SHELVING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

A shelf assembly comprising a plurality of shelf modules joined together to provide a product support surface, wherein each shelf module comprises, a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending side edges comprising joining means cooperative with a joining element to join adjacent shelf modules along contiguous side edges thereof, and wherein each joining element is made from a material of higher specific strength than the shelf modules, such that the shelf assembly has sufficient strength and rigidity that it does not need to rest upon a conventional pre-provided shelf.

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019901159 titled “SHELVING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS” and filed on 4 Apr. 2019, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The following publications are referred to in the present application and their contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shelf system or assembly, and each of a shelf module therefor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gravity fed shelf system of the type used in retail displays where the shelf is sloped so that this is higher at the back than at the front thereof, causing products on the shelf to slide toward or to the forward edge thereof.

BACKGROUND

Some gravity fed shelf systems utilise a plurality of longitudinally extending partitions which may be installed in selected locations (i.e. which are positionable), so as to create chutes for products of varying widths.

Another type of gravity fed shelf system employs rows of rollers on which product can roll to the front as preceding product is removed.

Some applications (small beverage containers for example) are better serviced by the systems of the first described type, while other applications (larger, heavier items) are better serviced by systems of the second described type. Whichever system a user selects, in some cases they must compromise.

It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect there is provided a shelf assembly comprising a plurality of shelf modules joined together to provide a product support surface, wherein each shelf module comprises, a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending side edges comprising joining means cooperative with a joining element to join adjacent shelf modules along contiguous side edges thereof, and wherein each joining element is made from a material of higher specific strength than the shelf modules, such that the shelf assembly has sufficient strength and rigidity that it does not need to rest upon a conventional pre-provided shelf.

In one form, each joining element is elongate and of substantially the same length as the shelf module.

In one form, each joining element is an extruded metal, a plastic or a composite.

In one form, each joining means is in the form of a lengthwise extending channel adapted to receive the joining element.

In one form, each shelf module further comprises a plurality of lengthwise extending tubes spaced apart transversely across the shelf module, comprising a passageway for receiving a reinforcing element, wherein each reinforcing element is elongate and of substantially the same length as the shelf module.

In one form, each shelf module comprises a first major face and a second major face opposite the first, and wherein the first major face of each shelf module is adapted for engagement with at least one lengthwise extending partition, and the second major face is adapted to accommodate a plurality of transversely extending rollers.

In one form, the first major face is adapted for engagement with a plurality of transversely spaced, lengthwise extending partitions.

In one form, the shelf module comprises an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart transversely across the module, and an array of spaced apart, transversely extending ribs extending between these slats along the length of the module.

In one form, the slats sit proud of the ribs on the first major face.

In one form, the first major surface of the shelf module is adapted to engage the at least one partition by way of at least some of the slats comprising flange formations at or near an upper end thereof, each of the flange formations being separated from the flange formation on any adjacent slat.

In one form, the second major face is adapted to nest a plurality of transversely extending rollers arranged into a plurality of lengthwise extending rows.

In one form, the second major face of the shelf module is adapted to nest the plurality of rollers by way of comprising at least a pair of transversely spaced, lengthwise extending walls, between which the transversely extending rollers are nested.

In one form, the second major face of the shelf module comprises a plurality of the lengthwise extending walls transversely spaced across the shelf module so as to define a plurality of rows for the rollers.

In one form, the shelf assembly further comprises at least one partition, where each shelf module is positioned with its first major face upward, with the at least one partition secured thereto.

In one form, the shelf assembly further comprises a plurality of transversely extending rollers, where the shelf module is positioned with its second major face upward, with the rollers nested therein.

In one form, the second major face is further adapted for engagement with at least one lengthwise extending partition.

In one form, the second major face is further adapted for engagement with a plurality of transversely spaced, lengthwise extending partitions.

In one form, the shelf assembly further comprises at least one partition, and a plurality of transversely extending rollers, where each shelf module is positioned with its second major face upward, with the partition secured thereto and the rollers nested therein.

In one form, the shelf assembly further comprises a plurality of roller modules adapted for engagement with the second major face of each shelf module, each roller module adapted to nest a plurality of transversely extending rollers, and configured for engagement with at least one lengthwise extending portion.

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 42, there is shown a shelf assembly comprising a plurality of shelf modules1joined together to provide a product support surface, wherein each shelf module1comprises a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending side edges4comprising joining means8cooperative with a joining element20to join adjacent shelf modules1along contiguous side edges4thereof, and wherein each joining element20is made from a material of higher specific strength than the shelf modules1, such that the shelf assembly has sufficient strength and rigidity that it does not need to rest upon a conventional pre-provided shelf.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown a shelf module1according to an embodiment.

The shelf module1comprises an elongate body2comprising a first major face2A and a second major face2B opposite to the first major face2A, a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending side edges4and a pair of substantially parallel, transversely extending end edges6.

The shelf module has two primary modes of use. The requisite mode of use will determine which of the first major surface2A or the second major surface2B is installed facing upward.

The first major surface2A of the shelf module1is adapted for engagement with a plurality of transversely spaced apart, lengthwise extending partitions or dividers80, between which chutes for products can be created. Use with these partitions80constitutes the first mode of use for the shelf module1, and this is illustrated inFIG. 9.

The second major surface2B of the shelf module1is adapted to nest a plurality of transversely extending rollers60on which products can roll in a lengthwise direction along the shelf module1. Use with these rollers60constitutes the second mode of use for the shelf module1, and this is illustrated inFIG. 14.

The shelf module1is formed from a plastic material in a mould in a single plastic moulding operation. While it is less desirable, if necessary, the shelf module could be made from two or more moulded parts which are assembled.

With reference toFIGS. 2 and 4, it can be seen that each of the side edges4of the shelf module1comprises a means8cooperative with a joining element20to join a pair of the shelf modules1along contiguous side edges6thereof to form an assembly of shelf modules1. In this embodiment, this means comprises a lengthwise extending channel8adapted to receive the joining element20, which is elongate, and of substantially the same length as the shelf module1.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the joining element20comprises a rail sized and shaped for insertion into one of the lengthwise extending channels8therefor. For clarity, the joining element20will hereinafter be referred to as ‘a joining rail’20, and the channel8therefor will hereinafter be referred to as ‘a joining channel’8.

In one form, the joining rail20is made from a material of higher specific strength than is the shelf module1, this material being an extruded metal in this case, although a strong plastic or composite could be used. In this way, the or each joining rail20improves the strength and rigidity of the assembly of shelf modules1joined thereby. Being of substantially the same length as the shelf module1, the joining rail20provides this strength and rigidity along the full length of the shelf module1.

The joining rail20comprises a generally T-shaped cross-sectional shape. A head of this T-shaped cross-sectional shape comprises a pair of oppositely directed pins22, which taper by narrowing inwardly. The joining channel8comprises a cross-sectional shape which matches one of these pins22. In use, each of the pins22from one joining rail20is received in the joining channel8of one of a pair of shelf modules1which are being joined thereby.

With reference toFIGS. 2 and 4, it can be seen that the shelf module1further comprises a plurality of lengthwise extending tubes10spaced apart transversely across the shelf module1, where each tube10comprises a passageway12for receiving a reinforcing element40, which is elongate, and of substantially the same length as the shelf module1.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the reinforcing element40comprises a rail sized and shaped for insertion into one of the lengthwise extending passageways12therefor. For clarity, the reinforcing element40will hereinafter be referred to as ‘a reinforcing rail’40, and the lengthwise extending passageway12will be referred to as a ‘reinforcing rail passageway’12.

In one form, the reinforcing rail40is made from a material of higher specific strength than is the shelf module1, this material being an extruded metal in this case, although a strong plastic or composite could be used. Moreover, the reinforcing rail40comprises an ‘I-beam’ (or H-beam) cross-sectional shape. In this way, the or each reinforcing rail40improves the strength and rigidity of the shelf module1with which it is associated.

A lengthwise extending wall14extends from each of the lengthwise extending tubes10on the second major surface2B of the shelf element1. A pair of vertically spaced lips16extend outwardly from each side of each of these walls14. In the second mode of use, a row of transversely extending rollers60is inserted between a pair of adjacent walls14. Each end of each of these rollers60is inserted and retained between the lips16.

Referring now to the joining rail20once again, and in particular to a stem24of its T-shaped cross-sectional shape. Like the lengthwise extending walls14, this stem24comprises a pair of vertically spaced lips26extending outwardly from each side thereof. In this way, the stem24can cooperate with one of the walls14of the shelf module1to retain a row of rollers60.

With reference toFIGS. 2 and 4, it can be seen that the shelf module1further comprises an array of lengthwise extending slats30spaced apart transversely across the width of the shelf module1, and an array of spaced apart, transversely extending ribs32extending between these slats30along the length of the shelf module1. When the first major face2A is directed upward, the slats30sit atop of the ribs32.

Each of the slats30comprises a plurality of flange formations34spaced apart along the length thereof by flange-less slat portions, and each of the flange formations34is located at or near a distal (i.e. upper) edge of its respective slat30. Each flange formation34comprises a pair of flanges36, where one flange36extends from each side of the slat30. Each of the flange formations36is separated (i.e. spaced apart) from the flanges36on any adjacent slat30by a gap there between.

Referring now toFIGS. 6, 9 and 10 through 12, where there are illustrated three embodiments of a moulded plastic partition80A,80B and80C, for use with the shelf module1. Each partition80comprises a wall portion82and an integral array of foot portions84extending from a lower edge of the wall portion82, and spaced apart lengthwise along the wall portion by foot-less wall portions. For reasons which will become apparent later, the spacing of these foot portions84corresponds with the spacing of flange formations34along a slat30of the shelf module1. Each of these foot portions84is thicker than the wall portion82extending above them.

As best shown inFIG. 12, each foot portion84of each partition80comprises a pair of opposing slots86formed therein, which are sized and adapted to receive an outer tip of one of the flanges36therein.

Each of the wall portions82further comprises a breakaway back section82A and an interconnected series of breakaway intermediate sections82B connecting a front section82C and the back section82A. The breakaway feature is typically implemented by providing a line of weakness shown at YY, which extends through the partition transverse to its direction of elongation. Breaking away one or more of these breakaway sections82A or82B allows the length of the partition80to be adjusted to suit.

One end of each partition80comprises an end wall88extending transversely therefrom so that this end may serve as a front edge of the partition80. In use then, stock placed in a chute defined between a pair of spaced apart partitions80, will slide down the chute until it comes to rest against the end walls88of the spaced apart partitions80.

With reference toFIG. 10, it can be seen that the front edge of the partition80further comprises a dwarf wall85extending transversely to either side of the wall portion82, and a locating tab89projecting from a forward edge of the wall portion82. In use, when the partition80is secured to a shelf module1, the dwarf wall85will extend atop of a plurality of slats30, thereby providing lateral stability for the partition80.

In the case of partition80B, each end wall comprises a pair of wings90, each of which can be moved between extended and retracted positions relative to the wall portion82. In the retracted position, a wing90lies against the wall portion82, and when it is extended it extends out from the wall portion82. In this embodiment, each wing90hinges from the wall portion82.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 through 9, where there is further illustrated a front end rail100for use with an assembly of shelf modules1. As its name suggests, in use, the front end rail100will extend along a forward (or consumer facing) edge of the assembly of shelf modules1.

The front end rail100comprises an elongate metal rail of substantially constant cross-sectional shape. This cross-section shape comprises a rectangular hollow section102, a lengthwise extending forward ledge104projecting from a first side of the rectangular hollow section, a lengthwise extending rearward ledge106projecting from a second side of the rectangular hollow section102, and a rearward facing slot107for receiving the locating tab89of the partition80. A forward opening lengthwise extending channel section108projects from the forward ledge104.

FIGS. 6 through 9further illustrate a rear end rail120for use with an assembly of shelf modules. As its name suggests, in use, the rear end rail120will extend along a rear (away from consumers) edge of the assembly of shelf modules1.

The rear end rail120comprises an elongate metal rail of substantially constant cross-sectional shape. This cross-section shape comprises a square hollow section122, and a pair of vertically spaced, lengthwise extending forward ledges124projecting from a first side of the square hollow section122.

FIGS. 6 through 9further illustrate a display strip140for use with the front end rail100.

The display strip140comprises an elongate strip of substantially constant cross-sectional shape. This cross-section shape comprises a curved body142comprising a convex forward side and a concave rear side from which there projects a lengthwise extending joining portion144. This joining portion144comprises a cross-sectional shape which is sized and shaped (T-shaped in this case) for sliding into the lengthwise extending channel section108of the front end rail100.

The convex forward side of the display strip140comprises a forward opening lengthwise extending channel section146for receiving point of sale information, such as product and pricing information.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 through 9, in cases where the shelf module1is to be used in its first mode, with partitions80, the first major surface2A of the or each shelf module1is turned facing upwards.

As many shelf modules1as are required to form a shelf of the desired width are then joined along contiguous side edges4thereof using the joining rails20inserted in joining channels8. A shelf assembly formed in this fashion can be reinforced as required by the use of reinforcing rails40inserted into selected (or all) tubes10.

The assembly of shelf modules1is supported along its front and rear edges by the front end rail100and rear end rail120respectively, all of the foregoing forming a shelf assembly. More specifically, a front edge of each shelf module1is supported on ledge106, and the rear edge of each shelf module1is located between the ledges124, and supported on the lower of these ledges124.

This shelf assembly is supported at its edges by a plurality of shelf supports (not illustrated), each of which depends from a support column (not illustrated). The shelf assembly has sufficient strength and rigidity that it does not rest upon a conventional pre-provided shelf like system of the prior art.

A plurality of the partitions80can be secured to the assembly of shelf modules1so that they define a plurality of chutes between them. Products can be positioned in these chutes, and these products will slide toward the front edge of the assembly of shelf modules1if this is tilted in this direction.

The display strip140can then be secured to the front end rail100and product and pricing information inserted in the opening lengthwise extending channel section146of the display strip140.

Referring now toFIGS. 13 through 16, in cases where the shelf module1is to be used in its second mode, with rollers60, the second major surface2B of the or each shelf module1is turned facing upwards.

As many shelf modules1as are required to form a shelf of the desired width are then joined along contiguous side edges thereof using the joining rails20inserted in joining channels8. A shelf assembly formed in this fashion can be reinforced as required by the use of reinforcing rails40inserted into selected (or all) of the tubes10.

The assembly of shelf modules1is positioned in a refrigerator (not illustrated) and supported along its front and rear edges by the front end rail100and rear end rail120respectively, all of the foregoing forming a shelf assembly. More specifically, a front edge of each shelf module1is supported on ledge106, and the rear edge of each shelf module1is located between the ledges124, and supported on the lower of these ledges124.

This shelf assembly is supported at its edges by a plurality of shelf supports, each of which depends from a support column. The shelf assembly comprises sufficient strength and rigidity that it does not rest upon a conventional pre-provided shelf like system of the prior art.

Rows of the rollers60can then be inserted between pairs of adjacent walls14. Each end of each of these rollers60is inserted and retained between the lips16. Products can be placed on these rollers60, and these products will roll on these rollers toward the front edge of the assembly of shelf modules1if this is tilted in this direction.

The display strip140can then be secured to the front end rail100and product and pricing information inserted in the opening lengthwise extending channel section146of the display strip140.

The joining rails20, reinforcing rails40, front end rail100and rear end rail120all contribute to improving the strength and rigidity of a shelf assembly formed from a plurality of the shelf modules1. When used in combination, these elements help to create a shelf assembly which can handle heavy products, which can extend over large spans, and which does not rest upon a conventional pre-provided shelf like system of the prior art.

Most significantly, the shelf module1and shelf system described herein have two modes of use, where previous systems were specifically designed for one or the other of these modes.

Referring now toFIGS. 18 and 19, where there is illustrated a shelf assembly according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the shelf assembly which are identical (or near-identical) to corresponding parts shown in the shelf assembly ofFIGS. 1 through 17, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

This shelf assembly comprises a joining element220, which is similar to the joining element20ofFIGS. 1 through 17, but which differs in that joining element220further comprises one of the lengthwise extending slats30replete with flanges36, which was previously associated with shelf module1. Accordingly, shelf module1A differs from shelf module1in that it need only comprise lengthwise extending channels8along side edges4thereof, and not a lengthwise extending slat30replete with flanges36. This simplifies moulding of shelf module1A.

As was the case with joining element20, the joining element220comprises a rail which, preferably, is integrally formed, so in this case the lengthwise extending slat30replete with flanges36is integrally formed with a remainder of the joining element220.

With reference toFIG. 19, it can be seen how in use, the joining element220(hereinafter ‘joining rail220’) joins a pair of shelf modules1A by way of its engagement with the adjacent joining channels8of the shelf modules1which are being joined thereby. In doing so, joining rail220provides the lengthwise extending slat30replete with flanges36at the interface of the shelf modules1A.

Referring now toFIGS. 20 and 26, where there is illustrated a joining element320according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the joining element320which are identical (or near-identical) to corresponding parts shown in the joining element220ofFIGS. 18 and 19, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

The joining element320differs from joining element220primarily in that the pair of oppositely directed pins22are T-shaped, and the element320further comprises a lengthwise extending, centrally positioned tube321of rectilinear, hollow cross-sectional shape, which provides additional strength and stiffness.

In the illustrated embodiment, the joining element320is extruded from a metal such as aluminium, but incorporates a wear strip322of plastic material nested in a lengthwise extending slot.

With reference toFIGS. 21 and 22, it can be seen that the shelf module301for use with the joining element320comprises lengthwise extending channels8along side edges4thereof, which themselves comprise a cross-sectional shape which is sized and shaped (generally C-shaped in this case) to receive the heads of the T-shaped pins22.

Referring now toFIG. 21, which, in addition to shelf modules301, reinforcing rails40, and joining elements320, illustrates an exploded assembly comprising an edge element350. Edge element350shares a high degree of structural similarity with joining element320, but differs in that edge element350comprises only one pin22(not a pair of oppositely directed, T-shaped pins22). On the opposite side to pin22, the tube321of the edge element350presents a smooth surface. In use, the edge element can be employed at a terminating side edge of a shelf assembly, where no further shelf modules301need to be joined, to provide strength and stiffness to the shelf assembly.

Referring now toFIGS. 22, 23 and 28, where the shelf assembly ofFIG. 21is illustrated in the second mode of use, wherein the second major surface2B of the or each shelf module1is turned facing upwards, and rollers60are inserted between pairs of adjacent walls14and24, with opposing ends of each of these rollers60inserted and retained between the lips16and26, in the above-described manner.

Referring now toFIGS. 24, 25 and 27, where the shelf assembly ofFIG. 21is illustrated in the first mode of use, wherein the first major surface2A of the or each shelf module1is turned facing upwards, for engagement with a plurality of the partitions80secured thereto in the above-described manner, so that they define a plurality of chutes between them.

Referring now toFIGS. 29 through 33, where there is illustrated a shelf assembly according to a further embodiment. Those parts of this shelf assembly which are identical (or near-identical) to corresponding parts shown in the shelf assembly ofFIGS. 20 through 28(the previous illustrated embodiment) will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

This shelf assembly comprises a shelf module401which is similar to shelf module301of the previous illustrated embodiment, and a joining element420which is similar to joining element320.

Shelf module401and joining element420differ from shelf module301and joining element320primarily in that the cooperative engaging portions of shelf module401and joining element420are arranged in a reverse order to those on shelf module301and joining element320.

That is to say, the joining element420now comprises a pair of oppositely directed joining channels8, and the shelf module401now comprises a T-shaped pin22extending lengthwise along an edge thereof, which is sized and shaped to be slidably received in one of the channels8of the joining element420. Joining element420also does away with the separate plastic wear strip322of joining element320, and is entirely made of metal, being most likely an integral aluminium extrusion.

With reference toFIG. 32, it can be seen that an upwardly directed portion of a head of each of these T-shaped pins22is divided lengthwise there along by spaces22atherein, where these spaces coincide with positioning of flanges36. This arrangement further simplifies molding of the shelf module420, by facilitating ease of release from an injection molding tool.

With reference toFIG. 33, there is illustrated an edge element450similar to the edge element350of the previous illustrated embodiment. Similar to joining element420, edge element450comprises a joining channel8in place of the T-shaped pin22of edge element350.

Referring now toFIGS. 34 and 35where there is illustrated a shelf module500according to yet a further embodiment. Similarly to previous embodiments, the shelf module500comprises an array of lengthwise extending slats530spaced apart transversely across the width of the shelf module, and an array of spaced apart, transversely extending ribs532extending along the length of the shelf module. When the first major face502A is directed upward, the slats530sit atop of the ribs532. When the second major face502B is directed upward, the ribs532sit atop the slats530, however it can be seen that every fourth slat is an extended slat531that extends through and past the ribs532.

Similarly to previous embodiments, the first major surface502A of the shelf module500is adapted for engagement with a plurality of transversely spaced apart, lengthwise extending partitions80between which chutes for products can be created. Use with these partitions constitutes the first mode of use for the shelf module500.

The second major surface502B of the shelf module500is adapted for engagement with a plurality of roller modules600. As best shown inFIG. 40, each roller module600comprises a plurality of engaging tabs601configured to engage with the ribs532of the shelf module500.

Each roller module600is adapted for engagement with the same lengthwise extending partitions80previously described as well as being adapted to support a plurality of transversely extending rollers660on which products can slide in a lengthwise direction within the chutes provided between the partitions80, as illustrated inFIGS. 36 to 40.

In the case of the first major surface502A, it is intended to be used with products of relatively high mass such as 1 litre plastic drink containers that will readily slide on an inclined surface. However, lighter weight products and/or products packaged in cardboard boxes, may not have sufficient weight or may have too large a contact area to move independently on the slats30. In this case, as with the embodiments shown in bothFIGS. 13 to 16 and 34 to 42, the use of rollers allow lighter weight products to move within each individual product chute between partitions.

The embodiments shown inFIGS. 34 and 42are designed so that no one roller in a chute will extend past a partition into an adjacent chute to an extent where it will affect movement in the adjacent chute. If this were to occur, movement in one chute could be prevented due to product in the adjacent chute holding the roller from rotating. This problem is addressed by the roller module600not having any one roller in a chute extending both under and past the other side of a partition80to any significant extent.

Referring toFIGS. 41 and 42, where there is shown a roller module600according to an embodiment, comprising an array of lengthwise extending slats630that extend from the front to the back of each module600, and which are each spaced apart transversely across the width of the roller module600.

In this embodiment, a number of roller modules600can extend across the full width of the underside of a single shelf module500. A roller module600positions rollers660between adjacent pairs or groupings of slats.

As best shown inFIGS. 39 and 41, at the front edge of a roller module600, there are provided slats630and631having the same spacing as the slats530and531of the shelf module500, such that when a roller module600engages with the shelf module500, the slats630and631of the roller module600bear against the slats530and531of the shelf module500. The flanges36of slats630and631only extend a short distance from the front edge of the roller module600. It can also be seen that the roller module600features a cut out602to accommodate every fourth slat531of the shelf module500with slat631again having short lengths of flanges36.

Towards the rear edge of the roller module600there is provided a region of a plurality of flange formations634for engagement with the feet of the previously described partitions80. Between the flanges36of the front edge and the flange formations634on the roller module600there is provided a number of channels where a plurality of rollers660are located in each channel. The channels are defined by a pair of main walls665with a mid-wall667located between each pair of main walls665. Each main wall665aligns with a slat531or the edge slat531a. Each mid-wall667is positioned midway between each pair of main walls665.

As will be seen inFIGS. 39 and 41, the two outer channels on the sides of the roller module600are narrower than the four channels between these two outer channels. The two outer channels span between four slats and there are two slats630between the slats531. However, for the four channels between, each span between five slats and there are three slats630between the slats531.

Each channel of the roller module600is configured to receive a plurality of transversely extending rollers660between each main wall665and the mid-wall667. Each side of the main walls665are configured to provide a bearing support surface603for the outer ends661of each roller660with the inner section662of each roller660being supported by support surfaces603on the mid-walls667.

In the case of the four inner channels, the rollers660each comprise a pair of rollers that are journaled to rotate independently of each other. In this way, an independently rotating roller is located between each of the slats. That is, there are five slats with four lines between each slat and so the plurality of rollers are lined up along these lines defined between the front adjacent slats. When a partition is located amongst the rollers660, the partition will be located over the line of rollers below. The partition will substantially cover the roller with a very minimal part of each roller extending past each side of the partition.

In the case of the two outer channels, the rollers are shorter in length, but still comprise a pair of rollers that are journaled to rotate independently of each other. When the partition is located over the middle of the channel, the roller on either side of the partition will rotate independently of each other. When the partition is placed over the other two lines of rollers, it will substantially cover a roller, so that the roller will not extend past the edge to any extent that will affect the operation of the adjacent chute.

In order to locate partitions80as previously described in this specification, flange formations634are provided at spaced intervals to accommodate the feet spacing along the partition. This results in areas without rollers. In these regions, the crests of the slats are provided with a plurality of arcuate projections604having arcuate tops which are at the same height as the upper edge of each roller660. The arcuate shape minimises contact area (reducing friction) with the product in the chute and provides a means of the product bridging the gaps between groups of rollers. The minimal width of the region without rollers and the provision of the arcuate projections604help movement of product over these regions.

Arcuate projections604are also provided along the length of each slat631and the end slats631aof the roller modules600. These slats631and631extend lengthwise along the depth of each roller module and so the arcuate projections assist in product movement when they are exposed within a product chute.

The rollers660have a main diameter of approximately 8 mm with bearings at each end that engage the support surfaces603having a diameter of approximately 4 mm. The support surfaces603may be arranged so that the bearings of the rollers660click into place to thereby retain them in place while still allowing smooth rotation.

Alternatively, a metal axle may be provided about which the rollers660rotate. Such an axle (not drawn) may be approximately 3 mm in diameter and may have a polished surface to minimise rotational friction. The support surfaces603may in this case be arranged to retentively accept the ends of such metal axles.

While in the embodiment shown and described, the roller module600is a separate component configured to removably attach to the shelf module500, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the roller module and shelf module may form a unitary component, with the partition and roller engaging features of the roller module being present on the second major face of a shelf module.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.