With Follower Patents (Class 211/51)
  • Patent number: 11730286
    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. A plurality of thin dividers separate the product into rows. The dividers may be formed separately and attached and secured by being inserted into a plurality of grooves arranged along the lower surface and the forward and rear support posts of the product dispensing tray. The dividers are configured to self-adjust by laterally shifting within the grooves when the product is moved forward by the pusher to being loaded by an operator to allow the product to be positioned in a tight fitting manner to maximize the amount of product that can be accommodated horizontally across the tray. In addition, the dividers may have a bottom wall spaced from the surface with a support column that is inserted into an elongated pocket to provide the structural support for the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 11723456
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system comprised of a plurality of interconnecting shelf sections including a front side shelf section, a right side shelf section and a left side shelf section. At least one of the three shelf sections is independently adjustable in length to adjust a length and/or width of the shelving system and are supported by legs that are also independently adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Dedee R. Dart
  • Patent number: 11464346
    Abstract: A product management display system may include a tray having a front rounded portion and a surface defining a plurality of apertures, a front wall having a top portion and two side legs. The side legs may define a bottom portion, and the top portion, the two side legs, and the bottom portion form an opening, and a strip of advertising may be present on the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 11178980
    Abstract: A retail display device (10) comprises a carriage (40) mounted to a retail hook rail (20) adapted to be cantileveredly supported by a support structure (2). The carriage (40) comprises a pair of hingedly attached arms (41, 42), including a first arm (41) adapted to slide along the hook rail (20) and a second arm 42 adapted to reciprocate along the hook rail (20). The pair of arms (41, 42) are biased to pivot apart, such that the first arm (41) tends to assume an inclined position relative to the hook rail (20) and the first arm (41) is adapted to be drawn towards an upper portion (47) of the second arm by a gathering device (60) extending between the respective first and second arms (41, 42). The gathering device is flexible and extends forward beyond the second arm (42) to a lever (88) mounted to the front of the hook (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventors: Ivan Pongrac, John Pongrac, Chris Pongrac
  • Patent number: 11089869
    Abstract: A record holder system includes a frame of two ends and two sides, a fixed end attached to one of the ends of the frame, and a selectively adjustable end slidably connected to the frame. The frame connects to a track. The adjustable end includes a clamp that engages the track to retain the adjustable end in select position along the track. A handle connects to the clamp. The handle is manually pressed to disengage the clamp from the track, thereby allowing the adjustable end to be varied in relative position with respect to the fixed end. Records or other items may be stacked upright and retained in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Drake Robinson
  • Patent number: 11091290
    Abstract: A package (20) for displaying items (10) includes a carton body (22) having at least a bottom panel (24) and a front panel (32). A resilient member (50) is configured to urge the items (10) towards the front panel (32) of the carton body (22) and an intermediate member (62) is removably placed at a position between the resilient member (50) and the items (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: KRAFT FOODS SCHWEIZ HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Bortos, Maciej Pawlak, Alain Kowalewski
  • Patent number: 10646052
    Abstract: An example adjustable product display apparatus is provided that includes a body configured to be mounted to a shelf. The body includes a proximal end, a distal end, a bottom surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a top surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end at an angle relative to the bottom surface. The top surface is configured to support one or more products thereon. A distance between the bottom surface and the top surface increases from the proximal end to the distal and the distance at the distal end of the body defining a rear height of the body. The adjustable product display apparatus includes an expandable support disposed at the distal end of the body. Adjustment of the expandable support varies a height of the expandable support and simultaneously adjusts the rear height of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert James Taylor, Jason Bellar, Jamison Lonnie Kyle Sibley
  • Patent number: 10448756
    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. A plurality of thin dividers separate the product into rows. The dividers may be formed separately and attached and secured by being inserted into a plurality of grooves arranged along the lower surface and the forward and rear support posts of the product dispensing tray. The dividers are configured to self-adjust by laterally shifting within the grooves when the product is moved forward by the pusher to being loaded by an operator to allow the product to be positioned in a tight fitting manner to maximize the amount of product that can be accommodated horizontally across the tray. In addition, the dividers may have a bottom wall spaced from the surface with a support column that is inserted into an elongated pocket to provide the structural support for the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 10383460
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a display rack system. The display rack system includes a support mechanism having first and second ends. The support mechanism may be configured to be attached to a surface at the first and second ends. The display rack system may also include a track mounted onto the support mechanism. The display rack system may also include a plurality of cardholders attached to the track. Each of the first plurality of cardholders may be configured to independently slide laterally relative to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: TracFone Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Elvis Pena
  • Patent number: 9968207
    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: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9901221
    Abstract: A dispenser for interfolded napkins, having an upper portion and a lower portion, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction is disclosed. The dispenser includes a container having a bottom wall extending in a horizontal plane and being arranged at the lower portion of the dispenser, and side walls having upper edges and lower edges and extending from the bottom wall in a vertical direction perpendicular thereto; a dispensing opening arranged at the upper portion of the dispenser opposite to the bottom wall; a weight arranged between the side walls so as to form a stack-supported lid of the dispenser that is movable between an upper position adjacent to the dispensing opening, and a lower position adjacent to the bottom wall; and a weight control means interconnecting the weight and the container, and extending inside the container between a container connection arranged at the lower portion of the dispenser and a weight connection arranged at the upper portion of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Björn Larsson, Sofia Hodossy, Martin Stenberg, Viktor Berglin, Mårten Rittfeldt, Susanne Carlstedt
  • Patent number: 9827484
    Abstract: A table game system capable of providing a table game to provide a chance to bet more higher paid off odds and additional wagering opportunities during the play in a way that is not complicated is provided. The set of shuffled decks of playing cards 1s has a different card arrangement orders due to shuffling, and thus, each set is unique. Therefore, in order to identify each set, an ID code is used in the form of a bar code 5 or a QR (quick response) code. The set of shuffled decks of playing cards 1s has a special card 1a which has been packaged together with other normal cards 1 of the shuffled decks of playing cards 1s in one package in a factory (see FIG. 1(b)). FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which the packing box 4 is exposed partially and contains a special card 1a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 9730528
    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: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9635957
    Abstract: A merchandise display system can include a pusher extender that increases the pushing surface of the pusher. The pusher extender may define an elongated pusher body having a cavity. The pusher extender may be configured to slide over the pusher wall via the cavity like a sleeve. The pusher extender with an enlarged, substantially planar surface thereby creates an enlarged pushing surface for pushing larger products toward the front of the display system. The pusher extender can also be provided with an angled pusher surface to accommodate larger products. The display system can be mounted to a rear hang bar located towards the back of the shelf. A hanger may be positioned within a cavity formed in the divider and extend the length of the divider. The hook end of the hanger may then be positioned on the hang bar and the entire system may cantilever out from the hang bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9629479
    Abstract: A pusher tray assembly comprises a hanging tray and a sliding tray having a wire track, the sliding tray moveably connected to the hanging tray by fins of a pusher, the pusher slidingly engaged to the wire track for movement between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: THE MARCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerome F. Sosso, Craig Alan Nickell
  • Patent number: 9468310
    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: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9380807
    Abstract: Modified feeding trays for use in the production of segmented filters may be advantageous when handling filter rods that are porous masses. A modified feeding tray may include a rectangular bottom; opposing first and second sidewalls coupled to corresponding first and second edges of the rectangular bottom; a third sidewall coupled to a third edge of the rectangular bottom and extending between the first and second sidewalls; and a shelf extending between the first and second sidewalls at an intermediate location along a length of each of the first and second sidewalls and thereby defining an open compartment formed by the first and second sidewalls, the shelf, and the bottom, and a closed compartment defined by the first, second, and third sidewalls, the shelf, and the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Celanese Acetate LLC
    Inventors: Paul Busby, Zeming Gou, Ronald Hughes
  • Patent number: 9282815
    Abstract: A storage system for storing contents is provided. The storage system includes a retractable vertical cabinet having a handle, at least a first and second pivoting support member pivotally attached to at least an exterior side of the retractable vertical cabinet and a support structure. The storage system further includes an electric actuator movement, a lift adjuster and a rotating adjustment screw threadably connected allowing for adjustment of a lift assist mechanism, which is connected to the first pivoting support member and the lift adjuster, to accommodate for varied loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DROPOUT CABINET FIXTURES, LLC
    Inventor: Clinton Merle Bunch
  • Patent number: 9265364
    Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a platform having first support surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. A mounting spike or barrier pole fixture may be attached orthogonally adjacent the platform. A wall mounting plate has a series of apertures to attach the plate to a vertical surface with fasteners. The plate is attached orthogonally to the second end of the bag platform. At least one side support extends outwardly from the first and second sides of the bag platform and upwardly from the platform. The side support defines a space for at least one stack of bags. A dispenser cover is affixed over the dispenser and may have a service aperture. The dispenser accommodates conventional, t-shirt and header-style bags in various configurations. The bags are assembled in bag stacks. The stacks may be configured in packs with removable covers or loaded in boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Stephanie Tan
  • Patent number: 9107497
    Abstract: The automatic book-end system for shelves includes a shelf, a book-end housing that is movably connected to the shelf, and a limit switch connected to the book-end housing. The housing includes a rechargeable battery, an electric circuit, electric motors, and a pair of chain sprockets. The shelf includes a pair of roller chains that engage the chain sprockets. The electric motors, chain sprockets, and roller chains work in conjunction to achieve linear motion of the housing along the shelf bottom. The book-end housing can support the books in an upright, side by side arrangement on the shelf. Once a book is removed from the shelf, the housing is automatically repositioned to push the remaining books together and close any resulting gaps between the remaining books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Yaqoob Saif Al-Habsi
  • Patent number: 9101230
    Abstract: A pusher tray assembly comprises a hanging tray and a sliding tray having a wire track, the sliding tray moveably connected to the hanging tray by fins of a pusher, the pusher slidingly engaged to the wire track for movement between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: THE MARCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerome F. Sosso, Craig Alan Nickell
  • 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: 8684227
    Abstract: A merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise includes a support rod and a helix disposed about the support rod and extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the support rod. The support rod includes mounting structure for mounting the display hook to a display fixture and has a first end adjacent the mounting structure and a second end opposite the first end adjacent the helix for loading the items of merchandise onto the support rod and for dispensing the items of merchandise from the support rod. The merchandise display hook further includes a time delay mechanism attached to the helix adjacent the second end of the support rod so as to define a space therebetween for loading and dispensing the items of merchandise. The time delay mechanism includes a gear assembly configured for permitting the items of merchandise to be loaded onto the support rod at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the items of merchandise can be dispensed from the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, David N. Berglund, Larry K. Hooks, Gregory C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8646621
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an access opening into the internal volume, at least one product received in the internal volume and a biasing assembly extendable into the internal volume to urge the product toward the access opening, wherein the container is engaged with the biasing assembly when the biasing assembly extends into the internal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew E. Zacherle, Laurel Thomas, Bradford J. Walling
  • Patent number: 8523012
    Abstract: A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Justin A. Richardson, Michael R. Johnston, John F. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8453851
    Abstract: A display rack comprises a display rack comprises a base adapted to be mounted to a wall, wherein the base defines an elongate slot having a retracted end, an extended end opposite the retracted end, a first groove and a second groove, wherein the first groove is positioned between the retracted position and the second groove, and a tray having a fin movable with respect to the slot as the tray slides along the base between a retracted position wherein the fin is generally adjacent the retracted end and remote from the first groove, and an extended position wherein the fin is at the second groove of the elongate slot. The fin preferably extends perpendicular to the elongate slot and the tray is movable to an initial position where the fin is positioned in the first groove. The fin is preferably provided with a first flange with a first width and a second flange with a second width narrower than the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: James M. Ciesick
  • Patent number: 8439208
    Abstract: A pusher is provided. The pusher hook has a track and a pusher that is slidable thereon. The pusher biases retail merchandise situated on a merchandise hook forward towards a front stop. The pusher hook further includes a security frame that reduces or restricts entirely the ability to remove the merchandise laterally from the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Niederhuefner, Todd C. Westberg, Stanley C. Valiulis, Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 8251327
    Abstract: A container holder adapted to hold a container between two spaced apart prongs is provided herein. The prongs clamp the container with a clamping force large enough to hold the container, but small enough to avoid damaging the container. The prongs may be spaced apart to fit different-sized containers, while the clamping force still meets these criteria. The clamping force may be provided by a substantially constant-force spring or a variable-force spring. In a method according to the present invention, a stack of nested containers is held in a container holder as described, for subsequent removal of a selected container from the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Purgatorio, Henry T. Ewald, Paul G. Simmons, David W. Kirby, Peter Rivera-Pierola
  • Patent number: 8240486
    Abstract: A retail merchandise hook which includes a hook for hanging retail merchandise therefrom and a security frame including a front stop which is separate from and arranged in a spaced relation to the hook, wherein the security frame is designed to prevent the theft of the retail merchandise. The retail merchandise hook also includes a pusher moveable relative to the hook and operable to bias retail merchandise hanging from the hook into engagement with the front stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Joerg Niederhuefner, Todd C. Westberg, Stanley C. Valiulis, Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 8083078
    Abstract: A vibration-assisted ejection cassette includes: outer plates 11 which align PTP-packaged drugs 20 for storage; a top frame 12 which is provided above an open front and which prevents accommodated drugs from being falling forward; an inner plate 13 which carries the accommodated drugs and advances the drugs when vibrated; and a vibrating member 15 which vibrates the inner plate 13. Thereby, vibration is exploited to maintain the drugs 20 in alignment with each other, advance the drugs while maintaining the drugs in alignment and eject them one by one. Additionally, a retention member 18 for retaining an ejected drug is provided in front of the open front. A control circuit 17 activates or stops activating the vibrating member 15 in accordance with whether or not an ejection detecting member detects that a drug is being retained. In this way, it is ensured that drugs are either manually picked up one by one or ejected by an automatic mechanism in an equally easy and stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tosho Inc.
    Inventors: Shiro Omura, Yoshihito Omura, Hideaki Hirobe
  • Patent number: 8038016
    Abstract: To reliably bias drugs to a rotor side without upsizing a device, with little layout limitations, and without damaging the drugs. Biasing means that biases drugs stored in a cassette 3 to a rotor 23 side to arrange the drugs includes: a casing 35; a constant load spring 36 provided in the casing 35 and having a spring part 41 fixed to the rotor 23 side of the cassette 3 at its tip; a locking plate 42 provided in the casing 35 and having a gear part 46 that engaged with and disengaged from a locking rack 26 formed in the cassette 3; and a pressing block 43 projected so as to be pressed from the contact surface of the casing 35 in contact with the drugs and rotating the locking plate 42 by pressing to release the gear part 46 from the locking rack 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Akira Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7992330
    Abstract: A display for printed materials includes a pocket mounting panel having a plurality of indexing holes, which may be arranged in columns and rows, and a plurality of pockets adapted to receive printed materials. The pockets include at least one rearwardly extending pocket engaging clip having a resiliently deformable member that is adapted to be received by an indexing hole. Pockets may be installed in a vertically cascading arrangement and individual pockets may be removed from the pocket mounting panel without removing adjacent installed pockets by manually engaging and deforming the resiliently deformable member(s) of the target pocket through access windows provided in the rear panels of the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Mary M. DaRif, Edwin P. Miller
  • Patent number: 7896172
    Abstract: A compactable display is presented using a compactable pusher system constructed from folded sheet material using an elastic band as a biasing element. A unique polygon construction is described for generating increased tension on an elastic band as the polygon is compressed to generate forward biasing of objects in the compactable display. Construction and assembly of the unit is described with a two part construction that is held together by the elastic band using easily accessible connection points for quick assembly with additional access apertures provided for removal of the elastic band for easy disassembly of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas F. Hester
  • Patent number: 7641057
    Abstract: A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall, and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on said mounting member in a sliding manner. The track extends approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The track includes an elongated rail extending longitudinally along the track, and a pusher slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A divider is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner, wherein the divider extends approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. The divider is spaced from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump
  • Patent number: 7484628
    Abstract: An anti-sweep apparatus for engagement with a wire which holds articles is disclosed. The anti-sweep apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion disposed proximate to the first portion and a camming surface disposed on the first portion. The camming surface is engagable by a portion of a lead article on the wire to cam the anti-sweep apparatus between an enabling orientation and a blocking orientation. In the enabling orientation, the lead article is removable from the wire. In the blocking orientation, a second article is prevented from being removed from the wire. The first portion and the second portion are lockable with each other and are sized to at least partially encapsulate a portion of the wire therebetween. When the lead article is moved proximally, the lead article engages the camming surface and causes the anti-sweep apparatus to move between its enabling orientation and its blocking orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Display Technologies
    Inventor: Raymond M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7451560
    Abstract: The present invention provides a holder for arranging against a wall one or more image carriers such as photos, cards, photo frames, brochures and the like, wherein the holder comprises: a support member for placing along the wall; a fixing member which is connected to the support member and can be arranged against the wall; a first spacer, arranged at a suitable distance from the support member, for arranging the image carrier therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Johan Frederik Kodde, Otto-Jan Staleman
  • Patent number: 7128220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a banknote compartment for a till drawer or the like, which is defined by a bottom, sidewalls, a rear wall and a front wall and has a covering element which extends from the rear wall over a part of the length of the compartment which is measured between the rear wall and the front wall. Said covering element comprises a holding-down clamp for banknotes, near its free edge which is at a distance from the rear wall. The clamp can be pivoted about an axis which is parallel to the bottom and the rear wall, between a pressure position, in which said clamp is pre-stressed downwards in the direction of the bottom, and a lifted release position. At least one intermediate bottom dividing the banknote compartment into superposed partial compartments is arranged between the bottom of the compartment and the covering element, parallel thereto and at a distance therefrom. Said intermediate bottom extends from the rear wall over a part of the length of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Baitz
  • Patent number: 7086541
    Abstract: A merchandising device displays a column of articles having a lead article with a front contour. The device includes a base member with first second and third columns of slots. A first side panel has a plurality of downwardly extending feet protruding through slots in the first column connecting the first side panel to the base member. A first post attached to the first side panel. A second side panel, spaced from the first side panel, has a plurality of downwardly extending feet protruding through slots in one of the second and third second columns to connect the second side panel to the base member. A second post is attached to the second side panel. A flexible front stop member is attached to the first and second posts. The front stop member is greater in length than the spacing between the first and second posts to adopt the contour of the lead article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC
    Inventor: James David Robertson
  • Patent number: 6955269
    Abstract: A weight-driven pusher for product on a gravity-fed display shelf includes a weighted frame. A front plate is mounted on the frame and manually adjustable in upper reach relative to the frame to accommodate product of varying height and preclude product from tipping rearwardly over the pusher. A leg assembly is retractably mounted on the frame adjacent the bottom thereof and biased to project rearwardly from the frame to preclude product from tipping the pusher over backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Albert Menz
  • Patent number: 6955268
    Abstract: A modular display system for polyhedron shaped merchandise, such as DVD's, software, computer games, CD's and the like, and a method for manufacturing such a display. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of individual pocket constraints configured as integral modules aligned and retained in a set of cascading shelves. The individual pocket modules are an integral form having side constraints, a connecting portion extending between the side portions, and a pushing portion having a merchandise engagement portion connecting to a bias-providing portion. The cascading shelves are, in a preferred embodiment, formed from a plurality of stackable shelves. Each shelf, in a preferred embodiment, has a horizontal lower base, a vertical back side, a vertical front portion, and a horizontal top piece forming generally a G-shape in the cross-section. The shelves are cascaded such that each successive higher shelf is set rearwardly from the shelf below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Exotic Rubber and Plastics of Minnesota, Inc.
    Inventor: Merle M. Waldron
  • Patent number: 6820753
    Abstract: A disposable glove dispenser bracket includes a back panel with a magnetic pad attached thereto for supporting the dispenser and lateral side panels with flanges to grip and hold a glove dispenser box. A biasing spring maintains the glove dispenser box appropriately positioned within the dispenser bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Scotty R. Kurtz, Marvin C. Negley, Sandor Epstein
  • Patent number: 6789684
    Abstract: A storage container for cards and file folders. The container has an open top tray with a bottom, side and end walls. A rod extending through the tray between the end walls. A multiplicity of retainer loops mounted on the rod inside the tray. Each retainer loop formed of a tough, resilient, abrasive-resistant resin having a bight portion and two legs. The retainer loops positioned in the tray with their bight portions extending above the side walls of the tray. An opening formed in each leg of each retainer loop to receive the rod to retain the loops in the tray. A slit extends from the opening in each leg to the outer edge thereof to permit the legs to be easily mounted on and removed from the rod. The side walls of the tray are inclined upwardly from front to rear and the retainer loops are varied in height from front to rear to provide a stepped positioning of the cards or file folders held between the retainer loop. The storage container may be formed as a portion of a note paper holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Transilwrap Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert M. Drower, James T. Carlin
  • Publication number: 20040168995
    Abstract: A dispenser for holding and dispensing individual foil sheets from a stack of foils. Because of the delicate nature of foil, the dispenser has a number of unique requirements to preserve the ability to dispense a single foil sheet. A top plate adds minimal weight to the stack of the foils in order to assist maintaining the stack of foils as one foil is removed. The dispenser protects the edges of the foils to minimize any damage or bending of the edges or corners of the foils to enhance the removal of individual sheets from the stack. A suction cup attached to the bottom of the dispenser minimizes movement of the dispenser with reference to the location of the dispenser. The dispenser has a bottom and end panel bent to angles which promote single dispensing of the top foil sheet. The foil is colored on one side so the cosmetologist may color coordinate different color concentrations to different areas of the customer's hair during a hair highlighting procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Ignoffo, John A. Krueger
  • Patent number: 6772888
    Abstract: An adjustable display rack is used in a shelf management system. The rack stores and displays products of a variety of shapes and sizes and automatically delivers the products to the front of the rack. The adjustable display rack includes a frame and a product supporting and feeding assembly. The assembly includes product tracks that can be added or removed as needed and that can be separated by varying distances depending on the width desired. The assembly also includes dividers. The product tracks and dividers can be separate or integral. The product tracks have raised rails extending from a front of the track to a back of the rack for attachment of a removable pusher block and a roll spring which urges the pusher block forward. Additionally, a spacer block can be fitted onto the pusher block to increase its height and width or used to change the spacing between the tracks. The tracks are generally freely slidable in races formed within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Burke Display Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Burke
  • Publication number: 20040140276
    Abstract: A modular display system for polyhedron shaped merchandise, such as DVD's, software, computer games, CD's and the like, and a method for manufacturing such a display, is relatively inexpensive to fabricate and presents a highly attractive and functional display. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of individual pocket constraints configured as integral modules aligned and retained in a set of cascading shelves. The individual pocket modules are an integral form having side constraints, a connecting portion extending between the side portions, and a pushing portion having a merchandise engagement portion connecting to a bias-providing portion. The cascading shelves are, in a preferred embodiment, formed from a plurality of stackable shelves. Each shelf, in a preferred embodiment, has a horizontal lower base, a vertical back side, a vertical front portion, and a horizontal top piece forming generally a G-shape in the cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Exotic Rubber and Plastics of Minnesota, Inc.
    Inventor: Merle M. Waldron
  • Publication number: 20040140278
    Abstract: A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a channel and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the channel. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. The paddle includes a foot which is slidably engaged in the channel and extends forwardly of the front face. A biasing element urges the paddle toward the track front end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump
  • Publication number: 20040140279
    Abstract: A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a rail and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the rail. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. A foot protrudes from the paddle. The foot extends away from the front face and is slidably engaged with the rail. A biasing element is operatively connected to the paddle for urging the paddle toward the track front end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump
  • Publication number: 20040065631
    Abstract: A display rack for the display of merchandise packages with provisions for moving product packages toward the front. A pusher sled is formed of front and back plastic wall panels, spaced apart at the bottom, with side opening notches at the edges and downwardly opening notches at the bottom for sliding engagement with and support by a base comprised of four spaced-apart, parallel wire-like supports. The four support wires are disposed in a flat plane and serve as a sliding support for product items placed on the display rack. The four wires also guide, support and retain the pusher sled for easy sliding movement under the urging of one or more coiled strip springs. The springs are confined between the wall panels of the sled and strip portions thereof extend through openings in the, front wall panel to anchor points at the front of assembly. The four support wires are connected at their ends by welded cross bars, which in turn are supported in small plastic base members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6698599
    Abstract: A device for displaying flat and flexible objects. The device displays flat and flexible objects and is specially suitable for modular display systems, e.g. display racks or display consoles. Flat and specially non-rigid display goods are held upright, and can be reliably inserted and withdrawn. The bottom, the rear wall and the sidewalls are configured as a single-pieced plastic injection molded part. At least one of the sidewalls is flexibly configured at least in one of its segments as a clamp holding the inserted objects in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Wolf-Dietrich Hannecke Kunststofftechnik
    Inventor: Wolf-Dietrich Hannecke
  • Patent number: 6651827
    Abstract: A display holder for displaying a stack of flexible material including a curved front wall extending from a base. A spring extends from a center portion of a rear wall to bias the stack of material toward the front wall and to impart a curvature in the stack of flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Berol Corporation
    Inventors: Brian T. Eberwein, James A. Hofman