Patent Publication Number: US-10314412-B2

Title: Retractable hinged shelf display

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/216,805, titled “Retractable Hinged Shelf Display,” filed on Sep. 10, 2015, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/554,176, titled “Shelf Components,” filed Feb. 9, 2016, which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to shelving displays. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to shelving displays with a hinged extendable shelf. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Direct store delivery (“DSD”) personnel are often tasked with stacking merchandise on shelves in stores. As a part of their tasks, DSD personnel may be asked to stack and front face products on store shelves so that the shelves maintain a fully-stocked appearance. For some products, DSD personnel can spend a considerable amount of time stacking and front facing the products. 
     For example, DSD personnel can spend seven hours per day, twice a week, or five hours a day three times a week front facing salty snacks such as potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, and the like. Stacking and front facing salty snacks can be particularly challenging because store displays often only provide only a small of space between shelves, thereby making it difficult for the DSD personnel to reach and arrange the bags to stand upright in a satisfactory arrangement. Moreover, salty snacks often come in bags and other packaging that can be prone to tipping over and thus be challenging to stack and front face. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes various examples of shelving unit that can be used to display merchandisable objects, and related methods of making, using, and installing such a shelving unit. In one example, the apparatus includes a pair of side brackets that are configured to attach to a support structure (e.g., a vertical support structure). 
     Each side bracket includes a slide channel. The slide channels include a flat portion toward a rear of the side bracket and an angled portion forward from the flat portion. The flat portion fan be generally flat when the side bracket is installed with respect to the support structure, or in other words, the flat portion is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the side bracket. 
     The shelving unit also includes a shelf that slides along the side brackets between a retracted position and an extended position. The shelf includes a rear tray with a support mechanism that supports the rear tray on the side brackets. The rear tray is configured to slide along the pair of side brackets between the open and retracted position. The shelf also includes a front tray hinged to the rear tray. 
     The front tray has side arms that extend along opposing side edges of the front tray. The side arms extend beyond a rear edge of the front tray so that, when the front tray is parallel with the rear tray, the side arms at least partially overlap the rear tray. The side arms have a sliding mechanism (e.g., a wheel, bearing, bushing, slider, etc.) that can slide within the slide channels of the side brackets. The front tray is hinged so that it can pivot with respect to the rear tray. 
     The shelf is hinged so that when the shelf is in the retracted position, the front tray and the rear tray are generally parallel, and the sliding mechanisms of the side arms are within the flat portion of the slide channels. When the shelf is in the extended position, the sliding mechanism of the side arms travels into the angled portion of the slide channels, thereby allowing the front tray to pivot with respect to the rear tray. For example, in the extended position, the front tray can pivot downward, thereby facilitating the stacking of product (e.g., salty snacks) on the shelf. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a shelving unit in a retracted position in accordance with one or more examples described herein. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A  in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 1C  is an isometric view showing the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A  in an extended position. 
         FIG. 1D  is a side elevation view of the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A  in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 1E  is a side elevation view of the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A  in an extended position. 
         FIG. 1F  shows a side bracket component of the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1G  shows of the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A  in an extended position with the near side bracket removed from view. 
         FIG. 1H  shows a close up view of the side arm and shelf components of the shelving unit  FIG. 1A  in an extended position. 
         FIG. 1I  shows a close up view of a hook hinge component of the shelving unit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  shows a backstop in accordance with one or more examples described herein. 
         FIG. 3  shows a backstop with an angled engaging surface in accordance with one or more examples described herein. 
         FIG. 4  shows an example of the backstop of  FIG. 2  and the angled backstop of  FIG. 3  engaging with a shelf of a shelving assembly. 
         FIG. 5  shows another example of a side bracket component that can be used with a shelving unit in accordance with examples described herein. 
         FIGS. 6A-B  are perspective and enlarged views, respectively, of an alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes examples of a shelving system that employ a retractable hinged shelf. The described shelving systems can be particularly useful, for example, in retail environments that display products for sale. In particular, the described shelving systems are useful for the display of salty snacks such as potato chips, pretzels, tortilla chips, popcorn, and the like in grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, or other retail establishments. 
     The described shelving systems provide a drawer-type extendable and retractable shelf that installs onto side brackets with a channel or channels that facilitate the shelf sliding between the retracted and extended position. In the extended position the shelf can pivot downward so that a user can more easily load product onto the shelf without being inhibited by a shallow head space above the product. The shelf can then be pivoted back upward and returned the retracted position. 
     The side brackets can also include an installation channel that allows the shelf to be installed and then moved between the retracted and extended position. This installation channel can be configured so that an installed shelf is not inclined to re-enter the installation channel without intended movement and control by a user. In this manner, the shelf can freely move between extended and retracted positions without accidentally or unwantedly un-installing, or otherwise being removed from the shelving system. 
     The shelf comprises two sections hinged together. A rear section (which can be a basket, a tray, a shelf, etc.) is designed to remain generally parallel with the side brackets of the shelving unit. In this manner the rear portion remains generally flat whether the shelf is in the retracted or extended position. In some examples, the rear portion is designed to remain entirely within the confines of the side bracket while in both the retracted and extended position. That is, the rear portion will not extend beyond the front of the side brackets unless a user intends to remove or uninstall the shelf. 
     A front portion (e.g., basket, tray, shelf, etc.) is hinged to the rear portion and is designed to pivot downward when the shelf is in the extended position. By pivoting downward the front portion presents a loading surface that is easier for a user (e.g., DSD personnel) to see and load. Part or all of the front portion will generally extend beyond the side brackets in the extended position, thereby pulling the shelf away from other shelves in the shelving unit, and generating headspace and room for the user to load the shelf. In this manner, the shelving system can be particularly useful as a snack shelf, because the hinged section allows the front to tilt down once pulled out from the store shelving while still leaving the rear portion flat so as not to disrupt the spacing between the flat rear portion of the shelf and the shelf above it (i.e., maintaining the interstitial spacing between the shelves). 
     In some examples, the shelves include a grid of bars or rungs. For example, the display surface of the shelves may include a network of interlocking perpendicular rungs designed to support products of a minimum size (e.g., all products large enough to avoid falling through the shelf between the rungs). In one embodiment, the hinge is made of interlocking hooks and loops formed between the wire rungs of the shelf. The tilting effect occurs when the sliding mechanism attached to side arms of the forward tray (or basket) portion ramp up into an angled portion of the channel defined by the side brackets. This causes the forward tray (or basket) portion to tilt down, making the shelf easier to restock and front face difficult items such as bags. In many instances, the tilting of the shelf actually causes the items to fall forward into the desired orientation. 
     Some examples described herein may employ an index mechanism to bias the shelf in the closed or retracted position. Such a mechanism can be an index or similar feature toward a rear of the channel in the side bracket that can be overcome by pulling on the shelf to pull it out into its tilted position for restocking and/or re-facing the product. In this manner, the index mechanism can help assure the shelf remains in the retracted position unless and until a user makes a deliberate attempt to pull the product toward the extended position. This can help keep all shelves in a display in line with one another while on display, and inhibit unwanted drifting of the shelves away from the retracted position. 
     To further assist in keeping the stocked items/products in an upright position, certain embodiments described herein include a snap-in backstop that connects to the tray. For example, the backstop can include a paddle that connects to rungs of the rear tray (or even the front tray if fewer products are to be placed on the shelf). In some retail locations, customer traffic patterns may be known (or generally known) or influenced to travel in a particular direction. In such locations it can be beneficial to partially turn or otherwise arrange certain items on the shelves (which generally face perpendicular to a direction of travel) so that the front face of the product faces the customers walking in the known or influenced travel direction. This can result in a consumer becoming aware of the product and increase the chance that the product will be purchased. For such angled arrangements, the present disclosure provides angled backstops that can be snapped-in to the display such that the engaging surface arranges the products at an angle. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  shows an example of a shelving unit  100  (or a shelving system, display unit, etc.) in a retracted position. The shelving unit  100  comprises a sliding shelf  130  (e.g., a drawer-type sliding shelf) positioned between two side brackets  110  (e.g., brackets, arms, braces, etc.) that connect to a support structure  102  (e.g., support columns, a shelving frame, a support wall, etc.). 
     In some examples, the support structure  102  includes a frame or other component with vertical columns capable of supporting multiple shelves. The support structure  102  is equipped with one or more connecting mechanisms that allow the side brackets  110  to attach to the structure  102 . For example, the support structure  102  can include a series of slots or holes that are configured to attach with corresponding tabs or pegs on the side brackets  110 . In this manner the attached side brackets  110  can extend perpendicular to the support structure with integrity to support the shelf  130  installed there between. 
     In some examples, the support structure  102  includes several connecting mechanisms so that the shelving unit can support a plurality of shelves. Further, the connecting mechanisms also provide a level of adjustability for the shelving unit  100  in that it allows for the heights of the shelves to be raised or lowered as desired, by placing the side brackets  110  into higher or lower located connecting mechanisms. 
     The shelf  130  is arranged so that it can slide horizontally with respect to the side brackets between a retracted position (shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D ) and an extended position (shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 1C, 1E, 1G, and 1I ). The shelf  130  can rest upon and/or slide on upper or lower surfaces of the side brackets  110 . 
     The side brackets  110  each have a channel  120  that helps guide the shelf as it slides between the retracted and extended position. The channel  120  can also include an insertion portion that allows the shelf to be installed and/or removed with respect to the side brackets. 
     In some examples, the shelf itself  130  comprises two sections. A rear section, or rear tray  140  (or a rear basket, rear platform, rear shelf, etc.), is positioned at the rear of the shelf  130 , or closer to the support structures  102 . A front section, or front tray  150 , (or a front basket, front platform, front shelf, etc.) is positioned forward of the rear section, and can be hinged to the rear tray  140  so that the front tray  150  can pivot vertically with respect to the rear tray  140 . In this manner, the rear tray  140  can be configured to slide only horizontally (or otherwise parallel with the side brackets  110 ), where the front tray  150  can slide horizontally and then pivot vertically while in the extended position. 
       FIG. 1A  also shows a plurality of backstops  200  and  300  positioned on the rear tray  140  of the shelf  130 . The backstops can be employed to facilitate products stacked on the display to stand upright. For example, where the products are bags (e.g., bags of chips) or other products that tend to tip over easily, the backstop can facilitate the bags to remain upright during loading and/or while on display. 
     The backstops  200  include several forward facing backstops  200  and one angled backstop  300 , which has an engaging surface that is angled with respect to the shelving unit  100 . That is, the engaging surface of the angled backstop  300  is neither parallel with the front/rear edges nor the side edges of the shelf  130 . In this manner, the angled backstop facilitate products to stack at an angle with respect to the shelving unit  100  so that the stacked products can face consumers walking down an aisle. 
       FIG. 1B  is a top view of the shelving unit  100 , still in the retracted position. As seen from above, the resting surface of the shelf comprises a grid of interlocked bars, for example, a series of longitudinal (front-to-back) rungs  134  arranged on top of a series of transverse (side-to-side) rungs  132  to establish the surface. The rungs can be arranged so that the first series of rungs (e.g., the front-to-back rungs) are perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the second series of rungs (e.g., the side to side rungs). In this manner, the rungs can facilitate objects, such as backstops  200 ,  300 , attaching to the shelves. 
     In some examples, the rear tray  140  and the front tray  150  of the shelf  130  comprise a solid support surface. For example, the resting surface of the tray can include a solid sheet of metal, plastic, wood. In some examples, the resting surfaces can be perforated or otherwise not completely solid. The solid or partially solid support surface can be equipped with attachment mechanisms (e.g., holes, slots, grooves, tabs, clips, etc.) that allow objects, such as backstops  200 ,  300 . To attach to the shelf  130 . In some examples, the front tray  150  and the rear tray  140  may comprise different support surfaces. For example, in some embodiments the front tray can include a solid support surface whereas the rear tray includes a grid of rungs as a support surface, or vice versa. 
     As noted, some embodiments of the shelf  130  comprise a front tray  150  hinged to a rear tray  140 .  FIG. 1B  shows that the rear tray  140  of the shelf  130  has a depth D R , and the front tray has a depth D F . Together the front tray and rear tray combine to establish a total depth D of the shelf  130 . The shape, size and configurations of the two trays can vary depending on the intended use of the shelving system. For example, the shelf can be configured so that at least one third of the shelf remains supported by the side brackets even in the extended position. In this manner, the D R  will be about half that of D F , or about one third that of D. In other embodiments the depth D R  may be larger or smaller than one third the depth of the entire shelf, depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to, the width W of the shelf, the weight that the shelf  130 , the weight that the shelf  130  is designed to hold, the type of product stacked on the shelf, and the spacing height between successive shelves  130  on a shelving unit  100 . 
     As noted, the shelf  130  can slide between the retracted position and the extended position.  FIG. 1C  shows the shelving unit  100  an extended position.  FIGS. 1D and 1E  are side elevation views of the shelving unit  100  and showing the shelf  130  in the retracted position ( FIG. 1D ) and in the extended position ( FIG. 1E ). As seen in  FIGS. 1C and 1E , in the extended position, the front tray  150  can pivot vertically with respect to the rear tray  140 . In this manner the front tray  150  can angle downward to present a more easily stackable surface. 
       FIGS. 1D and 1E  also show that the side bracket  110  serves as a support for the shelf  130  to slide between the retracted and extended positions. In some examples, the shelf  130  is supported on the side bracket via the channel  120 , and via a support mechanism  146  that rests upon the side bracket  110 . The support mechanism  146  can be a component of the rear tray  140 . For example, the support mechanism  146  can be an extension of a side wall  144  that extends up from a surface  147  of the rear tray  140 . The shelf  130  may also be supported by a support mechanism  170  (e.g., a friction reducing mechanism on a support brace, bar, rod, etc.) that extends between the two side brackets  110  of the shelving unit. 
       FIG. 1F  is a close up of a side bracket  110 , in particular, side bracket  110  on the right side of the shelf (viewed looking at the shelf from the vantage of  FIG. 1A ), removed from the shelving unit  100 . For reference purposes, the left side bracket  110  includes a front portion  112 , a rear portion  114 , an upper edge  116  and a lower edge  118 . 
     Extending from rear edge  114  is a mounting mechanism  115 , which can be a hanging mechanism, securing mechanism, attaching mechanism, interlocking mechanism, or the like. In some examples, the mounting mechanism  115  is configured to connect with one or more connection mechanisms of the support structure  102  of the shelving unit  100 . As shown here, the mounting mechanism  115  includes two tabs  113 ,  117  that are configured to insert into corresponding slots of the support structure  102 . The upper tab  113  is a notched tabs that includes a tooth or a notch  111 . Via this configuration the mounting mechanism can provide three or more points of contact with the support structure  102 . For example, the lower tab  117  and the upper tab  113  each provide two or more points of vertical support, which keeps the bracket up  110  and also inhibits the bracket  110  from rotating with respect to the shelving unit  100 . The notch  111  provides a lateral support and inhibits the bracket  110  from falling out of the corresponding slots, or otherwise accidentally being removed from the support structure  102 . In some aspects, the mounting mechanism can include a further tab, protrusion, indention, notch, or other structure  119  toward the lower end  118  of the rear side  114  of the bracket  110  that is configured to engage with corresponding a portion of the support structure to further secure and mount the bracket  110  to the support structure  102 . 
     As noted, the side bracket  110  can supports the shelf  130  and facilitate the shelf  130  sliding between the retracted and extended positions. As a part of this support, the upper edge  116  of the bracket  110  can support a support mechanism  146  of the shelf  130 . In some examples, the upper edge  116  includes a flat surface. The flat surface can be formed, for example, via a 90 degree bend in the bracket material. This flat surface can provide structural strength and integrity to the bracket  110 , while also providing a lower-friction surface that facilitates the shelf to slide smoother along the bracket  110 . 
     In some examples, the shelf  130  is installable with respect to the shelving unit  100  so that the rear tray  140  is supported by the upper surface of the side brackets  110  without any portion of the rear tray  140  entering or being positioned within the channel  120  of the side bracket  100 . That is, while the front tray  150  of the shelf  130  may be supported via the channel  120 , the rear portion  140  can be entirely supported via the support mechanism  146  resting and sliding on the upper edge  116  of the bracket  110 . Such a configuration allows can facilitate construction, assembly, and operation of the shelving unit  100 . 
     The support mechanism  146  can take on a variety of shapes, configurations, or applications. For example, the support mechanism  146  can be a flat nylon bushing (e.g., as shown in the present figures) attached to the bars of the rear tray  140 , and that provides a flat, friction reducing sliding surface between the rear tray  140  and the upper edge  116  of the side bracket  110 . The bushing of the support mechanism  146  can allow the rear tray  140  to snap on and rest on the side brackets  110 . The support mechanism  146  can also be or include a track or groove in the upper edge  116  of the side bracket  110 , and/or a corresponding sliding structure extending from the upper portion of the side wall  144  of the rear tray  140 . In certain aspects, the support mechanism includes one or more rotatable bushings, bearings, or wheels configured to roll along the upper edge  116  of the side bracket  110 . In some configurations, the support mechanism can include an H-channel configured to straddle the upper edge  116  of the side bracket  110  to provide lateral support while also providing a smooth surface for the rear tray  140  to slide. In still other embodiments, the support mechanism  146  can be nothing more than an extension of the rear tray  140  itself. For example, the support mechanism  146  can be rungs or another protrusion that extends from the side walls  144  of the rear tray  140  to rest and slide upon the upper edge  116  of the side brackets  110 . 
     In some examples, the lower edge of the side bracket  110  also includes a flat surface to provide structural integrity and/or to provide another surface to support the sliding of the shelf  130 . For example, in some examples (not shown) the tray may comprise a further sliding mechanism (e.g., a roller wheel, slider, bearing, bushing, etc.) is configured to rest and slide upon the flat, lower edge  118  of the side bracket  110 . 
       FIG. 1F  provides detail regarding the shape and structure of the channel  120  of the side bracket  110 . Starting from the front edge  112  of the side bracket, the channel  120  includes an opening  128  that leads to an insertion portion  126  of the channel  120 . This opening  128  is configured to allow the side bracket  110  to receive a portion of the shelf  130  to enter the channel  120  and therefore install into the shelving unit  120 . In some examples, the opening  128  can include a notch  129 , lip, edge, bump or other mechanism within the opening to inhibit the rear of the shelf  130  from sliding out or accidentally being removed from the retracted position (or to inhibit the rear of the shelf  130  from accidentally dropping from the bracket  110  upon removal of the shelf  130 ). In this manner, a user can slightly lift the shelf  130  over the notch  129  to remove the shelf from the retracted position. Additionally and/or alternatively, the shelving unit  100  may include other biasing mechanisms (described in more detail below) that bias the shelf  130  in the retracted position, including an index portion  123  of the channel  120 , or a mechanism  170  and/or a protruding finger  175  extending from the bottom of the front tray  150 . 
     To the right of the insertion passage  126  is a non-linear rear passage  124 . The rear passage  124  defines a non-linear channel comprising an angled portion  125  and a flat portion  122 . While referred to as “flat,” it is intended that certain examples of the flat portion  122  will be generally linear and parallel with the longitudinal axis. That is, provided that the flat portion  122  enables the rear tray  140  to slide generally parallel with respect to the side brackets  110 , the overall “flatness” of the channel is not necessarily significant in all embodiments. The angled portion  125  comprises an angled end stop  127  upon which a portion of the shelf  130  (e.g., sliding mechanism  162  of the side arm  160  of the front tray  150 ) situates while the shelf  130  is in the extended portion. 
     In some examples, an index  123  is positioned toward the rear of the rear passage  124 . The index  123  can be a groove, divot, recess, notch, bump, or other biasing mechanism configured to bias the shelf  130  in the retracted position. In this manner, when the shelf  130  is returned to the retracted position, the shelf will generally remain there unless and until an intentional attempt is made to pull the shelf  130  toward the extended position (or to remove the shelf). For example, the index  123  can be configured to require a minimum force to remove the shelf  130  from the index  123 , where the minimum force is greater than incidental forces that may be caused by consumers removing product from the shelf. In some examples, the index is configured to require a slight vertical lift to remove the shelf  130  from the retracted position. By some approaches the index  123  also provides tactile feedback that the shelf  130  has been fully returned to the retracted position. 
     In some forms, the shelving unit  100  also includes a friction reducing support mechanism  170  positioned at the lower front corner of the side brackets  110 . The friction reducing support mechanism  170  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 1G ) provides a support structure upon which the shelf  130 , in particular the front tray  150  of the shelf  130 , can rest and slide upon. The friction reducing support mechanism  170  can take on a variety of shapes and/or configurations. For example, the friction reducing mechanism can be a roller, a wheel, a slider, a bushing, a ledge, a bar, or the like. 
     In some aspects, the friction reducing support mechanism  170  can be a roller or bushing and may be made of low friction material. Additionally and/or alternatively, the friction reducing support mechanism  170  may be made of a vibration damping material to serve as a vibration isolator and reduce noise associated with the operation of the shelving apparatus (e.g., reduce noise as shelf moves between first and second positions). 
     In some aspects the friction reducing support mechanism  170  can serve as a biasing mechanism, or a component of a biasing mechanism that works in conjunction with other components of the shelving unit  100  to facilitate biasing the shelf in the retracted position. For example, the friction reducing support mechanism  170  can operate in connection with a finger  175 , or other protrusion extending from a lower surface of a front portion  152  of the front tray to bias the shelf  130  in the retracted position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1G , the finger  175  is ramped away from the rear of the shelf  130  so that removing the shelf  130  from the retracted position may involve lifting the front portion  152  of the front tray  150  slightly to lift the finger  175  off the friction reducing support mechanism, or roller  170 . The angle of the ramped finger  175  also facilitates returning the shelf  130  to the retracted position, as the roller  170  can roll up the ramped portion of until the finger falls back in place secured behind the roller  170  in the retracted position. 
     In some examples, the finger defines a stop protruding from a surface of the front tray  150  and is configured to engage with the roller  170  positioned proximate the forward end  112  of the side bracket  110  to hinder inadvertent movement of the shelf  130  from the retracted position to the extended position. In some examples, roller  170  is rotatable with respect to the side bracket  110  and rotates as the finger  175  (or arm, peg, protrusion, ramp, etc.) rides on top of the roller  170  to assist movement of the arm finger  175  along the side bracket  110 . 
       FIG. 1G  shows the shelf  130  in the extended position with the near side bracket  110  removed from view for demonstrative purposes. In the extended position, the front portion  150  of the tray is tilted with respect to the rear portion  140 . The front tray  150  may include a lip  153  along the front edge  152  that helps keep products on the shelf  130  during loading and other times. The shelving unit  100  may include a horizontal brace  172  that connects the pair of side brackets  110  and also provides a vertical support to the shelf  130 . The front tray  150  may rest and/or slide along this front brace  172  while in the extended position and/or while travelling between the retracted and extended positions. 
     A pair of side arms  160  extend along the side edges  156  of the front tray. As shown in  FIG. 1G , the side arms  160  extend past the rear edge  154  of the front tray such that the side arms  160  extend over the rear tray  140 . In the retracted position (e.g., where the front tray  150  and rear tray  140  are generally co-planar), the side arms  160  would overlap with the rear tray  140 . 
     A portion of the side arms  160  may be supported by the support roller  170  as the shelf  130  travels between the retracted and extended positions. For example, a lower edge of each side arm  160  may roll along on the roller  170  to facilitate smooth movement of the shelf  130  along the side brackets  110 . 
     Each arm also includes a sliding mechanism  162  toward the rear of the side arms  160 . The sliding mechanism can include a wheel, a roller, a rotating bushing, a peg, or other similar device capable of traveling along the channel  120  of the side arm. As shown in  FIG. 1H , which is a close up side view of the shelving unit  100  in the extended position, the sliding mechanism  162  is configured to travel and/or slide within the channel  120  of the side arm. In some examples, the sliding mechanism  162  is configured to be inserted into the opening  128  of the insertion passage  126  during installation, and can thereby travel along the insertion passageway  126  into the rear passageway  124 , and thereby travel between the retracted and extended positions. 
     In the retracted position, the sliding mechanism  162  will be in the flat portion  122  of the channel. In particular, the sliding mechanism will be situated within the index  123  so as to bias within the retracted position. Upon removal from the retracted position (which may involve a slight lift or tug on the part of the user to remove the shelf from the index and/or other biasing mechanisms), the sliding mechanism  162  will slide forward along the rear passage  124  toward the angled portion  125  until it reaches the end stop  127  of the angled portion  125  of the rear passage  124  of the channel  120 . 
     While the sliding mechanism  162  is in the angled portion  125 , and in particular, at the stop end  127  of the angled portion  125 , the shelf  130  will be in the extended position. As the stop end  127  is elevated above the flat portion  122  of the rear passage  124 , the front tray  150  will tilt downward from the rear tray  140  in the elevated position. However, because the side arms  160  extend beyond the rear edge  154  of the front tray  150 , the rear edge  154  of the front tray  150  can remain hinged to the rear tray  140 . That is, even though the side arms elevate while in the angled passageway  125 , the portion of the front tray  150  hinged to the rear tray  140  does not change in elevation. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1H , the insertion passageway  126  can be at a different (e.g., a higher) elevation from the rear passageway  124 , or at least the flat portion  122  of the rear passageway  124 . In this manner, the configuration inhibits the accidental removal of the shelf  130  from the shelving unit  100 . That is, the arrangement of the channel  120  is such that the sliding mechanism  162  of the side arms  160  are guided to pass over the insertion channel while traveling along the angled portion  125  of the rear passage  124 . However, should a user desire to actually remove the shelf  130 , the sliding mechanism  162  can be guided into the insertion passageway  126 , and thereby removed through the opening  128 . In some aspects the front tray  150  is hinged to the rear tray  140  so that the front tray  150  can pivot downward in the extended position. In one example, the front tray  150  is hinged by way of a hook hinge, as shown in  FIG. 1G , and in more detail in  FIG. 1I , which is a close up view of the area identified as  1 I in  FIG. 1G . 
     As noted above, in some embodiments the shelf  130  is composed of a grid of intersecting rungs  134 ,  136 . In some examples, the hinge is formed via a hook  136  that extends from a longitudinal rung  134  of the rear tray  140  and grabs a bar  138  of the front tray  150 . In certain aspects, the bar  138  is the rear-most lateral rung  132  of the front tray  150 . It should be noted that while the hinge is shown as a hook  136  extending from the rear tray  140  to grab a bar  138  on the front tray  150 , the opposite arrangement could also be effective. That is, the hook  136  could extend from a rung  134  of the front tray  150  and grab a bar  138  on the front of the rear tray  140 . In some aspects, the hook  136  is an open channel hook that defines an opening having a center axis that extends perpendicular to the side brackets  110 , or otherwise parallel to the bar  138 . In this manner, the hook  136  can latch onto the bar  138  and allow the bar  138  to rotate/pivot with respect to the hook  136 , thereby establishing a hinge effect. 
     In operation, examples of the described shelving system can be installed by and operated by way of the following example. Side brackets  110  are connected to a support structure  102  such as a vertical support column or a shelving frame assembly. 
     A shelf  130  is then installed into the shelving unit  100  by inserting sliding mechanisms  162  on the ends of side arms  160  of the front tray  150  into an opening  128  in a channel  120  in the side brackets  110 . The sliding mechanisms  162  thus slide through the insertion passageway  126  and into a separate (though connected) sliding channel/passageway  124 . The sliding mechanisms  162  slide through a flat portion  122  of the sliding passageway  124  and come to rest in a rut or index  123 , indicating the shelf  130  is fully installed in the retracted position. 
     When a user wishes to load the shelf  130 , the user can lift and/or tug the shelf  130  forward, removing the sliding mechanisms  162  from the index  162 , or otherwise disengaging any other biasing mechanisms (e.g., the roller  170  and finger  175  mechanism). As the shelf  130  pulls forward, the sliding mechanism  162  travels into an angled portion  125  of the sliding passageway  124  toward an end stop  127  thereby establishing the shelf in the extended position. 
     In the extended position the front tray  150  of the shelf  130  is pivoted downward via a hinged section, thereby presenting a shelf surface that may be easier to load. After loading the shelf  130 , the user then lifts the front tray  150  to level with the rear tray  140  (which causes the sliding mechanism  162  to travel back down the angled portion  125  of the sliding passageway  124 ) and then pushes the shelf  130  rearward until the shelf biases in the retracted position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the shelving unit  100  can be configured to operate in connection with one or more backstops  200 ,  300  or paddles. The backstops  200 ,  300  can facilitate products to stand upright and to face forward. The backstops  200 ,  300  can be configured to connect or otherwise attach to the shelf  130 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of a backstop  200  configured to connect to a shelf that includes a grid of rungs as a base to the shelf. The backstop includes an engaging surface  220  (e.g., a product engaging surface) at a front portion  210  of the backstop  200 , and a rear surface  230 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , the engaging surface  220  is solid and slightly curved, forming a scoop that defines a wider base  240  and a narrower top  260 . In other embodiments, the backstop can define a straight surface that either angles rearward, or that doesn&#39;t angle and forms a generally vertical surface that has the same width at the top as well as the base  240 . In some examples, the engaging surface  220  can be indexed, scored, or otherwise marked with indicia  222  such as lines, labels, or other markings. 
     A series of front connectors  250  are positioned along the front portion  210  of the base  240 . The front connectors  250  include generally forward facing openings  252 . These forward facing openings are configured to connect to a portion of the shelf  130 , for example, a rung, or in particular, a lateral rung  132  of the shelf  130 . The forward facing openings can have a bell mouth configuration that facilitates a snap-fit attachment to the rungs  132 . In some configurations the forward facing opening  252  can include a beveled opening, a tapered opening, a friction fit opening, or the like. 
     The forward facing openings  252  are configured to allow the front portion  210  of the backstop to be tilted forward (e.g., so the rear portion  230  of the base  240  is elevated above the connecting surface of the shelf  130 ) while snapping into place, and then rotating about the point of connection. In this manner the rear connectors  260  can be pressed down onto corresponding components of the shelf  130  after the front portion  210  of the backstop  200  is attached. 
     The backstop may include a series of recesses  254  between each of the connectors  250  that receive longitudinal rungs  134  of the shelf  130 . In this manner, the connectors  250  can straddle the longitudinal rungs  134  that intersect the lateral rungs  132  to which the connectors  250  are attached. 
     In some formats, a series of rear connectors  260  are positioned along a rear edge of the base  240  of the backstop  200 . The rear connectors can include openings  262  that generally open downward. In some forms, the openings  260  face directly downward (or nearly directly downward). In this manner, the openings  262  can be configured to snap onto corresponding rungs of the shelf  132  as the backstop  230  pivots downward about the forward facing openings  252  of the already-attached front connectors  250 . Like the front connectors  250 , the openings  262  of the rear connectors  260  can be bell mouthed, tapered, beveled, friction fit, etc. to facilitate connection and detachment from the shelf  130 . 
     To remove the backstop, the rear portion  230  can be tilted up and away from the connecting surface of the shelf  130  by rotating the backstop  200  about the front connectors  250  until the rear connectors  260  detach from the shelf  130 , at which point the front connectors  250  can then be detached by lifting upward on the backstop  200 . 
     In some examples, the backstop can be angled, or have an angled surface that facilitates fronting product at an angle with respect to the shelf  130 , the support structure  102 , and/or the shelving unit  100 . That is, the backstop can be angled so as to front the products in a way that turns the front of the products toward consumers that may walk in a direction generally parallel to the shelving unit. 
       FIG. 3  shows a backstop  300  with such an angled configuration. The angled backstop  300  is configured generally in a similar manner to backstop  200  of  FIG. 2 , with the exception that the engaging surface  300  is angled with respect to the engaging surface  220  of a straight backstop  200 . For example, the engaging surface  320  can be angled so that a left side  321  of the engaging surface  320  is forward of a right side  323  of the engaging surface  320 . 
     In such a configuration, the backstop  300  may have some front connectors that are forward of other front connectors. For example, a first front connector  352   a  on the left side  321  of the backstop  300  with a forward facing opening  352   a  can be forward of a second front connector  350   b  with a second forward facing opening  352   b  on the right side  323  of the backstop  300 . In some examples, the longitudinal distance between the first front connector  350   a  and the second front connector  350   b  is such that each connector can attach to a separate lateral rung  132  among the grid of rungs on the shelf  130 . In other embodiments, the spacing may be such that only one connector ( 350   a  or  350   b ) can attach to a rung. 
       FIG. 4  shows an example of the straight backstop  200  of  FIG. 2  and the angled backstop  300  of  FIG. 3  engaging with the rungs  132 ,  134  (in particular, with the lateral rungs  132 ) on a shelf  130  of a shelving assembly  100 . The angled backstop  300  may have the configuration (or at least a similar construction) to the angled backstop shown in FIGS. 6A-E in U.S. Design patent application No. 29/554,176, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The backstops shown in  FIGS. 2-4  may take on a variety of different configurations, shapes, and appearance. For example, the backstops may also take on the configuration of the backstops shown in FIGS. 5A-E U.S. Design patent application No. 29/554,176, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, a straight backstop  200  may include two forward facing openings that extend from protrusions that define a space between the openings, as shown in FIGS. 5A-E of Design patent application No. 29/554,176. Backstops  201  having this configuration are shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Similarly, the angled backstop  300  may also include protrusions that defines a space between the various forward facing openings. 
     Further examples, embodiments, and applications of shelving units will now be described with exemplary references to the  FIGS. 1A-1I and 2-4 , and to the reference numbers therein. The described shelving unit  100  can be used to display merchandisable objects. In one example, the unit  100  includes a pair of side members, or brackets  110  that are configured to attach to a support structure  102  (e.g., a vertical support structure). Each side bracket  110  includes a slide channel  120 . The slide channels  120  include a flat portion  122  toward a rear of the side bracket  110  and an angled portion  125  forward from the flat portion. The flat portion  122  can be generally flat when the side bracket  110  is installed with respect to the support structure  102 . In other words, the flat portion  122  is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the side bracket  110 . The unit  100  also includes a shelf  130  that slides along the side brackets  110  between a retracted position and an extended position. The shelf  130  includes a rear tray  140  with a support mechanism  146  that supports the rear tray  146  on the side brackets  110 . The rear tray  140  is configured to slide along the pair of side brackets  110  between the open and retracted position. The shelf  130  also includes a front tray  150  hinged to the rear tray. The front tray  150  has side arms  160  that extending along opposing side edges  156  of the front tray  150 . The side arms  160  extend beyond a rear edge  154  of the front tray  150  so that, when the front tray  150  is parallel with the rear tray  140 , the side arms  160  extend over or at least partially overlap the rear tray  140 . The side arms  160  have a sliding mechanism  162  (e.g., a wheel, bearing, bushing, slider, etc.) that can slide within the slide channels  120  of the side brackets  110 . The front  150  tray is hinged so that it can pivot with respect to the rear tray. The shelf  130  is hinged so that when the shelf  130  is in the retracted position, the front tray  150  and the rear tray  140  are generally parallel, and the sliding mechanisms  162  of the side arms  160  are within the flat portion  122  of the slide channels  124 . When the shelf  130  is in the extended position, the sliding mechanism  162  of the side arms  160  travels into the angled portion  125  of the slide channels  124 , thereby allowing the front tray  150  to pivot with respect to the rear tray  140 . For example, in the extended position, the front tray  150  can pivot downward, thereby facilitating the stacking of product (e.g., salty snacks) on the shelf. 
     In some examples, the support mechanism  146  of the rear tray  140  is configured to rest and slide upon an upper surface  116  of the side brackets  110 . The support mechanism  146  comprises a bushing configured to reduce friction between the rear tray  140  and the upper surface  116  of the side brackets  110 . The support mechanism  146  may include a first and second support mechanism positioned on opposite sides of the rear tray  140 . 
     In some examples, each side bracket  110  further comprises an insertion channel  126  forward of the slide channels  124 , the insertion channel  126  having a receiving portion  128  at a front end  112  of the side bracket  110 , the receiving portion  128  configured to receive the slide mechanism  162  of the side arm  160  of the front tray  150 . The insertion channel  128  can be on a different (e.g., a higher) plane than the flat portion  122  of the slide channel  124 . 
     In some examples, the shelving unit  100  comprises a biasing mechanism configured to bias the shelf in the retracted position. The biasing mechanism is configured to enable sliding of the shelf  130  from the retracted position toward the extended position in response to a front portion  152  of the shelf lifting in a vertical direction with respect to the side brackets  110 . The biasing mechanism can include a finger  175  projecting from a front portion of the front tray  150 . The biasing mechanism can also include a support bar extending between front ends of the side brackets, wherein the finger  175  is configured to be located rearward of the support bar in the retracted position. In some examples the biasing mechanism comprises an indexed portion  123  toward the rear of the flat portion  122  of at least one slide channel, the indexed portion configured to removably secure the shelf in the retracted position. 
     In some examples, the shelf  130  comprises a brace  172  or support bar extending between the pair of side brackets  110 . The brace  172  is configured to stay fixed with respect to the side brackets  110  as the shelf  130  slides between the retracted and extended positions. The brace may comprise a rolling mechanism  170  that facilitates the shelf  130  sliding across the brace  172 . 
     In some examples, the shelf  130  is configured so that, in the extended position, the rear tray  140  remains fully supported by the side brackets  110 . The rear tray  140  may have a depth D R  that constitutes at least about one third of the depth D of the shelf. In some examples, the shelf  130  and side brackets  110  are configured so that the rear tray  140  travels generally parallel with respect to the side brackets  110  between the retracted and extended positions. 
     Some examples further include at least one backstop  200 ,  300  removably attachable to the shelf  130 . In some examples, wherein the rear tray  140  comprises a grid of rungs  132 ,  134 , and the backstop  200  is configured to attach to the shelf via at least one rung  132 . The backstop  300  may have a font surface  320  that is non-parallel to the rungs  132 ,  134  of the grid. For example, a backstop  300  may have a front surface  320  and sides, wherein the front surface  320  and sides are not perpendicular to each other. In some examples, the backstop  200 ,  300  defines a first mating  250  structure at a forward portion of the backstop  200  and a second mating  260  structure at a rearward portion of the backstop. 
     In some examples, the front tray  150  is hinged to the rear tray  140  via at least one hinge hook  136  that extends from the rear tray  140  and hooks around a hinge bar  238  that extends along the rear edge  154  of the front tray  150 . Alternatively, the hinge hook may extends from the front tray  150  and hooks around a hinge bar that extends along the front edge of the rear tray  140 . The hinge hook  136  can include an open channel hook configuration. In some examples, the front tray  150  and rear tray  140  comprise a grid of rungs  132 ,  134 , and the hinge hook  136  extends from a rung  134  of the rear tray  140  that extends generally parallel with the side brackets  110 , and the hinge bar  138  is a rung of the front tray  150  that extends generally perpendicular to the side brackets  110 . 
     In some examples, the side bracket  110  comprises a mounting mechanism  115  configured to mount the side bracket  110  to a support structure  102 . The mounting mechanism  115  can include a plurality of tabs  113 ,  117 ,  119  configured to correspond to one or more slots on the support structure  102 . One or more tab may have a notch  117  configured to provide lateral support that inhibits accidental removal of the side bracket  110  from the support structure  102 . The side bracket may be configured to mount to the support structure  102  by angling a front end  112  of the bracket  110  higher than mounting mechanism  115  as the mounting mechanism  115  inserts into the one or more corresponding slots on the support structure  102 . 
     Another example describes a pivoting shelf unit that allows a shelf to be inserted along an insertion track for installation purposes, but is configured in a manner that inhibits the shelf from passing back through the installation track after install. This helps inhibit unwanted or accidental removal of the shelf from the shelving unit comprising with a pair of side brackets. The side brackets can include an insertion passage defining a forward facing opening and a linear channel running along a longitudinal axis of the side bracket. The forward facing opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the shelf. The shelf has a shelf that can be similar to the hinged shelf described above. The flat portion of the non-linear channel extends at a different elevation (e.g., it is at a lower elevation) than the linear channel of the insertion passage to inhibit unwanted travel of the shelf from the rear passage to the insertion passage. In some examples, the opening comprises a notch that inhibits unwanted or accidental removal of the shelf from the side brackets. 
     The present disclosure also describes embodiments relating to a backstop  200  that can be installed or connected to a shelving display  100  (e.g., one or more of the exemplary shelving systems described herein). The backstops  200  can be used to position behind product displayed on a shelf. In one example, the backstop  200  comprises a front portion  210  with a product engaging surface  220 . The backstop  200  has one or more first connectors  250  that have a forward facing opening  252  extending from the bottom  240  front of the backstop  200 . The backstop  200  also has one or more second connectors  260  with a downward or partially downward facing opening  262  that extend from the bottom rear  230  of the backstop  200 . The forward facing openings  252  are configured to allow the first connector  250  to connect to a first portion of the shelf  130  (e.g., snap onto a rung  132  of the tray) so that the backstop  200  can tilt with respect to the shelf  130 . That is, a backstop  300  connected via one of the forward facing openings  252  can pivot about the connection point so that the rear  230  of the backstop  200  can tilt up and down with respect to the shelf  130 . The downward facing openings  262  are configured to connect the second connectors  260  to a second portion of the shelf  130  (e.g., another rung of the tray) as the backstop  260  pivots about the first portion of the shelf  130  toward the rear of the shelf  130 . 
     The downward facing opening  262  may have a bell mouth shape configured to guide the second rung into the at least partially downward facing opening. In some examples, the first connector  250  comprises a plurality of first connectors  250  extending from the bottom  240  of the front portion  210  of the backstop  210 . Each of the first connectors  250  can have forward facing openings  252 . The second connector  260  can also include a plurality of second connectors  260  extending from the bottom  250  of the rear  230  portion of the backstop  200 . Each of the second connectors  260  have an at least partially downward facing opening  262 . The first connectors  250  and second connectors  260  are each configured to connect to a rung of the grid of rungs. 
     The grid of rungs can include, for example, a plurality of parallel longitudinal  234  rungs positioned over or intersecting with a plurality of parallel transverse rungs  232 . The transverse rungs  232  run generally perpendicular to the longitudinal rungs  234 . The backstop  200  further comprises a recess  254  between each of the first connectors  250  and between each of the second connectors  260 . The forward facing openings  252  and the at least partially downward facing openings  262  are configured to connect to a transverse rung  232 . The spacers  254  are configured to straddle and/or receive a longitudinal rung  234  upon the backstop connecting to the shelf  230 . 
     In some examples, the product engaging surface  320  is angled with respect to the front portion  310  so that the backstop  300  is configured to display a stack of products at an angle with respect to the shelf  130 , the shelving unit  100 , or to a forward facing plane of the shelf, shelving unit, mounting structure, or aisle in which the shelving unit  100  is positioned. 
     In some examples, a front connector  250  comprises a forward first connector  350   a  configured to connect to the first portion of the tray and at least one rearward first connector  350   b  configured to connect to a third portion of the tray, wherein the first portion of the tray is closer to the front of the tray than the third portion of the tray. In other examples, the at least one first connector comprises at least two connectors, with at least one connector positioned forward of the other connectors. 
     In some examples, the product engaging surface  220 ,  320  of the backstop  200 ,  300  is solid. The product engaging surface  220 ,  230 , may include indicia  222 ,  322  for customizing the backstop. 
     Some embodiments relate to a bracket  110  that mounts to a support structure  102  and supports a slideable shelf  130 . The bracket  110  includes a rear portion  114  having a mounting mechanism  115  configured to attach to the support structure  102 . The bracket  110  also includes an upper surface  116  configured to support the shelf  130  as the shelf  130  slides between a retracted and extended position along the bracket  110 . The bracket includes a slide channel  120  that has an insertion passage defining a forward facing opening  128  and a linear channel  126  running along a longitudinal axis of the bracket  110 . The slide channel  120  also includes a rear passage defining a non-linear channel  124  having a flat portion  122  that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bracket  110  and an angled portion  125  that extends at an angle between the flat portion  122  of the rear passage  124  and the insertion passage  126 . The slide channel  120  is configured to receive a portion of the shelf  130  so that, in the retracted position, the received portion of the shelf is within the flat portion  122  of the rear passage  124  and so that, in the extended position, the received portion of the shelf  130  is within the angled portion  125  of the rear passage  124 . The insertion passage  126  is configured to receive the portion of the shelf  130  during installation of the shelf  130 . The installation passage  126  is positioned in a higher plane than the flat portion  122  of the rear passage to inhibit the portion of the shelf  130  from entering the insertion passage  126  as the shelf  130  moves between the retracted and extended position. 
     In some examples, the mounting mechanism  115  comprises a plurality of tabs configured to correspond to one or more slots on the support structure  102 . The mounting mechanism  115  can include a plurality of tabs  113 ,  117 ,  119  configured to correspond to one or more slots on the support structure  102 . One or more tab may have a notch  117  configured to provide lateral support that inhibits accidental removal of the side bracket  110  from the support structure  102 . The side bracket may be configured to mount to the support structure  102  by angling a front end  112  of the bracket  110  higher than mounting mechanism  115  as the mounting mechanism  115  inserts into the one or more corresponding slots on the support structure  102 . 
     Some examples described herein present a hinged drawer type shelving unit  100  comprising a shelf  130  having a first portion  150  and a second portion  140  hinged to the first portion. The first portion  150  is connected between opposing arms  160  with each arm  160  having a guide  162  connected to a rearward portion of the arm  160 . The unit  100  and a frame  102  having opposing side brackets  110  between which the shelf  130  is disposed, each side bracket  110  defines a travel passage  124  for directing or guiding movement of the corresponding guide  162  as the shelf is moved between a first stored position wherein the first  150  and second  140  shelf portions are coplanar with one another and a second extended position to simplify restocking of product on the shelf  130  wherein the first  150  shelf portion is tilted and non-coplanar with the second shelf portion  140 . 
     In some examples, the side brackets  110  define an installation passage  126  for receiving the corresponding guide  162  of each arm  160  to install the shelf  130  on the frame  102 . The installation passage  126  may intersect the travel passage  122  to position the guide  162  of each arm  160  in the travel passage  124  once the shelf  130  is installed. In some aspects, the travel passage  124  is angled with respect to the installation passage  126  to tilt the shelf  130  as it is moved from the first position to the second position so that the first shelf portion  150  angles downward from the plane containing the second shelf portion  140 . The travel passage  124  has a first linear passage  122  that maintains the first shelf portion  150  coplanar to the second shelf portion  140  as the guide is in the first linear portion  122  and a second linear  125  portion that is angled with respect to the first linear portion  122  that maintains the first shelf portion  150  in the non-coplanar position with respect to the second shelf portion  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the opposing side brackets  110  of the frame  102  have generally flat upper surfaces  116  and the second shelf portion  140  has a generally U-shaped cross section with a central base portion  147 . Upstanding side portions  144  may extend from the central base portion  147 . The upstanding side portions  144  have distal ends and support members  146  proximate the distal ends that support the second shelf portion  140  on the generally flat upper surfaces  116  of the opposing side brackets  110  of the frame  102 . The support members  110  may include a bushing  146  made of a friction reducing material to assist in movement of the second basket portion  140  as the shelf  130  is moved between the first and second positions. 
     The side brackets  110  can include a friction reducing member  170  positioned proximate a forward end  112  of each side bracket  110  to assist with movement of the shelf  130  between the first and second positions. In some approaches, at least one arm  175  defines a stop protruding from a surface thereof for engaging the friction reducing member  170  positioned proximate the forward end  112  of the side bracket  110  to hinder inadvertent movement of the shelf  130  from the first position to the second position. The friction reducing member  170  can be a roller rotatable with respect to the side bracket  110  and rotates as the arm  175  rides on top of the roller  170  to assist movement of the arm  175  along the side bracket  110 . In some examples, the guide  162  is connected to the rearward portion of the arm  160  is a roller disposed within the travel passage  122  of each side bracket  110 . 
       FIG. 5  shows another example of a side bracket  510  that can be used with a shelving unit  100  in addition to or in place of the shelving unit  110  of  FIG. 1F . In particular,  FIG. 5  provides detail regarding the shape and structure of the channel  520  of the side bracket  510 . Side bracket  510  may have the configuration (or at least a similar construction) of one or more of the side brackets shown in FIGS. 1A-3B (and in particular, in FIGS. 1D, 1E, 2D, 2E, and 3A-C) in U.S. Design patent application No. 29/554,176, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The side bracket  510  is similar to the side bracket  110  of  FIG. 1F , with the exception that the channel  520  has a different configuration to that of channel  120  in  FIG. 1F . In particular, the insertion portion  526  of channel  520  differs slightly from the insertion portion  126  of channel  120  of the side bracket  110  of  FIG. 1F . Unlike insertion portion  126  of  FIG. 1F , which extends linearly in a direction generally parallel to the flat portion  122  of the channel  120 , the insertion portion  526  of channel  520  drops downward before extending back up toward the opening  528 . In this way, the side bracket  510  provides a distinguished insertion passage  526  that may facilitate insertion of a shelf (e.g., shelf  130 ) in certain situations. The insertion portion  526  includes an elbow  505  that angles upward, back to the angled portion  525  of the rear passage  524 , which transitions to the flat portion  522  at the back of the side bracket  510 . The angled portion  525  comprises an angled end stop  527  upon which a portion of the shelf situates while the shelf  130  is in the extended position. In this way, the angled end stop  527  is formed intermediate the channel opening  528  and the enclosed end of channel  520  proximate flat section  522 . 
       FIGS. 6A-B  illustrate yet another alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention. In keeping with prior practice, items that are similar to those discussed above in prior embodiments will be referenced using the same latter two-digit reference numerals, but use the prefix  6  to distinguish one embodiment from the others. Thus, in  FIGS. 6A-B , the shelving unit will be referred to generally by reference numeral  600  and the sliding shelf  630  and side walls  610 , which are configured to connect to support structure  602  (e.g., vertical uprights, gondola uprights, a support wall, etc.). Specifically,  FIG. 6A  shows an isometric view of a shelving unit  600 , and  FIG. 6B  shows a close up view of the shelving unit  600  in an extended position with the side arm  620  removed so that various components can be seen more clearly. 
     The shelving unit  600  has a support mechanism  646  that includes an inverted L shaped nylon guide or wear strip that travels along upper and side surfaces of the side wall  610 . The support mechanism  646  is shown as spanning between two bars on the rear tray  640 , but it should be understood that the support mechanism can span  3 ,  4 , or more bars, depending on the intended use. It also includes an alternate bushing  662  for traveling in channel  620 . As shown, the bushing  662  does not include a screw-head or tightening mechanism, and includes a spacer portion  633  that helps assure that the bushing  662  maintains a wide enough surface upon which to slide in channel  620 . 
     The shelving unit  600  also includes a support member  670  (e.g., pivot point, friction reduction member, wear member, etc.) that has an alternate configuration to that of other embodiments. Notably, the support member  670  comprises a bolt that includes a support surface that can provide support for the front tray  650  (i.e., the hinged portion) of the shelf  630  in the extended position. The support member  670  is similar to first reinforcement member or brace  672 . The shelving unit  600  also has a second reinforcement member, or brace  601  that has an alternate configuration to that of other embodiments, and that helps to inhibit bowing or deflecting of the shelving unit during assembly, thereby inhibiting the likelihood that the shelf  630  will experience increased friction during movement, or slide out of the channel  620 . The shelving unit also includes a back bar  605 , or brace, that provides further support and stability to the configuration of the shelving unit. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  also show an alternate hinge configuration. As shown, the hinge configuration includes an inverted hook  636  that has an upward facing opening that interacts with, and surrounds the bar  638  on the front tray  650 . In this manner, the shelf  630  can easily be installed in the shelving unit  600  by first installing the front tray  650  into the side brackets  610 , then placing the rear tray  640  onto the shelving unit by resting the rear tray  640  on the side brackets  610 , and then pivotably connecting the rear tray  640  to the front tray  640  by looping the inverted hooks  636  around the bars  638  of the front tray  650 . The inverted hooks  636  are configured with a bend so that not only will pulling the front tray  650  cause the rear tray  640  to extend toward open, but also so that pushing the front tray  650  rearward will move the rear tray  640  rearward without causing the bar  638  to escape from the hooks  636 . The inverted hook hinge configuration provides various advantages. For example, the inverted hook configuration makes it easier to connect the front tray  650  and the rear tray  640  during assembly. This inverted hook hinge configuration also reduces risk that the front and rear trays  650  and  640  will become disengaged during operation. Further, the inverted hook hinge configuration makes it less likely that objects stored on shelves below the shelf  630  (e.g., bags of product) will catch or snag on the hook  636  when the shelf  630  is extended to an open position because the hook  636  faces a direction opposite to that of the motion of travel during the opening of the shelf  630 . 
     In addition to the above identified apparatus embodiments, it should also be understood that numerous methods are also disclosed herein that allow a rear portion of the shelf to remain in one orientation or plane while allowing a front portion of the shelf to move to another orientation or plane (e.g., angle downward) for restocking purposes so as to reduce the risk of damaging product positioned at the rear of the shelf. For example, methods for manufacturing and methods for assembling a shelf system are disclosed herein, as are methods for moving a shelf between a first position and a second position (e.g., extending, tilting or extending and tilting a shelf, etc.). Methods for inserting a shelf and guiding a shelf along its regular limits of travel are also all disclosed herein. In a more specific example, a method of installing a shelf is disclosed herein including the steps of installing side members ( 110 ,  510 ,  610 ) on a display, connecting a front product support ( 150 ,  650 ) to the installed side members ( 110 ,  510 ,  610 ), and connecting a rear product support ( 140 ,  640 ) to the front product support ( 150 ,  650 ). 
     In some forms, the installation of the side members ( 110 ,  510 ,  610 ) includes installing side members ( 110 ,  510 ,  610 ) interconnected by at least one brace ( 172 ,  672 ,  605 ) on the display. Similarly, connecting the front product support ( 150 ,  650 ) includes installing guides ( 162 ,  662 ) extending from the front product support ( 150 ,  650 ) into mating channels ( 120 ,  520 ,  620 ) of the side members ( 110 ,  510 ,  610 ). Connecting the rear product support ( 140 ,  640 ) may include pivotally or hingedly connecting the rear product support ( 140 ,  640 ) to the front product support ( 150 ,  650 ) after the front product support ( 150 ,  650 ) has been connected to the installed side members ( 110 ,  510 ,  610 ). Likewise, the installation method may also include moving the front and rear product supports between a first position wherein the product supports are generally coplanar with one another and a second position wherein the front product support ( 150 ,  650 ) is angled downward from the plane containing the rear product support ( 140 ,  640 ) so that the planes containing the front and rear product supports are transverse to one another. 
     In some forms, such a method of installation may include installing two side members or brackets onto opposing sides of a shelving unit, then connecting a front tray to the side brackets, and subsequently connecting a rear tray with the front tray to form a pivotably sliding shelf. The side brackets may be installed by inserting tabs on a rear edge of the side brackets into corresponding slots in a vertical support structure of the shelving unit. In some forms, the side brackets may be interconnected by one or more braces of the shelving unit, which can provide structural stability to the shelving unit. The side arms may have a slide channel adapted to receive a slider on a front tray, such as the front tray  110  and  610  described herein. A user may install the front tray onto the shelving unit by inserting a slider or guide that extend from the front tray into the slide channel in the side brackets. The slider or guide can then be moved into an angled portion of the slide channel so that the front tray rests in a lowered, angled position that corresponds with an open or loading position. The rear tray or rear basket can then be installed onto the side brackets of the shelf. Support mechanisms on opposing sides of the rear tray may be placed to rest upon the upper surfaces of the two opposing side brackets. In some forms, bushings or sliders may be installed, snapped, or otherwise engaged with the top surface of the side brackets. The rear tray may then be attached to the front tray in a hinged or pivotable manner that allows the front tray to rotate vertically with respect to the rear tray to facilitate loading of the shelf. For example, a hooks on the rear tray may be looped around a bar on the front tray, thereby attaching the trays while allowing the front tray to pivot with respect to the rear tray. In this way, when the shelf is in an open or loading position, the first tray may be hinged downward from the generally horizontal rear tray to present an angled working surface to a user that faces the shelf. Once connected, the front and rear trays form a shelf that can slide and move together as a single shelf, while still allowing the front tray to pivot downwards so that user may be able to load the shelf. Once installed, the front and rear trays can be moved together as a single shelf between a first or closed position, where the front and rear trays are generally co-planar with one another, and a second position (or an open or loading position) where the front tray is angled downward from the plane containing the rear tray, so that the planes of the front and rear trays are transverse to one another. In some forms, the front tray may first be hinged to the rear tray before it is inserted into the slide channel of the side brackets. In other forms, the rear tray may be installed onto a side bracket before the front tray, and the two trays can be hingedly attached either simultaneously with or subsequent to the installation of the front tray on the shelving unit. 
     Some methods also include use of an installed shelving unit, such as the variety of shelving units described herein. In one example, a shelf is originally in a closed or stored position. The shelf includes a front tray hingedly attached to a rear tray. A user pulls on the shelf from the stored position toward a first open position by tugging on the front tray. As the shelf extends from the closed position, guides in the shelf slide along a horizontal portion of a channel in side arms of the shelving unit. In a first open position, at least a part of the front tray extends away from side arms in the shelving unit, while the rear portion of the tray remains generally between the side arms. In this first open position, the front tray is generally parallel and co-planar with the rear tray. Next, the front tray is rotated downward from the first position to a second position, or a loading position. A guide that extends rearward from the front tray remains in the slide channel in the side arm, and travels into an angled portion of the slide channel. This allows the front tray to pivot downward to the second or loading position, which loading position facilitates the user&#39;s ability to load the shelf. After loading the shelf, the user can push the tray back to the closed position by first lifting the front tray to the horizontal or first open position, which brings the guide of the first tray toward a horizontal portion of the slide channel, and then pushing the shelf rearward, toward the closed position. 
     The present disclosure describes preferred embodiments and examples of the present technology. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept. In addition, it should also be understood that features of one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments to provide yet other embodiments as desired. Thus, although one feature may have only been described with one embodiment, it should understood that utilization of such a feature on any of the other embodiments disclosed herein is also contemplated. All references cited in the present disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.