CA2562437C - Display device - Google Patents
Display device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2562437C CA2562437C CA2562437A CA2562437A CA2562437C CA 2562437 C CA2562437 C CA 2562437C CA 2562437 A CA2562437 A CA 2562437A CA 2562437 A CA2562437 A CA 2562437A CA 2562437 C CA2562437 C CA 2562437C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shelf unit
- disposed
- products
- tray
- biasing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Abstract
A shelf unit for displaying products in a space saving manner includes brackets for securing to a support and a tray extending between the brackets, the tray has a front portion with edges arranged so that adjacent edges are disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern. A face portion configured to conform to the front portion is disposed over the front portion and has a window for viewing a product disposed behind the window. Adjustable partitions are disposed on the tray and define rows for displaying the products. A biasing mechanism biases the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit. Each biasing mechanisms has a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member. The products are arranged in adjacent rows at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the edges of the front portion of the tray.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE xNVENTION
3. Field of the Invention , The invention relates to shelf units and mare particularly to shelf units haying trays designed to hold modular merchandise units in a sawtooth or zig-zag arrangement so as to present the face of the product to a potential customer more effectively and efficiently.
3. Field of the Invention , The invention relates to shelf units and mare particularly to shelf units haying trays designed to hold modular merchandise units in a sawtooth or zig-zag arrangement so as to present the face of the product to a potential customer more effectively and efficiently.
2. The prior Art Merchandise for retail sale is typically arfanged in parallel rows on modular shelving units. Such an arrangement allows prospective purchasers to view and select a product for purchase. As merchandise is removed from a front of the display, the shelf is rE-stocked and leveled by moving merchandise to a front of the shelf to present a neat, orderly and fully stocked appearance.
In shelving arrangements according to the prior art, product units are generally disposed in parallel rows with a face of each product arranged substantially parallel to a straight front edge of the shelf. In such an arrangement, the number of rows of products which can be disposed on a shelf is limited bx the width of the products. This layout fails to make efficient use of the available shelf space.
In addition, an entire row of products stocked on a conventional shelf unit may be easily accessible to shoplifters. .
Accordingly, there exists a need for a shelf unit wherein product units are arranged in a space-saving manner to make more efficient use of available shelf space. Moreover, a need exists fox a shelf unit wherein access to a portion of the products disposed on the shelf unit is limited so as td eliminate ox reduce the occurrence of pilferage.
SUMMARX OF THE 1NVFNTI~N
The invention relates.to shelf units and mare particularly to shelf units having trays designed to hold modular merchandise units such as packet boxes filled with merchandise such as razor blades in a sawtooth or zig-zag arrangement so as to present the face of the product to a potential customer more effectively and efficiently.
In one embodiment of the invention, a shelf unit for displaying a plurality of products in a space saving manner includes a plurality of brackets fox securing the shelf unit to a support. A tray extends between the brackets. The tray has a front portion with a plurality of edges arranged with adjacent edges disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern. A face portion is disposed over the front portion of the tray and is configured to conform substantially to the font portion. The face portion has one or more windows far viewing a product disposed behind the window.
Adaustable partitions are disposed on the tray and arranged substantially parallel to the brackets to define a plurality of rows for displaying the products. A biasing mechanism is disposed in a respective row of the plurality of rows for biasing the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit. Each biasing mechanism may comprise a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member.
When products are arranged in adjacent rows on the shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention, the products are arranged at alternat2ng angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the plurality of edges of the front portion of the tray.
One advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention is that products may be arranged in adjacent rows and at alternating angles to form a sawtooth ox zig zag pattern, thereby permitting a greater number of products to be displayed far a given amount of shelf space.
A further advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention is that a biasing mechanism may be provided to bias the product zn a row taward a front a~ the shelf unit, thereby eliminating the need far manual leveling of the rows of displayed products.
Another advantage of a shelf unit aecoxding to an embodiment of the invention is that individual rows far displaying pxoducts may be defined by adjustable partitians, wherein a width of a row may be adjusted to accommodate the dimensions of a particular product to be displayed.
Another advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of. the invention is that a face poxtion may be provided which includes windows allowing prospective purchasers to view the various products displayed on the shelf unit. The window may further include an aperture or finger hole may to facilitate loading of products in the row:
The face portion may be stationary or may be secured to the shelf unit with one~or more hinges, wherein the face portion may be adapted to pivot ar swing open for loading the products and to pivot or swing closed after the products have been stocked. A locking mechanism may lock the face portion in an open or ClaS2d pOSltlan.
Another advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention is that an upwardly-biased paddle or stop may be provided in a row to facilitate loading a~
products in the row.
A further advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the in~entian is that a wixe grid may be disposed at a top portion of the shelf unit to prevent ar minimize losses due to shoplifting by restricting access to products disposed on the shelf unit.
BRIEF ~~SCRTPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other benefits and features af~the present invention will become apparent dram the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying dxawings. ~t is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
In the drawings, wherein similar xeference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a Close up view of a portion of the shelf unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a shelf unit according to anothex embodiment of the invention; and FIG, ~ shows a close up view of a portion of the shelf unit shown in F2G. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0~ THE DRAWINGS
Referring now in detail to the drawings arid, in particular, FTC. 1 shows a perspective view of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The shelf unit may include a plurality of brackets Z for securing the shelf unit to a support (not shown). Bracket 1 may aompxise, fox example, a knife bracket formed from a steel stamping and powder coated. As shown, bracket 1 may include one or mare projections disposed at a rear portion thereof for securing the bracket to a modular support. The bracket projections may be inserted~into corresponding apertures provided in a modular support to locate and secure the shelf unit at an appropriate height. Multiple shelf units according to an embodiment of the invention may be secured to a support and positioned one over another in a stacked mannex.
A tray 2 extends between the brackets 1. Tray 2 may be formed from any suitable xigid material, for example injection molded acrylanitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. As shown, tray 2 includes a front portion 3 comprising a plurality of edges 4. Plurality of edges ~ are arranged with adjacent edges 4 disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth or gig zag pattern.
A cross-bar 5 may b2 secured to brackets 1 and disposed over tray 2. Cross-bar 5 may strengthen and provide added rigidity to the shelf unit. Moxeover, cross-bar 5 may provide support for a wire grid 6 disposed over tray 2. Wire grid 6 may be secured to brackets 1 and crass-bar 5 as shown.
Wire grid 6 may extend from a rear portion of tray 2 to an area just behind front portion 3 of tray ~, thereby covering most of the product units disposed on the shelf unit and leaving only the front-most product ax products accessible.
In this way, wire grid 6 may serve as a security mechanism by preventing a prospective shoplifter from reaching into the shelf unit from above and removing an entire row or rows of products from the shelf unit.
In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of shelf units may be secured to a support and stacked one on top of another, leaving only a small vertical spacing between units. A,zx uppermost shelf unit may include wire grid 6 fvr restricting access to the products disposed on the uppex~mast shelf unit. The cross-bar 5 disposed over the trays 2 may further provide a security function by preventing the removal of a shelf unit from the support without first removing the unit positioned immediately over the shelf unit sought to be removed. Tn this way, a prospective shoplifter is unable to remove an entire shelf unit and gain access to the products disposed therein without first removing each shelf unit located over the unit. This feature further restricts aCCess _ g _ to the products disposed on a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention and prevents or reduces the occurrence of theft.
A face portion 7 is diseased over the front portion 3 of the shelf unit. Face portion 7 is configured to conform substantially to the shape of front portion 3 and follows the sawtooth or xig zag pattern formed by edges 4 of tray 2. dace portion 7 may comprise one or more windows 8 arranged so that products disposed on the shelf unit behind the windows $ may be viewed. Windows 8 may be formed from a transparent ar semx~transparent material, for example injection molded clear polycarbonate plastic.
A shelf unit sGCOrding to an embodiment of the invention further comprises a plurality of adjustable partitions or dividers 9 disposed on tray 2. Partitions vx dividers 9 are arranged substantially parallel to brackets 1 and form a plurality of rows defined on one side by partition 9 and on another side by an second partition 9 or bracket 1.
Partitions 9 are adjustable so that a width of each individual row may be adjusted to accommodate the dimensZOns of the product to be housed in the particular raw. Adjustable partitions may be configured so that they are free to slide g _ left or right as products are loaded into a raw. Such partitions are self-adjusting in that the product find its proper row width by displacing the flexible partition or part~.tions. In an additional embadiznent, partitions 9 may be locked into a piurality of fixed posi.tlon5, forming rows of appropriate widths. For example, partitions 9 may snap into place on tray 2. Fixed stops ar snaps for locating the partition 9 may be spaced at 1/2 inch or 1/g inch intervals, thereby al.low~.ng for precise positioning of the partition.
then a partition is snapped or otherwise secured in place in this embodiment, products in an adjacent raw will riot encroach ar displace the partition.
Each row ~.n the shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention may further include a biasing mechanism ox pusher for biasing the product in that raw toward the front of the she~.f unit, where the product can be viewed and accessed by purchasers. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the biasing mechanism includes a biasing element 101 and a slidab~.e product advancing member 7.02. Slidable product advancing member may have a face disposed substantially parallel to the edge 4 at the front of the row wherein the biasing mechanism is disposed, as shown.
_ Biasing element x.01 may comprise a spring element which is secured at one end near a front of the row. In the embodiments shown, biasing element 201 comprises a length of f~.at metal Spring material which is secured at one end near a front of the row and forms a coil which is uncoiled as slidable product advancing member 102 is moved toward a rear of the xow. The coiled spring biases the product advancing member 102 toward a front of the.shelf unit. Thus, as products are removed from the front of a row o~ products, the biasing mechanism displaces the remaining row of product toward a front of the shelf unity thereby maintaining a neat, fully stocked appearance and eliminating the need far manual ~.eveling.
Products may be arranged in the adjacent xows defined by a pair ofi partitions 9 or a partition 9 and a bracket 1 at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern correspand~.ng to the pattern formed by the pJ.urality of edges 4 at the front port~.on of tray 2. Each row of pxoducts forms a non-right angle with respect to brackEt 1 with adjacent rows of pxoducts angled out from a rear o~ the shelf unit and in towaxd a rear of the shelf unit in an alternating manner to form a sawtooth or zig zag pattern.
_ 11 _ Hy arranging the products in rows with adjacent rows disposed at alternating angles, it is possible to fit more products in a given amount of shelf space as compared to conventional arrangements wherein products are arranged in para11e1 rows at substantially right angles to a shelf bracket. The arrangement of products in a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention achieves significant space saving, allowing more products to be stocked in a given amount of shelf space. For example, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, twelve rows of products are afranged on a shelf unit which takes up a linear space which would accommodate only ten rows of the same product. if arranged in a conventional manner in parallel xaws.
A shelf unit according to an embod~.ment of the invention may be sized and shaped so that ~.t is suitable fox holding a particular product or class of products. Fox example, the embodiment shown in the drawing figures may be used to display and' hold packages of razor blade cartridges in a space-saving manner. The dimensions of the shelf unit can be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of products for retail sale, for example personal care products or any other products which are suitable for displaying on a conventional shelf assemblies .
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, tray ~ rnay have a floor portion 21 disposed at a bottom of tray 2. The plurality of edges 4 arranged in a saw--tooth pattern may extend upwardly Exam floor portion 21 to fozm a plurality of walls ~1. Walls 41 are generally parallel to edges 4 so that the plurality of walls 41 to farm a sawtaath pattern.
Face portion 7 of the shelf unit may be secured to tray 2 iri a stationary manner, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or alternatively may be secured to tray 2 with one vz more hinges 71, as illustrated in FIGS, 3 and ~. Hinges 71 allow face 7 to pivot between an open position (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) for leading products into the shelf unit and a closed position. A locking mechan~.sm may be provided far lacking the drop down face 7 in either an open or closed pasit~.on. During loading, the drop down h~.nged face may be moved to the open pos~.tion so that products may be ~.nserted into appropriate rows of the shelf unit from the front. Follow~.ng the stocking of the shelf, the face 7 is moved to the closed position. The locking mechanism, may be adapted so that face 7 may be locked in place onJ.y by authorized persons, for example by a store employee.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, a shelf unit according to _ 1~ _ an embodiment of the invention may include one or more paddles or stops 22 disposed in one or more of the product rows.
Paddles 22 are pivotally mounted to tray 2 arid are adapted to pivot downwa~rdly toward a reax of the shelf unit as products are loaded into the respECti~re row. Paddles 22 are biased in a upward position, fox example with a spring mechanism, so that paddles 22 return to a vertical position when no longer held down by a product, Paddles 22 assist in fraz~t loading of the shelf unit by allowing a plurality of products to be loaded at one time, rather than loading just a single unit at a time. As products are placed into a particular raw, the paddle 22 pivot down toward a rear of the shelf unit and the products push against the biasing mechanism or pushex, displacing it toward the rear of the shelf unit. Once the row of products is pushed past the paddle 22, the paddle 22 flips up into its vertical state and acts as a stop, preventing the biasing mechanism from pushing the row of products all the way to the front of the shelf unit. Th~.s feature facilitates the loading of a plurality of product units into the shelf unit, and allows for more efficient stockzx~g of the shelf un~.t.
As shown in FxGS. 1 and 2, a shelf unit according to 1~ _ an embodiment of the invention may include one or more apertures 81 to fac~.litate loading of products into the shelf un~.t. Apertures 81 are disposed in w~.ndow portion 8 of face 7. Apertuzes 81 comprise a through hole or finger hole sized so that a person responsible for stocking the shelf unit may insert one or more of their fingers through aperture 81 to push a raw of products in the respective row back toward a rear of the shelf unit aga~.nst the biasing mechanism. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7. and 2, product units may be loaded into the rows of the shelf unit from above and a person may push the products a3.ready disposed in a rciw back against the biasing mechanism by inserting one or more of their fingers through aperture 81, thereby making room to insezt one or more additivn~.l products from above.
Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications zttay be made thereunto without departing from the sp~.x~it and scope of the invention.
In shelving arrangements according to the prior art, product units are generally disposed in parallel rows with a face of each product arranged substantially parallel to a straight front edge of the shelf. In such an arrangement, the number of rows of products which can be disposed on a shelf is limited bx the width of the products. This layout fails to make efficient use of the available shelf space.
In addition, an entire row of products stocked on a conventional shelf unit may be easily accessible to shoplifters. .
Accordingly, there exists a need for a shelf unit wherein product units are arranged in a space-saving manner to make more efficient use of available shelf space. Moreover, a need exists fox a shelf unit wherein access to a portion of the products disposed on the shelf unit is limited so as td eliminate ox reduce the occurrence of pilferage.
SUMMARX OF THE 1NVFNTI~N
The invention relates.to shelf units and mare particularly to shelf units having trays designed to hold modular merchandise units such as packet boxes filled with merchandise such as razor blades in a sawtooth or zig-zag arrangement so as to present the face of the product to a potential customer more effectively and efficiently.
In one embodiment of the invention, a shelf unit for displaying a plurality of products in a space saving manner includes a plurality of brackets fox securing the shelf unit to a support. A tray extends between the brackets. The tray has a front portion with a plurality of edges arranged with adjacent edges disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern. A face portion is disposed over the front portion of the tray and is configured to conform substantially to the font portion. The face portion has one or more windows far viewing a product disposed behind the window.
Adaustable partitions are disposed on the tray and arranged substantially parallel to the brackets to define a plurality of rows for displaying the products. A biasing mechanism is disposed in a respective row of the plurality of rows for biasing the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit. Each biasing mechanism may comprise a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member.
When products are arranged in adjacent rows on the shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention, the products are arranged at alternat2ng angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the plurality of edges of the front portion of the tray.
One advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention is that products may be arranged in adjacent rows and at alternating angles to form a sawtooth ox zig zag pattern, thereby permitting a greater number of products to be displayed far a given amount of shelf space.
A further advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention is that a biasing mechanism may be provided to bias the product zn a row taward a front a~ the shelf unit, thereby eliminating the need far manual leveling of the rows of displayed products.
Another advantage of a shelf unit aecoxding to an embodiment of the invention is that individual rows far displaying pxoducts may be defined by adjustable partitians, wherein a width of a row may be adjusted to accommodate the dimensions of a particular product to be displayed.
Another advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of. the invention is that a face poxtion may be provided which includes windows allowing prospective purchasers to view the various products displayed on the shelf unit. The window may further include an aperture or finger hole may to facilitate loading of products in the row:
The face portion may be stationary or may be secured to the shelf unit with one~or more hinges, wherein the face portion may be adapted to pivot ar swing open for loading the products and to pivot or swing closed after the products have been stocked. A locking mechanism may lock the face portion in an open or ClaS2d pOSltlan.
Another advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention is that an upwardly-biased paddle or stop may be provided in a row to facilitate loading a~
products in the row.
A further advantage of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the in~entian is that a wixe grid may be disposed at a top portion of the shelf unit to prevent ar minimize losses due to shoplifting by restricting access to products disposed on the shelf unit.
BRIEF ~~SCRTPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other benefits and features af~the present invention will become apparent dram the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying dxawings. ~t is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
In the drawings, wherein similar xeference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a Close up view of a portion of the shelf unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a shelf unit according to anothex embodiment of the invention; and FIG, ~ shows a close up view of a portion of the shelf unit shown in F2G. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0~ THE DRAWINGS
Referring now in detail to the drawings arid, in particular, FTC. 1 shows a perspective view of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The shelf unit may include a plurality of brackets Z for securing the shelf unit to a support (not shown). Bracket 1 may aompxise, fox example, a knife bracket formed from a steel stamping and powder coated. As shown, bracket 1 may include one or mare projections disposed at a rear portion thereof for securing the bracket to a modular support. The bracket projections may be inserted~into corresponding apertures provided in a modular support to locate and secure the shelf unit at an appropriate height. Multiple shelf units according to an embodiment of the invention may be secured to a support and positioned one over another in a stacked mannex.
A tray 2 extends between the brackets 1. Tray 2 may be formed from any suitable xigid material, for example injection molded acrylanitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. As shown, tray 2 includes a front portion 3 comprising a plurality of edges 4. Plurality of edges ~ are arranged with adjacent edges 4 disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth or gig zag pattern.
A cross-bar 5 may b2 secured to brackets 1 and disposed over tray 2. Cross-bar 5 may strengthen and provide added rigidity to the shelf unit. Moxeover, cross-bar 5 may provide support for a wire grid 6 disposed over tray 2. Wire grid 6 may be secured to brackets 1 and crass-bar 5 as shown.
Wire grid 6 may extend from a rear portion of tray 2 to an area just behind front portion 3 of tray ~, thereby covering most of the product units disposed on the shelf unit and leaving only the front-most product ax products accessible.
In this way, wire grid 6 may serve as a security mechanism by preventing a prospective shoplifter from reaching into the shelf unit from above and removing an entire row or rows of products from the shelf unit.
In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of shelf units may be secured to a support and stacked one on top of another, leaving only a small vertical spacing between units. A,zx uppermost shelf unit may include wire grid 6 fvr restricting access to the products disposed on the uppex~mast shelf unit. The cross-bar 5 disposed over the trays 2 may further provide a security function by preventing the removal of a shelf unit from the support without first removing the unit positioned immediately over the shelf unit sought to be removed. Tn this way, a prospective shoplifter is unable to remove an entire shelf unit and gain access to the products disposed therein without first removing each shelf unit located over the unit. This feature further restricts aCCess _ g _ to the products disposed on a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention and prevents or reduces the occurrence of theft.
A face portion 7 is diseased over the front portion 3 of the shelf unit. Face portion 7 is configured to conform substantially to the shape of front portion 3 and follows the sawtooth or xig zag pattern formed by edges 4 of tray 2. dace portion 7 may comprise one or more windows 8 arranged so that products disposed on the shelf unit behind the windows $ may be viewed. Windows 8 may be formed from a transparent ar semx~transparent material, for example injection molded clear polycarbonate plastic.
A shelf unit sGCOrding to an embodiment of the invention further comprises a plurality of adjustable partitions or dividers 9 disposed on tray 2. Partitions vx dividers 9 are arranged substantially parallel to brackets 1 and form a plurality of rows defined on one side by partition 9 and on another side by an second partition 9 or bracket 1.
Partitions 9 are adjustable so that a width of each individual row may be adjusted to accommodate the dimensZOns of the product to be housed in the particular raw. Adjustable partitions may be configured so that they are free to slide g _ left or right as products are loaded into a raw. Such partitions are self-adjusting in that the product find its proper row width by displacing the flexible partition or part~.tions. In an additional embadiznent, partitions 9 may be locked into a piurality of fixed posi.tlon5, forming rows of appropriate widths. For example, partitions 9 may snap into place on tray 2. Fixed stops ar snaps for locating the partition 9 may be spaced at 1/2 inch or 1/g inch intervals, thereby al.low~.ng for precise positioning of the partition.
then a partition is snapped or otherwise secured in place in this embodiment, products in an adjacent raw will riot encroach ar displace the partition.
Each row ~.n the shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention may further include a biasing mechanism ox pusher for biasing the product in that raw toward the front of the she~.f unit, where the product can be viewed and accessed by purchasers. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the biasing mechanism includes a biasing element 101 and a slidab~.e product advancing member 7.02. Slidable product advancing member may have a face disposed substantially parallel to the edge 4 at the front of the row wherein the biasing mechanism is disposed, as shown.
_ Biasing element x.01 may comprise a spring element which is secured at one end near a front of the row. In the embodiments shown, biasing element 201 comprises a length of f~.at metal Spring material which is secured at one end near a front of the row and forms a coil which is uncoiled as slidable product advancing member 102 is moved toward a rear of the xow. The coiled spring biases the product advancing member 102 toward a front of the.shelf unit. Thus, as products are removed from the front of a row o~ products, the biasing mechanism displaces the remaining row of product toward a front of the shelf unity thereby maintaining a neat, fully stocked appearance and eliminating the need far manual ~.eveling.
Products may be arranged in the adjacent xows defined by a pair ofi partitions 9 or a partition 9 and a bracket 1 at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern correspand~.ng to the pattern formed by the pJ.urality of edges 4 at the front port~.on of tray 2. Each row of pxoducts forms a non-right angle with respect to brackEt 1 with adjacent rows of pxoducts angled out from a rear o~ the shelf unit and in towaxd a rear of the shelf unit in an alternating manner to form a sawtooth or zig zag pattern.
_ 11 _ Hy arranging the products in rows with adjacent rows disposed at alternating angles, it is possible to fit more products in a given amount of shelf space as compared to conventional arrangements wherein products are arranged in para11e1 rows at substantially right angles to a shelf bracket. The arrangement of products in a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the invention achieves significant space saving, allowing more products to be stocked in a given amount of shelf space. For example, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, twelve rows of products are afranged on a shelf unit which takes up a linear space which would accommodate only ten rows of the same product. if arranged in a conventional manner in parallel xaws.
A shelf unit according to an embod~.ment of the invention may be sized and shaped so that ~.t is suitable fox holding a particular product or class of products. Fox example, the embodiment shown in the drawing figures may be used to display and' hold packages of razor blade cartridges in a space-saving manner. The dimensions of the shelf unit can be adapted to accommodate a wide variety of products for retail sale, for example personal care products or any other products which are suitable for displaying on a conventional shelf assemblies .
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, tray ~ rnay have a floor portion 21 disposed at a bottom of tray 2. The plurality of edges 4 arranged in a saw--tooth pattern may extend upwardly Exam floor portion 21 to fozm a plurality of walls ~1. Walls 41 are generally parallel to edges 4 so that the plurality of walls 41 to farm a sawtaath pattern.
Face portion 7 of the shelf unit may be secured to tray 2 iri a stationary manner, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or alternatively may be secured to tray 2 with one vz more hinges 71, as illustrated in FIGS, 3 and ~. Hinges 71 allow face 7 to pivot between an open position (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) for leading products into the shelf unit and a closed position. A locking mechan~.sm may be provided far lacking the drop down face 7 in either an open or closed pasit~.on. During loading, the drop down h~.nged face may be moved to the open pos~.tion so that products may be ~.nserted into appropriate rows of the shelf unit from the front. Follow~.ng the stocking of the shelf, the face 7 is moved to the closed position. The locking mechanism, may be adapted so that face 7 may be locked in place onJ.y by authorized persons, for example by a store employee.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, a shelf unit according to _ 1~ _ an embodiment of the invention may include one or more paddles or stops 22 disposed in one or more of the product rows.
Paddles 22 are pivotally mounted to tray 2 arid are adapted to pivot downwa~rdly toward a reax of the shelf unit as products are loaded into the respECti~re row. Paddles 22 are biased in a upward position, fox example with a spring mechanism, so that paddles 22 return to a vertical position when no longer held down by a product, Paddles 22 assist in fraz~t loading of the shelf unit by allowing a plurality of products to be loaded at one time, rather than loading just a single unit at a time. As products are placed into a particular raw, the paddle 22 pivot down toward a rear of the shelf unit and the products push against the biasing mechanism or pushex, displacing it toward the rear of the shelf unit. Once the row of products is pushed past the paddle 22, the paddle 22 flips up into its vertical state and acts as a stop, preventing the biasing mechanism from pushing the row of products all the way to the front of the shelf unit. Th~.s feature facilitates the loading of a plurality of product units into the shelf unit, and allows for more efficient stockzx~g of the shelf un~.t.
As shown in FxGS. 1 and 2, a shelf unit according to 1~ _ an embodiment of the invention may include one or more apertures 81 to fac~.litate loading of products into the shelf un~.t. Apertures 81 are disposed in w~.ndow portion 8 of face 7. Apertuzes 81 comprise a through hole or finger hole sized so that a person responsible for stocking the shelf unit may insert one or more of their fingers through aperture 81 to push a raw of products in the respective row back toward a rear of the shelf unit aga~.nst the biasing mechanism. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7. and 2, product units may be loaded into the rows of the shelf unit from above and a person may push the products a3.ready disposed in a rciw back against the biasing mechanism by inserting one or more of their fingers through aperture 81, thereby making room to insezt one or more additivn~.l products from above.
Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications zttay be made thereunto without departing from the sp~.x~it and scope of the invention.
Claims (11)
1. A shelf unit for displaying a plurality of products in a space saving manner, the shelf unit comprising:
a) plurality of brackets for securing the shelf unit to a support;
b) a tray extending between said plurality of brackets, said tray comprising a front portion comprising a plurality of edges arranged with adjacent edges disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern;
c) a face portion disposed over said front portion and configured to conform substantially to said front portion, said face portion comprising a window for viewing a product disposed behind said window;
d) a plurality of adjustable partitions disposed on said tray arranged substantially parallel, to said plurality of brackets to define a plurality of rows for displaying the plurality of products; and e) a plurality of biasing mechanisms, each biasing mechanism disposed in a respective row of said plurality of rows for biasing the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit, each of said biasing mechanisms comprising a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member;
wherein when products are arranged in adjacent rows, the products are arranged at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the plurality of edges of said front portion of said tray.
a) plurality of brackets for securing the shelf unit to a support;
b) a tray extending between said plurality of brackets, said tray comprising a front portion comprising a plurality of edges arranged with adjacent edges disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern;
c) a face portion disposed over said front portion and configured to conform substantially to said front portion, said face portion comprising a window for viewing a product disposed behind said window;
d) a plurality of adjustable partitions disposed on said tray arranged substantially parallel, to said plurality of brackets to define a plurality of rows for displaying the plurality of products; and e) a plurality of biasing mechanisms, each biasing mechanism disposed in a respective row of said plurality of rows for biasing the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit, each of said biasing mechanisms comprising a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member;
wherein when products are arranged in adjacent rows, the products are arranged at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the plurality of edges of said front portion of said tray.
2. The shelf unit according to claim 1, further comprising a cross-bar secured to said plurality of brackets and disposed over said tray.
3. The shelf unit according to claim 1, wherein said tray further comprises a floor portion and said plurality of edges extend upwardly from said floor portion to form a plurality of walls arranged with adjacent walls disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern.
4. The shelf unit according to claim 1, wherein said slidable product advancing member further comprises a face disposed substantially parallel to an edge from said plurality of edges, said edge disposed at a front of the respective row wherein the biasing mechanism is disposed.
5. The shelf unit according to claim 1, wherein said face portion is secured to said front portion of said tray with a hinge for pivoting between an open position for loading and a closed position.
6. The shelf unit according to claim 5, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking said face portion in said open position.
7. The shelf unit according to claim 5, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking said face portion in said closed position.
8. The shelf unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of paddles, each paddle disposed in a respective row of said plurality of rows, wherein each of said paddles is pivotally mounted to said tray for pivoting downwardly when the product is loaded into the respective row and wherein each of said paddles is upwardly biased for pivoting upwardly when the product is pushed past said paddle.
9. The shelf unit according to claim 1, wherein said window has an aperture to facilitate loading of the products.
10. The shelf unit according to claim 1, further comprising a wire grid disposed over said tray.
11. A shelf unit for displaying a plurality of products in a space saving manner, the shelf unit comprising:
a) plurality of brackets for securing the shelf unit to a support;
b) a tray extending between said plurality of brackets, said tray comprising a front portion comprising a plurality of edges arranged with adjacent edges disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern;
c) a cross-bar secured to said plurality of brackets and disposed over said tray;
d) a face portion disposed over said front portion and configured to conform substantially to said front portion, said face portion comprising a window for viewing a product disposed behind said window, wherein said window has an aperture to facilitate loading of the products;
e) a plurality of adjustable partitions disposed on said tray arranged substantially parallel, to said plurality of brackets to define a plurality of rows for displaying the plurality of products; and f) a plurality of biasing mechanisms, each biasing mechanism disposed in a respective row of said plurality of rows for biasing the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit, each of said biasing mechanisms comprising a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member, said slidable product advancing member comprising a face disposed substantially parallel to an edge disposed at a front of the respective row wherein the biasing mechanism is disposed;
wherein when products are arranged in adjacent rows, the products are arranged at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the plurality of edges of said front portion of said tray.
a) plurality of brackets for securing the shelf unit to a support;
b) a tray extending between said plurality of brackets, said tray comprising a front portion comprising a plurality of edges arranged with adjacent edges disposed at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern;
c) a cross-bar secured to said plurality of brackets and disposed over said tray;
d) a face portion disposed over said front portion and configured to conform substantially to said front portion, said face portion comprising a window for viewing a product disposed behind said window, wherein said window has an aperture to facilitate loading of the products;
e) a plurality of adjustable partitions disposed on said tray arranged substantially parallel, to said plurality of brackets to define a plurality of rows for displaying the plurality of products; and f) a plurality of biasing mechanisms, each biasing mechanism disposed in a respective row of said plurality of rows for biasing the products in the row toward a front of the shelf unit, each of said biasing mechanisms comprising a biasing element and a slidable product advancing member, said slidable product advancing member comprising a face disposed substantially parallel to an edge disposed at a front of the respective row wherein the biasing mechanism is disposed;
wherein when products are arranged in adjacent rows, the products are arranged at alternating angles to form a sawtooth pattern corresponding to the plurality of edges of said front portion of said tray.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US72584905P | 2005-10-12 | 2005-10-12 | |
| US60/725,849 | 2005-10-12 | ||
| US11/334,282 US7419062B2 (en) | 2005-10-12 | 2006-01-18 | Shelf unit |
| US11/334,282 | 2006-01-18 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2562437A1 CA2562437A1 (en) | 2007-04-12 |
| CA2562437C true CA2562437C (en) | 2013-12-10 |
Family
ID=37913483
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2562437A Expired - Fee Related CA2562437C (en) | 2005-10-12 | 2006-10-03 | Display device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2562437C (en) |
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9895007B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-02-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US9918565B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-03-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US9930973B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-04-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10045640B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-08-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10226137B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-03-12 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10278516B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10285510B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10952546B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-03-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US11259652B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-03-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11344138B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-05-31 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11583109B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2023-02-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
-
2006
- 2006-10-03 CA CA2562437A patent/CA2562437C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (29)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9895007B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-02-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US9918565B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-03-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US9930973B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-04-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US9968206B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-05-15 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10045640B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-08-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10165871B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-01-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10206520B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-02-19 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10226137B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-03-12 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10278516B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10285510B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10555624B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-02-11 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10568438B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-02-25 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10631666B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-04-28 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10702079B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-07-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10702075B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-07-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10905258B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-02-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US10952546B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-03-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10959542B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-03-30 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US10966546B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-04-06 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11058232B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-07-13 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11076707B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-08-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US11259652B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-03-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11344138B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-05-31 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11452386B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-09-27 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US11464346B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-10-11 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11484131B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-11-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
| US11490743B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-11-08 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11517126B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-12-06 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
| US11583109B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2023-02-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2562437A1 (en) | 2007-04-12 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US7419062B2 (en) | Shelf unit | |
| CA2562437C (en) | Display device | |
| US20080257842A1 (en) | Shelf unit | |
| US8622227B2 (en) | Merchandise security system | |
| US8973765B2 (en) | Merchandise security system | |
| US5269597A (en) | Dispensing rack | |
| US6332547B1 (en) | Indexable gravity flow shelving system | |
| US5577623A (en) | Composite gravity feed shelf | |
| US6357606B1 (en) | Modular self-adjusting merchandise display system | |
| US5085328A (en) | Brochure display system | |
| US4285558A (en) | Cassette holder | |
| US5715957A (en) | Shelf system | |
| US4183438A (en) | Shelf divider | |
| US20010025823A1 (en) | Retail product display system | |
| US8714669B1 (en) | Storage and retrieval machine with variable-height door opening | |
| US20080272676A1 (en) | Boltless cabinet assembly | |
| US20060180603A1 (en) | Theft deterrent dispensing device and related method | |
| US5314244A (en) | Pharmaceutical cabinet locking arrangement | |
| EP0914788B1 (en) | Limited access sales apparatus | |
| US4243142A (en) | Tape storage and display apparatus | |
| JPS61137514A (en) | Anti-theft showcase | |
| US20040182811A1 (en) | Theft deterrent display and storage system | |
| US5172815A (en) | Gravity feed jewelry display system and dual-flange display card | |
| AU2006225240B2 (en) | Shelf unit | |
| US10952550B2 (en) | Flexible row count card tier |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20201005 |
|
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20201005 |