MODULAR SHELVING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to Indian Application No. 202341027865, filed on Apr. 13, 2023, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to display systems and shelf systems, for example systems used for displaying products in refrigerated display cases.

BACKGROUND

Conventional shelving systems, for example those used in refrigerated display cases, have a number of configurations, including fixed or adjustable wire shelves, gravity feed shelving systems, and the like. Many of these shelving systems are relatively difficult to use and are costly to make. For example, wire shelving systems may have one type of shelf support structure to accommodate the wire shelves, while a gravity feed shelving system may have a different type of shelf support assembly.

In refrigerated display cases, wire shelves are common and may be stainless steel, plastic, or rubber-coated wire. A gravity feed shelving configuration positions one or more shelves on an incline downwardly from the rear to the front of the display case. Inclined or slanted shelving reduces the need for stocking personnel to regularly inspect the shelves and advance product to the front of the shelves. Slanted shelves, at predetermined angles, allow gravity to move product to the front of the shelf. These slanted, gravity-fed shelving arrangements are convenient, but are sometimes difficult to properly position for different product to achieve the appropriate product movement. For example, for beverage containers which are relatively heavy compared to similarly sized packages of dry goods, a lesser incline may be used to adequately advance product on a slanted shelf. However, too much of an incline may cause products at the rear of the shelf to apply too much pressure on the front product, making that product more difficult to remove, or even unintentionally removing or ejecting a following product when the front product is removed. Additionally, different shelving systems may or may not be adjustable, and adjustment may be difficult or time-consuming.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to shelving systems, and methods for making and using such systems.

In a general aspect, a shelving system includes a support structure, one or more shelf units, and a plurality of load pins. The one or more shelf units are configured to couple on the support structure. At least one of the shelf units includes a shelf platform, and two or more brackets coupled to the shelf platform. At least one of the brackets includes a body and defines an opening having a main slot, and two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot. Each of at least one of plurality of load pins is coupled between one of the two or more brackets and the support structure such that the bracket is moveable to shift the load pin from one stopping position branch slot to another stopping position branch slot to adjust the position of the shelf unit while the shelf unit remains partially supported by the support structure.

In some implementations, the two or more brackets includes, on at least one side of the shelf unit, a front bracket and a rear bracket. The front bracket and the rear bracket each include a body and define an opening having a main slot and two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot.

In some implementations, the two or more brackets of at least one of the one or more shelf units includes a pair a front brackets. Each of the front brackets defining an opening having a main slot and two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot; and a pair of rear brackets. Each of the rear brackets defining an opening having a main slot and two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot. The support structure includes a pair a front posts and a pair of rear posts. Each of the pair of front brackets is configured to couple with a corresponding one of the front posts. Each of the pair of rear brackets is configured to couple with a corresponding one of the rear posts. The plurality of load pins includes a load pin coupled in at least one of the slots of at least one of the brackets. At least one of the brackets is moveable on at least one of the load pins from one branch slot to another branch slot to change a height or inclination of the shelf unit.

In some implementations, further include one or more stabilizer devices coupled between one of the front posts and one of the rear posts on one side of the shelf unit.

In some implementations, the brackets are moveable on the load pins from one branch slot to another branch slot to change an inclination of the shelf unit.

In some implementations, the brackets are moveable on the load pins from one branch slot to another branch slot to change a height of the shelf unit.

In some implementations, the opening of at least one of brackets further includes load pin removal branch. The load pin removal branch defines an enlarged opening configured to allow passage of the load pin through the enlarged opening such that the load pin is separable from the bracket.

In some implementations, the opening of at least one of the brackets defines three or more stopping position branch slots adjoining a main slot.

In some implementations, at least one of the load pins is coupled between one of the brackets and one of the posts includes a body and defines two or more annular grooves spaced along the body. The bracket engages in a first one of the annular grooves of the load pin and the corresponding post engages in a second one of the annular grooves of the load pin.

In another general aspect, a system for supporting a shelf unit in a display case includes one or more shelf unit brackets, one or more posts, and a load pin.

The one or more shelf unit brackets are coupled to a shelf unit platform of a shelf unit. At least one of the shelf unit brackets includes a body and defines an opening having a main slot. Two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot. At least one of the posts defining a set of keyholes vertically spaced from one another. The load pin is coupled between the at least one shelf unit bracket and the at least one post. The load pin is configured to engage in one of the keyholes in the at least one post and engage in one of the stopping position branch slots to at least partially support the at least one shelf unit bracket on the post.

In some implementations, the two or more stopping position branch slots include three or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot.

In some implementations, the opening in the at least one shelf unit bracket defines a load pin removal branch.

In some implementations, each of at least one of the keyholes is teardrop shaped.

In some implementations, each of at least one of the keyholes defines a locking section, and the load pin is configured to lock in the locking section when the load pin in the shelf unit bracket is engaged on the load pin.

In some implementations, at least one of the load pins coupled between one of the brackets and one of the posts includes a body and defines two or more annular grooves spaced along the body. The bracket engages in a first one of the annular grooves of the load pin and the corresponding post engages in a second one of the annular grooves of the load pin.

In some implementations, the load pin includes a shank, a first enlarged portion, and a second enlarged portion. The shank is configured to engage in the opening in the at least one the shelf unit bracket and in one of the keyholes of the post between the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion.

In some implementations, the at least one shelf unit bracket is moveable on the load pin to shift the load pin from one stopping position branch slot to another stopping position branch slot to adjust the position of the shelf unit while the shelf unit remains partially supported in the display case.

In another general aspect, a method of repositioning a shelf unit in a display case includes applying. When the shelf unit is in a first position and supported on a support structure on a first end and a second end of the shelf unit, a lifting force to the first end of the shelf unit such that a load pin coupled to the support structure on each of a pair of opposing sides of the shelf unit is disengaged from a first branch slot of a plurality of branch slots in a corresponding bracket of the shelf unit. Releasing the lifting force while a second end of the shelf unit is at least partially supported on the support structure; and guiding, while second end of the shelf unit continues to be at least partially supported on the support structure, the first end of the shelf unit such that the load pin on each of the pair of opposing sides of the shelf unit is re-engaged in a second branch slot in the corresponding bracket of the shelf unit and such that the shelf unit is repositioned from the first position to a second position.

In some implementations, the support structure includes first pair of posts on opposing sides of the shelf unit on the first end of the shelf unit and a second pair of posts on opposing sides of the shelf unit on the second end, and each of the load pins is coupled to one of the posts of the first pair of posts.

In some implementations, the first end of the shelf unit is a front end of the shelf unit and the second end of the shelf unit is a rear end of the shelf unit.

In some implementations, guiding the first end of the shelf unit includes guiding the shelf unit such that at least one of the load pins travels along a main slot between the first branch slot and the second branch slot.

In some implementations, the shelf unit is moved from the first position to the second position while product remains supported on the shelf unit.

In some implementations, the second position has a different angle of inclination than the first position.

In some implementations, the second position has a different height than the first position.

In some implementations, the method includes applying the lifting force includes shifting the shelf unit such that each of the load pins moves from the first branch into a main slot of the corresponding bracket. Guiding the shelf unit includes guiding the shelf unit such that each of the load pins moves from the main slot of the corresponding bracket to the second slot.

In some implementations, the method includes applying, while the shelf unit is supported in the second position on the support structure, a second lifting force to the second end of the shelf unit such that a load pin coupled to the support structure on each of a pair of opposing sides of the shelf unit is disengaged from a first branch slot of a plurality branch slots in a corresponding bracket of the shelf unit. Releasing the lifting force while the first end of the shelf unit is at least partially supported on the support structure; and guiding, while first end of the shelf unit continues to be at least partially supported on the support structure. The second end of the shelf unit such that the load pin on each of the pair of opposing sides of the shelf unit is re-engaged in a second branch slot in the corresponding bracket of the shelf unit and such that the shelf unit is repositioned from the second position to a third position.

In some implementations, the third position of the shelf unit is at a different height than the first position.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages.

Implementations of the present disclosure may allow adjustments to the inclination or height of shelves to be accomplished more quickly and easily.

Implementations of the present disclosure may allow for adjustments to the inclination or height of shelves without the use of tools.

Implementations of the present disclosure may allow for adjustments to the inclination or height of shelves while displayed products remain on the shelves.

Implementations of the present disclosure may make cleaning of the shelves and their components easier.

Implementations of the present disclosure may reduce the loss of product due to displayed products falling off the edge of a shelf.

Implementations of the present disclosure may make displaying different kinds of products on the same shelves easier.

Implementations of the present disclosure may make reconfiguring a shelf to change the type of product that can be displayed easier.

Implementations of the present disclosure may inhibit dust, liquids, or other materials from dropping from above a shelf.

Implementations of the present disclosure may make a shelving system more stable or support more product weight.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary refrigerated enclosure according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shelving system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a shelf unit according to some implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bracket from the underside of a shelf unit.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a connection between a shelf unit and a post.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a connection between a shelf unit and a post with the platform of the shelf unit omitted for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a detail view illustrating a connection between a shelf unit and a post including a removable load pin between the bracket of the shelf unit and the post.

FIG. 8 illustrates a load pin according to some implementations.

FIG. 9 illustrates a shelf unit bracket according to some implementations.

FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a post according to some implementations.

FIG. 10B illustrates an example of a post include keyhole numbering.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a shelving system with a shelf unit including brackets with multiple stopping positions at front a rear posts of a support structure.

FIGS. 12 through 16 illustrate an alternate implementation of system for supporting shelf units that accommodates adjustable height and inclination.

FIG. 17 is a perspective top a shelf unit including a platform for shelf components according to some implementations.

FIG. 18 is a perspective bottom view of the shelf unit shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a shelf platform according some implementations.

FIG. 20 is a detail view of one corner of a shelf platform shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 illustrates engagement of a divider in a slot on a rear stop.

FIG. 22 illustrates engagement of a divider in a slot on a front rail.

FIG. 23 illustrates a front stop according to some implementations.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate a front stop on the front a shelf unit.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the shelf platform shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the shelf platform shown in FIG. 19.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a cleaning tray that can be provided in a shelf unit in some implementations.

FIG. 30 is an underside view of cleaning tray.

FIG. 31 illustrates a cleaning tray 136 coupled to a shelf platform.

FIG. 32 illustrates of louver that includes a barrier for inhibiting material that falls onto a cleaning tray from passing through the openings of the tray in some implementations.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate a side stop for a shelf unit according to some implementations.

FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate a side stop for a shelf unit according to an alternate implementation.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a roller assembly module according to some implementations.

FIG. 38 is a partially exploded view showing an upper frame and a lower frame.

FIG. 39 is a detail view of one end of the roller assembly module.

FIG. 40 illustrates an example of a roller.

FIG. 41 illustrates one example of a process of producing a roller assembly module.

FIG. 42 illustrates one example of an attachment snap element that can be used to secure a roller frame assembly to a wire shelf.

FIG. 43 illustrates a roller assembly module that includes projections that can be used in assembling the roller assembly module to the frame of a shelf platform.

FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrates a wire shelf module in some implementations.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a stabilizer device according to some implementations.

FIGS. 47 and 48 are detail view of the end of the stabilizer device shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 illustrates a stabilizer device installed on a post according to some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Product displays find application in many areas of consumer wholesale and retail marketing. Food products and other consumables are often displayed to consumers and other purchasers on shelf displays that may take any number of different configurations. For example, the shelf displays may be portable or fixed to a store floor or wall section. The shelf display may be a single shelf or multiple shelves, different types and sizes, adjustable or fixed, flat or sloped or slanted, or any number of other configurations. For the present discussion, the description of the shelving system, shelf support and shelf configurations will be given in the context of refrigerated display cases, such as those found in grocery stores, convenience stores and the like. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to refrigerated display cases, food or other consumable products, but can be extended and is applicable to other display applications and shelving systems.

[Shelving System with Brackets for Incline and Height Adjustment]

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary shelving system. Shelving system 100 includes shelf units 102 held in support structure 104. Support structure 104 includes left post assembly 106 and right post assembly 108. Each of left post assembly 106 and right post assembly 108 includes two posts 110 spaced along the side of the shelf units 102, a top stabilizer device 112, and a bottom stabilizer device 114. Each of posts 110 includes a foot 116. In the Figures, the foremost post shown may be referred to as the front post 110a, and the rearmost post may be referred to as the rear post 110b.

Each of left post assembly 106 and right post assembly 108 includes top retaining member 120 and bottom retaining member 122. Top retaining member 120 and bottom retaining member 122 can be coupled to a cabinet (e.g., using bolts, screws, or other fasteners), or other external or main structure of the display case.

In the context of refrigerated display cases, a shelving system may be placed inside a cabinet having a frame surrounding and supporting a number of doors (for illustrative purposes, such a cabinet is not shown in FIG. 1). The doors typically include glass panels to permit viewing a product inside the display case and to permit access to the product. The cases can be designed so as to maximize the product capacity of the case, maximize the viewing area for the customer, and to maximize the shelf space available for displaying and stocking product. Consequently; the shelving system may accommodate a large amount of product per shelf, different types and sizes of product, such as boxes, plastic and glass containers, beverage cans, and round and rectangular containers, and with different presentations. The shelving system can also permit gravity feed of product, such as are found in grocery stores and convenience stores.

In some implementations, the shelving system includes a frame structure that rests freely on the floor, be fixed to the floor through bolts, or to the surrounding frame through brackets or straps, or supported by casters. The present disclosure is not limited to a particular type of frame structure or its mobility: In some implementations, the frame structure includes a front shelf post and a rear shelf post for supporting the shelf units. A given shelf assembly may include corresponding or paired left and right shelf posts. Shelf posts may extend vertically, horizontally or at an angle, as desired.

Although various implementations described herein include shelf posts, other implementations can include other shelf supports. For example, a shelf support structure can include wall units, panels or other structures that support and engage mounting brackets for supporting shelf assemblies.

Each shelf post includes a number of vertically spaced apart keyholes 124 for engaging and supporting brackets or other hardware for positioning and supporting shelf assemblies. The keyholes are spaced apart from each other by an amount appropriate for the application (e.g., 0.5″-6.0″ apart). The spacing from keyhole to keyhole can be the same or different from top to bottom of the post. Keyholes or other openings can be formed in other sides of the shelf post as desired, such as for stability; ease of access, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shelving system shown in FIG. 1. In the example shown, each of shelf units 102 is mounted at an incline. Each of shelf units includes two brackets 126 on each side of shelf unit 102. In FIG. 2, the foremost bracket shown is referred to as the front bracket 126a, and the rearmost bracket is referred to as the rear bracket 126b. In some implementations, inclination is achieved by installing a load pin at a different level (e.g., a higher one of keyholes 124) at rear post 110b than at front post 110a.

FIG. 3 illustrates a shelf unit according to some implementations. Each shelf unit 102 includes a platform 130, product support elements 132, dividers 134, a cleaning tray 136, and a front stop 138. Platform 130 includes a frame assembly 140, a rear stop 142, side stops 144.

Brackets 126 of shelf unit 102 are coupled to platform 130 on the sides of platform 130. Brackets 126 can be, for example, welded to platform 130 or attached using fasteners. Brackets 126 include openings 150.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bracket 126 from the underside of a shelf unit 102. In the example shown in FIG. 3, openings 150 include main slot 154 and stopping position branch slots 156. Load pin 152 is held in one of keyholes 124 of post 110. Openings 150 may receive load pins (e.g. that are held in supporting posts). As described in further detail herein, each of stopping position branch slot 154 is a position where a load pin can be seated such that the shelf unit 102 is partially supported on the load pin.

The branch slots allow more granular height adjustments for the shelf unit 102 than the keyholes 124. For instance, the branch slots 154 can be spaced at a narrower interval than the keyholes 124. If the keyholes are spaced at 3.0″ apart, the branch slots 154 can be spaced at 1.0″ apart. In some examples, the branch slots 154 are spaced at such an interval that any shelf height adjustment within the branch slots 154 is less than the distance between keyholes 124. For instance, the spacing between the lowermost and uppermost branch slot 154 can be less that the spacing between two neighboring keyholes 124. In some implementations, the spacing between keyholes 124 is greater than the overall spacing between the uppermost and lowermost branch slots 154 by the same amount as the spacing interval between neighboring branch slots 154. This allows a common height adjustment interval between branch slots 154 and between branch slots and keyholes 124. For instance, in an implementation that uses 3.0″ spacing between keyholes 124, a corresponding bracket 126 having three branch slots 154 would have a 1.0″ spacing between branch slots 154. Therefore, the shelf can be continuously adjusted in 1.0″ intervals.

Opening 150 also includes pin removal branch slot 158. In this example, pin removal branch slots 158 adjoins each of the extreme stopping position branch slots 156. Pin removal branch slot 158 includes an enlarged portion 160 through which a head of a load pin can be inserted and/or withdrawn.

In this example, opening 150 of bracket 126 includes three stopping position branch slots. An opening in a bracket may, however, include any number of stopping positions. In another example, an opening in a bracket includes two branch slots adjoining a main slot. In still another example, an opening in a bracket includes four branch slots adjoining a main slot.

As used herein, a load pin is “engaged” in a slot of a bracket when the load pin is anywhere along the length of the slot such that the weight of the shelf unit can bear on the load pin.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a connection between a shelf unit and a post. FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a connection between a shelf unit and a post with the platform of the shelf unit omitted for clarity: FIG. 7 is a detail view illustrating a connection between a shelf unit and a post including a removable load pin between the bracket of the shelf unit and the post. Shelf unit 102 includes bracket 126. Load pin 152 is coupled between post 110 and bracket 126 of shelf unit 102.

FIG. 8 illustrates a load pin according to some implementations. Load pin 152 includes opposing end portions 164, shank portion 166, and center hub 168. Annular grooves 170 are defined between center hub 168 and each of end portions 164. End portions 164 and annular grooves 170 are sized such that load pin 152 is seated in opening 150 of bracket 126 at one of the annular grooves 170 and seated in one of keyholes 124 of post 110 at the other of annular grooves 170. The end portions of 164 maintain engagement of load pin 152 with bracket 126 of shelf unit and post 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates a shelf unit bracket according to some implementations. In some implementations, shelf unit brackets are sheet metal. In the example shown in FIG. 9, main slot 154 and stopping positions slots are each straight slots. Slots can, however, in other implementations, have other shapes or profiles. As an example, main slot 154 and/or stopping position branch slots 156 can be curved.

FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a post according to some implementations. FIG. 10B illustrates an example of a post include keyhole numbering.

In some implementations, the shelving system provides an angle of inclination in a range from 9 degrees to 13.5 degrees. In some implementations, the shelving system provides an angle of inclination at 9, 10.5, 12 and 13.5 degrees.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a shelving system with a shelf unit including brackets with multiple stopping positions at front a rear posts of a support structure. Although only the right side of the shelving system is shown in FIG. 11, the left side a shelving system can have a similar arrangement.

Shelving system 100 includes shelf units 102 and a shelving system including front posts 110a and a rear posts 110b. Shelf unit 102 includes front brackets 126a and 126b. Front bracket 126a of shelf unit 102 couples on a load pin engaged of one of keyways 124 of front post 110a. Front bracket 126a of shelf unit 102 couples on a load pin engaged of one of keyholes 124 of front post 110a. In some implementations, the inclination and/or height of shelf unit 102 is adjusted by shifting load pin 152 to engage in a different one of stopping position branch slots 156. The shift from one stopping position branch slot 156 to another stopping position branch slot 156 on bracket 126 can be effected without the use of any tools, without removed load pins 152 from either the bracket 126 or, and without the use of any tools.

In one example, the inclination of each of shelf units 102 can be changed (increased or decreased) by shifting the load pins 152 on front brackets 126a on either side of shelf unit 102 to a lower stopping position branch slot 156. To shift the load pins 152, the front end of the shelf unit 102 can be lifted to disengage load pins 152 from one stopping position branch slot 156. Next, the front end of shelf unit 102 can be guided such that load pins 152 travel through main slots 154 to alignment with the desired new stopping position branch slot 156. The front end of shelf unit 102 can be further guided so that load pins 152 engage in the new stopping position branches 156.

In some examples, the shelf unit 102 can be shifted up first on one end, then the other end is succession to raise the shelf unit 102 to a higher or lower level.

If it is desired that a shelf unit 102 be raised or lowered, or the angle of inclination changed beyond the range of any of the stopping position branch slots, the load pins 152 can be removed and reinstalled at a higher or lower keyhole 124 in post 110.

FIGS. 12 through 16 illustrate an alternate implementation of system for supporting shelf units that accommodates adjustable height and inclination. In the alternate implementation, the shelf unit can include at least one bracket along the side of the shelf unit supporting one end of the shelf unit having a slotted opening for a load pin, and another bracket supporting the other end of the shelf having a hole for a load pin.

FIG. 12 is an exterior view of a shelf unit supported on a post according to the alternate implementation. FIG. 13 is an interior view of the shelf unit according to the alternate implementation of FIG. 12. System 180 includes shelf unit 182 and post 110. Shelf unit 182 can include a shelf platform 130 similar to that described above relative to FIG. 3. Load pin 184 is coupled between post 110 and bracket 186. Post 110 can be similar to that described above relative to FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 14 illustrates a slotted bracket 188 that can be coupled to a shelf platform of a shelf unit. Slotted bracket 188 includes slot 190. FIG. 15 illustrates a bracket 186 that can be coupled to a shelf platform of a shelf unit. Bracket 186 includes hole 192. FIG. 16 illustrates a load pin 184 that can be coupled between a bracket of a shelf unit and post 110. Load pin 184 includes annular groove 194. To support each of the four corners of shelf unit 182, either bracket 186 or slotted bracket 188, and a corresponding one of posts 110 can be engaged in annular groove 194 of load pin 184 (see, for example, the combination of a bracket 186 and slotted bracket 188 shown in FIG. 19).

To adjust a height or inclination of a shelf unit, the load pin 184 can be removed from post 110 at the location of bracket 186. The height of inclination can be adjusted, and the load pin 184 at the location at bracket 186 reinstalled at a different keyhole 124. As one end of the shelf unit 182 is guided to a different height, a corresponding load pin 184 engaged in slotted bracket 188 on the other end of shelf unit 182 can travel along the slot 190.

[Shelf Unit Platform with Rear Stop and Dividers]

In some implementations, a shelf unit includes a platform that supports modular support elements and other components of the shelf unit. Modular product support elements can include, for example, wire shelves, roller assemblies, glide sheets, and other structures or devices that hold products to be displayed or dispensed. The product support elements can be suited to supporting and facilitating consumer access to the products held on the shelving system.

FIG. 17 is a perspective top a shelf unit including a platform for shelf components according to some implementations. FIG. 18 is a perspective bottom view of the shelf unit shown in FIG. 17. In the shelf unit illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, brackets for supporting the shelf unit on posts or other support structure (e.g., brackets 126 shown in FIG. 3) have been omitted for clarity.

Shelf unit 102 includes platform 130, wire shelf module 202, roller assembly module 204, glide sheets 206, dividers 134, front stop 138 (each shown in FIG. 17), and a cleaning tray 136 (seen in FIG. 18). Each of platform 130 includes a frame assembly 140, a rear stop 142, and side stops 144.

Platform 130 can provide hybrid framework for accommodating support elements for different products. Each of wire shelf module 202, roller assembly module 204, glide sheets 206 may serve as a product support element. Each of product support elements can reside in a different section 208 from left to right across the width of shelf unit 102. Dividers 134 can be installed on platform 130 to contain and/or segregate products between sections 208. In some implementations, The framework include frame elements, divider holding-devices at front and rear, front stop, rear stop, and side stops. The framework can also provide for mounting of a removable cleaning tray below products held on the shelf.

Each of sections 208 from left to right along the width of shelf unit 200 can accommodate a different one of one or more product support elements. Product support elements can be mixed among the various sections 208 to accommodate different types of products.

FIG. 19 illustrates a shelf platform according some implementations. Platform 130 includes frame 220, longitudinal members 222, and cross members 224. Frame 220 holds longitudinal members 222 and cross members 224 together. Frame 220 includes rear plate 226, front rail 228 and side rails 230. Rear plate 226 extends upwardly to form a rear stop 232. Rear plate 226 includes slots 234. Rear slots 234 can be punched in rear plate 226.

FIG. 20 is a detail view of one corner of a shelf platform shown in FIG. 19. Frame 220 of shelf unit 102 includes front rail 228 and side rail 230. End posts 236 are coupled on front rail 228. One end post 236 can be provided in each of the front corners of frame 220. Each end post 236 can receive a corresponding mounting element of front stop 138. End posts 236 can have a C-channel cross section.

Front rail 228 includes a series of front slots 238. Each of slots 238 can have a corresponding rear slot 234 at in rear plate 226. One of dividers 134 can be installed between each set of corresponding ones of front slots 238 and rear slots 234. Both ends of divider 134 can be slid into the mating part.

FIG. 21 illustrates engagement of a divider in a slot on a rear stop. Divider 134 can be an extruded member. As an example, divider 134 can be extruded metal. Divider 134 includes taper 240 and beads 242. Beads 242 can be formed during extrusion. The height of divider 134 is reduced at the end of divider 134 such that divider 134 can be installed any one of rear slots 234 of rear plate 226. Beads 242 can increase the stiffness of divider 134. Beads 242 can produce a frictional engagement of divider 134 in rear slot 234 of rear plate 226.

FIG. 22 illustrates engagement of a divider in a slot on a front rail. Divider 134 includes taper 244 and downward facing tab 246. A front-end divider slot 248 is defined between tab 246 and the lower central portion of divider 143. Tab 246 can engage in any one of front slots 238.

FIG. 23 illustrates a front stop according to some implementations. The body of front stop 138 can be fabricated by extrusion. Front stop 138 can be transparent.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate a front stop on the front a shelf unit. Front stop 138 can be installed by sliding the front stop into end posts 236 on each of the opposing sides of frame. In some implementations, end posts 236 are welded to the frame of the shelf unit. Price tag molding (PTM) 250 can be slid onto tag rail 252. In this example, tag rail 252 has a C-shaped cross section.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the shelf platform shown in FIG. 19, viewed from the rear corner of the shelf platform. Shelf platform 130 includes rail 268. Rail 268 includes guides 270 and brackets 272, 273.

In the shelf platform illustrated in FIG. 26, brackets 272 for mounting the shelf unit on posts are provided along the side rail. For illustrative purposes, the brackets shown are similar to those described above relative to FIGS. 12-16. A shelf platform can, however, include other types of mounting brackets for supporting the shelf platform on a shelf. In some implementations, for example, a shelf platform includes brackets including multiple stopping position branches, such as shown in FIGS. 2 through 4.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the shelf platform shown in FIG. 19. Each of guides 270 can be in a form a bend (e.g., a sheet-metal bend) with an inwardly projecting guide rail 274 to define channels 276 on opposing sides of the shelf platform. Channels 276 may receive corresponding flanges of a cleaning tray, such as will be described further below relative to FIGS. 28 through 32.

[Cleaning Tray]

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a cleaning tray that can be provided in a shelf unit in some implementations. Cleaning tray 136 includes tray body 280, louvers 282, a pair of opposing flanges 284 on each side of the tray body 280, and stop 286. Louvers 282 are spaced across the width of cleaning tray 136 from left to right. As shown in FIG. 29, each louver 282 includes a blade 288, end blocks 290 and defines a vent opening 292. Tray body 280 can catch material (such as liquids, objects, particles, spills, dust, or waste) that drops from above cleaning tray 136. Vent openings 292 allow air to pass between the space above and the space below tray body 280 and promote circulation in a refrigerated display case. Blades 288 inhibit material dropping from above tray body 280 from passing through vent openings 292. In some implementations, cleaning tray 136 is made of metal or injected molded plastic.

FIG. 30 is an underside view of cleaning tray. In this example, vent openings 292 open to the bottom surface of the cleaning tray.

FIG. 31 illustrates a cleaning tray 136 coupled to a shelf platform. Flanges 284 can each slidably engage one of channels 276 of the opposing sides of shelf platform 130. Thus, the cleaning tray 136 can be readily removed for cleaning (e.g., after a product spill) and replaced to prevent future spills or leaks from soiling other products on lower shelves.

FIG. 32 illustrates of louver that includes a barrier for inhibiting material that falls onto a cleaning tray from passing through the openings of the tray in some implementations. Louver 320 includes blades 288, end blocks 290, and ridge 282 and defines a vent opening 292. Ridge 282 can serve as a barrier to inhibit material that drops onto main tray body 280 from migrating into vent opening 292.

[Side Stops]

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate a side stop for a shelf unit according to some implementations. Side stop 300 includes rail 302 and brackets 304. Brackets 304 can be integral with rail 302 or attached to the rail after the rail and the brackets are separately fabricated (for example, by welding). In some implementations, side stop 300 is made of sheet metal. Side stop 300 can be secured to frame assembly 140 of shelf platform 130. In some implementations, a C-channel post front post for mounting a (e.g., end posts 236 shown in FIG. 25) and a side stop (e.g., side stop 300) are integrated with one another. The integrated post/side-stop can be welded to the front plate and the rear stop of the shelf platform.

FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate a side stop for a shelf unit according to an alternate implementation. Side stop 310 includes rail 312, inner lip 314, and tabs 316. Side stop 310 can snap into place on frame assembly 140 of shelf platform 130. In some implementations, side stop 310 is rigid and made of extruded plastic. Notch 318 between tabs 316 can serve to provide guideways from a cleaning tray (e.g., cleaning tray 136 shown in FIG. 28).

[Roller Assembly Module]

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a roller assembly module according to some implementations. Roller assembly module 204 includes rollers 322, upper frame 324, lower frame 326, and roller side rails 328. FIG. 38 is a partially exploded view showing upper frame 324 and lower frame 326. One or more rows or rollers 322 can be provided in array and then captured inside a frame assembly formed by upper frame 324 and lower frame 326. Each of rollers 322 are seated in one of grooves 330 on either side of the roller. Roller side rails 328 can be coupled to the outermost set of rollers 322 before or after the rollers 322 are placed in the frame. In some implementations, rollers are held in a fixture during assembly of the module.

FIG. 39 is a detail view of one end of the roller assembly module. Upper frame 324 and lower frame 326 can snap together with one another at complementary engagement features 332a, 332b.

FIG. 40 illustrates an example of a roller. In some implementations, rollers 322 are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). In some implementations, rollers are needle rollers.

In some implementations, one or more fixtures are used to maintain the relationship of rollers 322 to one another before roller assembly module 204 is assembled. In some implementations, roller side rails 328 are installed on rollers 322 and then removed once upper frame 324 and lower frame 326 have been coupled ton one another with rollers 322 in between.

FIG. 41 illustrates one example of a process of producing a roller assembly module.

In some implementations, a roller frame assembly includes a mounting feature for attachment to a wire shelf. FIG. 42 illustrates one example of an attachment snap element that can be used to secure a roller frame assembly to a wire shelf. Roller assembly module 340 includes snap 342.

In some implementations, a roller assembly includes projections to assemble to a framework of a shelf unit. FIG. 43 illustrates a roller assembly module 204 that includes projections 344 that can be used in assembling the roller assembly module to the frame of a shelf platform.

[Wire Shelf with Projections]

FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrates a wire shelf module in some implementations. The wire shelf module is used in a shelf framework (e.g., in combination with shelf platform 130 as described herein). In various implementations, the wire shelf module can be used in a shelf platform in combination with other product support modules, such roller assemblies, glide sheets or both.

Wire shelf module 202 includes wire grid 352 and projections 354. Wire grid 352 can have a frame of wire in the periphery and a few wires longitudinal and laterally running across. In some implementations, wire grid 352 has an epoxy coating.

Projections 354 extend downwardly from wire grid 352. Projections 354 can engage in corresponding elements in a frame of a shelf platform. In one example, projections 354 couple with members in a frame of a shelf unit, such as longitudinal members 222 or cross members 224 described above relative to FIG. 19. Projections 354 can help locate and arrest movement of the wire mesh.

[Stabilizer Devices]

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a stabilizer device according to some implementations. FIGS. 47 and 48 are detail view of the end of the stabilizer device shown in FIG. 46. Stabilizer device 360 includes stabilizer member 362 and pins 364. In this example, pins 364 are rivets installed in a pair of holes on each of end of stabilizer member 362.

FIG. 49 illustrates a stabilizer device installed on a post according to some implementations. In this example, one of pins 364 is engaged in each of two adjacent keyholes 124 in post 110 (the post may be, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b). One end of stabilizer device 360 can be coupled to a front post on one side of a shelving system, and the other end of stabilizer device 360 can be coupled to a rear post on the same side of the shelving system (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2). In some implementations, stabilizer devices are coupled front-to-rear on post assemblies on either side of a set of shelf units.

As used herein, supporting a shelf unit “on the end” of the shelf unit includes support along the sides of the shelf unit, and does not require that the supporting elements themselves be on the end of the shelf unit. For example, in the system shown in FIG. 1, the load pins in the front posts support the front end of the shelf unit, and the load pins coupled to the rear posts support the rear end of the shelf unit.

Although the disclosed inventive concepts include those defined in the attached claims, it should be understood that the inventive concepts can also be defined in accordance with the following illustrative implementations.

Implementation 1 is a shelf bracket including a mounting portion and a body coupled to the mounting portion. The mounting portion configured to couple to a shelf unit platform. The body defines an opening having a main slot and two or more stopping position branch slots adjoining the main slot.

Implementation 2 is a shelving system including a support structure, one or more shelf unit, one or more first end load pins, and one or more second end load pins. The one or more shelf units are configured to couple on the support structure. At least one of the shelf units includes a shelf platform, two or more first end brackets coupled to the shelf platform on a first end of the shelf platform, and two or more second end brackets coupled to the shelf platform on a second end of the shelf platform. At least one of the brackets includes a body and defining a slot. Each of at least one of one or more first end load pins is coupled between one of the first end brackets and the support structure. Each of at least one of the second end load pins is coupled such that the second end bracket is moveable and such that the second end load pin travels along the slot of the second end bracket to adjust the position of the shelf unit while the shelf unit remains partially supported by the support structure.

Implementation 3 is a shelving system including a support structure, one or more shelf units, and a plurality of load pins. The support structure includes a pair of front posts and a pair of rear posts. The one or more shelf units are configured to couple on the support structure. At least one of the shelf units includes a shelf platform: a pair a front brackets, and a pair of rear brackets. Each of at least one of the front brackets or rear brackets defines an opening having one or more slots. Each of at least one of plurality of load pins is coupled between one of the brackets and one of the posts such that the bracket is moveable such that the load pin travels along one of the one or more slots to adjust the height or inclination of the shelf unit.

Implementation 4 is a method of repositioning a shelf unit in a display case that includes: applying, when the shelf unit is in a first position and supported on a support structure, a lifting force to the shelf unit such that a load pin coupled to the support structure is disengaged from a first branch slot of a plurality branch slots in a corresponding bracket of the shelf unit: releasing the lifting force while the shelf unit is at least partially supported on the support structure; and guiding, while the shelf unit continues to be at least partially supported on the support structure, the shelf unit such that the load pin is re-engaged in a second branch slot in the corresponding bracket of the shelf unit and such that the shelf unit is repositioned from the first position to a second position.

Implementation 5 is a method of repositioning a shelf unit in a display case that includes: applying, when the shelf unit is in a first position and supported on a support structure on a first end and a second end of the shelf unit, a lifting force to the first end of the shelf unit such that the weight of the shelf unit on a load pin coupled to the support structure on each of a pair of opposing sides of the shelf unit is removed: disengaging each of the load pins from a slot in a corresponding bracket of the shelf unit: removing the load pins from the support structure while the second end of the shelf unit is at least partially supported on the support structure; and reinstalling the load pins in the support structure at a different height on the support structure; and guiding, while second end of the shelf unit continues to be at least partially supported on the support structure, the first end of the shelf unit such that the load pin on each of the pair of opposing sides of the shelf unit is re-engaged in the corresponding bracket of the shelf unit and such that the shelf unit is repositioned from the first position to a second position.

Implementation 6 is the method of implementation 5, wherein the second end the shelf unit is supported on second pair of load pins on the opposing sides of the shelf unit, wherein, as the shelf unit is guided from the first position to the second position, each of the second pair of load pins travels along a slot in a corresponding bracket on each of the opposing sides of shelf unit.

Implementation 7 is a shelf unit including a platform, a frame, and one or more dividers. The platform is configured to hold one or more product support elements. The platform includes a frame including a rear plate comprising a rear stop and defining a plurality of rear slots and a front rail comprising a plurality of front slots. Each of at least one of the dividers is configured to couple between one of the front slots of the front rail and one of the rear slots of the rear plate.

Implementation 8 is the shelf unit of implementation 7, further comprising one or more side stops coupled to the frame on at least one of the sides of the shelf unit.

Implementation 9 is the shelf unit of implementation 7 or 8, wherein the side stop comprises a shelf unit support bracket.

Implementation 10 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-9, wherein the side stop is configured to snap onto the frame.

Implementation 11 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-10, further comprising a front stop coupled to the frame.

Implementation 12 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-11, wherein the front stop is transparent.

Implementation 13 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-12, wherein the front stop comprises a price tag molding rail.

Implementation 14 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-13, wherein the frame comprises one or more front posts, the front stop is coupled on the front posts of the frame.

Implementation 15 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-14, further comprising one or more product support elements coupled to the frame.

Implementation 16 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 7-15, wherein at least one of the product support elements comprises a wire shelf module includes a wire grid, and one or more projections coupled to the wire grid. The one or more projections are configured to engage or position the wire shelf module on the frame.

Implementation 17 is a shelf unit including a platform, a pair of guides, a tray, and two or more support elements. The platform is configured to hold one or more product support elements. The pair of guides is coupled to the platform. The tray is slidably coupled the guides. The product support elements are on the platform.

Implementation 18 is the shelf unit of implementation 17, wherein at least one of the product support elements comprises a roller assembly:

Implementation 19 is the shelf unit of implementation 17 or 18, wherein at least one of the product support elements comprises a wire mesh.

Implementation 20 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 17-19, wherein at least one of the product support elements comprises a roller assembly module and at least one of the product support elements comprises a wire mesh module.

Implementation 21 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 17-20, wherein the tray defines a plurality of vents and comprises a plurality of fins associated with the openings.

Implementation 22 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 17-21, wherein the tray comprises a pair of opposing flanges each configured to engage one of the guides under the platform.

Implementation 23 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 17-22, further comprising a side stop coupled to at least one of the sides of the platform.

Implementation 24 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 17-23, further comprising one or more dividers coupled to the platform.

Implementation 25 is a shelf unit including a platform and a tray: The platform is configured to hold one or more products. The tray is coupled under the under the platform. The tray is configured to catch material dropping from above. The tray defines one or more openings configured to allow air flow between a space above the tray and a space below the tray.

Implementation 26 is the shelf unit of implementation 25, wherein the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings spaced across the width of the tray.

Implementation 27 is the shelf unit of implementation 25 or 26, wherein the tray comprises one or more louvers configured to inhibit material from dropping through the openings.

Implementation 28 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 25-27, wherein the tray comprises one or more barriers configured to inhibit material from migrating from an upper surface of the tray into at least one of the openings.

Implementation 29 is the shelf unit of implementation 28, wherein at least one of the barriers comprises a ridge.

Implementation 30 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 25-29, wherein the tray further comprises one or more blades configured to inhibit material from dropping through the openings, and one or more barriers adjacent to at least one of the openings and opposite an associated blade. The barrier inhibits material on an upper surface of the tray from falling through the opening.

Implementation 31 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 25-30, wherein the tray is slidably engaged to a pair of opposing guides in the platform.

Implementation 32 is a roller assembly module including a lower roller frame, an upper roller frame coupled to the lower roller frame, and a plurality of rollers held between the upper roller frame and the lower roller frame.

Implementation 33 is the shelf unit of implementation 32, wherein the plurality of rollers comprises two or more columns of rollers.

Implementation 34 is the shelf unit of implementation 32 or 33, wherein the plurality of rollers an array of rollers including two or more columns and two or more rows.

Implementation 35 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 32-34, wherein the lower roller frame and the upper roller frame are configured to snap together.

Implementation 36 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 32-35, wherein the plurality of rollers comprise needle rollers.

Implementation 37 is the shelf unit of any of implementations 32-36, further comprising a projection configured to couple the roller assembly module to a wire frame.

Implementation 38 is a stabilization device for a shelving system. The stabilization device includes a connecting member and one or more projections. The connecting member includes a pair of opposing ends and is configured to span between two posts of the shelving system. The one or more projections are on at least one of the ends of the connector member. Each of at least one of the projections is configured to engage in a keyhole of a post for the shelving system.

Implementation 39 is the stabilization device of implementation 38, wherein the one or more projections comprise two or more projections, and at least two of the projections are configured to couple in adjacent keyholes of the post.

Implementation 40 is the stabilization device of implementation 38 or 39, wherein at least one of the projections comprises a rivet configured to engage in the keyhole of the post.

Implementation 41 is the stabilization device of any of implementations 38-40, wherein at least one of the projections is configured to lock in the keyhole of the posts.

Implementation 42 is the stabilization device of any of implementations 38-41, wherein connecting member comprises a right angle bend configured to couple on the post.

While a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims. Furthermore, one of skill in the art would appreciate that features described in reference to a specific embodiment are not limited to that embodiment and can be interchanged with features of other embodiments.

MODULAR SHELVING SYSTEM

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)