Patents by Inventor Shane Obitts

Shane Obitts 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: 9538860
    Abstract: A merchandising system can include an elongated mounting member selectively securable to an associated shelf and a cooperating member received on the mounting member. The cooperating member can extend rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member can include an elongated body having a front end, and a rear end. The elongated body can include a base portion and a divider portion protruding from the base portion. A latch can be movably mounted to the cooperating member. The latch selectively engages the elongated mounting member to retard a sliding motion of the cooperating member on the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Brej, Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird
  • Patent number: 9468309
    Abstract: A trackless pusher system for a shelf defining a top surface includes a pusher having a base that is supported by the shelf top surface. A coiled spring includes a first end that is mounted to the shelf and a second end which is supported on the pusher base. A divider is mounted to the shelf, wherein the divider includes a base wall which is spaced from the shelf top surface so as to define a slot therebetween. An adjustable protrusion is mounted to the pusher for lateral extension in relation to the base of the pusher, wherein the arm extends into the slot and rides in the slot as the pusher moves forwardly and rearwardly on the shelf such that the pusher body is stabilized by the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Grubbs, Shane Obitts
  • Publication number: 20160296039
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a first cooperating member having a first engagement structure for engaging the mounting member in order to restrict movement of the first cooperating member relative to the mounting member in at least one direction. A second cooperating member includes a second engagement structure for engaging the mounting member to restrict movement of the second cooperating member relative to the mounting member in at least one direction. A third engagement structure is provided for selectively connecting the first cooperating member to the second cooperating member. The first cooperating member and the second cooperating member are selectively independently mountable to the mounting member and are selectively attachable to each other and mountable as a combined structure to the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Publication number: 20160296038
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member having a wall with at least one tooth and a cooperating member having a front end receivable on the mounting member. The cooperating member can include a slot defined in the front end. A lock is received in the slot. The lock includes at least one tooth located at a first end and a resilient member located at a second end. The lock can selectively engage the mounting member so as to retard or permit a lateral movement of the cooperating member in relation to the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 9451836
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Matthew Grubbs, Robert Govia, James J. Kopco
  • Patent number: 9433305
    Abstract: A retainer assembly for an associated merchandising structure includes a planar divider mounted to the associated merchandising structure with the divider including a first side, a second side, a front end and a rear end. A first retainer is pivotally mounted to a first side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. A second retainer is pivotally mounted to the second side of the divider adjacent the front end thereof. The first and second retainers are biased into an orientation normal to the plane of the divider. Each of the first and second retainers is adapted to pivot omnidirectionally in relation to the plane of the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Shane Obitts, Michael Eric Liedtke, Matthew Grubbs
  • Patent number: 9427095
    Abstract: An anti-tip guide for a merchandising shelf including an associated support member for supporting at least one associated object for display and/or dispensing, and a pair of associated dividers mounted to the support member and spaced from each other. The pair of spaced dividers define between them a longitudinal pathway along which the associated at least one object can travel from a rear position to a front position on the associated support member. The anti-tip guide includes a first section mounted to one of the pair of associated dividers and extending along a plane of the one of the pair of associated dividers. A second section of the anti-tip guide protrudes away from the first section. A third section extends from the second section. At least one of the second and third sections includes a material which is more resilient than is a material of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Shane Obitts, Michael Eric Liedtke
  • Publication number: 20160242574
    Abstract: A merchandising assembly includes a latch configured to attach a cooperating member to a rail supported on an associated shelf. The rail is adapted to be mounted to the associated shelf and the elongated cooperating member is configured to engage the rail. The latch includes a first end and an opposite second end, such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the cooperating member and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The latch includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being spaced from the second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Patent number: 9357841
    Abstract: A latch or connector assembly that is adapted to attach a track to a rail along a platform of a merchandising shelf assembly. The connector assembly includes an adapter having a first end and an opposite second end such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the track and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The adapter includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is spaced from a second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail. A press surface is configured to be pressed by a user to bias the first arm relative to the second arm to selectively connect the attachment member to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Patent number: 9357856
    Abstract: A latching system for a gravity fed merchandising apparatus includes a shelf slidably mounted between a first and a second side bracket, the shelf being adapted to move between a vending position and a stocking position. A first latch member is operably mounted to one of the shelf and the first side bracket and a second latch member is operably mounted to one of the shelf and the second side bracket. The first and second latch members are located adjacent opposed side edges of the shelf. Each of the first and second latch members is resiliently biased to an extended position. An actuating device is provided for moving the first and second latch members to a respective retracted position allowing the shelf to slide from the vending position to the stocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Matthew Grubbs
  • Patent number: 9339928
    Abstract: A creeper (10) includes a frame (11) having spaced side rails (12) and cross rails (13) extending between the side rails (12). A pad (28) is carried by the cross rails (13) and is spaced from each side rail (12). Each side rail (12) has end portions (14, 15) which carry a caster assembly (17), and the cross rails (13) are positioned closer to each other than the caster assemblies (17) are from each other. Each side rail (12) also includes a raised portion (26) which is higher than the end portions (14, 15) when the caster assemblies (17) are on a surface, and a lower portion (23) which is lower than the end portions (14, 15) when the caster assemblies are on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Whiteside Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Kirt E. Whiteside
  • Publication number: 20160088935
    Abstract: A merchandising system can include an elongated mounting member selectively securable to an associated shelf and a cooperating member received on the mounting member. The cooperating member can extend rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member can include an elongated body having a front end, and a rear end. The elongated body can include a base portion and a divider portion protruding from the base portion. A latch can be movably mounted to the cooperating member. The latch selectively engages the elongated mounting member to retard a sliding motion of the cooperating member on the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Brej, Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird
  • Publication number: 20160029794
    Abstract: A connector assembly which is adapted to selectively attach a cooperating member to a rail of a merchandising shelf includes a U-shaped lip including a first end and an opposite second end such that the first end is adapted to be selectively attached to the cooperating member and the second end is adapted to be selectively attached to the rail. The clip includes a first arm, a second arm and a bridge portion joining the two arms. The clip includes a resilient material and wherein the first arm is spaced from the second arm such that the first arm is movable in relation to the second arm. A protrusion extends in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane of the first arm. The protrusion includes a section configured to selectively cooperate with an engagement portion of the rail. The first engagement portion of the rail includes a layer of a flexible thermoplastic material having a Shore A hardness of less than 75.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Publication number: 20150371482
    Abstract: A dispenser which deters theft of packaged items includes an ejector. The ejector is resiliently biased to an extended position, and is selectively retracted to a retracted position. When so retracted, it can be released so that it can translate a static package into a dynamic state as quickly as possible to minimize the effect of drag and friction between the package being ejected and the package immediately behind it in a column of packages, as well as between the package and the portions of the housing which are initially contacted by the package. The first package is ejected in a short impulse so as to minimize a transfer of kinetic energy to a second package, thus minimizing the effect of static inertia of the second package on the first package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Thaddeus Brej, Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird
  • Publication number: 20150096997
    Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Christopher E. Bremenour
  • Publication number: 20150096998
    Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Patent number: 8970369
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Scott Arthur McMullen
  • Publication number: 20150041418
    Abstract: A trackless pusher system for a shelf defining a top surface includes a pusher having a base that is supported by the shelf top surface. A coiled spring includes a first end that is mounted to the shelf and a second end which is supported on the pusher base. A divider is mounted to the shelf, wherein the divider includes a base wall which is spaced from the shelf top surface so as to define a slot therebetween. An adjustable protrusion is mounted to the pusher for lateral extension in relation to the base of the pusher, wherein the arm extends into the slot and rides in the slot as the pusher moves forwardly and rearwardly on the shelf such that the pusher body is stabilized by the divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Grubbs, Shane Obitts
  • Publication number: 20140305895
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a latch or connector assembly that is adapted to attach a track to a rail along a platform of a merchandising shelf assembly. The connector assembly includes an adapter having a first end and an opposite second end such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the track and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The adapter includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is spaced from a second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail. A press surface is configured to be pressed by a user to bias the first arm relative to the second arm to selectively connect the attachment member to the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Publication number: 20140299559
    Abstract: An anti-tip guide for a merchandising shelf including an associated support member for supporting at least one associated object for display and/or dispensing, and a pair of associated dividers mounted to the support member and spaced from each other. The pair of spaced dividers define between them a longitudinal pathway along which the associated at least one object can travel from a rear position to a front position on the associated support member. The anti-tip guide includes a first section mounted to one of the pair of associated dividers and extending along a plane of the one of the pair of associated dividers. A second section of the anti-tip guide protrudes away from the first section. A third section extends from the second section. At least one of the second and third sections includes a material which is more resilient than is a material of the first section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Shane Obitts, Michael Eric Liedtke