Patents by Inventor Shane Obitts

Shane Obitts has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10933523
    Abstract: An apparatus which enables a person to comfortable work on the engine of a vehicle includes base, spine, post, knee pad, and chest pad components. The spine component is pivotally connected to the base component. A brace prevents the pivoting movement but is removably connected between the spine and the base to allow pivoting when desired. The spine component carries the tube component at a selected height, and the tube component carries the knee pad component at a selected position. The tube component carries the chest pad component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: WHITESIDE MFG. CO.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Kirt E. Whiteside, Robert E. Studer, Keith R. Studer
  • Publication number: 20210037991
    Abstract: A product pusher assembly includes a rail, a divider, and a pusher. The rail extends in a first direction and includes a first engagement mechanism. The divider extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is coupled to the rail for translation in the first direction and the second direction. The divider includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a second engagement mechanism disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The second engagement mechanism is configured to selectively engage the first engagement mechanism during translation in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Ewing, Michael Eric Liedtke, Shane Obitts, James Bacnik, William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20200187675
    Abstract: A shelving system is provided. The shelving system includes an upper rail, and optionally a lower rail, from which one or more upright supports extend. The upright supports are slidable within the upper and lower rails so that a user may vary their location. A shelf mounts to the upright supports. The shelf includes interlocking deck panels and selectively removable support bars so that it may be assembled onto the upright supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Billy Mertz, Matt Grubbs
  • Publication number: 20200170420
    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: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • Patent number: 10588426
    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: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Thaddeus Brej
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 9959696
    Abstract: A dispenser which deters theft of packaged items includes an ejector. The ejector is resiliently biased to an extended position, and is selectively retracted to a retracted position. When so retracted, it can be released so that it can translate a static package into a dynamic state as quickly as possible to minimize the effect of drag and friction between the package being ejected and the package immediately behind it in a column of packages, as well as between the package and the portions of the housing which are initially contacted by the package. The first package is ejected in a short impulse so as to minimize a transfer of kinetic energy to a second package, thus minimizing the effect of static inertia of the second package on the first package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Fastners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Thaddeus Brej, Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20170265652
    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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Michael Eric Liedtke, Matthew Grubbs
  • 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: 9538860
    Abstract: A merchandising system can include an elongated mounting member selectively securable to an associated shelf and a cooperating member received on the mounting member. The cooperating member can extend rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member can include an elongated body having a front end, and a rear end. The elongated body can include a base portion and a divider portion protruding from the base portion. A latch can be movably mounted to the cooperating member. The latch selectively engages the elongated mounting member to retard a sliding motion of the cooperating member on the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Brej, Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird
  • Patent number: 9468309
    Abstract: A trackless pusher system for a shelf defining a top surface includes a pusher having a base that is supported by the shelf top surface. A coiled spring includes a first end that is mounted to the shelf and a second end which is supported on the pusher base. A divider is mounted to the shelf, wherein the divider includes a base wall which is spaced from the shelf top surface so as to define a slot therebetween. An adjustable protrusion is mounted to the pusher for lateral extension in relation to the base of the pusher, wherein the arm extends into the slot and rides in the slot as the pusher moves forwardly and rearwardly on the shelf such that the pusher body is stabilized by the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Grubbs, Shane Obitts
  • Patent number: D832459
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Whiteside Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Kirt E. Whiteside, Shane Obitts, Robert E. Studer, Keith R. Studer, Chad E. Mays