Dispensing rack

A dispensing rack has a knockdown construction that permits quick and easy assembly and disassembly without any tools. The rack construction is also modular to facilitate varying the size and shape of the rack, and to greatly reduce manufacturing and transportation costs. Hanging row dividers stabilize and separate adjacent stacks of articles. Adjustable shelf jacks and casters provide additional rigidity for the shelves, and facilitate moving the rack from one location to another. A header assembly permits use of common parts to construct a low profile version of the rack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to racks, and in particular to a rack for 
dispensing vertically stacked articles, such as cigarette cartons, 
photographic film, cassette tapes, and the like. 
Dispensing racks for stacked articles, such as the devices disclosed in 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,853 to Bahneman, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,596 to 
Henning, are well known in the art. Such racks are typically used in 
grocery stores, drug stores, supermarkets, and other similar 
establishments to both display and dispense regularly shaped articles 
therefrom, such as cartons of cigarettes, boxes of photographic film, 
audio and video cassettes, and other similar prepackaged products, such as 
electronic components, and the like. 
Most prior dispensing racks have a multi-piece construction, and are 
assembled with threaded fasteners, therefore requiring substantial time 
and effort to assemble and disassemble. Since the space in many dispensing 
racks is leased by the manufacturer or merchandiser of the articles 
dispensed therefrom, the racks tend to be moved from one store location to 
another, as well as between various locations within a given store, on a 
rather frequent basis During the time that the rack is being assembled and 
disassembled, it is not available for merchandising use, and furthermore 
the assembly and disassembly process tends to disrupt other store 
activities. Hence, the ability to easily and quickly assemble and 
disassemble such racks is quite important. 
Another desirable feature for dispensing racks is the ability to 
economically change its configuration to accommodate new settings and 
different products. Furthermore, dispensing racks are preferably arranged 
to efficiently store a large number of stacked articles with minimum floor 
space requirements, yet permit easy insertion and removal of the articles 
from the shelves without jamming. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a unique shelf support 
bar for dispensing racks. First and second end panels are provided with 
slotted portions extending longitudinally therealong in a mutually spaced 
apart relationship. The shelf support bar is shaped to extend between the 
end panels, and supports at least a portion of an associated shelf 
thereon. The support bar has opposite ends shaped for close reception in 
mating slots in the end panels, and includes downwardly opening notches 
that are shaped to closely receive therein the lowers edge of the slots. 
The support bar notches are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to 
the lateral distance between the end panels, whereby to releasably 
interconnect the end panel in an upright, freestanding condition, the 
first end of the shelf support bar is inserted into the first slot past 
the first notch, and the shelf support bar is then bodily translated 
longitudinally in the opposite direction to insert the second end of the 
shelf bar into the second slot, until the first and second notches 
contemporaneously engage the lower edges of the slots, thereby permitting 
quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the dispensing rack without any 
tools. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a modular rack construction, 
comprising a pair of end panels, each having a rigid, flat panel, with a 
pair of elongate corner brackets rigidly connected to and extending along 
the opposite side edges of the rigid panel. The corner brackets have a 
generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration, with opposing 
first and second faces. A pair of slotted uprights are operably connected 
with the first face of each corner bracket, and includes a plurality of 
slots extending therethrough. At least one shelf, and an associated shelf 
support bar extend between the end panels. The shelf support bar has 
opposite end shaped for insertion into selected slots in the upright, and 
releasably engages the same to support the shelf thereon. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a modular back construction 
for dispensing racks of the type having end panels with shelves extending 
therebetween. The modular back construction comprises at least two rigid 
back panels shaped to extend between the end panels along rearward side 
edges thereof. A pair of slots are disposed in the end panels along the 
rearward side thereof, and are shaped to slidingly receive the side edges 
of the back panel, and retain the back panel therein in a vertically 
stacked relationship. Male channels are positioned along the lower edge of 
the back panels, and include downwardly protruding, wedge-shaped ribs with 
inclined sides that converge in a downwardly direction. Female channels 
are positioned along the upper edges of the back panels, and include 
generally upwardly protruding, wedge-shaped grooves with inclined sides 
which converge in a downwardly direction. The grooves are shaped to 
closely receive the ribs therein, whereby the male and female channels on 
adjacent back panels mate when assembled in the vertically stacked 
relationship to structurally interconnect the back panels, and form a seal 
therebetween. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a row divider for dispensing 
racks. The row divider comprises a divider panel having a height 
substantially commensurate with the vertical distance between adjacent 
upper and lower shelves, and a depth which is less than the depth of the 
lower shelf. The divider panel is supported from the upper shelf, such 
that the divider panel extends downwardly from the upper shelf in a 
substantially vertical orientation to a point near and/or adjacent to the 
lower shelf, whereby the divider separates laterally adjacent rows of 
vertically stacked articles, and prevents the same from toppling sideways. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is an adjustable shelf jack for 
dispensing racks, having a sleeve-shaped housing with a central aperture 
in which a jack plate is telescopingly received. The jack housing and jack 
plate each contain at least one pair of laterally aligned apertures in 
which a jack pin is received, such that the jack can be easily adjusted to 
fit snugly between adjacent shelves to provide vertical rigidity 
therebetween. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is an adjustable caster for 
dispensing racks, comprising a housing operably connected with the central 
portion of a shelf. A caster wheel is rotatably mounted in the caster 
housing, and is adapted for ground engaging contact with a support 
surface. A mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the caster wheel 
with respect to the shelf, whereby the caster wheel can be lowered into 
abutting contact with the support surface to facilitate moving the rack 
over the support surface, and to provide vertical rigidity to the shelf. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a header assembly for 
dispensing racks. The rack comprises a pair of end panels, each having a 
rigid flat panel, with a pair of elongate corner brackets rigidly attached 
to the opposite side edges of the panel. The corner brackets have a 
generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration, with opposite, 
first and second faces. A pair of inwardly facing grooves extend along the 
first face of each of the corner brackets. At least one shelf is supported 
between the end panels, and the header assembly extends between the end 
panels at the upper ends thereof. The header includes first and second 
slides operably connected with the opposite sides of the header, and 
includes outwardly protruding flanges closely and slidingly received in 
the inwardly facing grooves of the corner brackets to quickly and securely 
mount the header in the dispensing rack. 
Yet another aspect of the present invention is an adjustable header 
assembly for low profile dispenser racks. The header assembly includes a 
pair of top caps connected with the upper ends of the end panels, which 
include at least one pair of vertically oriented, laterally aligned 
sockets. A pair of support columns have their lower ends received in the 
sockets of the top caps, and are operably connected therewith to rigidly 
mount the support columns on the end panels in an upright orientation. A 
header panel extends between the end panels, and has at least one face 
adapted to display indicia thereon. The header panel includes a pair of 
vertically oriented sockets disposed adjacent the opposite ends thereof in 
which the upper ends of the support columns are closely received to 
slidingly mount the header panel on the support columns above the end 
panel. A stop is detachably connected with at least one of the support 
columns, and is shaped to selectively engage the header panel to 
adjustably retain the same at a selected height above the end panels. 
The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a dispensing 
rack with a knockdown construction that permits even relatively unskilled 
personnel to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble the rack without 
any tools whatsoever. The rack requires reduced floor space, yet stores 
more product with increased exposure for better display and merchandising. 
The rack has a modular construction that renders it versatile enough to be 
attractive to a wide range of merchandisers with varying space 
requirements. The rack construction uses many common parts that are 
interconnected in different ways to make a wide variety of differently 
shaped racks, each having an attractive appearance with a common visual 
theme, to provide a neat, consistent appearance throughout the store. The 
rack is quite flexible to accommodate changing merchandising techniques, 
and can be quickly and easily disassembled to alleviate the disruption of 
store business, and minimize labor expenses. The rack is extremely strong 
with a durable construction that provides an extended operating life. The 
modular construction permits disassembly into a very compact state for 
ease of shipment, and has many times fewer parts than standard dispensing 
racks to reduce manufacturing costs and assembly effort. The rack can be 
easily customized to permit units to be placed in spaces previously 
unavailable due to size and space constraints. 
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention 
will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by 
reference to the following written specification, claims and appended 
drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," 
"left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof 
shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 3. However, it is 
to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative 
orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also 
to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in 
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are 
simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the 
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical 
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be 
considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
The reference numeral 1 (FIG. 1) generally designates a dispensing rack 
embodying the present invention. Rack 1 comprises a pair of end panels 2 
and 3, a plurality of back panels 4, a plurality of shelf assemblies 5, 
and a header assembly 6. An add-on shelf kit 7 (FIG. 61) may be assembled 
on rack 1 to provide additional storage. Row dividers 8 (FIGS. 62-65) are 
provided to separate and stabilize adjacent vertical stacks of articles 
supported on shelf assemblies 5. A light diffuser panel 9 (FIG. 67) may be 
provided at the upper end of rack 1 to impart a neat, finished appearance 
to the rack. A shelf jack 10 (FIGS. 78-79) may be provided between shelf 
assemblies 5 to vertically stabilize and support the same. An anchor 
caster 11 (FIGS. 80-82) may be mounted in the lowermost shelf assembly 5 
to provide vertical stability for shelf assemblies 5, and facilitate 
transport. 
In the illustrated example, end panels 2 and 3 (FIG. 4) are substantially 
identical, and are disposed at opposite sides of dispensing rack 1. Since 
the illustrated end panels 2 and 3 are substantially identical, the 
detailed description provided herein shall relate only to the left-hand 
end panel 2, with similar parts on right-hand end panel 3 bearing similar 
reference numerals. 
End panel 2 (FIGS. 5-8) includes a rigid, flat panel 20, which in the 
present example, has a rectangular elevational shape, with an upper edge 
21, a lower edge 22, and opposite side edges 23 and 24. Panel 20 is 
preferably constructed from a strong durable material, such as a dense 
particle board, or the like. The exterior face of panel 20 is preferably 
covered by a layer or sheet 25 of an imperforate, maintenance free 
material, such as vinyl, or the like, and may include a decorative, wood 
grain appearance. The illustrated panel 20 includes a rectangular aperture 
26 in which a window assembly 27 is mounted to improve product exposure. 
The opposite side edges 23 and 24 of panel 20 both include recessed 
surfaces 34-37 with associated end shoulders and a pair of inwardly 
extending grooves 28-29 and 30-31 for mounting a pair of corner brackets 
32 and 33 to panel 2, in the manner described in greater detail below. 
In the illustrated example, corner brackets 32 and 33 are substantially 
identical, and are preferably constructed from a length of elongate, rigid 
stock having a lateral cross-sectional shape that is substantially uniform 
along its entire length. Since corner brackets 32 and 33 are substantially 
identical, for ease in description, reference herein shall be had only to 
corner bracket 32, with similar parts on corner bracket 33 bearing the 
same reference numerals. 
With reference to FIGS. 5-8, corner bracket 32 has a generally L-shaped 
lateral cross-sectional configuration, with first and second faces 38 and 
39 respectively. Corner bracket 32 comprises two, generally arcuately 
shaped walls 40 and 41 disposed in a mutually parallel relationship. 
Corner bracket walls 40 and 41 include outer ends 42-44, and curved or 
rounded medial sections 46 and 47. Two continuously extending, integrally 
formed webs 48 and 49 rigidly interconnect corner bracket walls 40 and 41, 
and retain the same in a selected, spaced apart relationship. Two 
dovetail-shaped grooves 50 and 51 extend along the exterior surfaces of 
outer wall 40 on opposite sides of medial section 46, and provide a 
connector for purposes to be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
The second face 39 of corner bracket 32 defines a flange between walls 40 
and 41, and includes two ribs 52 and 53, which extend inwardly from the 
interior surfaces of walls 40 and 41. Rib 53 is disposed along the 
terminal edge of bracket end 45, and rib 52 is positioned between the 
bracket end 43 and web 48. Hence, ribs 52 and 53 are staggered in a 
fore-to-aft relationship, but are oriented generally parallel. A flange 54 
extends laterally inwardly from bracket wall 41, adjacent outer end 45. 
Flange 54 includes a first, U-shaped groove 55 at its inward end, which 
faces toward corner bracket 33, and a second, U-shaped groove 56 at the 
free end thereof, which faces forwardly toward wall end 44. A mating 
U-shaped groove 57 is positioned on inner bracket wall 41, adjacent end 
44, which faces inwardly, and is laterally aligned with groove 56. 
The first face 38 (FIGS. 5-8) of corner bracket 32 also defines a flange 
between walls 40 and 41, and includes two ribs 58 and 59 which extend 
toward each other from the inner surfaces of bracket walls 40 and 41. Rib 
59 is disposed along the terminal edge of end 44 of inner bracket wall 42, 
and rib 58 is disposed between bracket end 42 and web 49. Hence, ribs 58 
and 59 are arranged in a laterally staggered fashion, and extend in a 
generally parallel relationship. A boss 60 extends along the arcuate 
portion 47 of inner bracket wall 41, and has a split, cylindrically-shaped 
construction for purposes to be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
In one embodiment of the present invention, corner brackets 32 and 33 are 
constructed from sections of extruded aluminum channel. 
The laterally opening space disposed between inner and outer walls 40 and 
41 at bracket ends 42 and 44 defines a groove 63. The fore-to-aft opening 
space disposed between inner and outer walls 40 and 41 at bracket ends 43 
and 45 defines a groove 64. 
When assembled into the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, end 
panel 2 has corner brackets 32 and 33 mounted along the side edges 23 and 
24 of panel 20. The recessed surfaces 34-37 of panel 20 are closely 
received within the flanges formed between bracket walls 40 and 41 at the 
second faces 39 of corner brackets 32 and 33. The ribs 52 and 53 on corner 
bracket 32 are received in mating grooves 30 and 31 respectively of panel 
20. The terminal edges of bracket ends 43 and 45 abut the mating end 
shoulders on the recessed surfaces 36 and 37 of panel 20. In like manner, 
ribs 52 and 53 of corner bracket 33 are closely received in mating grooves 
30 and 31 respectively of panel 20, with the terminal edges of bracket 
ends 43 and 45 abutting the opposite end shoulders on the recessed 
surfaces 34 and 35 of panel 20. Corner brackets 32 and 33 are fixedly 
attached to panel 20 to prevent longitudinal movement therebetween by 
suitable means, such as staking, or simply frictional contact between 
corner brackets 32 and 33 and the associated side edges 23 and 24 of panel 
20. 
As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the window assembly 27 of end panel 2 
comprises a rectangular marginal frame 70, having a rigid, transparent 
panel 71 mounted therein. Window assembly 27 is mounted in opening 26 of 
panel 20 in a conventional fashion, and provides additional visual 
exposure of product contained in rack 1 for improved display. 
With reference to FIGS. 46-48, end panel 2, as well as end panel 3, 
includes an inner panel 75, which in the illustrated example, has a 
substantially rectangular plan configuration with an upper edge 76, a 
lower edge 77, and opposite side edges 78 and 79. Inner panel 75 has a 
substantially planar marginal area 80, and a plurality of convex, or 
inwardly extending panel areas 81-84. Preferably, inner panel 75 has a 
one-piece, integral construction, comprising a molded sheet of relatively 
thin plastic, or the like. Each panel area 81-84 has trapezoidally-shaped 
vertical and horizontal cross-sectional configurations, with raised 
marginal sidewalls 85-88 extending from the marginal area 80 of inner 
panel 75. V-shaped grooves 89-91 are formed between the adjacent upper and 
lower walls 85 and 86 of panels 81-84, and provide visual indicator means 
for positioning shelf assemblies 5, as described below. In the illustrated 
example, the uppermost panel area 81 includes a rectangularly shaped 
aperture 92, which is substantially similar in shape to window aperture 26 
in panel 20. A transparent sheet 93 is attached to the interior side of 
inner panel 75 about the periphery of aperture 92, and forms a windowpane 
that is laterally aligned with window assembly 27. 
As best illustrated in FIG. 32, the side edges 78 and 79 of inner panel 75 
are closely received in grooves 55 of corner brackets 32 and 33, so as to 
mount inner panel 75 on end panel 2. The interior surfaces of panel areas 
81-84 are substantially coplanar with first faces 38 of corner brackets 32 
and 33, so as to substantially fill or close the void defined between 
flanges 54 on corner brackets 32 and 33. As a result, objects may be 
easily inserted and withdrawn from shelf assembly 5, without abutting or 
being caught by corner brackets 32 and/or 33. 
End panel 2 (FIG. 32), as well as end panel 3, includes two slotted 
uprights 100 and 101. Uprights 100 and 101 are substantially identical, 
such that for ease of description herein, reference shall be made only to 
upright 100, with similar parts on upright 101 bearing similar reference 
numerals. As best illustrated in FIGS. 9-14, upright 100 comprises an 
elongated, rigid bar, having a substantially rectangular transverse 
cross-sectional shape, with an upper edge 102, a lower edge 103, and 
opposite side edges 104 and 105. Upright 100 includes a series of 
rectangularly-shaped slots 106 and 107 which extend through the front and 
rear faces of upright 100, and are arranged in laterally aligned 
side-by-side pairs. Slots 106 and 107 extend along the length of upright 
100 in a regularly spaced apart fashion. Each of the slots 106 and 107 has 
a rectangular elevational shape, defined by an upper edge 108, a lower 
edge 109, and opposite side edges 110 and 111. Square-shaped apertures 112 
also extend through the opposite faces of upright 100, and are spaced at 
regular intervals along the length of upright 100 to facilitate visual 
location of shelf assemblies 5. A pair of V-shaped notches 113 and 114 
extend through the side edges 104 and 105 of upright 100 adjacent the 
medial portion of each square aperture 112, and serve to facilitate 
connecting upright 100 with associated end panel 2. 
When assembled, uprights 100 and 101 (FIG. 3) are received in the opposing 
grooves 56 and 57 of corner brackets 32 and 33, and extend substantially 
along the entire length thereof. Uprights 100 and 101 are staked in corner 
brackets 32 and 33 by swagging an indentation 117 (FIG. 14) in the end 
portion of channel flange 54, which projects inwardly into the inwardly 
facing one of notches 113 and 114 on upright 100 and 101. The upper edges 
102 of uprights 100 and 101 are positioned a spaced apart distance from 
the upper ends of corner brackets 32 and 33, as shown in FIG. 56, to 
provide space in which header assembly 6 is mounted to dispensing rack 1, 
as described in greater detail hereinafter. 
End panel 2 also includes a filler or cover strip 120 (FIGS. 11-14), which 
is shaped for assembly on the first face 38 of front quarter bracket 32. 
In the illustrated example, cover strip 120 comprises an elongate channel, 
constructed from a length of an extruded material, such as aluminum, or 
the like. Cover strip 120 has a generally U-shaped transverse 
cross-sectional shape, comprising a web 121, and opposite side flanges 122 
and 123. The left-hand flange 123 includes a laterally extending lip 124, 
and a notch 125 is provided at the intersection of right-hand flange 122 
and web 121. As best illustrated in FIG. 13, cover strip 120 is shaped to 
be closely received within the aperture or void 126 defined between 
channel walls 40 and 41 at the outer ends 42 and 44 thereof, and closes 
the same. The lip portion 124 of cover strip 120 engages rib 58 on bracket 
wall 40, and the notch portion 125 of cover strip 120 is positioned over 
rib 59 of inner channel wall 41, so as to securely lock cover strip 120 in 
place. Cover strip 120 is installed by sliding the same longitudinally 
into void 126. When channel strip 120 is installed in corner bracket 32, 
the exterior surface of web 121 is substantially flush with the ends 42 
and 44 of channel walls 40 and 41, and covers the groove or space formed 
therebetween, so as to present a neat, finished appearance. 
With reference to FIGS. 15-26, shelf assembly 5 comprises a plurality of 
shelf support bars 130, which extend between opposite end panels 2 and 3, 
and support shelves 131 (FIGS. 29 and 30) thereon. Shelf support bars 130 
(FIGS. 15-26) are substantially identical, and comprise an elongate bar, 
which in the illustrated example, is constructed from a section of 
rectangular tubing, having an upper wall 132, a lower wall 133, and 
opposite sidewalls 134 and 135. A pair of apertures 136 extend through 
sidewalls 134 and 135 at opposite ends of shelf support bar 130. Shelf 
support bar 130 has opposite ends 137 and 138, which are specially shaped 
to facilitate insertion into the slots 106 and 107 of uprights 100 and 
101, and to lockingly engage the same. The opposite ends 137 and 138 of 
shelf support bar 130 are substantially identical, and each comprises a 
pair of laterally extending prongs 139 and 140, which in the present 
example, are formed by cutting away the upper wall 132 and the lower wall 
133 of shelf support bar, such that prongs 139 and 140 are integral with 
bar sidewalls 134 and 135. Each of the prongs 139 and 140 has a 
substantially rectangular front elevational configuration, comprising an 
upper edge 141, a lower edge 142, and an end edge 143. A vertically 
extending shoulder 144 is formed at the intersection of lower edge 142 and 
lower channel wall 133. Each prong 139 and 140 also includes a notch 145, 
which extends vertically upwardly from the lower edge 142 thereof, and has 
a width substantially equal to the thickness of uprights 100 and 101. As 
best illustrated in FIG. 26, the notches 145 on the opposite ends 137 and 
138 of shelf support bar 130 are spaced apart a distance that is 
substantially equal to the distance between the uprights 101 and 100 on 
the opposite end panels 2 and 3. As best shown in FIG. 25, the height of 
prongs 139 and 140, as measured between upper and lower edges 141 and 142, 
is slightly less than the length of upright slots 106 and 107, such that 
prongs 139 and 140 can be inserted into and closely received within slots 
106 and 107. Shoulder 144 provides a stop that abuts the exterior surface 
of upright 100, and prevents shelf support bar 130 from being inserted 
further into the associated corner bracket 32. Each shoulder 144 is 
positioned in a preselected location with respect to the associated notch 
145 such that, as in the illustrated example, when the left-hand end 137 
of shelf support bar 130 is fully inserted into the slots 106 and 107 of 
upright 100, the right-hand end 138 of shelf support bar 130 is disposed 
close to, but spaced slightly apart from a pair of aligned slots 106 and 
107 in upright 101 in the opposite end panel 3. 
With reference to FIGS. 22-26, shelf support bars 130 are installed in rack 
1 in the following fashion. The assembler selects a pair of upright slots 
106 and 107 on one of the end panels, such as the illustrated left-hand 
end panel 2. When dispensing rack 1 is used for some particular types of 
product, such as cigarette cartons, rack 1 is typically divided into 
predetermined or standard volumes or shelf areas, which are leased to 
certain merchandisers. For a given shelf depth and width, the vertical 
distance between shelves, or equipment row, is used to measure the product 
space. Location of shelf assemblies 5 at these standard shelf locations is 
facilitated by the square apertures 112 in uprights 100 and 101. Hence, 
the assembler may easily locate the standard location for shelf assembly 5 
by setting shelf support bar 130 at a preselected distance from the square 
upright apertures 112. In the illustrated example, shelf support bar 103 
is shown inserted into slots 106 and 107 located two levels above the 
square apertures 112 in uprights 100 and 101. The assembler aligns prongs 
139 and 140 with mating upright slots 106 and 107, as shown in FIG. 22, 
and inserts shelf support bar 130 into upright 100, until shoulder 144 
engages the outer face of upright 100, as shown in FIG. 23. Shoulder 144 
provides a positive stop against further insertion of shelf support bar 
103. The void or space defined between inner wall 41, and grooves 56 and 
57 provides clearance to insertingly receive prongs 139 and 140 therein. 
As shown in FIG. 24, the right-hand end 138 of shelf support bar 130 is 
then aligned with a mating pair of slots 106 and 107 in upright 101 on the 
right-hand end panel 3, which are laterally aligned with the slots 106 and 
107 in upright 100 on the left-hand end panel 2. Shelf support bar 130 is 
then translated laterally in the opposite direction noted by the arrows in 
FIGS. 24 and 26, along a generally horizontal plane, so that the prongs 
139 and 140 on the right-hand end 138 of shelf support bar 130 are 
inserted into mating slots 106 and 107 on right-hand end panel 3. In the 
example illustrated in FIGS. 22-26, shelf support bar 130 is translated to 
the right until both notches 145 are aligned vertically with the lower 
edges 109 of each of the associated upright slots 106 and 107. Shelf 
support bar 130 then drops or translates downwardly slightly, as shown by 
the vertical arrows in FIGS. 24 and 26, until notches 145 are fully 
engaged over the lower edges 109 of upright slots 106 and 107, as shown in 
FIG. 26, to positively, yet releasably mount shelf support bar 130 on end 
panels 2 and 3. 
With reference to FIGS. 27-31, shelf assembly 5 also includes a plurality 
of shelves 131, each of which is supported on a pair of the shelf support 
bars 130, in the fashion described below. Each shelf 131 comprises a rigid 
center panel 150, which in the present example, has a substantially 
rectangular top plan configuration, comprising a front edge 151, a rear 
edge 152, opposite end edges 153 and 154, and upper and lower faces 155 
and 156 respectively. A pair of channels 157 and 158 are attached to and 
extend along the front and rear edges 151 and 152 of panel 150. The front 
and rear edges 151 and 152 of panel 150 are substantially identical in 
shape, and include recessed surfaces 159 and 160 on the upper and lower 
faces 155 and 156 of panel 150. A pair of grooves 161 and 162 extend 
longitudinally along the front and rear edges 151 and 152 of panel 150, 
through recessed surfaces 159 and 160. A rectangularly shaped notch 160 is 
formed at the lower edge of panel 150, and is defined by mutually 
perpendicular walls 164 and 165. 
Shelf channels 157 and 158 (FIGS. 27-31) are substantially identical in 
shape, and are preferably constructed from lengths of a rigid, extruded 
stock material, such as aluminum, or the like. For ease of description, 
the detailed description herein shall relate only to shelf channel 157, 
with similar parts on shelf channel 158 bearing the same reference 
numerals Shelf channel 157 includes an upper flange 170, a forward flange 
171, and an intermediate flange 172. The forward flange 171 of shelf 
channel 157 includes a rounded upper edge 173, and two angled, or mutually 
inclined grooves 174 and 175. A dovetail-shaped groove 176, and an 
oblong-shaped groove 177 are formed along the interior surface of forward 
flange 171, adjacent the lower end thereof. Intermediate flange 172 
includes a Z-shaped, laterally extending flange 178, having an inwardly 
facing rib 179 disposed along the outer, free edge thereof. The lower end 
of intermediate flange 172 is barb-shaped, with an inclined edge 180, 
which in conjunction with Z-shaped flange 178, defines a laterally 
extending groove 181. Upper flange 170 also includes an inwardly facing, 
laterally extending rib 182 disposed adjacent to the inner edge thereof. 
The laterally opening space disposed between upper flange 170 and Z-shaped 
flange 178 defines a groove 183 (FIG. 27). The downwardly opening space 
disposed between upper flange 170, forward flange 171 and intermediate 
flange 172 defines a groove 184. 
When shelf 131 is assembled, channels 157 and 158 are mounted on the 
forward and rearward edges 151 and 152 of panel 150 in the following 
manner. In general, the side edges 151 and 152 of shelf panel 150 are 
mounted in the grooves 183 of shelf channels 157 and 158. More 
specifically, channels 157 and 158 are slid longitudinally along panel 
edges 151 and 152, with ribs 179 and 182 received in mating notches 162 
and 161. Forward panel notch 163 is received closely against Z-shaped 
flange 178. The outer edge 151 of panel 150 is disposed adjacent 
intermediate channel 172, and the upper and lower inner flanges of 
channels 157 and 158 are received in the recessed portions 159 and 160 of 
panel 150, so as to present a smooth, flush, planar surface with the upper 
and lower surfaces 155 and 156 of panel 150. The length of shelf 131 is 
selected so that end edges 153 and 154 are disposed closely adjacent to 
the first faces 38 of the corner brackets 32 and 33 on both of the end 
panels 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. 32, so that shelves 131 provide lateral, 
or side-to-side rigidity to dispensing rack 1. 
As best illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, a pair of L-shaped edge strips 190 
may be provided to cover the opposite side edges 153 and 154 of shelf 
panel 150. In the illustrated example, edge strips 190 are constructed 
from an extruded, synthetic resin material, such as vinyl, or the like, 
and have the vertical flanges 191 adhered to the side edges 153 and 154 of 
shelf panel 150, and the horizontal flanges 192 adhered to the lower face 
156 of shelf panel 150 at the opposite ends thereof. Edge strips 190 
provide a neat smooth appearance for the side edges of shelves 131, which 
is particularly important when the end panels 2 and 3 of dispensing rack 1 
include window assemblies 27 that expose the end edges of shelves 131. 
With reference to FIG. 31, shelves 131 are mounted in dispensing rack 1 by 
a pair of the shelf support bars 130. Two shelf support bars 130 are 
mounted on uprights 100 and 101 on opposite end panels 2 and 3 in the 
manner described above. Shelf support bars 130 are normally positioned s 
that they lie in a substantially horizontal plane When shelves 131 are 
assembled, the downwardly open groove 184 in shelf channels 157 and 158 
are closely received over the associated shelf support bars 130. Shelf 
support bars 130 are snugly received within channel grooves 184, with the 
opposite sides thereof firmly engaging the support bar sidewalls 134 and 
135, so as to provide fore-to-aft rigidity to dispensing rack 1, as 
described in greater detail hereinafter. 
As best illustrated in FIG. 32, in the assembled condition, the side edges 
153 and 154 of shelves 131 are disposed closely adjacent to the center 
panel areas 82 of inner panel 75. Furthermore, the edge strips 190 on 
shelves 131 are disposed adjacent to the end surfaces of channel faces 38, 
so as to present a smooth, substantially continuous shelf area which 
permits product to be easily inserted into and withdrawn from dispensing 
rack 1. 
With reference to FIGS. 33-43, shelves 131 may also include a trim strip 
196 and/or a UPC code strip 197. The illustrated trim strip 196 (FIGS. 
33-35) comprises an elongate piece of extruded synthetic resin material, 
having a ribbed exterior surface 198, and a curved interior surface 199, 
which is contoured to mate with the exterior surface of the front flange 
171 of shelf channel 157. Two angled ribs 200 and 201 extend rearwardly 
from the interior surface 199 of trim strip 196, and are shaped to be 
closely received in the mating grooves 174 and 175 of shelf channel 157. 
Under normal circumstances, trim strip 196 is installed only in the 
forward edge 151 of shelf 131, since the rearward edge 152 is not exposed. 
Trim strip 196 provides a protective cover for the front edge of shelf 
131, and may be easily removed and replaced. 
UPC strip 197 (FIGS. 36-39) is also designed to be mounted on the forward 
channel 157 of shelf 131, and in the illustrated example is constructed 
from a length of extruded semi-rigid synthetic resin material. A UPC strip 
197 comprises an outer wall 204, and an inner wall 205, which are 
rotatably and integrally interconnected along a living hinge 206. Outer 
wall 204 has a ribbed exterior surface 207, and includes a notched latch 
portion 208 along its free end. Inner wall 205 includes two angled ribs 
209 and 210 which are shaped for close reception in the grooves 174 and 
175 of shelf channel 157. The upper edge 213 of inner wall 205 is beveled, 
and adapted to engage the latch portion 208 of outer wall 204 to form a 
snap lock therebetween when the UPC strip is in the closed position 
illustrated in FIGS. 36-38. The interior surface 211 of inner Wall 205 is 
adapted to display indicia, which in the illustrated example, comprises a 
price sticker 212, which identifies the price of the goods displayed on 
the shelf directly above, as well as the associated UPC bar code. 
UPC strip 197 is installed in the front channel 157 of shelf 131 by 
inserting ribs 209 and 210 in associated grooves 174 and 175. When UPC 
strip 197 is in the open position illustrated in FIG. 39, price sticker 
212 is displayed. UPC strip 197 is closed by simply rotating outer wall 
204 about living hinge 206, until latch 208 snaps onto the beveled upper 
edge 213 of inner wall 205. When UPC strip is in the closed condition 
shown in FIGS. 36-38, outer wall 204 covers price sticker 212. 
Shelf assembly 5 also includes a toe guard strip 216 (FIGS. 41-43). The 
illustrated toe guard strip 216 is preferably constructed from a length of 
extruded, semi-rigid synthetic resin material, and is in the nature of a 
slightly curved, panel-shaped flap, having a flat upper edge 217, a 
rounded lower edge 218, and opposite side faces 219 and 220. Toe guard 
strip 216 curves forwardly toward lower edge 218, and includes a 
dovetail-shaped rib 221 extending longitudinally along adjacent upper edge 
217, which is adapted for close reception in the mating groove 176 of the 
front shelf channel 157, as shown in FIG. 42. Toe guard strip 216 includes 
recess 222 directly below rib 221, so that the exterior face 219 of toe 
guard strip 216 is substantially flush with the forward flange 171 of 
shelf channel 157. The upper edge 217 of toe guard strip 216 abuts the 
lower, inner edge of channel 157, so as to permit additional flexure of 
toe guard strip 216 in shelf channel 157. Toe guard strip 216 is normally 
mounted in the lowermost one of the shelves 131 of dispensing rack 1, and 
covers the space between that shelf and the floor, as best illustrated in 
FIG. 45. 
With reference to FIGS. 44 and 45, shelves 131 are installed in dispensing 
rack 1 in the following fashion. For each shelf 131, a pair of shelf 
support bars 130 are mounted in the uprights 100 and 101 of each end panel 
2 and 3, in the manner described above. The lowermost shelf 131 is 
provided with a toe guard strip 216 in its forward channel 157. With the 
shelf 131 tilted or angled diagonally, as illustrated in FIG. 44, shelf 
131 is inserted between end panels 2 and 3, until the rear channel 158 of 
shelf 131 is disposed adjacent to the rear of dispensing rack 1. The 
downwardly opening grooves 184 on shelf channels 157 and 158 at the 
downwardly tilted end of shelf 131 are aligned with and inserted over the 
associated shelf support bars 130. As previously noted, the opposite end 
of shelf 131 is then rotated downwardly, until it bottoms out against 
shelf support bars 130. The close fitting relationship of shelf channels 
184 on shelf support bars 130 provides very secure fore-to-aft rigidity 
for rack 1. Furthermore, the close spacing of the shelf ends 153 and 154 
adjacent to the associated corner brackets 32 and 33 of end panels 2 and 3 
provide substantial side-to-side or lateral rigidity to rack 1. Additional 
shelves 131 are installed on mating pairs of shelve support bars 130 in a 
manner similar to the procedure outlined above. 
With reference to FIGS. 49-55, back panels 4 extend between end panels 2 
and 3 along the rearward edges thereof, and close off the rear of 
dispensing rack 1. In the illustrated example, back panels 4 are 
substantially identical in shape, and each comprises a rigid center panel 
228, having a substantially rectangular front elevational shape, 
comprising an upper edge 229, a lower edge 230, opposite side edges 231 
and 232, and opposite faces 233 and 234. The illustrated back panel 228 is 
constructed from a dense particle board, and includes two sheets or layers 
235 of an imperforate laminate, such as vinyl or the like adhered to both 
faces 233 and 234 of panel 228. The side edges 231 and 232 of panel 228 
include recessed areas 236 and 237, with inwardly facing, staggered 
grooves 238 and 239. A pair of side channels 240 and 241 are mounted along 
the side edges 231 and 232 of back panel 228, and include a U-shaped body 
242 having inwardly facing ribs 243 and 244 positioned to be closely 
received in the associated grooves 238 and 239 of back panel 228. Side 
channels 240 and 241 also include two laterally extending flanges 245 and 
246, which include outwardly protruding ends or ribs 247 and 248. Flanges 
245 and 246 are shaped to be closely received within the grooves 63 of the 
rearward corner brackets 33 on end panels 2 and 3. When assembled, flange 
end 247 is positioned between rib 58 and web 49, and flange end 248 is 
positioned on the inward side of rib 59, which is captured therein against 
the adjacent portion of channel 242. In this fashion, back panels 4 are 
slidingly received in the grooves 63 of rear corner brackets 33 of both 
end panels 2 and 3. 
The upper and lower edges 229 and 230 (FIGS. 50-52) of back panel 228 also 
include recess side faces 252-253 and 254-255, as well as staggered 
grooves 256-257 and 258-259. A female V-channel 260 is attached to the 
upper edge 229 of back panel 228, and a male V-channel 261 is attached to 
the lower edge 230 of back panel 228. Both the female and male V channels 
260 and 261 include U-shaped bodies, comprising webs 264-265, and opposite 
flanges 266-269. Inwardly facing ribs 270-273 are positioned in a 
staggered fashion on channels 260 and 261, and are closely received in 
grooves 256-259. The web 264 of female V-channel 260 includes an upwardly 
facing, wedge-shaped groove 274 defined by trapezoidally arranged faces 
275-277. A semi-cylindrically shaped groove of recess 278 extends 
longitudinally along the face 277 of groove 274 for purposes to be 
described in greater detail hereinafter. The web portion 265 of male 
V-channel 261 includes a downwardly protruding rib 279, defined by 
trapezoidally arranged faces 280-282. A semi-cylindrically shaped rib or 
ridge 283 is disposed longitudinally along face 282 of rib 279, and is 
shaped to be closely received within the mating recess 278 in groove 274 
to form a snap lock between vertically stacked back panels 4. 
Back panels 4 are assembled in dispensing rack I in the following fashion. 
One of the end panels, such as left-hand end panel 2, is placed exterior 
side down on a floor surface. The lowermost back panel 4 is then installed 
on the rear corner bracket 33 of end panel 2 by inserting the left-hand 
side flanges 245 and 246 of back panel 4 into the groove 63 of corner 
bracket 33 from the bottom end thereof. The female V-channel 260 on back 
panel 4 should be facing the upper end on end panel 2. In the event that 
casters or feet are to be assembled on dispensing rack 1, such casters 
and/or feet are then fixed in place on the lower ends of corner brackets 
32 and 33. End panel 2, with lowermost back panel 4 attached thereto, is 
then rotated upwardly to an upright position, such that back panel 4 
assumes its normal, substantially horizontal orientation. The right-hand 
end panel 3 is then assembled onto the right-hand side of back panel 4 by 
lifting right-hand end panel 3 upwardly, and lowering the same downwardly, 
with groove 63 on the right-hand rear corner channel of end panel 3 
received over flanges 245 and 246 of the right-hand, back panel channel 
242, until right-hand end panel 3 engages the floor. A second back panel 4 
is then assembled on dispensing rack 1 by lifting the same above the upper 
ends of the rear corner brackets 33, and sliding the same downwardly along 
grooves 63, until the male V-channel 261 in the upper back panel 4 abuts 
the female V-channel 260 in the lowermost back panel 4. Downward force is 
then applied to the upper back panel 4, thereby causing the ridge 283 on 
male V-channel 261 to snap into the mating recess 278 on female V-channel 
260, so as to releasably, structurally interconnect the same, and 
simultaneously form a seal therebetween. Additional back panels 4 are 
assembled on the rear corner brackets 33 in a similar fashion, until the 
entire back of rack 1 has been closed. As best shown in FIG. 49, a 
U-shaped back panel cover strip 268 is provided to cover the female 
V-channel 260 on the uppermost back panel 4. 
With reference to FIGS. 56-60, header assembly 6 is mounted in the forward 
corner brackets 32 of end panels 2 and 3 at the uppermost ends thereof. In 
the illustrated example, header assembly 6 comprises a pair of upper and 
lower channels 290 and 291, in which a signage panel 292 is mounted Header 
channels 290 and 291 are substantially identical, and are preferably 
constructed from lengths of an extruded rigid material, such as aluminum 
channel, or the like. Channels 290 and 291 each have a generally C-shaped 
configuration, comprising an outer flange 293, an inner flange 294, and a 
web 295 extending along the forward edges of flanges 293 and 294. The 
inner flanges 294 include an inwardly facing groove 296 in which the upper 
and lower edges of signage panel 292 are received and retained. Outer 
flanges 293 include a barb-shaped groove 297 and a ledge 307 adjacent the 
rearward edges thereof for purposes to be described below. A pair of 
vertically aligned fastener bosses 298 and 299 are provided on flanges 293 
and 294 respectively, adjacent medial portions thereof, and facilitate 
mounting a pair of slides 300 and 301 to the left and right-hand sides of 
header assembly 6. Slides 300 and 301 are substantially identical, and as 
best illustrated in FIG. 57, have a wing-like construction, comprising a 
flat central web 302, with laterally bent, outwardly extending flanges 303 
and 304. Each slide 300 and 301 includes four fasteners 305 extending 
laterally through mating apertures (not shown) therein, and have their 
ends engaged in fastening bosses 298 and 299. Slides 300 and 301 are 
spaced apart so as to be slidingly received in the grooves 56 and 57 on 
the forward corner brackets 32 of end panels 2 and 3. 
The illustrated single panel 292 has a rectangular plan configuration, with 
marginal edges captured between upper and lower channels 290 and 291, and 
slides 300 and 301. Single panel 292 is rigid, and is adapted to display 
indicia thereon, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Single panel 292 is preferably 
constructed from a sheet of lightweight, durable material, such as a rigid 
synthetic resin material. 
Header assembly 6 is installed in rack 1 by inserting slides 300 and 301 
into channel grooves 56 and 57, and translating the same downwardly until 
the lower ends 306 of slides 300 and 301 abut the upper ends 102 of 
uprights 100 and 101. The height of uprights 100 and 101 is selected so 
that when header assembly 6 is assembled, the upper surface of header 
channel 293 is substantially flush with the upper end edges cf forward 
corner brackets 32. 
With reference to FIG. 61, add-on shelf kit 7 comprises a pair of add-on 
end panels 310 and 311, an add-on back panel 312, a pair of add-on inner 
panels 313 and 314, four upright extenders 315, as well as an additional 
shelf 131, and two shelf support bars 130. Add-on end panels 310 and 311 
are substantially identical to end panels 2 and 3, except that their 
height is greatly reduced, providing only that additional height necessary 
for one more shelf 131. Add-on back panel 312 is substantially identical 
to back panel 4, except that its height is such as to close off only the 
rear section of the add-on end panels 310 and 311. Add on inner panels 313 
and 314 are substantially identical to inner panels 75, except that their 
height is substantially coextensive with that of add-on end panels 310 and 
311. Upright extenders 315 are substantially identical in construction to 
uprights 100 and 101, but their height is only substantially equal to the 
height of add-on end panels 310 and 311. The shelf 131 and shelf support 
bars 130 associated with add-on shelf kit 7 are identical to the 
previously described parts. 
To assemble add-on shelf kit 7, header assembly 6 is first removed from the 
forward corner brackets 32, by sliding the same upwardly therefrom. 
Upright extenders 315 are then inserted into grooves 56 and 57 of each of 
the corner brackets, until the lower ends of upright extenders 315 abut 
the upper ends 102 of uprights 100 and 101. Two add-on shelf support bars 
130 are mounted in the upper ends of uprights 100 and 101, and add-on 
shelf 131 is then mounted thereon in the manner discussed above. The 
slides 300 and 301 on header assembly 6 are then inserted into grooves 56 
and 57 of the forward corner brackets 32 on add-on end panels 310 and 311. 
It is to be noted that by virtue of the modular design of dispensing rack 
1, many different shapes and configurations can be made using common 
parts. For example, different height dispensing racks 1 can be easily 
constructed by providing alternate end panels 2 and 3 of varying heights. 
In such embodiments all the parts of the new end panels 2 and 3 would be 
identical, except that they would be either shorter or longer. The same 
back panels 4, shelf assemblies 5, header assembly 6, and other parts used 
with rack would also be used in such alternate embodiments. In like 
manner, both single depth and double depth dispensing racks 1 can be 
constructed by providing end panels 2 and 3, and shelves 131 of different 
widths. Such modified versions of dispensing rack 1 would also incorporate 
many common parts, such as corner brackets 32 and 33, back panels 4, shelf 
support bars 130, header assembly 6, etc., so as to greatly reduce 
manufacturing costs, yet maximize versatility. As another example, 
dispensing racks 1 with different widths can also be constructed by simply 
providing alternate shelf assemblies 5, and back panels 4. Still further 
variations and modifications to dispensing rack 1 are possible, as would 
be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. 
As best illustrated in FIGS. 62-66, row dividers 8 are provided between 
adjacent shelves 131 to separate and stabilize adjacent vertically stacked 
rows of articles, such as the cigarette cartons 322 illustrated in FIG. 
66. In the illustrated example, each row divider 8 comprises a flat panel 
323 constructed from a relatively thin sheet of semi-rigid synthetic resin 
material, and has a generally Y-shaped side elevational configuration, 
comprising an upper edge 324, a lower edge 325, upper inclined side edges 
326 and 327, and lower straight side edges 328 and 329. The upper edge 324 
of Y-shaped panel 323 includes a pair of hooks 330 and 331 at opposite 
ends thereof, which are shaped to be closely received in mating grooves. 
When row divider 8 is supported by a shelf 131, as shown in FIG. 65, hooks 
330 and 331 are received in the barb-shaped grooves 181 in the forward and 
rearward channels 157 and 158 of shelf 131. Hooks 330 and 331 each include 
an upwardly extending arm 332, with outwardly extending points defined by 
intersecting edges 333 and 334. A resiliently flexible retainer tab 335 
extends inwardly from the rear surface of arm 332 at a downwardly inclined 
angle, and functions as a leaf spring, as described in greater detail 
below. In the illustrated example, a pair of notches 329 are provided in 
the upper edge 324 of Y-shaped divider panel 323 to render panel 323 more 
vertically flexible to facilitate inserting panel hooks 330 and 331 in 
mating channel grooves 181. The height of Y-shaped panel 323, as measured 
between upper and lower edges 324 and 325, is substantially commensurate 
with the vertical distance between adjacent shelves 131. The depth of 
divider panel 323, as measured between opposite side edges 326 & 327 and 
328 & 329, is preferably less than the depth of at least the lower shelf 
131, such as the edges 326-329 of divider panel 323 are either flush with 
or recessed inwardly from the forward and rearward channels 157 and 158 of 
shelf 131. 
The uppermost row dividers 8 (FIG. 64), which are positioned to separate 
and stabilize cigarette cartons 322 disposed on the uppermost shelf 131, 
are suspended from header assembly 6 at their front edges, and by a 
special support strip 336 at their rear edges. The forward hooks 330 on 
row dividers 8 are received in the barb-shaped groove 297 on the lower 
channel 291 of header assembly 6. Light diffuser panel 9 is abuttingly 
supported on the ledge 307 of lower header channel 291. Support strip 336 
is positioned on the uppermost back panel 4, and includes an inverted 
U-shaped body 337, and a laterally extending arm 338. The support strip 
body 337 is received over and mounted on the female V-channel 260 of the 
uppermost back panel 4. Support strip arm 338 extends forwardly from back 
panel 4, and includes a barb-shaped groove 339, and an L-shaped ledge 340. 
The rearward hooks 331 of the uppermost row dividers 8 are mounted in 
groove 339 of support strip 336. The rearward edge of light diffuser panel 
9 is supported on the ledge 340 of support strip 336. 
As best illustrated in FIG. 66, a plurality of row dividers 8 are suspended 
or hung from header channel 291 and support strip 336 at the uppermost 
shelf, and from grooves 181 of shelves 131. Row dividers 8 slide laterally 
in their mating channels to permit quick and easy adjustment to 
accommodate the width of the articles stored in rack 1. As best shown in 
FIG. 66, when cigarette cartons 322 are stacked in adjacent, vertical 
rows, with dividers 8 disposed therebetween, divider panels 8 not only 
divide the adjacent rows of articles such that they can be easily inserted 
into rack 1, without catching or binding on adjacent articles, but they 
also prevent the articles from toppling or tipping sideways. 
In operation, row dividers 8 are assembled in dispensing rack 1 in the 
following fashion. When row dividers 8 are to be hung from a shelf 
assembly 5, as shown in FIG. 65, the hooks 330 and 331 of each row divider 
8 are positioned directly beneath the front and rear channel grooves 181 
at the approximate side-to-side position at which the row divider 8 is 
required. Next, hooks 330 and 331 are sequentially inserted upwardly into 
front and rear channel grooves 181. During the insertion of hooks 330 and 
331, the forward, inclined surface 333 of each hook abuts the mating, 
inclined surface 180 of the shelf channel 157, thereby compressing or 
flattening resilient retainer tab against the mating surface of Z-flange 
178. As each hook surface 334 clears the inclined surface 180 of channel 
157, the associated retainer tab 335 resiliently urges hooks 130 and 430 
laterally into channel grooves 181, and securely retains the same therein. 
In this manner, row dividers 8 cannot be inadvertently removed or 
dislodged from dispensing rack 1, even if the row dividers are hit or 
jostled during loading or unloading of dispensing rack 1. Z-flange 178 may 
be provided with laterally extending rib (not shown) extending from the 
lower surface thereof toward inclined surface 180 to provide positive 
engagement with retainer tab 335. 
With reference to FIG. 67, light diffuser 9 is installed in the top of 
dispensing rack 1 to cover the upper end thereof, and presents a neat, 
closed, finished appearance, particularly from the interior of dispensing 
rack 1. In the illustrated example, light diffuser 9 comprises a 
panel-shaped grid 344 having a substantially rectangular plan 
configuration, with a forward edge 345, a rearward edge 346, and opposite 
side edges 347 and 348. Panel 344 has a substantially conventional 
construction, comprising crisscrossing ribs 349 and 350, which intersect 
to form square apertures therebetween. The forward edge 345 of light 
diffuser panels 344 is supported o the ledge 307 (FIG. 64) of header 
channel 292. The rearward edge 346 of light diffuser panel 344 is 
supported on the ledge 340 of support strip 336. The side edges 347 and 
348 of light diffuser panel 344 extend between the interior sides of inner 
panels 75 on end panels 2 and 3, and are not normally independently 
supported. 
With reference to FIGS. 68-77, shelf jack 10 provides vertical support 
between adjacent shelves 131. In the illustrated example, shelf jack 10 
comprises a one piece hanger bracket 355 and jack plate 356, a 
sleeve-shaped jack housing 357, and two jack pins 358. Hanger bracket 355 
comprises an elongated rigid arm, which extends along the upper edge of 
jack plate 356. Hanger bracket 355 protrudes outwardly from the opposite 
sides of jack plate 356, and includes hook strips 359 and 360 at opposite 
ends thereof, which are received in the barb-shaped grooves 181 of the 
shelf channels 157 and 158. The illustrated hanger bracket 355 has an 
I-shaped top plan configuration, and is molded integrally with jack plate 
356. 
Jack plate 356 comprises a flat rigid body, having two sets of apertures 
368 and 369 extending laterally therethrough along opposite sides of jack 
plate 356 in vertically aligned columns. Apertures 368 and 369 are sized 
to receive jack pins 358 therethrough, as described in greater detail 
hereinafter. Jack plate 356 also includes a groove in the nature of a 
keyway 370, which extends vertically through the central portion of jack 
plate 356. 
Jack housing 357 has a hollow, sleeve-shaped body comprising opposite 
sidewalls 374 and end walls 375. A rib 376 is positioned between sidewalls 
374 along the medial portion thereof, and forms a rib or key in which 
keyway 370 is received. Jack housing sidewalls 374 and 375 also include 
two pairs of apertures 377 and 378 therethrough, which are aligned with 
the apertures 368 and 369 respectively in jack plate 356, and are adapted 
to receive jack pins 358 therein. The pin apertures 368 and 369 associated 
with sidewall 375 of jack housing 357 are enlarged with respect to the 
mating apertures in sidewall 374, and include a pair of notches 365 (FIG. 
77) arranged in a diametrically opposing fashion to facilitate the 
mounting of jack pins 358, as discussed below. 
Jack housing 357 (FIGS. 72-77) also includes a flange 366, which extends 
along the lower edge thereof to facilitate supporting shelf jack 10 on the 
upper surface of one of the shelves 131. As best illustrated in FIG. 76, 
housing flange 366 has an upwardly bowed or convex side elevational shape, 
which serves to securely grip the abutting surface of shelf 131. A 
non-skid foot 367 is located along the lower edge of jack housing 357, 
between sidewalls 374 and 375, and is mounted on the lower end of rib 376. 
Foot 367 is constructed from a relatively soft friction material, such as 
rubber, or the like, and has its lowermost surface disposed generally 
planar with the outer edges of jack housing flange 366. When weight is 
transmitted between adjacent shelves 131 through shelf jack 10, foot 367 
is compressed against the shelf and flange 366 elastically deforms, or 
flattens out in a manner which grips the abutting surface of shelf 131, 
thereby preventing shelf jack 10 from moving in a lateral or side-to-side 
direction. 
Jack pins 358 each have a two-piece construction, comprising a male half 
369 and a female half 370, which mate and lock to retain shelf jack 10 at 
a selected height. The male half 369 of jack pin 358 includes a slotted 
head in which a coin, screwdriver, or other similar tool may be received 
to rotate the same. The opposite end of pin half 369 includes a 
cylindrical post with a pair of radially protruding ears 371. The female 
half 370 of jack pin 358 includes an enlarged cylindrical head with 
opposite tabs 372 shaped and oriented to be received within the notches 
365 of the housing apertures 377 and 378 in housing sidewall 375. Female 
pin half 370 includes a control slot 373 through which the ears 371 on 
male pin half 369 extend when jack pin 358 is assembled. When pin halves 
369 and 370 are assembled, male pin half 369 is rotated 90 degrees to 
positively lock pin halves 369 and 370 together, and thereby prevent the 
sidewalls 374 and 375 of jack housing 357 from separating when shelf jack 
10 is loaded. 
In use, jack plate 356 is inserted telescopingly into jack housing 357, and 
the same are converged and diverged to vary the effective height of shelf 
jack 10 to correspond to the vertical distance between adjacent shelves 
131. Jack pins 358 are then installed in shelf jack 10 in the manner 
described above to lock shelf jack 10 in the selected position. The 
barb-shaped ends of hanger bracket 355 are then inserted into the grooves 
181 of shelf channels 157 and 158 at a laterally medial portion of shelf 
131. 
With reference to FIGS. 78-79, anchor caster 11 is attached to the center 
portion of the lowermost shelf 131, and engages the floor to provide extra 
vertical support to the shelves 131 through shelf jacks 10. In the 
illustrated example, anchor caster 11 (FIGS. 80-82) includes upper and 
lower housings 387 and 388, which are threadedly interconnected to provide 
vertical adjustment. A semispherically-shaped ball race 389 is mounted in 
lower caster housing 388. A spherically-shaped caster ball 390 is 
positioned within race 389, and is surrounded on its upper half by a 
plurality of ball bearings 391, which are held in place by a retainer 
plate 392. A threaded spindle 393 is mounted in and extends upwardly from 
lower caster housing 388, and is received in a threaded boss or eyelet 394 
mounted in the upper caster housing 387. Rotation of lower caster housing 
388 rotates threaded spindle 393 with respect to boss 394, thereby raising 
and lowering the height of caster ball 390 with respect to the adjacent 
floor surface 95. A slotted screwdriver head 396 is provided at the upper 
end of threaded spindle 393 to facilitate adjusting anchor caster 11 from 
the upper side of shelf 131. The upper end of upper caster housing 387 
includes a circular plate 397 with an annular sleeve 398 protruding 
upwardly from the center thereof. 
In operation, in the event that center support is desired for shelves 131, 
anchor caster 11 is installed in a centrally located through hole 399 
(FIG. 79) in the lowermost shelf 131. The sleeve portion 398 of upper 
caster housing 387 is inserted into shelf hole 399, until caster plate 397 
is flush with and abuts the lower surface of shelf 131. A fastener (not 
shown) may be inserted through a mating aperture in caster plate 397 and 
anchored in shelf 131 to positively mount anchor caster 11 on shelf 131, 
and prevent rotation between shelf 131 and upper caster housing 387. Lower 
caster housing 388 is then rotated to force caster ball 390 into contact 
with floor 395, thereby providing vertical support to shelves 131, and 
facilitating movement of rack 1 across the floor surface 395. 
With reference to FIG. 83, a guard strip 400 is provided to cover portions 
of the exterior surface of corner brackets 32 and 33, in order to protect 
the same. The illustrated guard strip 400 has a generally L-shaped top 
plan configuration, and is constructed from as relatively thin sheet of 
transparent synthetic resin material. Guard strip 400 has a smooth, 
durable exterior surface which resists denting and the like when hit or 
engaged by objects such as grocery carts, and other similar transport 
vehicles, as well as floor scrubbers, and other maintenance equipment. A 
pair of dovetail-shaped ribs 401 and 402 extend longitudinally along the 
interior surface of guard strip 400, and are shaped for close reception in 
the mating grooves 50 and 51 of corner brackets 32 and 33. 
The reference numeral la (FIG. 84) generally designates a low profile 
embodiment of the present invention, having somewhat shorter end panels, 
and a unique header assembly 406. Since low profile rack la is similar to 
the previously described rack 1, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-83, 
and 84-95 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, 
except for the suffix "a" in the numerals of the latter. 
Low profile rack 1a (FIGS. 84-85) includes a pair of top caps 410 and 411, 
which cover the upper ends of end panels 2a and 3a. Top caps 410 and 411 
have a substantially identical construction, comprising a substantially 
rectangular plan configuration (FIGS. 87-89), with an inner edge 412, an 
outer edge 413, and curved end edges 414 and 415. A bevel 416 extends 
along the marginal edges 412-415 of top caps 410 and 411. Four countersunk 
fastener apertures 417 extends through top cap 410, adjacent the opposite 
ends thereof. Top cap 410 includes an integrally molded collar section 
420, which extends downwardly from the lower surface thereof. Collar 
section 42 includes three reinforced areas 421, with associated fastener 
aperture bosses 422. The top plate portion of top caps 410 and 411 
disposed directly above apertures 422 is weakened, such that they can be 
punched through or knocked out in a conventional fashion to extend a 
selected aperture 422 completely through the associated top cap. 
Reinforced cap areas 421 define three different locations at which header 
406 may be mounted on end panels 2a and 3a, in the manner to be described 
below. As best illustrated in FIG. 93, a pair of threaded fasteners 423 
extend through the outermost cap apertures 417, and into the mating bosses 
60a on corner brackets 32a and 33a. Two more threaded fasteners 423 are 
inserted through the remaining innermost cap apertures 417, and are 
anchored in panel 20 to securely attach top caps 410 and 411 to the upper 
ends of end panels 2a and 3a. 
With reference to FIG. 85, low profile header 406 is supported on end 
panels 2a and 3a, and extends above the upper ends thereof. The 
illustrated low profile header 406 has a substantially rectangular front 
elevational configuration, and comprises a marginal frame 428, in which a 
pair of display panels 429 and 430 (FIG. 91) are supported. Frame 428 has 
a unique construction, comprising upper and lower segments 431 and 432, 
and opposite end segments 433 and 434. As best illustrated in FIG. 91, the 
upper and lower segments 431 and 432 of low profile header frame 428 are 
substantially identical, and comprise two segments of channel 435 and 436 
which ar identical in shape with previously described header channel 290 
and 291. For ease of description, similar parts appearing in header 
channels 290 & 291 and 431 & 432 are represented by the same, 
corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix "a" in the numerals 
of the latter. Channels 435 and 436 are arranged back-to-back, with 
rounded ends 290a facing outwardly. A top strip 443 covers flanges 293a of 
channels 435 and 436 to hide the joint formed therebetween. Grooves 296a 
in channels 435 and 436 capture and retain the upper and lower edges of 
display panels 429 and 430 therein. 
The side segments 433 and 434 (FIG. 86) of low profile header frame 428 
also have a unique construction, comprising a pair of channels 448 and 449 
constructed from segments of the same stock material from which corner 
brackets 32 and 33 are constructed. For ease of description, similar parts 
appearing in corner brackets 32-33 and channels 448-449 are represented by 
the same reference numerals, except for the suffix "a" in the numerals of 
the latter. Channels 448 and 449 are arranged with their first faces 38a 
aligned and abutting one another. A T-shaped connector strip 450 extends 
between the walls 40a and 41a of channels 448 and 449, and includes two 
outer grooves 451 and 452 (FIG. 95) in which ribs 52a on outer walls 40a 
are received, and a center groove 453 in which both ribs 53a on inner 
walls 41a are received. Connector strip 450 is slid longitudinally in 
place between bracket walls 40a and 41a of header channels 448 and 449, 
and positively interconnects the same in the abutting, end-to-end 
relationship illustrated in FIG. 86. 
Low profile header 406 also includes a pair of support posts 456 (FIG. 86), 
which have a generally H-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration, 
with opposite flanges 457 and 458 (FIG. 94) and interconnecting web 459. 
Web 459 includes a screw boss 460 to facilitate attaching the lower ends 
of support post 456 to end panels 2a and 3a, as described below. The 
outward ends of support post flanges 457 and 458 include L-shaped ledges 
461 between which the outermost ribs defining grooves 57a are captured. 
The inner ends of support post flanges 457 and 458 also include ledges 
462, between which the inward ribs forming grooves 56a are captured, such 
that support posts 456 also serve to positively interconnect channels 448 
and 449. As best illustrated in FIG. 92, support posts 456 also include 
generally rectangular slot or keyway 465 in which a nut 466 is slidingly 
received. A mating screw 467 threadedly engages nut 466, and when 
tightened, positions header frame 428 on support post 456. 
The side edges of display panels 429 and 430 (FIG. 86) are retained in 
header frame 428 by a pair of C-shaped brackets 470 and 471. Brackets 470 
and 471 are substantially identical in shape, and each includes a center 
web 472 attached to the associated display panel 429 and 430, and opposite 
end flanges 473 and 474. Outer bracket flange 473 engages outer bracket 
wall 40a, and abuts against rib 52a. The web portions 472 of brackets 470 
and 471 include lanced tabs 478 which protrude laterally outwardly, and 
engage channel rib 53a to retain display panels 429 and 430 in frame 428. 
A pair of top and bottom caps 475 and 476 respectively are attached to the 
upper ends of channels 433 and 434 by fasteners 477, which are engaged in 
channel bosses 60a. 
Low profile header 406 is mounted on end panels 2a and 3a in the following 
manner. Support posts 456 are located over a laterally aligned pair of the 
reinforced areas 421 on top caps 410 and 411. The position of low profile 
header 406 may be adjusted in a fore-to-aft direction by selecting 
appropriate reinforced areas 421. The two fastener apertures 422 
associated with the two selected reinforced top cap areas 421 are then 
punched through the upper skins or surfaces of top caps 410 and 411. The 
lower ends of support posts 456 are positioned over the selected 
reinforced areas 421 of top caps 410 and 411, in the manner best shown in 
FIG. 93, and fasteners 480 are inserted through the selected punched 
through apertures 422 from the bottom sides of top caps 410 and 411, and 
threaded into the screw bosses 460 of support posts 456. Top caps 410 and 
411, with support posts 456 mounted thereon, are then attached to the 
upper ends of end panels 2a and 3a, and fasteners 423 are installed to 
securely retain the same in place. Screw stops 467 are adjusted vertically 
along support posts 456, and tightened in place. Header frame 428 is then 
lowered onto support posts 456, with the upper ends of support posts 456 
being closely and slidingly received within frame side channels 433 and 
434, in the relationship previously described and illustrated in FIG. 86. 
Header frame 428 is lowered downwardly on support posts 456 until it abuts 
screw stops 467, which support and position header frame 428 vertically 
above end panels 2a and 3a. 
Both dispensing racks 1 and 1a have a unique knock-down construction that 
permits quick and easy assembly and disassembly, without requiring any 
tools whatsoever. The construction of racks 1 and 1a is also modular, with 
interchangeable end panels 2 and 3, back panels 4, shelf assembly 5 to 
facilitate varying the size and shape of the dispensing rack to increase 
versatility and greatly reduce manufacturing costs. Hanging row dividers 8 
stabilize and separate adjacent stacks of articles. Adjustable shelf jack 
10 and anchor casters 11 provide extra rigidity for the shelf assemblies 
5, and facilitate moving the rack from one location to another. Header 
assembly 406 uses common parts to construct the low profile rack 1a. 
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those 
skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without 
departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be 
considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by 
their language expressly state otherwise.