Adjustable Partitions Patents (Class 211/184)
  • Patent number: 9918565
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Patent number: 9901191
    Abstract: A merchandising tray used for displaying product containers includes a base defining a support surface, and a single side wall divider connected to the base. The single side wall divider has a vertical wall provided with a rearward end and a forward end, a first retaining structure formed between the rearward end and the forward end, and the forward end being formed with a supporting wall having a second retaining structure. The merchandising tray is adapted to be suspended upon a group of like adjacently disposed merchandising trays such that the first retaining structure is engaged with the second retaining structure. A merchandising tray arrangement and methods of using the merchandising trays are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Aisle Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9782017
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying and dispensing merchandise at a point-of-purchase adjacent a display shelf secures at least one divider to a retainer plate affixed to the display shelf. An elongate lock bar extends beneath the divider, along a predominant portion of the length of the divider, and is coupled with the divider for unbiased sliding movement to selectively engage or disengage teeth carried by the lock bar and complementary teeth placed on the retainer plate to secure the divider in a selected location along the retainer plate or release the divider for movement to another selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Henschel-Steinau, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Luberto, Michael D. DeSena, Getachew Kassa, Gary Forman
  • Patent number: 9763556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutlery rack (21; 41) for a dishwasher (10). The cutlery rack comprises: a support frame (23; 43) surrounding a storage area for the cutleries; a rack bottom (25; 45) with a first and a second side; a first support arrangement (29; 48) for cutleries arranged on said first side of the rack bottom; and a second support (49) arrangement for cutleries arranged on said second side of the rack bottom, wherein the cutlery rack is arranged with either the first or second side of the rack bottom facing upwards. The invention furthermore relates to a dishwasher (10) comprising at least one cutlery rack (21; 41) as defined above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Pontus Kåberg, Rickard Hederstierna, Daniel Mesa
  • Patent number: 9730531
    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: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9713394
    Abstract: A retail product display unit in one aspect includes a pusher disposed on a pusher rail. The pusher has features to constrain movement of the pusher along a length of the pusher rail. The pusher rail extends from a forward end of the display unit to a rear end of the display unit. The at least one pusher rail comprises a channel in an upper surface thereof for receiving a pusher spring therein as the at least one pusher is moved from the forward end toward the rear end of the display unit. In another aspect, the pusher has at least one roller mounted to a pusher housing opposite the pusher face such that torque generated by application of rearward force applied to the pusher face is transferred to the at least one roller and then to the pusher rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Brugemann USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Malte Bruegmann
  • Patent number: 9700156
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an extendable divider system. In one embodiment, such a divider system includes a base. A shelf divider extends from a surface of the base, the shelf divider having an extension connector component on at least one free end. A divider extension having a divider connector component configured to mate with the extension connector component is also disclosed. The divider connector component is configured to removably attach the divider extension to the extension connector component of the shelf divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Hance, Darryl Jensen
  • Patent number: 9613484
    Abstract: Described herein are a robotic distribution apparatus, system and method. The robotic distribution system may include a Package Delivery Kiosk (PDK), associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, portals for the consumer and the retailer, portals for the common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, a real and automated retailer bidding system and a kiosk for distribution. The PDK includes a distribution kiosk and shelving system. The kiosk and shelving system includes configurable shelves and dividers to enable access to the packages. The shelving system handles packages from a robotic placement mechanism and includes shelves that have receiving apertures. The shelving system further includes dividers that fit into the receiving apertures. Each of the dividers has a receiving slot that allows a robotic gripper arm to grab or handle a package with respect to a slot between a pair of dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen H. Hancock, Norman B. Desrosiers, Eric Fiest, John Rupert
  • Patent number: 9591923
    Abstract: A divider adapted to be mounted on a shelf for segregating items stored or displayed on the shelf, and also a method and system of dividing a shelf for the storage and the display of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Zeidner, Jason T. Eltman
  • Patent number: 9549622
    Abstract: A shelf divider system that includes a shelf base (12) defining a support for multiple products, which base has a front (16) and a rear (18) and multiple parallel elongate slots (50) in the base. The slots extend in a direction from front to rear in multiple sets (53) of at least two aligned slots. An upstanding transversely extending front stop (26) mounted to the base at the front has an upper edge (31) and at or adjacent the upper edge respective seats (46) associated with the sets of at least two aligned slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CHECKMATE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD.
    Inventors: John Leahy, John Oretti
  • Patent number: 9527613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support members extending between the tracks. Sliders are located at the ends of tubular supports, the sliders being slidable in the tracks to move the support members. The support members support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Donald J. Bazany, Judson A. Bradford, Timothy A. Bublitz, Brian T. Dobrinski, Mark J. Feenstra, Calvin D. Nyeboer
  • Patent number: 9402485
    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: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Joel Barenbrugge
  • Patent number: 9365164
    Abstract: A fastening device for connecting a unit (120) to two mutually spaced headrest bars (101b, 101c) of a vehicle seat (101) has a first coupling element (102,102a) for receiving a second coupling element (103, 103a) arranged on the unit (120) as well as a first fastening element (105) arranged on the first coupling element (102,102a) and a second fastening element (106) movable connected to the first fastening element (105). The fastening elements are used to fasten the first coupling element (102,102a) to the headrest bars (101b, 101c). The first fastening element (105) and the second fastening element (106) are supported on the headrest bars (101b, 101c) and can be moved relative to each other parallel to a connecting line (100) extending approximately horizontally between the centers of the headrest bars (101b, 101c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Kinetix AG
    Inventors: Peter Ackeret, Juergen Skott
  • Patent number: 9171316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a plurality of products from a vending machine is disclosed. The method generally allows an offer for a package to be output, in which the package defines a plurality of products, including a selected product. An apparatus is also disclosed to carry out the method steps of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Robert R. Lech, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 9138076
    Abstract: An adjustable tray for a merchandise display system may include a retainer for limiting the movement of products loaded in the adjustable tray, a pusher mechanism configured to bias product toward the retainer, a first divider extending from a first panel and second divider extending from a second panel. The spacing between the first divider and the second divider can be configured to be adjusted. The first panel and the second panel can be configured to move to provide additional surface area for the adjustable tray to accommodate different sized products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9107516
    Abstract: A merchandising system for a displaying a plurality of products is disclosed. The system comprises a base and a pusher member. The base includes a product-supporting surface and a track disposed beneath the product-supporting surface. Thee base defines a longitudinal axis. The pusher member is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the base and is configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the base. The pusher member includes a base-contacting surface and a plurality of legs downwardly depending from the base-contacting surface. Each of the plurality of legs is configured to mechanically engage the track. The track includes a discontinuity to enable the legs of the pusher member to selectively mechanically engage the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Pichel
  • Patent number: 9057555
    Abstract: Provided is a basket for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment and a refrigeration appliance including such a basket. The basket includes a substantially-horizontal platform coupled to two or more upwardly-extending walls to form an open container for receiving the food items to be stored in the temperature-controlled environment. A partition is provided for dividing the basket into two or more storage regions. A guide is coupled to at least one of the platform and the walls, and extends substantially parallel to an upper perimeter of at least one of the walls to define a range of adjustment of the partition. A fastener securely couples the partition to the guide to be adjusted to two or more different locations where the partition is to divide the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: William Lee Moody, Michael Bayne, Jeremiah Stamey
  • Patent number: 9010552
    Abstract: A U-shaped adjustable shelving system comprised of a plurality of interconnecting shelf sections including a back shelf section, a right side shelf section and a left side shelf section. The right and left side shelf sections are coupled to the back shelf section with a sliding dovetail arrangement so as to allow adjustment of the right and left side shelf sections relative to the back shelf section in order to change the width of the adjustable shelving system. The back shelf section is adjustable in length to substantially match the width of the space in which the shelving system is to be installed. The adjustable shelving system includes support risers for self-supporting the shelving system above a surface. The adjustable shelf can be easily installed into a variety of cabinets, and allows access to small containers, such as those for herbs and spices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Dedee Dart, Phillip Dietz
  • 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: 8978904
    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 that may define a cam glide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8967394
    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: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Joel Barenbrugge
  • Patent number: 8967393
    Abstract: The system of the present application includes a display tray assembly having base and center tray sections that are configured to form a gap that receives a side tray section on either side. The side tray sections are configured such that they may move laterally with respect to the base and center tray section in order to adjust the width of the entire display tray assembly to accommodate any size product in a retail environment. In lieu of side tray sections, the display tray assembly may include union tray sections that may engage two separate base and center tray section assemblies in order to create a continuous display tray assembly with adjustable widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Process Retail Group, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Bryson, Terry Berglund, Dowie Soetenga
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8915381
    Abstract: A vertical roll wrap tray kit of the present invention includes at least one product tray, a plurality of spacer clips, a plurality of wire dividers and a plurality of push clips. The product tray can be attached to various types of retail display units. The product tray contains two slot walls which are sized to accommodate insertion of the wire dividers. The dividers are used to divide the tray into segments or compartments in which the roll wrap material is stored and displayed in a vertical arrangement. The width of the rows or compartments can be varied based on the diameter of the roll wrap product. Spacer clips are used to hold two adjacent dividers into place. The tray is angled slightly in a backwards direction to avoid accidental removal of the vertical roll wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Emory Brozak, Anthony Santarelli
  • Patent number: 8910802
    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. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8893901
    Abstract: A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher mounted to and movable in a second direction relative to the base structure. A locking arm is provided for locking the pusher in a locked position and automatically unlocking the pusher from the locked position upon the exertion of an actuation force against the locking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 8893903
    Abstract: A retrofitting system for shelves includes shelf rack inserts rack inserts each having a product slide plate with rectangular raised edges on a front and on a rear. The raised edge on the front includes a snapped-on U-rail having openings and the raised edge on the rear includes rectangular cutouts disposed opposite from the openings. At least one separating bracket has a front side and a rear side with two parallel and joined cross-bars extending between the front side and the rear side. The front side includes a horizontal pin and the rear side includes an insertion plate that is installed perpendicularly such that the separating bracket is configured to be locked in place at a lateral distance in the product slide plate by the insertion plate being inserted into a corresponding one of the cutouts and the pin being horizontally inserted into a corresponding one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Rickard Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8875909
    Abstract: A device for transporting objects, in particular fittings, having a frame includes outer walls (2, 3) protruding upwards from a floor at opposite end faces, on which a plurality of receiving hoppers (4) are provided for placing a first end section of an object, and at least one middle wall section (5, 5?) protruding from the floor. A plurality of receiving hoppers (4) is provided thereon for placing a second end section of an object opposite the first end section. At least one middle wall section (5, 5?) is displaceably mounted on a floor guide and can be fixed at different distances from an outer wall (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Paul Hettich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Gerkensmeier, Reinhard Hampker
  • Patent number: 8854821
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an input-output (I-O) panel is transformed. The I-O panel is configured to couple to an array of first midplane connectors of a first shelf configured according to a first format, where the first shelf has rear access. The I-O panel comprises an array of I-O panel connectors and defines an xy-plane. An array of second midplane connectors of a second shelf is transformed to substantially align the second midplane connectors with the I-O panel connectors. The second shelf is configured according to a second format, where the second shelf has front access. The array of second midplane connectors is arranged in columns defining a midplane column axis and rows defining a midplane row axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Stephen J. Brolin
  • Publication number: 20140263133
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a divider including an elongated base member having a first surface configured to abut a shelf and an opposite second surface. A divider wall extends from the second surface of the elongated base member. A recess portion is located along the first surface and is configured to be connectable to a first type of associated rail. An adapter clip is configured to be selectively inserted within the recess portion to allow the divider assembly to be connectable to a second type of associated rail. The adapter clip includes a base member having a first end and an opposing second end. A first support arm extends from the first end and a second support arm extends from the second end. A ridge profile of the clip is configured to be selectively received within a lip of the recess portion of the elongated base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts
  • Publication number: 20140263134
    Abstract: A dual ended or reversible divider includes an elongated base member with a first end and an opposite second end. A divider wall extends away from the elongated base member. A first profile portion is positioned adjacent the first end of the elongated base member and is adapted to engage a first type of rail which can be mounted on a shelf. A second profile portion is positioned adjacent the opposite second end of the elongated base member and is adapted to engage a second type of rail which can be mounted on the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Walker, Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Matthew Grubbs
  • Patent number: 8833881
    Abstract: A parts storage drawer system is described having part bin dividers that are easily adjusted by sliding the divider along a rail or divider enables changing of divider location without removal of the divider from the drawer. A parts identification card may be coupled to a divider, such as by insertion into a slot within a divider. Furthermore, a parts identification card may be inserted into and removed from a divider without removing or repositioning the divider. A parts storage drawer system may be an insert tray that may comprise one or more molded parts. The parts storage drawer system provides an organizational method for the storage, separation, identification and availability of a variety of parts through the utilization of mechanical means, including dividers having clips that extend over partitions or rails for coupling thereto. Partitions and/or rails may include a plurality of locking segments for detachably attaching dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Forte USA
    Inventors: Mark L Manniso, James L Manniso
  • Patent number: 8807355
    Abstract: A rectangular expandible container has lateral compartments each of which being composed of inner and outer panels which slide relative to each other for lengthening and shortening the effective length of the compartments. The container also has front and back compartments defined by sliding panels for lengthening the effective width of the front and back compartments. A middle compartment is surrounded by the lateral compartments and the front and back compartments. The walls of the middle compartment are all slidable for lengthening both the width and the length of the latter compartment. The front and back compartment may contain partitions which separate the interior of those compartments into a number of sub-compartment of differing sizes for accommodating articles of varying sizes both in length and in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas B. Merey
  • Patent number: 8777096
    Abstract: A foldable cardboard desk organizer made of corrugated cardboard for use in standard elementary school desks. The desk organizer includes a base to which are attached a front wall, a back wall and two side walls. The walls are formed by folding the wall elements upon themselves and securing by a tab and slot system to create strong, two-layer walls. The wall elements further include wing portions that, when assembled, overlap and link separate wall elements together to provide structure and support for the desk organizer. One or more divider sections may be installed within the base by attaching them to the walls to create two or more compartments within the base and defined by the divider sections. The divider sections include three overlapping layers for increased strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Sandra Brian Rodney, Glenn Brian Rodney
  • Patent number: 8752717
    Abstract: A base and divider assembly includes an elongated base portion and an elongated divider portion which is adapted to be selectively coupled to the base portion. The divider portion includes a plurality of spaced first connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the divider portion, and the base portion includes a plurality of spaced second connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the base portion. The first and second connection elements are adapted to cooperate so that the divider portion can be selectively mounted to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Paul Mueller
  • 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: 8727457
    Abstract: A storage system (10) for storing a plurality of single-serve-beverage cartridges (30). The system 10 includes a drawer (40) with compartment lanes (50) adapted to allow a plurality of the cartridges to be single-file situated therein. A slide (80) can be used to move the drawer (40) between a closed position and an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Aaron Daniel Marshall, Walter G. Berry
  • Patent number: 8708165
    Abstract: An improved apparatus configured to store different kinds and types of media cases and boxes includes at least two similar constructed apparatuses which are releasably connected together by at least one pair of mating connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: John M. Weiher
  • Patent number: 8662325
    Abstract: A shelving glide includes a deck having a plurality of dividers; a first trough having a first index arranged along at least a portion of a width of the deck; a second trough having a second index arranged along at least a portion of the width of the deck; and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of pathways. A partition includes a first clip securable to the first index; and a second clip securable to the second index. The partition is adjustable along the width of the deck from a first position to a second position upon disengagement of the second clip from the second index. The first clip is adapted to disengage from the first index upon disengagement of the second clip from the second index. The partition is secured to the deck at the second position upon reengagement of the second clip to the second index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ADCO Industries—Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Davis, Clifton Glenn Hampton
  • Patent number: 8662319
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8657132
    Abstract: A moveable bin divider is provided for use in a door bin. The divider includes a divider plate extending at least a portion of the width and depth of a bin within which it is used. The divider plate includes a panel integral and perpendicular thereto which extends vertically and includes a first portion connected by a bridge over a wall of a bin with which it is used to a second portion which terminates at an engagement mechanism such as a tongue or groove. The engagement mechanism is received or receives a corresponding tongue or groove on a wall of a bin in which the bin divider is received for securely holding the divider within the bin. The engagement mechanism is biased against the bin wall to prevent undesired movement of the moveable bin divider. A combination bin and bin divider is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Benz, Matthew Ricket
  • Patent number: 8651288
    Abstract: A merchandise display system is presented. The display system includes a support frame, a plurality of shelves disposed on the support frame, and a plurality of dividers coupled to each shelf. Each shelf includes a base having a plurality of arcuate surfaces extending continuously as tangent radii from a front end to a rear end of the base. In one embodiment, the arcuate surfaces and the dividers cooperate to define a plurality of lanes. Each lane is dimensioned to accommodate a front to back column of merchandise items. When a merchandise item is placed at the rear end of one of the lanes, the merchandise item traverses the lane by gravity to the forward end of the lane such that the merchandise item is presented to a prospective consumer in a substantially upright and forward facing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony C. Squitieri
  • Patent number: 8627965
    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. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8602226
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a tray, at least one partition plate, and a mounting member pivotably attached to the at least one partition plate. The tray includes a base panel, a side panel extending from the base panel, and at least one tab extending from the base panel. A gap is defined in the side panel. The at least one partition plate is pivotably attached to the at least one tab. The mounting member is rotatable between a latched position, where the mounting member is engaged with the gap, and the at least one partition plate is secured in an upright position that is substantially perpendicular to the base panel, and a released position, where the mounting member is disengaged from the gap, and the at least one partition plate is rotatable away from the upright position to enlarge a space beside the at least one partition plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (WuHan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Chin-Wen Yeh, Yang Xiao, Dun-Jun Zhou
  • Patent number: 8579121
    Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Home Applications Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay Eng, Charlie Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8556092
    Abstract: A stand alone divider for a shelf is provided. The stand alone divider includes a first and a second retainer arranged to grip a first and a second edge of a shelf. The stand alone divider may be installed on and removed from a shelf without the use of tools. The stand alone divider may have an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Valiulis, Patrick J. Barkdoll, Stanley J. Valiulis
  • Publication number: 20130256252
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning containers on a support surface of a support, the apparatus including an engagement portion constructed and arranged to attach the apparatus to the support and a first portion extending from the engagement portion. The first portion is constructed and arranged to rest on the support surface and enable sliding movement of a container thereon. The container also includes a second portion constructed and arranged to rest on the support surface and enable sliding movement of the container thereon. A stop portion is provided between the first portion and the second portion. The stop portion is constructed and arranged to position the container at a predetermined position on the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: THE KROGER CO.
    Inventors: Brandon Don Morris, Kent Edward Clark, Keith Alan Turner
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8517191
    Abstract: An adjustable gondola shelving system is disclosed. The system has a plurality of dividers having openings for receiving pins or rivets. The dividers may be angled on the gondola. A product stop bar may extend over the top of the dividers. The product stop may prevent articles displayed on the shelf from being inadvertently pushed to the back of the shelf. The product stop increases the rigidity of the dividers. The dividers may be altered in position with respect to the shelf depending on the article(s) being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Samaritan Display Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Paeth
  • Patent number: 8485391
    Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk A. Vlastakis, Roger K. Miller, Thomas A. Lockwood