Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
ADJUSTABLE SLIDING PIN ASSEMBLY FOR SHELVING DIVIDERS
The present invention relates to adjustable sliding pin assemblies for use
with or
which form part of shelving dividers particularly as maybe used in conjunction
with
commercial and/or retail shelving units.
Notwithstanding a growing use of on-line purchasing wherein products are
visible
only via computer displays, and shipped directly to a consumer without
requiring the
consumer to visit a retail establishment, the attractive presentation of
vendible articles
and packaged goods within such retail establishments form a substantial part
of everyday
commerce. Packaging of vendible articles and products plays a primary role in
consumer
purchasing decisions and thus an attractive presentation within a retail
establishment is
paramount to influencing a consumer's buying decision. Profitability of the
retail
establishments can be directly correlated to the availability of a variety of
vendible
articles and packaged goods as a broader selection, of such products,
increases the
likelihood of purchase by a consumer. Is thus optimal that a retailer make
available and
present to consumers a variety of vendible articles available for purchase at
any time.
This however provides challenges as packaging of such vendible articles is not
necessarily standardized, for example the configuration of such packages
including their
geometry can vary widely as no standards exist or are uniformly adhered to.
Yet, at the
same time standardized retail (as well as wholesale) shelving units typically
come in a
variety of widths and lengths which are more standardized. Retail shelving
typically
have perforated holes, both in the front and rear for the purposes of mounting
or affixing
merchandising accessories including pushers, dividers, racks, accessory
tracks, fences or
fixtures. Standard retail shelf hole spacing is typically 1/2" or 1" center to
center.
Common attachment methods utilizing said holes include hardware such as
screws, bolts,
plastic push pins etc. Accessories may also be affixed using adhesive or
magnetic tape.
Each attachment method may have several drawbacks and issues pertaining to the
look
and organization of displayed product, ease of installation and realignment of
- 1 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
merchandising components or ease of product purchasing by the consumer.
Divider
systems utilizing screws, bolt, pushpins or other mechanical fasteners may
restrict divider
positioning or act as physical obstacles to product removal or restocking.
They also serve
as visual eyesores directing attention away from the product being displayed.
Mechanical
fasteners also make shelf plan-o-gram re-alignment and time consuming chore.
At the same time, shelf displayable retail packages (containing vendible
goods)
may be produced in any number of sizes and widths and seldom conform to the
pre-set
spacing provided by such dividers utilizing said pre-existing perforated shelf
holes. Such
potentially reduces the efficiency of the use of available surface area of any
such shelf,
where the density of retail packages which can be displayed upon such a shelf
within a
shelving unit. One need also take into consideration that the utility of
available surface
area a/o density of retail packages is also further reduced when a small space
allowance is
provided between a package retail product and adjacent shelf dividers present
in order ot
permit for the un-abraded product insertion and removal to or from the shelf,
as well as
the thickness of the divider itself Such factors further reduce efficient use
of the
available surface of a shelf. Improper divider spacing ultimately leads to the
reduction of
shelf holding capacity or the number of product facings a retailer can display
within a
given shelf or section. Proper divider spacing optimizes product quantity and
variety
displayable on shelf, maximizing exposure to the consumer.
Known to the prior art are track mounted divider systems, which a shelf
divider is
mechanically attached to a track mounted to and spanning the width of the
shelf. While
such track mounted dividers systems provide excellent divider adjustability,
the presence
of the required track itself may be a visual distraction as well as a physical
impediment to
the removal and restocking of products.
Also known to the prior art are magnetically mounted dividers which do not
require a track, but rather, include one or more magnets which are present
within or fixed
to the base of the shelf divider. Such may be placed on a metal ferrous shelf,
and are
relatively easily adjustable to accommodate different widths between adjacent
such
mounted dividers. Unhelpfully however, such magnetically mounted dividers have
a
tendency to move or shift around on the shelf as products are removed or re-
stocked,
requiring constant straightening and maintenance by store employees. Such also
provide
-7-
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
an increased likelihood of unattractive product presentation of the packaged
vendible
goods, unless the shelving is constantly monitored, and misaligned such
magnetically
mounted dividers are straightened or realigned by store employees.
Thus, while the prior art proposes several types of dividers and divider
systems,
these are not without shortcomings. A real and urgent need in the arts
continues for
improvements in dividers and/or divider systems which are useful in the
placement of
and retention of retail packages displayable upon such a shelf within a
shelving unit. The
present invention in several aspects described below, and otherwise described
herein,
address this need in the art.
In a first aspect the present invention provides a shelf divider unit adapted
for use
in conjunction with a shelf having a plurality of spaced apart perforations or
cavities
along some, or all of its length thereof. Preferably the plurality of spaced
apart
perforations or cavities are (preferably) uniformly spaced. The shelf divider
unit includes
as part of its construction a displaceable, preferably slideable, locator
shelf pin which is
used to engage with or be engaged within one or more of the spaced apart
perforations or
cavities present within the shelf.
In a second aspect the present invention provides an adapter unit which
includes a
body which may be engaged upon part of a shelf divider, which together form a
shelf
divider unit, and which further includes a movable, preferably slide able
locator shelf pin
part which is used to engage with or being engaged within one or more spaced
apart
perforations or cavities present within a shelf. The adapter unit may be
permanently or
removably affixed to a part of a shelf divider.
A third aspect of the invention provides a method for adjusting the spacing
between adjacent shelf dividers present upon a shelf having at least one,
preferably
having a plurality of spaced apart perforations passing therethrough and/or
cavities
present within, the method comprising the steps of: providing a shelf divider
unit
according to the first aspect of the invention, and/or providing an adapter
unit according
to the second aspect of the invention affixed to a shelf divider, and
inserting the locator
shelf pin of each into one of the perforations or cavities present within the
shelf, and
thereafter slidably repositioning the shelf divider unit relative to the ends
of the shelf
- 3 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
without requiring removal of the locator shelf pin from within the perforation
or cavity
within which it is present.
These and further aspects are described in more detail in the following
specification, which is best understood when read in view of the several
drawing figures.
Figure lA depicts in an exploded and perspective view a shelf divider unit
comprising a shelf divider and a lecator shelf pin, according to the first
aspect of the
invention.
Figure 1B depicts the underside of the shelf divider unit, and the locator
shelf pin
part of Fig. 1A.
Figure 2 illustrates in a perspective view, (and including a partial cutaway)
a
section of a shelf and a plurality of shelf divider units with locator shelf
pins mounted
thereon, with a first linear array of a packaged vendible article, separated
by shelf divider
from a second linear array of a further package vendible article of a
different packaging
configuration than the former.
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate in a partial cross-sectional view, a detail
of a
shelf divider unit, and the locator pin of the first aspect of the invention,
in three different
configurations.
Figures 4A and 4B respectively depict in a top perspective view and a bottom
perspective view part of an adapter unit according to a second aspect the
invention.
Figure 4C illustrate in a perspective view an assembled adapter unit of Figs.
4A
and 4B mounted upon a part of a divider shelf.
Figure 4D illustrates in a more detailed, perspective view of the placement of
an
assembled adapter unit of Figs. 4A and 4B prior to mounting upon a part of a
divider
shelf.
Figure 5A and 5B respectively depict in a top perspective view and a bottom
perspective view part of a second embodiment of an adapter unit according to a
second
aspect the invention.
Figure 5C illustrates in a bottom perspective view the second embodiment of an
assembled adapter unit of Figs. 5A and 5B, mounted upon a part of a divider
shelf.
- 4 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
Figure 5D depicts a more detailed perspective view the placement of an
assembled adapter unit of Figs. 5A and 5B, prior to being engaged upon a part
of a
divider shelf.
The shelf divider unit having as part of its construction a displaceable,
preferably
slidable, locator shelf pin part as described with reference to the first
aspect of the
invention, as well as the adapter unit useful with conventional or standard
shelf dividers
as described with a second aspect the invention are useful in providing
adjustable,
movable shelf dividers for separating groups of vendible articles, such as
packaged goods
and packaged products in generally linear arrangements extending from the
front,
towards the back, of standard shelving as is prettily encountered in retail
and in wholesale
establishments. Generally speaking, each shelf has a length between two ends
which is
greater than its transverse width which extends from a front or forward edge,
to a rear or
rearward edge of a shelf. Each shelf may also have a thickness or depth, and
each shelf
also has a surface defined as the area between the two ends, and the front and
rear of a
shelf. While the front and rear of each shelf may be parallel, this is not
necessary to the
practice of the invention as it may be used with shelves of virtually any
configuration,
including shelf having a convex or concave, arcuate or bowed front and/or rear
edges.
The surface of each shelf also need not necessarily be planar, but preferably
is flat or
planar. Each shelf necessarily requires at least one perforation passing
through the shelf,
and/or at least one cavity or recess extending within each shelf from a top
surface thereof
each of which is necessarily suitably sized in order to accommodate the
locator shelf pin
part forming part of, or associated with a shelf divider. The perforations may
be circular
in cross-section or non-circular, i.e., square, triangular, parallelpiped,
pentagonal,
hexagonal, crescent-shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape. The
cavity
or recess may have any configuration as well, and its entry or opening may be
as
described above with reference to the possible shapes of the perforations. The
dimensions and configuration of such cavities beneath their entry or opening
may also be
any configuration, i.e., hemispherical, straight-walled cylindrical, or
tapered-walled
cavities or recesses, or for that matter any other configuration. When
present, the
relative length or distance ratio of the widest dimension of the entry or
opening of a
cavity or recess to the maximum depth of the same is preferably in the range
of 1:0.1 ¨ 10,
- 5 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
more preferably about in the range of 1:0.5 ¨2.5. Advantageously, a plurality
of such
perforations and/or cavities are provided towards the front or forward edge of
each shelf,
and preferably are generally configured in a uniformly spaced array which is
preferably
at a uniform distance from the front or forward edge and especially preferably
is parallel
thereto. Preferably at least one linear array of such perforations and/or
recesses is present
within 25% of the width of the shelf as measured from the front or forward
edge of each
shelf. Such a linear array may be straight when the front or rear edge of a
shelf is straight,
or may be a curved linear array as may be the case wherein an edge of a shelf
is curved,
but in this latter case straight linear array may be provided between the ends
of a shelf
whether an edge of a shelf is curved or is straight.
While the distances between adjacent perforations and/or recesses may be
variable, preferably the perforations and/or recesses are uniformly spaced by
a uniform
distance therebetween, such as may be measured keen edges, or the centers of
each
perforation and/or recess. Such distances may be, for example, between about
1/4 inch ¨
2 1/2 inches, but preferably less, i.e., about V2 inch ¨ 1 inch between
centers. Alternately
such distances may be, for example, about lcm ¨ 10 cm, preferably about 1 cm ¨
3 cm.
While a single array of such perforations and/or recesses may be present
within
each shelf, a plurality of arrays of such perforations and/or recesses may
also be present
within each shelf, and such are preferably positioned such that they are
parallel with one
another as they extend between the two ends of the shelf. For example a first
array of
such perforations and/or recesses may be present proximate to the front of the
shelf, and a
second array of such perforations and/or/recesses in be present proximate to
the rear of
the shelf and advantageously, corresponding perforations and/or recesses of
the first and
the second array are coincident, and perpendicular to an edge of the shelf
such that when
a shelf divider and/or adapter unit mounted on a shelf divider as respectively
described
with reference to the first and second aspects of the invention is mounted
upon the shelf,
that, the shelf divider is generally or substantially perpendicular to at
least one edge of the
shelf. Generally speaking it is preferred that the relative positioning of
arrays of
perforations and/or recesses are such that when a plurality of shelf dividers
and/or adapter
unit mounted on a shelf divider as respectively described with reference to
the first and
second aspects of the invention are mounted upon the shelf that adjacent shelf
dividers
- 6 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
can be positioned such that they are parallel with respect to an adjacent
shelf divider, or,
less preferably are positionable by offset of no more than about 5 of arc
with respect to
an adjacent shelf divider mounted upon the same shelf. The articles of the
invention
may be used with shelves having two or more parallel arrays of perforations
and/or
recesses may be present proximate to the front of the shelf as is illustrated
in the drawing
figures, which shelf may optionally include at least one array of perforations
and/or
recesses present and proximate to the rear of the shelf, as is also depicted.
Any or all of the parts or elements comprised in the shelf divider body 10,
locator
shelf pin parts 11, and/or adapter units 31 may be formed of any suitable
material of
construction, with synthetic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. Non-
limiting
examples include but not limited to: polyamides (e.g., Nylon), polyolefins
(e.g.,
polypropylene, polyethylene, I-IMWPE, LDPE) as well as
polyalkyleneterephalates (i.e.,
polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate), polystyrenes,
polysulfones,
polycarbonates as well as copolymers formed from monomers of one or more of
the
foregoing being several nonlimiting examples of useful synthetic polymers.
Such may be
blended or combined with other materials which may provide modifications to
the
appearance and or physical properties of synthetic thermoplastic or
thermosetting
polymers, including but not limited to: impact strength modifying fillers
including fibrous
materials, carbon fibers, particulate materials including glass beads and
other inorganic
particulate materials, elastomers, colorants, and the like.
In the following drawing figures, common elements present amongst several
drawing figures are identified by corresponding, alphanumeric designations,
i.e. numerals,
letters, or both.
It is also to be understood that parts or elements disclosed in one or more of
the
drawing figures may be used in conjunction with, or in place of, corresponding
or similar
elements in other of the drawing figures.
Figures lA and 1B depict a two views of a shelf divider unit having a shelf
divider body 10, and a locator shelf pin part 11 according to the first aspect
of the
invention, illustrating the foregoing in an exploded configuration wherein of
the locator
shelf pin part 11 is separated from the shelf divider body 10. It is to be
understood that
- 7 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
the latter is fitted into the former, as is more clearly understood with
reference to
following figures 2, 3A, 3B and 3C as discussed in more detail hereinafter.
In Figs. lA and 1B, the shelf divider body 10 includes a wall 18 which depends
from and extends upwardly from a top surface 20a of a divider base 20, and in
the
depicted embodiment approximately bisects the divider base 20 between two
parallel
edges 20c thereof. Each top surface 20a may also function as a product support
surface
upon which part of the package of a vendible article may be placed. The
divider base 20
also comprises a bottom surface 20b which is preferably generally planar. The
divider
base 20 has two ends, a forward end 20d and a rearward end 20e, and proximate
to the
forward end 20d is further within the divider base 20 a channel 17 which is
dimensioned
so to permit for the placement of the locator shelf pin part 11 at least
partially within.
Option, but preferably within this channel 17 is also present a travel limiter
15 which
operates in conjunction with the locator shelf pin part 11 so to limit the
relative sliding
movement of the locator shelf pin part 11 and the shelf divider body 10. The
travel
limiter 15 may be, as illustrated in the figure an upstanding element which
may be an
integral part of, or may be added within the channel 17 of the divider base
20.
The locator shelf pin part 11 includes a pin shaft 12 which depends from a top
surface 11 a. The pin shaft 12 extends outwardly from the top surface 11 a in
a manner
generally perpendicular thereto, and includes a sidewall 12a and a terminal
end 12b. The
configuration of the pin shaft 12 may be such that it has generally circular
cross-section,
with a constant diameter as it extends outwardly from the top surface 11a,
such that it
generally concentric along a central axis (not shown), or may be slightly
tapered as it
ends from the top surface lla as it extends towards the terminal end 12b which
may be
preferred to facilitate insertion within a perforation and/or recess present
within a shelf
The locator shelf pin part 11 further comprises a pair of parallel sliding
rails 16 extending
outwardly from the base llb of the locator shelf pin part 11 which are
suitably
dimensioned to be slidably engaged within the channel 17, a first ridge 13 at
one end
thereof extending between a pair a parallel sliding rails 16 and opted
thereto, a second
ridge 13a at the end of a flexible part 14 of the base llb which is slightly
movable toward,
or away from the pin shaft 12, and a cavity within the base 11 b between the
first ridge 13
and second ridge 13a. The flexible part 14 is ideally sufficiently flexible
such that when
0
- 0 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
the locator shelf pin part 11 is engaged within the channel 17, the sliding
rails 16 come
into sliding engagement therewith such that the locator shelf pin part 11
moves in a
direction which is generally perpendicular to the wall 18. During an initial
insertion of
the locator shelf pin part 11 within the channel 17, the flexible part 14 and
its second
ridge 13a may be momentarily dislocated such that the second ridge 13a passes
over the
top partner peak of the travel limiter 15and once passed, sufficient
flexibility in the
flexible part 14 returns the second ridge 13a to its prior position. The
travel limiter 15is
thus now contained between the sliding rails 16 and the first ridge 13 and the
second
ridge 13a such that removal of the locator shelf pin part 11 from within the
channel 17 is
strongly hampered yet at the same time, the relative position of the locator
shelf pin part
11 may be varied, preferably infiniiely varied between the positions
demonstrated on Figs.
3A and 3B.
Turning now to Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, as is seen therefrom, the locator shelf
pin
part 11 may assume any position within the channel 17 in which the travel
limiter 15is
retained between the first ridge 13 and the second ridge 13a. In Fig. 3A the
travel limiter
15is seen abutting the second ridge 13a, in Fig. 3B the travel limiter 15is
seen to be
intermediate the first ridge 13 and the second ridgel3a, and in Fig. 3C the
travel limiter
15is seen to be abutting the first ridge 13. While Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C
illustrate three
possible positions, does not list be understood that any position in between
that of Fig.
3A and 3C may be established; thus the provision of the locator shelf pin part
11 with the
= shelf divider body 10 provides for an infinite degree of adjustment.
Returning now to Fig. 1, further optional features of the shelf divider body
10
include the provision of one or more stabilizer pads 21 proximate to or
adjacent to the
edges 20c of the divider base 20 and which extend outwardly from the bottom
surface
20b. Preferably, the dimensions of these stabilizer pads 21 are such that
there
approximately equal to the thickness of the channel shoulders 17a, 17b which
engage the
sliding rails 16 of the locator shelf pin part 11. Further optionally, but
also preferably is
included a rear base pad 20f proximate to the rearward end 20e as well. The
one or more
stabilizer pads 21 may be used to accommodates and retained therebetween an
(optional)
holding means 19, e.g, a magnetic or adhesive material attached to the bottom
surface
20a, which holding means 19 may interact with the surface of the shelf to
provide an
- 9 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
ancillary retention function such that the displacement of the shelf divider
body 10 in a
lateral direction is resisted.
Figure 2 illustrates in a perspective view, (which also includes a partial
cutaway
view) a section of a shelf 300 and a plurality of shelf dividers shelf divider
body 10 each
of which include a locator shelf pin part 11, the pin shaft 12 of each locator
shelf pin part
11 engaged within a perforation x --,ear the front edge 301 of the shelf 300.
As is seen
from the figure, the shelf includes a number several, parallel arrays of
individual
perforations x, a portion of such a linear array proximate to the front edge
301 designated
as x', and while not essential to the invention, the shelf may also include
one or more
further parallel arrays of individual perforations x, a portion of such a
linear array being
designated as x" proximate to the rear edge 302 of the shelf 300. As will be
appreciated
from the partial cutaway view presented in the figure, the dimensions of the
perforations
x are of a suitable size to permit for the insertion of the pin shaft 12
therein. As is also
best appreciated by a careful review of this cutaway section, each of the
shelf divider
bodies 10 may assume various configurations. For example, the shelf divider
body 10 and
its locator shelf pin part 11 labeled as "200" corresponds to the
configuration according
to Fig. 3B, the shelf divider body 10 and its locator shelf pin part 11
labeled "201"
corresponds to the configuration according to Fig. 3A and the shelf divider
body 10 and
its locator shelf pin part 11 labeled "206" corresponds to the configuration
according to
Fig. 3C. in this manner, it is appreciated that the accommodation of packaged
vendible
articles of different packaging dimensions and/or configurations. According to
common
practice, a plurality of a particular type of vendible product is provided on
a shelf as a
linear array, extending from the front edge of the shelf towards the back
edge. As is seen
in Fig. 2, different linear arrays of packaged vendible articles, such as the
number of the
first vendible article 400 having a generally rectangular package size, and a
number of
second vendible articles 401 having a generally rectangular package of a
different size
than the former can better easily accommodated with a closer fit established
between the
packaged vendible articles 400, 401 and their adjacent wall 18, than in the
past. Such may
be done by first engaging the pin shaft 12 of each shelf divider body 10 into
the nearest
available perforation x, and subsequently slidably displacing the shelf
divider body 10
relative to its locator shelf pin part 11 to adjust the placement of each wall
18 for a close
- 10 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
fit between the shelf divider body 10 and an adjacent packaged vendible
article. In a
manner then, the invention provides for a manner to maximize the efficiency of
the shelf
in displaying an increased quantity of a vendible articles, by providing
lateral adjustments
to shelf dividers which do not require a track as is necessary in prior art
track mounted
divider systems, and which are more stable than prior art dividers which only
utilized
magnets to retain them upon a shelf at a specific location. The slideable
displacement of
the wall 18 which may adjusted to any of the positions as discussed with
reference to Figs.
3A and 3C provides for infinite degree of adjustability between these
aforesaid positions,
and at the same time the provision of the engaging pin shaft 12 of each shelf
divider body
10 concurrently provides improved retention.
In a second aspect the present invention provides an adapter unit which
includes a
body which may be engaged upon part of a shelf divider, and which further
includes a
movable, preferably a slidable locator shelf pin which is used to engage with
or be
engaged within one or more spaced apart holes or perforations present passing
through a
shelf. The adapter unit may be permanently, removably affixed to a part of a
shelf
divider. Various embodiments of such adapter units are disclosed and discussed
with
reference to Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.
A first variant of the second aspect is depicted on Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.
As
seen in particularly on Figs. 4A and 4B, the adapter unit 31 includes a body
part 31a
having a receiving slot 25 configured to accommodate a part of a wall 18 of a
shelf
divider body 10. Visible from the bottom view of Fig. 4B, the adapter unit 31
includes a
channel 17 dimensioned to receive the sliding rails 16 of the locator shelf
pin part 11
having a pin shaft 12 depending from a top surface 11 a. Again the pin shaft
12 extends
outwardly from the top surface 11 a in a manner generally perpendicular
thereto, and
includes a sidewall 12a and a terminal end 12b. The configuration of the pin
shaft 12
may be such that it has generally circular cross-section, with a constant
diameter as it
extends outwardly from the top surface I la, such that it generally concentric
along a
central axis (not shown), or may be slightly tapered as it ends from the top
surface lla as
it extends towards the terminal end 12b which may be preferred to facilitate
insertion
within a perforation and/or recess 'present within a shelf. Opposite from the
top surface
11 a is a base 11 b which includes two recesses 11c and a barrier wall 29
extending
-11-
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
perpendicular to the two sliding rails 16 and being present at approximately a
midpoint
between the open ends lid of each of the recesses 11c. Within the channel 17
is present
a first travel limiter clip 27 having at one end thereof a ridge 13, and a
diametrically
opposed second travel limiter clip 27a having it at one end thereof a further
ridge 13a,
with parts of each of the ridges 13, 13a extending within the channel 17. Each
of the
travel limiter clips 27, 27a are slightly flexible and resilient such during
an initial
insertion of the locator shelf pin part 11 within the channel 17, one of the
first ridge 13 or
the second ridge 13a may be momentarily dislocated such that the barrier wall
passes
over the ridge 13 or 13a, and once past, sufficient flexibility in the travel
limiter clip 27,
27a returns the ridge 13 or 13a to its prior unstressed position. The movement
of the
locator shelf pin part 11 is limited by the abutment of the barrier wall
against either ridge
13 or 13a, such that removal of the locator shelf pin part 11 from within the
channel 17 is
strongly hampered yet at the same time, the relative position of the locator
shelf pin part
11 may be varied, preferably infinitely varied therebetween and generally in
accordance
with the principles discussed with reference to Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C. In the
underside
view of Fig. 4B there is also visible further optional elements of attachment
means 32
which may be used to attach the adapter unit 31 more rigidly to the divider
base 20. In
the depiction, there is disclosed a pair of adhesive tape strips each having a
removable
cover film 32a, which may be removed before insertion of the locator shelf pin
part 11 as
illustrated on Fig. 4D, into the final position as shown on Fig. 4C. The
provision of such
an attachment means 32, is particularly advantageous as providing improved
structural
connection between the adapter unit 31 and part of the divider base 20, and
preferably as
shown between the locator shelf pin part 11 and the top surface 20a. While the
pair of
adhesive tape strips are illustrated, it is nonetheless to be appreciated and
understood that
any other composition, element or means, including but not limited to chemical
(e.g,
adhesive) means or mechanical (e.g, screw, pin, rivet, etc.) means which may
be used to
affix the to part of the shelf divider body 10 may also be used.
Figure 4D illustrates in a more detailed, perspective view of the placement of
an
assembled adapter 31 unit of Figs. 4A and 4B illustrating the insertion of the
wall 18
within the receiving slot 25. As is seen therefrom, the dimensions of the
receiving slot 25
are such that the wall 18 is accommodated therein. Subsequently, the locator
shelf pin
-12-
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
part 11 is positioned as depicted on Fig. 4C, where it is understood that the
adapter 31 is
affixed to parts of the divider base 20 proximate to the forward end 20d on
each side of
the wall 18. The adapter 31 includes product support surfaces 28 on opposite
sides of the
receiving slot 25 which rest upon and ramp down to the top surface 20a.
A second variant of the second aspect of the invention is depicted on Figs.
5A, 5B,
5C, and 5D, which second variant is similar in many respects to the first
variant of the
second aspect. Similarly, the adapter unit 31 includes a body part 31a having
a
receiving slot 25 between two product support surfaces 28, which is configured
to
accommodate a part of a wall 18 of a shelf divider body 10. Visible from the
bottom
view of Fig. 5B, the adapter unit 31 includes a channel 17 dimensioned to
receive the
sliding rails 16 of a locator shelf pin part 11, the locator shelf pin part 11
having a pin
shaft 12 depending from a top surface 11 a. Yet again the pin shaft 12 extends
outwardly
from the top surface 11a in a manner generally perpendicular thereto, and
includes a
sidewall 12a and a terminal end 12b. The configuration of the pin shaft 12 may
be such
that it has generally circular cross-section, with a constant diameter as it
extends
outwardly from the top surface 11a, such that it generally concentric along a
central axis
(not shown), or it may be slightly tapered as it ends from the top surface lla
as it extends
towards the terminal end 12b; the latter configuration is preferred so to
facilitate insertion
within a perforation and/or recess present within a shelf. Opposite from the
top surface
ha is a base llb which includes two recesses lie and a barrier wall 29
extending
perpendicular to the two sliding rails 16 and being present at approximately a
midpoint
between the open ends lid of each of the recesses 11c. Within the channel 17
is present
a first travel limiter clip 27 having at one end thereof a ridge 13, and a
diametrically
opposed second travel limiter clip 27a having it at one end thereof a further
ridge 13a,
with parts of each of the ridges 13, 13a extending within the channel 17. Each
of the
travel limiter clips 27, 27a are slightly flexible such during an initial
insertion of the
locator shelf pin part 11 within the channel 17, one of the first ridge 13 or
the second
ridge 13a may be momentarily dislocated such that the barrier wall passes over
the ridge
13 or 13a, and once past, sufficient flexibility of the travel limiter clip 27
returns the ridge
13 or 13a to its prior unstressed position. The movement of the locator shelf
pin part 11
is limited by the abutment of the barrier wall against either ridge 13 or 13a,
such that
- 13 -
CA 02889218 2015-04-23
removal of the locator shelf pin part 11 from within the channel 17 is
strongly hampered
yet at the same time, the relative position of the locator shelf pin part 11
may be varied,
preferably infinitely varied therebetween and generally in accordance with the
principles
discussed with reference to Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C. This embodiment of the second
aspect
further differs from that of the first in that present as part of the 31 is a
body recess 33 is
present between opposing sidewalls 34 and extending into which are present
attachment
clips 26. The configuration of the body recess 33, and that of the attachment
clips 26 are
such that they facilitate the insertion of the adapter 31 upon the forward end
of the divider
base 20, such that the wall 18 is accommodated by the receiving slot 25 and
concurrently
a snap-type fit is formed between the attachment clips 26 and the 20d when the
adapter
31 is fully inserted, and affixed to the 20d as depicted on Fig. 5C. The
locator shelf pin
part 11 includes product support surfaces 28 on opposite sides of the
receiving slot 25
which rest upon and ramp down to the top surface 20a.
-14-
