U.S. patent application number 16/827314 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-09 for retail merchandise tray and display incorporating same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fasteners for Retail, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas O. Ewing Nagel. Invention is credited to Brent O. Ewing, Thomas O. Nagel.
Application Number | 20200214472 16/827314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62709040 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200214472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagel; Thomas O. ; et
al. |
July 9, 2020 |
Retail Merchandise Tray and Display Incorporating Same
Abstract
A retail merchandise tray and display incorporating the same are
provided. The display includes a shelf and the tray mounted to the
shelf. The tray includes a pair of opposed mounting rails with at
least one tray section situated between the first and second
mounting rails. A support leg is mounted to the first mounting rail
and elevates a back end of the retail merchandise tray relative to
a front end.
Inventors: |
Nagel; Thomas O.; (Rockford,
IL) ; Ewing; Brent O.; (Aurora, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nagel; Thomas O.
Ewing; Brent O. |
Rockford
Aurora |
IL
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
Twinsburg
OH
|
Family ID: |
62709040 |
Appl. No.: |
16/827314 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15838674 |
Dec 12, 2017 |
10638856 |
|
|
16827314 |
|
|
|
|
62442741 |
Jan 5, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/0025 20130101;
A47F 1/126 20130101; A47B 57/585 20130101; A47F 5/16 20130101; A47F
2005/165 20130101; A47F 5/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12; A47F 5/00 20060101 A47F005/00; A47F 5/16 20060101
A47F005/16 |
Claims
1. A tray for use in a retail merchandise display, the tray
comprising: a base member defining a top retail merchandise support
surface, the base member extending between opposed front and rear
ends, the base member defining a plurality of channels extending
generally parallel to a feed direction of the tray; a pair of cap
members attached to the base member with the base member being
interposed between the pair of cap members such that one of the
pair of cap members is situated adjacent the front end of the base
member and the other one of the pair of cap members is situated
adjacent the rear end of the base member, wherein: each cap member
includes a body portion having a linear row of slots extending
therethrough, the row being generally perpendicular to the feed
direction; each cap member includes a plurality of projections
extending away from the body portion, the projections being
received by the plurality of channels to secure the cap member to
the base member.
2. The tray of claim 1, further comprising a mounting rail, the
mounting rail being snap-fit connected to one of the cap
members.
3. The tray of claim 1, wherein each cap member includes at least
one elastically deformable tab formed in the body portion.
4. The tray of claim 3, wherein the linear row of slots is
positioned between the projections and the at least one elastically
deformable tab.
5. The tray of claim 4, wherein each projection of the plurality of
projections includes: a pair of leg portions extending outward from
and connected to the body portion in generally spaced relation; and
a connection portion extending between and connecting the pair of
leg portions.
6. The tray of claim 5, wherein the body portion, pair of leg
portions and connection portion bound aperture extending through
the projection.
7. The tray of claim 6, wherein each projection of the plurality of
projections includes opposed tapered surfaces, the tapered surfaces
taper away from one another when moving from a distal end of the
projections towards the body portion of the cap member.
8. The tray of claim 7, wherein one of the tapered surfaces
generally faces the top retail merchandise support surface and the
other tapered surface generally faces away from the top retail
merchandise support surface.
9. The tray of claim 1, wherein the cap members are secured to the
base member by way of resilient deformation of one or both of the
cap members and/or the base member.
10. The tray of claim 9, wherein: at least one projection of each
cap member includes a tab projecting from the at least one
projection; the base member includes at least one aperture
proximate each of the front end and the rear end, the aperture
proximate the front end receiving the tab of the cap member
attached to the front end; and the aperture proximate the rear end
receiving the tab of the cap member attached to the front end.
11. The tray of claim 10, wherein the tabs resilient deform into
the corresponding apertures.
12. The tray of claim 1, further comprising a downward opening
channel offset from the front end, the row of slots being
interposed between the downward opening channel and the base member
along the feed direction.
13. The tray of claim 1, wherein each channel is formed between a
pair of downward extending legs, each leg has a laterally extending
foot, the feet associated with a corresponding channel extending
towards one another, the feet being in laterally spaced relation
forming a gap between distal ends of the feet.
14. The tray of claim 1, wherein: each channel is formed between a
pair of downward extending legs, each leg has a laterally extending
foot, the feet associated with a corresponding channel extending
towards one another, the feet being in laterally spaced relation
forming a gap between distal ends of the feet, the distal ends of
the feet being upturned and extending upward towards the top retail
merchandise support surface, the feet, upturned ends and legs
forming grooves; each projection of the plurality of projections
includes: a pair of leg portions extending outward from and
connected to the body portion in generally spaced relation; and a
connection portion extending between and connecting the pair of leg
portions; the leg portions being received in the grooves formed by
the feet, upturned ends and the legs.
15. The tray of claim 12, further comprising a mounting rail, the
mounting rail being attached to one of the cap members, the
mounting rail defining the downward opening channel.
16. The tray of claim 9, wherein the connection between the base
member and the cap members is provided solely by resilient
deformation of one or more of the cap members and the base
member.
17. The tray of claim 1, further including at least one divider
extending over the base member and inserted into corresponding
slots of each pair of cap members.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/838,674, filed Dec. 12, 2017, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/442,741,
filed Jan. 5, 2017, the entire teachings and disclosure of which
are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to retail merchandise
displays, and more particularly to retail merchandise trays used to
face linear rows of merchandise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Retail merchandise trays are typically used to contain
retail merchandise in neat organized linear rows. Such trays may
employ spring biased pushers to front face the merchandise, i.e.
move the merchandise forward to a front of the tray, by applying a
force to the back end of each row of merchandise. Other trays may
forego the use of a pusher entirely, and rely on gravity for front
facing. The latter style of tray is commonly referred to in the
industry as a tray.
[0004] While such trays are advantageous, they are not without
their drawbacks. First, such trays are typically designed as a
stand-alone shelf. In other words, they are not designed to mate
with an existing retail shelf. Instead, they require their own
custom vertical mounting rack, with each tray mounted directly to
the vertical mounting rack. A contemporary example of such a system
may be readily seen at U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,800 to Noble Cohn titled
"Gravity Feed Display Rack," the teachings and disclosure of which
are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. As such,
one drawback is that such gravity feed systems are difficult to
integrate with existing retail shelving.
[0005] Second, even where such trays are designed to operate with
an existing retail shelf, they are relatively complex in their
construction and typically require hand tools and the like in their
assembly. An example of such a relatively complex system may be
seen at U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0178156 to
Knorring, J R. et al. titled "Method and Apparatus For Converting
Gondola Shelf to Gravity Feed Shelf," the teachings and disclosure
of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
Such systems often entail a high part count to effectuate
installation to a shelf, as well as the use of relatively complex
componentry such as rollers and the like. Further such systems
often require the use of fasteners in their assembly which requires
the use of additional tools and labor.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a retail
merchandise tray and display incorporating the same which
alleviates or eliminates the above drawbacks. The invention
provides such a tray and display incorporating the same. These and
other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive
features, will be apparent from the description of the invention
provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the invention provides a retail merchandise
display which may be fully integrated with an existing retail
display system, e.g. a shelving unit. An embodiment of such a
retail merchandise display includes a retail shelf. The display
also includes a tray mounted to the retail shelf The tray includes
a linear row of mounting slots extending generally perpendicular to
a feed direction of the tray. The display also includes a plurality
of mounting plates interposed between the tray and the retail
shelf. Each of the plurality of mounting plates includes at least
one projection projecting upwardly from a base portion. The at
least one projection is slidably received in one of the mounting
slots of the tray.
[0008] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the retail shelf
includes an array of apertures therein. Each one of the plurality
of mounting plates includes a pair of bent portions which are
received in adjacent ones of the array of apertures to anchor each
one of the mounting plates to the shelf. The bent portions extend
away from the base portion. The bent portions are coplanar with one
another and not coplanar with the base portion.
[0009] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the tray includes
a first and a second mounting rail. The first mounting rail is
situated at a rear of the tray. The second mounting rail is
situated at a front of the tray. The tray includes at least one
tray section interposed between and mounted to the first and second
mounting rails. The at least one tray section mounts to the first
and second mounting rails by a resilient snap-fit connection.
[0010] In an embodiment according to this aspect, one of the
plurality of mounting plates is used per one of the at least tray
sections to mount the tray to the retail shelf
[0011] In another aspect, a retail merchandise tray is provided
which advantageously has a reduced part count compared to existing
tray systems. An embodiment of such a retail merchandise tray
includes a first and a second mounting rail arranged in an opposed
spaced relationship such that the first mounting rail is situated
at a back end of the retail merchandise tray and the second
mounting rail is situated at a front of the retail merchandise
tray. The retail merchandise tray also includes at least one tray
section mounted to and interposed between the first and second
mounting rails. The at least one tray section provides a continuous
retail merchandise support surface extending between the front and
the back end.
[0012] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the first and
second mounting rails are identical. The first and second mounting
rails each include a mounting channel, an upper channel, and a
lower channel. The mounting channel is configured to receive at
least one tray section such that the at least one tray section
mounts within the mounting channel using a resilient snap-fit
connection. The retail merchandise tray also includes a support leg
mounted to the first mounting rail. The support leg elevates the
back end relative to the front end such that the back end is
elevated above the front end. The support leg mounts to the lower
channel of the first mounting rail via a resilient snap-fit
connection. The support leg includes a leg portion and a foot
portion extending perpendicular to the leg portion. The support leg
includes a projection projecting from an end of the leg portion.
The projection is received within the lower channel of the first
mounting rail.
[0013] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the retail
merchandise tray can also include a front stop. The front stop is
received within the upper channel of the second mounting rail.
[0014] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the retail
merchandise tray also includes a plurality of wire supports
received in channels formed in a base member of the at least one
tray section. The plurality of wire supports are contained within
the channels by a pair of cap members mounted to the base member
such that the base member is interposed between the pair of cap
members.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a retail
merchandise tray which advantageously does not require any mounting
hardware in its assembly. An embodiment of such a retail
merchandise tray includes a first and a second mounting rail
arranged in an opposed spaced relationship such that the first
mounting rail is situated at a back end of the retail merchandise
tray and the second mounting rail is situated at a front end of the
retail merchandise tray. At least one tray section is mounted to
and interposed between the first and second mounting rails. The at
least one tray section includes a base member having a plurality of
hollow channels and defining a continuous retail merchandise
support surface. The at least one tray section also includes a pair
of cap members. The pair of cap members are mounted to the base
member such that the base member is interposed between the pair of
cap members. The at least one tray section also includes at least
one divider extending over the retail merchandise support surface
and mounted to each of the pair of cap members. Each of the pair of
cap members mounts to the base member using a resilient snap-fit
connection. The at least one tray section mounts to the first and
second mounting rails using a resilient snap-fit connection.
[0016] The resilient snap-fit connection between the base member
and each of the pair of cap members is formed by a tab formed on
each of the pair of cap members and corresponding apertures formed
in the base member. The tab and aperture are configured such that
the tab resiliently snaps into the aperture. The tab of each cap
member is formed on a projection of each cap member. The projection
is received within an elongated channel of the base member.
[0017] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the resilient
snap-fit connection between the at least one tray section and the
first and second mounting rails is formed by a tab formed on each
of the pair of cap members on a projection portion thereof and an
aperture formed within a mounting channel of each of the first and
second mounting rails. The projection portion is insertable into
the mounting channel such that the tab resiliently snaps into the
aperture.
[0018] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the first and
second mounting rails are identical. Also in an embodiment
according to this aspect, the at least one divider may include an
integrated pusher assembly. The integrated pusher assembly includes
a pusher paddle slidably received within a slot of a divider wall
of the at least one divider. The pusher assembly also includes a
coil spring operably coupled between the pusher paddle and the
divider wall.
[0019] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
retail merchandise display according to the teachings herein, the
display including a retail merchandise shelf with a tray mounted
thereon;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of the display of FIG. 1 illustrating
the same loaded with exemplary items of merchandise;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the display of FIG.
1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a tray section of
the tray of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross section of the tray section of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective exploded view of the tray
section of FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of the display of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the display of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a divider associated with the tray of FIG. 1; and
[0030] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the divider of FIG.
9.
[0031] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Turning now to the drawings, an embodiment of a retail
merchandise display 20 is illustrated which includes a retail
merchandise tray 22 (hereinafter referred to as a "tray") mounted
on a retail merchandise shelf 24. Advantageously, tray 22 does not
require any mounting hardware in its assembly. By "mounting
hardware" it is meant screws, bolts, rivets, or any other component
which a tool is typically required to install. Instead, tray 22
employs resilient snap-fit connections to connect its various
components. As a result, no hand tools are required in the assembly
and installation of tray 22. Put differently, retail merchandise
display 20 advantageously presents a 100% tool-free design. As used
herein, "snap-fit" connections means resilient connections in which
male feature such as a tab, detent, projection, etc. is biased into
a mating female feature such as a hole or slot requiring one or
both of the male and female features to resiliently and elastically
deform to accommodate such a connection.
[0033] As another advantage, tray 22 may be readily incorporated
into an existing retail shelf 24. Put differently, and unlike prior
designs, tray 22 does not require a custom made shelf or custom
made vertical display to mount tray 22 to. Instead, a plurality of
mounting plates are provided which mate with conventional features
on shelf 22 and with tray 22 to hold the same in place on shelf 24.
These and other advantages will be readily understood from the
following.
[0034] With particular reference to FIG. 1, display 20 includes
tray 22 mounted on a top surface 28 of shelf 24. Tray 22 defines a
plurality of retail merchandise channels 26 which are arranged
parallel to one another and extend from a back end 50 of tray 22 to
a front end 54 of tray 22. With reference to FIG. 2, channels 26
are arranged to carry items of retail merchandise 32 therein in a
linear row. In the illustrated embodiment, tray 22 is in a gravity
feed configuration in that its back 50 is elevated relative to its
front end 54. Due to the gravity feed configuration of tray 22, as
the lead item of merchandise 32 is vertically removed in direction
34, the remaining items of merchandise 32 move forward along a feed
direction 36 until the front-most item of retail merchandise 32
abuts a front stop 38. It will be recognized from the teachings
herein, however, that tray 22 need not employ the aforementioned
gravity feed configuration to face retail merchandise. Instead,
tray 22 may utilize a pusher system to bias merchandise toward
front end 54. In such a configuration, tray 22 will be generally
parallel with shelf 24 such that back end 50 and front end 54 are
at the same elevation relative to shelf 24. As yet another
alternative, tray 22 may be placed in its gravity feed
configuration but nevertheless employ the pusher configuration
described herein, depending on the size, weight, and other
parameters of the merchandise to be faced.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 3, tray 22 includes a first mounting
rail 42 and a second mounting rail 44. At least one tray section 46
is mounted between mounting rails 42, 44. In the illustrated
embodiment, two tray sections 46 are utilized. However, a single
tray section 46 may be employed, as well as more than two tray
sections 46. As will be understood from the following, each tray
section 46 is configured to connect to adjacent tray sections as
well as to mounting rails 42, 44. Tray 22 also includes a support
leg 52 mounted to first mounting rail 42. Support leg 52 raises or
elevates back end 50 of tray 22 relative to front end 54 to provide
the aforementioned gravity feed functionality. Put differently,
support leg 52 angles a retail merchandise support surface defined
by tray 22 relative to top surface 28 of shelf 24 such that retail
merchandise moves towards front stop 38 under the force of gravity.
The height of front stop 38 may be varied to accommodate differing
heights of retail merchandise.
[0036] Display 20 also includes a plurality of mounting plates 56
which are interposed between shelf 24 and tray 22. Mounting plates
56 include bent portions which are received in apertures 106 formed
in shelf 24. As will be discussed in greater detail below, mounting
plates 56 also include projection 108 which are received in slots
70 of tray 22 (See FIG. 7). Such a configuration advantageously
anchors front end 54 of tray 22 on shelf 24.
[0037] It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that
shelf 24 may take on any conventional retail shelf form which
includes a plurality of apertures formed therein for receipt of
bent portions of mounting plates 56. Accordingly, tray 22 is not
limited to any particular style of shelf 24 and may be readily
retrofit into a variety of existing shelves. Although not shown in
FIG. 3, those of skill in the art will also recognize that shelf 24
is typically mounted to an upright structure. Tray 22 is designed
so that it does not require any manipulation or modification of
such an upright structure and can instead readily interact with
shelf 24.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 4, the various components of the
aforementioned tray section 46 will be described in greater detail.
Each tray section 46 includes cap members 58, 60 which are mounted
to either end of a base member 62. In the illustrated embodiment,
cap members 58, 60 are identical to one another. As such, a
description of one cap member applies equally well to the
other.
[0039] Base member 62 is an extruded component which defines a top
retail merchandise support surface which is continuous and extends
between back end 50 and front end 54 of tray 20. Base member 62 may
be any length given the use of the extrusion process in its
manufacture. Base member 62 also includes a plurality of channels
formed therein as described below. In the illustrated embodiment,
base member 62 is formed by two interlocking subsections 64a, 64b.
However, a single base section 62 may be used. In the case of
multiple based subsections 64a, 64b, the same interlock with one
another to present a continuous retail merchandise support surface
as introduced above. Further, base member 62 may be extruded at a
given width, and then subsequently rip cut to its desired width.
Base member 62 may be formed of high density polyethylene as one
example. In view of the foregoing, it will also be recognized that
the width of cap members 58, 60 may also vary depending on the
width of base member 62.
[0040] A plurality of dividers 66 extend over the retail
merchandise support surface defined by base member 62 and include
downwardly extending projections 68 which are received in select
ones of the aforementioned linear row of slots 70. The close
spacing of the slots allows for a high degree of variability of the
width of any given channel 26 by spacing dividers 66 closer or
farther away from one another. These dividers 66 may be embodied as
shown as generally flat walls, or alternatively, my incorporate a
pusher assembly as described below relative to FIGS. 9 and 10.
Further, the dividers 66 are easily removable such that tray 22 may
be utilized with only a single divider, or no dividers at all.
Still further, wire dividers may be utilized instead of the
plate-like elements illustrated. Still further, dividers 66 may be
any height to accommodate merchandise of differing heights.
[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 4, slots 70 are formed in each cap
member 58, 60 and extend entirely through the same. Slots 70 are
arranged in a linear row which is perpendicular to feed direction
36 (See FIG. 2) of tray 22 and are formed in a body portion 40 of
each cap member 58, 60. Each cap member 58, 60 also includes a
plurality of projections 72 extending away from body portion 40
which are received in corresponding channels 74 of base member 62
as illustrated. Additionally, a plurality of wire supports 76 are
received in channels 78 of base member 62. Wire supports 76 provide
additional rigidity and structural support to base member 62. Those
of skill in the art will recognize that wire support 76 may be
omitted entirely in the event that generally light merchandise will
be carried by tray 22. Conversely, wire support 76 may be tailored
using different materials and dimensions to vary the structural
support provided thereby.
[0042] Turning now to FIG. 5, the same illustrates a cross-section
taken through tray section 46. As can be seen in this view, the
projection 72 of cap member 58 are shown installed within channel
74. Similarly, wire supports 76 are shown installed within channel
78. Also shown in FIG. 5 is the interlocking capabilities of base
member 62. Indeed, subsection 64a includes an upwardly facing
channel 82 on the right-most side thereof in FIG. 5. Subsection 64b
is identical to subsection 64a and thus also includes an upwardly
facing channel 82 on the right-most side thereof in FIG. 5. Each
subsection 64a, 64b also includes a downwardly depending rib 80 on
the left-most side thereof shown in FIG. 5. This rib 80 is
configured to be received within upwardly facing channel 82 to
interlock subsection 64a with subsection 64b. Likewise, this
channel 82 and rib 80 configuration is also utilized to interlock
adjacent tray sections 46 to one another.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 6, the resilient snap-fit connection
between each tray section 46 and mounting rails 42, 44 is shown.
Also, the resilient snap-fit connection between each cap member 58,
60 and base member 62 is shown. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates
the snap-fit connection between cap member 60 and second mounting
rail 44 as well as cap member 60 between base member 62. It will be
recognized that the following description of the aforementioned
snap-fit connection applies equally well to cap member 58 and first
mounting rail 42 as well as cap member 58 and base member 62.
Further, the description of the structural attributes of second
mounting rail 44 shown in FIG. 6 applies equally well to first
mounting rail 42 as mounting rails 42, 44 are identical. Because of
this identical construction, it is possible to utilize a front stop
38 with mounting rail 42 in the same manner as that shown with
mounting rail 44. Such a configuration is advantageous in front
load configurations to prevent the rear-most item of merchandise
from falling off of the back of tray 22.
[0044] Second mounting rail 44 includes a horizontally extending
mounting channel 86. Second mounting rail 44 also includes an upper
channel 100 and a lower channel 102 which extend generally
perpendicular to mounting channel 86. Mounting channel 86 includes
a plurality of apertures 88 formed therein. Apertures 88 are
arranged to receive tabs 90 formed in a projection portion 48 of
cap member 60. Tabs 90 are received within apertures 88 via a
resilient snap-fit connection in that one or both of tabs 90 or the
wall defining channel 86 including apertures 88 elastically deforms
as projection portion 48 is biased into mounting channel 88. This
continues until tabs 90 are fully seated within apertures 88 and
cap member 60 is thus locked to mounting rail 44.
[0045] A similar snap-fit connection takes place between cap member
60 and base member 62. Indeed, base member 62 includes an aperture
96 into which a projection 94 formed on one of the projections 72
of cap member 60 seats into. As was the case with second mounting
rail 44 and tabs 90, one or both of tab 94 and base member 62 in
the region of aperture 96 elastically deforms until tab 94 is fully
seated within aperture 96.
[0046] Turning now to FIG. 7, the same illustrates the mounting of
mounting plate 56 relative to shelf 24 and relative to tray 22. As
stated above, mounting plate 56 includes bent portions 104. Bent
portions 104 may be fed through apertures 106 formed in shelf 24.
As can be seen in FIG. 7, bent portions 104 extend away from a base
portion 110 of mounting plate 56. Further, each mounting plate 56
includes a pair of bent portions 104 which are coplanar with one
another but are not coplanar with base portion 110 as shown. As
also described above, a projection 108 extends upwardly from base
portion 110 and is received within a select one of slot 70. Each
mounting plate 56 may include a single projection 108 or multiple
projections 108.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 8, the snap-fit connection between
support leg 52 and first mounting rail 42 is illustrated. As can be
seen in this view, support leg 52 includes a generally vertical leg
portion 112 with a foot portion 114 extending perpendicularly to
leg portion 112. A projection 116 is formed at a top end of leg
portion 112. This projection 116 has a generally circular
cross-sectional profile and is received via a snap-fit connection
in lower channel 102 of first mounting rail 42. Lower channel 102
may include undercut or ribs for securing projection 116 once it is
fully inserted within channel 102. The round outer profile of
projection 116 allows support leg 52 to rotate about its
longitudinal axis within channel 102 to achieve a desired angle of
support leg 52 relative to the remainder of tray 22. The length of
vertical leg portion 112 may be varied as well to obtain a desired
angle of tray 22 relative to shelf 24.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of a
divider 120 is illustrated. Unlike divider 66 described above,
divider 120 includes an integrated pusher assembly. The integrated
pusher assembly includes a divider wall 122 with a pusher paddle
124 slidably mounted thereto. Pusher paddle 124 includes a
projection 126 which is received in a channel 128 of divider wall
122 to effectuate the aforementioned slidable connection.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 10, the pusher assembly also includes
a coil spring which is uncoiled through the front of pusher paddle
124 and connected to divider wall 122 at a slot 132 thereof (see
FIG. 9). The remainder of coil spring 130 remains coiled and
contained within pusher paddle 124 as shown. Turning back to FIG.
9, divider wall 122 also includes downward projections 134 which
are received in slots 70 in the same manner as described above.
[0050] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0051] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0052] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *