Patents Assigned to RTC Industries, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20050269279
    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: May 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Patent number: 6964235
    Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly (500) combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider (504). The T assembly may have a wide-base portion (518), which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion (520) on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher (700) 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 (600) 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: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20050189309
    Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers is described. In an embodiment, the system includes a generally flat panel which supports products in a retail setting. A motion providing device is adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device 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. During the slow movement of the panel, friction between the products and the panel maintains the contact between the products and the panel such that the products generally move with the panel. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher. A barrier can be incorporated into the system to prevent the products from falling off the front of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 6932226
    Abstract: An attachment device for attachment to a shelf rail having a slot and an upper cavity. The attachment device includes an upper shelf rail insert for insertion into the slot, and a lower shelf rail insert for insertion into the slot beneath the upper shelf rail insert. The upper shelf rail insert has an upper lip for insertion into the upper cavity of the shelf rail. The present invention also provides a shelf display system having a shelf rail and a shelf rail clip. The shelf rail may have a female dovetail or semi-dovetail configuration. The shelf rail clip includes upper and lower shelf rail inserts that may have a male dovetail or semi-dovetail configuration for coupling the shelf rail clip to the shelf rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Neal Hardy
  • Publication number: 20050166806
    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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20050168345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for tracking product on a shelf. In an embodiment, an indicia strip is placed on a self coiling sheet, and a sensor is configured to read the indicia strip. The data on the indicia strip corresponds to the location of a pusher assembly. In an embodiment, a store computer can use the data regarding the location of the pusher assembly to determine the amount of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, the store computer can automatically order additional inventory based on the levels of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, a deviation from normal customer purchasing habits can be used to prompt security measures so as to reduce the possibility of product theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Swafford, Michael Lembke
  • Publication number: 20050161420
    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: February 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Publication number: 20050056602
    Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in stores. Numerous products in a store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The pusher includes ends that may be independently biased. The pusher system also includes removable dividers that separate product channels and also limit the amount of product that may be removed at a time from the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Publication number: 20050000924
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Webb
  • Patent number: 6824009
    Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in retail stores. Numerous products in a retail store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The width of the pusher corresponds generally to the width of the narrowest product to be pushed. A removable divider extends vertically between each pusher. When pushing products that are multiples of the width of the narrowest product, dividers may be removed to create a larger pushing surface. Removing a divider locks two adjacent pushers together thereby causing the two pushers to push in unison and prevents product from slipping between the adjacent pushers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Neal Hardy
  • Publication number: 20040200793
    Abstract: An attachment device for attachment to a shelf rail having a slot and an upper cavity. The attachment device includes an upper shelf rail insert for insertion into the slot, and a lower shelf rail insert for insertion into the slot beneath the upper shelf rail insert. The upper shelf rail insert has an upper lip for insertion into the upper cavity of the shelf rail. The present invention also provides a shelf display system having a shelf rail and a shelf rail clip. The shelf rail may have a female dovetail or semi-dovetail configuration. The shelf rail clip includes upper and lower shelf rail inserts that may have a male dovetail or semi-dovetail configuration for coupling the shelf rail clip to the shelf rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Neal Hardy
  • Publication number: 20040178103
    Abstract: A merchandise display stand for displaying a plurality of products in a vertical arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Daniel Spencer Dey
  • Patent number: 6783012
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Publication number: 20030196972
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Patent number: 6607083
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Publication number: 20030094462
    Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in retail stores. Numerous products in a retail store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The width of the pusher corresponds generally to the width of the narrowest product to be pushed. A removable divider extends vertically between each pusher. When pushing products that are multiples of the width of the narrowest product, dividers may be removed to create a larger pushing surface. Removing a divider locks two adjacent pushers together thereby causing the two pushers to push in unison and prevents product from slipping between the adjacent pushers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Neal Hardy
  • Patent number: 6405880
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Patent number: 6305559
    Abstract: A shelf organizer including an elongated rail member defining a channel section. The rail member includes inwardly extending legs to which are attached longitudinally extending rubber beads. A connector forming part of a shelf divider is disposed in the channel section and when the divider is located in a vertical position it will be retained in position by the beads. The divider can be readily twisted out of engagement with the beads and quickly moved to a different location with minimal effort to vary the widths of the bind whenever desired. A single bead secured to the upper or lower legs may be used in place of two beads. Also the mounting flange may include an integral portion forming a ledge that engages the bead to help retain the divider in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: RTC Industries, INC
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6290074
    Abstract: A storage and display rack for supporting and displaying large substantially cylindrical objects, such as five gallon plastic water bottles. The storage and display rack is fabricated from one or more shelves, supported by a plurality of tubular legs. Where the storage and display rack includes more than one shelf, a plurality of tubular legs is employed to vertically separate and support successive levels of shelves. Each shelf is provided with one or more inclined slots for receiving a bottle. Each slot is provided with a back wall, having an inner resiliently support back wall member, and a plurality of ribs for raising the bottle above the bottom web of the slot. The resiliently supported back wall member is fabricated for resistance to fatigue failure. The ribs are provided to permit insertion and removal of the bottle(s) with reduced friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Syvuk, Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: D431427
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Syvuk, Stephen Hardy