U.S. patent application number 14/156642 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for divider for shelfing and method and system for dividing a shelf.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jason T. Eltman, Daniel Zeidner. Invention is credited to Jason T. Eltman, Daniel Zeidner.
Application Number | 20150164244 14/156642 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53366933 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150164244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zeidner; Daniel ; et
al. |
June 18, 2015 |
DIVIDER FOR SHELFING AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIVIDING A SHELF
Abstract
A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf for segregating wares
stored or displayed on the shelf, and also relates to a method and
system of dividing a shelf for the storage and the display of
items.
Inventors: |
Zeidner; Daniel; (Quogue,
NY) ; Eltman; Jason T.; (Fayetteville, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zeidner; Daniel
Eltman; Jason T. |
Quogue
Fayetteville |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53366933 |
Appl. No.: |
14/156642 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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29476597 |
Dec 16, 2013 |
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14156642 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 57/588 20130101;
A47F 5/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47F 3/02 20060101 A47F003/02 |
Claims
1. A reusable divider adapted to be selectively, removably mounted
on a shelf provided with a plurality of receiving spaces each of
which possesses a substantially identical profile, the divider
comprising: an elongate strip possessing a pair of opposing side
surfaces, a front end surface and an opposing rear end surface, and
an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, said strip
possessing a pair of front lugs depending from the lower surface
thereof and spaced from the front surface thereof, said front lugs
possessing a spacing therebetween and each possessing a profile
configured such that said front lugs are adapted to be snugly
received in a pair of the receiving spaces, each of said front lugs
possessing a splined peripheral surface.
2. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the profile of
each of the receiving spaces is selected from the group consisting
of substantially square or substantially circular.
3. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein said strip
possesses at least one score line extending substantially from the
lower surface to the upper surface at a position substantially
remote from the front surface and defining a region of relatively
weak strength of said strip along which said strip is adapted to be
broken whereby the effective length of said strip may be
shortened.
4. The reusable divider according to claim 3 wherein said strip
possesses a series of score lines spaced substantially
equi-distantly apart from each other.
5. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the upper
surface and the lower surface are substantially thickened such that
said strip possesses a substantially I-beam configuration.
6. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein said strip
further possesses a fork-shaped tab extending from the rear surface
thereof, said tab possessing a channel therein, the width of which
is slightly wider than the lateral width of said strip in a region
remote from the front surface, said tab possessing a rear lug
having a profile configured such that said rear lug is adapted to
be snugly received in one of the receiving spaces, said rear lug
possessing a profile substantially identical to the profile of each
of said front lugs, said tab attached to the other portions of said
strip by a region of relatively weak strength by which said tab is
adapted to be detached from the other portions of said strip,
whereby said rear lug may be inserted into a receiving space such
that said detached tab may be maintained in an upstanding position
relative to the shelf with the channel therein adapted to receive a
remaining portion of said strip therein.
7. The reusable divider according to claim 3 wherein the portion of
said strip extending backwardly from the at least one score line
possesses a tapered thickness, whereby when said strip is broken
along the at least one score line, the detached portion of said
strip including the tapered thickness may be used as a wedge for
insertion between the lower surface of said strip and the shelving
in the region adjacent to said front lugs to assist in prying said
strip upwardly and away from the shelving.
8. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein said strip and
said front lugs are integrally formed.
9. The reusable divider according to claim 6 wherein said strip,
said front lugs, and said tab are integrally formed.
10. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the distal
end of each of said front lugs possesses a bulbous
configuration.
11. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the lower
surface of said strip possesses a recessed region between said
front lugs which is adapted to receive a device for prying said
strip upwardly and away from the shelving.
12. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein each of said
front lugs possesses a substantially cross-shaped cross-sectional
profile in which the peripherally distal edge ends are chamfered
with a rounded contour.
13. The reusable divider according to claim 12 wherein the
cross-shaped profile comprises two orthogonal arms, each arm having
a length in the range of about 0.23 to 0.25 inches.
14. A reusable divider adapted to be selectively, removably mounted
on a shelf provided with a plurality of receiving spaces each of
which possesses a substantially identical profile, the divider
comprising: an elongate strip possessing a pair of opposing side
surfaces, a front end surface and an opposing rear end surface, and
an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, said strip
possessing a pair of front lugs depending from the lower surface
thereof and spaced from the front surface thereof, said front lugs
possessing a spacing therebetween and each possessing a profile
configured such that said front lugs are adapted to be snugly
received in a pair of the receiving spaces, each of said front lugs
possessing a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional profile in
which the corners are chamfered with a rounded contour.
15. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein the profile
of each receiving space may be either substantially square or
substantially circular.
16. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein said strip
possesses at least one score line extending substantially from the
lower surface to the upper surface at a position substantially
remote from the front surface and defining a region of relatively
weak strength of said strip along which said strip is adapted to be
broken whereby the effective length of said strip may be
shortened.
17. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein said strip
further possesses a fork-shaped tab extending from the rear surface
thereof, said tab possessing a channel therein, the width of which
is slightly wider than the lateral width of said strip in a region
remote from the front surface, said tab possessing a rear lug
having a profile configured such that said rear lug is adapted to
be snugly received in one of the receiving spaces, said rear lug
possessing a profile substantially identical to the profile of each
of said front lugs, said tab attached to the other portions of said
strip by a region of relatively weak strength by which said tab is
adapted to be detached from the other portion of said strip,
whereby said rear lug may be inserted into a receiving space such
that said tab may be maintained in an upstanding position relative
to the shelf with the channel therein adapted to receive a
remaining portion of said strip therein.
18. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein said strip
and said front lugs are integrally formed.
19. The reusable divider according to claim 17 wherein said strip,
said front lugs, and said tab, are integrally formed.
20. A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf provided with a
plurality of receiving spaces each possessing a substantially
identical profile, the divider comprising: an elongate strip having
a pair of opposing distal ends, said strip possessing at least one
score line extending substantially completely, laterally
thereacross and defining a region of relatively weak strength of
said strip along which said strip is adapted to be broken whereby
the effective length of said strip may be shortened; and at least
two lugs each depending from a lower surface thereof and each
possessing a profile configured such that said lugs are adapted to
be snugly received in corresponding ones of the receiving
spaces.
21. The divider according to claim 20 wherein the receiving spaces
are arranged in regular intervals along the shelf and wherein said
lugs are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the
regular interval.
22. A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf possessing an upper
surface and at least one receiving space open to the upper surface,
the divider comprising: an elongate strip having a pair of opposing
longitudinal distal ends, a pair of opposing lateral sides, and a
lower surface; at least one lug depending from the lower surface of
said strip and adapted for removable insertion into the at least
one receiving space and for mating engagement with the shelf in the
region defining the at least one receiving space; and a footer
extending laterally from at least one lateral side of said strip,
said footer possessing a surface positioned, configured, and
adapted to substantially conformingly abut the upper surface of the
shelf and further adapted, when in such an abutting relationship,
to maintain said strip in a substantially upstanding relationship
relative to the upper surface of the shelf.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant patent application is a continuation-in-part of
the inventors' U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/476,597,
filed Dec. 16, 2013, and entitled "Adjustable Snap In Reusable
Shelf Divider". The entire content of that application is
incorporated herein by reference, and the applicant claims the
benefit of priority to that application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to a divider that can be
used with shelving, especially shelving often used in connection
with the retail display of various products, and also relates to a
method and system for dividing a shelf for the storage and the
display of items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many products are stored or displayed on shelves. Typically,
for example, a retail store will display its various wares on a
shelf or tiers of shelves for viewing by a potential customer.
Typically also, the retail store displays several identical items
on such shelves so that if a customer grasps one of the wares, at
least one more of the wares will be available for viewing and
potential purchase by another customer.
[0004] In order to enhance the most effective use of such shelves,
it is preferred to maintain identical wares directly one behind the
other and different wares situated in immediate, adjacent
proximity. Sometimes store personnel or store customers place or
replace the various items in a somewhat disheveled manner that
deviates from the most effective presentation of the items such
that identical items are not lined up directly one behind the other
and such that different items are not immediately adjacent
thereto.
[0005] Dividers consisting of thin strips or fences, usually formed
of metal or plastic, have been mounted on the shelves in order to
restrict the placement and presentation of identical items in a
directly one behind the other relationship and so that different
items may be placed immediately adjacent thereto, also in a
directly one behind the other relationship. One of the difficulties
with such prior art divider systems is that the relative width
between dividers that exactly accommodates a particular item varies
among the different items shared or displayed along the shelf. For
example, a shelf that stores and displays both spray paint cans and
bottles of motor oil requires different spacing between the
dividers, since the width of a spray paint can is usually different
from the width a bottle of motor oil. Similarly, different sized
bags of potato chips will require different spacing between the
dividers. To further complicate matters, a store often wishes to
rearrange the display of products on shelves, and the dividers
should be removable and reusable in order to accommodate any such
rearrangement.
[0006] Typically, store shelves are formed of metal and possess a
pre-selected array of perforations or apertures therethrough, which
are designed to accommodate various types of dividers, clip-on
display hangers, sign holders, and other shelving accessories. Also
typically, such apertures have been fashioned with either a
circular profile or a square or diamond-shaped profile possessing
common dimensions.
[0007] The present invention was developed to satisfy the need for
an inexpensively manufactured divider that may accommodate
different shelving aperture arrays and designs and that is
removable and reusable, although each of these desirable features
is not necessarily required as part of the invention recited in the
following claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a divider adapted to be
mounted on a shelf for segregating wares stored or displayed on the
shelf, and also relates to a method and system of dividing a shelf
for the storage and the display of items.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a divider
according to the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2A is right side plan view of the divider shown in FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 2B is left side plan view of the divider shown in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of divider shown in FIG. 1
taken along the line `C-C` in FIG. 2B;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a duplicate of FIG. 2A, but additionally showing
detailed views of portions circled as A and B;
[0015] FIG. 4A is top plan view of the divider shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4B is bottom plan view of the divider shown in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the
front portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the
rear portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the
front portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B with a different
lug configuration than that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the
rear portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B with a different
lug configuration than that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0021] FIG. 9 shows two perspective views of two of the dividers
shown in FIG. 1 as installed and as being installed on a section of
prior art shelf, with one of the perspective views showing a
detailed view of a portion circled as A in the other perspective
view;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the
divider shown in FIG. 1 with the back pin detached;
[0023] FIGS. 11A and 11B are illustrations of how a back pin
detached from the rear of the divider shown in FIG. 1 may be used
to support the remainder of the divider;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the front portion of the
divider shown in FIG. 1 that depicts more details of the lugs shown
in FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a different perspective view of the front portion
of the divider shown in FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a close-up perspective view of a lug shown in
FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 15 is another close-up perspective view of a lug shown
in FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 16 is yet another close-up perspective view of a lug
shown in FIG. 12;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an illustration of the lugs shown in FIG. 12
disposed within circular holes in a prior art shelf;
[0030] FIG. 18 is an illustration of the lugs shown in FIG. 12
disposed within square or diamond-shaped holes in a prior art
shelf;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an end view of a divider according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a partial bottom view of the divider shown in
FIG. 19; and
[0033] FIG. 21 is a partial side view of the divider shown in FIG.
19.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] The present invention will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings when like reference numerals refer to the
same item. It should be appreciated that the following description
is intended to be exemplary only, and the scope of the invention
envisions other variations and modifications of these particular
exemplary embodiments.
[0035] There shown in FIG. 9 a shelf 10 possessing an array of
perforations or apertures 12 disposed therein. For simplicity
purposes, only two rows of apertures 12 have been shown, but it
should be appreciated that a top surface of the shelf 10 may
possess a wide variety of arrays of such apertures 12. A commonly
available shelf known in the shelving industry as a Gondola shelf
possesses two rows of apertures extending along the front of the
shelf, as shown in FIG. 9, and also an identical set of rows of
apertures extending along the back of the shelf. Although, the
apertures 12 shown in FIG. 10 each possess a circular profile and
are shown in a regularly spaced array of rows and columns, it
should be appreciated that the invention contemplates use with
square or diamond-shaped aperture profiles as well as potentially
other aperture profile configurations and array configurations.
Further, although the apertures 12 may extend completely through
the shelf 10, the invention contemplates that the apertures 12 may
extend only partially into the shelf 10, such that the apertures 12
are essentially depressions in the surface of the shelf 10.
Normally, the same particular circular, square or diamond-shaped,
or other profile of the apertures 12 identically exists throughout
the entire extent of the array, whether the aperture 12 is in the
nature of a depression in the shelf 10 or extends completely
through the shelf 10. The invention also contemplates that the
aperture profiles may vary within an array.
[0036] There is shown in FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of a divider
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
divider includes an elongate strip 20 possessing a pair of opposing
side surfaces 22, 24, a front end surface 26 and an opposing rear
end surface 28, and an upper surface 30 and an opposing lower
surface 32. The upper surface 30 and the lower surface 32
preferably possess relatively thickened regions so that the
cross-section of the elongate strip 20 possesses a somewhat
"I-beam" profile, as is best shown in FIG. 2C. The I-beam
configuration allows the strip 20 to be relatively thin, thereby
reducing the amount of metal, plastic, or other material of which
the strip 20 is fashioned, while maintaining strength and rigidity.
As shown in FIG. 1, the front end surface 26 may also be relatively
thickened.
[0037] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the strip 20 possesses a
pair of generally cylindrically shaped front pins or lugs 34, 36
depending from the lower surface 32 near, but slightly away from,
the front end edge 26. The lower surface 32 preferably possesses a
recess 38 in the region between, very preferably extending
completely between, the front lugs 34, 36. Preferably the recess 38
possesses a depth of about 0.04 to 0.18 inches and most preferably
about 0.046 inches. The recess 38 permits a user to insert a screw
driver or other appropriate tool between the shelf 10 and the lower
surface 32 of the strip 20 so as to pry the strip 20 away from the
shelf 10 so that the strip 20 may be re-used and moved to a
different position on the same shelf 10 or to a different shelf.
The spacing between the centers of each front lug 34, 36 is most
preferably about either one inch or one and one-half inches. Such
spacing best accommodates the spacings of arrays of apertures in
common, commercial shelving products such as a Gondola shelf.
[0038] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 12-18, each front end lug 34,
36 preferably possesses a series of scallops and ridges extending
longitudinally along the periphery of each of the front lugs 34,
36. The alternating scallops and ridges create a splined surface.
Preferably, the ridges are equi-angularly spaced. In a particular
one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
front lugs 34, 36 each possess four ridges that are equi-angularly
disposed along the periphery, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 13. As
such, the ridges create a "cross" profile when viewed from the
distal ends of the front lugs 34, 36, or when viewed in
cross-section of the front lugs 32, 34 taken in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the front lugs 34,
36. A pair of opposing arms of the cross shape are preferably
coextensive with the length of the strip 20, and the other opposing
pair of arms are perpendicular to such strip length. The length
between the distal ends of coextensive arms of each cross of the
profile at the lowest, distal end of each front lug 34, 36 is
preferably about 0.234 to 0.238 inches and most preferably about
0.236 inches. Also, the peripherally distal end edges of each arm
possess a rounded, contour, preferably substantially arcuate with a
radius of curvature of about 0.10 to 0.13 inches, and most
preferably about 0.118 inches, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 12-16.
The scalloped regions preferably are substantially arcuate with a
radius of curvature preferably about 0.04 to 0.06 inches, and most
preferably about 0.052 inches.
[0039] Each front lug 34, 36 possesses a preferably flat, planar,
beveled or chamfered surface 37 between the rounded distal end of
each arm and an adjacent scalloped region, as best shown in FIGS. 5
and 12-18. Each beveled surface 37 possesses a width of preferably
about 0.115 inches. Preferably each beveled surface 37 extends
preferably at an angle in the range of about 42 to 48 degrees, and
most preferably 45 degrees, relative to the centerline of each
opposing cross arm and relative to the extent of the length of the
strip 20. As best shown in FIG. 18, opposing ones of the beveled
surfaces 37 preferably abut opposing sides of the square or diamond
shaped apertures 12. As such, the distance between opposing beveled
surfaces 37 is preferably about 0.206 to 0.218 inches, and most
preferably about 0.206 inches, at the lowest, distal end of each
front lug 34, 36.
[0040] Also, as best shown in FIGS. 13-16 the peripheral edge of
the lower, distal end of each front lug 34, 36 is rounded,
preferably in an arcuate curve having a radius of about 0.004
inches to 0.006 inches, and most preferably about 0.005 inches. The
rounded edge helps to center each front lug 34, 36 within an
associated aperture 12 as the front lug 34, 36 is inserted
therein.
[0041] Such a front lug 34, 36 profile configuration will
accommodate either the circular, square, or diamond-shaped profiles
of the apertures 12 in a large number of typical commercially
available shelves 10. As previously mentioned, the spacing between
the front lugs 34, 36 is selected so as to permit the insertion of
the front lugs 34, 36 into corresponding ones of the apertures 12
in many typical commercial shelving arrays. Although two front lugs
34, 36 are preferred, the invention contemplates the use of any
number of such lugs.
[0042] Preferably the outer peripheral profile of each front lug
34, 36 slightly tapers from the upper region of each front lug 34,
36 to the distal, lower end of each front lug 34, 36. Preferably
the taper is about one to three degrees, most preferably about one
degree. Also preferably the longitudinal length of each front lug
34, 36, i.e., the distance each front lug 34, 36 depends below the
lower surface 32 is between about 0.230 inches to 0.260 inches, and
most preferably about 0.240 inches. Further, the upper ends of each
front lug 34, 36 that extend laterally from the strip 20 are
recessed or truncated downwardly as best shown in FIGS. 12, and
14-16. Such a recess helps insure that the upper region of the
front lugs 34, 36 does not extend above the top surface of the
shelf, which otherwise might create an obstacle or obstruction with
the placement or movement of the items on the shelf. Preferably the
recess of the upper region of the front lugs 34, 36 depends about
0.002 to 0.015 inches, and most preferably about 0.010 inches,
below the lower surface 32 of the strip 20.
[0043] The scalloping of the peripheral surface of the front lugs
34, 36 serves several purposes. The scalloping reduces the amount
of material needed to fabricate the divider, and also makes it
easier for the surface to cool and be removed from a mold during
manufacture. Further, the scalloping helps to permit some deformity
of the ridges in those situations where the front lugs 34, 36 are
slightly compressively inserted into apertures in the shelf.
Although the scallops have been previously described as preferably
arcuate, they may possess a "V"-shape, a "U"-shape, an irregular
shape, or virtually any shape of depression.
[0044] When the front end lugs 34, 36 are disposed in corresponding
apertures 12 of the shelf 10, certain portions of the peripheral
edges of the front end lugs 34, 36 snugly rest against, or slightly
compressively against, the walls of the apertures 12, as best shown
in FIGS. 17 and 18. Preferably each of the front lugs 34, 36
possesses a friction-fit relationship with the inner surface
defining the associated one of the apertures 12. Such a fitting
relationship between the front lugs 34, 36 and their associated,
corresponding apertures 12 into which they are disposed, helps
insure that the strip 20 will be maintained in an upwardly
extending relationship relative to the shelf 10 and inhibits the
strip 20 from being easily dislodged from its selected position on
the shelf 10. The invention also contemplates that the distal tips
at the front lugs 34, 36 may possess a slightly bulbous
configuration that may extend slightly below the shelf. The bulb
portion may be at least slightly deformable, thereby creating a
snap-fit connection of the front lugs 34, 36 with the shelf.
Preferably the snap-fit is not a permanent connection, but rather,
is releasable whereby the bulbous portion may be retracted back
through the aperture so as to enable the divider to be reused.
[0045] As is best shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, 3 and 4A and B, 9,
10, and 11, the strip 20 may possess one or more score lines 40,
42, 44, 46 each extending from the upper surface 30 to the lower
surface 32 preferably in a direction that is perpendicular to the
longitudinal extent of the elongate strip 20. Score lines 40, 42,
44, 46 preferably comprise relatively thin regions of the strip 20
and may comprise a continuous line of relatively thin, weakened
material, a discontinuous series of relatively thin, weakened
material, a series of perforations through the strip 20, or any
other features familiar to those skilled in the art.
[0046] The score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 are designed and adapted to
permit a user of the divider to manually snap or break the strip 20
at a particular one of the score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 so as to
choose an effective length of the remaining strip 20 that best
accommodates the depth of the shelving 10 on which the divider is
to be used. As such, the score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 may be
equi-distantly spaced along the strip 20, but also may be
positioned at other locations as well, as best accommodates the
most typical or prevalent depths of commercial shelves 10, such as
ten inches and sixteen inches.
[0047] The rear end surface 28 of the strip 20 preferably possesses
a fork-shaped tab 48 extending therefrom. A distal end of the tab
48 possesses a rear pin or lug 50 preferably in all respects
identical to the configuration of the front lugs 34, 36. The
fork-shaped tab 48 is preferably attached to the rear end surface
28 by a score line or by a relatively thin region of material, so
that a person may press the tab 48 in a manner such that the tab 48
snaps and disattaches from the rear end surface 28 along the
weakened region. It should be appreciated that the invention
contemplates that the tab 48, before detachment, may be positioned
at locations other than the rear end surface 28 of the strip.
[0048] The detached tab 48 may be employed by inserting the rear
lug 50 into an associated, corresponding aperture 12 in the shelf
10 and such that the remaining portion of the strip 20 may rest
within, and be confined by, the fork portion of the detached tab
48, as best shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. In a Gondola style shelve
possessing a pair of rows of apertures along the rear shelf
surface, the rear lug 50 may be selectively disposed within one of
such rear row apertures. It will be appreciated that the distance
between the fork segments of the tab 48 is approximately the same
as, and preferably only slightly larger than, the lateral width of
the strip 20 such that the remaining portion of the strip 20 is
disposed and maintained in an upstanding relationship relative to
the shelf 10. Although, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the detached
tab 48 is selectively disposed toward the rear end of the remaining
portion of the strip 20, it should be appreciated that the detached
tab 48 may be positioned selectively along any point of the
remaining portion of the strip 20.
[0049] The portion of the strip 20 rearward of the rearward-most
score line 46 preferably possesses a profile that tapers laterally
toward the tab 48, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B, 8, and 10.
When the tab 48 is detached from the rear end surface 28 and when
the rearward portion of the strip 20 is snapped and detached along
the rearward-most score line 46, the detached rearward-most portion
of the strip 20 may function as a wedge adapted to be inserted in
the recess 38 between the front lugs 34, 36 and thereby function as
a tool to pry the strip 20 away from the shelf 10.
[0050] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict yet another embodiment of the present
invention which is in all respects similar to the previously
described embodiment, with the exception that the front lugs 34a,
36a and the rear lug 50a possess a different profile. As best shown
in FIG. 7, the front lugs 34a, 34a possess a generally square
profile with the corners chamfered with a slightly rounded contour.
Each diagonal length of the square profile is preferably about
0.234 to 0.238 inches, and most preferably about 0.236 inches. One
diagonal of the square profile extends preferably coextensive with
the length of the strip 20, and the other diagonal extends
preferably perpendicular to such strip length. Likewise, the rear
lug 50a shown in FIG. 8 possesses the same profile as the profiles
of the front lugs 34a, 36a.
[0051] The divider is also useful to help initially arrange items
on a shelf in a line from front to back on the shelf. When so used,
the divider is preferably oriented with the opposing side surfaces
22, 24 in a relatively horizontal position, parallel with the
shelf. A person then manually moves the divider horizontally so
that either the upper surface 30 or the lower surface 32 contacts
items resting on the shelf. Since the upper surface 30 and the
lower surface 32 are straight, continued movement of the divider
causes the items being contacted to align in a straight line. This
technique is especially useful when one divider is installed on a
shelf and another divider is used to move and swipe adjacent items
toward the installed divider. The divider used for swiping the
items into an aligned, abutting relation with the installed divider
may then itself be installed on the shelf, adjacent to the items on
the side opposite to the previously installed divider.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the divider possesses a lateral
thickness of about 0.10 to 0.20 inches and most preferably about
0.125 inches in the thickened region at the upper and lower
surfaces 30, 32 and a lateral thickness of about 0.05 to 0.10
inches and most preferably about 0.070 inches in the relatively
thin interior region between the opposing side surfaces 22, 24.
Such a configuration helps maintain the strength and rigidity of
the divider, reduce manufacturing costs, and also preserve a
relatively thin lateral profile of the divider, as best shown in
FIGS. 4A and B. It will be appreciated that, when considering the
value of shelf space in a retail store, the relatively thin profile
of the divider occupies very little shelf space, thereby permitting
the shelf space to be more efficiently utilized for storing and
displaying items.
[0053] The vertical height of the divider above the shelf, that is,
the vertical height of the strip 20 is preferably in the range of
about one-half inch to three inches, and most preferably about one
inch, although the invention contemplates a wide range of heights
that are best suited to accommodate the vertical distance between
adjacent shelves in a rack of shelves and the need to provide an
abutting surface for items at a particular distance above the
shelf.
[0054] FIGS. 19-21 depict yet another embodiment of the present
invention which includes a footer 60 preferably positioned near the
front end surface 26 of the strip 20 and preferably integrally
formed with the strip 20. The footer 60 preferably includes a
plate-like base 62 that may possess a substantially rectangular
configuration, as best shown in FIG. 20. The lower surface of the
base 62 preferably is substantially planar and at an angle
substantially perpendicular to the vertical extension of the strip
20 and is adapted to rest upon the surface of the shelf when the
front lugs 34, 36 completely depend into associated apertures 12 in
the shelf. When so situated, the base 60 provides support to help
maintain the strip 20 in an upright position on the shelf. The base
62 preferably extends laterally outward from the strip 20 in the
range of about three-sixteenths of an inch to one inch, and mostly
preferably about five-sixteenths of an inch. The lateral extension
of the base 20 also provides an abutment resting above the surface
of the shelf that inhibits items from sliding along and past the
lip of the shelf and dropping off the shelf. Instead, the base 62
permits and promotes a person to grasp and lift the item from the
shelf, thereby reducing spillage and breakage of items.
[0055] As best shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the footer 60 may also
include a pair of opposing webs or buttresses 64 extending
preferably from the upper surface 30 of the strip 20 to an
associated laterally outer end of the base 62. Preferably the
buttresses 64 are integrally formed with the strip 20 and the base
62, but may be secured to the strip 20 and the base 62 by an
adhesive or by heat-welding, for example. Although the buttresses
64 are each shown as having a triangular configuration, as shown in
FIG. 19, and as being relatively thin when compared with the extent
of the base 62, as shown in FIG. 21, the buttresses 64 may possess
a variety of configurations such as a square and a variety of
thicknesses. The buttresses 64 may also possess a hole or a void
generally in the central region thereof, which will reduce the
amount of material used to fabricate the buttresses 64 while
substantially maintaining the supporting strength of the buttresses
64. It will be appreciated that the buttresses 64 help strengthen
the base 62 and inhibit flexing of the base 62 relative to the
strip 20 and also aid in providing an inhibition against items
sliding off the front edge of the shelf.
[0056] Although a single footer 60 is shown in FIGS. 19-21, the
invention contemplates that additional footers 60 may be employed
along the length of the strip 20 and that the footer 60 or footers
60 may be positioned other than near the front end surface 26 of
the strip 20. The invention also contemplates that the footer 60
may extend laterally from only one lateral side of the strip
20.
[0057] Preferably the strip 20 is fashioned of plastic, metal, or a
composite material. Preferably also, all the portions of strip 20
are integrally formed, including, but not limited to, the front
lugs 34, 36, and the tab 48, including the rear lug 50. Also
preferably, the entire strip 20 is formed by a plastic molding
process.
[0058] While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the
foregoing description of the invention, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations within the scope of the invention
may exist. The foregoing examples are not intended to limit the
nature or the scope of the invention in any way. Rather, the
foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art
with a foundation for implementing other exemplary embodiments of
the invention.
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