hip slide strips 632 which extend upwardly from the bottom 630. The
hip slide strips 632 are present in order to provide a low-friction
surface over which dispensed product is gravity fed when the track
member 610 is mounted on an inclined shelf (not shown). Also shown
in FIG. 6B is a detail labelled "FIG. 6H", which shows a profile of
the top edge 621 of the left sidewall 612. The left sidewall 612 is
provided with a knife groove 617, facilitating removal of a
overhang 614 if the overhang 614 impedes installation of the track
member 610.
[0075] FIG. 6C shows a left side view of the track member 610,
including a view of the overhang 614 running the length of the left
sidewall 612. FIG. 6D shows a top view of track member 610
containing a plurality of hip slide strips 632 running the length
of the bottom 630. FIG. 6E shows a right side view of the track
member 610, including a view of the fastening lip 623 running the
length of the right sidewall 618. FIG. 6F shows a bottom
(underside) view of the track member 610.
[0076] There is shown in FIG. 7A a track member for display
shelving, generally denoted by reference numeral 710. Track 710
includes a left sidewall 712, a right sidewall 718, and a bottom
730. The left sidewall 712 is generally vertical as it rises from a
bottom edge 713, where it joins the bottom 730, and proceeds to a
slight inward jog 711. Continuing upward from the inward jog 711,
the left sidewall 712 extends generally vertically to a top edge
716. The left sidewall 712 then curls back downward from the top
edge 716 creating an overhang 714 and an inverted channel 715 which
run the entire length of the left sidewall 712. The right sidewall
718 is generally vertical as it rises from a bottom edge 719, where
it joins the bottom 730. The right sidewall 718 continues upward
until it cants outwardly at a bend 720, and then it extends upward
a short remaining distance ending at a top edge 722.
[0077] FIG. 7B shows a front view of the track member 710 with a
detail labelled "FIG. 7G", which shows a profile of a plurality of
hip slide strips 732 which extend upwardly from the bottom 730. The
hip slide strips 732 are present in order to provide a low-friction
surface over which dispensed product is gravity fed when the track
member 710 is mounted on an inclined shelf (not shown). Also shown
in FIG. 7B is a detail labelled "FIG. 7H", which shows a profile of
the top edge 716 of the left sidewall 712. The left sidewall 712 is
provided with a knife groove 717, facilitating removal of an
overhang 714 if the overhang 714 impedes installation of the track
member 710.
[0078] FIG. 7C shows a left side view of the track member 710,
including the slight inward jog 711 and at the top is the overhang
714. FIG. 7D shows a top view of track member 710 containing a
plurality of hip slide strips 732 running the length of the bottom
730. FIG. 7E shows a right side view of the track member 710,
including the bend 720 near the top of the right sidewall 718. FIG.
7F shows a bottom (underside) view of the track member 710.
[0079] There is shown in FIG. 8A a track member for display
shelving, generally denoted by reference numeral 810. Track 810
includes a left sidewall 812, a right sidewall 818, and a bottom
830. The left sidewall 812 is generally vertical as it rises from a
bottom edge 813, where it joins the bottom 830, and proceeds to a
slight inward jog 811. Continuing upward from the inward jog 811,
the left sidewall 812 extends generally vertically to a top edge
821. On the left sidewall 812 there is an overhang 814 which curls
back downward creating an inverted channel 815 which runs the
entire length of the left sidewall 812. Similarly, the right
sidewall 818 is generally vertical as it rises from a bottom edge
819, where it joins the bottom 830, and continues upward to a top
edge 824. On the right sidewall 818, there is a fastening lip 823
which has a top edge 822 and is connected to the right sidewall 818
by an outwardly canting bend 820.
[0080] FIG. 8B shows a front view of the track member 810 with a
detail labelled "FIG. 8G", which shows a profile of a plurality of
hip slide strips 832 which extend upwardly from the bottom 830. The
hip slide strips 832 are present in order to provide a low-friction
surface over which dispensed product is gravity fed when the track
member 810 is mounted on an inclined shelf (not shown). Also shown
in FIG. 8B is a detail labelled "FIG. 8H", which shows a profile of
the top edge 821 of the left sidewall 812.
[0081] The left sidewall 812 is provided with a knife groove 817,
facilitating removal of a overhang 814 if the overhang 814 impedes
installation of the track member 810. FIG. 8C shows a left side
view of the track member 810, including a view of the overhang 814
and the slight inward jog 811 running the length of the left
sidewall 812. FIG. 8D shows a top view of track member 810
containing a plurality of hip slide strips 832 running the length
of the bottom 830. FIG. 8E shows a right side view of the track
member 810, including a view of the fastening lip 823 running the
length of the right sidewall 818. FIG. 8F shows a bottom
(underside) view of the track member 810.
[0082] FIG. 8I represents another embodiment of a track member of
the present disclosure, generally denoted by reference numeral
810A. Track member 810A has both a left sidewall and a right
sidewall which contain a slight inward jog 811A, running the length
of each sidewall.
[0083] FIG. 9A is a front view of three track members 710, 710, 210
interconnected with one another. The track member 210 at the far
right has a left sidewall that is straight, whereas the track
members 710 on the far left and in the center each has a left
sidewall 712 that includes the inward jog 711 at a point slightly
above where the left sidewall 712 meets the bottom of the track
member. As can be appreciated from FIG. 9A, when two track members
710, 710 are interconnected with one another, the left sidewall 712
and right sidewall 718 cooperate with one another to define a
double-layer separation between two track channels, with an air gap
724 between the left sidewall 712 and right sidewall 718. This
double-layer separation provides enhanced strength and stability as
compared to a single-layer track channel divider. The complementary
shapes of the interconnected left sidewall 712 and right sidewall
718 of the adjacent track members 710, 710 also achieve superior
perpendicularity of the sidewalls 712, 718. Maintaining
perpendicularity of the sidewalls 712, 718 is desirable, as this
can help avoid a column of products, in particular tall products
having a high center of gravity, in a given track channel from
becoming skewed (e.g., falling or tilting over into the
next-adjacent track channel) as the products in the column advance
toward the front of a given track channel.
[0084] FIG. 9B is a front view of four track members 610, 210,
610', 210 interconnected together. The track member 610 on the far
left is of a first width. As used herein, the width of a given
track member is considered a distance between the first sidewall
and the second sidewall of that track member. The track member 210
next to it has a lower profile, and has a second width different
from the first width. The next track member 610' (rightward) is
taller than the track member 210, and has the same width as the
second width, i.e. the width of the track member 210. This
alternating arrangement of relatively higher-walled and relatively
lower-walled track members 610, 210, 610', 210 is desirable for use
with relatively tall products to be displayed. In order to conserve
material, only the sidewalls 612, 618 of every other track member
generally need to be higher-walled (except, perhaps, with
particularly tall top-heavy products which may require a
double-wall that extends the entire height of both adjacent track
members), because there is sufficient strength in the portions of
the walls of the adjacent track members 610, 210 to substantially
resist deflections due to products in the channels defined by the
respective track members 610, 210.
[0085] FIG. 9C is a front view of three track members 710, 610,
710' interconnected together. The track member 710 on the far left
is a track member of a first width. The middle track member 610 is
of the same width but taller and has a straight left sidewall 612.
The track member 710' on the far right has a second width different
from, e.g. wider than, the first width.
[0086] FIG. 10A is a front view of an embodiment of a track member
110A, including a relatively wide track member 1010A with two fixed
dividers 1028 partitioning the track member into three channels
each of smaller width.
[0087] FIG. 10B is a front view of an embodiment of a track member
1010B including a relatively wide track member with two fixed
dividers 1028 partitioning the track member into three channels
each of smaller width. Like the track member 610 described above,
this track member 1010B is of a relatively tall height with a
straight left sidewall and the dividers 1028 of the track member
1010B of this embodiment are relatively tall as well.
[0088] FIG. 10C is a front view of an embodiment of a track member
1010C having two fixed dividers 1028, 1030 partitioning the track
into three channels each of smaller width. This track member 1010C
is of a tall height with a left sidewall 1012 that cants or jogs
inward at a point slightly above where the left sidewall meets the
bottom of the track member. The leftmost divider 1028 is of tail
height and the rightmost divider 1030 is relatively lower.
[0089] FIG. 11A is a front view of another embodiment of a track
member 1110A of the present disclosure, including a relatively wide
track member 1110A with one removable divider 1128 partitioning the
track member into two channels each of smaller width. As best seen
in the detail of FIG. 11AA, the bottom 1130 of the track member
1110A is provided with a plurality of hip slide strips 1132 which
are arranged in pairs to form inverted generally V-shaped grooves
to securely receive slanted first and second wings 1134, 1136 which
extend from a lower portion of the removable divider 1128.
[0090] FIG. 11B is a front view of another embodiment of a track
member 1110B of the present disclosure, similar to the track member
1110A, but as best seen in the detail of FIG. 11BB, the hip slide
strips 1136 have mushroom-shaped (in cross-section) caps to
securely receive horizontal projections 1140 of the removable
divider 1128'.
[0091] FIG. 12 is a front view of a number of track members 1010B,
710, 1110B, 810, 210, 810 of various embodiments of the present
disclosure, all interconnected into a cohesive unit as an example
of just one of a multiplicity of the options available for a shelf
layout.
[0092] The track members of the present disclosure may be provided
in a variety of widths so that, at the option of the retailer, a
shelf may be configured having track members of selected widths to
optimize efficiency of shelf space and to best correspond to the
widths of the product to be displayed and dispensed from the shelf.
The width of the track member is determined when the track member
is designed and then manufactured. Once manufactured, the width of
a given track member cannot be altered. However, in certain
embodiments disclosed herein, the track members may be provided
with adjustable dividers to enable retailers to form track channels
of customized widths.
[0093] When interconnected with adjacent track members, each of the
track members of the present disclosure becomes more stabilized, by
virtue of the double-layer separation achieved by adjacent
sidewalls, than if the track members were provided individually. As
a result, a shelf system of selectable width track channels having
superior strength and rigidity is achieved. With the overhanging
lip interconnection, it is also easy to remove a given track
member, such as for the purpose of cleaning or to substitute a
track member of a different height or width.
[0094] Like the track member of the first embodiment, the track
members of all other embodiments disclosed herein may be extruded
using a suitable plastic material. In addition, for those
embodiments having hip slide strips, it is noted that such hip
slide strips may each be provided with a friction-reducing
lubricant coating, such as silicone, which coating may be
co-extruded with the track members.
[0095] The length of the track member will vary depending upon the
length of the display case into which it is arranged. The length of
track member when manufactured is not necessarily the final length
as the final product could be cut shorter upon installation.
Alternatively, a manufacturer may extrude (or otherwise form) the
track members to a variety of lengths to meet the needs of
different shelf applications. While it is desirable to use the
track members of the present disclosure in gravity feed shelving
applications, it is also contemplated that the track members
disclosed herein are appropriate for use in flat shelving, such as
gondola-type shelving.
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