Quick connect case for an electrically-powered shelf module

A method of providing power to an electrically-powered shelf module, the method comprising:

• electrically coupling a power supply to a pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails;
• mechanically affixing a shelf fixture to the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, wherein the shelf fixture comprises a pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets that are electrically separated and configured to engage the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, such that when the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets engages the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails provides opposing polarity for supplied electrical power to the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets;
• mechanically affixing a powered case to a first side of the shelf fixture, wherein affixing the powered case to the shelf fixture causes a pair of power terminal arms extending from the powered case to directly electrically couple with the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets, wherein when the pair of power terminal arms is directly electrically coupled with the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets, the pair of power terminal arms provides opposing polarity for the supplied electrical power;
• inserting the electrically-powered shelf module into an aperture of the powered case;
• and
• electrically coupling the electrically-powered shelf module with a first electrical connector that is electrically coupled to at least one of the power terminal arms, thereby providing the supplied electrical power from the power supply, through the vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, through the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets, through the pair of power terminal arms, through at least the first electrical connector, to the electrically-powered shelf module.

A powered shelf arrangement comprising:

• an electrically-powered shelf module;
• a powered case comprising:
• an aperture configured to receive the electrically-powered shelf module,
• a pair of power terminal arms extending from the powered case opposite the aperture, and
• a first electrical connector located within the aperture and electrically coupled to at least one of the power terminal arms;
• a front cover configured to be removably mechanically affixed to the powered case and to hold the electrically-powered shelf module within the aperture of the powered case;
• a shelf fixture configured to support a product shelf, the shelf fixture comprising:
• a pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets, and
• an electrically insulating cover covering at least a portion of the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets and comprising a pair of openings configured to permit each of the power terminal arms to electrically couple with one of the electrically conducting shelf brackets;
• a pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails;
• and
• a power supply electrically coupled to the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, wherein when the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets is affixed to the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, the pair of power terminal arms is electrically coupled with the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets, and the electrically-powered shelf module is electrically coupled to the powered case through at least the first electrical connector, the supplied electrical power flows from the power supply, through the pair of vertical electrically conducting shelf support rails, through the pair of electrically conducting shelf brackets, through the pair of power terminal arms, through at least the first electrical connector, and to the electrically-powered shelf module.