US20180199735A1

US20180199735A1 - Zoning Tool

Info

Publication number: US20180199735A1
Application number: US15/834,390
Authority: US
Inventors: Nicholaus Adam Jones; Matthew Allen Jones; Aaron James Vasgaard
Original assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC
Current assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC
Priority date: 2017-01-13
Filing date: 2017-12-07
Publication date: 2018-07-19

Abstract

An example zoning tool for arranging physical objects on a shelf is provided. The zoning tool includes a bridging member, a first guiding wall, a second guiding wall, and a flexible elongate member. The first proximal end of the first guiding wall is mechanically coupled to a first end of the bridging member. The second proximal end of the second guiding wall is mechanically coupled to a second end of the bridging member. The second guiding wall is spaced from the first guiding wall. An area between the first and second guiding walls forms a collection area for introduction of one or more physical objects. The flexible elongate member is movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls and configured to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the bridging member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/445,784, which was filed on Jan. 13, 2017. The entire content of the foregoing provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various products are presented to customers on shelves. Zoning or straightening products on the shelves is performed by retail associates to ensure that the products are at the front-most area of the shelf for best visibility by the customer. Due to the different sizes and configurations of products, it can be difficult to align the products in the designated area on the shelf in an efficient and effective manner.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a zoning tool that allows a retail associate to customize the desired area for zoning such that any type of physical objects can be efficiently and effectively aligned with the front of a shelf. In particular, the zoning tool includes first and second guiding walls that form a collection area in-between. The size of the collection area can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the bridging member between the first and second guiding walls. A flexible elongate member movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls can be used to surround the physical objects and urge the physical objects towards the bridging member at or near the front of the shelf.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary zoning tool for arranging physical objects on a shelf is provided. The zoning tool includes a bridging member, a first guiding wall, a second guiding wall, and a flexible elongate member. The first guiding wall has a first proximal end and a first distal end. The first proximal end can be mechanically coupled to a first end of the bridging member. The second guiding wall has a second proximal end and a second distal end. The second proximal end can be mechanically coupled to a second end of the bridging member. The second guiding wall is spaced from the first guiding wall, and an area between the first and second guiding walls forms a collection area for introduction of one or more physical objects. The flexible elongate member is movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls and configured to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the bridging member.
The first and second guiding walls can be configured to be at least partially positioned on a supporting surface of a shelf. The first guiding wall can define a first side wall of the zoning tool, and the second guiding wall can define a second side wall of the zoning tool. The first and second guiding walls can be rigid walls to provide sufficient support and guidance to the physical objects as the physical objects are urged towards the bridging member.
In one embodiment, a height of each of the first and second guiding walls can be adjustable. In one embodiment, a length of the bridging member can be adjustable to regulate a distance between the first and second guiding walls. Adjusting the length of the bridging member adjusts a size of the collection area.
In one embodiment, the flexible elongate member can be a wire. In one embodiment, the first and second guiding walls can each include a track formed therein and extending a length of the first and second guiding walls. In such embodiments, the flexible elongate member can pass through the tracks. The flexible elongate member can form a closed loop near the first distal end of the first guiding wall and the second distal end of the second guiding wall. A size of the closed loop can be adjustable based on extension and retraction of the flexible elongate member from the first distal end of the first guiding wall and the second distal end of the second guiding wall.
In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a handle disposed between the first and second guiding walls at the first distal end of the first guiding wall and the second distal end of the second guiding wall. The flexible elongate member can be secured to the handle. The handle can be configured to move the flexible elongate member relative to the first and second guiding walls. The handle can be hingedly mounted relative to the first and second guiding walls. Hingedly moving the handle simultaneously rotates the flexible elongate member relative to the first and second guiding walls.
The first and second guiding walls can maintain alignment of the one or more physical objects within the collection area as the flexible elongate member is moved to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the bridging member. In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a clamp configured to secure the zoning tool to an edge of a shelf.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary zoning tool is provided. The zoning tool includes a first guiding wall, a second guiding wall, and a flexible wire. The first guiding wall can be configured to be at least partially positioned on a supporting surface of a shelf. The second guiding wall can be configured to be at least partially positioned on the supporting surface of the shelf. The second guiding wall can be spaced from the first guiding wall and mechanically coupled to the first guiding wall. An area between the first and second guiding walls forms a collection area for introduction of one or more physical objects. The flexible wire can be movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls and configured to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards a front face of the shelf. The first and second guiding walls maintain alignment of the one or more physical objects within the collection area as the flexible wire is moved to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the front face of the shelf.
In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a handle disposed between the first and second guiding walls. The flexible wire can be secured to the handle, and the handle can be configured to move the flexible wire relative to the first and second guiding walls. In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a clamp configured to secure the zoning tool to an edge of the shelf.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of zoning one or more physical objects on a shelf having a supporting surface is provided. The method includes at least partially positioning a zoning tool on the supporting surface of the shelf. The zoning tool includes a first guiding wall, a second guiding wall, and an elongated flexible member. The second guiding wall can be spaced from the first guiding wall and mechanically coupled to the first guiding wall. An area between the first and second guiding walls forms a collection area for introduction of the one or more physical objects. The elongated flexible member can be movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls. The method includes positioning the elongated flexible member around the one or more physical objects. The method includes moving the elongated flexible member relative to the first and second guiding walls to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards a front face of the shelf.
In one embodiment, the method can include adjusting a height of each of the first and second guiding walls relative to the supporting surface of the shelf. In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a bridging member defining a length and mechanically coupled to the first and second guiding walls. In one embodiment, the method can include adjusting the length of the bridging member to adjust a distance between the first and second guiding walls.
In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a handle hingedly mounted between the first and second guiding walls and secured to the elongated flexible member. The method can include rotating the elongated flexible member relative to the first and second guiding walls by hingedly moving the handle. In one embodiment, the zoning tool can include a clamp. The method can include securing the zoning tool to an edge of the shelf with the clamp.
Any combination and/or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the zoning tool, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure on a shelf;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure on a shelf;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure on a shelf;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an exemplary zoning tool of the present disclosure along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of zoning one or more physical objects on a shelf having a supporting surface using an exemplary zoning tool in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the relative terminology used herein, such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down” is solely for the purposes of clarity and designation and is not intended to limit embodiments to a particular position and/or orientation. Accordingly, such relative terminology should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments having specific dimensions. Thus, any dimensions provided herein are merely for an exemplary purpose and are not intended to limit the invention to embodiments having particular dimensions.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a zoning tool that allows a retail associate to customize the desired area for zoning such that any types of physical objects can be efficiently and effectively aligned with the front of a shelf. In particular, the zoning tool includes first and second guiding walls that form a collection area in-between. The size of the collection area can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the bridging member between the first and second guiding walls. The height of the first and second guiding walls can be adjusted based on the height of the physical objects being zoned. A flexible elongate member (e.g., a wire) movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls can be used to surround and corral the physical objects, and urge the physical objects towards the bridging member at or near the front of the shelf.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective side view of an exemplary zoning tool 100 of the present disclosure. The zoning tool 100 includes a first guiding wall 102 and a second guiding wall 104 spaced from the first guiding wall 102. The first guiding wall 102 defines a first side wall of the zoning tool 100 and the second guiding wall 104 defines a second side wall of the zoning tool 100. The first and second guiding walls 102, 104 can be fabricated from a rigid material, e.g., plastic, metal, or the like, such that the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 are capable of providing support to one or more physical objects being zoned.
The zoning tool 100 includes a bridging member 106 (e.g., a cross-beam, handle, or the like) mechanically coupled to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. In particular, the bridging member 106 provides stability to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 while maintaining a distance 108 between the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. In some embodiments, the width of the bridging member 106 can be adjustable (e.g., a telescoping configuration) such that the distance 108 can be adjusted. The first and second guiding walls 102, 104 each define a substantially planar configuration and structurally define mirror images of each other. Although the distance 108 can be adjusted, the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 can remain fixed relative to each other in a substantially parallel orientation (e.g., the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 do not rotate or pivot at the connection with the bridging member 106).
The first guiding wall 102 includes a proximal end 110 and a distal end 112 extending the length 114 of the first guiding wall 102. The height 116 of the first guiding wall 102 can be dimensioned smaller than the length 114. In some embodiments, the length 114 and/or the height 116 can be adjustable (e.g., a telescoping configuration) to allow the zoning tool 100 to be customized based on the type of physical object to be zoned. The second guiding wall 104 includes a proximal end 118 and a distal end 120 extending along a substantially similar length 114.
The proximal end 110 of the first guiding wall 102 can be mechanically coupled to a first end 122 of the bridging member 106 and the second guiding wall 104 can be mechanically coupled to an opposing end 124 of the bridging member 106. An area between the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 forms a collection area 126 configured and dimensioned to receive therein one or more physical objects. The collection area 126 can define a substantially rectangular area between the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. Adjusting the width of the bridging member 106 to vary the distance 108 simultaneously adjusts the size of the collection area 126.
The zoning tool 100 includes a flexible elongate member 128 (e.g., a wire) movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. In one embodiment, the inner surfaces (e.g., the surfaces facing each other) of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 can include a passage or track 130 formed therein and extending the length 114 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. The elongate member 128 can at least partially pass through the track 130. The track 130 can thereby guide movement of the elongate member 128 without interfering with the collection area 126. In some embodiments, rather than including continuous tracks 130, the elongate member 128 can extend through individual tracks or loops located at or near the proximal ends 110, 118 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104.
The elongate member 128 includes first and second opposing ends 132, 134. The elongate member 128 passes from the proximal end 110 through the track 130 in the first guiding wall 102, extends out of the distal end 112 of the first guiding wall 102, enters the track 130 in the second guiding wall 104 at the distal end 120, and extends along the track 130 in the second guiding wall 104 to the proximal end 118. The portion of the elongate member 128 extending from the distal ends 112, 120 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 forms a closed loop 136.
The size of the closed loop 136 can be adjusted based on extension and retraction of the elongate member 128 from the distal ends 112, 120. In particular, pulling on one or both of the ends 132, 134 away from the distal ends 112, 120 retracts the elongate element 128 into the tracks 130 and reduces the size of the closed loop 136. The elongate element 128 can be retracted into the tracks 130 up to a point adjacent to the distal ends 112, 120 such that the elongate element 128 extends between the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 in a substantially linear manner. The elongate element 128 can be flexible yet rigid enough to allow the user to push on the ends 132, 134 to push the elongate element 128 through the tracks 130 and out of the distal ends 112, 120 to increase the size of the closed loop 136.
The elongate element 128 can be used to urge one or more physical objects into the collection area 126 and towards the bridging member 106. In particular, the zoning tool 100 can be positioned on a top surface 138 (e.g., a supporting surface) of a shelf 140 with the proximal ends 110, 118 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 substantially aligned with a front face 142 of the shelf 140. The size of the closed loop 136 can be increased by extending the elongate element 128 from the distal ends 112, 120 to fit around the physical objects on the shelf 140 to be zoned. Pulling on the ends 132, 134 of the elongate element 128 reduces the size of the closed loop 136 and urges the physical objects surrounded by the elongate element 128 into the collection area 126.
In some embodiments, the ends 132, 134 can be connected by a connecting element 144 (e.g., a handle) such that the connecting element 144 can be pulled on to retract the elongate element 128 at both sides of the zoning tool 100. As the physical objects are urged into the collection area 126, the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 maintain alignment of the physical objects to ensure that the physical objects are properly zoned on the shelf 140. As noted above, the distance 108 between the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 can be adjusted based on the physical object width and the desired position of the zoned physical objects.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show diagrammatic perspective views of an exemplary zoning tool 200 of the present disclosure. The zoning tool 200 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the zoning tool 100, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. Rather than including a track 130, the zoning tool 200 can include loops or clips 202, 204 at the proximal ends 110, 118 and distal ends 112, 120 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. The clips 202, 204 guide the elongate member 128 along the inner surfaces of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. In some embodiments, the zoning tool 200 can include springs 111, 113 at or near the proximal ends 110, 118 and/or distal ends 112, 120 that are biased under tension when the elongate member 128 is pulled forward to guide the physical objects into the collection area 126. Thus, after the elongate member 128 is released, the springs 111, 113 can bias the elongate member 128 away from the user to extend the elongate element 128 from the distal ends 112, 120.
The zoning tool 200 includes a handle 208 that acts as the bridging member. The handle 208 can have a telescoping configuration such that the width of the handle 208 (and thereby the distance 108 between the first and second guiding walls 102, 104) can be adjusted based on the physical objects to be zoned. The handle 208 includes a first half 205 and a second half 206. The first half 205 is configured to be received concentrically within the second half 206. The first and second halves 205, 206 can be releasably engaged at their connection to allow the desired width of the handle 208 to be maintained. In one embodiment, the distance 108 can be doubled in the extended configuration (e.g., an unextended distance 108 of approximately 12 inches and an extended distance 108 of approximately 24 inches). In one embodiment, the unextended distance 108 can be sufficiently narrow to allow for zoning of a single row of canned goods. The handle 208 can be mechanically coupled to the respective first and second guiding walls 102, 104 via linkages 210, 212.
In some embodiments, the linkages 210, 212 can connect the handle 208 to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 via hinges, cams or pivot points 214, 216. A linkage 215 (e.g., a bridging member) can connect the pivot points 214, 216 to provide additional structural stability to the handle 208. The handle 208 can thereby be pivoted relative to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. In some embodiments, the elongate element 128 can be secured to the handle 208 such that rotating the handle 208 at the pivot points 214, 216 simultaneously rotates the elongate element 128 relative to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. Rotation of the elongate element 128 allows the elongate element 128 to be oriented above the physical objects 222 to be zoned. The elongate element 128 can be lowered to be oriented around the physical objects 222 after the zoning tool 200 has been disposed in the desired position.
The zoning tool 200 can include a clamp 218, 220 mechanically coupled to the handle 208 via the pivot points 214, 216. The clamp 218, 220 can be configured to detachably secure the zoning tool 200 to the front face 142 (or the bottom edge of the front face 142) of the shelf 140. In some embodiments, the clamps 218, 220 can define a hook-like configuration that extends around the bottom edge of the front face 142. Rotation of the handle 208 simultaneously rotates the clamps 218, 220. Thus, when the handle 208 is rotated towards the proximal end 110, 118 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104, the clamps 218, 220 can be disengaged from the shelf 140. When the handle 208 is rotated away from the proximal end 110, 118 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104, the clamps 218, 220 can be positioned around the front face 142 of the shelf 140 and can secure the zoning tool 200 to the shelf 140.
The zoning tool 200 includes first and second guiding walls 102, 104 with a telescoping arrangement such that the height 116 can be varied based on the height of the physical objects being zoned. The first and second guiding walls 102, 104 include interfaces 209, 211 at which first halves 102 a, 104 a and second halves 102 b, 104 b of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 engage. For example, the second halves 102 b, 104 b can be configured to receive at least a portion of the respective halves 102 a, 104 a such that the overall height 116 can be adjusted. The first and second guiding walls 102, 104 can include an engagement or locking mechanism at the interface between the first and second halves 102 a, 104 a, 102 b, 104 b to allow the desired height 116 to be maintained.
FIGS. 4-6 show diagrammatic perspective and side views of an exemplary zoning tool 300 of the present disclosure. The zoning tool 300 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the zoning tool 100, 200, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. In addition to the handle 208, the zoning tool 300 can include a bridging member 302 mechanically coupled to and disposed between the proximal ends 110, 118 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104. In one embodiment, the bridging member 302 can be mechanically coupled to the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 via pivot points 214, 216 which, in turn, are mechanically coupled to the handle 208.
The bridging member 302 can include a telescoping configuration including a first elongated element 304 and a second elongated element 306 movably coupled. In particular, the second elongated element 306 can be configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive therein the first elongated element 304 such that the distance 108 can be varied. In some embodiments, the first and second elongated elements 304, 306 can be configured as concentrically disposed rods. Changing the distance 108 of the bridging member 302 can simultaneously change the distance 108 of the handle 208.
As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the clamps 218, 220 include hook- like extensions 308, 310 that curve inwardly towards the linkage extending from the pivot point 214, 216. The extensions 308, 310 assist in securing the zoning tool to the shelf 140. As noted above, the shelf 140 generally includes a front face 142. In some embodiments, the shelf 140 can include a substantially perpendicular flange 312 extending inwardly from the front face 142 and below the top surface 138 of the shelf 140. The flange 312 forms a channel 314 behind the front face 142.
When the handle 208 is pivoted outwardly from the proximal end 110, 118 (e.g., FIG. 6), the extensions 308, 310 are spaced from the remaining portion of the clamps 218, 220 to allow the extensions 308, 310 to fit around the flange 312 and behind the channel 314. When the handle 208 is pivoted inwardly towards the proximal end 110, 118 (e.g., FIG. 5), the pivoting motion of the handle 208 simultaneously pivots the clamps 218, 220 to move the extensions 308, 310 into the channel 314 and tighten the connection between the clamps 218, 220 and the shelf 140. The clamps 218, 220 can thereby be implemented to detachably engage the shelf 140 during use of the zoning tool 300. After the desired physical objects have been zoned, the handle 208 can be pivoted away from the proximal end 110, 118 to disengage the clamps 218, 220 and remove the zoning tool 300 from the shelf 140.
FIGS. 7 and 8 show diagrammatic top and cross-sectional views of an exemplary zoning tool 400 of the present disclosure. The zoning tool 400 can be substantially similar in structure and function to the zoning tool 100, 200, 300, except for the distinctions noted herein. Therefore, like reference numbers represent like structures. Each of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 includes a mechanism and structure for individually adjusting the overall height or distance 116 of the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 based on the physical object to be zoned.
The first and second guiding walls 102, 104 include a stationary inner wall 402, 404 and stationary outer wall 406, 408 with a channel 410, 412 formed therebetween. The channel 410, 412 is configured and dimensioned to slidably receive therein a top wall half 414, 416 and a bottom wall half 418, 420. The top wall half 414, 416 and the bottom wall half 418, 420 can be individually slid within the channel 410, 412 to adjust the position relative to the inner wall 402, 404 and outer wall 406, 408 and relative to each other. In one embodiment, only the top wall half 414, 416 can be slid within the channel 410, 412 to adjust the position of the top wall half 414, 416 relative to the bottom wall half 418, 420, and the bottom wall half 418, 420 can remain stationary. In one embodiment, the distance 116 can be doubled (e.g., an unextended distance 116 of approximately 12 inches and an extended distance 116 of approximately 24 inches). The zoning tool 400 can therefore be customized based on the height of the physical object being zoned to ensure that the first and second guiding walls 102, 104 have a height or distance 116 sufficient to provide support to the physical object as it enters the collection area 126.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 of zoning one or more physical objects on a shelf having a supporting surface using an exemplary zoning tool. To begin at step 502, the zoning tool can be at least partially positioned on the supporting surface of the shelf. The zoning tool includes a first guiding wall, a second guiding wall spaced from the first guiding wall and mechanically coupled to the first guiding wall. An area between the first and second guiding walls forms a collection area for introduction of the one or more physical objects during zoning. The zoning tool includes an elongated flexible member movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls. Optionally, at step 504, the zoning tool can be secured to the edge of the shelf with clamps.
At step 506, the elongated flexible member can be positioned around the one or more physical objects to be zoned. In one embodiment, at step 508, the elongated flexible member can be rotated relative to the first and second guiding walls by hingedly moving the handle to allow the elongated flexible member to be positioned over the physical objects and in a position surrounding the physical objects. Optionally, at step 510, the height of each of the first and second guiding walls can be adjusted relative to the supporting surface of the shelf based on the height of the physical objects to ensure sufficient support to the physical objects is provided by the first and second guiding walls during zoning. Optionally, at step 512, the length of the bridging member can be adjusted to adjust a distance between the first and second guiding walls based on the width of the physical object and/or the desired zoning area. At step 514, the elongated flexible member can be moved relative to the first and second guiding walls to urge the physical objects into the collection area and towards the front face of the shelf.
Thus, the exemplary zoning tools allows a retail associate to customize the desired area for zoning such that any types of physical objects can be efficiently and effectively aligned with the front of a shelf. In particular, the zoning tool includes first and second guiding walls that form a collection area in-between. The size of the collection area can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the bridging member between the first and second guiding walls. The height of the first and second guiding walls can be adjusted based on the height of the physical objects being zoned. Thus, any type of object can be accommodated within the collection area.
The zoning tool can optionally be secured to the front edge of the shelf to provide additional stability during zoning. A flexible elongated member movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls can be used to surround the physical objects and urge the physical objects towards the bridging member at or near the front of the shelf. During zoning, the first and second rigid guiding walls provide the necessary support to align the physical objects, resulting in an efficient and aesthetic zoning process. Once zoned, the flexible elongated member can be lifted over the physical objects and the zoning tool can be removed from the shelf.
While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A zoning tool for arranging physical objects on a shelf, the zoning tool comprising:

a bridging member;

a first guiding wall having a first proximal end and a first distal end, the first proximal end being mechanically coupled to a first end of the bridging member;

a second guiding wall having a second proximal end and a second distal end, the second proximal end being mechanically coupled to a second end of the bridging member, the second guiding wall being spaced from the first guiding wall, an area between the first and second guiding walls forming a collection area for introduction of one or more physical objects; and

a flexible elongate member movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls and configured to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the bridging member.

2. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second guiding walls are configured to be at least partially positioned on a supporting surface of a shelf.

3. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the first guiding wall defines a first side wall of the zoning tool, and the second guiding wall defines a second side wall of the zoning tool.

4. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second guiding walls are rigid walls.

5. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein a height of each of the first and second guiding walls is adjustable.

6. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein a length of the bridging member is adjustable to regulate a distance between the first and second guiding walls.

7. The zoning tool of claim 6, wherein adjusting the length of the bridging member adjusts a size of the collection area.

8. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the flexible elongate member is a wire.

9. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second guiding walls each include a track formed therein and extending a length of the first and second guiding walls, the flexible elongate member passing through the tracks.

10. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the flexible elongate member forms a closed loop near the first distal end of the first guiding wall and the second distal end of the second guiding wall, a size of the closed loop being adjustable based on extension and retraction of the flexible elongate member from the first distal end of the first guiding wall and the second distal end of the second guiding wall.

11. The zoning tool of claim 1, comprising a handle disposed between the first and second guiding walls at the first distal end of the first guiding wall and the second distal end of the second guiding wall.

12. The zoning tool of claim 11, wherein the flexible elongate member is secured to the handle, the handle configured to move the flexible elongate member relative to the first and second guiding walls.

13. The zoning tool of claim 12, wherein the handle is hingedly mounted relative to the first and second guiding walls.

14. The zoning tool of claim 13, wherein hingedly moving the handle simultaneously rotates the flexible elongate member relative to the first and second guiding walls.

15. The zoning tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second guiding walls maintain alignment of the one or more physical objects within the collection area as the flexible elongate member is moved to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the bridging member.

16. The zoning tool of claim 1, comprising a clamp configured to secure the zoning tool to an edge of a shelf.

17. A zoning tool, comprising:

a first guiding wall configured to be at least partially positioned on a supporting surface of a shelf;

a second guiding wall configured to be at least partially positioned on the supporting surface of the shelf, the second guiding wall spaced from the first guiding wall and mechanically coupled to the first guiding wall, an area between the first and second guiding walls forming a collection area for introduction of one or more physical objects; and

a flexible wire movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls and configured to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards a front face of the shelf;

wherein the first and second guiding walls maintain alignment of the one or more physical objects within the collection area as the flexible wire is moved to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards the front face of the shelf.

18. The zoning tool of claim 17, comprising a handle disposed between the first and second guiding walls, the flexible wire secured to the handle, and the handle configured to move the flexible wire relative to the first and second guiding walls.

19. The zoning tool of claim 17, comprising a clamp configured to secure the zoning tool to an edge of the shelf.

20. A method of zoning one or more physical objects on a shelf having a supporting surface, comprising:

at least partially positioning a zoning tool on the supporting surface of the shelf, the zoning tool including (i) a first guiding wall, (ii) a second guiding wall spaced from the first guiding wall and mechanically coupled to the first guiding wall, an area between the first and second guiding walls forming a collection area for introduction of the one or more physical objects, and (iii) an elongated flexible member movably coupled to the first and second guiding walls;

positioning the elongated flexible member around the one or more physical objects; and

moving the elongated flexible member relative to the first and second guiding walls to urge the one or more physical objects into the collection area and towards a front face of the shelf.