JP3380804B2 - General category management shelf system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally comprises a pair of vertically spaced slotted uprights or standards, or standard,
An adjustable shelf assembly for use in a commodity display stand. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved mechanisms for extending and locking shelves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In retail locations, such as pharmacies, grocery stores and toy stores,
It requires a large amount of shelving to store goods and display them to consumers. Shelving is inexpensive, easy to install, and can store and display numerous items. To meet these demands, many retail locations use gondola shelving systems. Gondola shelving systems typically use long metal gondola shelves attached to slotted gondola uprights. These systems can be assembled quickly and inexpensively and are widely used in retail locations.

In some circumstances, it is advantageous for the shelving device to slide to the extended position. In such an extended position, the contents on the shelf can be more easily viewed and obtained. In particular, shelving devices that slide into the extended position allow for more efficient storage.

Prior art systems use standard non-adjustable drawer glide. However, the shelves on the standard drawer glide, when loaded and unloaded, "shock" (rac).
"king" and binding may occur. That is, unless the pulling force is evenly applied to the longitudinal surface of the shelf, the shelf often stretches unevenly. That is, in non-vertical directions, the shelves extend unevenly from the glide and thus become immobile on the glide. Therefore, in prior art systems, sliding the extendable shelves typically requires the use of two hands to prevent the shelves from joining on the glide. That is, an equal pulling force should be applied to the shelves in one position or the shelves may become misaligned with respect to the system and become stuck.

In certain commercial and storage situations, it is desirable to lock the shelf assembly in a fully extended or underextended position. Further, if the shelves are extended to one of a variety of extended positions, it is also preferable to lock the shelf assembly at that extended position or at each extended position. It is further desirable to use a locking device that requires only one hand to operate.

Further details of prior art shelving systems can be found in US Pat. No. 4,934,645 entitled "Shel."
ing Assembly ", and the title" Adjusttab "in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 596,301.
le Shelf Assembly For Mer
"chandising Display Stand"
And is specifically incorporated into this application by way of reference.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is an improved category management shelf system. Another object of the present invention is a low cost general purpose shelving system with improved functionality for retailer restocking and consumer shopping. A further object of the invention is a category management shelf frame that can be easily extended. Further, an object of the present invention is an extendable shelf frame having a locking mechanism to prevent unnecessary extension of the shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shelf frame with a pair of rotatable sprockets slides along the openings of slots on two arms. The extendable shelf assembly is attached to the first and second slotted uprights. The shelf assembly comprises a first elongate bar attached to a first slotted upright and a second elongate bar attached to a second slotted upright.
Both the first extension bar and the second extension bar include a plurality of slots. The shelf assembly further comprises a front rail, a back rail, a first side rail, and a second side rail that cooperate to define a shelf frame. A pair of rotatable sprockets are attached to the shelf frame. The sprockets engage slots in the extension bar. The shelf frame slides along the extension bar between a first position and a second extended position.

The rotatable sprocket is mounted on a shaft extending parallel to the back rail. Both sprockets have multiple teeth. The teeth engage slots in the extension bar. The axis can be prismatic.

The present invention may also include a position lock mechanism attached to the shelf frame. The position lock mechanism comprises a tab and an extension. The extension engages one of the slots in the first extension bar and the shelf frame is in the first position and in the second position.
Prevents sliding between extended positions.

Further, the present invention may include a metal biasing device associated with the shelf frame. The biasing device engages the extension and forces the extension into one of the slots of the first extension bar.

Further, the present invention provides a first extension bar to a first extension bar.
A bracket that attaches to the slotted upright.

The present invention may further comprise a stop device extending from the first extension bar. A stop device engages the first sprocket and prevents the shelf assembly from sliding off the first extension bar.

The shelf frame can rotate to one non-horizontal position. Similarly, the shelf frame can rotate to multiple non-horizontal positions.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the shelf assembly 20 of the present invention is a back cross rail 22, a side rail 2.
4, side rails 26 and front cross rails 70
, Which together define a shelf frame 25.
The gondola bracket 28 connects to a slotted upright or standard material 30. Specifically, tabs 32 and 3
4 is fitted in the slot of the upright 30 indicated by the dotted line at 36. The uprights 30 are typically attached to the backwall 31.

FIG. 1 shows shelf frame 25 in a partially extended position. The shelf frame 25 has a series of slots 4
Slide along an inner rack arm or extension arm 40 including 2,44,46. A rotating wheel, also called cogs or sprockets 50, is attached to the back cross rail 22 via a shaft 52. Axis 52
Is preferably rectangular.

Sprocket 50 includes teeth, including teeth 54, for example. The teeth of the sprocket 50 are shown in FIG.
Slide along the direction indicated by 0 to extend arm 40
Of slots 42, 44, 46 of. Similarly, shelf frame 25 can be slid to the fully open or extended position by sliding in the opposite direction of arrow 60.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the present invention also uses a second sprocket 49 (not shown in FIG. 1) at the opposite end of shaft 52. Preferably, the second sprocket 49 has the first
Of the sprocket 50 and includes a number of teeth to engage the slots 41, 43 of the side rail 26.

Further details of the shelf assembly 20 are shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the back cross rail 22, the side cross rails 24 and 26, and the front cross rail 7.
0, which together define the shelf frame 25. Mounting bracket 28 and mounting bracket 74 mount shelf assembly 20 to a slotted upright (not shown). The sprocket 50 is attached to the shaft 52 and the sprocket washers 76, 78 are installed on either end of the sprocket 50 on the shaft 52. In the preferred embodiment, sprocket 50 and sprocket washers 76, 78 are molded in a single piece from nylon or other suitable material. The shelf frame 25 slides along the extension arm 40 and the extension arm 72.

When the shelf frame 25 is moved in and out, the use of the first sprocket 50 and the second sprocket 49 which engage the slots of the cross rails 24, 26 allows
Eliminates "vibration" and binding. The teeth of the sprockets engage the slots on the cross rails 24, 26 and the pulling force or pressure is evenly applied so that the shelf frame 25 slides vertically with respect to the uprights 30 or the back wall 31. Make sure that.

Referring to FIG. 3, which shows a side elevational view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 2, mounting bracket 90 attaches inner rack arm 40 to a slotted upright (not shown).
The sprocket washer 76 attaches the sprocket 50 to the shaft 52.
Help to connect to.

FIG. 3 also shows details of the position lock mechanism or lock lever 100. The position lock mechanism or lock lever 100 prevents the shelf frame 25 from sliding along the extension arms 40, 72. The position lock mechanism 100 includes a tab 102 that extends from the tab 102 to one of several slots on the arm 40, eg, an extension 104 that fits into the slot 103.
The position lock mechanism 100 is attached to the side rail 24 by bolts 106 and washers (not shown), and the bolts 106 are mounted in the directions indicated by arrows 108 and 110.
Can rotate around.

As will be described in more detail below, the extension 10
4 is a small piece of steel (not shown), for example, slot 1
Biased to extend to 03, preventing arm 40 from moving forward or backward. Therefore, the shelf frame 25 is prevented from sliding along the arm 40. To slide the shelf frame 25 forward or backward, the user presses the tab 102 down with a finger in the direction indicated by arrow 114. Therefore, the position lock mechanism 100
Rotates about the axis defined by the bolt 106, and the extension 104 slides out of the slot 103, as shown in FIG.

The position lock mechanism 100 includes the sprocket 5
It engages similar slots that 0 engages, resulting in multiple locking positions for shelf frame 25. In other words, the shelf frame 25 can be locked in each position where the teeth of the sprockets 49, 50 engage the respective slots of the side rails 26, 24.

The engagement of the two sprockets and slots results in a shelf frame 25 along the rails 24, 26.
The present invention requires only a single position locking mechanism 100 because the slides evenly. In other words, the position lock mechanism 100 need only extend along one of the side rails 24, 26. In the figure, the single position locking mechanism is
Side rails 24 rather than along side rails 26
Although located only along the side rails, the position locking mechanism 100 may also be used only along the side rails 26 rather than along the side rails 24. This implementation reduces the cost of lock-sliding shelf frames.

FIG. 4 shows the position lock mechanism 10 in the released position in which the side rail 24 is slidable along the arm 40.
Indicates 0. FIG. 4 also shows a rotatable mounting bracket 12
7 illustrates another alternative form of the invention, including 0. Further, a combination of a stop device such as a bolt or other removable barrier 122 and a nut (not shown) is shown in FIG.
The arrangement is different than the combination of the bolt 106 and the nut. FIG. 4 also shows an alternative sprocket 126 mounted on the shaft 126.

FIG. 5 shows a shaft 52 having washers 76, 78.
It is a rear view of the sprocket 50 attached to FIG. The position lock mechanism 100 is shown by a dotted line. FIG. 5 also shows the bike rail 22, the mounting bracket 90, the arm 40, and the side rail 24. Sprocket 50 is rail 2
4 on the axis 52 between the inner plate 127 and the outer plate 129. Wall 131 of arm 40
Is between the sprocket 50 and the outer plate 129 of the rail 24.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a stop device, such as an attached bolt or nut 99, extends from the inner wall 131 of the arm 40. Shelf frame 2
As 5 extends in the direction of arrow 97, nut 99 eventually contacts sprocket 50 and prevents shelf frame 25 from extending further from this fully extended position.

Further details of sprocket 126 are shown in FIGS. Sprocket 126 includes a series of teeth including teeth 130, teeth 132, teeth 134 and a square opening 136 that fits around square axis 52. Sprocket 126 is preferably molded of nylon into a single piece.

The detailed structure and operation of the position lock mechanism 100 is shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. FIG. 9 shows the tab 10 viewed from the same viewpoint as FIGS. 3 and 4.
2 shows a position locking mechanism 100 including a 2 and an extension 104. The position lock mechanism 100 is attached to the side rails through a pair of bolts and nuts through openings or holes 140. A biasing device, such as a piece of metal attached to the rail 24 with a bolt, is used to maintain the position locking mechanism in the locked position, as described in more detail below.
That is, it engages one of the slots on the arm 40. The position locking mechanism 100 is preferably made from 14 gauge steel.

[Upside down vie]
With reference to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 of w), the position locking mechanism 100 includes a plate 101 and an extension 10 extending to a slot, eg slot 111 of arm 40.
Including 4. The extension unit 104, as shown in FIG.
Biasing device, preferably bolt 115 and nut 1
A soft piece of metal 113 attached to the inner wall 119 of the rail 24 at 17 is maintained in the slot 111. The metal piece 113 applies a force in the direction indicated by the arrow 125 to push the extension portion 104 into the slot 111.
FIG. 13 also shows the top wall 121 and outer wall 123 of the rail 24.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the surface 1 is, for example, with a finger.
When a force is applied to 44 in the direction indicated by arrow 142, extension 104 moves downward in the direction indicated by arrow 146 and disengages from the slot in arm 40. With reference to FIG. 13, extension 104 moves in a direction opposite arrow 125, such that extension 104 causes slot 11 of arm 40 to move.
No longer engage 1. Therefore, the rail 24 is used for the arm 4
You can slide freely along 0. Referring again to FIG. 9, when fingering the surface, the surface 144 preferably
Includes a thin layer of soft sponge-like material for improved feel and control. The present invention preferably includes a single position locking mechanism 100 in the shelf assembly 20 for one handed release of the lever and arm 40,
It is possible to slide the shelf frame 25 by one hand operation along 72. For example, two release levers may be used, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidental unlocking of the position lock mechanism.

Further details of the shelf frame 25 and its elements are shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17. 14
Shows the back rail 22, and FIG. 16 shows the front rail 7.
0, FIG. 17 shows the side rails 24, and FIG. 15 shows the side rails 24, 26, front rail 7.
A shelf frame 25 including 0 and back rails 22 is shown.

Various configurations of the shelving unit 20 are shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 20. FIG. 18 shows the shelf assembly 20 attached to the upright 30 and tilted upward by an angle of 17 °. FIG. 19
20 shows the shelf assembly of FIG. 18 in a horizontal position, and FIG.
Figure 19 shows the shelf assembly of Figure 19 tilted down an angle of 17 °. The different mounting angles depend on the placement of the mounting bracket 281.

A sample view of shelf frame 25 in three different exemplary positions is shown in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25. FIG. 23 shows the shelf frame 2 in the retracted or closed position.
5 is shown. FIG. 24 shows the shelf frame 25 in the fully open or fully extended position. Similarly, FIG. 25 shows shelf frame 25 in a partially open or partially extended position. The shelf frame may also extend to a number of other positions, limited only by the number of tooth and slot engagements with the sprocket and side rails. Further, the shelf frame 25 is locked by the position locking mechanism 100 at each position.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rails 22, 24, 26, 70, arm 40 and shaft 52 are
Made from various gauges of steel known to those skilled in the art.

It is understood that alternative forms of the various elements of the embodiments described above are covered by the full scope of equivalents of the invention as claimed. For the purpose of illustrating and clearly claiming the invention, the appended claims are the conclusion of the specification of the invention. [Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a general category management shelf system.

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the shelf assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG.

3 shows a side elevational view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 2 with the position locking mechanism shown in dashed lines in the locked position.

4 shows a side elevational view of the same shelf assembly as in FIG. 3 with a position locking mechanism in a variable position.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the shelf assembly of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a sprocket used in the present invention.

7 is another side elevational view of the sprocket of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top elevational view of the position lock mechanism used in the present invention.

9 is a side elevational view of the position locking mechanism of FIG.

10 is a rear elevational view of the position locking mechanism of FIG.

11 is a front perspective top down view of the position locking mechanism of FIG. 8 engaged with the slot of the extension arm.

12 is a front elevational view of the position locking mechanism of FIG. 11. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 12, showing the biasing device holding the position locking mechanism in place.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a backrail used in the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top elevational view of a shelf frame used in the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the front rail of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the side rail of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a shelf assembly with the divider tilted upward at a 17 degree angle.

19 is a side elevational view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 18 in a standard horizontal position.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 19 tilted downward at a 17 degree angle.

FIG. 21 is a close-up side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 22 shows a different partition arrangement, FIG.
Figure 3 is a close-up side elevational view of the same embodiment of 1.

23 shows a top side view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 2 with the shelf frame in a retracted or closed position.

FIG. 24 shows a top elevation view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 23 with the shelf frame in the fully open or extended position.

25 is a top elevational view of the shelf assembly of FIG. 24 with the shelf frame in a partially open or extended position.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hardy, Stephen N. United States Illinois 60008, Rolling Meadows, Golf Rod 2800, RTC Industries, Inc. (56) References JP-A-9- 51835 (JP, A) Actual opening 63-61956 (JP, U) Actual opening 62-70843 (JP, U) Actual opening Flat 1-67962 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho-57-179838 (JP, U) Actual Open Sho 56-79135 (JP, U) Actual Open Sho 59-83430 (JP, U) Actual Open Sho 54-65719 (JP, U) Actual Public Sho 49-3239 (JP, Y1) Special Table Sho 62-502102 (JP, A) International Publication 95/13003 (WO, A1) European Patent Application Publication 779047 (EP, A 1) US Patent 5673801 (US, A) US Patent 4482066 (US, ) United States Patent 4934645 (US, A) (58 ) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ^7, DB name) A47B 46/00 501 A47B 57/04 A47B 57/40 A47B 96/02

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] 1. An extendable shelf assembly attached to a first slotted upright and a second slotted upright, the shelf assembly including a first extension attached to the first slotted upright. A bar, a first elongate bar including a series of slots, a second elongate bar attached to the second slotted upright, the second elongate bar including a series of slots, and a shelf frame. Front rail, back rail,
A first side rail and a second side rail, and a first rotatable sprocket and a second rotatable sprocket mounted on opposite ends of an axis extending parallel to the back rail, the first rotatable sprocket comprising: ,
The second rotatable sprocket includes a second plurality of teeth engaging a slot of the first extension bar and the second rotatable sprocket includes a second plurality of teeth engaging a slot of the second extension bar; A first rotatable sprocket and a second rotatable sprocket that slide between a plurality of positions locked along the first extension bar and the second extension bar including at least a first position and a second extended position; , Including a shelf assembly. 2. The apparatus further comprises a single position locking mechanism attached to the shelf frame, the position locking mechanism comprising:
A tab and an extension, the extension engaging one of the slots of the first extension bar and allowing the shelf frame to slide between the first position and the second extension position. The extensible shelf assembly of claim 1, which prevents. 3. Further comprising a metal biasing device coupled to said shelf frame, said biasing device engaging said extension and extending to extend into one of said slots of said first extension bar. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 2, wherein the section is pushed in. 4. Further comprising a removable barrier extending from said first extension bar, said removable barrier engaging said first sprocket and preventing said shelf assembly from sliding off said first extension bar. An extendable shelf assembly according to claim 3. 5. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 4, wherein the axis is square. 6. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 5, wherein the shelf frame is rotatable into one non-horizontal position. 7. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 6, wherein the shelf frame is rotatable into a plurality of non-horizontal positions. 8. A first bracket and a second bracket for attaching the second extension bar to the second slotted upright.
The extendable shelf assembly of claim 7 including a bracket. 9. Further comprising a metal biasing device attached to the shelf frame, said biasing device engaging said extension and inserting said extension into one of said slots of said first extension bar. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein: 10. The apparatus further includes a removable barrier extending from the first extension bar, the removable barrier engaging the first sprocket and preventing the shelf assembly from sliding off the first extension bar. An extendable shelf assembly according to claim 1. 11. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the axis is square. 12. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the shelf frame is rotatable into one non-horizontal position. 13. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the shelf frame is rotatable into a plurality of non-horizontal positions. 14. A bracket for attaching the first elongate bar to the first slotted upright, further comprising:
An extendable shelf assembly according to claim 1. 15. An extendable shelf assembly mounted on the slotted uprights of a merchandise display stand, the shelf assembly including a front cross rail coupled to a first side rail and a second side rail. A back cross rail coupled to the first side rail and the second side rail, the front cross rail, the first side rail, the second side rail, and the back cross rail defining a shelf frame. A cross rail, a first gondola bracket coupled to the slotted upright, a second gondola bracket coupled to the slotted upright, and a first inner rack arm including a series of slots,
A first inner rack arm attached to the first gondola bracket, and a second inner rack arm including a series of slots,
A second inner rack arm attached to the second gondola bracket, a shaft extending parallel to the back cross rail, the shaft being attached to the first side rail and the second side rail, and the shaft attached to the shaft. A first rotatable sprocket, the first sprocket engaging a series of slots in the first inner rack arm, and the second rotatable sprocket mounted to the shaft, the second sprocket being Engage a series of slots in the second inner rack arm, where the shelf frame slides along the first inner rack arm and the second inner rack arm between a plurality of predetermined positions. Possible sprocket, and a shelf assembly that includes. 16. The rack arm further includes a position lock mechanism coupled to the first side rail, the position lock mechanism including an extension for engaging the slot of the first inner rack arm. 16. The extendable shelf assembly of claim 15, which prevents the slide between the first and second extended positions. 17. An extendable shelf assembly mounted on a first slotted upright and a second slotted upright, the shelf assembly comprising a first slotted upright mounted on the first slotted upright. An extension bar, a first extension bar including a series of slots, a second extension bar attached to the second slotted upright, the second extension bar including a series of slots, and a shelf frame. A front rail, a back rail, a first side rail, and a second side rail that are defined in cooperation with each other, and a first rotatable sprocket and a second rotary sprocket that are attached to opposite ends of an axis extending parallel to the back rail A rotatable sprocket, the first rotatable sprocket including a first plurality of teeth engaging a slot of the first extension bar and the second rotatable sprocket. A sprocket includes a second plurality of teeth that engage slots in the second extender bar, the shelf frame along the first extender bar and the second extender bar including at least a first position and a second extend position. A first rotatable sprocket and a second rotatable sprocket that slide between a plurality of locked positions; and a single position locking mechanism attached to the shelf frame, the position locking mechanism including a tab extension. A position lock mechanism for engaging the extension in one of the slots of the first extension bar and preventing the shelf frame from sliding between the first and second extended positions; A metal biasing device coupled to the shelf frame, comprising:
The biasing device is a biasing device that engages the extension and pushes the extension into one of the slots of the first extension bar, and a stop device that extends from the first extension bar. A stop device that engages the first sprocket and prevents the shelf assembly from sliding off the first extension bar.