Controlled gravity feed shelf system

Abstract

A controlled gravity feed shelf system features a framework and at least one insert. The insert includes a number of support rails at least partially forming a front portion of the insert and a rear portion of the insert. A number of first rollers are rotatably mounted on the front portion of the insert, where each of the first rollers has a first diameter. A number of second rollers are rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the insert, where each of said second rollers has a second diameter. The first diameter of the first rollers is smaller than the second diameter of the second rollers. The insert is positioned within the framework so as the rear portion of the insert is positioned vertically higher than the front portion of the insert.

1 . A controlled gravity feed shelf insert adapted to be positioned on a shelf system framework comprising:
 a. a plurality of support rails at least partially forming a front portion of the insert and a rear portion of the insert;   b. a plurality of first rollers rotatably mounted on the front portion of the insert, each of said first rollers having a first diameter;   c. a plurality of second rollers rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the insert, each of said second rollers having a second diameter where said first diameter is smaller than said second diameter.   
     
     
         2 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of first and second rollers are removable from the plurality of support rails. 
     
     
         3 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 1  wherein the insert has a first side and a second side and wherein the plurality of first and second rollers are positioned on the first side of the insert only so that the insert may be flipped over to provide a stationary shelf surface. 
     
     
         4 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 3  wherein the stationary shelf surface features raised ribs. 
     
     
         5 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 1  wherein the insert further includes a structural member positioned generally perpendicular to and joining the plurality of support rails. 
     
     
         6 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 1  wherein the insert further includes a front structural member positioned generally perpendicular to and joining the plurality of support rails to define a front edge of the insert and a rear structural member positioned generally perpendicular to and joining the plurality of support rails to define a rear edge of the insert. 
     
     
         7 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 1  wherein the first diameter of the first rollers is in the range of about one to three inches and the second diameter of the second rollers is in the range of about three to five inches. 
     
     
         8 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 1  further comprising:
 d. a plurality of first roller assemblies each including alternating first rollers and first axles; and 
 e. a plurality of second roller assemblies including alternating second rollers and second axles wherein said first and second roller assemblies are mounted on the support rails. 
 
     
     
         9 . The controlled gravity feed shelf insert of  claim 8  wherein the support rails include slots that removably receive the first and second roller assemblies. 
     
     
         10 . A controlled gravity feed shelf system comprising:
 a. a framework;   b. an insert including:
 i) a plurality of support rails at least partially forming a front portion of the insert and a rear portion of the insert; 
 ii) a plurality of first rollers rotatably mounted on the front portion of the insert, each of said first rollers having a first diameter; 
 iii) a plurality of second rollers rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the insert, each of said second rollers having a second diameter where said first diameter is smaller than said second diameter; 
   c. said insert positioned within the framework so as the rear portion of the insert is positioned vertically higher than the front portion of the insert.   
     
     
         11 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  wherein the inserts are removable from the framework. 
     
     
         12 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 11  wherein the insert has a first side and a second side and wherein the plurality of first and second rollers are positioned on the first side of the insert only so that the insert may be flipped over to provide a stationary shelf surface. 
     
     
         13 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 12  wherein the stationary shelf surface on the second side of the insert features raised ribs. 
     
     
         14 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of first and second rollers are removable from the plurality of support rails. 
     
     
         15 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  wherein the insert further includes a structural member positioned generally perpendicular to and joining the plurality of support rails. 
     
     
         16 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  wherein the insert further includes a front structural member positioned generally perpendicular to and joining the plurality of support rails to define a front edge of the insert and a rear structural member positioned generally perpendicular to and joining the plurality of support rails to define a rear edge of the insert. 
     
     
         17 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  wherein the first diameter of the first rollers is in the range of about one to three inches and the second diameter of the second rollers is in the range of about three to five inches. 
     
     
         18 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  further comprising:
 d. a plurality of first roller assemblies each including alternating first rollers and first axles; and 
 e. a plurality of second roller assemblies including alternating second rollers and second axles wherein said first and second roller assemblies are mounted on the support rails. 
 
     
     
         19 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 18  wherein the support rails include slots that removably receive the first and second roller assemblies. 
     
     
         20 . The controlled gravity feed shelf system of  claim 10  wherein the framework includes a bracket that positions the rear portion of the insert vertically higher than the front portion of the insert.