Patents by Inventor Gregory M. Bird

Gregory M. Bird has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8676377
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 8657154
    Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for providing theft deterrence includes a housing defining an interior space adapted to hold a plurality of associated products. A vending door is mounted to the housing for selectively allowing access to the interior space. A bar is provided on which the associated products are supported, the bar extending in the interior space of the housing. An advancing assembly is disposed in the housing for urging product supported on the bar in a direction towards the vending door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Szpak
  • Publication number: 20140034590
    Abstract: A merchandising security system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and at least one product barrier movably mounted to the support. The at least one product barrier extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The product barrier is at least one of slidably mounted in relation to the support and pivotably mounted in relation to the support, wherein the product barrier includes first and second members which cooperate to retard a forward movement of an associated object supported on the first associated merchandising structure. At least one of the first and second members is mounted in relation to the support via a hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Matthew Grubbs, Joe Walton, Robert Govia, James J. Kopco
  • Publication number: 20140034591
    Abstract: A shelf system includes a support member that accommodates an associated object for display and dispensing. The support member includes a front end and a rear end. A mounting portion is disposed adjacent the support member rear end. The mounting portion includes a first member which connects to an associated upright and a second member which is operatively connected to the support member. A pin is connected to one of the first and second members and a sleeve is connected to the other of the first and second members, wherein the sleeve selectively accommodates the pin. A fastener is provided for selectively securing the pin in the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Matthew Grubbs, Joe Walton, Robert Govia, James J. Kopco
  • Patent number: 8622227
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and a tile mounted to the support. The tile extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion and selectively slidable in relation to the first portion to change a size of the tile. A protrusion extends from the first portion. The protrusion is connected to the support to enable a movement of the tile in relation to the support thereby allowing selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The tile front face can include a cut out section or a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Paul A. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130270204
    Abstract: A base and divider assembly includes an elongated base portion and an elongated divider portion which is adapted to be selectively coupled to the base portion. The divider portion includes a plurality of spaced first connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the divider portion, and the base portion includes a plurality of spaced second connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the base portion. The first and second connection elements are adapted to cooperate so that the divided portion can be selectively mounted to the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Paul Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130213906
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and a tile mounted to the support. The tile extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion and selectively slidable in relation to the first portion to change a size of the tile. A protrusion extends from the first portion. The protrusion is connected to the support to enable a movement of the tile in relation to the support thereby allowing selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The tile front face can include a cut out section or a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Paul A. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130061500
    Abstract: A single panel label holder for a product display supports a label for display to shoppers. The single panel traps the label against an adjacent surface of a corresponding shelf. The label holder includes a member for securing the label holder to the shelf. The securing member can include a clip for selectively mounting the label holder to a return flange of a shelf. Alternatively, an adhesive portion is employed to adhere the label holder to the shelf. The securing member could include an end wall joined to a lower wall via a hinge with the end wall extending over a distal end of a return flange of the shelf. Or, the securing member could include at least one flexible fin which engages a return flange of the shelf. A rear surface of the single panel can be textured or provided with protrusions, nubs, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Paul Mueller, Gerald Szpak, William H. Walker, Shane Obitts
  • Publication number: 20130024023
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120285906
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and a tile mounted to the support. The tile extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion and selectively slidable in relation to the first portion to change a size of the tile. A protrusion extends from the first portion. The protrusion is connected to the support to enable a movement of the tile in relation to the support thereby allowing selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The tile front face can include a cut out section or a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Paul A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8260456
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120103922
    Abstract: A shelf security system in the form of a merchandising shelf having a support member for supporting at least one associated object for display and/or dispensing. The support member defines longitudinal pathway along which the associated at least one object can travel from a rear position to a front position. A moveable retainer is operatively connected to the support member. The retainer is moveable between a first position at least partially obstructing the pathway thereby restricting forward movement of the at least one associated object beyond the front position, to a second position allowing further forward movement of the at least one associated object for removal of same from the support member. The retainer extends substantially across a width of the pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Szpak, Shane Obitts, James J. Rataiczak, III
  • Publication number: 20120073174
    Abstract: A single panel label holder for a product display supports a label for display to shoppers. The single panel traps the label against an adjacent surface of a corresponding shelf. The label holder can include a clip member for securing the label holder to the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Joseph P. Kosir
  • Publication number: 20120067917
    Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for providing theft deterrence includes a housing defining an interior space adapted to hold a plurality of associated products. A vending door is mounted to the housing for selectively allowing access to the interior space. A bar is provided on which the associated products are supported, the bar extending in the interior space of the housing. An advancing assembly is disposed in the housing for urging product supported on the bar in a direction towards the vending door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Szpak
  • Publication number: 20120062380
    Abstract: A system which monitors a display of products includes a motion detection unit. The motion detection unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from a sensor concerning a portion of a plane disposed between at least one product held in a display and an individual. Further, the motion detection unit determines whether the portion of the plane is breached based on temporal deviations in the electromagnetic signal and, in response to determining a breach, generates a notification of the breach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Scott Arthur McMullen
  • Publication number: 20110127226
    Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus providing theft deterrence includes a product support defining a pathway for supporting a plurality of products in at least one column, and a dispenser mounted to an accessible portion of the product support for selectively presenting an associated lead product in the at least one column for removal from the product support. The dispenser is moveable between a first position blocking access to the product support, and a second position permitting access to the associated lead product in the at least one column while restricting access to any remaining associated products in the at least one column. The dispenser, when moved from the first position to the second position, is configured to move the associated lead product in a direction away from the product support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: James J. Rataiczak, III, Gregory M. Bird, Michael Robert Verdile
  • Publication number: 20090248198
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: D657822
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bird
  • Patent number: D677735
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bird
  • Patent number: D698623
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fasterners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Bird