US20170254071A1

US20170254071A1 - Modular self checkout wall panel system

Info

Publication number: US20170254071A1
Application number: US15/446,555
Authority: US
Inventors: Henry C. Leaverton; Thomas H. Leaverton
Original assignee: DISPLAY SOURCE ALLIANCE LLC
Current assignee: DISPLAY SOURCE ALLIANCE LLC
Priority date: 2016-03-01
Filing date: 2017-03-01
Publication date: 2017-09-07

Abstract

A wall panel system includes two side frames, each side frame defining an interior channel configured to carry two adjacently positions wall panel inserts facing in opposite directions. A bottom support frame is perpendicular to and joined to each of the two side frames. A removable wall panel insert is carried by the interior channels defined by the two side frames and a removable top frame is configured to couple with the top surfaces of the two side frames to secure the removable wall panel insert within the channels defined by the two side frames. A bottom frame supports the wall panel support system on a surface and a support leg provides support along an axis perpendicular to a plane formed by the wall panel insert.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/301,878, entitled “SELF CHECKOUT WALL PANEL SYSTEM,” filed on Mar. 1, 2016, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The area around self-checkout (SCO) registers in retail store location environments has little to no merchandising space for selling impulse or single-serving-type products such as gum, mint, confections, magazine, or other general merchandise. Additionally, the SCO area of many retail locations is not standardized in terms of its layout or the arrangement of the SCO register equipment. The floor plan in an SCO area often varies widely from store-to-store. This means that the area available to place merchandising racks and displays is not uniform and any equipment solution must have considerable flexibility with regard to size, configuration, and installation options.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a modular self-checkout (SCO) wall panel system (WPS).
In a particular implementation, a wall panel system includes two side frames, each side frame defining an interior channel configured to carry two adjacently positions wall panel inserts facing in opposite directions. A bottom support frame is perpendicular to and joined to each of the two side frames. A removable wall panel insert is carried by the interior channels defined by the two side frames and a removable top frame is configured to couple with the top surfaces of the two side frames to secure the removable wall panel insert within the channels defined by the two side frames. A bottom frame supports the wall panel support system on a surface and a support leg provides support along an axis perpendicular to a plane formed by the wall panel insert.
The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in particular implementations, so as to realize one or more advantages as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure. For example, first, a space maintainer provides support to single wall panel insert within the frame of the wall panel if a particular wall panel is configured with only a single wall panel insert. The space maintainer is used to stabilize the single wall panel insert within the wall panel to allow the single wall panel insert to support, among other things, shelving and lighting. Second, support legs supporting wall panels are independent of the wall panel frame and can be located around SCO equipment, allowing one system to fit around a number of varying SCO layouts/types of equipment. In some implementations, a support leg can be configured to be adjustable in order to allow it to provide support to a wall panel, while fitting around/over conduits, wires, cords, or other obstructions on a floor or wall. Third, multi-position shelf brackets are independent of actual shelves and can be attached to shelves at multiple points on a wall panel insert, allowing complete flexibility to align equipment across wall panel seams, around poles, bagging stations, and SCO or other equipment. The multi-position shelf brackets are designed to allow a shelf attached to a wall panel insert to be configured in a flat or in an angled position. Other advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example modular self-checkout (SCO) wall panel system WPS associated with a cash register, according to an implementation.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an example SCO WPS in a linear configuration, according to an implementation.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an example wall panel, according to an implementation.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the example wall panel of FIG. 2A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 3A is a top sectional view of the wall panel of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an implementation.

FIG. 3B is a magnified view of an interface between a side frame and wall panel inserts, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4A is a partially exploded view of the wall panel of FIGS. 2A-2B, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4B is a magnified view of an interface between a side frame and a wall panel insert of the wall panel of FIG. 4A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the wall panel and space maintainer of FIGS. 4A-4B, according to an implementation.

FIG. 4D is a top view of the wall panel of FIGS. 4A-4B with an alternatively-configured space maintainer, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the wall panel of FIG. 4A with an installed leg support system, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5B is a magnified view of a support leg of the leg support system coupled to the wall panel of FIG. 5A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of a support leg of a leg support system, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5D is a rear perspective view of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5C, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5E is a side view of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5D, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5F is a bottom view of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5E, according to an implementation.

FIG. 5G is a front view of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5F, according to an implementation.

FIG. 6A is an exploded view of an adjustable support leg of a leg support system, according to an implementation.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the adjustable support leg of FIG. 6A positioned over a floor obstruction, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a multi-position shelf bracket (MPSB) attached to a wall panel insert, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7B is a magnified view of the MPSB coupled to the wall panel insert of FIG. 7A, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the MPSB of FIGS. 7A-7B, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7D is a side view of FIG. 7A of the MPSB attached to a wall panel insert, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7E is a magnified side view of the MPSB attached to the wall panel insert of FIG. 7D, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7F is a side view of a shelf attached to an MPSB in a flat configuration, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7G is a side view of a shelf attached to an MPSB in an angled configuration, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7H is a perspective view of an alternatively configured MPSB, according to an implementation.

FIG. 7I is a side view of an alternatively configured MPSB, according to an implementation.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter in the context of one or more particular implementations. Various modifications, alterations, and permutations of the disclosed implementations can be made and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined may be applied to other implementations and applications, without departing from scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the described or illustrated implementations, but to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the described principles and features.
The area around self-checkout (SCO) registers in retail store location environments has little to no merchandising space for selling impulse or single-serving-type products such as gum, mint, confections, magazine, or other general merchandise. Additionally, the SCO area of many retail locations is not standardized in terms of its layout or the arrangement of the SCO register equipment. The floor plan in an SCO area often varies widely from store-to-store. This means that the area available to place merchandising racks and displays is not uniform and any equipment solution must have considerable flexibility with regard to size, configuration, and installation options.
The instant disclosure describes a modular SCO wall panel system allowing for merchandising solutions in a wide variety of space configurations. The described SCO wall panel system also allows for the wall equipment to be installed into stores without moving or repositioning of SCO registers; avoiding, among other things, recalibration of scales on SCO register bagging stations. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the described SCO wall panel system can also be used in other locations where space is limited and there exists a need for flexibility in merchandising situations where there is variability in store layouts.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view 100 a of an example self-checkout (SCO) wall panel system (WPS) associated with a cash register, according to an implementation. As illustrated, cash register 102 is surrounded by the SCO WPS. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, there are a multitude of possible configurations of the SCO WPS in relation to cash registers. The illustrated examples in this disclosure are provided for understanding and are not meant to limit the description or configuration of the SCO WPS in any way.
At a high-level, The SCO WPS includes a plurality of coupled wall panels 104, support legs 106, shelves 108, and multi-position shelf brackets 110. Wall panels 104 are configured to support wall panel inserts. Wall panel inserts can include, among other things, wall wire grid wall (illustrated with respect to wall panel 104), wood or plastic slatwall, solid wood sight-blocker, pegboard, or graphics, as needed, for a particular application.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view 100 b of an example SCO WPS in a linear configuration, according to an implementation. In other implementations, wall panels 104 can be linked together to form a wide range of wall sizes and configurations. For example, wall configurations can include, among others, single-sided, double-sided, “L”-shaped end cap, “T”-shaped end cap, wings on end caps, and others. As illustrated, wall panel 104 is configured as dual-sided, meaning that the back-facing side of wall panel 104 is configured with a wall panel insert (for example, a gridwall or slatwall wall panel insert) to support shelf 108 (for example, with a multi-position shelf bracket). Wall panel 104 is also configured with an opposite facing (toward the viewer) wall panel insert (in this case, a slatwall-type wall panel insert 112). Wall panel 104 is supported in part by support legs 106, here attached to the wall panel 104 frame on opposite sides and edges of the wall panel 104.
In typical implementations, wall panels 104 can be coupled together using a coupling mechanism 114 (for example, a spanner plate) securing adjacent edges of the wall panel 104 frame together. In other implementations, clips, bolts, screws, screw-type brackets, an interlocking-/sliding-type mechanism, or any other coupling mechanism consistent with this disclosure can be used to couple wall panels 104 together.
Also illustrated is a wall panel 104 with a single wall panel insert 116 (for example, either a gridwall- or a slatwall-type wall panel insert) that is facing away from the viewer. Although not illustrated in this figure, the single wall panel insert is secured in the wall panel frame using a space maintainer (refer to FIGS. 4A-4E). Additionally, in some configurations (at labeled by 118), a wall panel 104 can be configured without wall panel inserts (that is, an observer can look through the frame of the wall panel 104) or a sight-blocker wall panel insert can be used to restrict visibility of the environment behind a wall panel 104.
In some implementations, equipment can be directly attached to the wall panel frame. For example, adjustable shelf 120 can be attached to the wall panel frame using a frame-attached bracket 122. In some implementations, the frame-attached bracket 122 can attached to the wall panel frame with clips, bolts, screws, screw-type brackets, an interlocking-/sliding-type mechanism, or any other coupling mechanism.
FIG. 2A is a front view 200 a of an example wall panel 104, according to an implementation. In the illustrated implementation, wall panel 104 includes a top frame 202, side frames 204, bottom support frame 205, bottom frame 206, leveling feet 208, and one or more wall panel inserts 210. Coupling mechanism 114 is show attached to the left side frame 204. As can be seen on the right side frame 204, holes 212 can be configured into the side frames 204 to permit attachment of a screw-type coupling mechanism 114. Section line 214 will be referred to in FIGS. 3 and 4C.
Typically, the wall panels 104 are constructed of a steel tubing frame with any of several interior components. In other implementations, the wall panel 104 frames can be constructed using other materials such as steel sheet metal or extruded aluminum. The wall panel 104 frames are typically made of square or rectangular tubing that is welded together. The inner surfaces of the frame sides form a ‘U’-channel/side-channel to allow the modular wall panel inserts to be inserted in place.
The wall panel 104 frames allow reconfiguration of wall panels 104 at a future date by removing and replacing various wall panel insert options—allowing the functionality and appearance of the wall panel to be adapted to a change in store décor, evolving market conditions, new products, store layout, and the like, at minimal expense and effort. The open bottom portion of the wall panel 104 frame allows support legs to 106 be aligned/positioned around SCO equipment and other obstructions.
The combination of the top frame 202, side frames 204, and bottom support frame 205 are used to secure one or more wall panel inserts 210 within the wall panel 104. For example, the wall panel 104 frame can be configured with an opening on one side (typically the top) to allow one or more wall panel inserts to be installed from the top and slid downward into place to be held by the wall panel frame ‘U’-channels (side frames 204 and bottom support frame 205). Once the one or more wall panel inserts are inserted between the side frames 204 the top frame 202 can be reattached to the wall panel 104, to secure the wall panel inserts in place.
Bottom frame 206 can also be configured with one or more threaded leveling feet 208. In typical implementations, the one or more leveling feet are configured to be screwed inward and outward with respect to the bottom frame 206 to provide height adjustments and to permit the wall panel 104 to be leveled on floor surfaces that may not be entirely level.
FIG. 2B is a side view 200 b of the example wall panel 104 of FIG. 2A, according to an implementation. The illustration shows the top frame 202 installed onto side frames 204 and leveling foot 208.
FIG. 3A is a top sectional view 300 a of the wall panel of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an implementation. View 300 a is a top down view along the perspective of section line 214 in FIG. 2A. View 300 a illustrates side frames 204 and two wall panel inserts 210.
FIG. 3B is a magnified view 300 b of an interface between a side frame and wall panel inserts, according to an implementation. In view 300 b, wall panels inserts 210 are positioned adjacently (for example, back-to-back) in relation to each other and held in place by the ‘U’-shape of the side frame 204. Here, both wall panel inserts 210 provide support to secure the wall panel inserts 210 between the side frames 204.
FIG. 4A is a partially exploded view 400 a of the wall panel of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, according to an implementation. In view 400 a, top frame 202 has been removed, exposing a single wall panel 210 interfaced with a space maintainer 402 inserted into the ‘U’-channel formed by the side frame 204. In typical implementations, the space maintainer 402 is configured to a length from the bottom support frame 205 to the top of side frame 204. This length permits the space maintainer 402 to be inserted into the ‘U’-channel of the side frame 204 and to be easily removed from the top of the side frame 204 when the top frame is removed.
FIG. 4B is a magnified view 400 b of an interface between a side frame and a wall panel insert of the wall panel of FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4A, according to an implementation. In the provided illustration, it can be seen that the wall panel insert 210 is engaged with the space maintainer within a smaller ‘U’-channel 404 configured as part of the space maintainer 402 to carry the edge of the wall panel insert 210.
FIG. 4C is a top view 400 c of the wall panel and space maintainer of FIGS. 4A-4B, according to an implementation. As illustrated, space maintainer 402 secures wall panel insert 210, within ‘U’-channel 404 defined by the space maintainer 402. Space maintainer 402 also fills the space that would normally be provided by another wall panel insert 210 at position 406. Maintaining extension 408 extends to engage with the inner surface of side frame 204 to maintain the position of the space maintainer 402 and the wall panel insert 210, within the ‘U’-channel defined by the side frame 204.
FIG. 4D is a top view 400 d of the wall panel of FIGS. 4A-4B with an alternatively-configured space maintainer, according to an implementation. View 400 d illustrates a ‘Z’-shaped space maintainer 402 providing functionality similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C. Other shapes of the space maintainer 402, consistent with this disclosure, are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.
In typical implementations, space maintainer 402 can be configured of metal, plastic, or a composite material. In some implementations, the space maintainer 402 can be configured to provide a spring tension/bias with respect to the inner surface of the side frame 204. For example, maintaining extension 408 (as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C and FIG. 4D can be configured to provide spring tension if wall panel insert 210 is pushed in a direction toward the maintaining extension 408. In this example, the spring tension can bias the wall panel insert 210 into its default position.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view 500 a of the wall panel of FIG. 4A with an installed leg support system, according to an implementation. The leg support system includes one or more support legs 106, coupled to a wall panel 104, to provide support for the wall panel 104. As illustrated, support leg 106 is coupled to bottom support frame 205 and bottom frame 206 at points 107 a and 107 b, respectively, using brackets (refer to FIGS. 5B-5G). Each wall panel 104 is typically configured with at least two support legs 106, to provide support on each wall panel side of the wall panel 104. As illustrated, each support leg 106 is coupled to the wall panel 104 to point outward, in opposite directions, to provide stability for the wall panel 104 and to prevent falling or tipping of the wall panel 104. The support legs 106 provide support along an axis perpendicular to a plane formed by one or more wall panel inserts 210. While view 500 a shows only two support legs 106, in other implementations, a single support leg 106 or more than two support legs 106 can be used with a single wall panel 104. For example, depending on a size, weight, configuration, or environment of a particular wall panel 104 or a combination of wall panels 104, more than two support legs 106 may be needed to stabilize the SCO WPS.
FIG. 5B is a magnified view 500 b of a support leg of the leg support system coupled to the wall panel of FIG. 5A, according to an implementation. As illustrated, support leg 106 is coupled to the bottom frame 206 of wall panel 104 using lower coupling bracket 502 (and, although not illustrated, upper coupling bracket 504—refer to FIGS. 5C-5D). While the support leg 106 is illustrated with square tubing, in other implementations, support leg 106 can be constructed of rectangular tubing, round tubing, or other shaped tubing. In some implementations, components of the support leg 106 can be constructed of formed sheet metal or other construction consistent with this disclosure.
FIG. 5C is a front perspective view 500 c of a support leg of a leg support system, according to an implementation. In typical implementations, each support leg 106 includes lower coupling bracket 502, upper coupling bracket 504, vertical (or substantially vertical) support 506, horizontal (or substantially horizontal) support 508, elbow-type structural support 510, leveling feet 512, and end caps 514.
Lower coupling bracket 502 is configured to couple to bottom frame 206, while upper coupling bracket 504 is configured in an orientation to couple to bottom support frame 205, respectively. As illustrated, lower coupling bracket 502 and upper coupling bracket 504 are configured in opposite orientations. This configuration permits a support leg 106 to be rotated into position with respect to a wall panel 104. For example, a support leg 106 can be oriented horizontally with respect to a flooring surface between the bottom support frame 205 and the bottom frame 206. The support leg 106 can then be rotated ninety-degrees (either clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on the initial orientation of the support leg 106) into a vertical position to engage the lower coupling bracket 502 with the bottom frame 206 and the upper coupling bracket 504 with the bottom support frame 205. To remove a support leg 106, the described installation procedure can be reversed.
Once the lower coupling bracket 502 and the upper coupling bracket 504 are engaged with the with the bottom frame 206 and the bottom support frame 205, respectively, the support leg 106 can be move along the bottom frame 206 and the bottom support frame 205, to best fit into available floor space around any obstructions (such as a SCO register housing, electrical chases, columns, floor electrical outlets, plumbing, or conduit). In some implementations, a support leg 106 can be configured with different lengths, widths, and dimensions, depending upon considerations and environment of use. For example, the weight of a wall panel 104, size and position of present conduit, or other physical obstructions can cause variations in the illustrated support leg 106 and other components of the SCO WPS.
Typically, lower coupling bracket 502 and upper coupling bracket 504 are secured to the vertical support 506 using welding, bolts, screws, or any other method consistent with this disclosure. Note that, in typical implementations, lower coupling bracket 502 and upper coupling bracket 504 are offset to opposite sides of the vertical support 506 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the horizontal support 508. This configuration provides a more stable support coupling to the frame surfaces of the wall panel 104.
Vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508 are typically connected using welding, bolts, screws, or any other coupling mechanism consistent with this disclosure. The vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508 of the support leg 106 are also structurally reinforced using structural support 510 to prevent the structural collapse of the vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508. In typical implementations, structural support 510 is secured to the vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508 using welding, but other securing mechanisms/methods consistent with this disclosure are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. In some implementations, the combination of the vertical support 506, horizontal support 508, and structural support 510 can be machined or formed as a single part (for example, using CNC or other machining, 3D printing, sintering, or other process consistent with this disclosure).
End caps 514 are used to seal openings (if present) in the vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508 and also to provide a more finished and attractive component of the SCO WPS. End caps 514 can be attached to the end of the vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508 using for example, a friction fit, adhesive, spot weld, and other method consistent with this disclosure.
The horizontal support 508 can also be configured with one or more threaded leveling feet 512. In typical implementations, the one or more leveling feet 512 are configured to be screwed inward and outward with respect to the horizontal support 508, to provide height adjustments and to permit the support leg 106 (and attached wall panel 104) to be leveled on floor surfaces that may not be entirely level.
FIG. 5D is a rear perspective view 500 d of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5C, according to an implementation. In typical implementations, the lower coupling bracket 502 and the upper coupling bracket 504 can be secured to the vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508, respectively. Typical securing mechanisms include bolts, thumbscrews, self-tapping fasteners (for example, Tek screws), or other fasteners. As illustrated, Tek screws 516 are used to secure the lower coupling bracket 502 and the upper coupling bracket 504 to the vertical support 506 and horizontal support 508, respectively.
FIG. 5E is a side view 500 e of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5D, according to an implementation. FIG. 5F is a bottom view 500 f of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5E, according to an implementation. FIG. 5G is a front view 500 g of the support leg of FIGS. 5A-5F, according to an implementation. As illustrated in FIG. 5G, the offset of the lower coupling bracket 502 and the upper coupling bracket 504, with respect to the vertical support 506, can be clearly seen.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view 600 a of the adjustable support leg of a leg support system positioned over a floor obstruction, according to an implementation. As illustrated, adjustable support leg 602 is coupled with elements of a wall panel 104 and positioned over floor obstruction 604 (for example, a conduit or electrical box). The illustrated adjustable support leg 602 can be configured in two axes (here, length and height) to fit around various obstructions that can be present in a SCO WPS environment. Once adjusted, components of typical implementations of the adjustable support leg 602 can be secured into a desired position using bolts or screws, as described in FIGS. 5A-5G. In some implementations, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more components of the adjustable support let 602 can be configured in such a way to permit other axes of adjustment (for example, angular or rotational). As an example, vertical or horizontal supports can be configured of round tubing with applicable configuration changes to corresponding brackets. This configuration would permit components of the adjustable support leg to rotate and be locked into place. Other configurations consistent with this disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.
FIG. 6B is an exploded view 600 b of the adjustable support leg of FIG. 6A, according to an implementation. Many components of FIG. 6B are similar to those described in FIGS. 5A-5G. In typical implementations, the descriptions provided with respect to FIGS. 5A-5G are likewise applicable to the description of FIG. 6A and are not repeated. As illustrated, the adjustable support leg 602 includes a primary vertical (or substantially vertical) support 606, primary vertical support bracket 608, primary horizontal (or substantially horizontal) support 610, secondary horizontal (or substantially horizontal) support 612, secondary vertical support bracket 614, and secondary vertical (or substantially vertical) support 616.
Primary vertical support bracket 608 is used to couple the primary horizontal support 610 with the primary vertical support 606. In typical configurations, the configuration of the primary vertical support bracket 608 is similar to the orientation of the lower coupling bracket 502 and upper coupling bracket 504. The primary vertical support 606 is configured to couple with frame elements of a wall panel 104 as described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5G. The primary vertical support bracket 608 is configured to permit the primary horizontal support 610 to be adjusted vertically, for height, along the length of the primary vertical support 606.
The primary horizontal support 610 is configured to engage with the secondary horizontal support 612. For example, in one implementation, the secondary horizontal support 612 can be configured from smaller-dimensioned square tubing than that of the primary horizontal support 610 and can be inserted into the primary horizontal support 610. In this configuration, the secondary horizontal support 612 can be adjusted for horizontal length along the axis of the primary horizontal support 610.
Secondary vertical support bracket 614 is used to couple the secondary horizontal support 612 with the secondary vertical support 616. In typical implementations, the configuration of the secondary vertical support bracket 614 is similar to the orientation of the primary vertical support bracket 608. The secondary vertical support bracket 614 is configured to permit the secondary horizontal support 612 to be adjusted vertically, for height, along the length of the secondary vertical support 616.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view 700 a of a multi-position shelf bracket (MPSB) attached to a wall panel insert, according to an implementation. As illustrated, the MPSB 702 (for example, a MPSB 110 as in FIG. 1A) is attached to a gridwall-type wall panel insert 210 to support shelves 703 a/703 b (for example, shelves 108 as in FIG. 1A) in varying positions. While illustrated as attached to a gridwall wall panel insert 210, the MPSB 210 can also be attached to a slatwall or other type of wall panel insert 210.
The MPSBs 702 are independent of shelves (for example, shelves 703 a/703 b) and can be attached to shelves at multiple points along a back edge of a wall panel, allowing complete flexibility to align equipment across rear panel seams, around poles, bagging stations, lights purse stands, SCO equipment, etc. The MPSBs 702 are used to hang various shelf configurations onto wall panels 104 and permit shelves to be oriented in either a horizontal (flat) position or in one or more downward sloping positions. Slots configured into the MPSBs 702 are positioned in various locations around or behind cross wires/pins on the shelves to change the resting orientation of the shelves. The MPSBs 702 are typically constructed using steel or other metal but could also be configured of molded plastic or other synthetic material.
By using the MPSB 702, the positioning of a shelf is not restricted by vertical grid wires in a wall panel insert or by wall panel side frames 204. The MPSB allows for greater flexibility in positioning shelves and other merchandising components on the wall panels and around any obstructions in the SCO WPS environment.
FIG. 7B is a magnified view 700 b of the MPSB coupled to the wall panel insert of FIG. 7A, according to an implementation. In typical configurations, the MPSB 702 is secured to the wall panel insert 210 using a combination of a tab that engages with the wall panel insert 210 (for example, under a wire of a gridwall wall panel insert or in a groove of a slatwall wall panel insert) and friction generated as a result of loading of a shelf 703 a/703 b attached to the MPSB 702.
FIG. 7C is a perspective view 700 c of the MPSB of FIGS. 7A-7B, according to an implementation. In typical implementations, the MPSB 702 includes upper engagement slots 704, lower engagement slots 706, resting surfaces 708, locking tab 710, and securing hole 712.
FIG. 7D is a side view 700 d of FIG. 7A of the MPSB attached to a wall panel insert, according to an implementation. As illustrated, the MPSB 702 permits attached shelves to be positioned in different orientations. For example, shelf 703 a is configured at ninety-degrees relative to the wall panel insert 210. Shelf 703 b is configured at an angle at seventy-degrees relative to the wall panel insert 210. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the described MPSB 702 can be configured to permit other shelf angles. These other configurations, in as they are consistent with this disclosure, are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.
FIG. 7E is a magnified side view 700 e of the MPSB attached to the wall panel insert of FIG. 7D, according to an implementation. The upper engagement slots 704, lower engagement slots 706, and resting surfaces 708 are used to determine the angular configuration of a shelf attached to the MPSB 702.
FIG. 7F is a side view 700 f of a shelf attached to an MPSB in a flat configuration, according to an implementation. As illustrated, in a flat configuration, upper engagement pins 705 a, configured as part of the shelf 703 a, are engaged only within the upper engagement slots 704, while the lower engagement pins 705 b are resting against the resting surfaces 708. This configuration keeps the shelf 703 a in a flat/horizontal position.
FIG. 7G is a side view 700 g of a shelf attached to an MPSB in an angled configuration, according to an implementation. As illustrated, in an angled configuration, upper engagement pins 705 a, configured as part of the shelf 703 a, are engaged within the upper engagement slots 704, while the lower engagement pins 705 b are engaged with the lower engagement slots 706. This configuration permits the shelf 703 a to rest in an angled position.
FIG. 7H is a perspective view 700 h of alternatively configured MPSB, according to an implementation. Many components of FIG. 7H are similar to those described in FIGS. 7A-7G. In typical implementations, the descriptions provided with respect to FIGS. 7A-7G are likewise applicable to the description of FIG. 7H and are not repeated. As illustrated, the alternatively configured MPSB 714 is configured to be of wider dimensions, with two locking tabs 716, and with two support tabs 718. The two locking tabs 716 provide better engagement with wall panel inserts. The two support tabs 718 are configured to engage with/rest within a lower slot or grid wire to provide additional support for a shelf attached to the alternatively configured MPSB 714.
FIG. 7I is a side view 700 i of the alternatively configured MPSB or FIG. 7H, according to an implementation. The configuration of a support tab 718 is more clearly illustrated in this view.
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination, in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately, or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a described combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations, alterations, and permutations of the described implementations are considered to be within the scope of disclosure. Moreover, the separation or integration of various system modules or components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all implementations. Accordingly, the above description of example implementations does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, combinations, and alterations of the described components are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wall panel system, comprising:

two side frames, each side frame defining an interior channel configured to carry two adjacently positions wall panel inserts facing in opposite directions;

a bottom support frame perpendicular to and joined to each of the two side frames;

a removable wall panel insert carried by the interior channels defined by the two side frames;

a removable top frame configured to couple with the top surfaces of the two side frames and to secure the removable wall panel insert within the channels defined by the two side frames;

a bottom frame for supporting the wall panel support system on a surface; and

a support leg for providing support along an axis perpendicular to a plane formed by the wall panel insert.

2. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the button support frame defines an interior channel.

3. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the bottom support frame defines an interior channel.

4. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the top frame defines an interior channel.

5. The wall panel system of claim 1, comprising one or more coupling mechanism configured to be attached to one or more of the two side frames.

6. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the bottom frame comprises one or more leveling feet.

7. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the wall panel insert is a member of the group consisting of a slatwall, gridwall, or sight blocker.

8. The wall panel system of claim 1, comprising a second wall panel insert positioned adjacent to the wall panel insert and facing in a direction opposite to the direction faced by the wall panel insert.

9. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the support leg is configured to be adjustable.

10. The wall panel system of claim 9, wherein the support leg is adjustable along the horizontal axis.

11. The wall panel system of claim 10, wherein the support leg is adjustable along the vertical axis.

12. The wall panel system of claim 1, comprising a space maintainer carried by a particular channel defined by a particular side frame.

13. The wall panel system of claim 12, wherein the space maintainer comprises a defined channel for carrying the edges of the wall panel insert and a maintaining extension.

14. The wall panel system of claim 13, wherein the maintaining extension fills the space within the channel defined by the particular side frame that would otherwise be occupied by a second wall panel insert to secure the wall panel insert within the channel defined by the particular side frame.

15. The wall panel system of claim 1, wherein the support leg comprises a lower coupling bracket, an upper coupling bracket, and one or more leveling feet.

16. The wall panel system of claim 15, wherein the lower coupling bracket engages with the bottom frame and the upper coupling bracket engages with the bottom support frame when the support leg is rotated ninety-degrees from horizontal.

17. The wall panel system of claim 1, comprising a multi-position shelf bracket that attaches to the wall panel insert.

18. The wall panel system of claim 17, wherein the multi-position shelf bracket is configured to permit an attached shelf to rest in either a horizontal position or a downwardly-angled position.

19. The wall panel system of claim 18, wherein the multi-position shelf bracket comprises upper engagement slots and lower engagement slots.

20. The wall panel system of claim 19 wherein the multi-position shelf bracket comprises a locking tab and a support tab.