WO2000036955A1

WO2000036955A1 - Shelf arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2000036955A1
Application number: PCT/SE1999/001730
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ingemar Stenlund
Original assignee: Hestra Inredningar Ab
Priority date: 1998-12-18
Filing date: 1999-09-28
Publication date: 2000-06-29
Also published as: SE9804408D0

Abstract

A shelf arrangement comprises a shelf (1), movable partitions (5) and a rear defining wall (7). The movable partitions (5) are directed transversely of a front shelf edge (3) and have downwardly directed engagement members which are securable in a number of holes (2) proximal thereto. The rear defining wall (7) is movable towards and away from the front shelf edge (3) regardless of the number and position of the partitions (5). For accommodating the partitions (5), the rear defining wall is provided with a mltiplicity of downwardly open slots (8). The height of the slots (8) is greater than the total height of the partitions (5), including engagement members. As a result, the partitions (5) are movable without the necessity of moving the rear defining wall (7).

Description

INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.

PCT/SE 99/01730

A. CLASSI FICATION OF SL BJECT MA TTER

IPC7 : A47F 5/00

\ccordmg to International Patent Classification (IPO or to both national classification and IPC

B. FI ELDS SEARCH ED

Minimum documentation si-arcned (classification system followed by classification symbols)

IPC7 : A47F, A47B

Documentation searcned c-r.-: tnan minimum documentation to trie extent tn-.t such documents are mciuded in the fields se?.rched

SE,DK , FI , N0 cl asses as above

Electronic data base consulted during the international searcn (name o data oase and, where practicaoie, searcn terms used)

C. DOCU M ENTS CONSI D ERED TO BE RELEVANT

Category " Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.

WO 9505758 Al (PPE LIMITED) , 2 March 1995 1-10

( 02. 03.95) , page 2 , l i ne 20 - page 3 , l i ne 25 , f ig -

FR 2611124 Al (BONNET REFRIGERATION) , 10 Sept 1951 1-10 ( 10.09.51) , page 3, l ine 5 - l ine 10 , f igure 2

DE 813338 C (AUGUST SCHoNINGER O. H. G. ) , 1-10 10 Sept 1951 (10.09.51) , figure 2

US 2162576 A (L. C. GALTON) , 13 June 1939 1-10 ( 13. 06.39)

X Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. y\ See patent family annex.

* Special categories of cited documents: 'T" later document published after the international filing date or pnonty

"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not considered date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention to be of particular relevance "E" eriier document but published on or after the international filing date "X" document of particular relevance: the claimed invention cannot be

" " document which may throw doubts on pnonty claιm(s) or which is considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other step when the document is taken alone special reason (as specified) "Y" document of particular relevance: the claimed invention cannot be "O" document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other considered to involve an inventive step when the document is means combined with one or more other such documents, such combination "P" document published pnor to the international filing date but later than being obvious to a person skilled in the art the priority date claimed "&" document member of the same patent family

Date of the actual completion of the international search Date of mailing of the international search report

07 Apri l 2000 (07.04.00)

24 March 2000

Name and mailing address of the ISA Authorized officer Swedish Patent Office Box 5055, S-102 42 STOCKHOLM Inger Lofving / JA A Facsimile No. + 46 8 666 02 86 Telephone No. + 46 8 782 25 00 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.

PCT/SE 99/01730

C (Continuation). DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT

Cateaorv' Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.

US 3501020 A (G. KRIKORIAN), 17 March 1970 1-10 (17.03.70)

Form PCT/ISA/210 (continuation of second sheet) (July 1992) INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.

Information on patent family members

02/12/99 PCT/SE 99/01730

Patent document Publication Patent family Publication cited in search report date member(s) date

WO 9505768 Al 02/03/95 AU 7503294 A 21/03/95 GB 2281289 A 01/03/95

FR 2611124 Al 10/09/51 NONE

DE 813338 C 10/09/51 NONE

US 2162576 A 13/06/39 NONE

US 3501020 A 17/03/70 NONE

Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (July 1992) SHELF ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shelf arrangement comprising: a shelf, movable partitions which are directed transversely of a front shelf edge and which have downwardly directed engagement members which are securable in a number of holes proximal thereto, and a rear defining wall which is movable towards and away from the front shelf edge regardless of the number and position of the partitions, the rear defining wall being, for accommodating the partitions, provided with a multiplicity of downwardly open slots.

BACKGROUND ART

In retail outlets, goods are often exposed for sale on shelves. The shelves should appear to be well-stocked in order to make a favourable and selling impression. Empty shelves or shelves with sparsely stacked products readily make an unattractive and "poor" impression. This problem has on occasions been solved by having varying depth in the shelves, the shelves having the least depth being placed uppermost in the shelving, in order to maintain a good visibility in the shelves. The products whose volume is least are placed on the shelves of least depth.

A drawback inherent in this prior art technology is, on the one hand, that a number of different shelving types are required and, on the other hand, that relocating goods among the shelves may become necessary when the goods volume changes.

Another method of imparting to the shelves a well-stocked appearance is to provide them with a movable rear defining wall. As the quantity of goods reduces, the rear defining wall is moved forward, and when the goods quantity once again increases, the rear defining wall is back again.

Furthermore, it is often desirable in the retail trade to distinguish different goods types from one another. This is often put into effect using laterally displaceable partitions which are transversely directed in relation to the front edge of the shelf. In a shelving system similar to that described above with shelves of different depths, a number of partitions of different lengths is, however, required so that the different shelves of varying depth may be provided with partitions which fit the shelves.

It is also possible to combine partitions with movable rear defining walls. Constructions of this type are shown in, for example, FR 2 611 124 and WO 95/05768.

In the construction according to FR 2 611 124, the rear defining wall extends along only a part of the shelf. Granted, this entails that the spaces between the partitions may be given different depths on one and the same shelf, but it also entails that a plurality of rear defining walls of different lengths must be provided if it is to be possible to place the partitions at optional distances from one another. As a result, the system is not particularly simple or flexible.

WO 95/ 05768 discloses a system where the rear defining wall extends along the entire length of the shelf. The partitions may assume any optional position on the shelf, but since the rear defining wall and the partitions are disposed to intersect one another and are, therefore, both provided with a limited number of slots, only a few positions are possible in practice. Another problem is that if the intention is to move one of the partitions to another position, the entire rear defining wall must be lifted off before any optional partition can be moved. This is quite a complicated procedure to move just a single partition, and there is an imminent risk that such a procedure results in disorder among the goods on the entire shelving.

PROBLEM STRUCTURE

The present invention has for its object to realise a shelf arrangement of the type disclosed by way of introduction, with shelves of a unitary depth and movable partitions whose length corresponds to the depth of the shelf, it being a simple procedure to change the position of the partitions. SOLUTION

The objects forming the basis of the present invention will be attained if the arrangement intimated by way of introduction is characterized in that the height of the slots is greater than the total height of the partitions, including engagement members, whereby the partitions are movable without the necessity of moving the rear defining wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with particular reference to the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shelf with partitions and a movable rear defining wall;

Fig.2 is a plan view of the rear defining wall;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a partly exploded shelf according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the rear defining wall according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to that of Fig. 3 of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to that of Fig. 3 of a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 relates to a shelf which is provided with a row of regularly arranged holes 2 along each of the front 3 and the rear 4 edges, respectively. In the holes 2, the outer ends of movable partitions 5 may be secured so that the partitions 5 are substantially parallel with the side edges 6 and are consequently transversely directed, preferably at right angles, to the front edges 3 and rear edges 4 of the shelf. To this end, the outer ends of the partitions 5 are provided with engagement members, preferably in the form of downwardly directed pins, for engagement with the holes 2. The movable partitions keep apart different goods types and ensure that they are retained in each respective intended place, preferably in register with any possible shelf edge product marking.

When the goods quantities, and thereby their volumes, are temporarily not large, it is desirable, for an attractive and purchase-stimulating appearance of the shelves, that the goods be located as far forwards on the shelf as possible. In order to prevent the goods from being accidentally moved backwards, the shelf arrangement is provided with a movable rear defining wall 7. As the goods volume reduces, the rear defining wall may, by a simple manoeuvre, be moved closer and closer to the front edge. When the stock is once again replenished and the goods volume increases, the rear defining wall 7 is simply moved back again.

In order to permit a maximum level of flexibility regarding the placing of the partitions 5, the rear defining wall 7 is provided with a large number of slots 8 which extend upwards from the lower edge of the partitions. The height of the slots 8 is greater than the height of the movable partitions plus an additional distance which is sufficiently great to permit a partition 5 to be Hfted up and moved without the rear defining wall 7 being removed. Thus, the partitions 5 need not be provided with any corresponding recesses or slots in order to fit together with the defining wall. This implies a maximum degree of flexibility and simple use of the shelving system.

An important feature in the construction for the shelf to function in the optimum way is that the distance between the holes 2 along the front 3 and rear 4 edges corresponds to the distances between the slots 8 in the rear defining wall 7. As a result, the partitions 5 will always be capable of being accommodated by the rear defining wall 7, regardless of their location on the shelf. As is most clearly visible in Fig. 2, the rear defining wall 7 is built up from an upper edge portion 15 of relatively large gauge metal wire (diameter 4-8 mm). The edge portion 15 is relatively straight and in the position of the rear defining wall 7 mounted on the shelf 1 is substantially parallel therewith. In the edge portion 15, there are secured a large number of tall, narrow, U- shaped stirrups of metal wire, the stirrups having the same C-C spacing as the holes 2 along the front 3 and rear 4 edges of the shelf. The stirrups are disposed in a common plane and have their bottoms resting on the shelf. The width of the stirrups is less than the C-C distance of the holes, whereby there is formed, between adjacent stirrups, the above-mentioned slots 8 which are intended for accommodating the partitions.

In order to be able to fixed in different positions on the shelf 1, the defining wall 7 is provided with a plurality of support legs 9 extending downwards from the edge portion 15 and being located in a common plane which also includes the edge portion. The support legs 9 and the stirrups have a common plane or planes which are parallel with each other.

In their turn, the support legs are disposed to be able to engage with holes 10 provided for this purpose in the shelf 1. In the preferred embodiment, these holes 10 are disposed along the side edges 6 of the shelf 1. Further, there is a corresponding row of holes 10 approximately centrally between the side edges 6.

On the underside of the shelf 1, there is provided, as shown in Fig. 3, a metal profile 11 in order to realise a more stable securement of the rear defining wall 7. The reason for this is that the metal profile 11 has two flanges, the upper abutting against the underside of the shelf 1 and being secured therein, while the lower flange 12 is disposed approximately parallel with the shelf 1 a distance beneath it. In the lower flange 12, there are provided holes 13 in association with, and preferably approximately in register with the holes 10. When the support legs 9 of the defining wall 7 are moved down through the holes 10, they will also reach down to the holes 13 when the lower edge of the defining wall 7, i.e. the lower bent edge portions of the stirrups, rests on the shelf 1. Since the support legs 9 are each moved

Claims

through two holes 10 and 13, respectively, a distance from one another, the stability of the arrangement will be improved considerably.

A key feature for the system to function in the best possible manner is that the partitions 5 are movable without the rear defining wall 7 needing to be dismounted out of its position. In order to realise this, it is necessary, as intimated above, that the slots 8 are of such height that a partition 5 and its engagement members disposed in its ends be accommodated between the shelf 1 and the upper edge portion 15. In other words, it is possible to loosen and lift the partition 5 upwards so that its engagement members are free from the shelf 1, to pull out the partition 5 from the slot 8 in which it is temporarily disposed, and thereafter once again to slide the partition 5 into another slot 8 and cause the engagement members to be moved into other, corresponding holes 2. Thus, it is possible to move the partition 5 without the necessity of lifting the rear defining wall 7.

The shelf 1 may also be provided with a front defining wall which prevents goods from falling off the shelves and onto the floor. This front defining wall is, in all essentials, similar to the rear defining wall 7 as regards mobility, extent, possible slots 8 and securement.

Finally, the shelf 1 in the preferred embodiment is provided with a large number of perforations 14 which cover the greater part of the surface of the shelf and prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. Further, the shelf will have an attractive appearance, since scratches which may occur after a period of use will be less noticeable on a perforated shelf.

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

It is possible, according to the present invention, to modify the appearance and construction of the rear defining wall 7, on condition that the slots 8 are retained. Instead of employing bent wire as in the preferred embodiment, the rear defining wall 7 may, for example, consist of sheet metal or plastic and have a rigidifying bend, groove or angular bent flange along its upper edge. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the rear defining wall 7 is shown in Fig. 4. The upper edge portion 15 and the support legs 9 are manufactured from twin metal wire. The upper ends of the tall, narrow U- shaped stirrups which define the slots 8 are disposed between the two metal wires or rods 18, preferably by welding. In order to render the support legs 9 more rigid, the two wires or rods 18 are advantageously anchored at a fixed distance from each other in that a spacer 19 is disposed between them, preferably by welding.

In this embodiment of the rear defining wall 7, the side edges 6 of the shelf 1 should also be given another appearance. Instead of the individual holes 10 and the metal profiles 11 provided with two flanges, this embodiment has, as shown in Fig. 5, pairwise disposed holes 16 and flat irons 17 on the underside of the shelf 1. The holes 16 are disposed on either side of the upright secured flat iron 17. When the rear defining wall 7 is secured in the shelf 1, the two wires in the outer support legs 9 are moved down into each one of the holes 16. The flat iron 17 is then located between the two wires, which entails that the securement will be stable.

A further embodiment is conceivable for the rear defining wall 7. The holes 16 in the side edges 6 are, as described above, disposed pairwise and the support legs 9 similarly consist of two wires or rods 18. Instead of providing a flat iron 17 transversely directed in relation to the side edges 6 a flap 20 of the material of the shelf is folded in under each pair of holes 16. The flap 20 lies in a plane which is substantially parallel with the plane of the shelf 1 but below it. The flap 20 may be totally unprocessed so that the two rods 18 in the support legs 9 support against it when they are moved down through the holes 16. It is also possible to provide the flap with a pair of holes 21 corresponding to the holes 16 and lying straight beneath them. On securement of the rear defining wall 7, the wires or rods 18 included in the support legs 9 are passed down through both pairs of holes 16 and 21 and as a result the positional securement will be very stable.

In the preferred embodiment, the partitions 5 have been shown as metal grids, but they can also be manufactured, for example, from solid sheet