Patents Assigned to RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20080290056
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inventory system with stackable trays that permits access to individual trays. The inventory system comprises an upright pole having a top and bottom, a support attached to the bottom of the pole, and at least two stackable trays, each tray having a fastening device to engage a back of the tray to the pole, wherein when a tray is moved away from the pole, the fastening device disengages the pole, and when a tray is pushed toward the pole, the fastening device can engage the pole. Also disclosed is a stackable tray. Also disclosed is method for removing a lower stacked tray from underneath a higher stacked tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 7451881
    Abstract: A modular shelving system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a box shelf is provided that may be supported by vertical rails of a shelf upright. The box shelf may be supported by shelf supports that engage the vertical rails. The box shelf may include a slideable shelf mounted on a rail and held in position by a biased hinge plate. The slideable shelf may include a divider to separate the shelf into one or more regions and to interfere with the rapid removal of products from the shelf. The box shelf may further include a door that in an embodiment may be required to be opened before products can be removed from slideable shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max E. Syvuk, John W. Swafford, Jr., David J. Henke
  • Patent number: 7404494
    Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers includes a generally flat panel which supports products and a motion providing device adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device may include a motor-driven cam that moves the panel quickly in one direction and then slowly in the opposite direction. During the quick movement of the panel, the friction between the panel and the products resting on the panel is released and the panel generally moves under the products while the products remain generally stationary. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 7389886
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. The system includes shelves, product dividers and front retaining walls of a height and position to inhibit access to displayed products. Individual taller retaining tabs may be added in front of taller product to inhibit access. Rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls to further restrict access. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. An alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and to provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product or to a potential theft situation. The alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max E. Syvuk, John W. Swafford
  • Publication number: 20080135507
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Publication number: 20080129161
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a merchandising system and method that permits access from the front of a column of shelves and along a side of the column of shelves, the shelves in each column extending from the front of the merchandizing system to a back area of the merchandising system. Each shelf can be of any suitable design for supporting products or items. The merchandising system can have at least one flippable column comprising at least one shelf suitable for supporting a single row of items. Various front item stops are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Menz, James McKay Duncan, Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20080061015
    Abstract: A low profile shelf system that improves the merchandising of product by creating more spacing between shelves to accommodate larger product includes low profile shelf supports. Each low-profile shelf support may define a back portion and a front portion. The back portion may include a fastening plate attached thereto, each fastening plate having a hook formation that can be inserted into a slotted upright. The back portion of the shelf support may be at least 75% vertically longer than the front portion, resulting in the front portion having a significantly lower profile than the back portion of the shelf support, thereby creating more spacing between shelves to accommodate larger product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford, David Henke
  • Patent number: 7299934
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Publication number: 20070251900
    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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20070158281
    Abstract: A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20070095767
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an extension is configured to be mounted in an upwardly facing socket provided in a gondola upright. The extension may include a shoulder for interfacing the upwardly facing socket. In an embodiment, the extension may be mounted on a shelf surface with the aid of an adaptor bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Henke, Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20070095772
    Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider. The T assembly may have a wide-base portion, which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. Additional supporting bases, any of which may include spring-urged-pusher tracks and/or a spring-urged pusher, may be used under a wide product. Left and right side finisher components may be paired with T assemblies near the sides of a merchandise-display shelf. The T assembly, base, and/or end finishers may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement and/or a non-slidable engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20070090068
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20070080166
    Abstract: A system for dispensing cylindrical containers is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing with an upper opening and a lower opening includes a track that connects the upper and lower openings. A drawer is mounted in the lower opening so that containers placed in the upper opening may travel along the track until they reach the drawer. In an embodiment opening the drawer allows a single container to be removed. A plurality of tracks connecting a plurality of upper and lower openings may be provided so that different types of containers may be dispensed. In an embodiment the drawer may be lockable and a cover that may include a lock may be mounted to the housing so as to cover the upper opening. In an embodiment, a sensor may be included to detect the opening of the drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alton Alford, Guillermo Bangit, Lance Mastalka, Randall Singer, John Ward, Jeff Fridrich
  • Patent number: 7152536
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both wide and narrow product includes a unique pusher mechanism having an extendable pusher face. The pusher mechanism is mounted to a track on a base that is, in turn, mounted to a store shelf. The pusher face is transversely extendable relative the track and is extendable from a retracted position to one of several extended positions. The extended pusher face locates the product pushing surface behind the approximate center of the wider product, thereby greatly enhancing the pushing leverage on the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Neal Hardy
  • Patent number: 7150365
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Publication number: 20060240398
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. The system includes shelves, product dividers and front retaining walls of a height and position to inhibit access to displayed products. Individual taller retaining tabs may be added in front of taller product to inhibit access. Rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls to further restrict access. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. An alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and to provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product or to a potential theft situation. The alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Publication number: 20060226095
    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, 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 7093546
    Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider. The T assembly may have a wide-base portion, which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. Additional supporting bases, any of which may include spring-urged-pusher tracks and/or a spring-urged pusher, may be used under a wide product. Left and right side finisher components may be paired with T assemblies near the sides of a merchandise-display shelf. The T assembly, base, and/or end finishers may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement and/or a non-slidable engagement, such as mating teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20060021957
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy