Patent Publication Number: US-2013248475-A1

Title: Shelf divider and kit

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a shelf divider and, in particular, a kit for building a shelf divider. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shelf dividers are known in the art to organize and arrange a multitude of objects. They can be used within a home or within a store to neatly arrange items for display. Display shelving is often used within a store to display items for sale. However, there is wide range of shelving types and not all shelving dividers are capable of adapting to the different forms and types of shelving on the market. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to shelf dividers and to kits for building shelf dividers. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide an improved shelf divider and kit which is configured for easy assembly and adaptable for a wide range of shelving. 
     In one aspect, the present invention resides in a kit for building a shelf divider. The kit may include a frontward panel, a rearward panel, and a plurality of slot dividers. The frontward panel may include a first plurality of receptacles. The rearward panel may include a second plurality of receptacles. Each of the plurality of slot dividers may include a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism may be disposed at a first end of each slot divider for coupling to one of the first plurality of receptacles of the frontward panel. The second locking mechanism may be disposed at a second end of each slot divider for coupling to one of the second plurality of receptacles of the rearward panel. 
     In another aspect, the present invention resides in a shelf divider. The shelf divider may include a frontward panel, a rearward panel, and a plurality of slot dividers. The frontward panel may include a first plurality of receptacles. The rearward panel may include a second plurality of receptacles. Each of the plurality of slot dividers may include a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism may be disposed at a first end of each slot divider for coupling to one of the first plurality of receptacles of the frontward panel. The second locking mechanism may be disposed at a second end of each slot divider for coupling to one of the second plurality of receptacles of the rearward panel. 
     In another aspect, the present invention resides in a rivet. The rivet may include a top portion and an insertion portion. The insertion portion may extend in a longitudinal direction and may include a first member and a second member separated by an insertion distance. The insertion portion may also include a shelf portion, an engagement portion and a release portion. The shelf portion may be coupled to the top portion, the shelf portion having a shelf portion length. The release portion may be configured to allow the rivet to be removed from a hole. 
     Further and other features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a shelf divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front elevation view of the shelf divider of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a rear elevation view of the shelf divider of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a first side view of a slot divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a second side view of the slot divider of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a partial perspective view of a bottom corner of a slot divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  shows a partial perspective view of receptacle as part of a frontward or rearward panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a partial perspective view of a bottom corner of a slot divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a slot median in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a partial perspective view of median apertures of a slot divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a bottom view of a shelf divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a top view of a shelf divider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a shelf divider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  show side views of a slot divider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a shelf divider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a shelf divider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  shows a perspective view of a rivet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15B  shows a front view of the rivet of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15C  shows a side view of the rivet of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15D  shows a top view of the rivet of  FIG. 15A ; and 
         FIG. 15E  shows a bottom view of the rivet of  FIG. 15A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a shelf divider  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The shelf divider  10  may include a frontward panel  20 , a rearward panel  40  and two or more slot dividers  60 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , the slot dividers  60  may form the left and right sides of the shelf divider  10 , as well as interior walls to form slots  12  between the slot dividers  60  which are positioned side-by-side. The shelf divider  10  may also include slot medians  80  which are coupled to the slot dividers  60 . The slot medians  80  may subdivide the slots  12  into front and back bins  14 . 
     While the following description describes the shelf divider  10  once assembled, it should be understood that the frontward panel  20 , the rearward panel  40 , the plurality of slot dividers  60  and the slot medians  80  are separate pieces, each of which may be formed integrally out of plastic and the like. Furthermore, it should be understood that the different components may form part of a kit that is operable to be assembled for different size shelving and the like. Such a kit may be configured to provide different shelf arrangements, with various slot  12  and bin  14  sizes. In addition, various kits may be combined to form larger and more elaborate shelf dividers  10 . The shelf divider arrangements set forth in the preferred embodiments described herein should not be construed as limiting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front elevation view of the shelf divider  10  is shown. As shown, the frontward panel  20  is depicted in front of the rearward panel  40 . The rearward panel  40  may be taller than the frontward panel  20 . Furthermore, slot medians  80  may be of similar height as the rearward panel  40  such that at least parts of the slot medians  80  are visible over the frontward panel  20  once the shelf divider  10  is assembled. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the frontward panel  20  includes a plurality of receptacles  22 . The receptacles  22  are configured to couple with one of the four slot dividers  60 , which are shown edge-on. One or more receptacles  22  may be used to couple each slot divider  60  to the frontward panel  20 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , two receptacles  22  are shown coupling each slot divider  60  in a preferred embodiment. One receptacle  22  is shown coupling each slot divider  60  at the top of the frontward panel  20 . One receptacle  22  is shown coupling each slot divider  60  at or near the bottom of the frontward panel  20 . Each receptacle  22  of the frontward panel  20  may be configured with a latch strike  23  (best seen in  FIG. 6A ) for coupling with the slot dividers  60 . 
     The frontward panel  20  may be divided into equal segments  24  having a segment length  26 . The frontward panel  20  may be segmented by the receptacles  22 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the segment length  26  of each equal segment  24  may be bounded by the receptacles  22 . In a preferred embodiment, each equal segment  24  is bounded by two receptacles  22  on either side of each equal segment  24 . 
     Each equal segment  24  of the frontward panel  20  may include a slot label holder  30 . The slot label holder  30  may be configured to secure a slot label (not shown). The slot label may be secured adjacent to an outward face  28  of each equal segment  24  of the frontward panel  20 . In this manner the slot label holder  30  is operable to provide an indicia of what is contained within the slot  12  and/or bin  14  when placed on a shelf. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the slot label holder  30  may include a pair of opposing grooves  32  and an insertion member  34 . The pair of opposing grooves  32  may be used to receive opposing sides of the slot label. For example, the slot label may slide into the opposing grooves  32 . 
     The insertion member  34  may be configured as part of the slot label holder  30  to stop further insertion of the slot label. For example, the insertion member  34  may be integrally formed as part of the pair of opposing grooves  32  such that once the slot label is fully received or inserted into the slot label holder  30 , the insertion member  34  (as part of the opposing grooves  32 ) stops the slot label from being further inserted. 
     In another embodiment, the insertion member  34  may include an abutment or other physical device for stopping the further insertion of the slot label. For example, the insertion member  34  may be attached or coupled to the opposing grooves  32 . In another embodiment, the insertion member  34  may include an abutment coupled to the outward face of each equal segment  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the abutment may be disposed, preferably centrally, between the opposing grooves  32  of each slot label holder  30 . Furthermore, the abutment may include a block or other shape and the like. 
     The slot label holder  30  may also include a withdrawal member  36 . The withdrawal member may be configured to stop the withdrawal of the slot label once the slot label is fully received or inserted in the slot label holder  30 . For example, the withdrawal member  36  may include an abutment or other shape and the like. Furthermore, the withdrawal member  36  may be centrally disposed between the opposing sides of each slot label holder  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the withdrawal member  36  may include a wedge or other device such that the withdrawal member  36  allows for the insertion of the slot label into the slot label holder  30 , but resists the withdrawal of said slot label once fully inserted or received. In another preferred embodiment, the withdrawal member  36  may include a spring or other mechanical or electromechanical device (not shown) such that the withdrawal member  36  allows the slot label to be fully inserted easily but resists the withdrawal of the slot label once the slot label is fully inserted or received. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a rear elevation view of the shelf divider  10  is shown. The rearward panel  40  includes a plurality of receptacles  42 . The receptacles  42  are configured to couple with one of the slot dividers  60 . One or more receptacles  42  may be used to couple each slot divider  60  to the rearward panel  40 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , two receptacles  42  are shown coupling each slot divider  60  in a preferred embodiment. Each receptacle  42  of the rearward panel  40  may be configured with a latch strike  43  (best seen in  FIG. 6A ) for coupling with the slot dividers  60 . 
     The rearward panel  40  may be divided into equal segments  44  having a segment length  46 . The rearward panel  40  may be segmented by the receptacles  42 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , the segment length  46  of each segment  44  may be bounded by the receptacles  42 . In a preferred embodiment, each equal segment  44  is bounded by two receptacles  42  on either side of each equal segment  24 . Furthermore, the equal segments  44  of the rearward panel  40  may be equal to the equal segments  24  of the frontward panel  24 . 
       FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  show a slot divider  60  in a preferred embodiment. The slot divider  60  may have a base  70  for connecting to a shelf (not shown) and a top rail  72 . As shown in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , a first side  69  of the slot divider  60  seen in  FIG. 4A  and a second side  71  seen in  FIG. 4B  may have a similar construction. 
     The slot divider  60  is configured with a first end  61  having one or more first locking mechanisms  62 . The first locking mechanism  62  may be disposed at the first end  61  of the slot divider  60 . The first locking mechanism  62  may be configured to couple to one of the receptacles  22  of the frontward panel  20 . The slot divider  60  is also configured with a second end  65  having one or more second locking mechanisms  66 . The second locking mechanism  66  may be disposed at the second end  65  of the slot divider  60 . The second locking mechanism  66  may be configured to couple to one of the receptacles  42  of the rearward panel  40 . 
     As illustrated, the height of the slot divider  60  may be different near the first end  61  than near the second end  65 . The height of the slot divider  60  near the first end  61  may be similar to the height of the frontward panel  20 . The height of the slot divider  60  near the second end  65  may be similar to the height of the rearward panel  40 . The height of the slot divider  60  may transition from the one height to another height, uniformly or abruptly. Furthermore, the top rail  72  may be configured to provide additional strength and rigidity to allow for this transition. 
     Looking briefly at  FIG. 5 , a generic bottom corner  102  of a slot divider  60  is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The generic corner  102  can be on either the first side  61  or the second side  65  of the slot divider  60  and shows either the first locking mechanism  62  or the second locking mechanism  66 . 
     As illustrated, the first locking mechanism  62  may include a first member  63  extending from the first end  61  of the slot divider  60 . The first member  63  of the first locking mechanism  62  may terminate at a first latch  64 . The first member  63  and the first latch  64  of the first locking mechanism  62  may form a male component for coupling to a corresponding female component (i.e. receptacles  22 ) of the frontward panel  20 . While the first latch  64  in  FIG. 5  is shown as a block, it should be understood that other shapes of the first latch  64  may be used. 
     The second locking mechanism  66  may include a second member  67  extending from the second end  65  of the slot divider  60 . The second member  67  of the second locking mechanism  66  may terminate at a second latch  68 . As shown in the generic bottom corner  102  of  FIG. 5 , the second locking mechanism  66  may have a similar construction as the first locking mechanism  62 , with the second locking mechanism  66  forming a male component for coupling to the rearward panel  40 . In at least one embodiment, the construction of the first locking mechanism  62  is identical to the construction of the second locking mechanism  66 . In other embodiments, the dimensions of the first and second members  63 ,  67  and first and second latches  64 ,  65  may be different. For example, the first and second locking mechanisms  62 ,  66  may have different heights, widths, shapes and the like. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first locking mechanism  62  of the frontward panel  20  may be larger than the second locking mechanism  66  of the rearward panel  40 . As the frontward panel  20  is more likely to be handled and accessed by users and/or customers, a larger first locking mechanism  62  may provide additional strength and rigidity to the coupling between the slot divider  60  and the frontward panel  20  to withstand aggressive usage. For example, the coupling at the front of the shelf divider  10  is likely to be tested every time the slot label is changed in the slot label holder  10 . Therefore, a strong coupling at the front of the shelf divider  10  may be advantageous to prevent separation of the slot dividers  60  from the frontward panel  20  once the shelf divider  10  has been installed. The coupling at the rear of the shelf divider  10  may not be handled as frequently, as the rearward panel  40  is less likely to be accessed. Therefore, such a strong coupling at the rear of the shelf divider  10 , which may entail additional material and resources, may not be required. 
       FIG. 5  also shows the slot divider  60  having at least one coupling device  110 . The coupling device  110  may attached to the base  70 . In some embodiments, the base  70  and the one or more coupling devices  110  are integrally formed as single piece, as part of the slot divider  60 . For example, the slot divider  60  may be injection moulded out of a single piece of plastic. Other methods of manufacturing may also be used. 
     The base  70  may extend from one or both sides of the slot divider  60 . For example, the base  70  may extend from either the first side  69  and/or the second side  71  of the slot divider  60 . Similarly, the coupling device  110  may extend from one or both sides of the slot divider  60 . In at least one embodiment, the base  70  and the coupling device  110  may extend from the same side (i.e. the first side  69  or the second side  71 ) of the slot divider  60 . In other embodiments, the base  70  and the coupling device  110  may extend from opposite sides  69 ,  71  of the slot divider. 
     The coupling device  110  may have a coupling device aperture  112 . The coupling device aperture  112  may be used by a rivet  120  or other fastener or attachment mechanism to couple or fasten the base  70  of the slot divider  60  to a shelf (not shown). It is often the case that shelving (i.e. conventional or typical shelving) will have standard holes or apertures in the shelving for attaching conventional dividers and/or other components. The coupling device  110  may use such holes in the shelving to couple the base  70  of the slot divider  60  to the shelving using the rivet  120  inside the coupling device aperture  112 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  to illustrate coupling the slot dividers  60  to the frontward panel  20  and rearward panel  40  in a preferred embodiment. As previously described, the frontward panel  20  is coupled to a slot divider  60  using the first locking mechanism  62  of the slot divider  60  and a receptacle  22  of the frontward panel  20 . Similarly, the rearward panel  40  is coupled to a slot divider  60  using the second locking mechanism  66  of the slot divider  60  and a receptacle  42  of the frontward panel  40 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, a corresponding or matching latch and strike (i.e. strike plate) may be used. For example, the first and second locking mechanism  62 ,  66  may be formed for insertion into a corresponding latch strike  23 ,  43  of the frontward panel  20  and rearward panel  40 , respectively. Other coupling mechanisms are possible. For example, the first and second locking mechanisms  62 ,  66  may be any other type of fastener or hardware device capable of coupling the first locking mechanism  62  to the receptacles  22  of the frontward panel  20  and capable of coupling the second locking mechanism  66  to the receptacles  42  of the rearward panel  40 . For example, the first and second locking mechanisms  62 ,  66  may be a buckle, clamp, clasp, clip, clutch, flange, grommet, pin, retaining ring, tie, nut and bolt and the like. The strike and latch assembly described herein should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a receptacle such as one of the receptacles  22 ,  42  on either the frontward panel  20  or the rearward panel  40 . The receptacle  22 ,  42  may include a receptacle aperture  50  having an aperture height  51  for receiving the locking mechanism  62 ,  66  of the slot divider  60 . The receptacle  22 ,  42  may also include a latch strike  23 ,  43 . For example, the latch strike  23 ,  43  may be formed of two abutments coupled or attached to the sides of the aperture  50 . Other arrangements are possible. In a preferred embodiment, the latch strike  23 ,  43  may be integrally formed with the receptacle  22 ,  42 . 
     The latch strike  23 ,  43  may be positioned in only a portion of the aperture  50 . For example, as seen in  FIG. 6A , the latch strike  23 ,  43  may be formed in approximately half or less than half of the receptacle  22 ,  42  and the height of the latch strike  23 ,  43  may be half or less than half of the aperture height  51  of the receptacle aperture  50 . 
     The receptacle  22 ,  42  may also have a latch strike width  52  and a latch strike depth  53 . The latch strike width  52  may be the distance between opposing walls or sides of the aperture  50 . The latch strike depth  53  may be the distance between a side (i.e. outward face  28 ) of the panel (i.e. frontward panel  20  or rearward panel  40 ) and the latch strike  23 ,  43 . 
     The receptacle  22 ,  42  may also have a member width  54 . The member width  54  may correspond to the width of the first or second member  63 ,  67  of the first and second locking. mechanisms  62 ,  66  of the slot divider  60 . For example, the member width  54  seen in  FIG. 6A  is the distance between the opposing abutments of the latch strike  23 ,  43  inside the receptacle  22 ,  42 . 
     In operation, the first or second locking mechanism  62 ,  66  may be fully inserted into the receptacle aperture  50 . In particular, the first or second locking mechanism  62 ,  66  may be inserted through the upper portion of the receptacle aperture  50  such that the latch  64 ,  68  of the locking mechanism  62 ,  66  is able to proceed past the latch strike  23 ,  43 . Once fully inserted, the first or second locking mechanism  62 ,  66  may be slid down into a locked position such that the member  63 ,  67  of the first or second locking mechanism  62 ,  66  sits between the latch strikes  23 ,  43  of the receptacle  22 ,  42  having a member width  54 . 
     Once in the locked position, the first or second latch  64 ,  68  occupies the space between the latch strike  23 ,  43  and the side of the slot divider  60  (i.e. in the space defined by the latch strike width  52  and the latch strike depth  53 ). The first or second latch  64 ,  68  may be held in the locked position by friction between the slot divider  60  and the frontward panel  20  or the rearward panel  40 . Alternatively, or in addition, the first and/or second latch  64 ,  68  may be held in the locked position by another means, such as by an adhesive, a fastener and the like. 
     To remove or decouple the slot divider  60  from either the frontward panel  20  or the rearward panel  40 , the first or second latch  64 ,  68  is first lifted up and/or away from the latch strike  23 ,  43 . The first or second locking mechanism  62 ,  66  may then removed from the receptacle aperture  50  of the receptacles  22 ,  42  of either the frontward panel  20  or the rearward panel  40 . 
     While a latch and strike plate configuration has been illustrated in a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that other coupling arrangements are possible. For example, the first and second locking mechanisms  62 ,  66  are shown in a T-shaped configuration. However, other configurations of the first and second locking mechanisms  62 ,  66  can be used, such as an L-shaped or Y-shaped configuration. Furthermore, the first and second locking mechanisms  62 ,  66  may have different, rather than identical, configurations. The resulting receptacles  22 ,  42  of the frontward panel  20  and rearward panel  40  would be changed accordingly. 
     Returning briefly to  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B , the slot divider  60  may also have a first median aperture  73  and a second median aperture  75  for coupling to a slot median  80 . The slot divider  60  may also be configured with additional median apertures. The first median aperture  73  may be separated from the second median aperture  75  by a median separation distance  78 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a slot median  80  is shown. The slot median includes a label portion  80  (i.e. a bin label holder) and a divider portion  82 . The label portion  82  is configured to secure a bin label (not shown) to the slot median  80 . The divider portion  84  is configured to subdivide a slot  12  into two bins  14  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The divider portion  84  may have a median length  86  that is equal to the segment length  26  of the frontward panel  20  and the segment length  46  of the rearward panel  40 . In this manner, the slot median  80  may subdivide a slot  12  into two separate bins  14 . 
     The label portion  82  of the slot median  80  may have a similar construction to the slot label holder  30  seen in  FIG. 1  and described above. The label portion  82  may include a pair of opposing grooves  32  and an insertion member  34 . The pair of grooves  32  may be used to receive opposing sides of a label (not shown) for the label portion  82  of the slot median  80 . For example, the label may slide into the opposing grooves  32  of the label portion  82 . The insertion member  34  may be positioned as part of the label portion  82  to stop further insertion of the label. For example, once the label is fully received or inserted into the label portion  82 , the insertion member  34  may stop the label from being further inserted. 
     The insertion member  34  may include an abutment or other physical device for stopping the further insertion of the label into the label portion  82 . For example, the insertion member  34  may be attached or coupled to the opposing grooves  32 . In another embodiment, the insertion member  34  may include an abutment coupled to label portion  82 . Furthermore, the abutment may include a block or other shape and the like centrally disposed between the opposing grooves  32  of the label portion  82  of each slot median  80 . 
     The label portion  82  of each slot median  80  may also include a withdrawal member  36 . The withdrawal member may be configured to stop the withdrawal of the label once the label is fully received or inserted in the label portion  82 . For example, the withdrawal member  36  may include an abutment or other shape and the like. The withdrawal member  36  may be centrally disposed between the opposing sides of the label portion  82  for each slot median  80 . In a preferred embodiment, the withdrawal member  36  may include a wedge or other device such that the withdrawal member  36  allows for the insertion of the label into the label portion  82  of each slot median  80 , but resists the withdrawal of said label once fully inserted or received. In another preferred embodiment, the withdrawal member  36  may include a spring or other mechanical device (not shown) such that the withdrawal member  36  allows the label to be fully inserted but resists the withdrawal of the label once the label is fully inserted or received in the label portion  82  of each slot median  80 . 
     The slot median  80  is configured with a first end  91  having one or more first coupling mechanisms  92  to couple to a slot divider  60 . The first coupling mechanisms  92  may be disposed at the first end  91  of the slot median  80 . The first coupling mechanism  92  may be configured to couple to either the first median aperture  73  or the second median aperture  75  of the slot divider  60 . The first coupling mechanism  92  may include a first member  93  extending from the first end  91  of the slot median  80 . The first member  93  of the first coupling mechanism  92  may terminate at a first median latch  94 . 
     The slot median  80  is also configured with a second end  95  having one or more second coupling mechanisms  96 . The second coupling mechanisms  96  may be disposed at the second end  95  of the slot median  80 . The second coupling mechanism  96  may be configured to couple to either the first median aperture  73  or the second median aperture  75  of the slot divider  60 . The second coupling mechanism  96  may include a second member  97  extending from the second end  95  of the slot median  80 . The second member  97  of the second coupling mechanism  96  may terminate at a second median latch  98 . 
     The slot median  80  may also include cutouts  88 . The cutouts  88  may conform to the shape of the base  70  of the slot dividers  60 . In this manner, the bottom of the slot median  80  may sit flush against the shelf (not shown) when assembled as part of the shelf divider  10 . Furthermore, both the first end  91  and second end  95  of the slot median  80  may include cutouts  88  for embodiments where the base  70  of the slot divider  60  extends from either or both of the first side  69  or the second side  71  of the slot divider. 
     The cutout  88  of the slot median  80  may be a chamfer. In other embodiments, the cutout  88  may be an irregular shape to conform to the shape of the base  70  of the slot divider. Fillets and other shapes known in the art may also be used to join the ends  91 ,  95  of the slot median  80  to its base. 
     The first coupling mechanism  92  and the second coupling mechanism  96  may have an identical construction. Furthermore, the construction of the first coupling mechanism  92  and the second coupling mechanism  96  may be similar to that of the first locking mechanism  62  and second locking mechanism  66  of the slot divider  60 , as best shown in  FIG. 5  and illustrated in operation in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B . In particular, the first coupling mechanism  92  and second coupling mechanism  96  may be configured as male components for coupling to female components (i.e. first and second median apertures  73 ,  75 ) of the slot divider  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  are shown in a preferred embodiment, coupling with the first median aperture  73  and the second median aperture  75 . The first and second median apertures  73 ,  75  are configured to pass through the slot divider  60  from the first side  69  to the second side  71 . The first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  are configured to be inserted into the first median aperture  73  and the second median aperture  75 . 
     As with the receptacles  22 ,  42  of the frontward panel  20  and the rearward panel  40 , each of the first and second median apertures  73 ,  75  may have two abutments forming bin latch strikes  74 ,  76  (although only one abutment of the bin latch strikes  74 ,  76  is illustrated). For example, the first median aperture  73  may have two abutments of the bin latch strike  74  on opposing walls of the first median aperture  73 . Similarly, the second median aperture  75  may have two abutments of the bin latch strike  76  on opposing walls of the second median aperture  75 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  are configured to be inserted into both of the first and second median apertures  73 ,  75 . Accordingly, the first median aperture  73  may be identical to the second median aperture  75 , except that the first median aperture  73  is separated from the second median aperture  75  by a median separation distance  78 . In this manner, both the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may be coupled to either the first or second median apertures  73 ,  75  of the slot divider  60 . 
     In such a configuration, both the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may be inserted into either the first or second median apertures  73 ,  75 . In a preferred embodiment, the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may be inserted into an upper portion of median apertures  73 ,  75  where the abutments of the bin latch strikes  74 ,  76  are not present. Once inserted, the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  can be slid into a locked (i.e. coupled) position to secure each end  91 ,  95  of the slot median  80  against the bin latch strikes  74 ,  76  of either the first median aperture  73  or the second median aperture  75  of the slot divider  60 . 
     The first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  of the slot median  80  and corresponding first and second median apertures  73 ,  75  may be configured such that the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may be coupled to either side  69 ,  71  of the slot divider  60 . The first and second bin latch strikes  74 ,  76  may be centered within the median aperture depth  77 . In this manner, the bin latch strike depth  79  between the first side  69  of the slot divider  60  and the abutments of the bin latch strikes  74 ,  76  is equal to the bin latch strike depth  79  between the second side  71  of the slot divider  60  and the abutments of the bin latch strikes  74 ,  76 . The member length  99  of either the first or second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may be equal to the median aperture depth  77  minus the bin latch strike depth  79  (i.e. member length  99 =median aperture depth  77 −bin latch strike depth  79 ). In this manner, the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may enter the first and second median apertures  73 ,  75  from either the first side  69  or the second side  71  of the slot divider  60 . 
     While a latch and strike plate configuration has been illustrated in a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may take other forms to couple the slot median  80  to the slot dividers  60 . Furthermore, other latch arrangements are possible. For example, the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  are shown in a T-shaped configuration (i.e. terminating at a block-shaped median latch  94 ,  98 ). However, other configurations of the first and second locking mechanisms  92 ,  96  are possible, such as an L-shaped or Y-shaped configuration. Furthermore, the first and second coupling mechanisms  92 ,  96  may have different, rather than identical, configurations. The resulting median apertures  73 ,  75  of the slot dividers  60  would be changed accordingly. 
     In  FIG. 9 , a bottom view of the shelf divider  10  is shown in one embodiment. The shelf divider  10  has been configured with six bins  14  using four slot dividers  60  and three slot medians  80   a,    80   b,    80   c.  The front of the shelf divider  10  has been configured with slot label holders  30 . 
     Two slot dividers  60   a,    60   b  arranged side-by-side may form a slot  12  when coupled to the frontward panel  20  and the rearward panel  40  and separated by one or more of the equal segments  24 ,  44  (as depicted in  FIG. 1 ). Two slot dividers  60   a,    60   b  are also coupled to the skit median  80   a,  which subdivides a slot  12  into two bins  14 . On one side, the slot median  80   a  is coupled to the first side  69  of one slot divider  60   a.  On the other side of the slot median  80   a,  the slot median  80   a  is coupled to the second side  71  of the other slot divider  60   b  arranged side-by-side with the one slot divider  60   a.    
     As seen in  FIG. 9  to  FIG. 11 , any two side-by-side slot medians  80   a,    80   b,    80   c  are offset from each other due to their respective connections to the slot dividers  60 . The outside slot medians  80   a,    80   c  are coupled to their respective slot dividers using the second bin latch strike  76 ; whereas the middle slot median  80   b  is coupled to its respective slot dividers using the first bin latch strike  74 . The leftmost slot median  80   a  is coupled to the second side  71  of the slot divider  60   b  and the middle slot median  80   b  is coupled to the first side  69  of the slot divider  60   b.  In this manner, the slot medians  80   a,    80   b,    80   c  alternate being coupled with corresponding first bin latch strikes  76  and with corresponding second bin latch strikes  76 . 
     This arrangement results in side-by-side slot medians  80  being positioned the fixed distance  78  from each other. This arrangement also results in alternating pattern which allows the slot medians  80   a,    80   b,    80   c  to be identical in construction and the slot dividers  60  to be thin, thereby maximizing storage space and costs. 
       FIG. 10  shows a top view of the shelf divider  10  in one embodiment. As illustrated, the opposing grooves  32  of the slot label holders  30  may receive a label (not shown) from above such that the label may slide into the opposing grooves  32 . Similarly, the frontward panel  20  may have receptacles  22  which may be entered from above. The first locking mechanism  62  of each of the slot dividers  60  may slide into the receptacle  22  from above. 
     A rivet  120  may be used to couple the shelf divider to a shelf (not shown) through the coupling device aperture  112 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the rivet  120  is placed within the coupling device aperture  112  to attach the base  70  of the slot divider  60  to the surface of the shelf. In a preferred embodiment, where the frontward panel  20  includes receptacles  22  which are entered from above such as seen in  FIG. 10 , attaching the base  70  of the slot divider  60  to the surface of the shelf ensures that the shelf divider  10  may not be disassembled without first detaching the shelf divider  10  from the surface of the shelf. Instead, where the base  70  of each slot divider  60  in a shelf divider  10  is attached to the surface of a shelf by one or more coupling devices  110 , the frontward panel  20  cannot be separated from the slot dividers  60  without first separating the slot divider  60  from the shelf by first removing the rivets  120 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a shelf divider  10  in another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, different numbers of slot dividers  60  may be used to create shelf dividers  10  in different configurations. The frontward panel  20  and the rearward panel  40  may be configured with different number of equal segments  24  to make any number of slots  12 . Similarly, it should be understood that a plurality of frontward panels  20  may be connected together to create chains of frontward panels. The rearward panels  40  may be similarly combined. 
     The shelf divider  10  of the present invention is configured to provide advanced storage and organization to various types of shelving known in the art. For example, arrangements of the shelf divider  10  are adaptable to be configured for at least four of the most common types of shelving. In particular, different types of shelving having differently spaced mounting holes depending on the particular manufacturer. The shelf divider  10  is designed to adopt to configure to shelving already used by potential customers. 
       FIG. 12A  and  FIG. 12B  show side views of a slot divider  60  having different patterns in the body of the slot divider  60 . It should be understood that any number of patterns may be used as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. Various patterns may allow for reduced weight of the slot dividers  60  and/or the shelf divider  10 , while maintaining strength and rigidity. Different patterns may also promote the stacking of components. Furthermore, different patterns may allow a user to see through the components or parts of the shelf divider  10  to the contents contained within the slots  12  or bins  14 . 
       FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  show variants of the shelf divider  10  in different embodiments. In some embodiments the median slots  80  are not utilized and the shelf divider  10  provides larger slots  12  without being subdivided into smaller bins  14 . Furthermore, the patterns on the components (i.e. frontward panel  20 , rearward panel  40 , slot dividers  60  and slot medians  80 ) may include squares, parallelograms, quadrilaterals, triangles, and the like. Furthermore, in some embodiments the components may be formed of a solid material, such as a plastic, metal, and the like. Other materials are also possible. 
     Different sized frontward panels  20  may have different sized slot label holders  30 . In other embodiments, such as when the frontward panel is configured with an outward face  28  which is solid, the frontward panel  20  may not have a distinct slot label holder  30  at all. Instead, the outward face  28  of the frontward panel  20  may provide a surface for an adhesive such as a label sticker (not shown) to be placed. 
     The shelf divider  10  may be coupled to a surface of a shelf by use of traditional nuts and bolts, Christmas tree pins, screws or adhesives. A preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 15A to 15E . Referring now to  FIG. 15A  to  FIG. 15E , a rivet  120  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The rivet  120  may be used to couple the base  70  of the slot divider  60  to a surface of a shelf (not shown). As previously described, the rivet  120  in a preferred embodiment may couple the base  70  of the slot divider  60  to the shelf surface such that the frontward panel  20  cannot be detached or decoupled from the slot divider  60  without first removing the rivet  120 . Accordingly, the slot divider  60  must be detached from the shelf by first removing the rivet  120  in order to decouple the shelf divider  10  from the shelf and/or disassemble the shelf divider  10 . 
     The rivet  120  may include a top portion  130  and an insertion portion  140  extending in a longitudinal direction LD. The top portion  130  may be used to place or push the insertion portion  140  of the rivet  120  through the coupling device  110  and into an aperture of the shelf. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15A  to  FIG. 15E , the top portion  130  of the rivet  120  may be circular, with a flat portion  132  for pressing the rivet  120  into the shelf. Other shapes are also possible. The underside of the top portion  130  may be known as the coupling device engagement surface  134 . 
     The insertion portion  140  of the rivet  120  may include a shelf portion  150 , an engagement portion  160  and a release portion  170 . The insertion portion  140  may be formed from a first member  142  and a second member  144  extending in the longitudinal direction LD, separated by an insertion distance  146 . Each of the first member  142  and the second member  144  may have inner engagement surfaces  143 ,  145 . Each of the first member  142  and the second member  144  may be directly coupled to or integrally formed with the top portion  130  of the rivet  120 . 
     The engagement portion  160  of the rivet  120  is configured to abut a bottom of the shelf (not shown). The engagement portion  160  may include a shelf engagement surface  162  and an engagement body  164 . Upon installation, the shelf engagement surface  162  of the engagement portion  160  may abut the bottom of the shelf with the coupling device engagement surface  134  of the top portion  130  abutting the top surface of the coupling device  110 . In this manner, the rivet  120  is operable to couple the coupling device  110  and therefore the slot divider  60  to the shelf. 
     The shelf portion  150  of the insertion portion  140  may physically separate the top portion  130  from the engagement portion  160 . The shelf portion  150  may have a shelf portion length  152 . In use, the shelf portion  150  may transition from the top surface of the coupling device  110  of the slot divider  60  to the underside of the shelf. Accordingly, the shelf portion length  152  may be designed for standard or expected shelf thicknesses. In this manner, the shelf portion length  152  may be designed to incorporate the thickness of the coupling device  110  and a predetermined thickness for standard shelving. The metal thickness of a typical shelf does not exceed 14 gauge or 60-70 thousands of an inch. 
     The engagement portion  160  of the rivet  120  may be designed to withstand standard withdrawal forces WF trying to pull the shelf divider  10  and therefore the rivet  120  off of or out of the shelving. The engagement portion  160  may have an engagement body  164  configured to absorb and distribute the withdrawal forces WF. The engagement body  164  may be made of a resilient material such as plastic and the like. Furthermore, the shape of the engagement body  164  may be configured to direct the withdrawal forces WF into a longitudinal direction LD of each of the first member  142  and second member  144 . In this manner, the withdrawal forces WF may be absorbed by the resiliency of the insertion portion  140 , such as provided by the resilient material and the like. The shape of the engagement body  164  may reduce the occurrence of failure of the rivet  120  due to any withdrawal force WF. 
     The rivet  120  may also include a release portion  170  for releasing the rivet  120  and therefore the slot divider  60  from being coupled to the shelf. The release portion  170  may be located at the terminal ends  174  of the first member  142  and the second member  144  of the insertion portion  140 . The release portion  170  may provide contact surfaces  172  on both the first member  142  and second member  144  of the insertion portion  170  for pressing the contact surfaces  172  together. The contact surfaces  172  may be manually depressed. In other embodiments, a tool may be used such as a pair of pliers and the like. 
     When inwardly depressed, the release portion  170  on each of the first member  142  and second member  144  may flex or rotate the insertion portion  140  about the top portion  130  such that the inner engagement surface  143 ,  145  of the engagement portion  160  are pressed closer together. The contact surfaces  172  may be pressed together to such an extent that the inner engagement surfaces  143 ,  145  on the first member  142  and second member  144  are less than the insertion distance  146  and the engagement width  166  is less than the holes in the shelving. 
     Once the shelf engagement surface  162  is no longer in contact or engaged with the bottom surface of shelving and the engagement width  166  is less than the width or size of the holes of the shelving, the rivet  120  may be withdrawn in the longitudinal direction LD from the shelving using the withdrawal force WF. Once the rivets  120  are withdrawn from the shelf divider  10 , the shelf divider  10  may be detached or decoupled to the shelving and disassembled. 
     The rivet  120  may be manufactured out of a resilient material, such as a plastic and the like. Furthermore, a hard plastic may be used to provide strength to the coupling of the slot divider  60  to the surface of the shelf. In a preferred embodiment, rivets  120  of different sizes and shapes having different shelf portion lengths  152  may be incorporated into a kit for building a shelf divider  10 . In this manner, the kit may be operable to build shelves for different types of conventional shelving. 
     Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is also to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, while the disclosure generally describes a shelf divider  10  in detail, the description also applies to a kit for building the shelf divider  10  as described herein. 
     It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein. The scope of the claims should not be limited to the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.