SHELVING SIGNAGE AND SEGREGATING APPARATUS

Abstract

A shelf blade unit for use with a shelf unit, the shelf blade unit includes a shelf blade, a removable sleeve, and a coupling mechanism. The shelf blade consisting of a thin material, where, from a first perspective, the shelf blade has a coupling mechanism section and, from a second perspective, has a sleeve section. The removable sleeve mates with the sleeve section, wherein graphical information is contained on at least one surface of the removable sleeve. The coupling mechanism is mechanically secured to the coupling mechanism section and secures the shelf blade unit to a shelf of the shelf unit.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/069,492, entitled “SHELVING SIGNAGE AND SEGREGATING APPARATUS”, filed Oct. 28, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to shelving and more particularly to shelving signage apparatus and shelving segregating apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

In retail stores, shelving units are vital for selling product. The shelving units display the products for sale, which can be readily accessed by the patrons. A typical shelving unit may be a metal shelving wall unit, a metal shelving gondola isle unit, and/or a metal shelving end cap unit. Each type of metal shelving unit includes a frame, a base shelf, upper shelves, and a metal cover. The frame includes base shoes, uprights, a metal backing (e.g., a metal pegboard backing), and spreaders (or spanners) for supporting the metal backing. The cover includes a kick plate, base shoe covers, upright trim covers, upright end caps, and a top cover.

In many stores that include multiple metal shelving units, each with a plurality of shelves, hundreds to thousands of products are displayed. With so many products, bringing a patrons attention to a particular product is often done by having a separate display stand in an aisle, through paper coupons, and/or by signs close to the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a front view diagram of an embodiment of a metal adjustable shelving unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a metal adjustable shelving unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner and an embodiment of a price rail insert in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf liner in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side view diagram of an embodiment of a shelf header sign in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf header sign in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 26 and 27 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of an embodiment of a kick plate sign in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of an embodiment of a metal adjustable shelving unit 10 that includes a basic shelving unit and one or more of a shelf header sign 12, a shelf blade unit 18, and a kick plate sign 20. The basic shelving unit may be a metal shelving wall unit, a metal shelving gondola isle unit, and/or a metal shelving end cap unit and includes a plurality of adjustable metal shelves, a base shelf, a kick plate, and a top cover. Alternatively, or in addition to, the basic shelving unit may include one or more the shelves, frame (or portions thereof), the base shelf, the kick plate, and the top cover implemented using plastic, wood, or some other non-metallic material.

The shelf blade unit 18 mechanically couples to an adjustable metal shelf 14. A pair of shelf blade units 18 may be used to delineate and/or highlight one product from another on the shelf. Various examples of the shelf blade unit 18 are discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 3-18.

The shelf header sign 12 mechanically couples to the top cover and/or top spreader (spanner) of the metal shelving unit 10. Various examples of the shelf header sign 12 are discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 23-26.

The kick plate sign 20 mechanically couples to the kick plate of the metal shelving unit 10. An example of the kick plate sign 20 is discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 27-28.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphics area 24. The shelf blade 22 may be comprised of plastic, metal, vinyl, tag board, a paper product, and/or any material that is thin (e.g., less than ¼ inch) and has a degree of rigidity. The graphics area 24 is a section of the shelf blade on which graphics, text, bar codes, and/or images may be printed, etched, embossed, adhered, or otherwise affixed. For instance, the graphics area 24 may include a graphics and/or an image of a product along with text describing the product, promoting the product, a bar code, and/or pricing information for the product.

The coupling mechanism 26 is attached to, or an integral part of, the shelf blade unit 18. The coupling mechanism 26 provides the mechanical coupling of the shelf blade unit 18 to the under side of a metal shelf 14 or other type of shelf material. In an example, the coupling mechanism 26 includes one or more magnetics that allows the shelf blade unit to be magnetically coupled to the under side of a metal shelf. In another example, the coupling mechanism may include one or more of Velcro, hardware, hooks, pins, clips, clasps, etc.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelf blade 22, the coupling mechanism 26, and a removable graphics sleeve 28. In this embodiment, the shelf blade 22 and coupling mechanism 26 are similar to the corresponding parts discussed with reference to FIG. 3. The removable graphics sleeve 28 includes the graphics area 24 and slides over an end of the shelf blade 22. The removable graphics sleeve 28 may be comprises of the same material as the shelf blade. By having the graphics area on a removable graphics sleeve, the shelf blade unit 18 can be reused for other types of products by changing the removable graphics sleeve. Further, the removable graphics sleeve 28 allows for information regarding a particular product to be readily updated without replacement of the entire shelf blade unit.

In another example, the removable graphics sleeve 28 may be comprised of a magnetic material that folds over the shelf blade 22. When folded over the shelf blade, the magnetic material of the removable graphics sleeve holds it in place, but allows for easy removal and replacement.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphics area 24. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 3 with a difference being that the coupling mechanism 26 is on the bottom of the shelf blade unit 18. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism couples to the shelf blade unit to the top of a shelf (metal or otherwise).

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelf blade 22, the coupling mechanism 26, and a removable graphics sleeve 28. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 4 with a difference being that the coupling mechanism is on the bottom of the shelf blade unit. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism couples to the shelf blade unit to the top of a shelf (metal or otherwise).

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphics insert pocket 32. The shelf blade 22 and coupling mechanism 26 are similar to corresponding elements of FIG. 3. The graphics insert pocket 32 is a section of the shelf blade 22 in which a graphics insert (e.g., paper, plastic, vinyl, etc.) may be inserted and subsequently removed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphics insert pocket 32. The shelf blade and coupling mechanism are similar to corresponding elements of FIG. 4. The graphics insert pocket is a section of the shelf blade in which a graphics insert (e.g., paper, plastic, vinyl, etc.) may be inserted and subsequently removed.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelf blade 22 and one or more magnets 36. The shelf blade 22 includes a “T” shaped (could also be “L” shaped) front view (FIG. 9) that provides a flat upper surface on which one or more magnets 36 are attached (e.g., glued, clipped, secured via hardware, etc.). This allows the shelf blade unit to be magnetically coupled to the under side of a metal shelf 14.

The shelf blade 22, from a side view perspective, has a graphics area 34, a graphics sleeve receptacle area, or a graphics insert pocket. Further, the shelf blade 22 has a profile to fit most, if not all, types of gondola shelving units and may have one or more of its corners rounded. By using a thin and durable material for the shelf blade (e.g., plastic, vinyl, etc.), the shelf blade 22 does not obstruct a product's “stock keeping unit” (SKU) while bringing attention to the product.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelf blade 22 and one or more magnets 36. The shelf blade 22 includes an inverted “T” shaped front view (FIG. 11) that provides a flat bottom surface on which one or more magnets 36 are attached (e.g., glued, clipped, secured via hardware, etc.). This allows the shelf blade unit to be magnetically coupled to the topside of a metal shelf.

The shelf blade 22, from a side view perspective, has a graphics area 34, a graphics sleeve receptacle area, or a graphics insert pocket. Further, the shelf blade has a profile to fit most, if not all, types of gondola shelving units and may have one or more of its corners rounded.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelf blade 22 and one or more magnets 36. The shelf blade 22 includes a sideways “T” shaped top view (not shown) that provides a flat rear surface on which one or more magnets 36 are attached (e.g., glued, clipped, secured via hardware, etc.). This allows the shelf blade unit 18 to be magnetically coupled to the metal backing of the metal shelf unit.

The shelf blade 22, from a side view perspective, has a graphics area, a graphics sleeve receptacle area, or a graphics insert pocket. Further, the shelf blade 22 has a profile to fit most, if not all, types of gondola shelving units and may have one or more of its corners rounded.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the coupling mechanism 26, the shelf blade 22, and a wireless communication device 38. The wireless communication device 38 may be embedded into the shelf blade 22 or attached thereto. Regardless of how the wireless communication device 38 is incorporated into the shelf blade unit 18, the wireless communication device 38 functions to wirelessly transmit information regarding a product associated with the shelf blade unit 18. For example, the information may be a wireless coupon, ingredients, nutritional information, infomercial material, etc.

The wireless communication device 38 may include one or more of memory, a processing module, and a wireless transmitter. For instance, the wireless transmitter may be a Bluetooth transmitter, a near field communication (NFC), a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a laser bar code transmitter, etc. The wireless communication device 38 may further include a receiver operable to receive updated product information, which is stored in the memory.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the coupling mechanism 26, the shelf blade 22, a removable sleeve 28, and a wireless communication device 38. The wireless communication device 38 may be embedded into the removable sleeve 28 or attached thereto. In this manner, the wireless communication device 38 can be readily changed and essentially be a disposable device (e.g., an RFID tag).

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes a separate coupling mechanism 26 and a shelf blade 22. The coupling mechanism 26 includes a surface on which one or more magnets 36 are mounted. The coupling mechanism 26 further includes a shelf blade receptacle 40, which receives a mating interface of the shelf blade 22. In this example, the receptacle 40 is shown, from the front view perspective, as an open slot and the shelf blade 22 interface has a “T” shape, or “L” shape.

In an alternative embodiment, the coupling mechanism 26 is integrated into the shelf 14. In this manner, the coupling mechanism 26 may be at fixed locations on the shelf 14 or may be integrated into a track that allows the coupling mechanism to be positioned at a desired location.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner 50 and an embodiment of a price rail insert 52. Each of the shelf liner 50 and the price rail insert 52 is comprised of plastic, metal, vinyl, tag board, a paper product, and/or any material that is thin (e.g., less than ¼ inch) and has a degree of rigidity. Each of the shelf liner 50 and the price rail insert 52 may include a graphics area on which graphics, text, bar codes, and/or images may be printed, etched, embossed, adhered, or otherwise affixed. For instance, the graphics area may include a graphics and/or an image of a product along with text describing the product, promoting the product, a bar code, and/or pricing information for the product. The shelf liner 50 and the price rail insert 52 each are magnetically coupled to the metal shelf 14. Note that the price rail insert 52 allows for price tags to go over it.

FIG. 20 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner 50 or price rail insert 52 that includes a plastic layer 54 and a magnetic layer 56. The plastic layer 54 includes the graphics area and the magnetic layer 56 covers substantially the entire plastic layer or one or more portions thereof. The magnetic layer 56 may include one or more thin magnets or a magnetized metal layer. In either event, the magnetic layer 56 secures the shelf liner 50 or the price rail insert 52 to the metal shelf.

FIG. 21 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf liner 50 or the price rail insert 52 that includes a plastic layer 54 and a metal layer 58. The plastic layer 54 includes the graphics area and the metal layer 58 covers substantially the entire plastic layer or one or more portions thereof. One or more magnetics 36 are placed on the other side of the shelf 14 to magnetically hold the shelf liner 50 or the price rail insert 52 in place.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side view diagram of an embodiment of a shelf header sign 12 that includes a frame 60, a coupling mechanism 62, a transparent (or translucent) front panel 64, an opaque back panel 66, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 68, a control circuit 70, and a power source 72. The transparent front panel 64 may have printed, embossed, engraved, etched, or otherwise affixed a translucent logo, text, graphics, and/or image. When one or more LEDs 68 are on, a backlight illuminates the front panel and the logo, text, graphics, and/or image is illuminated.

The control circuit 70 includes a processing module, memory, and one or more switches. The processing module is programmed to enable the LEDs 68 in a pattern, wherein the LEDs are physically distributed behind the front panel 64. For instance, all of the LEDs 68 may be continuously enabled to provide a constant backlight source. As another example, the LEDs 68 may be sequentially enabled to provide a rolling or waterfall type lighting effect. As yet another example, the LEDs 68 may be of different colors and enabled in a variety of patterns and combinations to provide varying and colorful backlighting.

The power source 72 may be a battery, a rechargeable battery with a wireless battery charger, a power supply and/or some other type of device for sourcing power. The battery may any type of battery, or combination of batteries, that provide 1.5 V, 4.3 V, 6 V, 12 V, or other voltage level output voltages. The wireless battery charger may include a wireless power conversion source that converts NFC wireless signals and/or light into power, which is used to charge the batteries. The power supply may be an AC/DC power converter, a DC/DC converter, or other type of converter. Regardless of the particular type of the power source, it provides the power for the control circuit and the LEDs.

The coupling mechanism 62 mechanically couples the shelf header sign 12 to the top cover and/or the top spreader (spanner) of the shelf unit 10. In one example, the coupling mechanism 62 includes a plurality of magnets to magnetically couple the shelf header sign to the shelf unit. In another example, the coupling mechanism 62 includes one or more clamps that clamp the shelf header sign to the shelf unit. In yet another example, the coupling mechanism 62 includes hardware to secure the shelf header sign to the shelf unit. There are a variety of examples for the coupling mechanism including, but not limited to, clips, pins, clasps, etc.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf header sign 12 that includes a frame 60 (top and bottom 60-1 and 60-2), a coupling mechanism 62, a front panel video screen 74, a video projector circuit 76, video processing circuit and memory 78, and a power source 72. The frame, coupling mechanism, and the power source are similar to the corresponding elements of FIGS. 22 and 23.

In an example of operation, the video processing circuit provides a video/graphics output signal to the video projector circuit 76, which projects the video and/or graphics image onto the front panel video screen 74. For example, a DLP pico projector development kit may be used as a reference design for the video processing circuit and memory 78, and the video projector circuit 76.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of an embodiment of a kick plate sign 20 that includes a coupling mechanism 80 and a logo/graphics area. In one embodiment, the kick plate sign 20 may be implemented similarly to the shelf header sign of FIGS. 22 and 23. In another embodiment, the kick plate sign may be implemented similarly to the shelf header sign of FIGS. 24 and 25.

In yet another embodiment, the kick plate sign 20 may include a frame for supporting an insert. The insert is comprised of plastic, metal, vinyl, tag board, a paper product, and/or any material that is thin (e.g., less than ¼ inch) and has a degree of rigidity. The insert includes a graphics area on which graphics, text, bar codes, and/or images may be printed, etched, embossed, adhered, or otherwise affixed. For instance, the graphics area may include a graphics and/or an image of a product along with text describing the product, promoting the product, a bar code, and/or pricing information for the product. The insert may be magnetically coupled to the frame of the kick plate sign. Note that the kick plate frame includes a coupling mechanism that magnetically (or otherwise mechanically) couples to the kick plate of the shelf unit.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream, stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been used interchangeably to describe digital information whose content corresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video, speech, audio, etc., any of which may generally be referred to as ‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As may be used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide the desired relationship.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processing circuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue” indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indication reflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or more examples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc., described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc., that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc., may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc., or different ones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/or between elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein may be analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-ended or differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as a single-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path. Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it also represents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particular architectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise be implemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, direct connectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between other elements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of the embodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device such as a processor or other processing device or other hardware that may include or operate in association with a memory that stores operational instructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunction with software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of the one or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. The present disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

Claims

1. A shelf blade unit for use with a shelf unit, the shelf blade unit comprises:

a shelf blade consisting of a thin material, wherein, from a first perspective, the shelf blade has a coupling mechanism section and, from a second perspective, the shelf blade has a graphics section for displaying graphics information; and

a coupling mechanism mechanically secured to the coupling mechanism section, wherein the coupling mechanism secures the shelf blade unit to a shelf of the shelf unit.

2. The shelf blade unit of claim 1 further comprises:

the coupling mechanism section being on a bottom edge of the shelf blade such that the shelf blade unit mounts to a top of the shelf.

3. The shelf blade unit of claim 1 further comprises:

the coupling mechanism section being on a top edge of the shelf blade such that the shelf blade unit mounts to a bottom of the shelf.

4. The shelf blade unit of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:

one or more magnets.

5. The shelf blade unit of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:

a magnetic mounting platform; and

a shelf blade receptacle for mating with a mating interface of the shelf blade.

6. The shelf blade unit of claim 1 further comprises:

a wireless communication device attached to, or integrated into, the shelf blade.

7. The shelf blade unit of claim 1, wherein the graphics information comprises one or more of:

graphics, text, bar codes, and images.

8. A shelf blade unit for use with a shelf unit, the shelf blade unit comprises:

a shelf blade consisting of a thin material, wherein, from a first perspective, the shelf blade has a coupling mechanism section and, from a second perspective, the shelf blade has a sleeve section;

a removable sleeve that mates with the sleeve section, wherein graphical information is contained on at least one surface of the removable sleeve; and

a coupling mechanism mechanically secured to the coupling mechanism section, wherein the coupling mechanism secures the shelf blade unit to a shelf of the shelf unit.

9. The shelf blade unit of claim 8 further comprises:

the coupling mechanism section being on a bottom edge of the shelf blade such that the shelf blade unit mounts to a top of the shelf.

10. The shelf blade unit of claim 8 further comprises:

the coupling mechanism section being on a top edge of the shelf blade such that the shelf blade unit mounts to a bottom of the shelf.

11. The shelf blade unit of claim 8, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:

one or more magnets.

12. The shelf blade unit of claim 8, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:

a magnetic mounting platform; and

a shelf blade receptacle for mating with a mating interface of the shelf blade.

13. The shelf blade unit of claim 8 further comprises:

a wireless communication device attached to, or integrated into, the removable sleeve.

14. The shelf blade unit of claim 8, wherein the graphics information comprises one or more of:

graphics, text, bar codes, and images.