Gravity-fed shelf assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a shelf assembly (10) that enables products placed on it to be conveyed by the effect of gravity from at least one upper section (20) to at least one lower section (30), comprising at least one carrier section (70) positioned between the upper section (20) and the lower section (30).The novelty of the invention lies in at least two shelf assemblies (10) being detachably interconnected by including at least one guide (50) on the side surfaces of both the upper section (20) and the lower section (30), and at least one channel (60) on the opposite side surfaces, allowing insertion into the guide (50), the carrier section (70) including at least one tab (75) on one side surface and at least one groove (76) on the opposite side surface, allowing the tab (75) to be inserted into the groove (76), the carrier section (70) including at least one slot (73) that allows the movement of at least one conveying element (74) responsible for conveying the products, the carrier section (70) including at least two holders (72) that allow the conveying element (74) to be detachably connected, each holder (72) incorporating at least one curved form (721) and the upper section (20), lower section (30), and carrier section (70) being designed as a single-piece structure.

Description

[0001] GRAVITY-FED SHELF ASSEMBLY

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a gravity-fed shelf assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Shelves are storage solutions used in various environments for different purposes. In general, they are designed to store, display, and make items easily accessible in an organized manner.

[0006] Gravity-fed shelves are storage and display systems primarily used in retail and warehouse environments, where products are automatically moved toward the front. These shelves utilize gravitational force to ensure that products remain organized and easily accessible. As a result, products on the shelf continuously move to the front, providing convenience for customers. Additionally, unlike non-gravity-fed shelves, there is no need for a seller to manually rearrange products after the front ones are taken, thereby eliminating the need for additional labor.

[0007] Conventional gravity-fed shelves, which consist of multiple parts, are more prone to bending or damage under heavy or repetitive loads. The assembly process is more complex and has a higher risk of errors, making the structure less stable. Furthermore, the production and assembly of multiple components lead to higher costs, and maintenance and repair operations become more difficult and time-consuming. Lastly, a lack of flexibility and compatibility issues are also potential problems, as different parts may fail to fit together properly during assembly.

[0008] As a result, all of the aforementioned issues have made innovation in this technical field a necessity.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a shelf assembly designed to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field. One objective of the invention is to provide a shelf assembly that can be manufactured as a single-piece structure.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a shelf assembly that allows adaptation to varying shelf widths.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a shelf assembly that ensures the seamless conveyance of products.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a gravity-fed shelf assembly.

[0014] The invention relates to a shelf assembly that enables products placed on it to be conveyed by the effect of gravity from at least one upper section to at least one lower section, comprising at least one carrier section positioned between the upper section and the lower section. The novelty of the invention lies in at least two shelf assemblies being detachably interconnected by including at least one guide on the side surfaces of both the upper section and the lower section, and at least one channel on the opposite side surfaces, allowing insertion into the guide, the carrier section including at least one tab on one side surface and at least one groove on the opposite side surface, allowing the tab to be inserted into the groove, the carrier section including at least one slot that allows the movement of at least one conveying element responsible for conveying the products, the carrier section including at least two holders that allow the conveying element to be detachably connected, each holder incorporating at least one curved form, and the upper section, lower section, and carrier section being designed as a single-piece structure. Thus, a gravity-fed shelf assembly is obtained that can be adjusted in width according to the available space without requiring any connection points.

[0015] One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the conveying element is essentially cylindrical. This ensures that the conveying elements move smoothly and efficiently within the slots, thereby enabling a more seamless and reliable conveyance of products on the shelf.

[0016] One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the slot includes at least one opening. One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the upper section and lower sections include at least one recess, and at least one prevention element that can be inserted into the recess to prevent the products from tipping over.

[0017] One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the upper and lower sections include at least one reference marker.

[0018] One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it includes at least one support element.

[0019] One possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the upper section, carrier section, and lower section are made of ABS plastic material.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a representative isometric view of the shelf assembly.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates another representative isometric view of the shelf assembly.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a representative isometric bottom view of the shelf assembly.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a representative close-up view of the shelf assembly.

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a representative isometric view of the support element in the shelf assembly.

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a representative isometric view of the slot in the shelf assembly, shown without the conveying elements.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In this detailed description, the shelf assembly (10) is explained with examples that serve solely to enhance understanding and do not impose any limiting effect.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a representative isometric view of the shelf assembly (10). The shelf assembly (10) is a gravity-fed system designed for storing, displaying, and presenting products to customers. Due to its gravity-fed nature, it enables the conveyance of products without requiring any external energy source. This conveyance occurs through sliding motion. The shelf assembly (10) can be used in various locations where products are offered to customers, such as supermarkets, grocery stores, and cafes.

[0030] The shelf assembly (10) consists of at least one upper section (20), at least one carrier section (70), and at least one lower section (30). These sections are manufactured as a single-piece structure using the plastic injection method. This eliminates the need for assembly and additional components such as fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the material used is ABS plastic.

[0031] The carrier section (70) is the part of the shelf assembly (10) responsible for conveying the products from one end to the other. To achieve this, the carrier section (70) includes at least one slot (73), within which at least one conveying element (74) is positioned to move. The slot (73) is essentially an opening provided along the direction in which the product moves on the shelf assembly (10), designed to match the geometry of the conveying element (74). In the preferred embodiment, multiple slots (73) are provided, with the number of conveying elements (74) matching the number of slots (73).

[0032] The carrier section (70) includes at least one holder (72). The holder (72) is positioned along the side surfaces of the carrier section (70), aligned with the direction in which the product moves. These side surfaces correspond to the surfaces of the carrier section (70) along the X-axis (x). The holder (72) is essentially a protrusion extending along the Y-axis (y). Multiple holders (72) are configured with gaps between them, allowing the conveying element (74) to be inserted into these gaps. As a result, the conveying element (74) is inserted from one end into the holders (72) on one side surface of the carrier section (70) and from the other end into the holders (72) on the opposite side surface. This configuration ensures that the conveying element (74) is secured at both ends within the slot (73) while allowing unrestricted rotational movement. The conveying element (74) is cylindrical and capable of rotating around its own axis. In the preferred embodiment, the conveying element (74) is made of ABS plastic.

[0033] The holder (72) includes at least one curved form (721 ), as shown in Figure 4. The curved form (721 ) allows the conveying element (74) to be inserted between the holders (72) by applying force and prevents its removal without force. Thus, the conveying element (74) is connected to the carrier section (70) without the need for any additional fastening elements. The curved form (721 ) is essentially a protrusion extending along the X-axis (x). It is designed to match the geometry of the conveying element (74) and prevents the conveying element (74) from wobbling between the holders (72).

[0034] To clarify further, the curved form (721 ) is shaped to provide full contact with the end of the conveying element (74) inserted between the holders (72). This ensures that the conveying element (74) can only rotate without moving along the X-axis (x) or Y-axis (y). As a result, issues such as rotation failure are eliminated, improving the sliding conveyance of the product. Additionally, if the conveying element (74) needs to be replaced for any reason, it can be removed by applying force and replaced with a new one or cleaned for further use.

[0035] The carrier section (70) includes at least one tab (75) and at least one groove (76) on its side surfaces. The tab (75) is a protrusion extending outward perpendicular to the X-axis (x) and Y-axis (y), while the groove (76) is a recess extending inward from the side surface of the carrier section (70) along the same axes. When two shelf assemblies (10) need to be connected, the corresponding tabs (75) and grooves (76) interlock, enabling the assembly of the shelf assemblies (10).

[0036] The bottom surface of the carrier section (70), positioned below the slot (73) along the Y- axis (y), includes at least one opening (731 ). The opening (731 ) is essentially a void that prevents product residue from accumulating within the slot (73), facilitating easy cleaning. Additionally, it helps reduce material weight and cost.

[0037] The carrier section (70) consists of at least one track (71 ). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two tracks (71 ). This means that the descriptions above apply to both tracks (71 ), which together form the carrier section (70). If an issue arises in one track (71 ) preventing proper product conveyance, the products can still be conveyed using the other track (71 ). In cases where the conveying elements (74) in one track (71 ) malfunction, the products can still be transported via the conveying elements (74) in the other track (71 ).

[0038] The shelf assembly (10) includes at least one upper section (20). The upper section (20) is located at one end of the carrier section (70). When viewed along the Y-axis (y), the upper section (20) appears rectangular. It features a guide (50) on one side surface and a channel (60) on the opposite side to facilitate the connection of two adjacent shelf assemblies (10). This allows the guides (50) and channels (60) of two adjacent upper sections (20) to interlock without requiring additional fastening elements. The shelf assembly (10) includes at least one lower section (30). The lower section (30) is positioned at the opposite end of the carrier section (70). Similar to the upper section (20), when viewed along the Y-axis (y), the lower section (30) has a rectangular shape. The lower section (30) also includes a guide (50) on one side surface and a channel (60) on the opposite side, allowing the interconnection of two shelf assemblies (10) at their lower sections (30). This enables the guides (50) and channels (60) of adjacent lower sections (30) to interlock without requiring additional fastening elements.

[0039] The shelf assembly (10) includes at least one recess (40). The recess (40) is provided in both the upper section (20) and the lower section (30). It is essentially a rectangular hole extending along the Y-axis (y).

[0040] The shelf assembly (10) includes at least one prevention element (90). The prevention element (90) is essentially a wire that prevents products from tipping over. It is connected to the shelf assembly (10) by inserting its ends into the grooves (76). Additionally, it passes through the recesses (40) in the lower section (30), ensuring that products conveyed by the conveying elements (74) are stopped before reaching the edge. This prevents products from falling off the shelf assembly (10) when positioned at an inclined angle.

[0041] The shelf assembly (10) includes at least one reference marker (100). The reference marker (100) is provided in both the upper section (20) and the lower section (30). It consists of a set of numbers that facilitate the proper alignment of the prevention element (90) within the recess (40) in both the upper section (20) and the corresponding recess (40) in the lower section (30).

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the shelf assembly (10) includes at least one support element (80). The support element (80) is positioned beneath the shelf assembly (10), allowing it to be placed at the desired angle relative to a flat surface. This enables the products to be conveyed through the effect of gravity. Additionally, the height of the support element (80) along the y axis (y) can be adjusted to control the speed of product movement.

[0043] In light of the explanations provided, the operation of the invention is as follows: The shelf assembly (10) is manufactured as a single-piece structure using the plastic injection method. The shelf assembly (10) can be interconnected and expanded to the desired width depending on the available space. To achieve this, two shelf assemblies (10) are aligned and connected through the guide-channel (50) and tab-groove (75) interlocking mechanisms. After molding, the conveying elements (74) are installed into the shelf assembly (10). Then, the prevention elements (90) are inserted through the recesses (40) to prevent products from tipping over. Finally, the shelf assembly (10) is placed onto the support element (80), allowing product conveyance through gravity. Essentially, the products are transported by sliding over multiple cylindrical conveying elements (74).

[0044] Thus, due to its single-piece structure, the shelf assembly (10) eliminates assembly issues. Its plastic construction makes it lightweight and cost-effective. Additionally, the ability to replace the conveying elements (74) prevents operational issues caused by residue buildup on the carrier section (70). Furthermore, the ability to interconnect multiple shelf assemblies (10) allows for customization to the desired width, increasing its application versatility.

[0045] The scope of protection for the invention is defined in the claims attached hereto and is not limited to the detailed description provided herein. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may develop similar structures within the fundamental concept of the invention without deviating from its main purpose.

[0046] REFERENCE NUMBERS THAT GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

[0047] 10 Shelf Assembly

[0048] 20 Upper Section

[0049] 30 Lower Section

[0050] 40 Recess

[0051] 50 Guide

[0052] 60 Channel

[0053] 70 Carrier Section

[0054] 71 Track

[0055] 72 Holder

[0056] 721 Curved Form

[0057] 73 Slot

[0058] 731 Opening

[0059] 74 Conveying element

[0060] 75 Tab

[0061] 76 Groove

[0062] 80 Support Element

[0063] 90 Prevention Element

[0064] 100 Reference Marker

[0065] (x) X Axis

[0066] (y) Y Axis

Claims

CLAIMS1 . The invention relates to a shelf assembly (10) that enables products placed on it to be conveyed by the effect of gravity from at least one upper section (20) to at least one lower section (30), comprising at least one carrier section (70) positioned between the upper section (20) and the lower section (30) characterized in that at least two shelf assemblies (10) being detachably interconnected by including at least one guide (50) on the side surfaces of both the upper section (20) and the lower section (30), and at least one channel (60) on the opposite side surfaces, allowing insertion into the guide (50), the carrier section (70) including at least one tab (75) on one side surface and at least one groove (76) on the opposite side surface, allowing the tab (75) to be inserted into the groove (76), the carrier section (70) including at least one slot (73) that allows the movement of at least one conveying element (74) responsible for conveying the products, the carrier section (70) including at least two holders (72) that allow the conveying element (74) to be detachably connected, each holder (72) incorporating at least one curved form (721 ), and the upper section (20), lower section (30), and carrier section (70) being designed as a single-piece structure.

2. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the conveying element (74) is essentially cylindrical in shape.

3. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the conveying element (74) is provided in multiple quantities.

4. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the conveying element (74) is made of ABS plastic material.

5. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the slot (73) includes at least one opening (731 ).

6. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the upper section (20) and the lower section (30) each include at least one recess (40).

7. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes at least one prevention element (90), which is inserted into the recess (40) to prevent products from tipping over.

8. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the upper section (20) and the lower section (30) each include at least one reference marker (100).

9. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it includes at least one support element (80).

10. The shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the upper section (20), carrier section (70), and lower section (30) are made of ABS plastic material.

11. A method for manufacturing the shelf assembly (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the upper section (20), carrier section (70), and lower section (30) are formed as a single-piece structure using the plastic injection method.

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