Patents Assigned to Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20190295390
    Abstract: A anti-theft device with a remote alarm feature is provided. The device is configured to attach to an item of retail merchandise and detect when a predetermined motion and light condition are met which together are indicative of a potential retail theft. Upon detection, the device is configured to generate a local alarm, and send a radio frequency to a remote device to generate an alarm at the remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent O. Ewing, Chan Chor Man, Thomas O. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20190290020
    Abstract: A retail merchandise pusher with a remote alarm feature is provided. The pusher includes a housing and an adaptor. The adaptor is removably coupled to the housing and slidably coupled to a track. The pusher including a shaft rotatable about its axis in a first and second direction and a gear wheel coupled to the shaft. The rotation of the gear wheel causing a first electrical contact to engage with a second electrical contact, such that the distance that the pusher moves along the track can be measured by totaling the number of times the first electrical contact engages with the second electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent O. Ewing, Chan Chor Man, Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 10398238
    Abstract: A product dispenser defines a product dispensing path and includes a housing, a pusher, a driver, and a controller. The housing extends along the product dispensing path. The pusher is configured to translate along the product dispensing path. The driver is operably coupled to the pusher and configured to urge the pusher along the product dispensing path. The controller is in communication with the driver and operable to activate the driver to urge the pusher along the product dispensing path after a threshold period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Michael Eric Liedtke, Matthew Grubbs
  • Patent number: 10260545
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Publication number: 20190038049
    Abstract: A product-dispensing device includes a housing, an actuator, and a time delay mechanism. The actuator is supported by the housing for rotation about a first axis. The time delay mechanism is operably coupled to the actuator and includes a first gear, a second gear, a damper, and a biasing member. The first gear is fixed for rotation with the actuator. The second gear is supported by the housing for rotation about a second axis and configured to engage the first gear. The first gear is operable to rotate the second gear in a first direction about the second axis. The biasing member is operable to rotate the second gear in a second direction about the second axis. The damper is operable to control a rate of rotation of the second gear in the second direction about the second axis. The second direction is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 10172481
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 10111540
    Abstract: A product-dispensing device includes a housing, an actuator, and a time delay mechanism. The actuator is supported by the housing for rotation about a first axis. The time delay mechanism is operably coupled to the actuator and includes a first gear, a second gear, a damper, and a biasing member. The first gear is fixed for rotation with the actuator. The second gear is supported by the housing for rotation about a second axis and configured to engage the first gear. The first gear is operable to rotate the second gear in a first direction about the second axis. The biasing member is operable to rotate the second gear in a second direction about the second axis. The damper is operable to control a rate of rotation of the second gear in the second direction about the second axis. The second direction is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus Brej
  • Publication number: 20180242758
    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: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Publication number: 20180213947
    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: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 9993092
    Abstract: A shelving assembly, held on an associated support surface, includes an elongated cooperating member including a first end and an opposite second end. A front rail is adapted to operably connect to the first end of the cooperating member and a rear rail is adapted to operably connect to the second end of the cooperating member. The rear rail includes at least one flexible member configured to abut a bottom surface of the cooperating member to retard a lateral movement of the cooperating member in a relation to at least the rear rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 9955802
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Publication number: 20180064264
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a rail to a wire shelf having a plurality of support rods extending in parallel spaced-apart fashion. The fastener has a fastener body with an elongate rail engaging flange, a shelf engaging flange, and a connecting shaft portion extending between the rail engaging flange and the shelf engaging flange. The rail engaging flange is insertable through an elongate opening of an the rail in a first orientation and, upon rotation of the fastener, the rail engaging flange is configured to extend across said elongate opening thereby restricting withdrawal therefrom, while the shelf engaging flange traps a support member of the shelf thereby interlocking the associated rail to the associated shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Williams, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Publication number: 20180042402
    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: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 9848716
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Christopher E. Bremenour
  • Patent number: 9788667
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a rail to a wire shelf having a plurality of support rods extending in parallel spaced-apart fashion. The fastener has a fastener body with an elongate rail engaging flange, a shelf engaging flange, and a connecting shaft portion extending between the rail engaging flange and the shelf engaging flange. The rail engaging flange is insertable through an elongate opening of an the rail in a first orientation and, upon rotation of the fastener, the rail engaging flange is configured to extend across said elongate opening thereby restricting withdrawal therefrom, while the shelf engaging flange traps a support member of the shelf thereby interlocking the associated rail to the associated shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Williams, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Patent number: 9770121
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 9713396
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gerald Matthew Szpak
  • Patent number: D787603
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Watson, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: D787604
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Watson, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: D788227
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Watson, William H. Walker