Product Divider Assembly

A product divider includes a base, a divider wall, and a stopper. The divider wall extends from the base. The stopper is coupled to the base and the divider and includes a rear surface, a front surface, and a flange. The rear surface faces the divider wall. The front surface is disposed opposite the rear surface. The flange extends from the front surface.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/933,812, filed on Nov. 11, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application 63/036,737, filed on Jun. 9, 2020. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to product shelf displays, and more particularly to a product shelf display including a translatable divider and/or pusher.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Products in a commercial setting, such as a store, may be displayed in a variety of ways. For example, a series of shelving units may be used to stock and display the products. The products may be arranged in columns and rows, with products of the same type arranged in a column behind one another and products of different types arranged in a row next to each other. When the first product in a column is selected and removed from the shelf, the second product in the column may be moved to the first product's position to occupy the void left by the removal of the first product. Products in adjacent columns may have different sizes (e.g., widths). Moveable dividers and pushers may be used to ensure that products in arranged in rows and columns are maintained in close proximity to one another when the first product in a column is removed and when products of different types are placed and arranged in rows next to each other.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a system. The system includes a divider and a rail. The divider includes a base and a first engagement mechanism. The rail includes a front wall, a rear wall and a base cooperating to define a channel. The channel extends in a first direction and is configured to receive the base. The front wall includes a second engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism. The first engagement mechanism is configured to inhibit movement of the divider relative to the rail in the first direction upon application of a first force on the divider. The first engagement mechanism is configured to allow movement of the divider relative to the rail in the first direction upon application of a second force on the divider. The second force is greater than the first force.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the first engagement mechanism includes at least one first tooth, and the second engagement mechanism includes at least one second tooth. The at least one first tooth may define a first height, and the at least one second tooth may define a second height that is greater than the first height. The at least one first tooth may define a first cross-sectional shape extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The at least one second tooth may define a second cross-sectional shape that is different than the first cross-sectional shape. The second cross-sectional shape may extend in the second direction. The at least one first tooth may include a plurality of first teeth, and the at least one second tooth may include a plurality of second teeth. At least one of the at least one first tooth or the at least one second tooth may be configured to flex upon application of the first force.

In some implementations, the first engagement mechanism is formed from a first material, and the second engagement mechanism is formed from a second material that is different than the first material. The first material may have a first coefficient of friction, and the second material may have a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction.

In some implementations, the divider includes a rear engagement mechanism, and the rear wall includes a groove. The groove may extend in the first direction and be configured to receive the rear engagement mechanism. The rear engagement mechanism may include a flange.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a product divider. The product divider includes a base, a divider wall, and a stopper. The divider wall extends from the base. The stopper is coupled to the base and the divider and includes a rear surface, a front surface, and a flange. The rear surface faces the divider wall. The front surface is disposed opposite the rear surface. The flange extends from the front surface.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the divider wall extends from the rear surface in a first direction. The flange may extend from the front surface in a second direction. The first direction may be aligned with the second direction.

In some implementations, the flange is aligned with the divider wall. The divider wall may include a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The flange may include a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface of the flange. The first side surface of the divider wall may be aligned with the first side surface of the flange. The second side surface of the divider wall may be aligned with the second side surface of the flange. The first side surface of the divider wall may be coplanar with the first side surface of the flange. The second side surface of the divider wall may be coplanar with the second side surface of the flange.

In some implementations, the stopper includes a bottom end. The flange may include a bottom end aligned with the bottom end of the stopper.

In some implementations, the flange includes a top end, a front end, and an arcuate portion extending between the front end and the top end.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a product divider. The product divider includes a base, a divider wall, a stopper, and flange. The divider wall extends from the base. The stopper is coupled to the base and the divider wall. The flange extends from the stopper and is aligned with the divider wall.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the divider wall extends from the stopper in a first direction, and the flange extends from the stopper in a second direction. The first direction may be aligned with the second direction.

In some implementations, the divider wall includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The flange may include a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface of the flange. The first side surface of the divider wall may be aligned with the first side surface of the flange. The second side surface of the divider wall may be aligned with the second side surface of the flange. The first side surface of the divider wall may be coplanar with the first side surface of the flange. The second side surface of the divider wall may be coplanar with the second side surface of the flange.

The stopper may include a bottom end. The flange may include a bottom end aligned with the bottom end of the stopper.

In some implementations, the flange includes a top end, a front end, and an arcuate portion extending between the front end and the top end.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a product divider assembly including a rail and a divider in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of the rail and the divider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom front perspective view of the divider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear perspective view of the rail and the divider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rail of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the divider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rail and the divider taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top front perspective view of another product divider for use with the rail of FIG. 1, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the product divider of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the product divider of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the product divider of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the product divider of FIG. 8.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

Referring to FIG. 1, a product divider assembly 10 is generally shown. The product divider assembly 10 may be disposed on a shelf (not shown) or other suitable supporting device, and may include a rail 12, a divider 14, and, in some implementations, a pusher (not shown). The rail 12 extends in a first direction D1. The divider 14 extends in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and is coupled to the rail 12 for translation in the first direction D1. Specifically, the rail 12 includes a first engagement mechanism 16 and the divider 14 includes a second engagement mechanism 18 configured to engage with the first engagement mechanism 16. The engagement mechanisms 16, 18 may be configured to enable the divider 14 to selectively translate along the rail 12 in the first direction D1.

In some implementations, the engagement mechanisms 16, 18 may enable the divider 14 to selectively translate along the rail 12 in the first direction D1 without the use of a locking mechanism, such as a button, switch, etc., for selectively locking and unlocking the divider 14 to the rail 12. By eliminating the need for a locking mechanism, the product divider assembly 10 may reduce the number of components, thus, reducing weight, cost, and materials. Further, the means for translating the divider 14 along the rail 12 may be simplified compared to a locking mechanism, and such a configuration eliminates the confusion as to whether the divider 14 is locked or unlocked to the rail 12, thus, reducing the risk of damage incurred by the product divider assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the rail 12 may be configured to be placed on a shelf (not shown) or other suitable surface of a store or other suitable location. For example, the rail 12 may include a generally flat bottom surface. In some implementations, the rail 12 may include feet or gripping members (not shown) to reduce friction between the rail and the shelf. In other implementations, the rail 12 may be secured to the shelf in any suitable manner, such as, for example, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, welding, etc. While the product divider assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as including one rail 12 and one divider 14, it should be understood that any suitable number of these components may be implemented, including an optional pusher (not shown).

The rail 12 extends in the first direction D1 and the divider 14 extends in the second direction D2. In some implementations, the first direction D1 is offset from the second direction D2 by one hundred eighty degrees. For example, with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the first direction D1 extends up-right to down-left and down-left to up-right. Likewise, with respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the second direction D2 extends up-left to down-right and down-right to up-left.

The rail 12 may have a generally U-shaped cross-section including a front wall 26, a rear wall 28, and a base portion 30 connecting the front wall 26 to the rear wall 28. The front wall 26, the rear wall 28, and the base portion 30 cooperate to define a channel 32 configured to receive a portion of the divider 14 and a portion of the pusher. The front wall 26 may include the first engagement mechanism 16. For example, the first engagement mechanism 16 may be attached to or integrally formed with the front wall 26. In other implementations, the first engagement mechanism 16 may be located at any suitable location on the rail 12. In some implementations, the first engagement mechanism 16 includes a plurality of first teeth 52 extending along the front wall 26 in the first direction D1. In other implementations, the first engagement mechanism 16 may be any suitable engagement mechanism, such as, for example, a mechanical fastener, a magnet, an electromagnet, a hook-and-loop fastener, a high-friction material, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the divider 14 extends from the front portion 20 to the rear portion 22. As used herein, the term “front” generally refers to the portion of the divider 14 that would be facing prospective customers or an aisle in a store and the term “rear” generally refers to the portion of the divider 14 that is furthest from prospective customers or an aisle in a store. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 1, the front portion 20 of the divider 14 may engage the rail 12, i.e., be received in the channel 32. In other implementations, the rail 12 may be disposed entirely between the front portion 20 and the rear portion 22 of the divider 14. While the rail 12 is shown as being disposed closer to the front portion 20 than the rear portion 22, in some implementations, the rail 12 may be disposed closer to the rear portion 22 than the front portion 20 or disposed equidistant from (e.g., centrally located between) the front portion 20 and the rear portion 22.

The divider 14 includes a base 34, a dividing wall 36, and a stopper 38. The base 34 and the dividing wall 36 generally extend from the front portion 20 to the rear portion 22, while the stopper 38 is disposed at or near the front portion 20 to cooperate with the pusher to hold products in place. The base 34 includes a top surface 40 configured to receive products. In some implementations, the base 34 includes a slot 58 for receiving the rear wall 28 of the rail 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the divider 14 may include the second engagement mechanism 18 at or near the stopper 38. For example, the second engagement mechanism 18 is disposed below the stopper 38 in the front portion 20 of the divider 14. In other implementations, the second engagement mechanism 18 is disposed at any suitable location on the divider 14. The second engagement mechanism 18 may include a plurality of second teeth 54. During operation, the first engagement mechanism 16 may selectively engage the second engagement mechanism 18, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. For example, as shown, the plurality of first teeth 52 may be configured to selectively engage the plurality of second teeth 54. In other implementations, the second engagement mechanism 18 may include any suitable engagement mechanism, such as, for example, a mechanical fastener, a magnet, an electromagnet, a hook-and-loop fastener, a high-friction material, etc. configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism 16.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the second teeth 54 of the second engagement mechanism 18 may be generally low-profile relative to the first teeth 52 of the first engagement mechanism 16. For example, the second teeth 54 may have a height H54 relative to a base surface 56 that is less than a depth D52 between each of the first teeth 52. In some implementations, the first teeth 52 define a first cross-sectional shape extending in a plane substantially parallel to the depth D52, while the second teeth 54 define a second cross-sectional shape extending in a plane substantially parallel to the height H54. The first cross-sectional shape may be different than the second cross-sectional shape. For example, the first cross-sectional shape may define a substantially U-shaped configuration, while the second cross-sectional shape may define a substantially V-shaped, triangular, or frustoconical configuration, or vice versa. In some implementations, the first teeth 52 include a pair of planar sidewalls defining a first cross-sectional shape, and the second teeth 54 include a pair of planar sidewalls defining the second cross-sectional shape. The sidewalls of the first teeth 52 may define a first angle therebetween, and the sidewalls of the second teeth 54 may define a second angle therebetween. The value of the first angle may be different than the value of the second angle. For example, the first angle may be substantially equal to zero degrees, such that the sidewalls of the first teeth 52 are substantially equal to one another, while the second angle may be between five degrees and one hundred seventy-five degrees, such that the sidewalls of the second teeth 54 are transverse to one another. In some implementations, the angle between the sidewalls of the second cross-sectional shape is substantially equal to ninety degrees.

In some implementations, the second teeth 54 may be formed of a flexible material such that they may flex relative to the base surface 56 in response to a force, i.e., flex toward and away from the base surface 56. In other implementations, the first teeth 52 may be formed of a flexible material such that they may flex relative to the front wall 26 of the rail 12 in response to a force. In other implementations still, both the first teeth 52 and the second teeth 54 may be formed of a flexible material such that they both flex in response to a force. The height H54 of the second teeth 54 may be high enough to prohibit transverse movement of the divider 14 along the rail 12 in the first direction D1 by causing engagement, or contact, between the first teeth 52 and the second teeth 54, however, the height H54 of the second teeth 54 may be low enough to allow the divider 14 to translate along the rail 12 in the first direction D1 after a force exerted upon the divider 14 in the first direction D1 is sufficient to overcome the engagement, or contact, between the first teeth 52 and the second teeth 54. In this regard, the arrangement of the first and second teeth 52, 54 (e.g., the first and second cross-sectional shapes, the angles defined by the respective sidewalls, the height H54 and depth D5, etc.) may allow the first teeth 52 to be disposed in a void between adjacent ones of the second teeth 54, and vice versa, without the distal ends of the second teeth 54 engaging a portion of the front wall 26 disposed between such adjacent first teeth 52, and/or without the distal ends of the first teeth 52 engaging the base surface 56.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the divider 14 may include a rear engagement mechanism 42. The rear engagement mechanism 42 may be configured to slidably engage the rear wall 28 of the rail 12. In this regard, the rear wall 28 may define a groove 60 extending in the first direction D1. In an assembled configuration, the engagement mechanism 42 may be translatably disposed within the groove 60, while the base 34 of the divider 14 may be translatably disposed within the channel 32 of the rail 12. That is, the rear engagement mechanism 42 may allow the divider 14 to translate (e.g., slide) along the first direction D1, while inhibiting separation of the divider 14 from the rail 12 in a vertical direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions D1, D2).

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the divider 14 may include a pair of gripping members 44 disposed at or near the front portion 20. The gripping members 44 may be defined by generally U-shaped cutouts or voids disposed on opposite sides of the stopper 38. In some implementations, the gripping members include a plurality of ridges, a high-friction material, or any other suitable gripping member 44. The gripping members 44 may facilitate pushing and pulling of the divider 14 along the first direction D1 by allowing a user's fingers to comfortably and efficiently engage opposite side of the stopper 38.

In some implementations, the pusher extends in the second direction D2 and is coupled to the rail 12 in a manner substantially similar to the divider 14 or in any suitable manner. Likewise, the pusher may include a third engagement mechanism substantially similar to the second engagement mechanism 18, such that the pusher is selectively translatable long the rail 12 in the first direction D1 similar to the divider 14. Alternatively, the pusher may translate along the rail 12 in any suitable manner, e.g., sliding freely along the rail 12, or may be fixed to the rail 12.

The components of the product divider assembly 10, i.e., the rail 12, the divider 14, and the pusher, and associated components thereof, may be formed of any suitable material(s). These components may be formed of the same material, different materials, or some combination of the two. For example, these components may be formed of a plastic, a metal, carbon fiber, etc. These components may be formed by or implementing any suitable process, such as, for example, injection molding, 3-D printing, welding, gluing, mechanical fastening, etc.

As set forth above, the product divider assembly 10 may be implemented on a shelf or other suitable surface of a store or any suitable storage location. For example, two dividers 14 may be spaced from each other, and a pusher may be disposed between the two dividers 14, such that the dividers 14 and/or pusher can be translated along the rail 12 to allow products to be inserted into the product divider assembly 10. For example, wide products may require the dividers 14 to be translated along the rail 12 in the first direction D1 away from each other, and narrow products may require the dividers 14 to be translated along the rail 12 in the first direction D1 toward each other. To translate the divider 14, a user may grasp the divider 14, for example at the gripping members 44, and push or pull the divider 14 along the first direction D1. The engagement of the first teeth 52 and the second teeth 54 may initially resist movement of the divider 14 along the rail 12. However, upon the user exerting a sufficient force upon the divider 14, the teeth 52, 54, and/or any other suitable component of the rail 12 and/or the divider 14, may briefly flex to allow the divider to translate along the rail 12, i.e., until one of the second teeth 54 engages with an adjacent one of the first teeth 52. After flexing, the teeth 52, 54, and/or any other suitable component of the rail 12 and/or the divider 14, may return to their natural state to again inhibit movement of the divider 14 along the rail 12. Then, the foregoing process may repeat. In real-time, the foregoing process may occur relatively quickly such that the divider 14 may translate along the rail 12 in a relatively continuous or fluid manner. Alternatively, the second teeth 54 may engage with the first teeth 52 such that the movement of the divider 14 is jerky or choppy, with each one of the second teeth 54 sequentially engaging with each adjacent tooth of the first teeth 52, e.g., similar to a ratcheting mechanism.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, another divider 14a for use with the rail 12 and/or a pusher (not shown) is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the divider 14a relative to the divider 14, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

With reference to FIG. 10, the divider 14a may extend in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and may be coupled to the rail 12 for translation in the first direction D1. Specifically, the rail 12 includes the first engagement mechanism 16 and the divider 14a includes the second engagement mechanism 18 (FIGS. 11-12) configured to engage with the first engagement mechanism 16. The engagement mechanisms 16, 18 may be configured to enable the divider 14a to selectively translate along the rail 12 in the first direction D1.

The divider 14a further includes the base 34, the dividing wall 36, and a stopper 38a. The dividing wall 36 may include first side surface 62 and a second side surface 64 opposite the first side surface 62. In some implementations the first side surface 62 is substantially (e.g., +/−5 degrees) parallel to the second side surface 64. In this regard, the first and second side surfaces 62, 64 may extend in the same direction. For example, in the assembled configuration (e.g., FIG. 1), the first and second side surfaces 62, 64 may extend in the second direction D2. In some implementations, the first side surface 62 and/or the second side surface 64 is substantially planar.

The stopper 38a is disposed at or near the front portion 20 to cooperate with the pusher to hold products in place. The stopper 38a may include a front surface 66, a rear surface 68 opposite the front surface 66, the pair of gripping members 44, and a flange 70 disposed at or near the front portion 20. The gripping members 44 may each include an arcuate flange 71 extending from the front surface 66 of the stopper 38a.

The flange 70 may include a bottom end 72, a top end 74 opposite the bottom end 72, a rear end 76 extending between the bottom and top ends 72, 74, a front end 78 opposite the rear end 76 and extending between the bottom and top ends 72, 74, a first lateral side 80 extending between the bottom, top, rear, and front ends 72, 74, 76, 78, and a second lateral side 82 opposite the first lateral side and extending between the bottom, top, rear, and front ends 72, 74, 76, 78. At least one of the top and front ends 74, 78 may include an arcuate portion 84. For example, the arcuate portion 84 may define a radius of curvature extending from the top end 74 and the front end 78. In some implementations, the top end 74 and/or the front end 78 may extend tangentially from the arcuate portion 84 to provide improved comfort and maneuverability by the user applying a force on the flange 70. In some implementations the bottom end 72 extends from, and is coplanar with, a lower edge 86 of the stopper 38a to improve coupling of the divider 14a to the rail 12 in the assembled configuration.

The first and second lateral sides 80, 82 may extend from the stopper 38a (e.g., the front surface 66) in a direction transverse to the first direction D1. In some implementations, the first and/or second lateral sides 80, 82 define a planar configuration extending from the stopper 38a in a direction substantially (e.g., +/−5 degrees) perpendicular to the first direction D1 and substantially (e.g., +/−5 degrees) parallel to the second direction D2. During use, to translate the divider 14a relative to the rail 12, a user may grasp the divider 14a and push or pull the divider 14a along the first direction D1. The configuration of the flange 70 (e.g., the first and second lateral sides 80, 82) can allow a user to more easily grasp the divider 14a and apply a force in a direction transverse to the second direction D2, thus allowing the user to adjust the position of the divider 14a relative to the rail 12, as previously described. In particular, the configuration of the flange 70 can allow the user to translate the divider 14a in the first direction D1 without causing the divider 14a to rotate relative to the first and/or second direction D1, D2.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a product divider assembly and system.

Clause 1: A system comprising: a divider including a base, a wall connected to the base, and a first tooth and a second tooth extending a first distance from the wall; and a rail including a front wall, a rear wall and a base cooperating to define a channel extending in a first direction and configured to receive the base, the front wall including a third tooth and a fourth tooth configured to selectively engage the first tooth and the second tooth, the third tooth and the fourth tooth extending a second distance from the front wall, the second distance being less than the first distance.

Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the third tooth defines a low-profile relative to the first tooth.

Clause 3: The system of clause 1 or 2, wherein the first tooth defines a first cross-sectional shape extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the third tooth defines a second cross-sectional shape, different than the first cross-sectional shape, extending in the second direction.

Clause 4: The system of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first tooth or the third tooth is configured to flex upon application of a first force on the divider in the first direction.

Clause 5: The system of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first tooth is formed from a first material having a first coefficient of friction, and the third tooth is formed from a second material having a second coefficient of friction different than the first coefficient of friction.

Clause 6: The system of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the divider includes a stopper coupled to the base and including a rear surface, a front surface, and a flange, the rear surface facing the wall of the divider, the front surface disposed opposite the rear surface, and the flange extending from the front surface.

Clause 7: The system of clause 6, wherein the wall extends from the rear surface in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and wherein the flange extends from the front surface in third direction transverse to the first direction.

Clause 8: The system of clause 7, wherein the second direction is parallel to the third direction.

Clause 9: The system of clause 8, wherein the flange is aligned with the wall of the divider.

Clause 10: The system of any of clauses 6 to 9, wherein the stopper includes a bottom end, and wherein the flange includes a bottom end aligned with the bottom end of the stopper.

Clause 11: The system of any of clauses 6 to 10, wherein the stopper includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side defining a first cutout, the second side defining a second cutout.

Clause 12: The system of clause 11, wherein the stopper includes an arcuate flange extending from the stopper proximate the first cutout.

Clause 13: A product divider comprising: a base; a divider wall extending from the base; a stopper coupled to the base and the divider wall; and a flange extending from the stopper and aligned with the divider wall.

Clause 14: The product divider of clause 13, wherein the divider wall extends from the stopper in a first direction, and the flange extends from the stopper in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Clause 15: The product divider of clause 13 or 14, wherein the divider wall includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, wherein the flange includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface of the flange, and wherein the first side surface of the divider wall is aligned with the first side surface of the flange.

Clause 16: The product divider of clause 15, wherein the second side surface of the divider wall is aligned with the second side surface of the flange.

Clause 17: The product divider of clause 15 or 16, wherein the first side surface of the divider wall is coplanar with the first side surface of the flange, and wherein the second side surface of the divider wall is coplanar with the second side surface of the flange.

Clause 18: The product divider of any of clauses 13 to 17, wherein the stopper includes a bottom end, and wherein the flange includes a bottom end aligned with the bottom end of the stopper.

Clause 19: The product divider of any of clauses 13 to 18, wherein the stopper includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side defining a first cutout, the second side defining a second cutout.

Clause 20: The product divider of clause 19, wherein the stopper includes an arcuate flange extending from stopper proximate the first cutout.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a divider including a base, a wall connected to the base, and a first tooth and a second tooth extending a first distance from the wall; and
a rail including a front wall, a rear wall and a base cooperating to define a channel extending in a first direction and configured to receive the base, the front wall including a third tooth and a fourth tooth configured to selectively engage the first tooth and the second tooth, the third tooth and the fourth tooth extending a second distance from the front wall, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tooth defines a low-profile relative to the third tooth.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tooth defines a first cross-sectional shape extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the third tooth defines a second cross-sectional shape, different than the first cross-sectional shape, extending in the second direction.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tooth or the third tooth is configured to flex upon application of a first force on the divider in the first direction.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tooth is formed from a first material having a first coefficient of friction, and the third tooth is formed from a second material having a second coefficient of friction different than the first coefficient of friction.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the divider includes a stopper coupled to the base and including a rear surface, a front surface, and a flange, the rear surface facing the wall of the divider, the front surface disposed opposite the rear surface, and the flange extending from the front surface.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the wall extends from the rear surface in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and wherein the flange extends from the front surface in third direction transverse to the first direction.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second direction is parallel to the third direction.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the flange is aligned with the wall of the divider.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the stopper includes a bottom end, and wherein the flange includes a bottom end aligned with the bottom end of the stopper.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein the stopper includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side defining a first cutout, the second side defining a second cutout.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the stopper includes an arcuate flange extending from the stopper proximate the first cutout.

13. A product divider comprising:

a base;
a divider wall extending from the base;
a stopper coupled to the base and the divider wall; and
a flange extending from the stopper and aligned with the divider wall.

14. The product divider of claim 13, wherein the divider wall extends from the stopper in a first direction, and the flange extends from the stopper in a second direction opposite the first direction.

15. The product divider of claim 13, wherein the divider wall includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, wherein the flange includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface of the flange, and wherein the first side surface of the divider wall is aligned with the first side surface of the flange.

16. The product divider of claim 15, wherein the second side surface of the divider wall is aligned with the second side surface of the flange.

17. The product divider of claim 15, wherein the first side surface of the divider wall is coplanar with the first side surface of the flange, and wherein the second side surface of the divider wall is coplanar with the second side surface of the flange.

18. The product divider of claim 13, wherein the stopper includes a bottom end, and wherein the flange includes a bottom end aligned with the bottom end of the stopper.

19. The product divider of claim 13, wherein the stopper includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side defining a first cutout, the second side defining a second cutout.

20. The product divider of claim 19, wherein the stopper includes an arcuate flange extending from stopper proximate the first cutout.

Patent History
Publication number: 20210137265
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 20, 2020
Publication Date: May 13, 2021
Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc. (Twinsburg, OH)
Inventors: Michael Eric Liedtke (Kent, OH), Shane Obitts (North Ridgeville, OH)
Application Number: 17/074,706
Classifications
International Classification: A47B 57/58 (20060101);