Abstract:
A shelving glide includes a deck having a plurality of dividers; a first trough having a first index arranged along at least a portion of a width of the deck; a second trough having a second index arranged along at least a portion of the width of the deck; and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of pathways. A partition includes a first clip securable to the first index; and a second clip securable to the second index. The partition is adjustable along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position upon disengagement of the second clip from the second index. The first clip is adapted to disengage from the first index upon disengagement of the second clip from the second index. The partition is secured to the deck at the second position upon reengagement of the second clip to the second index.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/101,910, filed on Oct. 1, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to a shelving glide and, more particularly, to a shelving glide having one or more adjustable partitions. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Consumer products, such as drinks, food items, and other products, are often stored and displayed in shelving units. For example, consumer products may be stored and displayed on end caps located at one end of a longer shelving system. In addition, in such instances when the consumer products are perishable or require cold storage and/or display, the consumer products may be stored in large refrigerated rooms, or cooler vaults. Regardless of the storage and/or display location, vendors of consumer products often desire that the storage and/or display location allow for easy access to the products by the consumer. For instance, storage and/or display systems may utilize a dispenser glider, or “shelving glide,” to present products to the consumer in sequential fashion. In some instances, however, the consumer products stored on the storage and/or display system may be of different sizes, different weights, and/or different shapes. Further, because consumer products such as food and drink containers may break or leak, the storage and/or display systems may often become contaminated with organic material, which can promote bacterial growth, mold, or other undesirable effects. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, a shelving glide includes a deck having a plurality of dividers; a first trough coupled to the deck and having a first index arranged along at least a portion of a width of the deck; a second trough coupled to the deck and having a second index arranged along at least a portion of the width of the deck; and a plurality of partitions coupled to the deck and defining a plurality of pathways. At least one of the plurality of partitions includes a first clip securable to the first index; and a second clip securable to the second index. The partition is adjustable along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position different than the first position upon disengagement of the second clip from the second index. The first clip is adapted to disengage from the first index upon disengagement of the second clip from the second index. The partition is secured to the deck at the second position upon reengagement of the second clip to the second index. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a method for presenting consumer products includes providing a shelving glide. The shelving glide includes a deck having a plurality of dividers; a first trough coupled to the deck and having a first index arranged along at least a portion of a width of the deck; a second trough coupled to the deck and having a second index arranged along at least a portion of the width of the deck; and a plurality of partitions coupled to the deck and defining a plurality of pathways, where at least one of the plurality of partitions includes a first clip coupled to the partition at a first end of the partition and a second clip coupled to the partition at a second end of the partition opposite the first end. The method also includes disengaging the second clip from the second index; adjusting the partition along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position different from the first position; and reengaging the second clip to the second index. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a product vessel support device includes a frame including a plurality of channels extending between two opposed edges of the frame, each channel having a plurality of support rollers disposed within the channel; and a plurality of vertical dividers detachably secured to the frame. Each pair of adjacent vertical dividers define a corresponding vessel pathway above one or more channels. At least one of the plurality of vertical dividers is adjustable along the opposed edges of the frame between a first position and a second position. The at least one vertical divider is adapted to slidingly move between the first and second positions in response to a force applied to the vertical divider at a substantially single location. At least a portion of the vertical divider is coupled to the deck during sliding movement between the first and second positions. 
         [0007]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the first clip may be adapted to reengage the first index upon reengagement of the second clip to the second index. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the dividers may define a plurality of channels, and the shelving glide may further include a plurality of rollers seated within the channels, where the rollers are adapted to rotate within the channels and support at least a portion of a container. 
         [0009]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the shelving glide may further include a plurality of roller trays removably arranged within the plurality of channels, where the plurality of rollers are seated on the plurality of roller trays. 
         [0010]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, a portion of the plurality of rollers may be seated on one of the plurality of roller trays, where the portion of rollers and the roller tray define a ductway adapted to direct a fluid within the deck. 
         [0011]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the shelving glide further includes a stage coupled to the deck, where the stage is adapted to support a plurality of containers. 
         [0012]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the stage may be coupled to the second trough through a flanged connection. 
         [0013]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the first clip may include one or more cleats adapted to be secured within corresponding notches of the first index; and a shoulder portion engageable within a recessed portion of the front trough. 
         [0014]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the partition may be adapted to move along the width of the deck upon sliding movement of the first clip within the recessed portion of the front trough. 
         [0015]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the notches may be disposed substantially vertically within a recessed portion of the first trough. 
         [0016]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the second clip may include one or more prongs extending from the second clip, where at least one prong is engageable with one of a plurality of grooves in the second index. 
         [0017]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of partitions may include a flared base portion extending from a substantially vertical wall portion, where the flared base portion is adapted to extend under at least a portion of a container. 
         [0018]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the shelving glide may further include a plurality of container stops, where at least one of the container stops is attachable to a vertical edge of one of the plurality of partitions. The container stop may have a first wing portion extending across a first pathway and a second wing portion extending across a second pathway. The container stop may be substantially opaque. 
         [0019]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, disengaging the second clip from the second index includes lifting the second end of the partition to disengage the second clip from one or more grooves in the second index. 
         [0020]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the first clip may include one or more cleats, where at least one cleat is adapted to be secured within one of a plurality of notches in the first index, and a shoulder portion engageable within a recessed portion of the front trough. Adjusting the partition along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position includes rotating the partition about a pivot proximate the first end of the partition to disengage the one or more cleats from corresponding one or more notches; sliding the partition from the first position to the second position, the shoulder sliding within the recessed portion; and reengaging the second clip to the one or more grooves in the second index. 
         [0021]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, reengaging the second clip to the one or more grooves in the second index includes reengaging the one or more cleats in the corresponding one or more notches of the first index. 
         [0022]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, at least one product container may be inserted into one of the plurality of pathways. 
         [0023]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, inserting at least one product container into one of the plurality of pathways includes loading a plurality of product containers on the stage; inserting a first product container from the stage into the pathway; inserting a second product container from the stage into the pathway; and inserting a third product container from the stage into another of the plurality of pathways. 
         [0024]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, adjusting the partition along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position includes adjusting the partition along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position with human contact of only the partition at or adjacent the second end of the partition. 
         [0025]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the vertical divider may be secured to the frame adjacent a front edge by a front clip and secured to the frame adjacent a back edge by a back clip. 
         [0026]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the vertical divider may be adapted to slidingly move between the first and second positions upon disengagement of the back clip from the frame and at least partial engagement of the front clip with the frame. 
         [0027]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, at least one of the plurality of vertical dividers includes a flared base portion adjacent a portion of the plurality of rollers. 
         [0028]    In one aspect of one or more embodiments, the product vessel support device may further include at least one vessel stop coupled to one of the vertical dividers, where the stop has a first wing portion extending across a first vessel pathway and a second wing portion extending across a second vessel pathway adjacent the first vessel pathway. 
         [0029]    Various embodiments of a shelving glide according to the present disclosure may include one or more of the following features. For example, the shelving glide may provide for a reduction of a total stack weight of multiple consumer products (e.g., food and/or drink containers or otherwise), thereby aiding in the removal of a single, front product by a customer and reducing gravity impact of the stack weight against a front stop after the product is removed. The shelving glide may also provide for less clearance between shelves within a shelving system. Thus, the shelving glide may allow for more volume of displayed consumer product in a given area. The shelving glide may also allow for maximum container display visibility. In addition, the shelving glide may provide for current and future shelving dimensional requirements. In other words, the shelving glide may provide for easy modifications to fit most storage and/or display applications. In addition, the shelving glide may provide for easier and faster change-outs of consumer products having substantially different dimensions, shapes, and/or weights without special tools or removal from a shelving system. The shelving glide may allow for adjustable “partitions” that are attached to the glide that can be dimensionally changed without removal, and in some embodiments, changed at a single-point location. 
         [0030]    Various embodiments of a shelving glide according to the present disclosure may also include one or more of the following features. The shelving glide may provide the proper height to prevent container fall-over. Further, the shelving glide may provide for beverage container dividers that can be removed from and/or added into the glide without major assembly requirements. The shelving glide may also allow for a loading surface to support one or more consumer products prior to loading into the shelving glide. Further, the shelving glide may provide for proper glide operation independent or substantially independent of a shelf surface or shelving system. The shelving glide may also provide for assembly during installation. The shelving glide may also provide for cleaning and/or sterilization (e.g., liquid, air, or otherwise) without disassembly. The shelving glide may include a minimum friction glider deck that functions with less gravity pitch angle to reduce the total stack weight of multiple beverage containers. The shelving glide may aid in the removal of a single front product container by a customer. The shelving glide may also reduce the gravity impact of the stack weight against a front stop after the product container is removed. Additionally, the shelving glide may include a minimum glider deck pitch angle providing less clearance between shelving and resulting in more volume of displayed product containers in a given area of shelving. 
         [0031]    These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a device, system or method, or any combinations of devices, systems, or methods. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates a more detailed perspective of one embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  illustrates another exploded view of one embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates a more detailed perspective of a rear portion of one embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  illustrates a detailed view of a rear portion of another embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detailed view of a front portion of another embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of various components of another embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detailed view of a rear portion of another embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of a shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  illustrates a more detailed view of one portion of another embodiment of the shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  illustrates a more detailed view of another portion of another embodiment of the shelving glide in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    In one embodiment, a shelving glide supports and displays one or more consumer product containers (e.g., food and/or beverage containers or other containers) on a shelving system, such as, for example, a cooler vault shelving system. The shelving glide includes a deck, or frame, and multiple partitions extending substantially vertically from the deck. The partitions define one or more product flow paths and are coupled to the deck via one or more clips. In some aspects, a partition is coupled to the deck or a component of or attached to the deck (such as an indexing trough) at a front and a back end of the partition. In some aspects, the back end clip may be detached from the deck and the partition may be rotated around a fulcrum to detach the front clip from the deck. The partition may be adjusted along a width of the deck by single-point contact to adjust the width of one or more flow paths. In some aspects, a user of the shelving glide in, for example, a cooler vault, may adjust the width of one or more flow paths from a single location at the rear of the shelving glide. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1  illustrates one example embodiment of a shelving glide  100 . The illustrated shelving glide  100  includes a stage  105 , one or more side angles  110 , a plurality of rollers  115 , a deck  120 , a bumper  125 , a front trough  130 , one or more product stops  135 , one or more partitions  140 , and a back trough  150 . Typically, the shelving glide  100  supports multiple consumer products on a shelving system such as, for example, a shelving system located within a cooler vault. In some embodiments, the shelving glide  100  may be installed on a shelf positioned at a pitched angle. Thus, consumer product containers loaded on to the shelving glide  100  may be urged toward a front of the glide  100  (toward the product stops  135 ) by a gravity feed. Once a consumer product container is removed from the front of the shelving glide  100 , additional consumer product containers located rearward of the removed container may be urged toward the product stops  135  by gravity. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the stage  105  is coupled to the back trough  150  at the rear portion of the glide  100 . The stage  105  may overhang the shelving system on which the glide  100  is placed, thereby providing a substantially planar surface on which to place consumer product containers prior to their loading onto the glide  100 . Generally, the stage  105  is designed to support the weight of multiple consumer product containers. In some aspects of the glide  100 , the stage  105  may be an extruded plastic component coupled to the back trough  150 . 
         [0047]    One or more side rails  110  may be connected to the deck  120  of the shelving glide  100 . In some aspects, two side rails  110  may be connected to opposing sides of the shelving glide  100 . As shown more fully in  FIG. 2 , the side rail  110  is an “L”-shaped structural member that may provide stability to the shelving glide  100  when loaded with consumer product containers. Alternatively, other stabilizing techniques may be utilized in addition to or in place of the side rails  110 . 
         [0048]    A plurality of rollers  115  may be installed within the shelving glide  100  transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the glide  100 . The rollers  115 , typically, provide a reduced friction surface on which consumer product containers may move toward the product stops  135  while influenced by the force of gravity. Generally, each roller  115  may be a cylindrical molding with a reduced axle pin on each end. The rollers  115  may spin freely or substantially freely within the shelving glide  100  and, more particularly, the deck  120 , thereby creating a rotatable surface on which the consumer product containers may independently move forward (e.g., at a downward angle) as one or more containers within a line of containers are removed. In some aspects, the rollers  115  may be between 1 inch and 2 inches long and may be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or other material. 
         [0049]    The deck  120  of the shelving glide  100  is a substantially planar component in which various components of the shelving glide  100  may be installed. For example, the deck  120  may be an extruded component that establishes a segment of the glider  100  surface and a receptacle for one or more roller frames  155 . Additionally, in some aspects, the deck  120  may be coupled to the front trough  130  and the back trough  150 , thereby creating a substantially unified support structure for the shelving glide  100 . In some embodiments, the deck  120  may include one or more substantially parallel dividers  117  extending between the rear end of the shelving glide  100  and the front end of the shelving glide  100 , thereby creating one or more channels  122  into which the roller frames  155  may be installed. In some aspects, the parallel dividers  117  may provide additional structural stability for the deck  120  and the shelving glide  100 . 
         [0050]    The bumper  125  is located at the front end of the shelving glide  100  and, in some embodiments, may be coupled to the front trough  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bumper  125  may provide additional structural stability to the shelving glide  100 , as well as, for example, provide a location for product information (e.g., price, type, brand) to be displayed. 
         [0051]    The front trough  130  is connected to the deck  120  and may provide multiple points of connection for the one or more partitions  140 . For example, as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the front trough  130  may allow for incremental adjustment of the partitions  140  along a width of the front end of the shelving glide  100 , thereby allowing for a width of any particular pathway  118  (i.e., container flow path) defined by two partitions  140  to be adjustable to substantially any size consumer product container. 
         [0052]    One or more product stops  135  may be connected to corresponding partitions  140  at the front end of the shelving glide  100 . Typically, the product stops  135  prevent (completely or substantially) consumer product containers from sliding or otherwise falling from the shelving glide  100  due to the force of gravity. The product stops  135  may be transparent moldings used to stop forward movement of containers and offer visual “see through” container identification. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the product stops  135  may include opposing winged portions  137   a  and  137   b , thereby allowing a single product stop  135  to impede the movement of consumer product containers in multiple lanes of the shelving glide  100 . Alternatively, the product stops  135  may be connected to the bumper  125  or other portion of the shelving glide  100 . 
         [0053]    One or more partitions  140  may be connected to the front trough  130  and the back trough  150  of the shelving glide  100 . The illustrated partitions  140  define one or more pathways  118  in which consumer product containers may be inserted. For example, the partitions  140  may be extruded dividers used to separate consumer product containers, establish movement pathways for such containers, and prevent container damage. Further, the partitions  140  may, in some embodiments, be individually removable and incrementally adjustable along the front end and the back end portions of the shelving glide  100 , thereby allowing for the pathways  118  defined by the partitions  140  to be adjusted according to the one or more sizes of the consumer product containers to be loaded into the glide  100 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a portion of one embodiment of the shelving glide  100 . More specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the back end of the shelving glide  100 , including the stage  105 , the side angle  110 , rollers  115 , the deck  120 , partitions  140 , the back trough  150 , a roller frame  155 , and an assembly rod  160 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the stage  105  may include a latticed cross-sectional configuration for increased strength and decreased weight. In some aspects, the stage  105  may slideably connect to the back trough  150  via an extruded flanged or “T” portion of the trough  150 . 
         [0056]    The illustrated back trough  150  may be segmented such that multiple sections of the trough  150  extend across the back end of the shelving glide  100 . Alternatively, the back trough  150  may be a single piece component extending across the back end of the glide  100 . In some aspects, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the back trough  150  may include a plurality of substantially rectangular grooves  151  (e.g., apertures) formed into a top surface of the trough  150  (e.g., an indexing trough). As explained more fully with reference to  FIG. 5 , such grooves  151  may allow for the partitions  140  to be connected to the back trough  150  at incremental locations across the back end of the shelving glide  100 . 
         [0057]    The back trough  150  may further be coupled to the deck  120  through the assembly rod  160 . For example, the back trough  150  and the deck  120  may include substantially circular apertures that may be aligned as the back trough  150  (or back troughs  150 ) is inserted into the deck  120 . The assembly rod  160  may thus be inserted through both the back trough  150  and the deck  120  via the substantially circular apertures located in each. In some aspects, the assembly rod  160  may be fastened or otherwise secured to the side angle  110  by screws, bolts, snaps, or other fastener. 
         [0058]    Multiple roller frames  155  may be inserted into the channels  122  within the deck  120  defined by the dividers  117  of the deck  120 . In some embodiments, the roller frames  155  may include multiple slots on which the rollers  115  may be seated and rotate. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the roller frames  155  may be segmented into multiple roller frames that may be inserted into the channels  122  of the deck  120 . Alternatively, a single roller frame  155  (e.g., a roller frame extending a length of a channel  122 ) may be inserted into each channel  122  of the deck  120 . 
         [0059]    The roller frames  155  may also, in some aspects, separate the channels  122  of the deck  120  into lower and upper portions. For example, the separated channels may allow for easier cleaning of the deck  120  by creating paths by which cleaning fluid may be introduced into the deck  120 . Alternatively, cleaning fluid may be introduced into the channels of the deck  120  after removal of the roller frames  155  and rollers  115 . In some embodiments, the roller frame  155  may include one or more drain holes to allow unwanted fluids to drain to the deck  120  for removal (e.g., immediately and/or future removal) from the shelving glide  100 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  illustrates a more detailed perspective of a portion of one embodiment of the shelving glide  100 . More specifically,  FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the front end of the shelving glide  100 . Certain embodiments of the shelving glide  100  may include a front clip  165 , a clip rod  175 , and an assembly rod  180 . Further, in some embodiments, the front trough  130  of the shelving glide  100  may include an index  170 . The illustrated front trough  130  and index  170  may allow a partition  140  to be positioned at multiple locations along the front end of the shelving glide  100 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bumper  125  may be coupled to the front trough  130  via an extruded or “T” flange of the front trough  130 . The front trough  130  (as shown more fully in  FIG. 4 ) may also be coupled to the deck  120  via the assembly rod  180 . The front trough  130  may further include a slot running the length of the front trough  130  whereby the front clip  165  may be inserted. The clip rod  175  may be inserted through one or more front clips  165 , thereby allowing the front clips  165  to rotate about the clip rod  175 . 
         [0062]    The front trough  130  may include the index  170  along a front wall of the front trough  130 . The illustrated index  170  may consist of multiple notches  172  (e.g., apertures or ribs) formed in the front wall of the front trough  130  into which a pin of the front clip  165  may be inserted. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the front clip  165  may be connected to the partition  140  such that lateral movement of the front clip  165  on the clip rod  175  may also move the partition  140  along the front end of the shelving glide  100 . For example, a user may rotate the front clip  165  clockwise (as viewed in  FIG. 3 ) by lifting the partition  140  at the back end of the shelving glide  100 . Upon rotation of the front clip  165 , the clip  165  may be disengaged from a notch  172  of the index  170 , thereby allowing lateral movement of the front clip  165  along the clip rod  175 . The front clip  165  may then be reengaged with the index  170  by, for example, rotating the partition  140  counterclockwise. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  illustrates another exploded view of one embodiment of the shelving glide  100 . More particularly,  FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the front end of the shelving glide  100 , including the side angle  110 , rollers  115 , the deck  120 , the bumper  125 , the front trough  130 , product stops  135 , partitions  140 , the roller frame  155 , the clip rod  175 , and the assembly rod  180 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the front trough  130  (or front troughs  130 ) may be connected to the front end of the deck  120  via the assembly rod  180 . The assembly rod  180  may, for instance, be inserted through circular or substantially circular apertures formed in the front trough  130  and the deck  120 . The assembly rod  180  may also be fastened to or otherwise secured to the side angle  110  by, for example, a screw, rivet, snap, bolt, or other fastener. Further, in some embodiments, the clip rod  175  may be attached to or otherwise secured to the side angle  110 . 
         [0066]    As described above with reference to  FIG. 2 , multiple roller frames  155  may be inserted into channels within the deck  120  defined by the deck dividers  117 . Multiple rollers  115  may be seated into slots formed in the top of the roller frame  155 , thereby allowing the rollers  115  to rotate substantially freely within the slots as consumer product containers move over the rollers  115 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 5  illustrates a more detailed perspective of a rear portion of one embodiment of the shelving glide  100 . In some embodiments, the shelving glide  100  may include a back clip  185  connected to some or all of the partitions  140 . Thus, the partitions  140  may be connected to the back trough  150  through the back clips  185 . For example, as noted above, the back trough  150  may include multiple substantially rectangular grooves  151  formed in the top of the trough  150 . Each back clip  185  may be inserted into a particular groove  151  of the back trough  150  in order to secure the partition  140  to the deck  120  at a particular position. 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the partition  140  may include a ribbed cross-section, thereby providing additional structural support and stability to the partition  140 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the partition  140  may include a flared base  142 , further increasing structural stability. The flared base of the partition  140  may, in some aspects, be overhung by at least a portion of a consumer product container placed upon the rollers  115 . 
         [0069]    Further, in some embodiments of the shelving glide  100 , the partition  140  may be connected to the deck  120  at a point between the front end of the shelving glide  100  and the back end of the shelving glide  100 . For instance, one or more additional clips (not shown) may be inserted into the flared base  142  of the partition  140  and coupled to the deck  120  at, for example, a divider  117  of the deck  120 . 
         [0070]    In some aspects of operation of the shelving glide  100 , a user may load one or more, or preferably many, product containers on the stage  105  in order to expedite loading of the containers into the one or more pathways  118 . For example, the user may load all or a part of a case (or other unit) of containers on the stage  105  first and then load the containers into the pathways  118 , thereby decreasing loading time and/or effort. In certain instances, the user may determine that one or more pathways  118  may need to be wider or narrower. The user may then detach a particular partition  140  from the deck  120  by, for example, lifting up on a rear end of the partition  140  proximate to the stage  105  to disengage the back clip  185  from a particular groove  151  in the back trough  150 . Once disengaged, the partition  140  may be rotated (e.g., counterclockwise) in order to rotate the corresponding front clip  165  around the clip rod  175 . Upon rotation, the front clip  165  disengages from a corresponding notch  172  of the index  170 . The user may then slidingly adjust the partition  140  along a width of the deck  120  to adjust the widths of one or more pathways  118 . The user may then rotate the partition (e.g., clockwise) to reengage the front clip  165  to another notch  172  in the index  170 . Once reengaged, the partition  140  may be secured again to the deck  120  by reengaging the back clip  185  to another groove  151 . 
         [0071]    In some aspects, the shelving glide  100  may be self-indexing. For example, there may be a one-to-one correspondence between grooves  151  and notches  172  such that when the user engages the back clip  185  to a particular groove  151 , the front clip  165  is automatically engaged with the corresponding notch  172 . In such fashion, each pathway  118  may have a uniform or substantially uniform width throughout an entire length of the pathway  118 . Further, each partition  140  may be substantially parallel to other partitions  140 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 6  illustrates a detailed view of a rear portion of another embodiment of a shelving glide. More specifically,  FIG. 6  illustrates a shelving glide  200 , including a stage  205 , a back trough  215 , a side angle  225 , and a partition  230 . Shelving glide  200  may also include a cap screw  220  that secures an assembly rod (not shown) to the side angle  225 . In some aspects of shelving glide  200 , the partition  230  may overhang the back trough  215  by, for example, approximately 16 millimeters. 
         [0073]    Shelving glide  200  may also include a label recess  207  and a back pointer  210 . The back pointer  210  may be inserted into a flanged base portion of the partition  230  and include a tip extending from the partition  230 . The tip of the back pointer  210  may, in some embodiments, indicate a specific location of the partition  230  according to a ruler  202  located on the label recess  207 . The ruler, for instance, may include one or more tick marks  204  aligned with and corresponding to each groove  209  located on a top surface of the back trough  215 . Thus, a user of the shelving glide  200  may align the partition  230  at a specific location along a width of the shelving glide  200  according to the ruler  202  located on the label recess  207 . Alternatively, the label recess  207  may include one or more marks at various intervals corresponding to particular apertures on the back trough  215 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detailed view of a front portion of one embodiment of the shelving glide  200 . As illustrated, the shelving glide  200  may include a rod fastener  235  that secures an assembly rod (not shown) through a front trough  255  and the side angle  225 . The shelving glide  200  also includes a deck (not shown), which, in some aspects, may be substantially similar to the deck  120  of the shelving glide  100 . The deck of shelving glide  200  may, alternatively, also include one or more drain holes located in a bottom surface of the deck to facilitate the removal of unwanted fluids and cleaning of the shelving glide  200 . The holes, in some aspects, may be located along the front end of the shelving glide  200  to allow for draining fluids out of the shelving glide  200 . The deck may also include apertures through which a center assembly rod may be inserted to, for example, increase stability of the shelving glide  200 . 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , a clip rod cap  240  may also be rotatably secured to the side angle  225  via the rod fastener  235  without, in some aspects, any tool requirement. The clip rod cap  240  may thus be rotated to cover a portion of a clip rod  245  extending from an aperture of the side angle  225 . The clip rod  245  may be inserted through the front trough  255  and through one or more front clips  247 . Once covered, the clip rod  245  may be less likely to be accidentally or impermissibly removed from the shelving glide  200 . 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, a clip rod cap  240  may be utilized on both sides of the shelving glide  200 . Further, in some aspects, the clip rod  245  may be sized such that one or more front clips  247  may be removed from the clip rod  245  without complete removal of the clip rod  245  from the shelving glide  200 . 
         [0077]    Shelving glide  200  may also include a front pointer  252  and a label recess  257 . In some aspects, the front pointer  252  and the label recess  257  may be substantially similar to the back pointer  210  and the label recess  207 . For example, the front pointer  252  may be inserted into a flared base portion of the partition  230 . In some aspects, the front pointer  252  may be secured into place by, for example, an adhesive. Further, the front pointer  252  may include a tip extending from the partition  230 . The tip of the front pointer  252  may, in some embodiments, indicate a specific location of the partition  230  according to a ruler located on the label recess  257 . The ruler may include tick marks aligned with and corresponding to each notch of an index of the front trough  255  (such as the clip index  170  of the front trough  130  shown in  FIG. 3 ). Thus, a user of the shelving glide  200  may align the partition  230  at a specific location along a width of the shelving glide  200  according to the ruler located on the label recess  257 . The label recess  257  may alternatively include one or more marks at various intervals corresponding to particular apertures of the index of the front trough  255 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of various components of one embodiment of the shelving glide  200 . More specifically,  FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a back end of the partition  230  of the shelving glide  200 . For example, the partition  230  may include a flared bottom portion  232  containing a t-shape recess through (entirely or partially) a length of the partition  230 . Into this recess, a back clip  275 , which may include a t-shape flange along a top portion may be inserted. An insert  270 , such as a rubber insert, may also be inserted into the recess subsequent to the back clip  275 . Further, the back pointer  210  may be inserted and secured within the recess subsequent to the insert  270 . The insert  270  may, in some aspects, apply a forward force (e.g., away from the partition  230 ) against the back pointer  210 . Additionally, in some embodiments, a partition strap (not shown) may be inserted into the recess prior to the back clip  275  and through substantially the entire length of the partition  230 . The partition strap, in some aspects, may be a metal member, and may provide a stop for the back clip  275 . Further, the partition strap may increase structural stability of the partition  230 . 
         [0079]    The back clip  275  may, in some aspects, be wider than the flared base  232  of the partition  230  and include textured sides to allow, for example, a user to more easily grasp and/or insert the back clip  275  into the partition  230 , move the partition  230  secured to the back clip  275 , or to generally handle the back clip  275 . The back clip  275  may also include up to four legs, which secure the back clip  275  to the back trough  215  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ). In some aspects, one or more of the legs of the back clip  275  may include hooked ends to more securely fasten the back clip  275  to the back trough  215 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detailed view of a rear portion of one embodiment of the shelving glide  200 . More specifically,  FIG. 9  shows the back clip  275  inserted through apertures of the back trough  215 . In such fashion, the partition  230  may be detachably secured to the back trough  215 . In some embodiments, the partition  230  may be detached from the back trough  215  by lifting the partition  230  away from the back trough  215  and toward the stage  205 , thereby removing the back clip  275  from the apertures. Subsequently, the partition  230  may be adjusted in either direction along the width of the back trough  215 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of a shelving glide  1000 . As illustrated, shelving glide  1000  includes a stage  1005 , one or more side angles  1010 , a plurality of rollers  1015 , a deck  1020 , a bumper  1025 , a front trough  1030 , one or more product stops  1035 , one or more partitions  1040 , and a back trough  1050 . In some implementations, the shelving glide  1000  may include a ruler  1202  proximate to the back trough  1050 . As illustrated, the shelving glide  1000  supports multiple consumer products on a shelving system such as, for example, a shelving system located within a cooler vault. In some embodiments, the shelving glide  1000  may be installed on a shelf positioned at a pitched angle. Consumer product containers loaded on to the shelving glide  1000  may be urged toward a front of the glide  1000  (toward the product stops  1035 ) by a gravity feed. Once a consumer product container is removed from the front of the shelving glide  1000 , additional consumer product containers located rearward of the removed container may be urged toward the product stops  1035  by gravity. All or some of the components of the shelving glide  1000  may be a rigid material, such as, for example, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or other rigid material. 
         [0082]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the stage  1005  is coupled to the back trough  1050  at the rear portion of the glide  1000 . The stage  1005  may overhang the shelving system on which the glide  1000  is placed, thereby providing a substantially planar surface on which to place consumer product containers prior to their loading onto the glide  1000 . Generally, the stage  1005  is designed to support the weight of multiple consumer product containers. In some aspects of the glide  1000 , the stage  1005  may be an extruded plastic component coupled to the back trough  1050 , such as, for example, via a t-flange connection. In alternative aspects, the stage  1005 , the back trough  1050 , and/or the deck  1020  may be a single piece structure, which may provide better structural stability and strength. 
         [0083]    One or more side rails  1010  may be connected to the deck  1020  of the shelving glide  1000 . In some aspects, two side rails  1010  may be connected to opposing sides of the shelving glide  1000 . In some implementations of the shelving glide  1000 , the side rails  1010  may be attached (e.g., mechanical secured by rivets, screws, or other mechanical technique) to the deck  1020  at four locations corresponding to or proximate to four corners of the shelving glide  1000 . 
         [0084]    A plurality of rollers  1015  may be installed within the shelving glide  1000  transverse to a longitudinal dimension of the glide  1000 . The rollers  1015 , typically, provide a reduced friction surface on which consumer product containers may move toward the product stops  1035  while influenced by the force of gravity. Generally, each roller  1015  may be a cylindrical molding with a reduced axle pin on each end. The rollers  1015  may spin freely or substantially freely within the shelving glide  1000  and, more particularly, the deck  1020 , thereby creating a rotatable surface on which the consumer product containers may independently move forward (e.g., at a downward angle) as one or more containers within a line of containers are removed. In some aspects, the rollers  1015  may be between 1 inch and 2 inches long and may be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or other material. 
         [0085]    The deck  1020  of the shelving glide  1000  is a substantially planar component in which various components of the shelving glide  1000  may be installed. For example, the deck  1020  may be an extruded component that establishes a segment of the glider  1000  surface and a receptacle for one or more roller frames  1055  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). Additionally, in some aspects, the deck  1020  may be coupled to the front trough  1030  and the back trough  1050 , thereby creating a substantially unified support structure for the shelving glide  1000 . In some embodiments (as illustrated in  FIG. 11 ), the deck  1020  may include one or more substantially parallel dividers  1017  extending between the rear end of the shelving glide  1000  and the front end of the shelving glide  100 , thereby creating one or more channels  1022  into which the roller frames  1055  may be installed. In some aspects, the parallel dividers  1017  may provide additional structural stability for the deck  1020  and the shelving glide  1000 . 
         [0086]    In some aspects of shelving glide  1000 , the deck  1020 , the front trough  1030 , and the back trough  1050  may be a single piece structure. For example, these components may be integrally formed as an extruded, single piece structure to, for example, increase strength and stability of the deck  1020 . Alternatively, in some aspects, the front trough  1030  and the back trough  1050  may be compressed and secured against the deck  1020  by the bumper  1025  and the stage  1005 , respectively, when the bumper  1025  and the stage  1005  are coupled to the deck  1020  by the side rails  1010 . Further, in some aspects, at least one of the front trough  1030  and the back trough  1050  may be fit into slots disposed in the deck  1020  in order to detachably secure the corresponding trough  1030  and/or  1050  to the deck  1020 . 
         [0087]    The bumper  1025  is located at the front end of the shelving glide  1000  and, in some embodiments, may be coupled to the front trough  1030 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bumper  1025  may provide additional structural stability to the shelving glide  1000 , as well as, for example, provide a location for product information (e.g., price, type, brand) to be displayed. 
         [0088]    The front trough  1030  is connected to or integral with the deck  1020  and may provide multiple points of connection for the partitions  1040 . For example, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 12 , the front trough  1030  may allow for incremental adjustment of the partitions  1040  along a width of the front end of the shelving glide  1000 , thereby allowing for a width of any particular pathway  1018  (i.e., container flow path) defined by two partitions  1040  to be adjustable to substantially any size consumer product container, without, for example, removing adjacent or other partitions  1040  or consumer product containers from the shelving glide  1000 . 
         [0089]    One or more product stops  1035  may be connected to corresponding partitions  1040  at the front end of the shelving glide  100 . Typically, the product stops  1035  prevent (completely or substantially) consumer product containers from sliding or otherwise falling from the shelving glide  1000  due to the force of gravity. The product stops  1035  may be transparent moldings used to stop forward movement of containers and offer visual “see through” container identification. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the product stops  1035  may include opposing winged portions, thereby allowing a single product stop  1035  to impede the movement of consumer product containers in multiple lanes of the shelving glide  1000 . Alternatively, the product stops  1035  may include a single winged portion, such as, product stops  1035  located at a corner of the deck  1020 . 
         [0090]    One or more partitions  1040  may be connected to the front trough  1030  and the back trough  1050  of the shelving glide  1000 . The illustrated partitions  1040  define one or more pathways  1018  in which consumer product containers may be inserted. For example, the partitions  1040  may be extruded dividers used to separate consumer product containers, establish movement pathways for such containers, and prevent container damage. Further, the partitions  1040  may be individually removable and incrementally adjustable along the front end and the back end portions of the shelving glide  1000 , thereby allowing for the pathways  1018  defined by the partitions  1040  to be adjusted according to the one or more sizes of the consumer product containers to be loaded into the glide  1000 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 11  illustrates a more detailed view of one portion of the shelving glide  1000 . In particular,  FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiments of a back clip  1500  that may be utilized to secure the partition  1040  to the deck  1020  generally, and one or more grooves  1051  of the back trough  1050 . The illustrated back clip  1500  may be attached to the partition  1040  at or near a back edge of the partition  1040  by a fastener  1505  (e.g., a screw, rivet, pin, or other fastener). In some aspects, as illustrated, the back clip  1500  may include a lower flared portion connected to an upper portion. Coupled or attached to the flared portion may be one or more prongs, such as the illustrated center prong  1520  and the outer prongs  1515 . Although three prongs are illustrated in  FIG. 11 , more or fewer prongs may be utilized in back clip  1500 . 
         [0092]    The illustrated prongs (i.e., center prong  1520  and outer prongs  1515 ) may be detachably secured to grooves  1051 . In some aspects, the prongs  1515  and  1520  may be secured to three adjacent grooves  1051 . Alternatively, the prongs  1515  and  1520  may be secured to particular grooves  1051  with other grooves  1051  in between. 
         [0093]    As illustrated, outer prongs  1515  may include a lower detent portion that hooks, or grabs, an underside of a groove  1051  in order to secure the partition  1040  to the back trough  1050 . In particular, in some aspects, the prongs  1515  may be secured into grooves  1051  and released from said grooves  1051  by forcibly inserting and removing, respectively, the prongs  1515  from the grooves  1051 . 
         [0094]    The back clip  1500  may also include a pointer  1510  extending from a back side of the clip  1500 . In some aspects, the pointer  1510  may be aligned with one or more tick marks on the ruler  1202  in order to align or help align the partition  1040  at a particular position along a width of the shelving glide  1000 . For example, the pointer  1510  may be aligned at a particular position along the rule  1202  in order for the pathway  1018  to accommodate a product container of a particular width or size. 
         [0095]      FIG. 12  illustrates a more detailed view of another portion of the shelving glide  1000 . In particular,  FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiments of a front clip  1600  that may be utilized to secure the partition  1040  to the deck  1020  generally, and one or more notches  1072  of the front trough  1030 . The illustrated front clip  1600  may be attached to the partition  1040  at or near a front edge of the partition  1040 . In some aspects, as illustrated, the front clip  1600  may include a shoulder  1615  and one or more cleats  1610 . Although three cleats  1610  are illustrated in  FIG. 12 , more or fewer cleats  1610  may be utilized in front clip  1600 . For instance, additional cleats (e.g., more than one) may more securely connect the partition  1040  to the front trough  1030 . 
         [0096]    The front clip  1600  may also include a pointer  1605 . In some aspects, for example, a ruler (such as the ruler  1202 ) may be disposed on one or both of the front trough  1030  and the bumper  1025 . In some aspects, the pointer  1605  may be aligned with one or more tick marks on such a ruler in order to align or help align the partition  1040  at a particular position along a width of the shelving glide  1000 . 
         [0097]    In operation and/or use, the shelving glide  100  may store, display, and/or support one or more product containers within the pathways  1018 . In certain instances, such as when containers of multiple sizes (e.g., widths or otherwise), one or more partitions  1040  may be adjusted along the width of the shelving glide  1000  to, for example, adjust the widths of one or more pathways  1018 . In some aspects, the partitions  1040  may be adjusted from a single location, i.e., by a user contacting and applying force to the partition  1040  at one location (e.g., a back end portion, a front end portion, or otherwise). For instance, the user may determine that a particular partition  1040  should be adjusted to increase a width of a particular pathway  1018 . The user may grasp the partition  1040  at the back end, such as, for example, by the back clip  1500 , and exert an upward force to release the back clip  1500  from the back trough  1050 . The user may then rotate the partition  1040  about a pivot located at or proximate the front clip  1600 . As the partition  1040  is rotated, the cleats  1610  of the front clip  1600  may be disengaged from corresponding notches  1072  in the front trough  1030 . In some aspects, the notches  1072  may be vertical grooves and the shoulder  1615  may allow the front clip  1600  to rotate within the front trough  1030  without removal from the front trough  1030 . 
         [0098]    Once the front clip  1600  is disengaged from the front trough  1030 , the user may adjust the position of the partition  1040  along the width of the shelving glide  1000 . Upon a determination that the partition  1040  is at a correct position (e.g., when the pointer  1510  is at a particular tick mark on the ruler  1202 ), the user may rotate the partition  1040  to reengage the front clip  1600  with the front trough  1030 . For example, the cleats  1610  may be inserted into corresponding notches  1072  at the correct position. As the user continues to rotate the partition  1040 , the back clip  1500  is reengaged with the back trough  1050  such that the prongs  1515  and  1520  are inserted and/or secured in corresponding grooves  1051 . In some aspects, by aligning the pointer  1510  with a particular tick mark on the ruler  1202 , the pointer  1605  is aligned with a corresponding tick mark located on the front of the shelving glide  1000 , such as on the front trough  1030  and/or the bumper  1025 . 
         [0099]    A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.