Rack resting system and method

Abstract

A shelving system and method of assembling a shelving system are provided. The shelving system includes one or more adjustably positioned backing walls that can be positioned different distances from a front end of a corresponding shelf. Dividers can be positioned adjacent to one or more of the backing walls to divide a product display area into separate zones.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application CN202110095022.0 entitled "Shelf Storage System and Method", filed on January 25, 2021.

[0002] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 965,656, filed January 24, 2020, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This invention generally relates to shelf placement components. Background Technology

[0005] Shelf shelving units are used to display retail products. One particular type of shelf shelving unit is a tilt-back shelving system that provides a tilted backrest. These shelf shelving units are found to be specifically designed for displaying products inside refrigerated display cases. These shelf shelving units can also be referred to as shelving systems.

[0006] One problem with these types of shelving units is that if the amount of product on the shelves is insufficient, the consumer's perception is negatively affected. Therefore, it is preferable to display products on shelving units in a "full inventory" manner.

[0007] However, different retail stores have different levels of customer traffic and therefore need to be able to display different quantities of products to meet the needs of those customer traffic. Unfortunately, in the past, this required retail stores of different sizes to purchase different sized shelving units to provide the required display of their full inventory. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention provide improvements over the prior art. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will become apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

[0009] In one embodiment, a shelving system is provided, the shelving system including a support frame, one or more shelves, and a backing wall.

[0010] In one embodiment, a shelving system is provided, comprising a support frame, first and second shelves, and a backing wall. The first shelf is mounted to the support frame. The first shelf has a first product support platform extending between a front end and a rear end. The second shelf is mounted to the support frame. The second shelf has a second product support platform. The first and second shelves are vertically spaced apart, with the second shelf directly above the first shelf. The backing wall has a wall portion mounted to the first shelf. The wall portion extends vertically between the first and second shelves. In some embodiments, some gaps are permitted. The backing wall is adjustably positioned between the front end and the rear end of the first product support platform to adjust the spacing between the wall portion and the front end of the first product support platform.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the first product support platform is substantially horizontal, the wall portion extends at an angle between zero and 35 degrees relative to the vertical direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the angle at which the wall portion is positioned relative to the vertical direction is adjustable.

[0013] In one embodiment, the wall portion includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion mounted adjacent to the first panel portion. The position of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion is adjustable to adjust the vertical height of the backing wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the backing wall further includes a pair of opposing / opposite supports at the opposite end of the wall portion, the opposing supports holding the wall portion in an upright orientation relative to the first product support platform.

[0015] In one embodiment, the opposing support has a bottom surface that extends at a non-zero, non-perpendicular angle relative to the front of the wall portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the backing wall includes a front lip located in front of the wall portion, the top surface of which is substantially parallel to the first product support platform of the first shelf.

[0017] In one embodiment, the backing wall includes at least one mounting hook having a downwardly extending portion and a horizontally extending portion; and the product support platform of the first shelf includes a first hole formed therein, the downwardly extending portion extending through the first hole, wherein the forward extending portion extends below the product support platform.

[0018] In one embodiment, the backing wall further includes a downwardly extending alignment post that extends generally parallel to the downwardly extending portion of the mounting hook. The product support platform includes a second hole formed therein. The alignment post extends through the second hole.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mounting hook is configured such that when the backing wall is mounted to the product support platform, the horizontal extension extends through the first hole, and then, as the downward extension is positioned within the first hole, the backing wall pivots relative to the product support platform. This pivoting action positions the horizontal extension at least partially offset from the hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, the wall portion of the backing wall includes an array of holes formed therethrough.

[0021] In one embodiment, the array of holes is formed by a first portion of holes offset laterally from a second portion of holes. A wall portion has a column of second holes located between the first and second portions. The holes in the array have a first diameter. The holes in the column of second holes have a second diameter different from the first diameter.

[0022] In one embodiment, the wall portion includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion mounted adjacent to the first panel portion. The position of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion is adjustable to adjust the vertical height of the backing wall. The first panel portion includes a row of second holes. The second panel portion includes at least one positioning post sized to receive in the holes of the row of second holes to adjust the positioning of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion, thereby adjusting the vertical height of the backing wall.

[0023] In one embodiment, the array of holes is formed by a first portion of holes offset laterally from a second portion of holes. A wall portion has a column of second holes located between the first and second portions. The holes in the array have a first diameter. The holes in the column of second holes have a second diameter different from the first diameter.

[0024] In one embodiment, the wall portion includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion mounted adjacent to the first panel portion. The first panel portion includes a row of mounting holes. The second panel portion includes at least one positioning post sized to receive within the holes of the row of mounting holes to adjust the positioning of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion, thereby adjusting the vertical height of the backing wall.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first and second shelves are cantilevered and mounted to the support frame.

[0026] In one embodiment, the support frame is substantially vertically oriented.

[0027] In one embodiment, the vertical spacing between the first and second shelves is adjustable.

[0028] In one embodiment, the wall portion includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion mounted adjacent to the first panel portion. The position of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion is adjustable to adjust the vertical height of the backing wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second shelf extends between the front and rear ends. The front end of the second shelf is positioned rearward from the front end of the first shelf.

[0030] In one embodiment, the product display area above the product support platform of the first shelf is defined by the front end of the first shelf and the wall portion of the backing wall. The product display area can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the wall portion toward or away from the front end of the first shelf.

[0031] In one embodiment, the horizontal position of the backing wall relative to the first shelf is adjustable.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least one divider is located at least partially in front of the backing wall and vertically between the first and second shelves. The divider separates the product display area into two separate product display zones.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one divider extends vertically between the first and second shelves, at least partially in front of the backing wall.

[0034] In one embodiment, the support frame may be installed inside the refrigerator. The support frame is configured to be installed in a vertical or inclined orientation relative to the refrigerator.

[0035] In one embodiment, the front stop is positioned adjacent to the front end of the first shelf. A product display area is formed between the front stop and a portion of the backing wall.

[0036] In one embodiment, the wall portion of the backing wall extends relative to the first product support platform at an angle between 90 and 55 degrees.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first product support platform extends at a certain angle relative to the horizontal line, causing the first product support platform to tilt upward from the front end to the rear end.

[0038] In one embodiment, the support frame includes a suspension arrangement structure for suspending the support frame.

[0039] In one embodiment, a second backing wall having a second wall portion is provided, the second wall portion being mounted to the second shelf. The second backing wall is adjustablely positioned between the front and rear ends of the second product support platform to adjust the spacing between the second wall portion and the front end of the second product support platform.

[0040] In one embodiment, the separator is positioned laterally between the first and second backing walls.

[0041] In one embodiment, the separator has a main separator body and a pair of mounting feet. One mounting foot is positioned in front of the second backing wall, and the other mounting foot is positioned behind the second backing wall.

[0042] In one embodiment, the mounting feet overlap laterally with the second backing wall, such that the mounting feet form a space between them, and the end of the second backing wall is positioned in the space.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second backing wall has a base having a first depth in a front-rear direction. A pair of mounting feet are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. This space is greater than the first depth to allow the position of the second backing wall relative to the support platform to be adjusted back-and-forth between the pair of mounting feet.

[0044] In one embodiment, a method of assembling a shelving system is provided. The method includes attaching a first shelf to a support frame. The first shelf has a first product support platform extending between a front end and a rear end. The method includes attaching a second shelf to the support frame. The second shelf has a second product support platform. The first and second shelves are vertically spaced apart, with the second shelf directly above the first shelf. The method includes mounting a backing wall having a wall portion to the first shelf. The wall portion extends vertically between the first and second shelves. The backing wall is adjustably positioned between the front end and the rear end of the first product support platform to adjust the spacing between the wall portion and the front end of the first product support platform.

[0045] In one method, a backing wall can be mounted to a first shelf in at least a first position and a second position, the first position positioning the wall portion closer to the front end compared to the second position, thereby exposing a smaller amount of the first support platform in front of the wall portion compared to the second position. Mounting the backing wall includes mounting the backing wall in the first position.

[0046] In one method, the method includes mounting a second backing wall having a second wall portion to a second shelf. The second wall portion extends vertically upward from the second shelf. The second backing wall is adjustably positioned between a front end and a rear end of a second product support platform to adjust the spacing between the second wall portion and the front end of the second product support platform. The spacing between the front end of the first shelf and the wall portion differs from the spacing between the front end of the second shelf and the second wall portion.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method includes mounting a second backing wall having a second wall portion to a second shelf. The second wall portion extends vertically upward from the second shelf. The second backing wall is adjustably positioned between a front end and a rear end of a second product support platform to adjust the spacing between the second wall portion and the front end of the second product support platform. The spacing between the rear end of the first shelf and the wall portion differs from the spacing between the rear end of the second shelf and the second wall portion.

[0048] In one method, the method includes mounting a separator to a first product support platform. The separator extends forward from a backing wall.

[0049] In one method, the method includes mounting a second backing wall having a second wall portion to a second shelf. The second wall portion extends vertically upward from the second shelf. The second backing wall is adjustably positioned between a front end and a rear end of a second product support platform to adjust the spacing between the second wall portion and the front end of the second product support platform. The method also includes mounting a separator to a first product support platform. The separator extends forward from the first and second backing walls. The separator is laterally positioned between the first and second backing walls.

[0050] In one method, the separator includes a pair of mounting feet. Mounting the separator includes positioning one mounting foot in front of the backing wall and positioning the other mounting foot behind the backing wall.

[0051] Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Several aspects of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included and form part of this specification, and serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system according to this application;

[0054] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the shelving system;

[0055] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of the shelving system;

[0056] Figure 4 Is Figure 1 The backing wall used in the shelving system is in a low-profile configuration in a perspective view;

[0057] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The backing wall is positioned in a tall, three-dimensional configuration;

[0058] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The backing wall is positioned in the side view of the tall configuration;

[0059] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The backing wall is in a side view of a low configuration;

[0060] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A front view of the backing wall;

[0061] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the shelf of the shelving system;

[0062] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 The backing wall is in a high-configuration three-dimensional and cross-sectional view;

[0063] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 A top view of the backing wall;

[0064] Figure 12 It is used in the refrigerator. Figure 1 A perspective view of the shelving system;

[0065] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the shelving system;

[0066] Figure 14 It is a partial perspective view of a shelving system using dividers;

[0067] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of another shelving system using dividers;

[0068] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A partially enlarged perspective view of the shelving system;

[0069] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The rear view; and

[0070] Figure 18 Is Figures 15 to 17 A three-dimensional view of the separator used.

[0071] Although the invention will be described in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit it to those embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents contained within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1A shelving system 100 for displaying merchandise is shown. The shelving system 100 is found to be used for the specific purpose of displaying products, and even more specifically in refrigerated display cases 101 (see [link]). Figure 12 The shelf system 100 can be configured to display products within the shelf space, and is designed to maintain visual appeal while displaying various quantities of products.

[0073] The shelving system 100 includes a support frame 102 that supports a plurality of shelves 104, 106, 108, and 110 operably mounted thereon. The shelves 104, 106, 108, and 110 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Although four shelves are shown, more or fewer shelves can be combined into other shelving systems.

[0074] Shelves 104, 106, 108, and 110, except for their front and back depths (e.g., as...) Figure 2 As shown in the reference bottom shelf 104, it is essentially the same except for the depth between the front end 112 and the rear end 114.

[0075] The support frame 102 can be installed in a substantially vertical orientation or an inclined orientation. When installed in an inclined orientation, a spacer 103 can be provided (see...). Figure 2 The spacer will push the bottom end of the support frame 102 outward, away from any wall to which the support frame 102 is mounted, for example, away from... Figure 12 The refrigerated display case has a shelving system 100 installed on the wall 107 in front of it. Shelves 103 are located in... Figure 2 Not used in China.

[0076] The support frame 102 may include mounting features for installation. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting feature is in the form of a hook 109. Other embodiments may use studs, fasteners, etc.

[0077] In this embodiment, shelves 104, 106, 108, and 110 are cantilevered to the support frame 102. Optionally, shelves 104, 106, 108, and 110 are vertically adjustable relative to the support frame 102. This allows for adjustment of the vertical spacing between them to better customize the shelving system for the various products on display.

[0078] Each shelf 104, 106, 108, 110 has a product support platform extending between the front and rear ends of the respective shelf (see, for example, product support platform 116 of shelf 104). Preferably, the product support platform 116 includes a plurality of holes 168 formed therethrough.

[0079] The product support platform 116 can be installed such that it tilts upward when moved substantially horizontally in the front-back direction, or tilts slightly downward when moved in the front-back direction.

[0080] To provide reconfiguration for the shelving system 100, a plurality of backing walls 120 are provided. In the illustrated configuration, each shelf 104, 106, 108, 110 includes a plurality of backing walls 120 mounted thereon. In other embodiments, a single backing wall 120 may be provided having a width substantially equal to the width of the shelves 104, 106, 108, 110.

[0081] Since the backing walls are generally the same, the backing wall 120 on the bottom shelf 104 will be described. The backing wall 120, and in particular its wall portion 122, extends vertically upward from the support platform 116.

[0082] The backing wall 120 is adjustablely positioned between the front end 112 and the rear end 114 of the shelf, as indicated by arrow 126. By adjusting the front and rear positioning of the backing wall 120 (e.g., toward or away from the front end 112 or the rear end 114), the product display area 128 defined above the support platform 116 between the front end 112 (and especially the front stop 130) and the backing wall 120 (and especially the wall portion 120) can be adjusted.

[0083] This allows product display area 128 to be customized to display a specific number of items that would typically be displayed on a particular shelf. This is particularly useful for small-volume retailers who want their shelves to appear well-stocked but do not have large-volume products on their showroom floors. For example, backing wall 120 can be positioned closer to front end 112 to reduce the size of product display area 128, resulting in less product display area being exposed than all possible product display areas 128 could possibly be.

[0084] Referring to shelf 110 and the corresponding backing wall 120, in a preferred embodiment, wall portion 122 extends at an angle α between approximately 90 and 135 degrees relative to product support platform 116 (e.g., approximately 0 to 45 degrees from perfectly vertical when the shelf is horizontal). In a preferred but optional embodiment, angle α is adjustable.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The image shows a backing wall 120. The backing wall 120 includes a base 140 that defines a bottom 142 that sits on a product support platform 116 when mounted to a shelf 104.

[0086] A pair of opposing supports 144 at opposite ends 146, 148 of the wall portion 122. The supports 144 help support the wall portion 122 in an upright position. As used herein, "upright" should include orientation with a vertical component regarding its orientation, and does not need to be a completely vertical orientation.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 The wall portion 122 may be formed by a plurality of panel portions 150, 152. Panel portions 150 are attached to supports 144 and extend laterally between supports 144. Panel portions 152 are adjustablely positioned relative to the first panel portion 152 to adjust the vertical height H1 of the backing wall 120, as indicated by arrow 154.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment (see also) Figure 9 An attachment arrangement structure is provided between panel portions 150 and 152. In this embodiment, the attachment arrangement structure is provided by a forward-protruding support in the form of an attachment protrusion 156, which extends forward from the front of panel portion 152 and operates in conjunction with a plurality of holes 158 formed through panel portion 150. The plurality of holes 158 are formed in a row and spaced apart in the vertical direction. Thus, the height H1 of backing wall 120 depends on which hole the attachment protrusion 156 engages in.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments, the hole 158 has a central axis 159 extending through the panel portion 150, which is not perpendicular to the front surface of the panel portion. In this embodiment, the axis 159 extends at a non-perpendicular angle α2 relative to the front surface of the panel portion 150. In some embodiments, the angle α2 may be between zero (0) degrees and 20 degrees. More preferably, the angle α2 is at least five (5) degrees. The angle α2 helps to secure the attachment protrusion 156 within the hole 158.

[0090] The support 156 may have an enlarged head with a diameter larger than that of the hole 158 to further improve stability.

[0091] See also Figure 6 The height H2 of panel portion 152 is less than or equal to the height H3 of panel portion 150, such that when backing wall 120 is in its shortest configuration (e.g., as...), Figure 4 As shown, panel portion 152 can be folded back behind panel portion 150. Note that even when... Figure 4 In the shortest configuration shown, the attachment protrusion 156 is also used to secure the panel portion 152 to the panel portion 150. Figure 5 The backing wall 120 in its highest configuration is shown.

[0092] Furthermore, the width W1 of the panel portion 152 is smaller than the width W2 formed between the opposing support members 144. Again, this facilitates the folding of the panel portion 152 when the additional height provided is not required.

[0093] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The backing wall 120 defines a mounting channel 155 in which the opposite end 157 of the panel portion 152 is received. When the position of the panel portion 152 relative to the panel portion 150 is adjusted, the panel portion 152 can slide within the channel 155.

[0094] The panel portion 152 has an outer periphery that is thicker than the rest of the panel portion 152. This periphery provides increased strength. The thickness is configured to facilitate sliding movement of the panel portion 152 within the channel 155. Figure 17 As shown, except at the tab area 157, the outer perimeter extends substantially around the entire periphery of the panel portion 152.

[0095] In this embodiment, the channel is formed by a laterally inwardly extending flange 161 that extends inward from the inner surface of the opposing support 144. The flange 161 provides support for the rear portion of the panel portion 152 and prevents the attachment protrusion 156 from accidentally disengaging from the desired hole 158.

[0096] In some embodiments, the panel portion 152 is flexible, such that when height adjustment is desired, a user can bend the middle region of the panel portion 152 so that the protrusion 156 does not engage with the hole 158. When in the desired position relative to the panel portion 150, the user can release the middle region and allow the protrusion 156 to engage with the corresponding hole 158. The tilt axis 159 facilitates securing the protrusion 156 to engage with the hole 158.

[0097] In this embodiment, the base 140 extends forward from the front surface of the wall portion 122, and particularly from the panel portion 150 forming the front lip 160. In other embodiments, the front lip 160 is not required. In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the front lip 160 is parallel to the product support platform 116 on which the shelf with the backing wall 120 is mounted.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 9 The backing wall 120 includes a plurality of mounting hooks 162 for securing the backing wall 120 to a corresponding shelf, and particularly to its product support platform. The mounting hooks 162 include a downwardly extending portion 164 and a horizontally extending portion 166. In this embodiment, the horizontally extending portion 166 extends in a forward direction relative to the downwardly extending portion 164.

[0099] The downward extension 164 is generally perpendicular to the bottom of the base 140 and the product support platform 116. However, this is not necessary. The downward extension 164 extends through a hole 168 formed through the product support platform 116. The horizontal extension 166 extends outward from the downward extension 164 and below the product support platform 116.

[0100] Preferably, the horizontal extension 166 extends a sufficient distance from the downward extension 164 such that at least a portion of the horizontal extension 166 is offset from the hole 168 in the installed state. This is in Figure 9 The distal end 170 of the horizontally extending portion 166 shown in the figure is offset from the hole 168 and located below a portion of the product support platform 116.

[0101] Reference Figure 7 A downwardly extending alignment post 172 can be provided to further secure the backing wall 120 to the shelf. See also... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The base 140 may include one or more holes 174 through which the alignment post 172 extends. This is particularly useful if the alignment post 172 is in the form of a push pin, which provides some engagement with the support platform 116 when the backing wall 120 is mounted to the support platform 116 and inserted into the corresponding hole 168 passing through the support platform.

[0102] The push pin 172 may have an enlarged head that is larger than the hole 168 to provide increased retention. Alternatively, the push pin 172 may be larger than the hole 168 to provide a press-fit engagement.

[0103] To install the backing wall 120 to the shelf 116, refer to Figure 9 Insert the distal end of the mounting hook 162 through the corresponding hole 168. Then, as the mounting hook 162 is gradually inserted through the hole 168, rotate the backing wall 120 as indicated by arrow 176. Once the bottom 142 of the base rests on top of the product support platform 116, an optional push pin can be inserted through the hole 174. Figure 10 and Figure 11 -Pin not shown).

[0104] Preferably, the horizontal extension 166 extends forward, for example toward the front end 112 of the shelf 104. This allows for a rearward guiding force to be applied if the product pushes against the front surface of the wall portion 122 (e.g., see...). Figure 9 If arrow 180 is drawn, the forward extension 166 will push against the bottom of the product support platform 116. Therefore, the dimensions of the horizontal extension 166 should be such that the horizontal extension 166 is at least partially offset from the hole 168 during installation.

[0105] Because the product support platform 116 includes multiple holes 168 spaced apart in both the front and back and side to side, the position of the backing wall 120 relative to the shelf can be adjusted both in the front and back and side to side.

[0106] Because the shelving system 100 was found to have a specific purpose in the refrigerator, the backing wall 120 includes a plurality of holes 182 formed therein. The holes 182 allow cooling air or mist to pass through them to allow for proper climate control.

[0107] In this embodiment, the holes 182 are arranged in two separate arrays, separated by rows of holes 158, for securing the first and second panel portions 150, 152. In this embodiment, the holes 182 have a larger diameter than the holes 158. However, this is not necessary.

[0108] Furthermore, it is desirable that the pattern of hole 182 be consistent when transitioning between panel portions 150 and 152, thereby reducing the visual appearance of using multiple panel portions. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the increasing vertical adjustability of panel portion 152 relative to panel portion 150 is directly related to the vertical spacing of the horizontal rows formed by holes 182 (for example, holes 158 are directly aligned with the corresponding rows formed by holes 182).

[0109] The backing wall 120 is adjustable in vertical height H1 between 5 and 15 inches, and preferably between 6 and 10 inches. The backing walls 120 are preferably configured such that they extend vertically between two vertically adjacent shelves by at least 90% of the spacing between the vertically adjacent shelves (e.g., the vertical spacing between shelves 104 and 106).

[0110] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 13 The panel portion 152 includes a knockout area 188 designed to be easily removed from the rest of the panel portion 152 to accommodate a shelf bracket 192 that supports a product support platform of the shelf directly above a corresponding backing wall. For example, the knockout area 188 may be demarcated by perforations, notches, creases, etc., to distinguish it from the rest of the panel portion 152. Arrow 194 indicates the area from which the knockout area 188 has been removed from the panel portion 152. For Figure 3 Shelves 104, 106, and 108 have been removed, and area 188 has been eliminated.

[0111] The backing wall 120 can be easily removed for cleaning and easy display reconfiguration.

[0112] Preferably, the surfaces of the shelving system 100 that are exposed to and / or in contact with the displayed products contain antimicrobial additives.

[0113] Figure 15 Another embodiment of a shelving system 200, which is similar to shelving system 100 in many respects, is shown. Only the differences will be described. All features of the shelving system 100 described above are equally applicable to shelving system 200.

[0114] In this embodiment, a divider 202 is provided. The divider 202 extends forward at least partially toward the front of the wall portion 122 of the backing wall 120. The divider 202 separates the product display area 128 forward on the backing wall 120 and backward on the front portion 112 of the shelf into separate display areas 128 for a single shelf.

[0115] In this embodiment, the partition 202 has a generally vertical orientation and is generally orthogonal to the main partition body 204 of the support platform 116. The partition 202 also includes mounting feet 206 extending laterally outward from the main partition body 204.

[0116] Preferably, a mounting foot 206 is positioned at the front of the backing wall 120, for example near the front end 112 of the shelf (see [reference]). Figure 16 The second mounting foot 206 is positioned behind the backing wall 120, for example near the rear end 114 of the shelf (see...). Figure 17 ).

[0117] Reference Figure 18 The separator 202 preferably includes a mounting pin 210 extending downward from the bottom 212 of the separator 202. The mounting pin 210 extends into a hole 168 in the support platform 116. Preferably, the mounting pin 210 is radially flexible to provide an increased frictional engagement with the support platform 116 when inserted into the hole 168.

[0118] In this embodiment, the mounting pin 210 is integrally molded with the rest of the separator 202. However, a separate push pin may be provided.

[0119] Mounting pin 210 has a pair of legs 230 separated by a gap 232. The legs 230 are connected at their ends. When the separator is mounted to the support platform 116, the spacing of the legs 230 allows them to be elastically offset toward each other.

[0120] Other mounting pins or push pins discussed above may have a design similar to structure 172 of, for example, backing wall 120.

[0121] Preferably, mounting foot 206 ( Figure 18 The interval S1 between the two is greater than that of the backing wall 120 ( Figure 16 The base of the 140 is at a depth D1. (Refer to...) Figure 16The difference between the interval S1 and the depth D1 provides an adjustment area 216, which allows the position of the backing wall 120 to be adjusted forward and backward, while the foot 206 does not interfere with the installation of the backing wall 120 onto the support platform 116.

[0122] The width of the backing wall 120 is sufficient to provide a gap 240 through which the main partition body 204 passes. Each backing wall 120 on the opposite side of the partition 202 can be independently adjusted in the forward and backward directions (e.g., as shown by arrow 126).

[0123] Figure 17 Another feature of the panel portion 152 is shown. In this panel portion, a pair of slits 153 separate the tab region 157 carrying the attachment protrusion 156 (see...). Figure 16 The slit weakens the portion of the panel portion 152 from which the attachment protrusion 156 protrudes, allowing the attachment protrusion to more easily disengage and engage with the hole 158.

[0124] All references cited in this article, including published texts, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each reference is individually and specifically indicated as being incorporated herein by reference and fully elaborated herein.

[0125] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms “a” and “an”, as well as “the” and similar designations, should be interpreted to cover both singular and unsingular forms unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). Unless otherwise indicated herein, the enumeration of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a way of abbreviating each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were separately described herein. Unless otherwise indicated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise required, the use of any and all example or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for carrying out the invention.

[0126] This document describes preferred embodiments of the invention, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to appropriately employ such variations, and the inventors wish to practice the invention in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations.

Claims

1. A shelving system, comprising: Supporting framework; A first shelf is mounted to a support frame, the first shelf having a first product support platform extending between a front end and a rear end; The second shelf is mounted to the support frame and has a second product support platform. The first shelf and the second shelf are vertically spaced apart, with the second shelf directly above the first shelf. as well as A backing wall having a wall portion positioned on a first shelf, the wall portion extending vertically between the first shelf and a second shelf, the backing wall being installable to the first product support platform at multiple fixed positions positioned between the front end and the rear end of the first product support platform to adjust the spacing between the wall portion and the front end of the first product support platform. in: The wall portion includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion mounted adjacent to the first panel portion, the position of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion being adjustable to adjust the vertical height of the backing wall; The product display area above the product support platform of the first shelf is defined by the front end of the first shelf and the wall portion of the backing wall; and The product display area can be adjusted between a first fixed size and a second fixed size by adjusting the position of the wall portion between a first fixed position and a second fixed position, either towards or away from the front end of the first shelf.

2. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein: The backing wall also includes a pair of opposing supports at the opposite end of the wall portion, the opposing supports holding the wall portion in an upright orientation relative to the first product support platform; and The opposing support has a bottom surface that extends at a non-zero, non-perpendicular angle relative to the front of the wall portion.

3. A shelving system, comprising: Supporting framework; A first shelf is mounted to a support frame, the first shelf having a first product support platform extending between a front end and a rear end; The second shelf is mounted to the support frame and has a second product support platform. The first shelf and the second shelf are vertically spaced apart, with the second shelf directly above the first shelf. as well as A backing wall having a wall portion positioned on a first shelf, the wall portion extending vertically between the first shelf and a second shelf, the backing wall being installable to the first product support platform at multiple fixed positions positioned between the front end and the rear end of the first product support platform to adjust the spacing between the wall portion and the front end of the first product support platform. in: The wall portion includes a first panel portion and a second panel portion mounted adjacent to the first panel portion, the position of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion being adjustable to adjust the vertical height of the backing wall; The backing wall also includes a pair of opposing supports at the opposite end of the wall portion, the opposing supports holding the wall portion in an upright orientation relative to the first product support platform; and The opposing support has a bottom surface that extends at a non-zero, non-perpendicular angle relative to the front of the wall portion.

4. The shelving system according to claim 3, wherein: The first product support platform includes a first hole and a second hole. The first hole is spaced at different distances from the front end of the first product support platform, such that the first hole defines a first fixed position among a plurality of fixed positions and the second hole defines a second fixed position among a plurality of fixed positions. The backing wall includes a first mounting portion that extends into the first hole when the backing wall is installed in the first fixed position and extends into the second hole when the backing wall is installed in the second fixed position.

5. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein the first mounting portion is a mounting hook.

6. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein the first mounting portion is an alignment post.

7. The shelving system according to claim 4, wherein: The backing wall includes a front lip located in front of the wall portion; and The first mounting portion extends downward from the bottom surface of the front lip.

8. The shelving system according to claim 4, wherein: The first mounting part is a mounting hook, which has a downward extending part and a horizontal extending part; The downward extension extends through the first hole at the first fixed position, wherein the horizontal extension extends below the first product support platform.

9. The shelving system according to claim 8, wherein: The backing wall also includes a downwardly extending alignment post that extends substantially parallel to the downwardly extending portion of the mounting hook. The first product support platform includes a second hole formed therein, and the alignment post extends through the second hole in the first product support platform.

10. The shelving system according to claim 8, wherein, The mounting hook is configured such that when the backing wall is mounted to the first product support platform, the horizontal extension extends through the first hole, and then, as the downward extension is positioned within the first hole, the backing wall pivots relative to the first product support platform, the pivoting action positioning the horizontal extension at least partially offset from the first hole.

11. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein: Inserting the first mounting portion into the first hole prevents the backing wall from moving toward or away from the front end of the first product support platform; and Inserting the first mounting portion into the second hole prevents the backing wall from moving toward or away from the front end of the first product support platform.

12. The shelving system according to claim 3, wherein: The wall portion of the backing wall includes an array of holes formed therethrough; The array of holes is formed by offsetting the first portion of the holes laterally to the second portion of the holes; The wall portion has a row of second holes positioned between the first and second portions; The holes in the hole array have a first diameter; The second hole in the column has a second diameter that is different from the first diameter.

13. The shelving system according to claim 12, wherein: The first panel portion includes the second hole in the column; and The second panel portion includes at least one positioning post, the positioning post being sized to receive in a hole in a row of second holes to adjust the positioning of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion, thereby adjusting the vertical height of the backing wall.

14. The shelving system according to claim 12, wherein: The first panel portion includes a row of mounting holes; The second panel portion includes at least one positioning post, the positioning post being sized to receive in the holes of the row of mounting holes to adjust the positioning of the second panel portion relative to the first panel portion, thereby adjusting the vertical height of the backing wall.

15. The shelving system according to claim 3, wherein: The product display area above the product support platform of the first shelf is defined by the front end of the first shelf and the wall portion of the backing wall. The product display area can be adjusted between a first fixed size and a second fixed size by adjusting the position of the wall portion between a first fixed position and a second fixed position, either towards or away from the front end of the first shelf.

16. A method of assembling the shelving system according to claim 3, comprising: The first shelf is attached to the support frame, the first shelf having a first product support platform extending between the front end and the rear end; The second shelf is attached to the support frame. The second shelf has a second product support platform. The first shelf and the second shelf are vertically spaced apart, wherein the second shelf is directly above the first shelf. as well as A backing wall is positioned between the first shelf and the second shelf at one of a plurality of fixed positions between the front and rear ends of the first product support platform. The backing wall has a wall portion that extends vertically between the first shelf and the second shelf. The backing wall is adjustablely positioned between the plurality of fixed positions to adjust the spacing between the wall portion and the front end of the first product support platform.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: The backing wall can be mounted to the first shelf at at least in a first fixed position and a second fixed position, wherein the first fixed position positions the wall portion closer to the front end than the second position, such that a smaller amount of the first support platform is exposed in front of the wall portion in the first position compared to the second position. as well as Positioning the backing wall includes installing the backing wall in the first position.

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