Shelf tray system

Abstract

A self-facing, add-on shelf system is made up of universal base, divider, front, and rear sections. Universal in the sense that these sections form basic building sections for constructing shelf systems of various sizes and operational mode. The front and rear track sections are identical and can be combined with various combinations of bases, dividers and end sections to provide systems of different, desired widths. The depth of the self-facing shelf is generally set by the depth of the shelf with which it is to be used. The individual sections can be selected and combined to provide center pusher, side pusher, and gravity feed types of self facing s systems. The bases, dividers and end sections are configured such that they can be extruded and interlock in assembly.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A shelving system comprising: 
 a shelf divider including a generally vertical panel having a longitudinal extension and defining a longitudinally-extending slot, and a generally horizontal panel having a longitudinal extension and defining a horizontal support surface, said shelf divider configured to be slidable along a track;    a pusher assembly slidable along said slot on said vertical panel; and    a biasing element biasing said pusher assembly toward a first end of said shelf divider.    
     
     
         2 . The shelving system of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of low-friction ribs provided on said horizontal panel.  
     
     
         3 . The shelving system of  claim 1  wherein said slot is defined by a back wall and two L-shaped projections extending away from said back wall.  
     
     
         4 . The shelving system of  claim 1  wherein said vertical panel includes only one said slot.  
     
     
         5 . The shelving system of  claim 1  wherein said pusher assembly includes a substantially T-shaped tab positioned within and slidable along said slot, and wherein said slot is substantially T-shaped to correspond to the shape of said tab.  
     
     
         6 . The shelving system of  claim 1  wherein said biasing element includes a coil spring having a first end anchored at said first end of said shelf divider and a coil portion positioned adjacent the side of said pusher assembly facing away from said first end of said shelf divider.  
     
     
         7 . The shelving system of  claim 1  further comprising a track adapted to be mounted to a shelf, said track having a longitudinal extension that is perpendicular to said longitudinal extensions of said vertical and horizontal panels of said shelf divider, wherein said shelf divider is releasably interconnectable with said track.  
     
     
         8 . The shelving system of  claim 7  wherein said track includes a mounting structure formed integrally therewith, and wherein said shelf divider includes a mounting structure that is releasably secured to said mounting structure of said track.  
     
     
         9 . The shelving system of  claim 8  wherein said mounting structure of said track includes a holding rib and a lip, and wherein said mounting structure of said shelf divider includes a slot receiving said rib and a portion received under said lip.  
     
     
         10 . The shelving system of  claim 1  wherein said shelving divider is extruded.  
     
     
         11 . The shelving system of  claim 2  wherein said shelving divider is extruded.  
     
     
         12 . The shelving system of  claim 1  wherein said slot is substantially enclosed.  
     
     
         13 . The shelving system of  claim 7  wherein said track is extruded.  
     
     
         14 . A shelving system comprising: 
 a shelf divider including a generally vertical panel having a longitudinal extension and defining a longitudinally-extending slot, and a generally horizontal panel having a longitudinal extension and defining a horizontal support surface, said slot being substantially enclosed;    a pusher assembly slidable along said slot on said vertical panel; and    a biasing element biasing said pusher assembly toward a first end of said shelf divider.    
     
     
         15 . The shelving system of  claim 14  wherein said shelf divider is configured to be slidable along a track.  
     
     
         16 . The shelving system of  claim 15 , further comprising a track adapted to be mounted to a shelf, said track having a longitudinal extension that is perpendicular to said longitudinal extensions of said vertical and horizontal panels of said shelf divider, wherein said shelf divider is releasably interconnectable with said track.  
     
     
         17 . The shelving system of  claim 16 , wherein said track is extruded.  
     
     
         18 . The shelving system of  claim 16 , wherein said track includes a mounting structure formed integrally therewith, and wherein said shelf divider includes a mounting structure that is releasably secured to said mounting structure of said track.  
     
     
         19 . The shelving system of  claim 18 , wherein said mounting structure of said track includes a holding rib and a lip, and wherein said mounting structure of said shelf divider includes a slot receiving said rib and a portion received under said lip.  
     
     
         20 . The shelving system of  claim 14 , wherein said shelf divider is extruded.  
     
     
         21 . The shelving system of  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of low-friction ribs provided on said horizontal panel.  
     
     
         22 . The shelving system of  claim 14 , wherein said slot is defined by a back wall and two L-shaped projections extending away from said back wall.  
     
     
         23 . The shelving system of  claim 14 , wherein said vertical panel includes only one said slot.  
     
     
         24 . The shelving system of  claim 14 , wherein said pusher assembly includes a substantially T-shaped tab positioned within and slidable along said slot, and wherein said slot is substantially T-shaped to correspond to the shape of said tab.  
     
     
         25 . The shelving system of  claim 14 , wherein said biasing element includes a coil spring having a first end anchored at said first end of said shelf divider and a coil portion positioned adjacent the side of said pusher assembly facing away from said first end of said shelf divider.