Shelf Patents (Class 211/119.003)
  • Patent number: 11585594
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes: a cabinet having a storage space; a door including a door unit to open or close the storage space and a drawer unit to provide a receiving space; a driving device disposed at the door unit and configured to provide power; and an elevation device disposed at the drawer unit, connected with the driving device, and configured to move up or down, in which the driving device includes: a motor assembly including a driving motor, a screw rotated by power from the driving motor and extending in an up-down direction, and a movable unit to move up and down along the screw; and a pair of lever units connected to the movable unit at both sides of the motor assembly, and each of the pair of lever units includes: a first lever connected to the movable unit; and a second lever connected with the first lever and connected with the elevation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sunghun Lee, Jinho Chang, Seungyoon Cho
  • Patent number: 11529903
    Abstract: A transportation vessel includes a sidewall having a vertically oriented track on an interior side of the sidewall. The track extends upwardly to a top of the sidewall. A load bar has end(s) coupled to the track such that the end of the load bar is vertically slidable along the track. A stop bracket is positioned at a top of the track. The stop bracket includes a track extension and a stop piece. The track extension accommodates sliding of the load bar upwardly above the track. The stop piece blocks upward sliding of the load bar above the track extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Strick Trailers, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Seitz
  • Patent number: 11341448
    Abstract: Technological advancements are disclosed that increase automation and efficiency in the operations of the computer networks, graphical user interfaces and databases for cosmetics retail displays to be responsive to retail store and customer requirements and increase performance of such systems. The system integrates information from various, often disparate and remotely located systems and databases, involved in the designing, manufacturing, producing, allocating and/or delivering components of cosmetics products retail displays to a diverse set of retail store locations. Customizations of cosmetics retail displays at various retail store locations are automated and facilitated based on cosmetics products retail sales performance at the various retail store locations. Users of such a system are provided information to more efficiently provide cosmetics retail displays and components, and supply updates to such displays according to current market data, sales, inventory and brand or manufacturer requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Meiyume Holdings (BVI) Limited
    Inventors: Robert Brockman, IV, Steve Dodd, Graham Atherton
  • Patent number: 10922571
    Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a detection unit that detects a difference from a previously detected marker in a predetermined marker, by image recognition processing on an image obtained by image-capturing an arrangement place of an article; and an execution unit that executes a process in accordance with the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Moriya
  • Patent number: 10113715
    Abstract: A shelve system and a label LED strip lamp includes a shelve and a label LED strip lamp. Each of at least one carrier element includes a body, and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a clamping slot and a catch plate provided on the clamping slot. The label LED strip lamp includes a snap assembly for engagement with the catch plate, and a lamp tube. The snap assembly includes a connecting edge, a set of clamping tooth disposed on one side of the connecting edge, and a wavy-shaped engaging edge spaced from the clamping tooth. The clamping tooth inserts into the clamping slot. The lamp tube includes a non-transparent edge, an upper light transmitting edge connecting the non-transparent edge with the catch plate, and a lower light transmitting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Self Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanfang Xue, Guoqing Zeng
  • 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: 9277832
    Abstract: A display fixture includes a shelf having a tester product receptacle, at least one first tester product assembly and an elongated channel. The at least one first tester product assembly has a base and a cover. The cover includes a hinge component. The base is located in the tester product receptacle of the shelf. The elongated channel is coupled to the shelf and is configured to receive and retain the hinge component of the cover such that the cover is rotatable about a back edge of the base of the at least one first tester product assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Theisen, Nick Q. Trinh, Benjamin Weshler
  • Patent number: 9052120
    Abstract: An A/C system can be provided. The A/C system can include an A/C unit and an equipment stand supporting the A/C unit. The equipment stand can include a plurality of legs. Each leg can include a hollow tube defining an interior hollow space bounded by an interior surface of the hollow tube and a longitudinal internal support means for strengthening the hollow tube integrally formed in the interior surface of the hollow tube. Further, an equipment elevation system can be provided that includes at least one piece of equipment and an equipment stand supporting the at least one piece of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Miami Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Patrick Villar
  • Patent number: 8998005
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8973765
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a mounting member adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure. A tile is connected to the mounting member. The tile extends away from the mounting member so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion located in a first plane and a protrusion located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The protrusion is linked to the mounting member. The tile is configured to be movable in relation to the mounting member thereby allowing selective access to a desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The connection between the protrusion and the mounting member enables movement of the tile in relation to the mounting member via at least one of pivoting and sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Wamsley, Robert Gray, Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump, Curtis Taylor, James J. Rataiczak, III
  • Patent number: 8925745
    Abstract: A shelf-type display module includes a carrier tray assembly including a carrier tray having a top, a bottom, a plurality of tracks and at least one light. The plurality of tracks protrude from the top of the carrier tray and the at least one light is mounted to the bottom of the carrier tray. An insert tray includes a main body having components for holding products for display and components for mating with the plurality of tracks on the carrier tray. The components of the main body that mate with the plurality of tracks on the carrier tray slide along the plurality of tracks from a right side to a left side of the carrier tray or from the left side to the right side of the carrier tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Theisen, William Y. Stafford, Erin L. Zobel, Timothy J. Martell, Benjamin Weshler
  • Publication number: 20140339185
    Abstract: A shelving unit is provided including a post with a bottom end and a top end. The top end has a cross-sectional area that is different than a cross-sectional area of the remainder of the post. A ledge is defined at the top end of the post by the difference in cross-sectional area. A support ring is sized to rest on the ledge. A shelf is coupled to the support ring so that the shelf is rotatable about the post. The top end of the post is attachable to the bottom end of another post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Frances Ellison, Andrew Andrasko
  • Patent number: 8863963
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N Hardy
  • Patent number: 8800785
    Abstract: A merchandise display device includes a rear cross-bar, first and second side arms, a locking pin, and a front cross-bar that is interoperable with the locking pin to secure merchandise on the display device and to secure the display device to a vertical support member. The locking pin is carried by a side arm and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When occupying the extended position, the locking pin is adapted to engage the vertical support member to secure the merchandise display device thereto. The front cross-bar is mounted to the first and second side arms and is movable between a locked position, engaging the locking pin to prevent the locking pin from being moved out of the extended position, and an unlocked position, spaced away from the locking pin to allow movement of the locking pin out of the extended position toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Midland Metal Products
    Inventor: Andrew Kalafut
  • Patent number: 8763819
    Abstract: A display fixture includes a shelf having a tester product receptacle, at least one first tester product assembly and an elongated channel. The at least one first tester product assembly has a base and a cover. The cover includes a hinge component. The base is located in the tester product receptacle of the shelf. The elongated channel is coupled to the shelf and is configured to receive and retain the hinge component of the cover such that the cover is rotatable about a back edge of the base of the at least one first tester product assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Theisen, Nick Q. Trinh, Benjamin Weshler
  • Publication number: 20140151316
    Abstract: A display device has a forwardly-protruding portion extending forwardly (and optionally, upwardly or downwardly) from the device; a U-shaped support portion connected to each end of the forward-protruding portion; and vertical connection sections connecting each of the U-shaped support portions to a rearwardly directed support arm connected to the respective vertical connection section. The U-shaped support portion is shaped to abut a first horizontal surface of a shelf, the vertical connection section is shaped to abut a front vertical surface of the shelf, and the rearwardly directed support arm is shaped to abut a second horizontal surface of the shelf, such that the U-shaped support portion, the vertical connection section, and the rearwardly directed support arm abut their respective surfaces of the shelf so as to slidably mount the display device onto the shelf with the forwardly-protruding portion extending forwardly of the front surface of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Therese BEACH
  • Patent number: 8739982
    Abstract: A customizable storage rack replaceably mounted either on a top or on a bottom of a shelf, stores handguns, and positions the handguns at customizable distances from each other. The customizable storage rack includes a body, mandrels, and attaching apparatus. The body is replaceably mounted either on the top or on the bottom of the shelf. The mandrels are replaceably attached to the body, store the handguns, and position the handguns at customizable distances from each other. The attaching apparatus is operatively connected to the body, and replaceably mounts the body either on the top or on the bottom of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Theodore J. Werner
  • Patent number: 8739984
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8717143
    Abstract: A binder management system having a cabinet with shelves for removable storage of searchable binders. Each binder has a body with front and rear covers and a spine. Inside the body is a binder mechanism for removably retaining sheet media. Each binder has externally extending upper and tower ohmic contact members which ohmically engage conductive members mounted on the shelf surfaces near the front. Each binder has a binder identification circuit coupled to an LED mounted on the binder spine in a location visible when the binder rests on a shelf. When a binder identification signal from a host computer is presented to the shelf conductive members it is transferred by the binder contact members to the binder identification circuit. If the signal matches, the LED is activated to aid the user in finding the binder. An LED and an optional audible indicator are mounted on the shelves to further aid the user in finding the sought binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro E Corp.
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Publication number: 20140091051
    Abstract: A highlighter assembly for attracting and centering consumer's attention on a group of products displayed in a retail setting. The highlighter assembly has a frame and an interface assembly for coupling the frame to the display structure. The frame includes a plurality of extendable straight modules, each of the extendable straight modules having a smaller profile piece telescoping within a wider piece. Both pieces having a front side and a back side, wherein the back side defines an elongated slot. The frame also includes at least one corner module with a front side and a back side. The back side of the corner module defines an elongated slot. The straight and corner modules connect to form a viewing space about a group of products on a display structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON INC.
    Inventor: Pablo Javier Battilana
  • Patent number: 8622227
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Paul A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8573412
    Abstract: A retail display apparatus includes a mounting frame, a product support portion, and a fastening element. The mounting frame has a mounting surface that is mounted to a shelf and at least two sidewalls that extend from the mounting surface. The product support portion is positioned between the side walls of the mounting frame and has a top surface at an angle to the mounting surface. The fastening element is attached to a bottom surface of the product support portion and is adapted to engage a second fastening element attached to a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Lily Schwartz, Laura L. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20130277323
    Abstract: A shelf and a refrigerator having such a shelf are provided. The shelf may include a support frame fixed to an inner surface of a storage compartment of the refrigerator, the support frame including body having a plurality of coupling holes formed along a longitudinal direction, spaced apart at predetermined intervals, and a cover coupled to the body to selectively open and close the plurality of the coupling holes. The cover may include a fixing portion for fixing the cover to the support frame body, and a plurality of opening/closing portions extending from the fixing portion, corresponding to the plurality of the coupling holes, to independently open and close the plurality of the coupling holes. One or more of the plurality of the opening/closing portions may be moved by the shelf plate to couple the shelf plate to the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Minho CHEONG, Moonseok Lee, Seonkyu Kim, Daesung Lee, Woonkyu Seo, Youngnam Kim
  • Publication number: 20130248475
    Abstract: A kit for building a shelf divider and shelf divider is described. The kit may include a frontward panel, a rearward panel, and a plurality of slot dividers. The frontward panel may include a first plurality of receptacles. The rearward panel may include a second plurality of receptacles. Each of the plurality of slot dividers may include a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism may be disposed at a first end of each slot divider for coupling to one of the first plurality of receptacles of the frontward panel. The second locking mechanism may be disposed at a second end of each slot divider for coupling to one of the second plurality of receptacles of the rearward panel. A rivet for coupling the shelf divider to a shelf is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Brent Carl Erickson
  • Publication number: 20130248471
    Abstract: A bin system including a bin support frame and a bin. The lain support frame for supporting the bin and selectively mounting to a. support member, including a shoulder member, a retaining member, a body member, and a shelf. The shoulder member is configured to selectively secure to the support member. The retainer member projects from the shoulder member and is complimentarily configured with a retainer slot of the bin, wherein selectively inserting the retainer member into the retainer slot of the bin retains the bin on the shoulder member. The body member extends from the shoulder member. The shelf is spaced from the retainer member a distance corresponding to the distance between the retainer slot of the bin and a bottom of the bin. Further, the shelf extends transverse from the body member and is configured to support the bottom of the bin when the bin is retained on the retainer member of the shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Evans
  • Patent number: 8474781
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for displaying items of goods on shelving systems. A shelf display accessory unit can include a top panel with a top surface configured for displaying an item of goods, and a bottom surface which is opposite the top surface, that includes a module that houses a cable. The shelf display accessory unit further can include a front panel having a display surface that is configured to display a label, and a back panel having a supporting surface that includes means for coupling the shelf display accessory unit to a front portion of a shelf. In embodiments, the shelf display accessory unit can include a cable that has one end anchored to the module and the other end connected to the item of goods. In embodiments, the shelf display accessory unit further can include a flap coupled to the front panel and configured to secure a label to the front panel of the shelf display accessory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: IBT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Deguglimo, Glenn Robinson
  • Patent number: 8469220
    Abstract: The envelope holder generally consists of a main body forming a pocket to accept and store the envelopes. The main body has a front on which a size indicator is affixed. A ledge is approximately perpendicular to the front of the main body such that when a card sits on the ledge the size indicator will alert the user whether or not the envelope is the correct size. A back attachment is attached to the main body such that the envelope holder can attach to the card rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Chastine Van Fleet
  • Patent number: 8333285
    Abstract: A track for a display case. The track can be mounted to a front edge of a shelf to allow prominent display of food or beverage containers, as well as promoting more complete use of the space within the display case. While applicable to all beverage display cases, the track of the present invention is particularly beneficial in retail or related commercial display cases, as it places products in a prominent visual location without obscuring a user's ability to identify or retrieve a container disposed on a shelf behind the track. In one form, it allows for substantially horizontal alignment of containers, to minimize the likelihood of obscuring products situated behind the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Innomark Communications
    Inventors: Brenda Kiehnau, Raul Romeiro, Greg Gerard
  • Patent number: 8322545
    Abstract: A shelf for a metal cabinet has a planar member, a ramped member extending from the planar member having a first, curved portion and a second, straight portion. The first, curved portion and second, straight portion are connected via a third, curved portion therebetween. The first curved portion has a first radius, and the second, curved portion has a second radius different from the first radius. The straight portion forms an outer wall of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Metal Fabricating Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard J. Golias, Jr., Gary W. James, Robert J. Golias
  • Patent number: 8256628
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a product, a base, a tray insert, a template, and a placement clip. The base has a top surface forming a receptacle and includes a hanger assembly for securing the base to a shelving unit. The tray insert is secured into the receptacle formed in the top surface of the base. The tray insert has a plurality of slots spaced along a length of the insert. The template is received over the tray insert to cover the insert. The template has openings through the tray insert to selectively expose a desired subset of slots. The placement clip is secured through one of the openings in the template into a pair of the desired subset of slots. The placement clip acts to secure the template to the tray insert and is adapted to maintain the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William Y. Stafford, Nick Quang Trinh, Benjamin Weshler
  • Patent number: 8231016
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a product display shelf apparatus include at least one shelf to receive a plurality of image-bearing products while a product signage assembly is removably attached to the shelf. The product signage assembly can be toollessly assembled to the shelf such that an image display panel exhibits images that generally match those of the image-bearing products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine A. Berdahl, Tracie M. Kunz
  • Patent number: 8186522
    Abstract: A product display assembly having a tester security apparatus for at least one tester of a product, includes a base having a top surface, and at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base. At least one retractor each corresponding to the at least one tester holder is disposed on the top surface of the base. Each retractor has a retractable line located therein with a free end extending therefrom. A fastening element is adapted for attachment to the exterior of the tester and forms a tab portion extending away from the tester upon attachment to the tester. A coupling member is adapted for operative engagement with the tab portion of the fastening element and includes retaining structure for receiving and retaining the free end of the retractable line of a corresponding retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Weshler, William Y. Stafford
  • Patent number: 8172096
    Abstract: A sheet metal shelf has a front edge, a back edge and a load carrying flat portion, the front edge comprising a support for supporting display elements of a display system. The sheet material at the front edge is formed as a first enclosed channel integrally formed with the load carrying flat portion, so the channel provides the support at the front edge of the shelf. The support has apertures for attaching the display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Thoth NV
    Inventor: Piet Van De Steen
  • Patent number: 8167149
    Abstract: A merchandise security system includes a merchandise display having a first display member and a second display member vertically spaced from the first display member. At least one tile is mounted to the first display member. The at least one tile is movable between a first position blocking access to a desired column of associated merchandise stored on one of the first and second display members to a second position allowing access to the desired column of the associated merchandise. A lock member is operatively connected to the at least one tile for restricting movement of the at least one tile from its first position. The lock member is movable from the locked position where at the lock member interferes with movement from the at least one tile from its first position to an unlocked position which enables the at least one tile to be moved from its first position to its second position for allowing access to the desired column of associated merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Wamsley, Robert Gray, Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump, Curtis Taylor, James J. Rataiczak, III
  • Patent number: 8152006
    Abstract: A merchandise security system includes a rail adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure, which can be a shelf or a wire rack display. The rail includes a first longitudinally extending channel. At least one tile is mounted to the rail. The at least one tile extends away from the rail so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The at least one tile includes a protrusion which is accommodated in the first rail channel to enable a sliding movement of the tile in relation to the rail. This construction allows selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Wamsley, Robert Gray, Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump, Curtis Taylor, James J Rataiczak, III
  • Publication number: 20120067836
    Abstract: A quick-release retainer bracket for mounting objects to a platform, has a base plate enclosing a pocket in a center thereof, and a pair of retainer plates positionable on top of said base plate on opposed sides thereof, the base plate and retainer plates mountable on a platform with the retainer plates moveable over the base plate from a retracted position in which the retainer plates are partially overlapping a pocket to an extended region in which the retainer plates do not overlap the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Cameron Richard MacKay, Yuerong Wang, Harley Edward Kelsey
  • Patent number: 8135482
    Abstract: An intelligent shelving system integrates touch sensors, displays, lighting, and other components into shelves. Touch sensors can be used as limit switches to control shelf motion, to monitor items borne on shelves, to detect spills, and to control lighting and other devices and functions. Displays can provide information relating to objects stored in the shelving system and the operation and status of the shelving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: TouchSensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Caldwell, Thomas M. Schreiber, Bahar N. Wadia, Donald C. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8087522
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a product, a base, a tray insert, a template, and a placement clip. The base has a top surface forming a receptacle and includes a hanger assembly for releasably securing the base to a shelving unit positioned in a retail environment. The tray insert is releasably secured into the receptacle formed in the top surface of the base. The tray insert has a plurality of slots spaced along a length of the tray insert. The template is received over the tray insert to cover the tray insert. The template has a plurality of openings through the tray insert to selectively expose a desired subset of slots. The placement clip is releasably secured through one of the openings in the template into a pair of the desired subset of slots. The placement clip acts to releasably secure the template to the tray insert and is adapted to maintain the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William Y. Stafford, Nick Quang Trinh, Benjamin Weshler
  • Patent number: 8069994
    Abstract: A pusher system for biasing retail merchandise forward is provided. The pusher system includes a front wall structure, a pair of walls, a pusher, and a spring. The pair of walls are operably coupled to the front wall structure. The pair of walls are in opposing spaced relation to each other. The pair of walls are also transverse to and extend rearwardly from the front wall structure to define a receptacle for the retail merchandise. The pusher is interposed between the pair of walls. The spring acts upon the pusher such that the pusher is movable toward the front wall structure between the pair of walls under the action of the spring. The pusher is movable laterally between and guided by the walls so that the pusher is free of a central track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 8056740
    Abstract: A product display assembly having a tester security apparatus for at least one tester of a product, includes a base having a top surface, and at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein each of the at least one tester holder is adapted for receiving and reversibly retaining a tester. The product display assembly includes at least one retractor each corresponding to the at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein the retractor each has a retractable line located therein with a free end extending therefrom. The product display assembly further includes a fastening element adapted for attachment to the exterior of the tester, and a coupling member, wherein the coupling member further includes retaining means for receiving and retaining the free end of the retractable line of a corresponding retractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Weshler, William Y. Stafford
  • Publication number: 20110235985
    Abstract: A support shelf for fiber optic hardware is disclosed. Generally, the support shelf includes a plurality of component mounting features that permits releasably mounting of fiber optic hardware at a plurality of locations on the support shelf. The component mounting features are generally openings in a base of the support shelf and may be slots in the base as well. With this improved configuration, fiber optic hardware such as adapter panels can be mounted at a variety of locations on the support shelf ranging from flush with a front edge of the support shelf to a recessed mounting, which is a distance from the front edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Monique L. Cote, Brent M. Frazier, Raymond G. Jay, Michael H. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20110210088
    Abstract: One or more rack modules may be semi-permanently attached to a deck to provide storage for material. Each rack module comprises a top horizontal member which may be adjusted in length to accommodate decks with different widths. A vertical member is attached to the top horizontal member; one or more horizontal arms extend out from the vertical member. One or more of the horizontal arms may be adjustable in length. Material may be stored on an arm or arms of a single rack module or may be disposed across multiple such arms, including across multiple such arms of multiple rack modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Fontaine
  • Patent number: 7882969
    Abstract: A display system for product stored in bins includes a first track member which can be fixed to an elongate support member, and a second track member which can be fixed to the first track member in a selected one of a plurality of relative positions to form a track having a height dimension which is dependent on the relative position selected. A plurality of product holders can be secured side-by-side in the track, the relative position of the track members being selected dependent on the height dimension of the product holders. A plurality of bins can be arranged side-by-side on shelves adjacent to the track, the elongate support member preferably being fixed to the distal end of a cantilever beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lloyd, Gerstner & Partners
    Inventors: Robert Gerstner, R. Christopher Kidd
  • Publication number: 20100320164
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a display apparatus can present a variety of products or images of available products in an appealing manner that draws attention from consumers. In particular circumstances, the display apparatus may be readily changed by a store worker from a first configuration to a second configuration having a different appearance. For example, the display apparatus may include a generally rigid frame that receives a decorative, external sheathing in a toolless manner. Such a configuration can be useful, for example, for endcap display fixtures that are positioned at the end of store aisles, thereby providing an opportunity to promptly change the appearance of one or more endcaps and the products exhibited thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David Cheney, Joseph R. Guggenberger
  • Patent number: 7798342
    Abstract: Product displays usable to organize products shelved in aisles at a retail store. The product displays each having shelves and a shelf mounting device. The shelf mounting device having a flexible member extending in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the product display for flexibly supporting a vertical channel holding a product for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: James Michael Pustinger, Scott Allen Carlson, Dennis Patrick Feltner
  • Patent number: 7740144
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a display system for a display shelf having a top surface and a bottom surface. The display system includes an engagement member and a display member. The engagement member is located substantially beneath the display shelf and includes a resilient portion for releasably securing the display system to the display shelf. The display member is connected to and protrudes away from the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Kosir
  • Patent number: 7724135
    Abstract: A system for displaying an item includes a display shelf having an aperture through it and a thin tether having a first end and a second end that extends through the aperture. The first end of the tether is secured to a mount above a top side of said display shelf and the second end of said tether is secured adjacent to a bottom side of the displays shelf. The first end of the tether has a mount for connection of tether to the item, above the shelf. The system further includes a coiled cable coiled around the tether extending through the aperture. The coiled cable provides an electrical path to the item. The coiled cable has a first end and a second end. The first end is secured adjacent to the mount and the second end securely terminates below the bottom unexposed side of said display shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rapp, Rainer Brenner
  • Publication number: 20100108842
    Abstract: A bracket includes a planar body portion having an edge and a surface, a flange extending generally perpendicularly from the edge, the flange including a plurality of mounting openings, and at least one finger projecting from the flange and along and spaced from the body portion surface. Also a method of using the bracket and an assembly including the bracket and a rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Gil RUIZ, Tim C. Miller
  • Publication number: 20090314731
    Abstract: A storage system includes a rear frame, a plurality of divider panels, and a plurality of shelving panels. The divider panels include a first divider panel and a second divider panel, each divider panel having a front vertical bar and a rear vertical bar, each divider panel being removably connected to the rear frame adjacent the rear vertical bar. A plurality of U-shaped connectors are provided in spaced apart manner along the front vertical bars and the rear vertical bars of each divider panel. Each shelving panel has a four-sided configuration that defines four corners, with each corner of each shelving panel fitted inside a U-shaped connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Li-Han Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090294390
    Abstract: A product display assembly having a tester security apparatus for at least one tester of a product, includes a base having a top surface, and at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein each of the at least one tester holder is adapted for receiving and reversibly retaining a tester. The product display assembly includes at least one retractor each corresponding to the at least one tester holder disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein the retractor each has a retractable line located therein with a free end extending therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Benjamin Weshler