AU2010200129A1

AU2010200129A1 - Improvements in or relating to shelving

Info

Publication number: AU2010200129A1
Application number: AU2010200129A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Wells
Original assignee: AUSFAB PLASTICS AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: AUSFAB PLASTICS AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-05-28
Filing date: 2010-01-13
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: AUPR528501A0; AU4440902A; AU2007203331A1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention title: Improvements in or relating to shelving The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Improvements in or relating to shelving Field of the invention The present invention is directed to improvements in or relating to shelving. 5 More particularly, the invention relates to a clip for facilitating the attachment of a shelf divider to a shelf base, and also relates to shelf dividers and shelving systems. Background of the invention The present specification is a divisional specification filed out of Australian patent application no 44409/02, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein 10 by reference. In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: (i) part of common general knowledge; or 15 (ii) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. The tendency today is for consumers to purchase products, especially everyday or commodity products from 'self service' stores. These stores include supermarkets and convenience stores. 20 Typically, these stores have a range of goods on display for consumers to make a purchase. The goods are often stacked on shelves, and categorized according to the type of goods. The goods may also be sub-categorized by manufacturer, by brand, or by a characteristic of the good, such as flavour. For example, tinned soup is usually placed in one section of a store and categorized by brand, and then sub 25 categorized by flavour. The goods are stacked on shelves to allow consumers to select the desired good, and when the goods run out, the shelves can be restocked. There are many shelving systems available on the market. One form of shelving system includes units divided laterally by a number of shelves. These units 2 may be substantial rigid constructions. They may be portable. The units may be placed on castors or otherwise moved around the store to create aisles as required. Each shelf may be further compartmentalised by a number of shelf dividers. These dividers are either permanently affixed to the shelf or releasably secured by 5 locating shelf divider tabs into a shelf base recess. In the latter case it can be difficult to remove the dividers without disturbing the overall shelf system. This system is suitable when storing goods which are approximately of a uniform size and/or of a fixed dimension, or when the same shelf system is used exclusively for the same sized goods. Unfortunately, the packaging of, and the goods themselves, may change in 10 size. Shelf systems can hence be inflexible as to the placement or stacking of goods of differing sizes or dimensions. This problem has been partially overcome by providing shelf systems with more readily adjustable shelf dividers. In this instance, the shelf dividers are attached to a shelf base by a track system composed of two spaced apart parallel tracks. The 15 tracks are typically located at the front and rear of the shelf base. The shelf dividers can be located onto the track by clip-like structures or other means capable of releasably engaging the track. The clips are positioned on the shelf dividers at points corresponding to the width between the tracks. Once the dividers are engaged with the track they can be moved along the path defined by the track. The dividers can be 20 used to adjust the size of a discrete shelf space to accommodate goods and packaging of varying size. Typically the shelf base has an integrally formed pair of spaced apart railway tracks. Unfortunately, this arrangement requires modification to the shelf base manufacturing process to allow for the raised extrusion of a track system. 25 Modifications are also required to the shelf divider manufacturing process to include a clip-like structure. Alternatively, the track system can be affixed to the shelf base. In particular, the tracking system is initially placed on self adhesive tape. The tape (and track system) can then be placed on the shelf base.

3 This track system can also be used for a shelf base which is composed of a wire frame. Typically, the shelf base has a plurality of parallel spaced wire pieces placed over a cross section of wire struts. Unfortunately, there are associated labour costs and inconvenience in 5 properly aligning and then positioning the track system with self adhesive tape. Furthermore, the tape and hence the track may become detached from the shelf base. Alternatively, if stronger adhesives are used, it becomes difficult to remove the track should this be necessary. In both examples, a significant amount of pressure is required to properly 10 engage the shelf divider clip onto the tracking system. It has been demonstrated that once goods are placed onto a shelf it becomes very difficult to clip the shelf divider onto the track system. In particular, significant force needs to be exerted on the shelf divider to enable the clip like structure to properly engage the track. If goods are placed on the shelf there is usually insufficient room to place a hand at the rear 15 of the divider and supply sufficient force to enable the divider to engage the track. In practical terms, in order to utilize the shelf dividers, goods are initially placed onto the shelf and a mark made at the point at which the divider is to be suitably placed. The shelves must then be emptied to allow for the proper engagement of the shelf divider onto the track system. The shelves are then re 20 stocked. This of course requires double handling and significant time and cost is incurred in stocking the shelves in this manner. The costs are significantly magnified when one considers the overall size of a typical supermarket store and the constant arrangement and stocking and re-stocking of the shelves. 25 It has also been demonstrated that staff loading shelves may not adopt this stocking process, principally because of its time consuming nature. In this instance, staff do not load and reload the shelves. Instead the shelves are loaded and the shelf divider is then attached to the shelf base. Unfortunately, staff are unable to clip the rear portion of the shelf divider in proper engagement with the rear track. In time, 30 the divider can be skewed which in turn results in an improper utilization of available shelf space. It can also lead to blending of different brands of goods, which 4 can be of particular concern to manufacturers who pay for valuable shelf space to make their products more visible than, and distinct from, competitor products. Alternatively, other stores simply place perforated cardboard cartons full of the goods on to a shelf. A knife is then used to cut the carton at the point of perforation 5 and the carton top removed. In this instance the sides of the cartons act as shelf dividers. Although effective, the overall impression left upon consumers is not aesthetically pleasing especially if the carton edges become ripped, frayed or tattered. Summary of the invention The present invention accordingly provides in one embodiment, a clip for 10 attaching a substantially planar shelf divider to a shelf base. The clip includes a shelf divider engaging member attachable to a portion of a shelf divider, and a shelf base engaging member attachable to a portion of the shelf base, wherein the clip facilitates releasable attachment between the shelf divider and the shelf base. The shelf divider engaging member may take any suitable form. Preferably the 15 shelf divider engaging member includes a pair of arms. The arms define a recess in which the shelf divider can be located. Typically at least one of the arms will be formed from a resilient material. In this embodiment, the arms can be angled towards each other to provide a degree of interengagement with the sides of the shelf divider. The shelf divider can be inserted between the resilient arms thereby 20 resulting in positive engagement as the arms are biased towards the sides of the shelf divider. Preferably the arms include rounded edges to facilitate the location of the shelf divider within the recess formed between the arms. In a further preferred configuration an arm includes at least one prong. 25 Preferably the prong is located on an inwardly facing surface of the arm. The prong may be locatable in a complementary aperture defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider. Engagement between the prong and shelf divider further facilitates engagement between the shelf divider and the shelf divider engaging member.

5 Preferably, the shelf divider engaging member includes a pair of prongs. Each prong may be locatable on an inwardly facing surface of each of the respective arms. Preferably the prongs are located at mutually complementary points on each arm. According to a further preferred form of the invention, both prongs are 5 locatable in the complementary aperture defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider to further facilitate the engagement between the shelf divider and the shelf divider engaging member. The shelf base engaging member may take any suitable form for releasable attachment to the shelf base. Preferably the shelf base engaging member includes an 10 area removed to define a recess wherein a portion of the shelf base is locatable in the recess. Alternatively the shelf base engaging member may engage a track (as herein before described) attached to the shelf base. Preferably the dimensions of the recess are contoured to the cross-sectional dimensions of the shelf base portion to further facilitate engagement with the shelf 15 base. Where the shelf base is a wire shelf base, the shelf base engaging member engages a wire piece of the wire shelf base. Preferably the dimensions of the recess are contoured to the cross-sectional dimensions of the wire. Typically the wire is substantially circular in cross-section. In this instance the inner engaging surface of 20 the area removed to define a recess is suitably concave. Preferably, the shelf base engaging member is formed from a resilient material. In this preferred embodiment, the area defining the recess may be substantially C shaped to allow for a 'snap fit' between the shelf base engaging member and the shelf base portion. The shelf base engaging member can thus provide a degree 25 positive engagement with the portion of the shelf base. The shelf base engaging member can be located on the wire piece by pushing the clip on to the wire thereby deforming a portion of the shelf base engaging member defining the C-shaped recess. The member can thus engage the wire by substantially surrounding the wire within the C-shaped recess. The clip can be removed by the application of force to 30 deform the portion thereby releasing the clip from the wire.

6 The detachable nature of the clip allows the clip to be utilised in interchangeably attaching a wide range of dividers to a shelf base. The clip can therefore be used to attach dividers of varying shapes, sizes and colors. For example, if the store requires a shelf divider of a particular colour or 5 shape, the existing divider can be easily removed from the base. The clips can then be subsequently removed from the divider and placed on a different shelf divider. That shelf divider may then be releasably attached to the shelf base. The present invention provides in another embodiment, a clip for use as part of a shelf system wherein the clip includes a shelf divider engaging member 10 attachable to a portion of a shelf divider and a shelf base engaging member attachable to a portion of a shelf base, wherein the clip facilitates a releasable attachment between the shelf divider and the shelf base. Typically a plurality of clips will be used to attach the shelf divider to a shelf base. Multiple clips may be used. Preferably, a pair of clips are used. The clips are 15 substantially spaced apart along the shelf divider's longitudinal edge, being the edge by which the divider is attached to the base. The multiplicity of clips may include any combination of detachable or integral clips. When the clip is used to secure a shelf divider to a wire shelf base, the clips are placed at points corresponding to wire pieces. Alternatively when the clips are 20 used in association with a track system, the clips are placed at points corresponding to the tracks. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a single clip is used to attach a shelf divider to the shelf base. Typically, a secondary attachment means may be used in this embodiment to further releasably attach the shelf divider to the shelf 25 base. The secondary attachment means may take any suitable form. Preferably the secondary attachment means includes a recess defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider. The dimensions of the recess may correspond to a portion of the shelf base wherein the portion of the shelf base is receivable within the dimensions of the 30 recess. Where the shelf base is a wire shelf base, the dimensions of the recess may approximately correspond with the cross-sectional dimensions of the wire.

7 In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the aperture may be substantially greater than the dimensions of the portion of the shelf base. The dimension of the aperture may take any suitable shape. The aperture may be in the form of a channel extending towards the forward edge of a shelf divider 5 when the shelf divider is attached to the shelf base. The aperture may be in the shape of an elongated hook. The shelf divider can be located on a portion of the shelf base by the location of the shelf base within the shelf divider recess. The shelf divider can then be subsequently pulled in a forward direction in a pathway as defined by the recess. In a preferred configuration, the shelf divider can 10 be placed on a piece of wire and pulled in a forward direction. This allows the person stocking the shelves to attach the shelf divider initially by locating the shelf divider onto the wire shelf base via the secondary attachment means. Since the attachment means requires an application of a forward force to lock the portion of the shelf base, the shelf divider in this instance can be placed on a shelf base already 15 laden with goods. The shelf base divider can be slid along in a forward direction relative to the shelf base in a pathway as defined by the recess. The attachment of the shelf divider to the shelf base can be completed by the engagement of the clip. In a further preferred embodiment the secondary attachment means includes a protrusion. The protrusion is locatable in a channel provided on the shelf base. 20 The channel provides a pathway for the movement of the shelf divider. The present invention provides in a separate embodiment, a shelf divider capable of attachment to a shelf base, the divider having a clip as described herein and a secondary attachment means as described herein. The clip may be attachable to the divider or integrally formed therewith. The clip may be attachable to the 25 divider or integrally formed therewith. Preferably, the secondary attachment means includes a recess as described herein. It is also accordingly within the scope of this application that the clip may be integral with the shelf divider. In this instance, the clip only requires a shelf base engaging member. The shelf divider and clip configuration may be prepared as a 30 single unitary element by any suitable means. The single unitary element may be formed by injection molding.

8 The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a shelving system comprising a plurality of shelf dividers releasably attachable to a shelf base by a corresponding plurality of clips as described herein carried by the plurality of shelf dividers. 5 The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a shelving system comprising a plurality of shelf dividers releasably attachable to a shelf base by a corresponding plurality of clips and a corresponding plurality of secondary attachment means as described herein carried by the plurality of shelf dividers. The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a shelving 10 system having at least one shelf base on which goods can be placed and at least one shelf divider releasably attachable to the base by a clip as described herein. The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a shelving system having at least one shelf base on which goods can be placed and at least one shelf divider releasably attachable to the base by a clip and a secondary attachment 15 means as described herein. The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for creating a shelf space on a shelving unit having a shelf base, the method comprising the step of attaching to the base a pair of spaced apart substantially planar dividers, the planes of the dividers being substantially vertical when attached to the base, each 20 divider having at least one clip as described herein, the dividers when attached to the base defining a shelf space. The present invention provides in another separate embodiment a method for creating a shelf space on a shelving unit having a shelf base, the method comprising the step of attaching to the base a pair of spaced apart substantially planar dividers, 25 the planes of the dividers being substantially vertical when attached to the base, each divider having a clip and a secondary attachment means as described herein, the dividers when attached to the base defining a shelf space. Description of the drawings 9 The present invention will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a clip according to one embodiment of the present invention; 5 Figure 2 is a side view of the clip of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom view of the clip of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top view of the clip of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a clip of Figure 1 along the line A-A; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a clip of Figure 1 along the line B-B; 10 Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the clip according to Figure 1 incorporated as part of a shelf system; Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a clip according to Figure 1 incorporated as part of a wire base shelf system; and Figure 9 is a is a schematic representation of a clip according to Figure 1 and an 15 integral clip incorporated as part of a shelf system. Turning to the drawings, a clip 1 for attaching a planar shelf divider 100 to a shelf base 200 is provided, the clip 1 includes a shelf divider engaging member 2 and a shelf base engaging member 3. The clip facilitates a releasable attachment between the shelf divider 100 and the shelf base 200. 20 The shelf divider engaging member 2 has a pair of arms 4. The pair of arms 4 define a recess 5 in which the shelf divider can be located. The arms 4 are made of resilient material. The arms 4 further include rounded edges 6 to facilitate the location of the shelf divider 100. The arms 4 further include a pair of prongs 7. Each prong 7 is locatable on 25 the inwardly facing surface of each of the respective arm 4. The prongs 7 are located at mutually complementary points on each arm 4. As is shown in Figures 7 and 8 a shelf divider 100 is located between the arms 4. The prongs 7 are locatable in an aperture 101 defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider 100.

10 The shelf base engaging member 3 includes an area removed to define a recess 30. The dimensions of the recess 30 are contoured to the cross-sectional dimensions of the shelf base portion to further facilitate engagement between the shelf base. The shelf base engaging member is typically formed from resilient 5 material. As shown in figure 7 where the shelf base 200 is a wire shelf base, the shelf base engaging member engages a piece of wire 201. The dimensions of the recess 30 contour to the cross-sectional dimensions of the wire 201. The area defining the recess is therefore substantially C-shaped to allow for a 'snap fit' between the wire 10 201 and the shelf base engaging member 3. The shelf base engaging member 3 can thus provide a degree of positive engagement with the portion of the shelf base 200. The shelf base engaging member 3 is located on the wire 201 by pushing the member 3 on to the wire thereby deforming a portion of the shelf base engaging member 3, that being the portion defining the C-shaped recess. The shelf base 15 engaging member can thus engage the wire 201 by substantially surrounding the wire within the C-shaped recess 30. The clip 1 can be removed by the suitable application of force to deform the same portion thereby releasing the clip from the wire. The detachable nature of the clip 1 allows it to be utilised to interchangeably 20 attach a wide range of dividers to a shelf base. The clip can therefore be used to attach dividers of varying shapes, sizes and colors. For example, if the store requires a shelf divider of a particular colour or shape, the existing divider can be easily removed from the base. The clip 1 can then be subsequently removed from that divider. The clips can then be placed on a 25 different shelf divider and that shelf divider realeasably attached to the shelf base. Figure 7 illustrates use of the clip to secure a shelf divider 100 to a wire shelf base 200. The clip 1 is placed at a point corresponding to a piece of wire. In this example the wire extends longitudinally in relation to the shelf base. A secondary attachment means 500 is used to further attach the shelf divider 100 to the shelf base 30 200.

11 The secondary attachment means 500 includes a recess 501 defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider 100. The dimension of the recess 501 is substantially greater than the dimension of the wire piece 201. The recess 501 is in the shape of a hook shaped channel extending towards the forward edge of a shelf 5 divider 100 when the shelf divider 100 is attached to a shelf base 200. The shelf divider 100 can be located on a portion of the shelf base 200 by the location of the shelf base within the secondary attachment means 500. The shelf divider 100 can then be subsequently pulled in a forward direction in a pathway as defined by the recess 502. The shelf divider 100 can thus be placed 10 on a piece of wire 201 and pulled in the forward direction. This allows the person stocking the shelves to attach the shelf divider 100 initially by locating the shelf divider onto a shelf base via the secondary attachment means. Since the secondary attachment means requires an application of a forward force (as opposed to a downward force) to properly attach the shelf divider 100 to the shelf base 200, the 15 shelf divider 100 can be placed on a shelf base 200 already laden with goods. The shelf divider 100 can be slid along the forward direction in a pathway as defined by the recess 502. The forward point of the shelf divider can be then attached to the shelf base 200 by the engagement of the clip 1. Alternatively as shown in Figure 8 the clip 1 can be used in association with a 20 track system 400 and solid shelf base 300. The secondary attachment means 500 includes a protrusion 505. The protrusion 505 is locatable in a channel provided on the shelf base 301. The channel provides a pathway for the movement shelf divider. The clip 1 then completes the attachment between the shelf divider 100 and the shelf base by engaging the track system. 25 As shown in Figure 9, any combination of integral and detachable clips may be used. The integral clip 600 is formed as a unitary element with the shelf divider 100. The integral clip 600 includes a shelf base engaging member 601. The shelf base engaging member 601 in turn includes an area removed to define a recess 602. The dimensions of the recess 602 are contoured to the cross-sectional dimensions of the 30 shelf base portion 201 to further facilitate engagement between the shelf base 300 12 and shelf divider 100. The shelf base engaging member is made from resilient material. Where the shelf base portion 201 is a wire shelf base or the portion of the shelf base has a substantially circular cross section the dimensions of the recess 602 5 contour to the cross-sectional dimensions of the base portion 201. The area defining the recess is therefore substantially C-shaped to allow for a 'snap fit' between the shelf base portion 201 and the shelf base engaging member 601. The shelf base engaging member 601 can thus provide a degree of positive engagement with the portion of the shelf base 200. 10 The shelf base engaging member 601 is located on the shelf base portion 201 by pushing the member 601 on to the shelf base portion thereby deforming a portion of the shelf base engaging member 601, that being the portion defining the C-shaped recess. The shelf base engaging member can thus engage the shelf base portion by substantially surrounding the base portion within the C-shaped recess 15 602. The clip 600 can be removed by the suitable application of force to deform the same portion thereby releasing the clip 600 from the base portion 201. The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions. 20 Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A clip for attaching a substantially planar shelf divider to a shelf base comprising (a) a shelf divider engaging member attachable to a portion of a shelf 5 divider, and (b) a shelf base engaging member attachable to a portion of the shelf base, wherein the clip facilitates releasable attachment between the shelf divider and the shelf base.

2. The clip according to claim 1 wherein the shelf divider engaging 10 member comprises a pair of arms defining a recess in which a portion of the shelf divider can be located.

3. The clip according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the arms is formed from a resilient material.

4. The clip according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the shelf divider is 15 substantially planar and the respective arms are angled towards each other to provide a degree of interengagement with the sides of the shelf divider.

5. The clip according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the shelf divider can be inserted between the arms thereby resulting in positive 20 engagement as the arms are biased towards the sides of the shelf divider.

6. The clip according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the arms further comprise rounded edges to facilitate the location of a portion of the shelf divider within the recess formed between the arms. 25

7. The clip according to any one of claims 2 to 6 further comprising at least one prong located on an inwardly facing surface of the arm wherein the prong may be locatable in a complementary aperture defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider. 14

8. The clip according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the shelf base engaging member comprises an area removed to define a recess adapted to accommodate a portion of the shelf base.

9. The clip according to claim 8 wherein the dimensions of the recess are 5 contoured to the cross-sectional dimensions of the shelf base portion to further facilitate engagement with the shelf base.

10. The clip according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the shelf base engaging member is formed from a resilient material.

11. A shelf divider for use as part of a shelf system, the shelf divider 10 comprising at least one clip according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A shelf divider according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said clip(s) is integrally formed with said divider.

13. The shelf divider according to claim 11 or 12 and further comprising a secondary attachment means to further releasably attach the shelf 15 divider to the shelf base.

14. The shelf divider according to claim 13 wherein the secondary attachment means comprises a recess defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider, the dimensions of the recess corresponding to a portion of the shelf base wherein the portion of the shelf base is 20 receivable within the dimensions of the recess.

15. The shelf divider according to claim 13, wherein the secondary attachment means comprises a recess defined by removing a portion of the shelf divider, the dimensions being substantially greater than the dimensions of the portion of the shelf base. 25

16. The shelf divider according to claim 14, wherein the recess is in the form of a channel extending towards a forward edge of the shelf divider when the shelf divider is attached to the shelf base, the shelf divider locatable on a portion of the shelf base by the location of the shelf base within the shelf divider recess. 15

17. The shelf divider according to claim 14, wherein the secondary attachment means comprises a protrusion locatable in a channel provided on the shelf base.

18. A shelving system comprising a plurality of shelf dividers releasably 5 attachable to a shelf base by a corresponding plurality of clips, at least one of said clips being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.

19. A shelving system comprising a plurality of shelf dividers releasably attachable to a shelf base, at least one of said dividers being as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17. 10

20. A shelving system comprising at least one shelf base on which goods can be placed and at least one shelf divider releasably attachable to the base by a clip, the clip being as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.

21. A shelving system comprising at least one shelf base on which goods can be placed and at least one shelf divider releasably attachable to the 15 shelf base, at least one of said dividers being as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17.

22. A method for creating a shelf space on a shelving unit having a shelf base, the method comprising the step of attaching to the base a pair of spaced apart substantially planar dividers, the planes of the dividers 20 being substantially vertical when attached to the base, each divider having at least one clip as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10 attached thereto or integrally formed therewith, the dividers when attached to the base defining a shelf space.

23. A method for creating a shelf space on a shelving unit having a shelf 25 base, the method comprising the step of attaching to the base a pair of spaced apart substantially planar dividers, the planes of the dividers being substantially vertical when attached to the base, at least one of said dividers being as defined in any one of claims 11 to 17.

24. A clip substantially as herein before described and with reference to any 30 one of the accompanying drawings. 16

25. A shelf divider substantially as herein before described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

26. A shelf system substantially as herein before described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. 5

27. A method for creating a shelf space on a shelving unit having a shelf base, substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.