U.S. patent application number 11/381587 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for shelf divider system.
Invention is credited to Carl Olson.
Application Number | 20070256992 11/381587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38660265 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070256992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olson; Carl |
November 8, 2007 |
SHELF DIVIDER SYSTEM
Abstract
There is provided a shelf divider system for organizing, moving,
and displaying merchandize items on a store shelf. A plurality of
dividers attach perpendicularly to a plurality of base strips by
inserting knobs on the dividers into mating holes in the base
strips. Each adjacent pair of dividers forms a channel for the
merchandise. Merchandize carriers slide over the base strips
between each adjacent pair of dividers. A pull strap is attached to
the front end of each carrier for pulling it forward for moving the
merchandize items forward on the shelf. The pull straps have
longitudinal grooves therein for dividing the pull straps
longitudinally into two narrower pull straps. The merchandize items
are prevented from falling from the front of the shelf by
transparent guards attached to guard holders. The shelf divider
system may be attached to the shelf by clips, which attach a base
strip to the shelf.
Inventors: |
Olson; Carl; (College
Station, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Carl Olson
9893 Runaway Road
College Station
TX
77845
US
|
Family ID: |
38660265 |
Appl. No.: |
11/381587 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/059.3 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/04 20060101
A47F001/04 |
Claims
1. A shelf divider system for organizing, moving, and displaying
merchandize items on a shelf, which comprises: at least one base
strip for engaging with the shelf; a plurality of dividers attached
perpendicularly to the base strips, each adjacent pair of dividers
forming a merchandize channel; a merchandize carrier slidably
disposed between each adjacent pair of dividers, each carrier
having an elongated runner slidably engaging at least one base
strip, the runner having a front end and a rear end, and a backstop
on the rear end of the runner; and a pull strap attached to the
front end of each carrier for pulling the carrier for moving the
merchandize items forward on the shelf.
2. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein: the base strips
have a plurality of spaced holes therein; and the dividers have
lower surfaces having a plurality of spaced knobs thereon,
selective knobs on the dividers mating with selective holes in the
base strips for attaching the dividers to the base strips.
3. The shelf divider system of claim 2, wherein the spaced holes in
the base strip and the spaced knobs on the dividers are arranged so
that the dividers attach to the base strips only perpendicularly
with respect to the base strips.
4. The shelf divider system of claim 3, wherein the spaced holes in
the base strips are arranged in parallel rows, the holes being
staggered from one another in sequential rows.
5. The shelf divider system of claim 3, wherein the spaced knobs on
the dividers are arranged in parallel rows and columns.
6. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein each divider
comprises an elongated base and an upstanding wall extending from
the base, the cross-sectional shape of the divider thus being an
inverted "T".
7. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein the carrier runners
have at least one knob near their front ends and the pull straps
have at least one hole therein, the knobs on the carrier runners
mating with the holes in the pull straps for attaching the pull
straps to the carrier runners.
8. The shelf divider system of claim 7, wherein the carrier runners
have a plurality of spaced knobs near their front ends and the pull
straps have a plurality of spaced holes therein, selective knobs on
the carrier runners mating with selective holes in the pull straps
for adjustably attaching the pull straps to the carrier
runners.
9. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein the base strips
have opposite beveled edges and the carrier runners have front and
rear ends with beveled edges thereon for smooth sliding engagement
therebetween.
10. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein the pull straps
have longitudinal grooves therein for dividing the pull straps
longitudinally into two narrower pull straps.
11. The shelf divider system of claim 1, wherein the dividers have
front and rear ends and further including: guard holders attached
to the front ends of at least some of the dividers; and an
elongated guard attached to the guard holders for preventing the
merchandize items from falling from the front of the shelf.
12. The shelf divider system of claim 11, wherein: each guard
holder includes a base with a plurality of spaced holes therein;
and the dividers have lower surfaces having a plurality of spaced
knobs thereon, the knobs on the dividers mating with the holes in
the guard holder base for attaching the guard holders to the
dividers.
13. The shelf divider system of claim 11, wherein each guard holder
includes: a base; and a guard receptor extending perpendicularly
from the base, the guard receptor having an opening therein for
receiving the elongated guard.
14. The shelf divider system of claim 11, wherein the elongated
guard is transparent for viewing the merchandize items
therethrough.
15. The shelf divider system of claim 1, further including at least
one clip for attaching the shelf divider system to the shelf.
16. The shelf divider system of claim 15, wherein the clip has
first and second ends, and wherein a plurality of holes are
proximate the first end for attaching the clip to the shelf, and a
pair of spaced tabs are proximate the second end of the clip for
attaching to the base strip.
17. A shelf divider system for organizing, moving, and displaying
merchandise items on a shelf, which comprises: at least one base
strip for engaging with the shelf, the base strip having a
plurality of spaced holes therein; a plurality of dividers attached
perpendicularly to the base strips, each divider having front and
rear ends and comprising an elongated base and an upstanding wall
extending from the base, the cross-sectional shape of the dividers
thus being an inverted "T", each adjacent pair of dividers forming
a merchandize channel, the dividers having lower surfaces having a
plurality of spaced knobs thereon, selective knobs on the dividers
mating with selective holes in the base strips for attaching the
dividers to the base strips, the spaced holes in the base strips
and the spaced knobs on the dividers being arranged so that the
dividers attach to the base strips only perpendicularly with
respect to the base strips; a merchandize carrier slidably disposed
between each adjacent pair of dividers, each carrier having an
elongated runner slidably engaging at least one base strip, the
runner having a front end and a rear end, and a backstop on the
rear end of the runner; a pull strap attached to the front end of
each carrier for pulling the carrier for moving the merchandise
items forward on the shelf, the pull strap having a longitudinal
groove therein for dividing the pull strap longitudinally into two
narrower pull straps; guard holders attached to the front ends of
at least some of the dividers; and an elongated guard attached to
the guard holders for preventing the merchandize items from falling
from the front of the shelf.
18. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein: the spaced holes
in the base strips are arranged in parallel rows, the holes being
staggered from one another in sequential rows; and the spaced knobs
on the dividers are arranged in parallel rows and columns.
19. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein the carrier
runners have a plurality of spaced knobs near their front ends and
the pull straps have a plurality of spaced holes therein, selective
knobs on the carrier runners mating with selective holes in the
pull straps for adjustably attaching the pull straps to the carrier
runners.
20. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein the base strips
have opposite beveled edges and the front and rear ends of the
carrier runners have beveled edges thereon for smooth sliding
engagement with the base strips.
21. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein: each guard
holder includes a base with a plurality of spaced holes therein;
and the dividers have lower surfaces having a plurality of spaced
knobs thereon, the knobs on the dividers mating with the holes in
the guard holder base for attaching the guard holders to the
dividers.
22. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein each guard holder
includes: a base; and a guard receptor extending perpendicularly
from the base, the guard receptor having an opening therein for
receiving the elongated guard.
23. The shelf divider system of claim 17, wherein the elongated
guard is transparent for viewing the merchandize items
therethrough.
24. The shelf divider system of claim 17, further including at
least one clip for attaching the shelf divider system to the shelf,
wherein the clip has first and second ends, and wherein a plurality
of holes are proximate the first end for attaching the clip to the
shelf and a pair of spaced tabs are proximate the second end of the
clip for attaching to the base strip.
25. A shelf divider system for organizing, moving, and displaying
merchandize items on a shelf, which comprises: at least one base
strip for engaging with the shelf, the base strip having opposite
beveled edges and a plurality of spaced holes therein, the spaced
holes being arranged in parallel rows, the holes being staggered
from one another in sequential rows; a plurality of dividers
attached perpendicularly to the base strips, each divider having
front and rear ends and comprising an elongated base and an
upstanding wall extending from the base, the cross-sectional shape
of the dividers thus being an inverted "T", each adjacent pair of
dividers forming a merchandize channel, the dividers having lower
surfaces having a plurality of spaced knobs thereon arranged in
parallel rows and columns; selective knobs on the dividers mating
with selective holes in the base strips for attaching the dividers
to the base strips, the spaced holes in the base strips and the
spaced knobs on the dividers being arranged so that the dividers
attach to the base strips only perpendicularly with respect to the
base strips; a merchandize carrier slidably disposed between each
adjacent pair of dividers, each carrier having an elongated runner
slidably engaging at least one base strip, the runner having a
front end and a rear end and a backstop on the rear end of the
runner, the runners having a plurality of spaced knobs near their
front ends, the front and rear ends of the runners having beveled
edges thereon for smooth sliding engagement with the base strips; a
pull strap attached to the front end of each carrier for pulling
the carrier for moving the merchandize items forward on the shelf
the pull strap having a longitudinal groove therein for dividing
the pull strap longitudinally into two narrower pull straps, the
pull straps having a plurality of spaced holes therein, selective
knobs on the carrier runners mating with selective holes in the
pull straps for adjustably attaching the pull straps to the carrier
runners; guard holders attached to the front ends of at least some
of the dividers, each guard holder including a base with a
plurality of spaced holes therein, the knobs on the dividers mating
with the holes in the guard holder base for attaching the guard
holders to the dividers, and including a guard receptor extending
perpendicularly from the base, the guard receptor having an opening
therein for receiving the elongated guard: an elongated guard
attached to the guard holders for preventing the merchandize items
from falling from the front of the shelf, wherein the elongated
guard is transparent for viewing the merchandize items
therethrough; and at least one clip for attaching the shelf divider
system to the shelf, wherein the clip has first and second ends,
and wherein a plurality of holes are proximate the first end for
attaching the clip to the shelf, and a pair of spaced tabs are
proximate the second end of the clip for attaching to the base
strip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to retail store
product storage and display, and, more specifically, to a shelf
divider system for organizing, moving, and displaying merchandize
items on a store shelf.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] In grocery stores and general merchandize and department
stores, retail merchandize is often stocked and sold on open
shelves where the items are freestanding. Store personnel must
arrange, organize, and straighten the merchandize item by item so
that it is readily displayed and visible to the shopper. This
process is known as "facing, fronting, or zoning," and normally
occurs during off-peak hours, as does restocking, reordering, and
inventory management. Freestanding merchandize presents a problem
for consumers when different types or brands of products become
mixed or lost in a jumble behind other products. Also, after the
frontmost items are removed from the shelf by purchasers, the
remaining items are often not within view or easily accessible by
later shoppers. Items located on the upper shelves often cannot be
reached. In addition, whole departments of shelves and their
merchandize are continuously rearranged in "resets" due to seasonal
changes or consumer demands. The shelves are then completely
emptied and an entirely new line of merchandize is stocked and
displayed on the shelves.
[0007] A number of shelf divider systems have been used in the
past. Some use clear plastic dividers to separate different types
of product, but have no means for conveying the rear merchandize to
the front. Some systems include coil springs that are designed to
push merchandize forward as the product in front is removed. These
systems often have rails that are fastened to the front of the
shelf. However, due to spring failure or a product too heavy to be
pushed forward, these systems are often not effective in moving the
remaining product to the front of the shelf.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,438 to James Garth Close discloses a
system and method for product display, arrangement, and rotation
using magnetic attraction to assist in the method. U.S. Pat. No.
6,227,386, also to James Garth Close, discloses a system and method
for product display, arrangement, and rotation using position and
support elements to pull items forward on a shelf. (See FIGS. 12
and 13.) U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,151, also to James Garth Close,
discloses a system and method for product display, arrangement, and
rotation in which products are pulled forward by pulling a front
member which is attached to two slide rails which fit into the
vacant space near the bottom of rounded container sides. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,041,720 to Stephen Hardy discloses a product management
display system for organizing and displaying items on a gondola
shelf. The system uses coiled ribbon springs to move products
forward on a shelf.
[0009] However, all of the prior art devices have significant
drawbacks that have limited their widespread commercial use. A need
therefore exists for a shelf divider system that effectively
separates, organizes, and displays merchandize items on a store
shelf. Preferably, such a system will permit conservation of shelf
space by eliminating wasted space between stocks of different
products. Still more preferably, this system will be quickly
assembled and installed on or removed from a store shelf without
the need for tools or separate fasteners. Even more preferably,
such a system will provide a means for easily moving merchandize
items forward on a shelf, but also preventing the items from
inadvertently falling from the shelf.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention addresses the aforementioned need.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a shelf divider
system is provided for organizing, moving, and displaying
merchandize items on a store shelf. A plurality of dividers attach
perpendicularly to a plurality of base strips by inserting knobs on
the dividers into mating holes in the base strips. Each adjacent
pair of dividers forms a channel for the merchandize. Merchandize
carriers slide over the base strips between each adjacent pair of
dividers. A pull strap is attached to the front end of each carrier
for pulling it forward for moving the merchandize items forward on
the shelf. The pull straps have longitudinal grooves therein for
dividing the pull straps longitudinally into two narrower pull
straps. The merchandize items are prevented from falling from the
front of the shelf by transparent guards attached to guard holders.
In one embodiment, the shelf divider system is attached to the
shelf by clips, which attach a base strip to the shelf.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a shelf divider system that separates, organizes, and
displays merchandize items on a store shelf. It is another object
of the invention to provide a shelf divider system that provides a
merchandize channel or track in which merchandize items are
organized in order and separated from unlike products. It is
another object of the invention to provide a manual means for
moving merchandize items forward so that the items will be
prominently displayed and not be lost near the back of shelves or
unreachable on the higher shelves. It is another object of the
invention to provide a shelf divider system that conserves shelf
space by eliminating wasted space between rows of different
products stored on a shelf. It is a further object of the invention
to provide a shelf divider system that can be quickly assembled and
installed on or removed from a store shelf without the need for
tools or separate fasteners. Other objects of the invention are
apparent from the following description, the claims set forth
below, and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment of the Invention,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shelf divider system of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a base strip of the shelf
divider system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 2B is a top view of a portion of the base strip of FIG.
2A.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a divider of the shelf
divider system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a portion of the divider of FIG.
3A.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of merchandise carrier of the
divider system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a pull strap of the shelf
divider system of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of guard holder of the shelf
divider system of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a guard of the shelf
divider system of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a clip of the shelf divider
system of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The invention and its advantages are best understood by
referring to the drawings, like numerals being used for like and
corresponding parts of the various drawings. In FIG. 1 there is
shown in perspective view a shelf divider system, generally
designated 10, according to an example embodiment of the invention.
Shelf divider system 10 is useful for organizing, moving, and
displaying merchandize items, such as jars of spices, on a grocery
store shelf (not illustrated). Shelf divider system 10 comprises at
least one base strip 12 for engaging the shelf divider system 10
with the shelf. It further includes a plurality of dividers 14
attached perpendicularly to the base strips 12. Each adjacent pair
of dividers 14 forms a merchandize channel 16.
[0024] A merchandize carrier 18 is slidably disposed between each
adjacent pair of dividers 14. Each carrier 18 has an elongated
runner 20 slidably engaging at least one base strip 12. Referring
to FIG. 4A, runner 20 has a front end 22 and a rear end 24. A
backstop 26 is on the rear end 24 of runner 20. A pull strap 28 is
attached to the front end 22 of each carrier 18 for pulling carrier
18 for moving the merchandize items forward on the shelf.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, base strips 12 have a
plurality of spaced holes 30 therein. Referring to FIG. 3A, each
divider 14 comprises an elongated base 34 and an upstanding wall 36
extending upward from the base 34. The cross-sectional shape of the
divider 14 is thus an inverted "T". A plurality of spaced knobs 32
are on the lower surfaces of dividers 14. Knobs 32 are arranged to
mate with the holes 30 in base strips 12 for attaching the dividers
14 to the base strips 12. The spaced holes 30 in the base strips 12
and the spaced knobs 32 on the dividers 14 are arranged so that the
dividers 14 attach to the base strips 12 only perpendicularly with
respect to the base strips 12.
[0026] As best seen in FIG. 2B, the spaced holes 30 in the base
strips 12 are arranged in parallel rows. The holes 30 are staggered
from one another in sequential rows. This configuration allows
dividers 14 to be placed as close as possible to the merchandize to
prevent wasted shelf space. As best seen in FIG. 3B, the knobs 32
on the dividers are arranged in parallel rows and columns. In one
embodiment of the invention, the spacings A and B of knobs 32 on
divider 14 are 0.702 inches and 0.281 inches, respectively, and the
spacings C, D, and E of holes 30 in base strip 12 fire 0.702
inches, 0.281 inches, and 0.094 inches, respectively.
[0027] As seen in FIG. 4A, the carrier runners 20 have a plurality
of spaced knobs 38 near their front ends 22. Pull straps 28 have a
plurality of spaced holes 40. Knobs 38 on the carrier runners 20
mate with selective holes 40 in the pull straps 28 for adjustably
attaching the pull straps 28 to the carrier runners 20.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2B, base strips 12 have opposite beveled
edges 42. Referring to FIG. 4A, carrier runners 20 have front and
rear ends 22 and 24, respectively, with beveled edges 44 thereon
for smooth sliding engagement over the base strips 12. Pull straps
28 have longitudinal grooves 46 for dividing the pull straps 28
longitudinally into two narrower pull straps for use in narrower
merchandize channels 16.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1 guard holders 48 are attached to the
front ends of dividers 14. An elongated guard 50 is attached to the
guard holders 48 for preventing the merchandize items from falling
from the front of the shelf. Referring to FIG. 5A, each guard
holder 48 includes a base 52 having a plurality of spaced holes 54.
A guard receptor 56 extends perpendicularly from base 52. Guard
receptor 56 has an opening 58 for receiving guard 50. Knobs 32 on
dividers 14 mate with the holes 54 in the base 52 of guard holders
48 for attaching the guard holders 48 to the dividers 14. Guard 50
is transparent for viewing the merchandize items through guard
50.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, clip 60 attaches the shelf divider
system 10 to the shelf. A plurality of spaced holes 62 extend
inward from one end of clip 60 for attaching clip 60 to the shelf
by means of plastic push-in fastener 66 or other suitable fastener.
A pair of spaced tabs 64 are located near the opposite end of clip
60 for attaching to a base strip 12 for securing the shelf divider
system 10 to the shelf.
[0031] In one example embodiment of the invention, base strip 12,
divider 14, carrier 18, pull strap 28, and guard holder 48 are
formed of medium density polypropylene thermoplastic. Guard 50 is
formed of acrylic transparent plastic. Clip 60 is made from
steel.
[0032] The shelf divider system of the present invention, and many
of its intended advantages, will be understood from the foregoing
description of an example embodiment, and it will be apparent that,
although the invention and its advantages have been described in
detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made
in the manner, procedure, and details thereof without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the
appended claims, or sacrificing any of its material advantages, the
forms hereinbefore described being merely an exemplary embodiment
thereof.
* * * * *