Controlled gravity feed shelf system

Abstract

A controlled gravity feed shelf system features a framework and at least one insert. The insert includes a number of support rails at least partially forming a front portion of the insert and a rear portion of the insert. A number of first rollers are rotatably mounted on the front portion of the insert, where each of the first rollers has a first diameter. A number of second rollers are rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the insert, where each of said second rollers has a second diameter. The first diameter of the first rollers is smaller than the second diameter of the second rollers. The insert is positioned within the framework so as the rear portion of the insert is positioned vertically higher than the front portion of the insert.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority to provisional patent application No. 61 / 423,398, filed Dec. 15, 2010, currently pending.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to shelving systems and, more particularly, to a controlled gravity feed shelf system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Gravity feed shelf systems are well known. Such systems typically feature inclined shelves and are useful for dispensing products ranging from two-liter beverage bottles to automotive batteries to cans of soup and the like. Examples of prior art gravity feed shelf systems are presented in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,258 to Wilkerson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,765 to Agnoff. In these prior art systems, however, products may either fail to feed forward or feed forward so quickly that stops are required to prevent the product from passing the front edge of the shelf. These stops can make it difficult to restock and / or remove products from the shelves. Additionally...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In these prior art systems, however, products may either fail to feed forward or feed forward so quickly that stops are required to prevent the product from passing the front edge of the shelf.

These stops can make it difficult to restock and / or remove products from the shelves.

In addition, a number of prior art shelf systems use fairly complex pusher mechanisms to move stocked items to the front of the shelf.

Unfortunately, when the stocked products get further than 24″ from the front edge of the shelving system, most consumers cannot reach the stock remaining on the shelf resulting in the possibility of lost sales.

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