Patent Description:
Shelving display systems, particularly those requiring assembly for use in a retail environment, remain an area of interest. Some existing systems have various shortcomings, drawbacks, and disadvantages relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

<CIT> describes a shoe rack including a pair of end supports and a platform releasably secured between the end supports.

<CIT> describes a modular shelving system comprising at least two vertical elements and an appropriate number of boards, the vertical elements having slots for insertion of the outer edges of the boards.

<CIT> describes a shelf box-type modular elements for stacking and presenting two-dimensional piece foods in a substantially vertical orientation, which elements can be introduced into a rack or frame.

<CIT> describes a display rack having a supporting bracket which permits angular adjustment of merchandise supporting bars.

<CIT> describes a modular shelving system including a number of separate, selectively inter-connectable pieces.

The disclosed embodiments relate to a shelving display system, for example, a product display for a retail environment.

In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a shelving display system having the features of claim <NUM> below. Further optional features are provided in the dependent claims.

The systems disclosed herein are nonlimiting and may be applied to other shelving and display systems. Any appropriate number of endcaps may be stacked upon one another in a given example. Likewise, any appropriate number of shelves may be used in a given example. Other systems, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the invention, encompassed by the following claims.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale (although certain figures may be drawn to scale and relied upon as such), emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

Objects have been displayed on shelves for a long time, from the common bookshelf to displays of ancient artifacts.

In a retail environment, products for sale may be displayed on shelving. In some cases, the shelving may be brand-specific or product-specific, for example if the shelving has indicia of a certain brand or product. In some cases (e.g., customized branded shelving), the shelving may be designed and manufactured off-site and later shipped to the retail store where it is assembled.

As used herein, "modular" means designed with standardized units or dimensions to permit easy assembly and easy, flexible interchangeability. "Modular" further means that an element (e.g., endcap) can be arranged or fitted together with other similar (including substantially identical) and/or different elements in a variety of ways.

Modular shelving components may lower manufacturing costs (fewer unique components), may lower shipping costs (simpler and/or lower mass packaging), and may facilitate an easier assembly. Modular components that reduce the number of overall components required for assembly improve all three by reducing manufacturing costs, shipping costs (weight), and assembly time.

As used herein, the term "substantially identical" means two or more objects constructed within the same design tolerances. While two objects may be slightly different (e.g., have slightly different dimensions), they may be similar enough to one another that they are interchangeable for their intended purpose, and thus herein referred to as "substantially identical. " The term "substantially identical," as defined and used herein, will thus include structures that are exactly alike, as well as those that are sufficiently visually alike that they could be mistaken for each other by an ordinary observer, and including that one of skill in the art would immediately visually acknowledge at least a strong resemblance.

As used herein, the terms "protrusion," "rail," and "nub" all refer to convex structures jutting out from a given surface. To avoid confusion, the term "protrusion" is used to refer to the structures of the endcap-to-endcap attachment mechanism, the term "rail" is used to refer to the structures of the endcap alignment mechanism, and the term "nub" is used to refer to the structures of the endcap interlocking mechanism.

Similarly, the terms "groove" and "depression" both refer to concave structures jutting in at a given surface. To avoid confusion, the term "groove" is used to refer to the structures of the endcap-to-endcap attachment mechanism (corresponding to protrusion) and the term "depression" is used to refer to the structures of the endcap alignment mechanism (corresponding with rail).

<FIG> illustrates one example of a shelving display <NUM>. The shelving display <NUM> may have shelves <NUM>, endcaps <NUM>, a header <NUM>, header display <NUM>, and base <NUM>. The endcaps <NUM> may each have support structures <NUM> (<FIG>). The top shelf is shown with products <NUM> displayed, though products <NUM> may be displayed on any and/or all of the shelves <NUM> and may be of any shape and size. Each of the shelves <NUM> may be attached to two endcaps <NUM>, one at each of the longitudinal ends (left and right ends). The shelves <NUM> may be slanted forward (as shown), slanted rearward (not shown), or flat (not shown) (for example, by the inclusion of a third slot or other appropriate mechanism). The endcaps <NUM> may be stacked upon one another and may also be attached to one another. Headers <NUM> may be attached to the top endcaps <NUM> (left and right), thereby spanning the longitudinal length of the shelving. The header display <NUM> may be attached to the headers <NUM>, may be aligned in the center of the shelving display <NUM>, and may include advertising indicia.

The shelves <NUM> may comprise a first shelf <NUM>, a second shelf <NUM>, and a third shelf <NUM>. The endcaps <NUM> may comprise a first endcap <NUM>, a second endcap <NUM>, a third endcap <NUM>, a fourth endcap <NUM>, a fifth endcap <NUM>, and a sixth endcap <NUM>. The shelving display may include any number of shelves (with corresponding endcaps).

<FIG> illustrates a first shelf <NUM> and first endcap <NUM>, where the two components are separated yet aligned for engagement with one another. The first shelf <NUM> has a first end portion <NUM> (here, right side) and a second end portion <NUM> (here, left side), wherein the first and second end portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are on opposite sides of the shelf. The front of the first shelf <NUM> may have a first front lip <NUM>. The rear of the first shelf <NUM> may have a first rear lip <NUM>. The first front lip <NUM> may deflect upwards and the first rear lip <NUM> may deflect downwards. The tip <NUM> of the first rear lip <NUM> may further deflect in a separate direction, for example, towards the front of the first shelf <NUM> (as shown). The front and rear lips <NUM> and <NUM> may also deflect in other directions or not at all (not shown). The top surface <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM> may have portions removed, for example forming a grid-like pattern (as shown), or may be solid (not shown).

The first endcap <NUM> (<FIG>) has a first face <NUM>, a second face <NUM>, a third face <NUM>, and a fourth face <NUM>. The first and second faces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are on opposite sides of the first endcap <NUM>, for example on the internal and external major faces (as shown). The third and fourth faces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are on opposite sides of the first endcap <NUM>, for example on the bottom and top surfaces, respectively.

The second endcap <NUM> (<FIG>) has a fifth face <NUM>, a sixth face <NUM>, a seventh face <NUM> (<FIG>), and an eighth face <NUM>. The fifth and sixth faces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are on opposite sides of the second endcap <NUM>, for example on the internal and external major faces (as shown). The seventh and eighth faces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are on opposite sides of the second endcap <NUM>, for example on the bottom and top surfaces, respectively.

The first face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM> has a first support structure <NUM> that may support the first end portion <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM>. The second endcap <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) has a second support structure <NUM> (<FIG>) that may support the second end portion <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM>. The first and second support structures <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, comprise first slot recess <NUM> (<FIG>) and second slot recess <NUM> (<FIG>) in the first face <NUM> and fifth face <NUM>, respectively. The first and second slot recesses <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are constructed and dimensioned to slideably engage the first and second end portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM>.

During an assembly step, the first end portion <NUM> slides into the slot recess <NUM> of the first face <NUM>, and the second end portion <NUM> slides into the second slot recess <NUM> of the fifth face <NUM>. Upon assembly, the first and second end portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM> are slideably engaged with first and second slot recesses <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Friction between the first shelf <NUM> and the first and second slot recesses <NUM> and <NUM> may help the first shelf <NUM> resist disengagement from the first and second end caps <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The first shelf <NUM> may be slanted at an angle <NUM> relative to the ground. Angle <NUM> may have a positive slope (sloping towards the front of the shelving display <NUM>, as shown) or negative slope (sloping towards the rear of the shelving display <NUM>, not shown) or no slope at all (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, the first slot recess <NUM> in the first face <NUM> has a first slanted portion <NUM> slideably engageable with the first end portion <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM>. The first slot recess <NUM> in the first face <NUM> also has a second slanted portion <NUM> symmetrical to the first slanted portion <NUM> about a vertical axis <NUM>. When the first shelf <NUM> is engaged with the first slanted portion <NUM>, the second slanted portion <NUM> may be open/vacant, and vice-versa.

The second slot recess <NUM> is substantially identical to the first slot recess <NUM>, thereby having third slanted portion <NUM> and fourth slanted portion <NUM> substantially identical to the first and second slanted portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively (see <FIG>). In such a configuration, the fourth slanted portion <NUM> may be slideably engaged with the second end portion <NUM> of the first shelf <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>).

In another example, the first and second support structures <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may comprise one or more ledges protruding from the first face <NUM> and fifth face <NUM>, respectively (not shown). In such an example, the first shelf <NUM> may rest on the ledges instead of being inserted into the slot recesses.

<FIG> illustrate the first endcap <NUM> aligned for slideable engagement with the third endcap <NUM> (although any other appropriate means of engagement may be used, including without limitation magnets, adhesive, snapping mechanisms, or other appropriate attachment mechanisms). The third endcap <NUM> may have a ninth face <NUM>, a tenth face <NUM>, an eleventh face <NUM>, and a twelfth face <NUM>. The ninth and tenth faces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be on opposite sides of the third endcap <NUM>, for example on the internal and external major faces (as shown). The eleventh and twelfth faces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be on opposite sides of the third endcap <NUM>, for example on the bottom and top surfaces, respectively.

The third face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM> may have a first protrusion <NUM>, and the fourth face <NUM> may have a first groove <NUM> complementary to the first protrusion <NUM> and sized to slideably engage a protrusion on another endcap that is substantially identical to the first protrusion <NUM>.

Similarly, the seventh face <NUM> (<FIG>) of the second endcap <NUM> may have a second protrusion <NUM> (<FIG>), and the eighth face <NUM> of the second endcap <NUM> may have a second groove <NUM> (<FIG>) complementary to the second protrusion <NUM> and sized to slideably engage a protrusion on another endcap that is substantially identical to the second protrusion <NUM>. Likewise, the eleventh face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM> may have a third protrusion <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>), and the twelfth face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM> may have a third groove <NUM> complementary to the third protrusion <NUM> and sized to slideably engage a protrusion on another endcap that is substantially identical to the third protrusion <NUM> (<FIG>).

The first, second, and third protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be substantially identical, and the first, second, and third grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may also be substantially identical, respectively. Similarly, a given face (e.g., third face <NUM>) may have multiple protrusions substantially identical to the first protrusion <NUM>, and other faces (e.g., fourth face <NUM>) may have multiple grooves substantially identical to the first groove <NUM>. Multiple groove/protrusion pairs may provide the respective endcaps <NUM> with more secure engagement with one another.

Focusing now on the first groove <NUM> (which may be substantially identical to the second groove <NUM> and third groove <NUM>), the first groove <NUM> may extend along the fourth face <NUM>, extending through to at least one of the first face <NUM> or second face <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates this with third groove <NUM> which in this example is substantially identical to first groove <NUM>: The third groove <NUM> (first groove <NUM>) may extend along the twelfth face <NUM> (fourth face <NUM>) to the ninth face <NUM> (first face <NUM>), which is the internally-facing major face. This allows the protrusions (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) to slide into the grooves (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) from the side connected with the respective groove (here, from the internal sides/faces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>).

The first groove <NUM> may have a first width W<NUM> at the surface of the fourth face <NUM>, and a second width W<NUM> greater than W<NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, in the interior of the first groove <NUM>. Thus, the first groove <NUM> may accommodate protrusions having variable widths, for example, protrusions having "T-shaped" or "L-shaped" cross-sections.

As shown in <FIG>, the first protrusion <NUM> may have a third width W<NUM> at the surface of the third face <NUM>, and a fourth width W<NUM> greater than W<NUM> at a distance away from the third face <NUM>. In one example, W<NUM> may be less than or equal to W<NUM>, and W<NUM> may be less than or equal to W<NUM>. Accordingly, protrusions shaped like the first protrusion <NUM> may slide within grooves shaped like first groove <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates zoomed-in views of one example of the first protrusion <NUM>, where first protrusion <NUM> has widths W<NUM> and W<NUM> as described above. The portion of the first protrusion having width greater than W<NUM> may comprise a first tongue <NUM> and a second tongue <NUM>. The first tongue <NUM> may be constructed and dimensioned such that during an assembly step when the first protrusion <NUM> is advanced through the third groove <NUM>, the first tongue <NUM> deflects from a resting configuration (<FIG>, left) to an assembled configuration (<FIG>, right) as a portion of a third endcap <NUM> (not shown) slides between the first tongue <NUM> and the third face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM>. The second tongue <NUM> may also deflect in the same direction via the same mechanism during the assembly step.

A reference line is shown in <FIG> spanning the left image (resting configuration) and the right image (assembled configuration) to illustrate the downward deflection of the first and second tongues <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, during the assembly step. While not shown in <FIG>, a portion of the third endcap <NUM> (e.g., portions of twelfth face <NUM> adjacent to third groove <NUM>) may be pinched between the first tongue <NUM> and the third face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM> (and pinched between the second tongue <NUM> and the third face <NUM>). Thus, the downward deflection of the first and second tongues <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, provides a tension force between the first endcap <NUM> and third endcap <NUM>, thereby increasing the frictional engagement between the two endcaps.

As shown in <FIG>, the first protrusion <NUM> may protrude from a base of a first depression <NUM> on the third face <NUM>. The first depression <NUM> may be formed between two raised portions <NUM> (as shown) or the first depression <NUM> may be a concave indent in the third face <NUM> (not shown). Similarly, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first groove <NUM> may be set in a surface of a first rail <NUM> on the fourth face <NUM>. The first depression <NUM> may be complementary to the first rail <NUM> and sized to slideably engage the first rail <NUM>.

The third face <NUM> may have one or more depressions substantially identical to the first depression <NUM> (e.g., four depressions as shown), and the fourth face <NUM> may have one or more rails substantially identical to the first rail <NUM> (e.g., four rails as shown). Furthermore, the twelfth face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM> may have rails substantially identical to the rails of the fourth face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM>. In such a configuration, each of the depressions on the third face <NUM> (e.g., first depression <NUM>) may be aligned with a complementary rail on the twelfth face <NUM> (e.g., substantially identical to first rail <NUM> on fourth face <NUM>).

The multiple rail/depression pairs may help to align the respective endcaps <NUM> prior to and during the assembly step. The rails may slide within the depressions, thereby centering the protrusions relative to the grooves. This may help make assembly of the shelving display <NUM> easier.

<FIG> illustrate an endcap interlocking mechanism. The third face <NUM> may have a first nub <NUM> protruding from the surface of the third face <NUM>. The fourth face <NUM> may have a second nub <NUM> protruding from the surface of the fourth face <NUM>. The third face <NUM> may have one or more nubs substantially identical to the first nub <NUM> (e.g., three nubs as shown), and the fourth face <NUM> may have one or more nubs substantially identical to the second nub <NUM> (e.g., three nubs as shown). Furthermore, the twelfth face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM> may have a third nub <NUM> substantially identical to the second nub <NUM>. The twelfth face <NUM> may also have one or more nubs that may be substantially identical to the third nub <NUM> (e.g., three nubs as shown). In such a configuration, each of the nubs on the third face <NUM> (e.g., first nub <NUM>) may be aligned with a complementary nub on the twelfth face <NUM> (e.g., third nub <NUM>).

Functionally, the first nub <NUM> may be constructed and dimensioned such that during an assembly step when the third nub <NUM> is advanced past the first nub <NUM>, both the first and third nubs (<NUM> and <NUM>) deflect from a resting configuration to a deflected configuration as the first and third nubs (<NUM> and <NUM>) slide past each other to achieve an assembled state. In the assembled state, both the first and third nubs (<NUM> and <NUM>) may return to the resting configuration. This interlocking mechanism may increase the engagement between the first endcap <NUM> and third endcap <NUM> by providing mechanical resistance when the nubs are in the assembled state. The interlocking mechanism may be reversible, provided sufficient separation forces are applied to the endcaps to permit the first and third nubs (<NUM> and <NUM>) to deflect and slide past each other in the opposite direction. Multiple interlocking mechanisms (e.g., three nubs as shown on each of the engaged faces of the endcaps) may further increase the engagement between the endcaps. The modular nature of the endcaps means that this interlocking mechanism may be used on multiple endcaps of a shelving display <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of a header <NUM> of a shelving display <NUM>.

The header <NUM> may have an endcap attachment <NUM> and a header display attachment <NUM>. The endcap attachment <NUM> may be compatible with the groove/protrusion structure of the endcap to which it is attached (<FIG>). For example, as shown in <FIG>, the endcap attachment <NUM> may have a header protrusion <NUM> that may engage with the first groove <NUM> on the fourth face <NUM> of a first endcap <NUM>. The header protrusion <NUM> may be a simplified version of the first protrusion <NUM>. The header may also have one or more nubs or partial nubs <NUM> that may engage with the interlocking mechanism of the endcap <NUM> (e.g., second nub <NUM> on fourth face <NUM> and other substantially identical nubs) in the same manner as described above.

The header display attachment <NUM> may be sized and dimensioned to slideably engage the header display <NUM>. The header <NUM> may be reversible, such that a second header <NUM> may engage with a second endcap <NUM> via the same protrusion/groove mechanism, rail/depression mechanism, and interlocking mechanism, as described above.

The shelving display <NUM> may have a light source (not shown), for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source may be powered by a power source (e.g., battery, electrical outlet, etc.; not shown) connected by wiring <NUM>. The header <NUM> may have ribs <NUM>, and the wiring <NUM> may be hidden between or within the ribs <NUM> (<FIG>), thus reducing clutter and improving the visual appearance of the shelving display <NUM>. The endcaps may also have structures with openings to hide wiring <NUM>. The lighting source (e.g., LEDs) may also be attached to one or more endcaps or any other suitable location within the display.

<FIG> illustrate two alternative endcap stacking configurations. <FIG> shows a first endcap <NUM> and a third endcap <NUM> engaged with one another. The two endcaps may have substantially identical protrusion/groove and interlocking mechanisms. For example, the third face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM> may have four (or any other number of) protrusions substantially identical to first protrusion <NUM>. The twelfth face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM> may have four (or any other number of) grooves substantially identical to the third groove <NUM>. However, the first and third endcaps <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be offset from one another such that only three of the four pairs of protrusions/grooves are engaged (<FIG>). In another example, the first and third endcaps <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be offset from one another such that only some, for example two of the four pairs, of protrusions/grooves are engaged (<FIG>).

The protrusions and grooves may be equally spaced along a given endcap (e.g., inter-groove spacing = "X"). The distance from the end of the endcap to the nearest protrusion or groove may be less than the inter-groove spacing (e.g., "X/<NUM>"). This allows the endcaps to be stacked in a staircase fashion (<FIG>) or a pyramid fashion (<FIG>).

The shelving display <NUM> may rest on any appropriate surface, for example, the floor, ground, countertop, etc. The bottom endcaps that rest on this ground, countertop, or other appropriate surface, may further comprise a base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The base <NUM> may have one or more feet <NUM> extending laterally from the endcap, thereby providing stability to the endcap(s), especially in a stacked configuration. The one or more feet <NUM> may have one or more holes <NUM>. The base may be further secured to the surface (e.g., countertop) by screwing screws through the one or more holes <NUM> into the surface, using double-sided tape to attach the bottom of the feet <NUM> to the surface, clamping the feet <NUM> to the surface, or using any other suitable mechanism.

The base <NUM> may be one contiguous piece with the endcap. Alternatively, the base <NUM> may engage the endcap via the same protrusion/groove mechanism, rail/depression mechanism, and interlocking mechanism, as described above.

<FIG> illustrate an example endcap retaining assembly <NUM> (although any other appropriate mechanism may be used). The retaining assembly (or clip) <NUM> may pass through a side opening <NUM> of the second face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM> to engage the shelf. The retaining assembly may have an "L-shaped" or other appropriate cross-section such that it may hold and display bags, sachets, branded merchandise, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates a hook assembly <NUM>. The hook assembly <NUM> may comprise a crossbar <NUM> and a plurality of hooks <NUM> attached to the crossbar <NUM>. The hooks may have a flat portion <NUM> and one or more arms <NUM>. The crossbar <NUM> may engage with one or more endcaps. For example, an internal face of an endcap may have a slot sized to slideably engage the crossbar <NUM>.

The hook assembly may be used to hold and/or display bags, sachets, branded merchandise, and the like. The hooks <NUM> may vary in size and shape, depending on the size, weight, shape, and other features of the bags, sachets, branded merchandise, etc..

The shelving display <NUM> may be manufactured from any appropriate material. For example, the endcaps, shelves, and other components may be constructed from a polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polyamide-<NUM>, polyamide-<NUM> with fiber, or another plastic. In another example, components may be constructed from metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, or other appropriate metal.

Components may be manufactured using any appropriate technology, including 3D-printing, injection molding, and any other conventional machining methods.

The shelving display <NUM> may be assembled via many methods. In one example:.

In another example, the step of aligning the first protrusion <NUM> and the third groove <NUM> further comprises the user aligning the first depression <NUM> on the third face <NUM> of the first endcap <NUM> from which the first protrusion <NUM> extends, with a rail (substantially identical to the first rail <NUM>) on the twelfth face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM> in which the third groove <NUM> is set, wherein the first depression <NUM> is complementary in shape to the rail and is sized to slideably engage the rail.

In another example, the assembly further comprises advancing the first nub <NUM> on the third face of the first endcap <NUM> past the third nub <NUM> on the twelfth face <NUM> of the third endcap <NUM>, wherein the first and third nubs <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, are constructed and dimensioned such that during the advancing step, both nubs deflect from a resting configuration to a deflected configuration as the first and second nubs (<NUM> and <NUM>) slide past one other to achieve an assembled state, and return to the resting configuration in the assembled state.

An advantage of having the support structures <NUM> built into the endcaps <NUM> is that products can be displayed on shelving without dedicated supporting structures (e.g., spine, wall attachments, backboard, etc.). The endcaps <NUM> which previously may have only been used for decorative finishing or aesthetics, may (as disclosed here) provide the support structure for the shelves <NUM>, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated supporting structure(s). This reduces the number of components, the weight of the merchandising unit, and costs (packaging, shipping, manufacturing, etc.). Furthermore, the reversibility of the endcaps <NUM> in some examples allow the same endcaps <NUM> to be used on either the left or right side. This interchangeability further simplifies assembly and may also reduce manufacturing costs by requiring fewer unique parts. This modular design may also reduce shipping costs since there will be more substantially identical parts.

Another advantage is the reversibility of the shelves <NUM>. For example, the figures illustrate first shelf <NUM> engaged with the first slanted portion <NUM> (of first face <NUM> of first endcap <NUM>) and fourth slanted portion <NUM> (of fifth face <NUM> of second endcap <NUM>). This provides a positive shelf angle <NUM>. However, the first shelf <NUM> could be reversed, and thus, engaged with the second slanted portion <NUM> (of first face <NUM>) and third slanted portion <NUM> (of fifth face <NUM>), thereby providing a negative shelf angle <NUM>. One feature that enables this reversibility is illustrated in the example of <FIG>, where the first slanted portion <NUM> and second slanted portion <NUM> may be symmetrical about a vertical axis <NUM>. The positive and negative shelf angles (each of which may be of the same or different magnitude as the other) may be any appropriate angle, such as an angle between about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the angle is about <NUM>°. In other embodiments, the angle is about <NUM>°.

The modular nature of the base <NUM> allows the same shelving display <NUM> to be attached to a countertop via holes <NUM> in feet <NUM> (e.g., screws through holes). In another example, the shelving display <NUM> may rest on the base <NUM> with or without double sided tape. In another example, the base <NUM> may be removed so the shelving display <NUM> is freestanding.

Another advantage is the possible surfaces for promoting branded content. Each endcap <NUM> has an exterior major surface (e.g., second face <NUM>, sixth face <NUM>, tenth face <NUM>, etc.) that can display advertisements, branded images, logos, and the like. The header display <NUM> may similarly display advertisements, branded images, logos, and the like. In some examples, the lighting source may be an LED display, further increasing the options for displaying branded content (e.g., changing images, videos, interactive content/menus, games, etc.).

Another advantage is the inter-groove spacing "X" and the distance from the end of the endcap to the nearest protrusion or groove of about "X/<NUM>". This allows versatility in how the endcaps can stack upon one another. The figures illustrate a staircase configuration (<FIG>) and a pyramid configuration (<FIG>), but others are possible. The pyramid configuration of <FIG> may be further built up by adding rows or three endcaps <NUM> and/or four endcaps to the bottom of the pyramid. Likewise, the staircase configuration can be similarly built up by adding endcaps <NUM>. Any appropriate number of endcaps <NUM> may be stacked upon one another. Likewise, any appropriate number of shelves may be used in a given example.

Claim 1:
A shelving display (<NUM>) system, comprising:
a first shelf (<NUM>) having a first end portion (<NUM>) and a second end portion (<NUM>), wherein the first and second end portions are on opposite ends of the first shelf (<NUM>);
a first endcap (<NUM>) having a first face (<NUM>), a second face (<NUM>), a third face (<NUM>), and a fourth face (<NUM>),
wherein the first face (<NUM>) is on an opposite side of the first endcap (<NUM>) from the second face (<NUM>), and the third face (<NUM>) is on an opposite side of the first endcap (<NUM>) from the fourth face (<NUM>),
wherein the first face (<NUM>) includes a first support structure (<NUM>) comprising a first slot recess (<NUM>), and
wherein the first slot recess (<NUM>) includes a first slanted portion (<NUM>) configured to slideably engage and support the first end portion (<NUM>) of the first shelf (<NUM>) and a second slanted portion (<NUM>) configured to slideably engage and support the second end portion (<NUM>) of the first shelf (<NUM>) and substantially symmetrical to the first slanted portion (<NUM>) about a vertical axis (<NUM>),
a second endcap (<NUM>) having a fifth face (<NUM>), a sixth face (<NUM>), a seventh face (<NUM>), and an eighth face (<NUM>),
wherein the fifth face (<NUM>) is on an opposite side of the second endcap (<NUM>) from the sixth face (<NUM>), and the seventh face (<NUM>) is on an opposite side of the second endcap (<NUM>) from the eighth face (<NUM>),
wherein the fifth face (<NUM>) includes a second support structure (<NUM>) comprising a second slot recess (<NUM>);
wherein the second slot recess (<NUM>) is substantially identical to the first slot recess (<NUM>), including a third slanted portion (<NUM>) and a fourth slanted portion (<NUM>) substantially identical to the first slanted portion (<NUM>) and the second slanted portion (<NUM>) respectively,
wherein the third slanted portion (<NUM>) is configured to slideably engage and support the first end portion (<NUM>) of the first shelf and the fourth slanted portion (<NUM>) is configured to slideably engage and support the second end portion (<NUM>) of the first shelf (<NUM>) and substantially symmetrical to the third slanted portion (<NUM>) about a vertical axis (<NUM>).