Patent ID: 12207742

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1illustrates a retail merchandise display system100including a pullout shelf assembly102mounted to a vertical support structure104, which takes the form of a gondola support structure in this example. While only a single shelf102is illustrated, typically, but not always, multiple shelves will be mounted to the support structure in a vertically spaced orientation.

The upright support structure104includes a pair of spaced apart upright supports106each of which includes a plurality of mounting apertures108arranged in a vertically spaced orientation. The mounting apertures108are formed in a front face of the upright supports106and receive mounting hooks110(seeFIG.2) of the shelf assembly102to mount the shelf assembly102in a cantilevered orientation. However, other mounting arrangements are contemplated. For example, bolts or screws could be used to secure the shelf assembly to the upright support structure104. In some examples, the shelf assembly could be welded to the upright support structure104.

The upright support structure104may include a back wall111that extends laterally between the spaced apart upright supports106. The illustrated example is a stand along system and includes a base112that may rest on the flow of the retail establishment. The back wall111and upright supports106extend vertically upward from the base112. In other examples, the back wall111may be omitted. Further, in other examples, the upright supports106could be mounted directly to a vertical wall of the building forming the retail establishment such that no base112is required.

The shelf assembly102is configured to transition between a retracted orientation as illustrated inFIG.1to one or more extended orientations as illustrated inFIG.3. In particular, a user may selectively pullout a shelf116of the shelf assembly102so as to provide improved access to merchandise stored proximate a rear side118of the shelf116. This motion is represented schematically as arrow114inFIG.1. In the retracted orientation, the shelf116is closer to the upright support structure104than in the extended orientation(s).

The shelf116generally includes rear side118, front side120, and spaced apart lateral sides122,124. The shelf116in this example is generally rectangular such that rear and front sides118,120are generally parallel to one another. Lateral sides122,124are generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to rear and front sides118,120.

The shelf116generally defines a product support surface121upon which merchandise is stored. The product support surface121is typically a vertically upper side of the shelf116.

The shelf116is operably attached to a pair of spaced apart adjustable length support arms130,132(see e.g. length L) inFIG.3). The length L of the arms130,132changes when transitioning between the retracted orientation (FIG.1) and the extended orientation (FIG.3) to transition the shelf116between a retracted position (FIG.1) to an extended position (FIG.3). One arm130is attached proximate lateral side122and the other arm132is attached proximate lateral side124.

The adjustable length support arms130,132are substantially identical to one another and thus only one will be described.

With reference toFIGS.4-8, adjustable length support arm130will be described.

In the illustrated example, the adjustable length support arm130includes first, second and third arm members134,136,138. The arm members134,136,138are movable relative to one another to adjust the length L of adjustable length support arm130. In particular, the arm members134,136,138are generally movable relative to one another parallel to a sliding axis140(seeFIG.1). In this example, sliding axis140is generally parallel to lateral sides122,124of shelf116and generally extends between the front and rear sides120,118.

The first arm member134moves relative to the second arm member136between a retracted position (see e.g.FIG.1) and one or more extended positions (see e.g.FIG.3). In the retracted position, the length of the adjustable length support arm130is less than in the extended position.

With reference toFIG.4, a front end141of adjustable length support arm130is provided by second arm member136and a rear end143of adjustable length support arm130is provided by first arm member134.

In this example, the first arm member134is a composite structure provided by a first support member142and a first slide member144. The first slide member144is attached to the first support member142such that in operation the first slide member144does not move relative to the first support member142. This could be done by way of mechanical attachment such as screws, bolts, rivets or mechanical interlock between the first support member142and first slide member144.

In this example, the second arm member136is a composite structure provided by a second support member146and a second slide member148. The second slide member148is attached to the second support member146such that in operation the second slide member148does not move relative to the second support member146. This could be done by way of mechanical attachment such as screws, bolts, rivets or mechanical interlock between the first support member146and first slide member148.

The third arm member138is in the form of a third slide member. Third arm member138may be referred to herein as third slide member138.

With reference toFIGS.4-9, a first sliding element in the form of a first set of bearing balls147are located between a first set of race ways150of the first slide member144and a second set of race ways152of the third slide member138. The first set of race ways150face away from one another while the second set of race ways152face towards each other. The first set of bearing balls147allow the first and third slide members144,138to move axially relative to one another.

A second sliding element in the form of a second set of bearing balls153are located between a third set of raceways154of the second slide member148and a fourth set of race ways156of the third slide member138. The third set of race ways154face away from one another while the fourth set of race ways156face one another. The second set of bearing balls153allow the second and third slide members148,138to move axially relative to one another. This also allows the second slide member148to move axially relative to the first slide member144.

The telescopic sliding relationship between the first, second and third sliding members144,148,138allows for adjusting the axial length (e.g. parallel to the sliding axis140) of the first adjustable length support arm130.

While the illustrated embodiment utilizes ball bearings as the sliding elements between the sliding members144,148,138, in other examples other sliding elements could be used such as one or more rollers. Alternatively, the sliding elements could simply be sliding surfaces and preferably low friction sliding surfaces.

The first support member142is elongated parallel to the sliding axis140. The first support member142has a generally C-shaped cross-section when viewed along the sliding axis142provided by a vertically oriented wall portion160, a bottom horizontally extending flange portion162and a plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164. The plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164are axially spaced apart parallel to the sliding axis140forming gaps166between adjacent pares of flange portions164.

In this example, the vertically oriented wall portion160, bottom horizontally extending flange portion162and the plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164are formed from a single continuous piece of material. Optionally, and as illustrated in the example, the mounting hooks110at the rear end144are also formed as a continuous piece of material with the vertically oriented wall portion160, horizontally extending flange portion162and plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164.

The vertically oriented wall portion160extends vertically between the bottom horizontally extending flange portion162and the plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom horizontally extending flange portion162and the plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164extend from a same side of the vertically oriented wall portion160. This provides the C-shaped cross-section. In this example, the side is an inner side of the vertically oriented wall portion160such that the flange portions162,164extend inward.

In this example, when moving from the front end toward the rear end, the height of the vertically oriented wall portion160, and consequently the first support member142, increases.

In this example, the horizontally extending flange portions form or are proximate a top portion of the first support member142. In this example, the horizontally extending flange portions164include a vertical portion such that the horizontal portion thereof is vertically offset from the vertically oriented wall portion160. A bend168connects the horizontal portion to the vertical portion thereof.

With reference toFIGS.4and9, the second support member146has a vertically oriented wall portion170and a horizontally extending flange portion172. The horizontally extending flange portion172extends outward from the vertically oriented wall portion170. When assembled, the horizontally extending flange portion172extends outward and over at least some of the plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164. In particular, the horizontally extending flange portions164have inner edges174and the horizontally extending flange portion172has an outer edge176. The inner edges174are positioned horizontally between the outer edge176and the vertically oriented wall portion170.

The shelf116is operably attached to the second support member146such that the shelf116moves with the second arm member136when the second arm member136transitions between the retracted and the extended position(s) relative to the first arm member134.

In the illustrated example, the shelf116is secured to the top of the second support member146of the second arm member136and particularly to horizontally extending flange portion172. This connection could be by screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, welding, mechanical interconnection, etc.

A latch arrangement acts between the shelf116and the first arm member134and particularly the first support member142thereof to secure the shelf116in one or more extended positions relative to the first arm member134.

The latch arrangement includes a latch bolt178that cooperates with a plurality of catches to secure the second arm member136relative to the first arm member134in the retracted and one or more extended positions. In this example, the gaps166provide the catches. The gap166closest the rear end143of the first arm member134defines the retracted position and the other gaps166define extended positions.

The latch bolt178is selectively engageable with the catches to secure the shelf116and the second arm member136to the first arm member134to prevent axial motion along sliding axis140. The latch bolt178may be disengaged from the catches to permit the shelf116and second arm member136to move relative to the first arm member134.

A handle180is operably coupled to the latch bolt178. Actuation of handle180actuates latch bolt178. More particularly, when a user applies an external force to the handle180such as by pulling on the handle, e.g. by applying a force acting away from the rear end118, the actuation of handle180actuates the latch bolt178out of engagement with the catches (e.g. gaps166). This permits the shelf116to slide along the sliding axis140between the various axial positions defined by the catches.

In this example, the handle180is actuated by the user generally parallel to sliding axis140. Further, when a user pulls on handle180in a direction extending away from the rear side118and toward the front side120illustrated by arrow181the latch bolt178is actuated along a latch axis182illustrated by arrow183. Notably, motion of the latch bolt178, in this example, is generally perpendicular to motion of the handle180as the sliding axis140is generally perpendicular to the latch axis182.

A pivot link186operably connects the handle180to the latch bolt178. The pivot link186pivots about pivot axis188. Pivot axis188is generally perpendicular to sliding axis140and latch axis182. The linear motion of handle180in a first direction parallel to sliding axis140is converted to angular motion of the pivot link186in a first angular direction which then linearly drives the latch bolt178in a first direction parallel to latch axis182as illustrated by arrow183.

A biasing member in the form of a pair of coil springs190biases the latch bolt178towards the engaged position. As such, when the user releases the external force on the handle180, the coil springs190bias the latch bolt178in a second direction illustrated by arrow191parallel to latch axis182, opposite the first direction illustrated by arrow183. This also causes the handle180to transition rearward in a second direction parallel to sliding axis140illustrated by arrow193. Additionally, pivot link186will rotate in a second angular direction about pivot axis188.

The rear facing sides194of the plurality of horizontally extending flange portions164provide abutment surfaces that abut an abutment face196of the latch bolt178. This abutment prevents the shelf116from being slid axially outward without first actuating handle180(e.g. in the first direction181). In a preferred example, sides194and face196are substantially perpendicular to one another to inhibit biasing the latch bolt178out of gap166by an external force being applied to shelf116in the first direction181parallel to sliding axis140. In some embodiments, sides194and/or face196may have a slight taper that if a force in the first direction181is applied it biases the latch bolt laterally outward and into gaps166(e.g. in the second direction193parallel to latch axis182). This prevents the shelf116from being actuated forward without actuating handle180.

However, to facilitate more easily transitioning the shelf116from one of the extended positions to more retracted positions or the rear most retracted position, a cam arrangement may be provided between the latch bolt178and the catches. In this example, a rear side198of the latch bolt178is tapered as is a forward facing side200of the horizontally extending flange portions164. The tapered arrangement provides an auto disengaging feature. As such, if a user applies a sufficient predetermined force in the second direction193parallel to sliding axis140to shelf116, the taper will convert the force to a force parallel to the latch axis182in the first direction183to actuate the latch bolt178in the first direction183parallel to the latch axis182. This will drive the latch bolt178out of the corresponding gap166to disengage the latch bolt178from the first arm member134and allow motion between the shelf116and the first arm member134in the rearward second direction (e.g. illustrated by arrow193). Thus, a user need not actuate handle180to return the shelf116to or towards the retracted position.

In one example, the tapered sides198,200have an angle of at least 15 degrees from perpendicular to the sliding axis140. Tapered sides198,200extend inward when moving rearward.

Notably, only one of the rear side198or the forward facing sides200need have the taper. Further, the retracted most gap166does not have any such taper as the shelf116can be transitioned rearward no farther.

In this example, the latch bolt178is located within a latch bolt carrier202that is attached to an underside204of shelf116. The latch bolt carrier defines a trough in which the latch bolt178is located. The latch bolt178is slidable relative to the shelf116and the latch bolt carrier202along latch axis182.

With reference toFIG.11, the latch bolt carrier202has abutment flanges208against which the coil springs190axially abut. The coil springs190are compressed against the abutment flanges208when the latch bolt178is in the disengaged position (e.g. removed from gaps166).

The handle180, latch bolt178and pivot link186are operably carried by shelf116such that these components move with the shelf116when it transitions between the retracted position and the various extended positions.

The shelf116includes a frame210and a product support panel212mounted to the frame210. The product support panel212defines the product support surface. The frame210includes a plurality of braces including laterally extending braces214that extend between the first and second adjustable length arms130,132.

In this example, braces214include guide slots218through which the handle180extends. The guide slots guide handle180and permit movement parallel to sliding axis140.

The pivot link186is pivotally attached to product support panel212by pivot pin220. Pivot pin220extends through the pivot link186and the product support panel212. Pivot pin220can take numerous forms such as a rivet, screw, bolt, etc.

First and second connecting pins222,224pivotally connect the handle180and the latch bolt178, respectively, to the pivot link186.

With reference toFIG.13, product support panel212includes first and second slots226,228that receive an upper end of the first and second connecting pins222,224respectively. The connecting pins222,224are permitted to slide axially within slots226,228, respectively during actuation of handle180and latch bolt178. Slot226is elongated parallel to sliding axis140and slot228is elongated parallel to latch axis180.

With reference toFIG.12, to prevent biding of the handle180or the latch bolt178do to the angular path of connecting pins222,224due to the angular motion of pivot link186, some degree of clearance is provided within the connection between the handle180and pivot link186as well as latch bolt178and pivot link186. In this example, the clearance is provided by the apertures230,232in the pivot link186that receive connecting pins222,224, respectively, are elongated perpendicular to the axis along which the corresponding component slides. More particularly, aperture230is elongated perpendicular to sliding axis140and aperture232is elongated perpendicular to the latch axis182. Again, this prevents the pivot link186from providing a force to the handle180or latch bolt178that is no parallel to the axis along which each component is configured to move. The elongated nature of apertures230,232provides two degrees of freedom (linear motion and pivoting motion) between the pivot link186and the correspondingly attached handle180and latch bolt178.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.