GB2252767A - Stock rotation - Google Patents

Abstract

A stock rotation device to eliminate the problem of old stock being left at the rear of shelves whilst newer stock is removed from the front comprises outer parallel ribs (11, 12) and a parallel central rib (14) provided on the shelf (13) or on a base (10). The ribs (12, 14) define an input channel (15) and the ribs (14, 11) define an output channel (16), linked by a transfer channel (18) defined between the central rib (14) and an arcuate rib or wall (19). <IMAGE>

Description

STOCK ROTATION This invention relates to stock rotation.

Where goods such as tinned food stuffs having a limited shelf life are stocked on a shelf, it is desirable that the oldest goods are used or sold first. This causes difficulty in adding stock to existing stock on shelves for example in supermarkets. The older stock has to be removed from the front of the shelf ad the new stock inserted at the back, followed by replacement of the older stock at the front ready for sale or use.

Failure to carry out the correct procedure can result in goods being left for some considerable time on the shelf and becoming unsaleable leading to wastage, or possibly being sold in a deteriorated condition which could be a health hazard.

In order to overcome or reduce this problem it is an object of the present invention to provide a stock rotation device enabling correct stocking procedures to be used.

According to the invention there is provided a stock rotation device comprising guide means adapted to extend across a shelf from the front towards the rear thereof and defining an input channel and an output channel linked by one or more transfer channels, the arrangement being such that goods inserted into the input channel can be pushed through the guide means to emerge at the output channel.

Closure means may be provided for the input channel to prevent withdrawal of goods other than from the output channel.

The transfer channel may be arcuate.

The guide means may comprise upstanding ribs on the shelf including two outer parallel ribs extending rearwardly from the front of the shelf and a central parallel rib, the transfer channel comprising an arcuate rib linking two outer ribs and extending behind and spaced from the central rib.

The arcuate rib may have a greater height than the outer and central ribs.

The ribs may be integral with the shelf or may be provided on a base which is placed on the shelf.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a stock rotation device, Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a stock rotation device, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a stock rotation device.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a stock rotation device comprises a thin base plate 10 of wood, metal or plastics, having a pair of parallel outer ribs 11, 12 which are upstanding from the base 10. The base 10 is intended to be placed on, or to form part of a shelf 13. The outer ribs 11 and 12 extend from the front of the shelf rearwardly.

Between the outer ribs 11 and 12, a central rib 14 is provided, again extending from the front of the shelf 13 parallel to and equi-spaced between the outer ribs 11 and 12.

This arrangement of ribs defines an input channel 15 and an output channel 16. A stock of goods 17 is inserted at the front of the input channel 15 and pushed in the direction of the arrows. On reaching the rear of the outer rib 12, the goods meet a transfer channel 18, defined by an arcuate rib 19 which is spaced from the central rib 14 at the rear of the shelf. The goods are then diverted round the transfer channel as further goods are added at the input channel 15, and, on emerging from the transfer channel 18, the goods enter the output channel 16 from which they can be withdrawn. Once goods have been withdrawn from the output channel 16, further goods can be added to the input channel 15 and pushed round the stock rotation device.

The input channel 15 can be closed off by any form of closure member (not shown) when stock is not being added to the stock rotation device. This prevents goods from being withdrawn from the input channel. If desired, the input channel can be closed off by a spring loaded member tending to push goods through the stock rotation device.

The output channel could have a manually-operable closure or detent so that goods pushed through the device cannot be pushed out of the output channel during loading. This is particularly important for goods such as bottles or jars.

The width of the input channel 15, transfer channel 18 and output channel 16 should be constant and will be determined by the size of goods 17 to be placed in the device. The width of the channels can be varied by providing an adjustable width base 10, for example comprising overlapping or telescoping parts.

In order to prevent goods 17 from passing over the rear of the arcuate wall 19, the arcuate wall can be extended upwardly as shown in dotted lines at Figure 2 and Figure 3 for example.

Although, in the device illustrated, the path followed by the goods is in the form of a single loop, it will be appreciated that, where it is desired to enclose more articles in the stock rotation device, or to add articles from the rear of the shelving, the guide means may be arranged to afford an S shape.

Although illustrated in connection with generally circular cross-sectional articles such as tins or bottles for example, the stock rotation device could be used with other articles such as packets or boxes of suitable shape, provided these did not jam at the transfer channel or channels.

Claims (6)

1. A stock rotation device comprising guide means adapted to extend across a shelf from the front towards the rear thereof and defining an input channel and an output channel linked by one or more transfer channels; the arrangement being such that goods inserted into the input channel can be pushed through the guide means to emerge at the output channel.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein closure means are provided for the input channel to prevent withdrawal of goods other than from the output channel.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the transfer channel is arcuate.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the guide means comprise upstanding ribs on the shelf including two outer parallel ribs extending rearwardly from the front of the shelf and a parallel central rib, the transfer channel comprising an arcuate rib linking the two outer ribs and extending behind and spaced from the central rib.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the arcuate rib has a greater height than the outer and central ribs.

6. A stock rotation device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.