Back end stocking shelving
AssigneeWalmart Apollo, LLC
InventorsAkhilesh Tirmandas, Jason D. Bellar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In some embodiments, various systems, apparatuses and methods are described herein includes back end stocking shelving units that are configured to extend along sides of adjacent shopping aisles in a back-to-back configuration with a secure central aisle running between the shelving units to provide back end stocking access to both shelving units. The secure central aisle can have a restricted access point on one or both ends thereof.
Claims18
A back end stocking shelving system comprising:
- first and second shelving units, each having one or more shelves mounted thereto, a front end configured to display products to consumers, and a back end configured to allow stocking workers to stock products on the one or more shelves;
- a central aisle disposed between the first and second shelving units and including a first end, the first and second shelving units oriented so that the back ends thereof face the central aisle;
- one or more connection members spanning the central aisle and connecting the first and second shelving units;
- and
- a gate coupled to one or both of the first and second shelving units and configured to block access to the central aisle at the first end thereof, wherein the stocking workers can access the central aisle via the gate, and the consumers cannot access the central aisle via the gate.
A method for back end stocking of a plurality of shelving units, the method comprising:
- accessing, via a secure access gate, a central aisle disposed between connected first and second shelving units having one or more shelves mounted thereto, a front end configured to display products to consumers, and a back end configured to allow stocking workers to stock products on the one or more shelves, the first and second shelving units oriented so that the back ends thereof face the central aisle;
- stocking products on the one or more shelves of the first and second shelving units through the back ends thereof from the central aisle.
A method for installing a back end stocking shelving system, the method comprising:
- installing a first shelving unit having one or more shelves mounted thereto, a front end configured to display products to consumers, and a back end configured for stocking products on the shelves;
- installing a second shelving unit having one or more shelves mounted thereto, a front end configured to display products to consumers, and a back end configured for stocking products on the shelves, such that the back ends of the first and second shelving units face one another with a central aisle disposed therebetween;
- connecting the first and second shelving units with connection members spanning the central aisle;
- and
- installing a gate to one or both of the first and second shelving units that is configured to block access to the central aisle at a first end thereof, wherein stocking workers can access the central aisle via the gate and consumers cannot access the central aisle via the gate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.