Abstract:
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a spacer device for use with a merchandise display. The merchandise display may include a first upright and a second upright opposite the first upright, a pegboard mounted between the two uprights, and at least one shelf mounted to the two uprights, wherein the configuration includes a gap between a back of the shelf and the pegboard. The spacer device may include two opposing ends. Each of the opposing ends may include a support arm that extends downward towards the gap, a mounting arm that extends downward towards the gap, and a tab that projects outward and away from the mounting arm. The spacer device may also include a gap filler portion extending between the two opposing ends wherein when the device is secured in the gap, the gap filler portion fills the gap.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application is a non-provisional application to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/613,463, filed Mar. 20, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to devices for use with shelving systems and merchandise display systems. In particular, in one aspect of the invention, a gap spacer device is provided for use with a shelving system, wherein, when installed on the shelving system and/or merchandise display systems, the gap spacer device blocks product from falling down a gap created between a shelf and a pegboard of the shelving system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many retail stores use a merchandise display system that includes a shelving system where a gap exists behind the shelves on an island gondola used in the retail store. An island gondola is essentially a two-sided gondola, which is most often located at the aisles at most grocery, drug, and mass merchant type stores. One side of the gondola faces the aisle the consumer is in and the other side of the gondola faces the aisle adjacent to the consumer. Generally, the gondola consists of a pair of uprights, a shelving system and, either one or two separate pieces of pegboard. When two pieces of pegboard are used, one piece of pegboard faces one aisle and the other piece of pegboard faces the adjacent aisle. When one piece of pegboard is used, there is only one means of mounting of peg hooks. The peg hooks installed on one side will be seen on the other side. Additionally, the peg hooks mounted on one side cannot share the same mounting holes with a peg hook on the other side. 
         [0004]    The uprights of the gondola stand proud of the pegboard and are essentially the same depth throughout the industry—generally the depth of approximately a two-piece pegboard. One pegboard may be utilized and installed in the uprights of the gondola. When a shelf is then installed in the upright, the back of the shelf may fall short of the pegboard itself, thereby creating a gap, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . This gap may vary, depending on the manufacturer of the pegboards and/or uprights. This gap has been found to vary from approximately 1 inch to 3 inches. This gap thereby allows products of that size or smaller to fall off the back of the shelf, often all the way down to the base deck or base shelf. When inventories are done, the product may be missing from the shelf, does not get sold, does not get counted, and usually then is perceived stolen. This may cause a large potential for lost revenue. 
         [0005]    In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, this gap is filled by a device that can be simply installed into the shelving system to ensure that no product falls through the gap. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various features of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but it simply provides a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows. 
         [0007]    One exemplary embodiment includes a device for use with a shelving system that defines a gap between a single pegboard and a shelf. The device may include a first end and a second end and a gap filler portion located between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end include a support arm and a mounting arm extending downward towards the gap, wherein the mounting arm includes flared projections configured to engage a back of a shelf to secure and lock the device in the gap, wherein when the device is secured in the gap, the gap filler portion is configured to fill the gap. The gap filler portion may include a plurality of teeth extending upward and configured to engage with the pegboard. The plurality of teeth may flex and be configured to receive a peg hook mounted on the pegboard. 
         [0008]    Another exemplary embodiment may include a device for use with a shelving system that defines a gap between a pegboard and a shelf. The device may comprise two opposing ends, wherein each of the opposing ends includes a support arm and a mounting arm configured to extend downward towards the gap; and a gap filler portion extending between the two opposing ends and located between the two opposing ends. The mounting arms may be configured to engage a back of a shelf to secure and lock the device in the gap. The support arms may be configured to flex against a pegboard providing biasing pressure against the pegboard, and wherein when the device is secured in the gap, the gap filler portion is configured to fill the gap. 
         [0009]    Another exemplary embodiment may include a shelving system for merchandise that may comprise a first upright and a second upright opposite the first upright; at least one pegboard mounted to and between the first upright and the second upright; at least one shelf mounted to the first upright and the second upright, thereby spanning the entire length of the pegboard between the first upright and the second upright, wherein the configuration includes a gap between a back of the shelf and the pegboard; and a gap spacer device extending between the first upright and the second upright, wherein when installed in the shelving system, the gap spacer device fills the gap and is configured to prevent or block merchandise from falling between the gap. The gap spacer device may include two opposing ends, wherein each of the opposing ends engage and mount between shelf and the pegboard, thereby locking the gap spacer device in the gap; and a gap filler portion extending between the two opposing ends and located between the two opposing ends, wherein when the gap spacer device is secured in the gap, the gap filler portion covers the gap. 
         [0010]    Another exemplary embodiment may include a spacer device for use with a merchandise display that includes a first upright and a second upright opposite the first upright, a pegboard mounted to and between the first upright and the second upright, and at least one shelf mounted to the first upright and the second upright, thereby spanning the entire length of the pegboard between the first upright and the second upright, wherein the configuration includes a gap between a back of the shelf and the pegboard. The spacer device may comprise two opposing ends, wherein each of the opposing ends includes a support arm that extends downward towards the gap, a mounting arm that extends downward towards the gap, and a tab that projects outward and away from the mounting arm; a gap filler portion extending between the two opposing ends and located between the two opposing ends; and a shelf lip projecting outward from the gap filler portion and away from the pegboard, wherein the shelf lip is configured to engage a top of a shelf edge when the device is installed in the merchandise display. The mounting arms include flared projections that may be configured to engage a back of the shelf to secure and lock the device in the gap. The support arms may be configured to flex against the pegboard providing biasing pressure against the pegboard. Furthermore, when the device is secured in the gap, the gap filler portion is configured to fill the gap. 
         [0011]    Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following detailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a partial perspective view of an shelving system used in a retail setting in accordance with this invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a gap spacer device in accordance with this invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a close-up perspective view of one end of the gap spacer device illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 4A through 4C  illustrate close-up perspective views of the installation of the gap spacer device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the gap spacer device illustrated in  FIG. 2  as installed in a shelving system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a cut-away side view of the gap spacer device illustrated in  FIG. 2  as installed in a shelving system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of another gap spacer device in accordance with this invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows a close-up perspective view of one end of the gap spacer device illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In the following description of various example structures in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of various structures in accordance with the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, and “back” the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the Figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary shelving system  10  as described above and as utilized with the present invention. The shelving system  10  may include two uprights  12 . ( FIG. 1  shows only one upright  12 ). The two uprights  12  may stand on their own and provide the shelving system  10  with the standing support. The shelving system  10  may also include a pegboard  14  or multiple pegboards. One or two pegboards  14  may be installed between the two uprights  12 . The pegboard  14  may be utilized as a means for mounting peg hooks to hold and display products for the consumer on the shelving system  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the pegboard  14  may include a number of holes for the peg hooks to be mounted. Additionally, the shelving system  10  includes a shelf  16 . Multiple shelves  16  may be utilized for a given shelving system  10 . The shelf  16  may be installed and mounted to the uprights  12 , thereby spanning the entire length of the pegboards  14  between the two uprights  12 . The shelf  16  may be utilized to hold a product  20  for display and/or purchase for a consumer. 
         [0024]    Additionally, because of the configuration of the uprights  12 , pegboard  14 , and shelf  16 , the shelving system  10  may include a gap  18  between back of the shelf  16  and the pegboard  14 . The gap  18  may allow products  20  the size of the gap or smaller to fall off the back of the shelf  16 . The gap  18  may vary depending on a number of different factors, such as number of pegboards  14  used, pegboard  14  width, shelf  16  width/length, upright  12  design, and other factors associated with the design and/or manufacturers. The gap  18  may vary from approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches. Because the gap  18  may vary throughout different shelving systems  10 , a device is required to fill various gap distances to thereby prevent or block the product  20  from falling between the gap  18 . 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2 through 6  illustrate one embodiment of a gap spacer device  100  designed to fill the gap  18  distances to prevent or block the product  20  from falling between the gap  18 . The gap spacer device  100  may generally be the length of shelving system  10 , spanning from one upright  12  to the other upright  12 . The gap spacer device  100 , when installed in the shelving system  10 , will fill the gap  18  against the pegboard  14  and between the back of the shelf  16 . The gap spacer device  100  may be constructed as a one-piece, molded plastic piece. Other suitable constructions and materials may be utilized without departing from this invention. Generally, the gap spacer includes two ends  102  and a center portion or gap filler portion  104  that spans between each of the two ends  102 . The gap spacer device  100  will be described in more detail below. 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the gap spacer device  100  includes two ends  102 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up version of one of the ends  102 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each end  102  may include a tab  110 , a mounting arm  112 , and a support arm  114 . The tab  110 , the mounting arm  112 , and the support arm  114  assist with and allow the gap spacer device  100  to be installed and secured to the shelving system  10 . 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a tab  110  may be located at one or both of the ends  102  of the gap spacer device  100 . The tab  110  may project outward and away from the gap spacer device  100  and the gap filler portion  104  and towards a user. The tab  110  may be sized such that a user can use their fingers to grasp onto the tab  110  when holding the gap spacer device  100 , installing the gap spacer device  100 , and/or removing the gap spacer device  100 . The tab  110  may be rectangular as illustrated in  FIG. 3  or other shapes without departing from this invention. The purpose of the tab  110  is to allow the user the ability to grasp and hold the gap spacer device  100  during installation and removal from the shelving system  10 . 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mounting arm  112  may be located at one or both of the ends  102  of the gap spacer device  100 . The mounting arm  112  projects downward away from the gap filler portion  104 . The mounting arm  112  may include flared projections  116  located on the front of the mounting arm  112 . The flared projections  116  may begin at the bottom of the mounting arm  112  or the end farthest from the tab  110  or gap filler portion  104  and continue towards the tab  110  or gap filler portion  104 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  includes seven flared projections  116 , however, the number of flared projections  116  may be varied without departing from this invention. For example, the mounting arm  112  may include five to twenty flared projections  116 . The mounting arm  112  may be sized to accommodate the required number of flared projections  116 . The mounting arm  112  may be rectangular-shaped as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  or other shapes without departing from this invention. The mounting arm  112  will generally be rigid with very little movement when the gap spacer device  100  is being installed and/or removed from the shelving system  10 . However, the mounting arm  112  may slightly flex when the gap spacer device  100  is being installed and/or removed from the shelving system  10 . 
         [0029]    The purpose of the mounting arm  112  is to secure the gap spacer device  100  into the back of the shelf  16 , thereby locking the gap spacer device  100  into the shelving system  10 . The flared projections  116  may lock into the back of the shelf  16 . The varied number of flared projections  116  may allow the flared projections  116  to lock into various shelf  16  backs with different widths. For example, with a relatively thick back of the shelf  16 , the first one or two flared projections  116  closest to the end of the mounting arm  112  may be flexed to lock into the back of the shelf  16 . Additionally, with a relatively thin back of the shelf  16 , the top one or two flared projections  116  farthest away from the end of the mounting arm  112  may be flexed to locking into the back of the shelf  16 . 
         [0030]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the gap spacer device  100  also includes a support arm  114 . The support arm  114  projects downward away from the gap filler portion  104 . The support arm  114  projects downward at a slightly different angle than the mounting arm  112 , projecting more towards the back of the gap spacer device  100 . The support arm  114  and the mounting arm  112  create an “V” shape extending from the gap spacer device  100 . The support arm  114  may be sized to a similar size as the mounting arm  112 . The support arm  114  may also be sized to ensure enough bias pressure is present for the gap spacer device  100  to lock into place. The support arm  114  may be rectangular-shaped as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  or other shapes without departing from this invention. The support arm  114  will generally be more flexible or have a similar flexibility to the mounting arm  112  when the gap spacer device  100  is being installed and/or removed from the shelving system  10 . The support arm  114  must be flexible enough such that when the gap spacer device  100  is being installed and/or removed from the shelving system  10 , the support arm  114  provides enough bias to ensure the mounting arm  112  is able to lock into the back of the shelf  16 . However, the support arm  114  may flex against the pegboard  14  when the gap spacer device  100  is being installed and/or removed from the shelving system  10 . 
         [0031]    The purpose of the support arm  114  is to provide a biasing pressure to allow the gap spacer device  100  to be installed into the gap  18 . The biasing pressure also assists with the locking of the gap spacer device  100  into the back of the shelf  16 , thereby locking the gap spacer device  100  into the shelving system  10 . 
         [0032]    Additionally, the gap spacer device  100  may include a shelf lip  120 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shelf lip  120  may project outward toward the user and away from the pegboard  14 . The shelf lip  120  extends out such that the shelf lip  120  rests on or engages the top of the shelf edge  16  when the gap spacer device  100  is installed. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shelf lip  120  may not be continuous throughout the length of the gap spacer device  100 . The shelf lip  120  may be spaced evenly and/or be intermittent through the length of the gap spacer device  100 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shelf lip  120  extends at various locations evenly along the length of the gap spacer device  100 . The shelf lip  120  may be any shape or size as long as the shelf lip  120  engages and maintains the gap spacer device  100  on the shelf  16 . The purpose of the shelf lip  120  is to ensure the engagement of the shelf  16  and the shelf lip  120 , such that the gap spacer device  100 , when installed, does not fall through the gap  18 . Additionally, in another embodiment without departing from this invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the shelf lip  120  may be continuous throughout the entire length of the gap spacer device  100 . 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the gap spacer device may include a plurality of teeth  130 . The plurality of teeth  130  may project from the gap filler portion  104 , extending upward and slightly towards the back or towards the pegboard  14  when installed. The teeth  130  may be spaced evenly from one end  102  to the other end  102  throughout the entire length of the gap spacer device  100 . The teeth  130  may be flexible enough such that they are individually able to flex from side to side when a peg hook is mounted to the pegboard  14 . The teeth  130  may also allow an electric cord to run to run through the back of the shelving system  10  and the gap spacer device  100 . Additionally the teeth  130  may be flexible enough to bend such that the teeth  130  as a group may flex when installed onto the shelving system  10  based on the differing size of gaps and other factors. Any number of teeth  130 , gap size between individual teeth  130 , and differing lengths of teeth  130  may utilized without departing from the invention as long as the teeth are able to prevent the product  20  from sliding into the gap  18 . 
         [0034]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the teeth  130  may be slightly longer towards the middle of the gap spacer device, thereby creating an upward bow effect in the middle of the gap spacer device  100 . This upward bow  132  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In some shelving systems  10 , the shelf  16  sags because of the length and weight of the shelf  16 , as well as lack of support in the middle of the shelf  16 . When the shelf  16  sags, the gap filling device  100  will also sag, thereby lowering the teeth  130  on the back pegboard  14 . When the shelf  16  sags, the teeth  130  with the upward bow  132  may continue to provide the required protection from the product  20  falling into the gap  18 . 
         [0035]    In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the gap spacer device  100  may include one or more stability tabs  140 . The stability tabs  140  may extend from a lower portion of the gap spacer device  100 . The stability tabs  140  may be sized and shaped such that the stability tabs  140  engage the pegboard  14  to help keep the middle of the gap spacer device  100  stable and secure within the shelving system  10 . The stability tabs  140  are especially important for longer length gap spacer devices  100 . There may be one stability tab  140  near the middle of the gap spacer device  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Additionally, there may be more than one stability tab  140  located at various locations, ideally towards the middle of the gap spacer device  100 , to help maintain the stability and security of the gap spacer device as installed on the shelving system  10 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4A through 4C  illustrate the installation and removal of the gap spacer device  100  for the shelving system  10 . To install the gap spacer device  100 , a user would grasp the tabs  110  on each end  102  of the gap spacer device  100 . As illustrated specifically in  FIG. 4A , the user may then move the gap spacer device  100  to the pegboard  14  above the gap  18  and covering the entire length of the gap  18  and spanning the shelf  16 . The user, still holding the gap spacer device  100  at the tabs  110 , pushes the gap spacer device  100  towards the pegboard  14 , thereby flexing the support arm  114  against the pegboard  14  or the uprights  12 . The user pushes the gap spacer device  100  towards the pegboard until the mounting arm  112  is far enough back such that the flared projections  116  are able to slide into the gap  18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , when the gap spacer device  100  is in position to be installed into the gap  18 , the user then slides the gap spacer device  100  downward with the support arm  114  sliding against the back of the pegboard  14  or uprights  12  and the mounting arm  112  sliding into the gap  18 . As the gap spacer device  100  is pushed downward into the gap, the flared projections may make a clicking noise as they slide past the back of the shelf  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the user pushes the gap spacer device  100  downward until the shelf lip  120  is flush with the shelf  16 . The mounting arm  112  and the one of the flared projections  116  will be locked into place and secured into the shelving system  10  against the back of the shelf  16 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a close-up view of the locking of the flared projections  116  against the back of the shelf  16 . 
         [0037]    As was discussed previously, the gap spacer device  100  will prevent and block product  20  from falling between the gap  18 . Additionally, when the gap spacer device  100  is installed, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the plurality of teeth  130  provide a means for peg hooks to be mounted from the other side of the pegboard  14 . When the peg hooks are mounted from the other side of the pegboard  14 , the hooks may push through onto the pegboard  14  and the teeth  130  will flex around the peg hook as it protrudes through the pegboard  14 , thereby allowing the peg hook and peg hole to be utilized without blocking it. Additionally, as was described earlier, if the shelf  16  sags, the upward bow  132  on the teeth  130  allows the shelf  16  to sag, while still providing the prevention and blockage of product in the gap  18 . 
         [0038]    The removal of the gap spacer device  100  is similar to the installation and mounting of the gap spacer device  100 . Again, the user holds and handles the gap spacer device  100  using the tab  110 . The user will first grasp each of the tabs  110  on each of the ends  102  of the gap spacer device  100 . The user will then push the gap spacer device  100  inward towards the pegboard  14  and uprights  12 . When the user pushes the gap spacer device  100  inward toward the pegboard  14  and uprights  12 , the support arm  114  flexes against the pegboard  13 . Additionally, the mounting arm  112  and flared projections  116  release and unlock from the locking configuration against the back of the shelf  16 . After the mounting arm  112  and flared projections  116  have been released from the back of the shelf  16 , the user may pull up on the tab  110  of the gap spacer device  100  thereby sliding the gap spacer device  100  out of the gap  18 . As the user is pulling up on the tab  110 , the user may have to maintain pressure against the back of the pegboard  14  and uprights  12  so that the support arm  114  remains flexed against the back of the pegboard  14 . The user may then continue to pull up on the gap spacer device  100  until the gap spacer device  100  can be removed from the shelving system  10 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment of the gap spacer device  700  according to the present invention. The gap spacer device  700  may generally be the length of shelving system  10 , spanning from one upright  12  to the other upright  12 . The gap spacer device  700 , when installed in the shelving system  10 , will fill the gap  18  against the pegboard  14  and between the back of the shelf  16 . The gap spacer device  700  may be constructed as a one-piece, molded plastic piece. Other suitable constructions and materials may be utilized without departing from this invention. Generally, the gap spacer device  700  includes two ends  702  and a gap filler portion  704  that spans between each of the two ends  702 . The gap spacer device  700  will be described in more detail below. 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the gap spacer device  700  includes two ends  702 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a close-up version of one of the ends  702 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each end  702  may include a tab  710 , a mounting arm  712 , and a support arm  714 . The tab  710 , the mounting arm  712 , and the support arm  714  assist with and allow the gap spacer device  700  to be installed and secured to the shelving system  10 . 
         [0041]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the tab  710  is located at one or both of the ends  702  of the gap spacer device  700 . The tab  710  may project outward and away from the gap spacer device  700  and the gap filler portion  704  and towards a user. The tab  710  may be sized such that a user can use their fingers to grasp onto the tab  710  when holding the gap spacer device  700 , installing the gap spacer device  700 , and/or removing the gap spacer device  700 . The tab  710  may be rectangular as illustrated in  FIG. 8  or other shapes without departing from this invention. The purpose of the tab  710  is to allow the user the ability to grasp and hold the gap spacer device  700  during installation and removal from the shelving system  10 . 
         [0042]    Similar to the mounting arm as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and described above, the mounting arm  712  is located at one or both of the ends  702  of the gap spacer device  700 . Similar to the support arm as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and described above, the support arm  714  may be located at one or both of the ends  702  of the gap spacer device  700 . The mounting arm  712  and the support arm  714  are the same as the description as described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0043]    Additionally, the gap spacer device  700  may include a shelf lip  720 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the shelf lip  720  may project outward toward the user and away from the pegboard  14 . The shelf lip  720  extends out such that the shelf lip  720  rests on or engages the top of the shelf edge  16  when the gap spacer device  700  is installed. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the shelf lip  720  may be continuous throughout the entire length of the gap spacer device  700 . The shelf lip  720  may be any shape or size as long as the shelf lip  720  engages and maintains the gap spacer device  700  on the shelf  16 . The purpose of the shelf lip  720  is to ensure the engagement of the shelf  16  and the shelf lip  720 , such that the gap spacer device  700 , when installed, does not fall through the gap  18 . 
         [0044]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the gap spacer device  700  may include an opening  730  between the two ends  702  of the gap spacer device  700 . The opening  730  may be sized such that it allows a peg hook mounted to the pegboard  14 . 
         [0045]    The reader should understand that these specific examples are set forth merely to illustrate examples of the invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the invention. Many variations in the shelving systems and gap spacer devices may be made from the specific structures described above without departing from this invention. 
         [0046]    While the invention has been described in detail in terms of specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.