2. Description Of The Related Art A variety of product display racks are known in the art. While a variety of such product display racks are known, there remains a continued need in the art for improved product display racks and, in particular, for improved product display racks for use with snack food products and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a novel form of a store rack that improves upon the above-noted and other problems in the related art.

The store rack preferably includes a plurality of gravity feed, declined shelves, that are removably mounted on a frame that is fixed to a movable base. The frame preferably includes two vertical rods fixed to a rear side of the movable base.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a food product displaying and dispensing store rack is provided that includes : a) a base having a plurality of wheels to facilitate movement of the store rack ; b) a frame extending upwardly from a rear region of the base ; and c) at least one shelf cantilevered to the frame, the shelf having a support surface that declines at an angle downward to a front of the shelf so that product contained thereon slides towards a front of the shelf, the shelf also having an upstanding front retaining wall to retain product on the shelf. Preferably, the shelf is removably attached to the frame and is repositionable at different elevations on the frame. In addition, preferably the shelf includes at least one divider extending in a direction from a front to a rear of the shelf.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of displaying and dispensing food product at a retail store is provided that comprises the steps of : a) providing a food product display and dispensing store rack, including : i) a base ; ii) a frame extending upwardly from the base proximate a rear side of the base ; iii) at least one shelf connected to the frame, the

shelf having a support surface that declines at an angle downward to a front of the shelf so that product contained thereon slides towards a front of the shelf, the shelf also having an upstanding front retaining wall to retain product on the shelf ; (b) loading a food product onto the shelf at a rear side of the shelf ; (c) sliding the food product down the shelf from the rear side to a front side of the shelf ; and (d) removing the food product from a front side of the shelf.

The present invention is beneficial for displaying a variety of items and products, but it is most advantageous in the display of snack food products and, especially, snack food products sold in flexible packages such as snack food chips (e. g., potato chips, tortilla chips and other chips), pretzels or the like.

The above and other advantages, features and aspects of the present invention will be more readily perceived from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate like parts, and in which : FIG. 1 (A) is a schematic perspective view of a store rack according to the present invention applied in a particular environment against a gondola in a retail store ; and FIG. 1 (B) further schematically illustrates the gondola structure in the retail store ; FIGS. 2-6 show a store rack according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the store rack with one shelf mounted thereon.

FIG. 3 (A) is a top plan view of a shelf for the store rack shown in FIG. 2 ; FIG. 3 (B) is a side view of the shelf shown in FIG. 3 (A) ; and FIG. 3 (C) is a perspective top view of the shelf shown in FIG. 3 (A).

FIG. 4 (A) is a side view of an exemplary divider usable in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 (B) is an enlarged view of a rear end of the divider ; FIG. 4 (C) is an enlarged view of a front end of the divider ; and FIG. 4 (D) is a top view of the divider.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a base end of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 (A) is a perspective view of a store rack similar to that shown in FIG. 2, with one shelf mounted thereto ; FIG. 6 (B) is a front view of the store rack shown in FIG. 6 (A) ; FIG. 6 (C) is a side view of the store rack shown in FIG. 6 (A) ; and FIG. 6 (D) is a top view of the store rack shown in FIG. 6 (A).

FIGS. 7-9 show a store rack according to a second embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 7 (A) shows a side view of the store rack with five shelves supported thereon (shown with exemplary, non-limiting, dimensions, in inches, on the figure) ; and FIG. 7 (B) is a side view of the shelf and related structure shown in FIG. 7 (A).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a manner of attaching the shelf structure to the frame of the store rack.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the base end of the store rack shown in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 10-14 show a store rack according to a third embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the store rack with four shelves supported thereon (shown with exemplary, non-limiting, dimensions, in inches, on the figure).

FIG. 11 (A) shows an extension member that may be used to increase the height of the frame shown in FIG. 10 ; and FIG. 11 (B) shows a side view of the rack shown in FIG. 10 with an extension member attached thereto enabling the accommodation of an additional shelf.

FIG. 12 (A) is a side view of a shelf and associated structure preferably used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 ; FIG. 12 (B) is an enlarged view of the rear portion of the structure shown in FIG. 12 (A) ; FIG. 12 (C) is an enlarged view of the front portion of the structure shown in FIG. 12 (A) ; and FIG. 12 (D) is a cross-sectional side view of a top portion of the divider shown in FIG. 12 (A).

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 12 (A).

FIG. 14 (A) is a side view of a first embodiment of a jar shelf that can optionally be included on a main shelf of the store rack ; FIG. 14 (B) is a perspective view of the jar shelf shown in FIG. 14 (A) ; FIG. 14 (C) is a side view of a second embodiment of a jar shelf having multiple tiers, including a top jar shelf and a bottom jar shelf ; and FIG. 14 (D) is a perspective view of the jar shelf shown in FIG. 14 (D).

FIG. 15 (A) is a schematic front view of a plurality of store racks arranged side-by-side ; and FIG. 15 (B) is a schematic diagram of an exemplary store floor plan with exemplary store rack arrangements.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an optional wheel bump device that can be used to facilitate placement of a store rack, such as, for example, against a gondola.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a plurality of store racks in one exemplary arrangement according to one alternative embodiment including side and/or top front panels.

FIG. 18 (A) is a perspective view of another optional wheel bump device similar to that shown in FIG. 16 ; FIG. 18 (B) is a schematic side view of the wheel bump device shown in FIG.

18 (A) when placed against a gondola like that shown in FIG. 1 (A) and 1 (B) ; and FIG. 18(C) is a schematic top view of the wheel bump device shown in FIG. 18 (B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiments of the present invention pertain to a gravitational feed display rack. The invention is particularly useful for displaying packages of food products, especially flexible packages containing snack food products. The present invention is particularly useful in retail stores, such as in supermarkets. The present invention provides significant advantages over conventional, fixed-in-place supermarket display shelving.

FIG. 1 (A) shows a perspective view into a display isle in a conventional store. A store rack 10 is shown in a center of the isle upon a floor 1. At the right of the figure is a gondola wall 2 that separates isles of the store. At the juncture between the floor 1 and the wall 2 are a plurality of legs (i. e., shoes) 4 that extend perpendicular from the wall 2.

As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the rack 10 is preferably configured to be inserted in between the legs 4 to a position P (shown in dashed lines) against the wall 2. As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the legs 4 can be that of a typical gondola - e. g., having bottom shelves BS and front facings or kick plates F removed therefrom. (The bottom shelves typically are mounted on the top of the legs 4, and the kick plates are typically mounted in front of the legs 4. ) Thus, the present invention can easily be applied in existing gondola systems by merely removing the kick plates and bottom shelves as shown.

While the store racks are preferably applied in such a setting, it should be understood that the store racks can be placed in any desired environment or location. It should be appreciated that the store racks of the present invention can be used in situations without legs 4 or the like. For example, the store racks can be placed up against a wall or gondola without legs or placed in a variety of other locations. In embodiments having exposed legs 4, in one optional design, if desired, cosmetic cover plates (not shown) could be applied over the legs 4 to enhance the appearance thereof.

FIG. 2 shows, in more detail, a first embodiment of the storage rack 10. As shown, the rack 10 preferably has wheels 11 provided on the bottom of the base 12 of the rack, enabling the rack 10 to be rolled from its normal position P, shown in FIG. 1 (B), so that product can be loaded onto the shelves from the rear of the rack. The store rack 10 could be moved, for example, from the position P to the position of the rack shown in FIG. 1 (A). This ensures that older product, already on display, is sold before newly-added product.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rack 10 preferably includes a frame 13 that can support a plurality of shelves S (one shelf is shown to facilitate illustration). The shelves S are preferably constructed as wire racks (e. g., formed by a grid of wires) which can be manufactured from metal wires, plastic coated metal wires (for example vinyl-coated steel), plastic wires, etc. It should be appreciated, however, that the shelves S can be made with any suitable materials.

The shelves S could also be constructed from flat sheets or other appropriate forms ; for example, the shelves could comprise plastic sheets, metal sheets, composite sheets, cardboard sheets or other appropriate structures, if desired.

The shelves S are preferably removably mounted on the frame 13. In that regard, the shelves preferably have reward protrusions that can be fitted into holes or slots 14 disposed along the length of the front surface of the vertical members 15 of the frame 13. Preferably, the height h of the shelves S within the frame 13 can be adjusted simply by selecting the desired set of mounting holes or slots 14. The frame is also preferably reinforced by way of one or more crossbeam 15'. As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the frame 13 includes two vertical members 15 proximate a rear of the rack. However, alternative, although less preferred, arrangements could include vertical members proximate the front of the rack or at other locations in addition to, or even instead of, the vertical members proximate the rear as shown.

In addition, variation other embodiments could include different numbers of vertical members, e. g., any number that is one or more.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shelves S of the rack 10 preferably include fascia plates 16 installed upon the front faces of the shelves S (shown removed from the shelves S in FIG. 2).

The fascia plates 16 can display the name of the product, advertising, consumer information, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the shelves S also preferably include solid side plates 17 which are connected to the shelves (e. g., integrally formed with the shelves S or installed on the sides of the shelves).

FIGS. 3 (A) -3 (C) illustrate a preferred shelf S construction used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 (A) shows a top plan view of the shelf S ; FIG. 3 (B) shows a side view of the shelf S ; and FIG. 3 (C) shows a perspective view of the shelf. As shown, the shelf S preferably includes an upwardly turned rear wall S l, a declined floor portion S2, and a forward bin S3. Certain elements, such as the bin S3 (e. g., based on the requirements of the product being displayed), can be omitted in some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3 (B), when the shelf is mounted to the frame 13, the floor S2 is at an angle , and the bottom of the bin S3 is general horizontal. The angle is preferably sufficient to cause the displayed product to slide toward

the bin S3. The selected inclination depends in part on the product and shelf S materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the angle is preferably between about 15 and 40 degrees, or more preferably between about 20 and 30 degrees, or more preferably about 23 to 27 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 3 (B), the bin S3 preferably has a generally vertical front wall and a declined rear wall. As shown, the rear wall of the bin S3 is preferably at an angle 0 of, for example, about 20 degrees. The shelves S can be fabricated very easily. As one example, the shelves can be made in a generally flat configuration (i. e., by welding straight linear wires together), and then the flat structure can be easily bent to form the regions Sl, S2 and S3.

As shown in FIGS. 4 (A) -4 (D), the rack 10 can include dividers 20 that are positioned along the shelf S to separate individual rows of products, so that a plurality of product rows can be provided on a particular shelf S. As best shown in FIG. 4 (B), each divider can include a locking arm 21 to snap over or otherwise lock to the top of the rear wall S 1. And, as best shown in FIG. 4 (C), each divider can also include a locking projection 22 to engage the front upturned wall of the bin S3. The divider can be made of any suitable material, such as for example plastic, metal, composite, wood or cardboard or other suitable material. On the other hand, the frame 13, the shelves S, the sides 17 and the base 12 are preferably made of a metal material or of another rigid material suitable having sufficient strength for such purposes. It is noted that the base 12 can be used, if desired, in some embodiments (e. g., such as, for instance, in an embodiment like that shown in FIG. 10) to display product thereon -- this can be done, for example, with or without gravity feed along a top surface of the base.

FIG. 5 shows a broken-away side view of the base 12 of the rack 10, illustrating the mounting of the wheels W underneath an apron A made of depending front, side and rear walls.

The wheels W can also be mounted on swivel supports, if desired, to facilitate rotation of the rack about a vertical axis for product filling, etc. As shown, the rails 13 extend into the rear of the base 12 and are attached via bolts B or the like into a corresponding recess in the rear end of the base. While the base very preferably includes wheels W to facilitate handling, less preferred embodiments could be made without such wheels, if desired.

FIGS. 6 (A) -6 (D) provide a variety of additional views of the rack 10 for further illustration. For simplicity, one shelf S is shown, but it should be understood that additional shelves can be added as desired. In particular, FIG. 6 (A) shows a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 (B) shows a front view of the rack 10. FIG. 6 (C) shows a side view of the rack 10. And, FIG. 6 (D) shows a top view of the rack 10. As best shown in FIG.

6 (B), the shelf S preferably extends laterally outward from the sides of the rails 15 of the frame

(and from the sides of the base 12) so that when a plurality of racks are placed side-by-side, the shelves S of adjacent racks can abut against one another to create an appearance of a single long shelf. This is especially advantageous when a plurality of racks are placed side-by-side between legs 4, such as shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and l (B) (see also FIG. 15 (A)).

FIG. 7 shows another exemplary embodiment with a storage rack 10 having five shelves S mounted thereon. FIG. 7 also illustrates product located on the top shelf of the rack. In particular, five packages FP are shown on the top shelf. The foremost package is shown within the bin S3. The bin S3 helps to, among other things, maintain the product position at the dispensing location. For example, the bin region S3 preferably has a generally horizontal floor that helps the product therein assume a vertical or upright position. After the foremost package is removed, the remaining packages can slide via gravity so that the packages move step-wise forward and a new package assumes a position in the bin S3. Accordingly, the bin region S3 is preferably sized so as to accommodate a single product or package. Preferably, the packages FP are flexible packages of the type used to contain snack food products, such as for example potato chips, corn chips, pretzels, etc. The packages can be, for example, packages formed via vertical form-fill-seal apparatuses, wherein the packages include synthetic materials and have top and bottom end-seals and a vertical back-seal. A variety of other packages, boxes, containers, devices, etc. , can also be displayed with the racks of the present invention. As discussed herein, the store rack of the present invention can be formed into a variety of sizes and shapes. In one illustrative, non-limiting, example the height HI, FIG. 7 (A), is preferably between about 75 to 90 inches, or more preferably between about 80 to 85 inches.

FIG. 7 (B) shows a more detailed side view of the shelves S and sides 17 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 (A). As shown, the shelf S is welded or otherwise fixed to the sides 17. The sides can be welded (or otherwise attached) to lock arm brackets 17'that are in turn welded (or otherwise attached) to connection members C. The connection members C include rearward protrusions configured to removably fit within holes or slots 14 in the vertical beams 15 of the frame 13, as shown in FIG. 8. In this manner, the shelves S can be easily repositioned upon the frame 13.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the base 12 showing the mounting of the wheels W.

In this embodiment, the base includes a top wall 12-1, a left wall 12-2, a right wall 12-3, a rear wall 12-4 and a front wall 12-5. The frame 13 can also include a transverse beam 15"extending within the base 12 between the posts 15. The rear wheels can be mounted to the beam 15 ", if desired.

Once again, it should be appreciated that the overall size of the rack, the number of shelves and the materials used will be selected based upon the environment within which the invention will be used. The dimensions and sizes mentioned herein and/or shown in the above- noted provisional patent applications incorporated herein-by-reference illustrate some preferred examples, but a variety of modifications can be made.

FIGS. 10-14 show yet another embodiment similar to the embodiments described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, in one exemplary application, the rack 10 can be backed up against a gondola G and placed between legs 4 thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, four shelves are included.

As with other figures, FIG. 10 shows one exemplary arrangement. In this illustrated example, while a variety of sizes and dimensions can be used, in one illustrative case the structure can have the following dimensions : a rack height L1 of about 79 inches ; a gondola height L2 of about 72 inches ; a depth D 1 of the rack of about 24 inches ; a distance L3 between the base 12 and the bottom of the bottom shelf of about 9 inches ; a distance L4 between the bottom of the second shelf and the bottom of the bottom shelf of about 14 inches ; a distance L5 between the bottom of the third shelf and the bottom of the second shelf of about 20 inches ; and a distance L6 between the bottom of the fourth shelf and the bottom of the third shelf of about 15 inches. Once again, the shelf arrangement and rack dimensions can vary widely and can be selected as desired.

FIG. 11 (A) shows another optional embodiment wherein an adapter 15A can be inserted into an open top end of a vertical bar 15 of the frame 13. By inserting such an adapter in the top ends of the beams 15, the height thereof can be increased, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), in order to allow additional shelves S or a greater shelf height to be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the adapter 15A includes an insert end 151 that can fit into an open top end of the beams 15. In one exemplary construction, as shown, the insert end 151 can be formed from a U-shape piece of metal connected (e. g., bolted via bolts B, welded, integrally formed therewith or otherwise attached) to a tubular top member containing additional holes or slots 14. In this latter example, while a variety of sizes and dimensions can be used, in one illustrative case the structure can have the following dimensions : a rack height Ll of about 79 inches ; an extension height LX of about 6 inches ; a gondola height L2 of about 72 inches ; a depth D 1 of the rack of about 24 inches ; a distance L7 between the base 12 and the bottom of the second shelf of about 14 inches ; a distance L8 between the bottom of the second shelf and the bottom of the third shelf of about 15 inches ; a distance L9 between the bottom of the third shelf and the bottom of the

fourth shelf of about 20 inches ; and a distance L10 between the bottom of the fourth shelf and the bottom of the fifth shelf of about 14 inches. As shown with reference to the top shelf, the distance from the top of the rear end of the shelves to the bottom of the front end can be, for example, about 15 inches. Once again, the shelf arrangement and rack dimensions can vary widely and can be selected as desired. While one adapter 15A is shown, in alternative embodiments, a plurality of adapters maybe added to each vertical member. In that regard, the top of the adapter 15A can include an open top end capable of receiving the insert end 151 of another adapter. In this manner, any number of additional shelves or different rack heights could be used as appropriate or as desired.

FIG. 10 also illustrates an additional jar shelf JS that can be included in any of the embodiments of the invention. The jar shelf JS is an additional shelf mounted to the end of the shelf S. The terminology"jar shelf'used herein is for simplicity only and does not require that the shelf be used for jars, nor preclude the use of the shelf for items other than jars. In certain preferred embodiments, however, the jar shelf JS is used to hold jars or containers. Preferably, the shelf JS is for placement of dip, salsa, or the like jarred product for use with chips or the like within the displayed packages FP. The shelf JS can be used to display any container, product, package, jar, device, information, or any other desired item.

As shown in FIG. 11 (B), the shelf JS preferably includes a plurality of jars J, preferably arranged at least two deep as shown. The bottom of the shelf JS preferably is also slightly declined to cause the jars to slide to the front of the shelf JS in a manner like that of the shelves S. Because jars J are preferably made of a smooth material, such as glass, the degree of declination can be much less than that of the shelves, as shown. Preferably, the shelf JS is constructed to be removably attached to the shelf S so as to allow the shelf JS to be attached as desired (e. g., to any shelf S). In one exemplary embodiment, the shelf JS can extend across the full width of the shelf S and can include arms at both ends that attach to the bin region S3. The shelf JS can also be narrower than the shelf S, if desired.

One preferred structure of the shelf JS is shown in FIGS. 14 (A) -14 (B). As shown in FIG. 14 (A), the shelf JS can be made of a similar wiring to the shelf S. The shelf JS preferably includes upstanding rear and front walls to retain product thereon. In addition, mounting-arm plates JS-1 are preferably welded or otherwise attached to the wiring at both ends of the shelf JS. The mounting-arm plates JS-1 can have an upper plate JS-2 with rear and front hooks JS-3 and JS-4 that hang onto the cross-wires as shown in FIG. 14 (B). Once again, the shelf JS can extend along the full front face of the shelf S or can extend along a portion thereof- i. e., the

shelf JS can be substantially narrower, if desired. The shelf JS can also be adapted to be easily removed by, for example, enabling the portions JS-3 and JS-4 to snap-on or snap-off the cross wires.

FIGS. 14 (C) -14 (D) show an alternative embodiment wherein a second, or top, jar shelf T-JS is provided at a location above the jar shelf JS and below the bottom of the shelf S. As shown in FIG. 14 (D), the top jar shelf T-JS is preferably formed from a plate member having its front and rear ends bent upwards to form front and rear upward retaining walls. As also best shown in FIG. 14 (C), the top jar shelf T-JS preferably slopes down toward the front side so that jars J (or other items thereon) will tend to slide toward the front of the shelf T-JS (e. g., the jar J shown in dashed lines preferably tends to slide to the forward position shown in solid lines). In one exemplary construction, in order to attach the shelf T-JS, a mounting plate T-JS-1 can be welded or otherwise attached to both the shelf T-JS and the wall JS-1 as shown.

FIGS. 12 (A) shows a side view of one of the shelves S, with sides 17, brackets 17'and connectors C similar to that shown in FIG. 7 (B). FIG. 12 (A) also illustrates another exemplary manner of mounting a divider D (shown with stippling). As shown in FIG. 12 (A), a front plate FE is attached to the front upturned side of the bin S3. The front plate FE is preferably an extruded plastic member having front and rear sides that straddle the upturned front wall of the bin S3. The front side of the plate FE preferably has a channel CC or the like for receiving labeling, advertising or the like. The front plate can thus function similar to the plate 16 shown in FIG. 2. The rear side of the plate FE has a receiving groove RG extending there-along. The receiving groove RG functions to accommodate (preferably via a snap-fit) a front end of a divider supporting wire DW1 (discussed below). Preferably, the plate FE has an upstanding retaining wall portion RW. The portion RW is preferably integrally formed with the plate FE.

The retaining wall portion RW can function to facilitate holding of the product on the shelf.

The retaining wall is preferably transparent or clear to allow easy viewing of the product. The plate FE and its associated retaining wall are preferably removable for replacement or the like.

As also shown in FIG. 12 (A), a rear plate RE is also preferably attached to the rear upturned side S 1. The rear plate is also preferably an extruded plastic member having front and rear sides that straddle the upturned rear wall as shown, or that are otherwise attached thereto.

The rear plate also has a corresponding front groove FG that receives an end of a second wire DW2 in a similar manner to the attachment at the front end (discussed further below). As with the front plate FE, the rear plate RE also preferably includes a channel CC or the like as shown

in FIG. 12 (A). The channel CC or the like can be used, for example, for receiving labeling, instructions, advertising or the like for viewing or access from the rear of the rack.

The front groove FG and the rear groove RG both preferably extend along the entire width of the shelving. In this manner, one or more dividers D can be mounted to the shelf S by selectively positioning the wires DW1 and DW2 into the respective grooves. As shown in FIG.

12 (D), the dividers D preferably have a generally flat vertical portion DV and a curved top channel DC. The curved top channel extends along the length of the divider and is configured to receive the wires DW1 and DW2 as shown in FIG. 12 (A). In this manner, the dividers can be supported by the wires DW1 and DW2. The wires DW1 and DW2 can be engaged within the front and rear grooves, FG and RG, by, for instance, forming balls at the ends thereof, or preferably, by bending the wires at about a 90 degree angle to turn parallel to, and thus fit inside, the respective grooves. By using different wires DW1 and DW2 that have ends, DW1-E and DW2-E, near but not connected to one another, the rigidity of the dividers is maintained, while still advantageously accommodating for fluctuations in shelf sizes. As shown in FIGS.

12 (A) and FIG. 13, the dividers D preferably extend between the wires of the shelves S and protrude a small extent below the shelf floor (e. g., preferably protruding at least about 1/2"or more). This helps prevent product on top of the shelf from slipping beneath the shelf through the wiring and engaging product adjacent thereto ; such an occurrence is possible without this feature with flexible packages, for example, due to flexible corners, etc. , thereof. In one preferred construction, the dividers D are extruded, preferably plastic extrusions. To achieve the desired shape of the portion DV, the divider can be easily cut after extrusion. It is contemplated, however, that the dividers can be formed of any suitable materials. For example, the dividers can be made by injection molding of plastics and the like. As some other examples, the dividers could be made from metal, wood, cardboard, wire (similar to embodiments of the shelf S shown) or other suitable materials.

FIG. 12 (A) also illustrates the inclusion of an attachment or falsie AF. This attachment can be included in order to accommodate smaller packages FP or the like within the bin area S3.

The attachment AF is preferably made of a smooth material, such as a metal or other appropriate material, to allow the packages FP to freely slide thereover. The falsie AF is also illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 12 (B) shows an enlarged view of the rear end of the shelf S and related structure shown in FIG. 12 (A). Similarly, FIG. 12 (C) shows an enlarged view of the front end of the shelf S and related structure shown in FIG. 12 (A).

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the structure shown in FIGS. 12 (A) -12 (C). While only one side 17 is shown, the left side would typically be constructed to have a like structure.

As illustrated, the shelf S has two notched regions NR for receiving the beams 15. The notched regions NR enable the shelves to extend to the sides a distance past the sides of the frame and the base (as discussed above) and to extend rearward a greater distance for maximum shelf capacity. It should be apparent that any number of dividers D can be incorporated onto a particular shelf. Preferably, dividers are used to separate every row of product or packages on a shelf. In that manner, adjacent rows of product should not interfere with one another in the operation of the device. The attachment AF can be positioned, for example, mid-way between two dividers to easily accommodate smaller packages. (In that regard, the attachment AF enables the bin region S3 to be re-sized to accommodate a single product or package. ) A plurality of different attachment sizes could be provided as a kit to accommodate desired package sizes when needed.

FIGS. 15 (A) -15 (B) illustrate a variety of arrangements that can be utilized for racks of any of the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that an infinite number of other arrangements can also be made. As shown in FIG. 15 (A), a plurality of racks 10 can be placed side-by-side. In this manner, an isle in a store can contain a long row of racks (or even just two side-by-side racks, or even just one isolated rack). This illustrated embodiment has ten 4-foot wide racks 10 and two 3-foot wide racks 10'. FIG. 15 (A) shows the four foot wide racks having an array of five shelves which each have five or more rows of packages FP. The number of rows can be varied depending on circumstances. It should be understood that appropriate dividers are preferably provided between each row. As shown, the product can be arranged in a variety of ways, while maintaining a good appearance that is clean and that can provide the appearance of having a rack that is"always full"because product is caused to be located at the front side of the rack.

As noted, the racks 10 according to the present invention can have a variety of heights, widths and depths. While the racks can vary in width depending on circumstances, in some exemplary embodiments, the width is about 2 feet wide, or about 3 feet wide, or about 4 feet wide. Other embodiments could, of course, have other width sizes. Similarly, while the depth (i. e., the distance from the front to the rear of the rack) can vary depending on circumstances, some illustrative cases, the depth can be between about 19 inches to about 24 inches. The height of the rack can also vary as desired, but preferably the top shelf is set too high for individuals to readily view and/or grasp the product thereon. While some exemplary

dimensions and sizes have been described herein, it is again noted that these exemplary dimensions are not limiting and a variety of sizes and shapes of the invention can be employed.

FIG. 15 (B) illustrates an exemplary retail store floor plan having a variety of exemplary arrangements of racks 10. Arrangement A1 shows one rack used as an end-cap of an aisle in a store. Arrangement A2 shows a plurality of racks 10 used as a larger end-cap at an adjacent isle. Arrangement A3 shows four racks together used to create a large island area.

Arrangement A4 shows two back-to-back racks used to create a smaller island area. In these illustrated arrangements, customers can easily access the product from the directions of the arrows shown. Here, the sides of the racks 10 can also remain aesthetically appealing due to the larger side plates 17. The larger sides 17 can also help to retain product on the respective shelves and/or product regions for product labeling, indicia, graphics, ornamentation or other information.

FIG. 17 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the racks 10 includes top and/or side panels TP and SP, respectively. As shown, each side panel SP preferably extends along an entire lateral side of the rack to provide an enclosed appearance.

The side panels SP can also be used to provide product labeling PL or other indicia, graphics, ornamentation or written or other information. In addition, the top front plate TP can be used to cover the top region above the top ends of the product FP on the top shelf S. In this manner, the racks 10 can be made to have a very finished appearance and advertising and labeling can be easily applied. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is arranged similar to arrangement A2 shown in FIG. 15 (B), it should be understood that similar top and/or side panels could be used in any embodiment as appropriate and/or in any arrangement as appropriate. In yet another variation, in addition to, or alternatively in place of, the side panels SP, product can be made to hang from the sides of the racks -- such as, for example, flexible packages hanging from clips or the like supported along the sides of the rack.

FIG. 16 shows an optional wheel bump member to facilitate positioning of a rack, such as against a gondola like that shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). The wheel bump WB is preferably formed by a plate having a upwardly bent region forming a raised"bump."The wheel bump is placed proximate the gondola to allow one or more wheels of a rack 10 to roll over the bump and become lodged or positioned there-behind in a storage position (e. g., position P shown in FIG. 1(A)). In this manner, the racks 10 can be readily maintained in position. The racks 10 can be removed from this position by applying sufficient force to cause the rack 10 to roll back

over the bump. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the bump is preferably mounted to a baseplate WBB that can be adhered or otherwise attached to the floor. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the baseplate also preferably has a backstop tab BT which can, for instance, be used to rest up against the gondola to limit backward movement of the bump WB. The backstop tab could also, or alternatively, be used to limit inward movement of the rack to properly position a wheel proximate the bump WB to prevent free movement. In the preferred use of the embodiment shown, the baseplate would be mounted underneath the legs 4 of the gondola system such that bumps WB extend into two adjacent rack locations (see e. g. FIGS.

18 (B) and 18 (C) discussed below). Similar wheel bump members are preferably located at each leg.

FIGS. 18 (A) to 18 (C) show another alternative construction of the wheel bump WB structure. In this embodiment, a forward end of a wheel bump baseplate WBB thereof has a slot WBS therein. As shown in FIGS. 18 (B) and 18 (C), the slot WBS is formed so as to receive a foot F extending down from the leg 4 so as to facilitate mounting and positioning of the wheel bumps WB.

It should be apparent that wheel bumps can be made in a variety of other ways, configurations, etc. It is also contemplated that any other locking or positioning mechanism can be used to retain the store rack, such as latches, wheel locks, or the like. Alternatively, the store racks could be used without any means to lock, set or locate the racks at a particular location.

While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments presently contemplated as the best modes for carrying out the invention, various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the broader inventive concepts disclosed herein. Among other modifications, as noted, the various sizes and shapes of the exemplary embodiments can be varied based on circumstances. In addition, it is contemplated that various features of the above-described embodiments can be interchanged and/or incorporated into other embodiments described or encompassed herein.