Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a shelf power distribution apparatus, and in particular to power distribution apparatus for commercial shelving units.

Background to the Invention

Known methods of distributing power about a shelf and/or shelf unit require permanent fixings for securing electrical wires and any associated devices on to a shelf, or within a shelf unit. These methods have the disadvantage of requiring an awkward and time- consuming operation of drilling holes and/or cutting access, which are required for the anchoring and routing of the cables and associated devices about the shelf and/or the shelf unit.

Another disadvantage of these known methods is that routed wires can be crushed on the assembly of the shelf/shelf unit, or when items are placed upon the shelf/shelf unit.

Furthermore, if the cables and electrical devices are not adequately secured, they become susceptible to being caught and getting becoming damaged.

Known methods of power distribution employ the use of cabling enclosures, such as mini conduit or mini trunking, both of which require damaging the surface of the shelf/shelf unit through the use of permanent fixings, which are time consuming and very awkward to fit in a confined space.

When decommissioning the shelf/shelf unit, it is unlikely that the dismantling of known power distribution systems will render it or the shelf/shelf unit for subsequent reuse.

It is an objective of the claimed invention to overcome these disadvantages.

Summary of the invention

In a first broad independent aspect the invention provides a shelf power distribution apparatus comprising: a track element further comprising a first electrical conductor and a first magnet; wherein said first magnet facilitates the attachment of said track element to a shelf; a first cover element that further comprises a second magnet; and wherein said second magnet facilitates the attachment of said cover to said track element.

This configuration provides a power distribution apparatus for a shelf, which does not require any permanent fixings to hold the conductor in place. E.g. no screws or clamps will be required, along with any associated drilling or hole cutting; therefore ensuring the apparatus is cheap and efficient to install to either a new or existing shelf or shelves.

Furthermore, this configuration provides a cover which both protects and insulates the conductor(s) from any unintended contact from the shelf and/or object placed on the shelf. Again, the cover does not require any permanent fixings to hold it in place.

Preferably, said first conductor is a flat copper conductor.

This enables the installation of the conductor on to a shelf, whereby the conductor minimises its protrusion from the shelf; therefore making it easier to install without interfering with the shelf itself where space is limited.

Preferably, a shelf power distribution apparatus further comprising a second electrical conductor arranged adjacent to said first conductor. This enables a compact electrical circuit to be routed about shelf. E.g. the routing of an electrical power supply circuit that comprises of a positive voltage (+V) conductor and an associated negative voltage (-V). Preferably, said first conductor and/or second conductor is arranged in a linear

configuration.

This enables the most efficient installation of the conductor(s) to the shelf, thereby keeping manufacturing costs to a minimum as no complicated routing of the conductor(s) is required. Furthermore, this configuration provides the most efficient method routing the conductor(s) about the shelf(s).

Preferably, said first cover further comprises a third electrical conductor that cooperates with said first conductor.

This configuration provides an electrical connection, which connects multiple track elements together. The connection is provided by the third conductor, which bridges the conductors of two abutting track elements together. Preferably, said first cover further comprises a third magnet, whereby said second magnet is arranged at a first edge of said cover and said third magnet is arranged at a second edge of said cover and said third conductor is arranged between said second and third magnets; said first, second and third magnets are of the same thickness and said cover is a flexible element.

In this configuration all the magnets are of the same height, therefore when the cover is located over the first electrical conductor, therefore the height of the first electrical conductor and the height of the cooperating third conductor of the cover lifts the centre of the cover. The outer second and third magnets pull the cover down along its edges, therefore causing the cover to flex downwards about the cooperating conductors. The flexing of the cover forces the cooperating conductors together, mainly along their outer edges, to ensure a good electrical contact is provided between them. Preferably, a shelf power distribution apparatus, further comprising a second cover element which further comprises a fourth magnet and a fourth electrical conductor and wherein first magnet further comprises a separating element between said first conductor and said second conductor.

This configuration enables the individual conductors of the track element to be

covered/exposed, or bridged, independently from any other conductors of the rack element. Preferably, a shelf power distribution apparatus further comprising an attachable electrical contact element which comprises a fourth magnet and a fifth magnet, which in use facilitates the attachment of said electrical contact element to said track element.

This configuration provides an attachable electrical contact element which does not require any permanent fixings to hold it in place.

Preferably, said electrical contact element further comprises a fourth electrical conductor that cooperates with said first conductor, which in use provides electrical power from said first conductor. This configuration enables the electrical contact element to pick up electrical power from the track element and is subsequently used to power an attached electrically powered device.

Preferably, said electrical contact element further comprises a lead to an electrically powered device.

This enables the routing of the picked up electrical power from the electrical contact means, to attached electrically powered device. Preferably, said lead further comprises a coupling means for disconnecting said electrically powered device.

This enables the removal of the electrically powered device from the electrical contact means. Preferably, said electrical contact element further comprises a deformable pad under said fourth electrical conductor, which in use forces said fourth electrical conductor of said electrical contact element onto an electrical contact of said track element. This configuration provides a good electrical connection between the conductor of the electrical contact means and the conductor of the track element.

Preferably, said electrical powered device further comprises a sixth magnet.

This configuration provides an electrical powered device which does not require any permanent fixings to hold it in place.

Preferably, said electrical powered device is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination device. This configuration provides a low power illumination device, which will illuminate a shelf.

Preferably, said electrical powered device is a shelf marking device.

This configuration provides a product position marker, which illuminates and identifies a product placement on a shelf.

Preferably, said track element, said first cover element and said second cover element are manually shearable. This configuration enables a user to cut the track element, first cover element and second cover element by hand. E.g. the user could use a pair of scissors to adjust their length.

Preferably, a shelf or furniture item comprising a shelf power distribution apparatus in accordance with any of the above features.

This configuration provides a shelf or furniture item, which is made or supplied the shelf powered distribution apparatus. In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a LED illumination device comprising an electrical contact element, which further comprises a first magnet and a second magnet and thereby attachable to a track element; and an electrical conductor, which in use, cooperates with an electrical conductor of a track element to providing electrical power.

This configuration provides an LED illumination device which is made or supplied for use with, or as a spare component for a shelf power distribution apparatus. In a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a shelf marking device comprising an electrical contact element, which further comprises a first magnet and a second magnet and thereby attachable to a track element; and an electrical conductor, which in use, co-operates with an electrical conductor of a track element to providing electrical power.

This configuration provides a shelf marking device which is made or supplied for use with, or as a spare component for a shelf power distribution apparatus.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a track cover device comprising a first magnet and a second magnet and thereby attachable to a track element and an electrical conductor, which in use, co-operates with a first electrical conductor of a first track element and a first electrical conductor of a second element and connects electrical power from said first track element to said second track element. This configuration provides a track cover device which is made or supplied for use with, or as a spare component for a shelf power distribution apparatus.

In another broad aspect, the invention provides a shelf power distribution apparatus comprising: a track element further comprising a first electrical conductor and a first magnet; and wherein said first magnet facilitates the attachment of said track element to a shelf.

This configuration provides a power distribution apparatus for a shelf, which does not require any permanent fixings to hold the conductor in place. E.g. no screws or clamps will be required, along with any associated drilling or hole cutting; therefore ensuring the apparatus is cheap and efficient to install to either a new or existing shelf or shelves.

Preferably, a shelf power distribution apparatus further comprising a first cover element that further comprises a second magnet member, wherein said second magnet facilitates the attachment of said cover to said track element.

This configuration provides a cover which both protects and insulates the conductor(s) from any unintended contact from the shelf and/or object placed on the shelf. Again, the cover does not require any permanent fixings to hold it in place.

Preferably, said electrical contact element further comprises a deformable pad under said fourth electrical conductor, which in use forces said fourth electrical conductor of said electrical contact element onto said first electrical contact of said track element.

This configuration provides a good electrical connection between the conductor of the electrical contact means and the conductor of the track element.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 a shows an exploded perspective view of the power distribution apparatus. Figure 1 b shows a perspective view of the assembled power distribution apparatus.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the underside of a cover element, which is interfacable with a rear track element.

Figure 2b shows an end view of the cover element mounted in a front to rear configuration.

Figure 3 shows an end view of the cover element mounted in a 'flexed' front to rear configuration. Figure 4a shows an upper perspective view of an electrical pick up element, which is interfacable with a rear track element.

Figure 4b shows a lower perspective view of an electrical pick up element, which is interfacable with a rear track element.

Figure 5 shows a close up perspective view of an electrical conductor arranged on the underside of an electrical pick up element. Figure 6 shows a lower exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a rear track and two associated an end perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an invention which incorporates two cover elements.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1a shows an exploded perspective view of a shelf power distribution apparatus, which is generally indicated by 1. Four track elements 2 are vertically aligned end to end, and the bottom track element 2 further incorporates an electrical power lead 3. Each track element 2 incorporates two electrical conductors 4. Each electrical conductor 4 is a flat, linear, elongated copper conductor. The two copper conductors 4 are arranged adjacent to each other on the magnetic body member 6 of each track element 2, along with a separating region 5 located between them. The magnetic body member 6 is typically a magnetic strip formed from a ferrite-based material. Each track element 2 is rectangular in shape, which accommodates a footprint that is the same size as the two adjacent electrical conductors 4.

Three rectangular covers 7 for covering the four track elements 2 are indicated by arrows 8. Each cover element 7 further incorporates two elongated magnetic strips 9, which are arranged at opposing side edges, thereby forming a central recess 13 between them. The central channel 13 provides a close fitting arrangement for accepting the co-operating track elements 2. Two electrical contact elements 10 (also known as power pick-up points), for splitting of electrical power from track elements 2 are indicated by arrows 11 and are intended to be located between two adjacent ends of two neighbouring cover elements. Each electrical contact element 10 further incorporates two magnets 12, which are arranged at opposing side edges, thereby forming a central recess 14 between them. The central channel 14 provides close fitting arrangement for accepting the co-operating track elements 2. Each electrical contact element 10 further incorporates an electrical lead 15, which is also connected to an electrically operated device (not shown). The electrically operated device is powered by the electrical energy picked up by the electrical contact element 10, from the track element 2.

Figure 1 b shows a perspective view of the electrical power distribution apparatus 1 assembled together, whereby the three cover elements 7 are located on the track elements (not shown). Between the adjacent ends of each cover element 7 is an electrical contact assembly 10 which is also located on the track element 4.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the underside of the cover element 7, which has the two elongate magnetic strips 9 that are arranged on two elongated side edges, whereby two magnetic strips are also are also opposed to each other. The magnets 9 are formed from a ferrite-based material and are substantially linear, rectangular and flat in shape.

The magnetic strips 9 extend the along the length of the cover, whereby they abut the top and bottom edges, as well as abutting the side edge.

The cover element 7 further incorporates two electrical conductors 20, both of which extends along the length of the cover element 7 and abut both the to the top and bottom edges of the cover.7. Each electrical conductor 20 is also adjacent to the inside edge of a magnet strip 9. Each electrical conductor 20 is substantially a flat, linear, elongated copper conductor which is formed from a copper conductor. Therefore, each electrical conductor is in the form of a copper foil. The two electrical conductors 20 are positioned adjacent to each other, and are separated by a linear gap 21 that extends between the top and bottom edges of the cover element 7. The cover element 7 further incorporates a substantially flat rectangular cap portion 22 upon which the magnets 9 and electrical conductors 20 are arranged. The cap portion 22 is typically formed from a flexible plastics material. Figure 2b shows an end view of the cover element 7 located upon a track element 2, whereby the track element 2 is accommodated in the rear of the cover element 7 in a front mounted-rear configuration. The magnetic strips 9 of the cover element 7 attach the cover element 7 to a shelf or a furniture item's surface 23. The magnet body member 6 of the track element 2 is also attached to the shelf or furniture item's surface 23. The close fit of the track element 2 within the co-operating channel 13 of the cover element 7 enables the electrical conductors 4 to abut and co-operate with their electrical conductors 20 of the cover element 7. The magnetic strips 9 of the cover element 7 and the magnetic body 6 of the track element 2 enables their fixing on to a shelf or furniture item's surface without the use of any permanent fixings or screws that require the drilling of holes, etc.

Figure 3 shows an end view of the cover element 7 whereby the magnetic body member 6 of the track element 2 is the same thickness as the magnetic strips 9 of the cover element 7 and provide support at the same height from the surface of the shelf or furniture item's surface 23. The cap portion 22 of the cover element 7 is separated from the top surface of the magnet body member 6 of the track element 2 by the two electrical conductors 20 of the cover element 7, which are abutting the electrical conductors 4 of the track element 2. Therefore, in use, the magnetic strips 9 of the cover element 7 pull down the cap portion 22 of the cover element 7, which causes the flexing of the cap portion 22 at the point indicated by arrow 30. This in turn forces the electrical conductors of the cover element 7 onto and together with the electrical conductors 4 of the track element 2, in particular at the outer edges, which ensure a good electrical contact and power communication between the track element 2 and the cover element 7. Figure 4a shows an upper perspective view of the electrical contact element 10, along with an electrical lead 15 which is also connected to an electrically powered device (not shown). The magnetic strips 12 are arranged along two opposed side edges of the electrical contact element 10 and form a channel 14 in which the track element is located in use. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the bottom surface of the electrical contact element 10 whereby the magnetic strips 12 are arranged along two opposed side edges and extend along the length of the electrical contact element 10. The magnetic strips are typically formed from a ferrite based material. Two electrical conductors 40 extend along the length of the electrical contact element 10. Each electrical conductor 40 is substantially a flat, linear, elongated copper conductor which is formed from a copper conductor and is typically in form of copper foils. The electrical conductors 40 are located adjacent to each other, but are separated from each other by a separating region 41 which is adjacent to the inside edge of each electrical conductor 40. The overall shape of the electrical contact element 10 is substantially a square configuration. The electrical lead 15 further incorporates electrical conductors (not shown) which are attached to each of the electrical conductors 40 and facilitates the communication of electrical power from the electrical contact element 10 to the electrical power device (not shown) attached to the other end of the electrical lead 15.

Figure 5 shows a close-up perspective view of the underside of the electrical contact element 10. An electrical conductor 40 extends along the length of the electrical contact element 10 and further incorporates a pad 51, which extends under and along the width of the conductor 40. The pad 51 lifts the conductor 40 and biasing it towards a co-operating conductor of the track element 2, therefore providing and ensuring good electrical contact between the two conductors. The track 40 further incorporates two gradient portions of the track 52 which raise the track from the under surface of the electrical contact element to the raised flat surface provided by the pad 51. The electrical conductor 40 is adjacent to a magnetic side strip 12 of the electrical contact block 10. The pad 51 provides a power pick-up function of the electrical contact block 10 and is typically formed from a portion of deformable material, such as foam rubber which is fitted under the conductor strip 40 to ensure that it is "pressed" into contact position with a co-operating conductor of the track element 2. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the end of an alternative embodiment of the invention whereby a track element 60 further incorporates a body member which is an elongated magnetic strip 61. The track element 60 further incorporates two electrical conductor strips 62 located upon its upper surface 63. The two electrical conductors are formed by elongate copper foils and are separated from each other via a separating block 64 which is adjacent to the inside edge of each conductor strip 62. The separating block 64 is typically formed from an electrical insulated material. Two elongate cover strips 65 co-operate with the recesses in which the electrical conductors 62 of the track element 61 reside and is indicated by arrows 66. Each cover element 65 is formed from a magnetic material, which is typically ferrite-based material. Each cover element 65 further incorporates an electrical conductor 68, which extends along its length and co-operates with electrical conductor 62 of the track element 61. This enables the independent exposure of each electrical conductor of the track element 61. In use, the shelf power distribution apparatus can be fitted to any shelf upon which the magnets of the track elements, the cover elements and the electrical contact element are able to co-operate with. This means that there are no permanent fixings required, therefore eliminating the awkward handling or positioning of wires, or cable forming of a loom to distribute electrical power about the shelf or unit; whereby the cables are in risk of being damaged by the shelf or shelf unit itself or the objects placed upon it. Furthermore, the flat orientation of the track members and the cover provides a means of distributing power around the shelf and the shelf unit whilst providing the greatest workspace for placing objects on the shelf without the risk of the objects becoming caught up with any loose cabling.

The system can be arranged by manually placing the objects upon the shelf or shelf unit's surface. The system can also be cut to suit with either a pair of scissors, or shears, which makes it very easy to use without the requirement of any special tooling. When decommissioning the system the whole power distribution apparatus can be just literally peeled of the surface of the shelf or the unit without leaving any damage or holes within the shelf or shelf unit's surface.

The cover element provides the means for bridging the power between multiple track elements via the electrical conductors incorporates within it. Therefore, no specialist coupling or tooling is required to join any track elements together.

The components of the power distribution apparatus are made from a plastics material and are designed to be inherently thin and flexible which facilitates their placement within a shelf or shelf unit.

As mentioned above the components of the power distribution apparatus if formed from thin and flexible plastics material, magnetic strips typically formed from a ferrite material and thin copper foils. All of which facilitates the easy cutting and resizing of each component by the user via pair of scissors or shears. The power distribution apparatus is intended to supply a low voltage power supply about the shelf or furniture unit item, which can power any electrical power device via the electrical contact elements that tap off the electrical supply to each electrical device. The power supply could be a low voltage DC power supply and could optional incorporate a mains voltage AC supply if required.

The typical power devices which will be powered by the distribution apparatus would be shelf illumination devices, such as LED lights and product markers which are used to display the positioning of goods upon the shelves and their associated pricing, these markers would incorporate some kind of electrical display.

In an alternative embodiment of the electrical contact element, an electrical coupling is be fitted within the electrical lead to enable the removal of the electrical device from the electrical contact element whilst it is located on a track element.

The power distribution apparatus provides the following advantages:

• low voltage power transmission track system;

· totally safe for any given environment;

• innovative, low power, lightweight;

• rear track concealed by front track that act as a protective cover;

• power transmission is by overlapping the front and rear;

• the rear sits inside the track;

· a low cost option;

• adaptable and fits current shelving systems, (as long as they are steel, or facilitate the use of magnets in some form);

• modular system that has in infinite number of permutations;

• primarily for shelving;

· can easily be cut to size to suit, avoiding modifications to shelving systems;

• low profile;

• front cover can be coloured to match the back colour of the shelves, or shelf units;

• could be used to run a variety of items such as shelf markers; can power other 12 volt equipment on a shelf;

Retrospective installation of the power distribution apparatus to an existing shelf or furniture item;

can be used to power any 12 volt applications; and

no permanent fixing such as magnets hold the track and other components in place on the shelf or shelf unit.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the power distribution apparatus could be provided in a kit consisting of:

• a magnetic track element which comprises an electrical conductor;

• a magnetic cover element which cover a magnetic track element; and

• an electrical contact element which picks up electrical power from a magnetic track element.

Whereby the electrical power devices connected to the electrical contacts elements could also be provided either attached or unattached via a coupling within the electrical lead from the electrical contact assembly