DIVIDER FOR SHELFING AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIVIDING A SHELF

Abstract

A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf for segregating wares stored or displayed on the shelf, and also relates to a method and system of dividing a shelf for the storage and the display of items.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant patent application is a continuation-in-part of the inventors' U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/476,597, filed Dec. 16, 2013, and entitled “Adjustable Snap In Reusable Shelf Divider”. The entire content of that application is incorporated herein by reference, and the applicant claims the benefit of priority to that application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a divider that can be used with shelving, especially shelving often used in connection with the retail display of various products, and also relates to a method and system for dividing a shelf for the storage and the display of items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many products are stored or displayed on shelves. Typically, for example, a retail store will display its various wares on a shelf or tiers of shelves for viewing by a potential customer. Typically also, the retail store displays several identical items on such shelves so that if a customer grasps one of the wares, at least one more of the wares will be available for viewing and potential purchase by another customer.

In order to enhance the most effective use of such shelves, it is preferred to maintain identical wares directly one behind the other and different wares situated in immediate, adjacent proximity. Sometimes store personnel or store customers place or replace the various items in a somewhat disheveled manner that deviates from the most effective presentation of the items such that identical items are not lined up directly one behind the other and such that different items are not immediately adjacent thereto.

Dividers consisting of thin strips or fences, usually formed of metal or plastic, have been mounted on the shelves in order to restrict the placement and presentation of identical items in a directly one behind the other relationship and so that different items may be placed immediately adjacent thereto, also in a directly one behind the other relationship. One of the difficulties with such prior art divider systems is that the relative width between dividers that exactly accommodates a particular item varies among the different items shared or displayed along the shelf. For example, a shelf that stores and displays both spray paint cans and bottles of motor oil requires different spacing between the dividers, since the width of a spray paint can is usually different from the width a bottle of motor oil. Similarly, different sized bags of potato chips will require different spacing between the dividers. To further complicate matters, a store often wishes to rearrange the display of products on shelves, and the dividers should be removable and reusable in order to accommodate any such rearrangement.

Typically, store shelves are formed of metal and possess a pre-selected array of perforations or apertures therethrough, which are designed to accommodate various types of dividers, clip-on display hangers, sign holders, and other shelving accessories. Also typically, such apertures have been fashioned with either a circular profile or a square or diamond-shaped profile possessing common dimensions.

The present invention was developed to satisfy the need for an inexpensively manufactured divider that may accommodate different shelving aperture arrays and designs and that is removable and reusable, although each of these desirable features is not necessarily required as part of the invention recited in the following claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf for segregating wares stored or displayed on the shelf, and also relates to a method and system of dividing a shelf for the storage and the display of items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a divider according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is right side plan view of the divider shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is left side plan view of the divider shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of divider shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line ‘C-C’ in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3 is a duplicate of FIG. 2A, but additionally showing detailed views of portions circled as A and B;

FIG. 4A is top plan view of the divider shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is bottom plan view of the divider shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the front portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the rear portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the front portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B with a different lug configuration than that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the rear portion of the divider as shown in FIG. 4B with a different lug configuration than that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 9 shows two perspective views of two of the dividers shown in FIG. 1 as installed and as being installed on a section of prior art shelf, with one of the perspective views showing a detailed view of a portion circled as A in the other perspective view;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the divider shown in FIG. 1 with the back pin detached;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are illustrations of how a back pin detached from the rear of the divider shown in FIG. 1 may be used to support the remainder of the divider;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the front portion of the divider shown in FIG. 1 that depicts more details of the lugs shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a different perspective view of the front portion of the divider shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a close-up perspective view of a lug shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is another close-up perspective view of a lug shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is yet another close-up perspective view of a lug shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of the lugs shown in FIG. 12 disposed within circular holes in a prior art shelf;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the lugs shown in FIG. 12 disposed within square or diamond-shaped holes in a prior art shelf;

FIG. 19 is an end view of a divider according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a partial bottom view of the divider shown in FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a partial side view of the divider shown in FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings when like reference numerals refer to the same item. It should be appreciated that the following description is intended to be exemplary only, and the scope of the invention envisions other variations and modifications of these particular exemplary embodiments.

There shown in FIG. 9 a shelf 10 possessing an array of perforations or apertures 12 disposed therein. For simplicity purposes, only two rows of apertures 12 have been shown, but it should be appreciated that a top surface of the shelf 10 may possess a wide variety of arrays of such apertures 12. A commonly available shelf known in the shelving industry as a Gondola shelf possesses two rows of apertures extending along the front of the shelf, as shown in FIG. 9, and also an identical set of rows of apertures extending along the back of the shelf. Although, the apertures 12 shown in FIG. 10 each possess a circular profile and are shown in a regularly spaced array of rows and columns, it should be appreciated that the invention contemplates use with square or diamond-shaped aperture profiles as well as potentially other aperture profile configurations and array configurations. Further, although the apertures 12 may extend completely through the shelf 10, the invention contemplates that the apertures 12 may extend only partially into the shelf 10, such that the apertures 12 are essentially depressions in the surface of the shelf 10. Normally, the same particular circular, square or diamond-shaped, or other profile of the apertures 12 identically exists throughout the entire extent of the array, whether the aperture 12 is in the nature of a depression in the shelf 10 or extends completely through the shelf 10. The invention also contemplates that the aperture profiles may vary within an array.

There is shown in FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of a divider in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The divider includes an elongate strip 20 possessing a pair of opposing side surfaces 22, 24, a front end surface 26 and an opposing rear end surface 28, and an upper surface 30 and an opposing lower surface 32. The upper surface 30 and the lower surface 32 preferably possess relatively thickened regions so that the cross-section of the elongate strip 20 possesses a somewhat “I-beam” profile, as is best shown in FIG. 2C. The I-beam configuration allows the strip 20 to be relatively thin, thereby reducing the amount of metal, plastic, or other material of which the strip 20 is fashioned, while maintaining strength and rigidity. As shown in FIG. 1, the front end surface 26 may also be relatively thickened.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the strip 20 possesses a pair of generally cylindrically shaped front pins or lugs 34, 36 depending from the lower surface 32 near, but slightly away from, the front end edge 26. The lower surface 32 preferably possesses a recess 38 in the region between, very preferably extending completely between, the front lugs 34, 36. Preferably the recess 38 possesses a depth of about 0.04 to 0.18 inches and most preferably about 0.046 inches. The recess 38 permits a user to insert a screw driver or other appropriate tool between the shelf 10 and the lower surface 32 of the strip 20 so as to pry the strip 20 away from the shelf 10 so that the strip 20 may be re-used and moved to a different position on the same shelf 10 or to a different shelf. The spacing between the centers of each front lug 34, 36 is most preferably about either one inch or one and one-half inches. Such spacing best accommodates the spacings of arrays of apertures in common, commercial shelving products such as a Gondola shelf.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 12-18, each front end lug 34, 36 preferably possesses a series of scallops and ridges extending longitudinally along the periphery of each of the front lugs 34, 36. The alternating scallops and ridges create a splined surface. Preferably, the ridges are equi-angularly spaced. In a particular one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the front lugs 34, 36 each possess four ridges that are equi-angularly disposed along the periphery, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 13. As such, the ridges create a “cross” profile when viewed from the distal ends of the front lugs 34, 36, or when viewed in cross-section of the front lugs 32, 34 taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the front lugs 34, 36. A pair of opposing arms of the cross shape are preferably coextensive with the length of the strip 20, and the other opposing pair of arms are perpendicular to such strip length. The length between the distal ends of coextensive arms of each cross of the profile at the lowest, distal end of each front lug 34, 36 is preferably about 0.234 to 0.238 inches and most preferably about 0.236 inches. Also, the peripherally distal end edges of each arm possess a rounded, contour, preferably substantially arcuate with a radius of curvature of about 0.10 to 0.13 inches, and most preferably about 0.118 inches, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 12-16. The scalloped regions preferably are substantially arcuate with a radius of curvature preferably about 0.04 to 0.06 inches, and most preferably about 0.052 inches.

Each front lug 34, 36 possesses a preferably flat, planar, beveled or chamfered surface 37 between the rounded distal end of each arm and an adjacent scalloped region, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 12-18. Each beveled surface 37 possesses a width of preferably about 0.115 inches. Preferably each beveled surface 37 extends preferably at an angle in the range of about 42 to 48 degrees, and most preferably 45 degrees, relative to the centerline of each opposing cross arm and relative to the extent of the length of the strip 20. As best shown in FIG. 18, opposing ones of the beveled surfaces 37 preferably abut opposing sides of the square or diamond shaped apertures 12. As such, the distance between opposing beveled surfaces 37 is preferably about 0.206 to 0.218 inches, and most preferably about 0.206 inches, at the lowest, distal end of each front lug 34, 36.

Also, as best shown in FIGS. 13-16 the peripheral edge of the lower, distal end of each front lug 34, 36 is rounded, preferably in an arcuate curve having a radius of about 0.004 inches to 0.006 inches, and most preferably about 0.005 inches. The rounded edge helps to center each front lug 34, 36 within an associated aperture 12 as the front lug 34, 36 is inserted therein.

Such a front lug 34, 36 profile configuration will accommodate either the circular, square, or diamond-shaped profiles of the apertures 12 in a large number of typical commercially available shelves 10. As previously mentioned, the spacing between the front lugs 34, 36 is selected so as to permit the insertion of the front lugs 34, 36 into corresponding ones of the apertures 12 in many typical commercial shelving arrays. Although two front lugs 34, 36 are preferred, the invention contemplates the use of any number of such lugs.

Preferably the outer peripheral profile of each front lug 34, 36 slightly tapers from the upper region of each front lug 34, 36 to the distal, lower end of each front lug 34, 36. Preferably the taper is about one to three degrees, most preferably about one degree. Also preferably the longitudinal length of each front lug 34, 36, i.e., the distance each front lug 34, 36 depends below the lower surface 32 is between about 0.230 inches to 0.260 inches, and most preferably about 0.240 inches. Further, the upper ends of each front lug 34, 36 that extend laterally from the strip 20 are recessed or truncated downwardly as best shown in FIGS. 12, and 14-16. Such a recess helps insure that the upper region of the front lugs 34, 36 does not extend above the top surface of the shelf, which otherwise might create an obstacle or obstruction with the placement or movement of the items on the shelf. Preferably the recess of the upper region of the front lugs 34, 36 depends about 0.002 to 0.015 inches, and most preferably about 0.010 inches, below the lower surface 32 of the strip 20.

The scalloping of the peripheral surface of the front lugs 34, 36 serves several purposes. The scalloping reduces the amount of material needed to fabricate the divider, and also makes it easier for the surface to cool and be removed from a mold during manufacture. Further, the scalloping helps to permit some deformity of the ridges in those situations where the front lugs 34, 36 are slightly compressively inserted into apertures in the shelf. Although the scallops have been previously described as preferably arcuate, they may possess a “V”-shape, a “U”-shape, an irregular shape, or virtually any shape of depression.

When the front end lugs 34, 36 are disposed in corresponding apertures 12 of the shelf 10, certain portions of the peripheral edges of the front end lugs 34, 36 snugly rest against, or slightly compressively against, the walls of the apertures 12, as best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Preferably each of the front lugs 34, 36 possesses a friction-fit relationship with the inner surface defining the associated one of the apertures 12. Such a fitting relationship between the front lugs 34, 36 and their associated, corresponding apertures 12 into which they are disposed, helps insure that the strip 20 will be maintained in an upwardly extending relationship relative to the shelf 10 and inhibits the strip 20 from being easily dislodged from its selected position on the shelf 10. The invention also contemplates that the distal tips at the front lugs 34, 36 may possess a slightly bulbous configuration that may extend slightly below the shelf. The bulb portion may be at least slightly deformable, thereby creating a snap-fit connection of the front lugs 34, 36 with the shelf. Preferably the snap-fit is not a permanent connection, but rather, is releasable whereby the bulbous portion may be retracted back through the aperture so as to enable the divider to be reused.

As is best shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, 3 and 4A and B, 9, 10, and 11, the strip 20 may possess one or more score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 each extending from the upper surface 30 to the lower surface 32 preferably in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the elongate strip 20. Score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 preferably comprise relatively thin regions of the strip 20 and may comprise a continuous line of relatively thin, weakened material, a discontinuous series of relatively thin, weakened material, a series of perforations through the strip 20, or any other features familiar to those skilled in the art.

The score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 are designed and adapted to permit a user of the divider to manually snap or break the strip 20 at a particular one of the score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 so as to choose an effective length of the remaining strip 20 that best accommodates the depth of the shelving 10 on which the divider is to be used. As such, the score lines 40, 42, 44, 46 may be equi-distantly spaced along the strip 20, but also may be positioned at other locations as well, as best accommodates the most typical or prevalent depths of commercial shelves 10, such as ten inches and sixteen inches.

The rear end surface 28 of the strip 20 preferably possesses a fork-shaped tab 48 extending therefrom. A distal end of the tab 48 possesses a rear pin or lug 50 preferably in all respects identical to the configuration of the front lugs 34, 36. The fork-shaped tab 48 is preferably attached to the rear end surface 28 by a score line or by a relatively thin region of material, so that a person may press the tab 48 in a manner such that the tab 48 snaps and disattaches from the rear end surface 28 along the weakened region. It should be appreciated that the invention contemplates that the tab 48, before detachment, may be positioned at locations other than the rear end surface 28 of the strip.

The detached tab 48 may be employed by inserting the rear lug 50 into an associated, corresponding aperture 12 in the shelf 10 and such that the remaining portion of the strip 20 may rest within, and be confined by, the fork portion of the detached tab 48, as best shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. In a Gondola style shelve possessing a pair of rows of apertures along the rear shelf surface, the rear lug 50 may be selectively disposed within one of such rear row apertures. It will be appreciated that the distance between the fork segments of the tab 48 is approximately the same as, and preferably only slightly larger than, the lateral width of the strip 20 such that the remaining portion of the strip 20 is disposed and maintained in an upstanding relationship relative to the shelf 10. Although, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the detached tab 48 is selectively disposed toward the rear end of the remaining portion of the strip 20, it should be appreciated that the detached tab 48 may be positioned selectively along any point of the remaining portion of the strip 20.

The portion of the strip 20 rearward of the rearward-most score line 46 preferably possesses a profile that tapers laterally toward the tab 48, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B, 8, and 10. When the tab 48 is detached from the rear end surface 28 and when the rearward portion of the strip 20 is snapped and detached along the rearward-most score line 46, the detached rearward-most portion of the strip 20 may function as a wedge adapted to be inserted in the recess 38 between the front lugs 34, 36 and thereby function as a tool to pry the strip 20 away from the shelf 10.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention which is in all respects similar to the previously described embodiment, with the exception that the front lugs 34a, 36a and the rear lug 50a possess a different profile. As best shown in FIG. 7, the front lugs 34a, 34a possess a generally square profile with the corners chamfered with a slightly rounded contour. Each diagonal length of the square profile is preferably about 0.234 to 0.238 inches, and most preferably about 0.236 inches. One diagonal of the square profile extends preferably coextensive with the length of the strip 20, and the other diagonal extends preferably perpendicular to such strip length. Likewise, the rear lug 50a shown in FIG. 8 possesses the same profile as the profiles of the front lugs 34a, 36a.

The divider is also useful to help initially arrange items on a shelf in a line from front to back on the shelf. When so used, the divider is preferably oriented with the opposing side surfaces 22, 24 in a relatively horizontal position, parallel with the shelf. A person then manually moves the divider horizontally so that either the upper surface 30 or the lower surface 32 contacts items resting on the shelf. Since the upper surface 30 and the lower surface 32 are straight, continued movement of the divider causes the items being contacted to align in a straight line. This technique is especially useful when one divider is installed on a shelf and another divider is used to move and swipe adjacent items toward the installed divider. The divider used for swiping the items into an aligned, abutting relation with the installed divider may then itself be installed on the shelf, adjacent to the items on the side opposite to the previously installed divider.

In a preferred embodiment, the divider possesses a lateral thickness of about 0.10 to 0.20 inches and most preferably about 0.125 inches in the thickened region at the upper and lower surfaces 30, 32 and a lateral thickness of about 0.05 to 0.10 inches and most preferably about 0.070 inches in the relatively thin interior region between the opposing side surfaces 22, 24. Such a configuration helps maintain the strength and rigidity of the divider, reduce manufacturing costs, and also preserve a relatively thin lateral profile of the divider, as best shown in FIGS. 4A and B. It will be appreciated that, when considering the value of shelf space in a retail store, the relatively thin profile of the divider occupies very little shelf space, thereby permitting the shelf space to be more efficiently utilized for storing and displaying items.

The vertical height of the divider above the shelf, that is, the vertical height of the strip 20 is preferably in the range of about one-half inch to three inches, and most preferably about one inch, although the invention contemplates a wide range of heights that are best suited to accommodate the vertical distance between adjacent shelves in a rack of shelves and the need to provide an abutting surface for items at a particular distance above the shelf.

FIGS. 19-21 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention which includes a footer 60 preferably positioned near the front end surface 26 of the strip 20 and preferably integrally formed with the strip 20. The footer 60 preferably includes a plate-like base 62 that may possess a substantially rectangular configuration, as best shown in FIG. 20. The lower surface of the base 62 preferably is substantially planar and at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical extension of the strip 20 and is adapted to rest upon the surface of the shelf when the front lugs 34, 36 completely depend into associated apertures 12 in the shelf. When so situated, the base 60 provides support to help maintain the strip 20 in an upright position on the shelf. The base 62 preferably extends laterally outward from the strip 20 in the range of about three-sixteenths of an inch to one inch, and mostly preferably about five-sixteenths of an inch. The lateral extension of the base 20 also provides an abutment resting above the surface of the shelf that inhibits items from sliding along and past the lip of the shelf and dropping off the shelf. Instead, the base 62 permits and promotes a person to grasp and lift the item from the shelf, thereby reducing spillage and breakage of items.

As best shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the footer 60 may also include a pair of opposing webs or buttresses 64 extending preferably from the upper surface 30 of the strip 20 to an associated laterally outer end of the base 62. Preferably the buttresses 64 are integrally formed with the strip 20 and the base 62, but may be secured to the strip 20 and the base 62 by an adhesive or by heat-welding, for example. Although the buttresses 64 are each shown as having a triangular configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, and as being relatively thin when compared with the extent of the base 62, as shown in FIG. 21, the buttresses 64 may possess a variety of configurations such as a square and a variety of thicknesses. The buttresses 64 may also possess a hole or a void generally in the central region thereof, which will reduce the amount of material used to fabricate the buttresses 64 while substantially maintaining the supporting strength of the buttresses 64. It will be appreciated that the buttresses 64 help strengthen the base 62 and inhibit flexing of the base 62 relative to the strip 20 and also aid in providing an inhibition against items sliding off the front edge of the shelf.

Although a single footer 60 is shown in FIGS. 19-21, the invention contemplates that additional footers 60 may be employed along the length of the strip 20 and that the footer 60 or footers 60 may be positioned other than near the front end surface 26 of the strip 20. The invention also contemplates that the footer 60 may extend laterally from only one lateral side of the strip 20.

Preferably the strip 20 is fashioned of plastic, metal, or a composite material. Preferably also, all the portions of strip 20 are integrally formed, including, but not limited to, the front lugs 34, 36, and the tab 48, including the rear lug 50. Also preferably, the entire strip 20 is formed by a plastic molding process.

While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations within the scope of the invention may exist. The foregoing examples are not intended to limit the nature or the scope of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a foundation for implementing other exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A reusable divider adapted to be selectively, removably mounted on a shelf provided with a plurality of receiving spaces each of which possesses a substantially identical profile, the divider comprising:

an elongate strip possessing a pair of opposing side surfaces, a front end surface and an opposing rear end surface, and an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, said strip possessing a pair of front lugs depending from the lower surface thereof and spaced from the front surface thereof, said front lugs possessing a spacing therebetween and each possessing a profile configured such that said front lugs are adapted to be snugly received in a pair of the receiving spaces, each of said front lugs possessing a splined peripheral surface.

2. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the profile of each of the receiving spaces is selected from the group consisting of substantially square or substantially circular.

3. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein said strip possesses at least one score line extending substantially from the lower surface to the upper surface at a position substantially remote from the front surface and defining a region of relatively weak strength of said strip along which said strip is adapted to be broken whereby the effective length of said strip may be shortened.

4. The reusable divider according to claim 3 wherein said strip possesses a series of score lines spaced substantially equi-distantly apart from each other.

5. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are substantially thickened such that said strip possesses a substantially I-beam configuration.

6. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein said strip further possesses a fork-shaped tab extending from the rear surface thereof, said tab possessing a channel therein, the width of which is slightly wider than the lateral width of said strip in a region remote from the front surface, said tab possessing a rear lug having a profile configured such that said rear lug is adapted to be snugly received in one of the receiving spaces, said rear lug possessing a profile substantially identical to the profile of each of said front lugs, said tab attached to the other portions of said strip by a region of relatively weak strength by which said tab is adapted to be detached from the other portions of said strip, whereby said rear lug may be inserted into a receiving space such that said detached tab may be maintained in an upstanding position relative to the shelf with the channel therein adapted to receive a remaining portion of said strip therein.

7. The reusable divider according to claim 3 wherein the portion of said strip extending backwardly from the at least one score line possesses a tapered thickness, whereby when said strip is broken along the at least one score line, the detached portion of said strip including the tapered thickness may be used as a wedge for insertion between the lower surface of said strip and the shelving in the region adjacent to said front lugs to assist in prying said strip upwardly and away from the shelving.

8. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein said strip and said front lugs are integrally formed.

9. The reusable divider according to claim 6 wherein said strip, said front lugs, and said tab are integrally formed.

10. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the distal end of each of said front lugs possesses a bulbous configuration.

11. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein the lower surface of said strip possesses a recessed region between said front lugs which is adapted to receive a device for prying said strip upwardly and away from the shelving.

12. The reusable divider according to claim 1 wherein each of said front lugs possesses a substantially cross-shaped cross-sectional profile in which the peripherally distal edge ends are chamfered with a rounded contour.

13. The reusable divider according to claim 12 wherein the cross-shaped profile comprises two orthogonal arms, each arm having a length in the range of about 0.23 to 0.25 inches.

14. A reusable divider adapted to be selectively, removably mounted on a shelf provided with a plurality of receiving spaces each of which possesses a substantially identical profile, the divider comprising:

an elongate strip possessing a pair of opposing side surfaces, a front end surface and an opposing rear end surface, and an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, said strip possessing a pair of front lugs depending from the lower surface thereof and spaced from the front surface thereof, said front lugs possessing a spacing therebetween and each possessing a profile configured such that said front lugs are adapted to be snugly received in a pair of the receiving spaces, each of said front lugs possessing a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional profile in which the corners are chamfered with a rounded contour.

15. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein the profile of each receiving space may be either substantially square or substantially circular.

16. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein said strip possesses at least one score line extending substantially from the lower surface to the upper surface at a position substantially remote from the front surface and defining a region of relatively weak strength of said strip along which said strip is adapted to be broken whereby the effective length of said strip may be shortened.

17. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein said strip further possesses a fork-shaped tab extending from the rear surface thereof, said tab possessing a channel therein, the width of which is slightly wider than the lateral width of said strip in a region remote from the front surface, said tab possessing a rear lug having a profile configured such that said rear lug is adapted to be snugly received in one of the receiving spaces, said rear lug possessing a profile substantially identical to the profile of each of said front lugs, said tab attached to the other portions of said strip by a region of relatively weak strength by which said tab is adapted to be detached from the other portion of said strip, whereby said rear lug may be inserted into a receiving space such that said tab may be maintained in an upstanding position relative to the shelf with the channel therein adapted to receive a remaining portion of said strip therein.

18. The reusable divider according to claim 14 wherein said strip and said front lugs are integrally formed.

19. The reusable divider according to claim 17 wherein said strip, said front lugs, and said tab, are integrally formed.

20. A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf provided with a plurality of receiving spaces each possessing a substantially identical profile, the divider comprising:

an elongate strip having a pair of opposing distal ends, said strip possessing at least one score line extending substantially completely, laterally thereacross and defining a region of relatively weak strength of said strip along which said strip is adapted to be broken whereby the effective length of said strip may be shortened; and

at least two lugs each depending from a lower surface thereof and each possessing a profile configured such that said lugs are adapted to be snugly received in corresponding ones of the receiving spaces.

21. The divider according to claim 20 wherein the receiving spaces are arranged in regular intervals along the shelf and wherein said lugs are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the regular interval.

22. A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf possessing an upper surface and at least one receiving space open to the upper surface, the divider comprising:

an elongate strip having a pair of opposing longitudinal distal ends, a pair of opposing lateral sides, and a lower surface;

at least one lug depending from the lower surface of said strip and adapted for removable insertion into the at least one receiving space and for mating engagement with the shelf in the region defining the at least one receiving space; and

a footer extending laterally from at least one lateral side of said strip, said footer possessing a surface positioned, configured, and adapted to substantially conformingly abut the upper surface of the shelf and further adapted, when in such an abutting relationship, to maintain said strip in a substantially upstanding relationship relative to the upper surface of the shelf.