Including Follower Patents (Class 211/59.3)
  • Patent number: 8561818
    Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Joseph F. Kologe
  • Patent number: 8561817
    Abstract: A pusher system, for merchandising products, such as plates. The pusher system 2 has a tray 6. The tray 6 has a floor 10. A pair of wings are affixed to both sides of the floor, to hold products centered on the tray. A pusher 40 is slidably mounted on the floor. A spring biases the pusher customerward, thereby propelling the products customerward to barrier, which holds the products, which are forced against the barrier by the pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: POP Displays USA LLC
    Inventor: Michael Christopher Allen
  • 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: 20130270205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a facing arrangement which enables objects such as stock in a supermarket to be displayed effectively and clearly and positioned when required when stock is removed by customers. In one aspect there is a kit for aligning and drawing one or more objects across a support surface. The kit comprises a container for drawing the objects across the support surface, the container defining a zone for aligning objects, the zone defined between an opposing pair of side walls and an opposing pair of end walls. There is also an end element arranged to be secured adjacent an edge of the support surface and a spacer element configured to maintain a product spaced apart from the end element, the spacer element configured to provide a zone to accommodate an end wall of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: BIG SKIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Conway Daw
  • Patent number: 8550293
    Abstract: A replacement shelf for displaying, storing, and vending flat pack gum and candy replaces an existing shelf which was dedicated solely to vending old style five stick gum and roll candy. The replacement shelf includes a plurality of parallel product guides each of which includes a planar bottom surface and a pair of parallel spaced apart product support rails which cooperate to support product to be stored, displayed and vended in a position above the planar bottom surface of the product guides and in a position which ensures that the product is directed to fall downwardly from the product guide into a delivery bin in the vending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Vendors Exchange International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent D. Garson, Barry P. May, Roger J. May, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8550262
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along at least a portion of a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher surface for pushing the product. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher surface and extend across a portion of the shelf. In use, the product may be placed on the coiled spring. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, as well as with gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130240467
    Abstract: A display rack comprises a display rack comprises a base adapted to be mounted to a wall, wherein the base defines an elongate slot having a retracted end, an extended end opposite the retracted end, a first groove and a second groove, wherein the first groove is positioned between the retracted position and the second groove, and a tray having a fin movable with respect to the slot as the tray slides along the base between a refracted position wherein the fin is generally adjacent the retracted end and remote from the first groove, and an extended position wherein the fin is at the second groove of the elongate slot. The fin preferably extends perpendicular to the elongate slot and the tray is movable to an initial position where the fin is positioned in the first groove. The fin is preferably provided with a first flange with a first width and a second flange with a second width narrower than the first width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: James M. Ciesick
  • 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: 20130206713
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130200019
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130193095
    Abstract: A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray includes an anti-sweeping security structure mounted to the base structure. The anti-sweeping security structure extends along a portion or the entirety of the merchandise channel and is adjustable in at least one of vertical and horizontal and is fixed rotationally over the merchandise channel. The merchandise pusher tray with the anti-sweeping structure includes a locking member pivotally attached to the reinforcement bar for securing the tray to the retail merchandise bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20130193096
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8496126
    Abstract: A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a channel and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the channel. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. The paddle includes a foot which is slidably engaged in the channel and extends forwardly of the front face. A biasing element urges the paddle toward the track front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump
  • Patent number: 8485391
    Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk A. Vlastakis, Roger K. Miller, Thomas A. Lockwood
  • Publication number: 20130161275
    Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Trion Industries, Inc., John S. Thalenfeld
  • Patent number: 8469205
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130140254
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8453850
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of an exemplary embodiment includes a pusher surface and a pusher floor that extends forward of the pusher surface. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher mechanism and extend across a divider and to the front of the shelf In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the pusher floor. With this configuration, the pusher surface is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. In an alternative aspect, the end of the coiled spring may be mounted to a retainer, or alternatively, may be mounted to a divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8453851
    Abstract: A display rack comprises a display rack comprises a base adapted to be mounted to a wall, wherein the base defines an elongate slot having a retracted end, an extended end opposite the retracted end, a first groove and a second groove, wherein the first groove is positioned between the retracted position and the second groove, and a tray having a fin movable with respect to the slot as the tray slides along the base between a retracted position wherein the fin is generally adjacent the retracted end and remote from the first groove, and an extended position wherein the fin is at the second groove of the elongate slot. The fin preferably extends perpendicular to the elongate slot and the tray is movable to an initial position where the fin is positioned in the first groove. The fin is preferably provided with a first flange with a first width and a second flange with a second width narrower than the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: James M. Ciesick
  • Patent number: 8448792
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container housing a plurality of products within the internal volume, and a push member extending through the opening, the push member being biased into engagement with the products in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: John Gelardi, Ryan Bailey
  • Patent number: 8443988
    Abstract: An alarm sounding retail display system is provided. The alarm sounding retail display system is operable to provide an audible tone upon the movement of retail merchandise carried within the retail display system. The audible provides an indication of enhanced security and can alert store employees in proximity to the retail display system that merchandise has been added to or removed from the retail display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Joerg Niederhuefner
  • Publication number: 20130112634
    Abstract: A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher mounted to and movable in a second direction relative to the base structure. A locking arm is provided for locking the pusher in a locked position and automatically unlocking the pusher from the locked position upon the exertion of an actuation force against the locking arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SOUTHERN IMPERIAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 8413823
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130068708
    Abstract: A display apparatus for articles having substantially the same size comprises an inclined structure supporting the articles for sliding forward and rearward movement thereon. A first stop structure prevents forward movement of the articles beyond a first stop point. A second stop structure moves between first and second positions in which it, respectively, stops articles at a second stop point rearward of the first stop point, and permits articles to move forward past the second stop point. The second stop structure is biased so as to move toward the first position, and it moves to the second position when an article is at the first stop point, which allows a rearward article to slide forward past the second stop point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GAMON PLUS, INC.
    Inventors: Terry J. Johnson, Travis Ogden Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130062295
    Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a base and divider assembly, wherein the base and divider assembly includes a base portion adapted for operative coupling to a front rail and a divider portion for dividing displayed merchandise into rows, wherein the divider portion protrudes from the base portion. A pusher track is defined on one of the base portion and the divider portion and accommodates a spring urged pusher. A flange protrudes away from the divider such that the flange extends in a direction away from the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventor: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130037500
    Abstract: A dispenser for containers is disclosed, consisting of a rail, a front retainer and a pusher coil secured within a pusher. The rail serves to suspend the containers held by their lip, while the pusher, secured within the rail, continuously pushes forward onto the containers. Meanwhile, the front retainer comprises of two abutment protrusions which serve as a barrier to prevent the containers from going too far forward. An individual wishing to remove a container simply has to pull forward on the container such that it makes its way past the barrier created by the abutment protrusions of the front retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: MINUS FORTY HOLDINGS CORP.
    Inventors: Julian Attree, Marinko Tepic
  • Publication number: 20130031815
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes at least one tray having a front rounded portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. A lip may extend upward from the front rounded portion of the at least one tray. A front shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include one divider extending upwardly from each of the two sides and a front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, bottom wall, and two side legs may form a wall aperture and the front wall may include a plurality of projections configured to engage with the plurality of apertures on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130026117
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8360253
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity to urge product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8342340
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member selectively securable to an associated shelf. A cooperating member is received on the mounting member, wherein the cooperating member extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member includes an elongated body. An engaging element is mounted to the elongated body and is movable in relation thereto. The engaging element selectively contacts the mounting member in order to selectively secure the cooperating member to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rataiczak, III, Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump, Raymond J. Fritz, Richard Alan Williams, Wallace D. Tiller, Jr., Daniel Edward Kustra
  • Patent number: 8328027
    Abstract: A self contained retail pusher is provided. The self contained retail pusher is situated on a retail structure in a typical retail environment. The self contained retail pusher may be quickly incorporated into permanent or temporary retail structures such as retail shelves having existing adjacent dividers and a front fence without having to completely disassemble the shelf, dividers, and front fence. The self contained retail pusher also optimizes retail structure space usage by allowing the user to selectively incorporate a single self contained retail pusher or a plurality thereof in a retail structure. Due to its modularity and ability to mount separately and independently from an existing shelving divider system, the self contained retail pusher may be supplied as a stand alone unit, and without a new divider system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 8322544
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of an exemplary embodiment includes a pusher surface and a pusher floor that extends forward of the pusher surface. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher mechanism and extend across a divider and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the pusher floor. With this configuration, the pusher surface is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. In an alternative aspect, the end of the coiled spring may be mounted to a retainer, to a divider or, alternatively, directly to the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8317038
    Abstract: A modular apparatus displays and dispenses merchandise at first and second dispensing locations placed at plural dispensing tiers at a point-of-purchase adjacent a display shelf. A first pusher-track assembly extends along a first path of travel of first serially arranged packages, and dividers are spaced apart to straddle the first path of travel and the first serially arranged packages. A second pusher-track assembly is secured to each of the dividers, elevated altitudinally above the first pusher-track assembly, and extends along a second path of travel of second serially arranged packages. A securing arrangement integrates the second pusher-track assembly with the dividers within the apparatus, and a stabilizing arrangement stabilizes the dividers against inadvertent movements relative to the display shelf to complete a stable apparatus. Multiple dividers and counterpart pusher-track assemblies enable the modular apparatus to provide any selected number of display and dispensing bays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Henschel-Steinau, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Luberto, Anthony V. Sainato
  • Patent number: 8312999
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. In an alternative aspect, a mounting member may be used to mount the end of the coiled spring to the floor of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120279934
    Abstract: A product biasing system including an elongated rail having a front end and a rear end, a moveable member slidably engaged with the rail, and a biasing element operatively connected to the moveable member to bias the moveable member toward the front end of the rail, the biasing element being marked with indicia indicative of the longitudinal displacement of the moveable member relative to the front end of the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Patent number: 8302784
    Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Joseph F. Kologe
  • Patent number: 8302783
    Abstract: A dispensing display assembly is provided which can deter the theft of goods without prohibitively restricting the access to goods. The display is made from corrugated paper or a thin walled plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Scott Harris, Charles Jennings
  • Publication number: 20120273434
    Abstract: A pusher hook is provided. The pusher hook has a track and a pusher that is slidable thereon. The pusher biases retail merchandise situated on a merchandise hook forward towards a front stop. The pusher hook further includes a security frame that reduces or restricts entirely the ability to remove the merchandise laterally from the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHERN IMPERIAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joerg Niederhuefner, Todd C. Westberg, Stanley C. Valiulis, Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Publication number: 20120273442
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: RTC
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8292097
    Abstract: A display for displaying a plurality of rings with a display having a number of pockets in each of which a ring can be nested. Each pocket has an aperture in the bottom with a tether extending through the aperture for attachment to a ring with the other end being attached to a retractor secured to the display. The tether permits a person to examine the ring but not to remove it from the display. The retractor is preferably a spring loaded reel. Each pocket has a ramp on each side placed diagonally across for each other with a ramp stop for turning the ring into alignment with the pocket as the retractor pulls the ring into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Lamar Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20120255922
    Abstract: The system of the present application includes a display tray assembly having base and center tray sections that are configured to form a gap that receives a side tray section on either side. The side tray sections are configured such that they may move laterally with respect to the base and center tray section in order to adjust the width of the entire display tray assembly to accommodate any size product in a retail environment. In lieu of side tray sections, the display tray assembly may include union tray sections that may engage two separate base and center tray section assemblies in order to create a continuous display tray assembly with adjustable widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: PROCESS RETAIL GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: M. Scott Bryson, Terry Berglund, Dowie Soetenga
  • Patent number: 8276766
    Abstract: An adjustable depth merchandising apparatus includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. An adjustable divider system is selectively connected to the mounting member. The divider system includes a first divider portion and a second divider portion. Each portion contains connecting elements, which selectively engage each other to operatively connect the first divider portion to the second divider portion, thereby enabling the divider system to be employed on associated shelves of varying depths. A trackless pusher system is selectively received on the mounting member. The pusher system includes a mounting clip engaging the mounting member, a coil spring connected to the mounting clip and a pusher body slidably mounted in relation to the mounting member, wherein the coil spring is supported by the pusher body and connects the pusher body to the mounting clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rataiczak, III, Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump
  • Publication number: 20120234779
    Abstract: A product display tray configured for use on a shelf is disclosed. The product display tray includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left side, a right side, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting items. The side wall is selectively positionable a distance from a side of the base and is substantially parallel to the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Raymond M. Schneider, Richard Jay, Eleanor Lovinsky
  • Patent number: 8267258
    Abstract: A tray assembly may include a tray having at least a first track and a second track. The first track and the second track may each include one or more indents and one or more ratchets. Each ratchet may include a plurality of projections, and each projection may be located a distance from each adjacent projection. A tray assembly may include a guide assembly having a first latch coupled to a second latch. The first latch may include a plurality of first teeth configured to engage the first track, and the second latch may include a plurality of second teeth configured to engage the second track. The tray assembly may include a compression element configured to lock and unlock the guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Allwright, David Neil Petley, Richard Thomas Calhoun Bridges
  • Publication number: 20120228242
    Abstract: A secure product dispensing apparatus and methods for securely storing and/or dispensing one or more retail items. The apparatus and methods have a front panel that is openable and closable and a linked blocker panel for blocking a rear portion of the apparatus when the front panel is located in an open position. A lever actuator manually activatable lifts a retail item from the rear portion to a front portion of the apparatus over a blocker ramp. A single retail item is removable from the apparatus while the front panel is located in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MARKETING IMPACT LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Vogler, Joel Pollock
  • Publication number: 20120211450
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a product display tray of the type having a base formed of longitudinal wires and having a product pusher slideable on the wires and urged forwardly by a spring to maintain products at the front of the tray as items are removed by customers. A locking member is positioned to slide on the wires and is pushed forwardly by the spring. The locking member has angled edges which engage the wires when the element is tilted. When the pusher is moved toward the rear of the tray, the geometry of the pusher causes it to tilt the locking member such that its angled edges lock onto the wires, preventing the spring from moving the pusher forward during loading of the tray. Pressing rearward at the top of the pusher reorients the locking member and frees the pusher to be moved forward by the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph F. Kologe
  • Patent number: 8235227
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base, a locking assembly, and an electronic control unit the triggers the locking assembly, locking the door from opening and stopping the pusher from moving product forward to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8235226
    Abstract: Apparatuses for the efficient and safe organization of product on shelves. The backstop assemblies are capable of being utilized in a wide variety of shelving units. Because the backstop puller engages the front of the backstop, the backstop assemblies are able to be employed in shelves of various depths and allow for the customer to draw product toward the front of the shelving unit efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Crawbuck, James R. Burchell, Edward J. Moss, John C. Burchell
  • Patent number: 8210367
    Abstract: A display tray with a push-forward means for the display of product items in a back to front column, with the forwardmost item of the column being at all times urged tot the front of the tray. A special mounting arrangement is provided for the tray in which product side guides, preferably width adjustable, also serve to mount the trays on a rectangular bar positioned horizontally at the back of a display gondola or the like, enabling a plurality of such trays to be mounted side by side and movable laterally for desired spacing and appearance. To particular advantage, the side guides are formed of a rigid sheet material, typically sheet metal, provided at front and back portions with transverse mounting rods engageable with base members of the tray to accommodate lateral adjustment of the side guides relative to the central portions of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Joseph F. Kologe