Having Feature Perfecting The Dispensing Of Articles Patents (Class 211/59.2)
  • Patent number: 8292096
    Abstract: A spice rack is provided for mini spice containers. The rack includes a spindle with a rotatable carriage having multiple rows of container compartments. Each compartment is adapted to hold a single spice container. In one embodiment the rows are offset with respect to one another, so that a person can easily grasp the top and bottom of a container for removal from the compartments, with the upper edges of each row of compartments supporting the containers in the next vertically adjacent row of compartments. In a second embodiment, the compartment is shorter than the container so that a person can grip the upper end of the container for removal from the compartment. The containers snap fit into the opening between the resilient side walls of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Alan S. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120261367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable, light-weighing, easily-assembled display stand with lower production and labor costs, formed by easily mountable-dismountable cardboard, paperboard, rubber or plastic-based parts for use in displaying items of various type and size at shopping malls, supermarkets, stores, shops, fairgrounds, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Mustafa Kabakci
  • Publication number: 20120261366
    Abstract: An earthquake-activated shelf security system has two guide rails attached to both sides of a shelf or pallet rack. At least one retainer is moveably constrained to move along the guide rails by a rotating loop located on each end of the retainer. The guide rail has a retainer rest portion and allows the retainer to rest in a prepared configuration without moving down the rail unless acted upon by a shaking event such as an earthquake. A movable backstop is located along a back portion of the retainer rest portion. The position of the rest stop can be adjusted to adjust the sensitivity of the system to earthquakes. The guide rails have retainer stops located at selected positions to keep the retainer from moving past. In one embodiment two retainers are provided and in another embodiment, a mesh is provided to contain items that would otherwise fall through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Giselle Francine NAGY, Michael B. NAGY
  • Publication number: 20120255922
    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: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: PROCESS RETAIL GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: M. Scott Bryson, Terry Berglund, Dowie Soetenga
  • Publication number: 20120248050
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stackable display stand comprising a unitary structure having an open interior volume, a forward-facing shelf or rack area, a display header and a lower foundation region. The stand is adapted to support and display a plurality of merchandise items on its shelf area and to display signs along its header for use in retail areas, wherein magazines, literature or sale items may be easily displayed for customers or passersby to visualize and purchase. The stand structure is designed to be insertable into a second stand of the same design, wherein the open interior volume allows two or more stands to be stacked on top of one another when stowed or transported, reducing consumed space. The stand is adapted to provide a sturdy, stackable replacement for currently available corrugated or collapsible stands utilized in marketplaces, convention areas or other consumer high traffic areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory Heintz
  • Publication number: 20120241395
    Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Lawrence J. BRUCIA
  • Publication number: 20120234779
    Abstract: A product display tray configured for use on a shelf is disclosed. The product display tray includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left side, a right side, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting items. The side wall is selectively positionable a distance from a side of the base and is substantially parallel to the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Raymond M. Schneider, Richard Jay, Eleanor Lovinsky
  • Publication number: 20120228247
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Publication number: 20120228246
    Abstract: A pack of bags with a sleeve that provides an envelope for the pack of bags is disclosed. In the plurality of bag units in the pack of plastic bags, each front sheet and back sheet is cut to form an opening and a grab tab for each bag. A tongue may be inserted in the opening to push forward the grab tab when the pack of plastic bags is suspended from a rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Alejandro J. Alvarado, Pedro A. Monterrosa
  • Publication number: 20120223034
    Abstract: A snowplow exhibit apparatus may be used to display at least two snowplows at two different heights in multiple upper levels, in additional to the ground level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Kemmerling
  • Publication number: 20120217212
    Abstract: A display assembly and shelving unit. The display assembly includes a base with one or more channels that extend between the front and back of the base. The back is higher than the front so that the base is retained at an angle to the horizontal within the shelving unit. A conveyor mechanism operable under force of gravity is provided across the channels. The conveyor mechanism includes roller assemblies that have rods with a plurality of small rollers thereon. The rollers are able to rotate about the stationary rod individually and independently. When a product for sale is removed from a front end of a first channel, then the products remaining in that first channel slide downwardly on the rollers until they engage a stop. Products in adjacent channels will remain stationary as the rollers in those additional channels will not rotate when product is removed from the first channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: E-B DISPLAY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Czalkiewicz, Kenneth E. Loy, Brian McFadden, Michael S. Rotolo
  • Publication number: 20120217213
    Abstract: A product dispenser including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the frame including an upper support deck and a lower support deck, the lower support deck being positioned below the upper support deck and defining a product display area proximate the front end, the upper support deck defining a longitudinal axis that is declined from the front end to the rear end, the upper support deck including a front end portion that is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Laurel Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120217208
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retail display having a surface with different elevations. The surface can further be divided into quadrants. A plurality of posts can be mounted in various positions on the different elevations of the top of the surface. The posts can be different heights and have merchandising display holders attached to display a variety of items. Both the posts and the merchandising display holders can be configured in different manners to achieve different themed display zones for each quadrant. The configuration of different elevations provide for improved viewing of items on display and a more aesthetically pleasing display of items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: E. Alain Levi, Thomas Reistetter
  • Patent number: 8251232
    Abstract: An article advancing device and an article arrangement shelf with simple structures can be securely operated without electric power. The article advancing device includes elongated drawer members with flexible band-shaped sheets and stopper structures disposed at distal ends of the flexible band-shaped sheets to allow articles to be arranged on the elongated drawer members when pulled-out, rollers for fixing proximal ends of the band-shaped sheets in position and winding up the band-shaped sheets by predetermined driving force while allowing the band-shaped sheets to be freely pulled out, and a main body for housing the rollers and the wound up band-shaped sheets. The rollers are disposed in parallel to each other within the main body, and the elongated drawer members are disposed on the rollers respectively so as not to overlap each other in a width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd., Arakawa Kinzoku Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Nakaya, Koichi Yamazaki, Hiroyuki Ono, Tatsuo Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8251233
    Abstract: A shelving system and a shelf for that system are disclosed. The shelving system may include a frame base; upright frame bars connected to the frame base, the upright frame bars including a plurality of apertures; and a plurality of shelves. One or more of the plurality of shelves may include front, left, right, and rear walls, the left and right walls including at least one connector configured to be received in one or more apertures of the plurality of apertures; at least one base member connecting the front and rear walls; and at least one glide sheet configured to allow gravity to move the items supported on the at least one glide sheet toward the front wall, the shelf being free from a locking mechanism that secures the at least one glide sheet to one or more other components of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: CLB Enterprises, Inc. II
    Inventor: Charlotte Biglow
  • Patent number: 8235226
    Abstract: Apparatuses for the efficient and safe organization of product on shelves. The backstop assemblies are capable of being utilized in a wide variety of shelving units. Because the backstop puller engages the front of the backstop, the backstop assemblies are able to be employed in shelves of various depths and allow for the customer to draw product toward the front of the shelving unit efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Crawbuck, James R. Burchell, Edward J. Moss, John C. Burchell
  • Publication number: 20120193312
    Abstract: There is provided a rotatable gravity feeding shelf unit comprising a bracket onto which a rotatable shelf is arranged. The shelf is arranged having an inclination angle for providing gravity feeding in a forward direction in a display position when a front side of the shelf is accessible. The shelf unit further comprises tilting means arranged for providing tilting of the plane of rotation of the shelf during rotation, thereby controlling the inclination angle of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ENJOY SALES AB
    Inventors: Håkan Sjölander, John Andersen
  • Publication number: 20120193311
    Abstract: An aisle violating display is configured to be attached to a vertically oriented structural member, such as conventional upright shelving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Visual Graphic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Benasillo
  • Publication number: 20120187060
    Abstract: A modular display system includes a display fixture having a product interface adapted to support at least one product and a support fixture interface. The support fixture interface includes a base member coupled to the product interface and first and second engagement arrangements disposed along opposite sides of the base member. The display fixture is rotatable 180 degrees between first and second display positions, with the first engagement arrangement being adapted to engage a first support fixture when the display fixture is in the first display position, and wherein the second engagement arrangement is adapted to engage a second support fixture having a different configuration than the first support fixture when the display fixture is in the second display position. Various embodiments of the support fixture include a slat wall, a hang bar, a peg board and a wire grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: DANIEL J. CANDOS
  • Publication number: 20120175324
    Abstract: A plastic molded bin that may universally mount to either of cross wires or cross bars in a retail merchandising environment as shown. The bin includes a receptacle and has hooks and retainers projecting from the back wall of the receptacle to provide for the universal mount structure. Partition walls with a mounting structure can be used to divide the merchandise holding chamber into different merchandising compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Barkdoll, Thomas E. Valiulis
  • Publication number: 20120160785
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen D. Wamsley, Robert Gray, Paul A. Mueller, Dainel J. Kump, Curtis Taylor, James J. Rataiczak, III
  • Publication number: 20120160788
    Abstract: A display fixture for displaying gift bags for sale in a retail environment includes a display base, at least one display panel attached to the display base, a plurality of display hooks removably attached to the display panel, and at least two groups of gift bags. The at least two groups of gift bags each contain a single image, picture or design printed thereon, wherein when the at least two groups of gift bags are arranged in a particular manner, they each make up part of a larger combined visual image. The display is versatile and easy to change into various gift bag arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Kopsak
  • Patent number: 8196759
    Abstract: A laboratory ware dispenser has a receptacle defining a space and at least one laboratory ware magazine for containing items of laboratory ware and including a plurality of apertures. The space defined by the receptacle is configured to receive the laboratory ware magazine. The receptacle has at least one aperture dimensioned such that at least one but not all of the apertures of the laboratory ware magazine are registerable with the aperture of the receptacle upon relative rotation of the receptacle and laboratory ware magazine. A laboratory ware magazine has an annular support member defining a space for containing a plurality of items of laboratory ware and a plurality of apertures arranged around a circumference of the annular support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Alba Scientific Services, Ltd, Berg Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Galen Milne, Andrew Sinclair Sherriff, William Graham Rennie, Valerie Undrill
  • Publication number: 20120138551
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a support structure, a dispenser mounted on the support structure, the dispenser including a first rail member and a second rail member, and a product releasably engaged with the first rail member and the second rail member such that the product is suspended from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: John A. Gelardi
  • Publication number: 20120118839
    Abstract: A bag dispenser rack, includes a first bag pack support tray that has a first base, a first left side wall, a first right side wall, a first back wall, a first front wall and holds a first merchandise bag pack. The first front wall has a first opening that permits extraction of first bags from the first pack. A second bag pack support tray has a second base, a second left side wall, a second right side wall, a second back wall, a second front wall and holds a second merchandise bag pack. The second front wall has a second opening to permit extraction of second bags from the second pack. The second bag pack support tray is hingedly attached to the first bag pack support tray. The second bag pack support tray pivots upwardly to permit loading of a first bag pack into the first bag pack tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Brian Tan
  • Publication number: 20120111812
    Abstract: A packaged adhesive tape product comprising a roll of tape with a decorative multi-color pattern printed thereon, a dispenser at least partially surrounding the roll of tape and a label bearing retailing information and at least a portion of the decorative multi-color pattern carried on the label is described. A display rack for the products is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Tia Ann Bahr
  • Publication number: 20120111811
    Abstract: A tilting tray bag dispenser rack includes a support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall and a front wall that holds a merchandise bag pack and has an opening for extraction of bags. The tray is hingedly attached adjacent an upper edge of the back wall to an underside of a counter. First and second side support linkage has a first and second upper and lower arms The upper arms are pivotally attached to first and second side brackets attached to the underside of the counter. The lower arms are pivotally attached to the upper arms and pivotally attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls. A position retention device retains the tray in an upper, bag delivery position when engaged and permits the bag pack support tray to move to a lower, loading position when disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Brian Tan
  • Publication number: 20120111810
    Abstract: A rolling extension tray bag dispenser rack includes a bag pack support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall and is sized and shaped to hold a merchandise bag pack. The front wall has an opening sized and shaped to permit extraction of bags from the pack. Rolling extenders are provided that have fixed portions and moving portions. The moving portions are attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls or the underside of the support tray and are slidably mounted to the fixed portions. The fixed portions have mounting features for attaching to an underside or back wall of a counter. A spring-loaded check ball or other latching mechanism is mounted to the support tray. A detent panel or other mating latching mechanism is mounted to the underside or back wall of the counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Brian Tan
  • Publication number: 20120097626
    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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: IBT HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Deguglimo, Glenn Robinson
  • Patent number: 8162154
    Abstract: A gravity feed dispenser (50) for containers, in which the dispenser (50) carrying the containers includes a pair of longitudinally extending stringers (80) engaging with shelf rack (20) in snap-fitting relation to secure the dispenser (50) to the rack (20). In another embodiment, the dispenser (50) has sidewalls (52) of transparent plastic for product visibility and is provided with a glide strip (100) which is attached to the floor (54) of the dispenser (50) by hooks (102) temporarily, and permanently by fusion of the glide strip (100) to the dispenser (50) as by sonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120091078
    Abstract: A device for the support and display of merchandise. The device includes a base, a front panel, rear panel and a pair of side panels the latter extending between the front and back panels and connected to the base to create an inner volume. A series of perforations are formed within each side panel. The perforations are configured such that elements of each side panel are selectively extendible within the inner volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: David Haaf
  • Publication number: 20120085717
    Abstract: A display fixture includes a base and a plurality of fragrance plate assemblies mounted to the base. The base includes a top having a top surface, a front, a back, opposing ends and a well. The well has a well surface recessed from the top surface and includes a plurality of openings in the well surface. Each of the fragrance plate assemblies includes a plate with a recess having a geometric shape constructed to correspond to a geometric contour of a bottom of a fragrance bottle, a pair of plate hooks and a pair of spacers attaching the plate to the pair of plate hooks. The pair of plate hooks are inserted into two of the openings in the well to secure each fragrance plate assembly to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Nick Q. Trinh, Vaughan R. Schaub
  • Publication number: 20120085718
    Abstract: A modular merchandise display system includes a frame and a plurality of merchandise supporting units. The frame has a pair of spaced apart, parallelly disposed indexing members, and each indexing member has a plurality of openings formed therein, and a plurality of resilient locking clips situated in alignment with the openings. Each merchandise supporting unit has a front side and an opposite rear side, and a pair of spaced apart locator protrusions extending outwardly from the rear side which are receivable in corresponding openings in the indexing members and are engageable with the resilient locking clips to secure the merchandise supporting units to the frame. Each merchandise supporting unit also includes a release bar. The release bar has a pair of free ends which are selectively engageable with corresponding resilient locking clips upon movement of the release bar to disengage the locking clips from corresponding locator protrusions of the merchandise supporting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SUMMIT PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: James Bergdoll, Michael Mongelluzzo, Gary Rein
  • Publication number: 20120074164
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser including a frame configured to support the container and a catch element connected to the frame, the catch element being positioned to engage the opening when the container is loaded onto the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Bradford J. Walling, John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates
  • Publication number: 20120067835
    Abstract: A stackable glide rack includes an elongated member having a plurality of vertical partitions forming at least one row for storing a plurality of beverage containers, multiple protrusions and indentations for allowing a group of individual glide racks to be stacked in a vertical manner and an identification unit for identifying a type of beverage container stored in each row. When so oriented, a plurality of glide racks can provide an increased product selection choices without occupying additional space in a refrigerated display case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Devin Danehy
  • Publication number: 20120061338
    Abstract: A method of configuring storage in a dispensing kiosk and an assembly of rack modules forming a rack, the assembly selected using the configuration method. The selection uses one or more rack modules from a set of rack modules, each having an array of bins having a range of bin sizes and a range of quantities of bins of each size, so as to present a predetermined bin size distribution. The bin size distribution of one rack module of the set differs from the bin size distribution of the other rack modules of the set so that different combinations of members of the set can be assembled to maximize efficiency of stocking of items in the rack. A target inventory of items for stocking the dispensing kiosk is picked, the inventory having a range of item sizes and a range of quantities of each item size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Todd Willick, Richard Panetta, Wes van Ooyen, Derek Bessette
  • Publication number: 20120037578
    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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Weshler, William Y. Stafford
  • Publication number: 20120037577
    Abstract: A product display unit for providing the consumer with an opportunity to position a major part of the body against the product being displayed includes a stand that has a height, a length, a top, and a bottom. A plurality of products are coupled in the vicinity of the top of the stand. The plurality of products are spaced from one another along the length of the stand. The stand has a height that allows the consumer to position a major part of the body below the top of the stand adjacent the products such that the consumer can feel the products being displayed. A method for providing a consumer with the touch and feel of an article utilizing a display unit includes providing a display unit that includes a stand, hanging a plurality of products from the stand, and allowing the consumer to position a major portion of their body against the products in order to determine what the product would feel like in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald E. Wootten, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120031863
    Abstract: The present application provides a modular racking system for use with a number of products. The modular racking system may include a number of support members and a number of shelves. The shelves may include a number of locking sections with a tapered cutout sized for one of the support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Brett Horn, Erika Gomez
  • Publication number: 20120024806
    Abstract: A slat segment is disclosed for use in packaging machines which dispense discrete pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into containers. The slat segment is comprised of a straight elongated bar, whose first surface contains a plurality of substantially cylindrical cavities separated by adjacent walls. Discrete products ready for packaging are deposited into contoured intake flutes which guide the pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into the cavities within the slat segment. The products are then dispensed from the slat segment via contoured disposal flutes connected to each cavity, to eventually be deposited into containers being conveyed proximate the packaging machine. Salient thermal radiation blocks are arranged along a second surface of the slat segment, along with thermal radiation webs, which facilitate conduction of thermal radiation away from the slat segment. The slat segment thereby maintains maximum strength and stability and minimizes necessary maintenance of the slat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Sabrie Soloman
  • Publication number: 20120018391
    Abstract: A product dispenser including a frame having a first side wall, a second side wall laterally opposed from the first side wall, a lower support surface positioned between the first and second side walls and having a front end longitudinally spaced from a rear end, the rear end being elevated relative to the front, and an upper support surface positioned between the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the lower support surface, the upper support surface having a front end longitudinally spaced from a rear end, the front end being elevated relative to the rear, and a rib connected to the upper support surface and protruding outward from a plane defined by the upper support surface in a direction away from the lower support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120018392
    Abstract: A modular shelving system comprises a first upright, a second upright, first and second rails, and a rail spanner. The first upright includes a first body and a first cleat having a base portion secured in the first body. The second upright includes a second body and a second cleat having a base portion secured in the second body. Each of the first and second rails defines an upper cleat hole and a lower cleat hole. The first cleat of the first upright is slidably received in the upper and lower cleat holes of the first rail, and the second cleat of the second upright is slidably received in the upper and lower cleat holes of the second rail. The rail spanner extends between the first and second rails and includes first and second retaining claws each connected to the rail spanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert D. PEOTA, Robert D. YODER, Andrew A. ENYART, Mark A. Campbell, Steven C. THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20120012547
    Abstract: A modular merchandise display system includes a frame and a plurality of merchandise supporting units. The frame has a pair of spaced apart, parallelly disposed indexing members, and each indexing member has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each merchandise supporting unit has a front side and an opposite rear side, a pair of spaced apart pins extending outwardly from the rear side which are receivable in corresponding openings in each indexing member, and a pair of locking wings which selectively engage the indexing members to secure with the pins the merchandise supporting units to the indexing members of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Summit Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergdoll, Michael Mongelluzzo, Gary Rein
  • Publication number: 20120006773
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member that is selectively securable to a front portion of an associated shelf. A cooperating member is received on the mounting member. The cooperating member extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member includes an elongated body having a front end and a rear end and a nose extending from the front end. A hinge connects the nose to the front end. The nose contacts a wall of the elongated mounting member to retard relative movement between the cooperating member and the elongated mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Paul A. Mueller, John Caterinacci, Gerald Szpak
  • Publication number: 20120006772
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base and a dampener assembly mounted to the spring-urged pusher configured to control the rate of speed at which the spring-urged pusher is urged forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20120006774
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base and a dampener assembly mounted to the spring-urged pusher configured to control the rate of speed at which the spring-urged pusher is urged forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20120006771
    Abstract: A product merchandising unit having a plurality of shelf members adjustably positionable within a framework structure, each shelf member including a plurality of retractable pin members selectively movable for engagement with openings associated with the framework structure, and a plurality of removably attachable divider members engageable with the underneath portion of each shelf member anywhere along substantially their entire width, the divider members extending downwardly from the shelf member located thereabove into the product display space of the shelf member located therebelow forming product channels for guiding products therebetween, each divider member being selectively adjustable relative to another divider member to control and adjust the width of each product channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: PRESENCE FROM INNOVATION, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, JR., Robert E. Kreutzer, JR., Andrew J. Boron, Sean W. Luaders
  • Publication number: 20120006770
    Abstract: A cap-shaped object rack formed by bending a metal wire rod into shape is disclosed to include two smoothly curved upright side rods, a base open frame connected to bottom ends of the upright side rods, a top open space through which cap-shaped objects are inserted one after another into the space between the two upright side rods, a bottom open space through which every storage cap-shaped object is taken out of the space between the two upright side rods, two back support rods arranged in a parallel manner between the two upright side rods for supporting every storage cap-shaped object between the two upright side rods, and a front stop rod is connected between the bottom ends of the back support rods and curving forwards and suspending above the base open frame at the front side relative to the upright side rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: FANG-YIN CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120006764
    Abstract: Display devices, comprising a storage section for at least one package of merchandise; a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means for engaging the package and the transport means exerting a torque on the package when the transport means is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section. Also for dispensing a package of merchandise are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTORY SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Georg HACHMANN, Ulf ROLLNY
  • Publication number: 20120000870
    Abstract: A clothing display fixture includes a sleeve having an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of opposing edges defining a top and a bottom, a joint, a first cross member and a second cross member. The first and second cross members have first lengthwise edges and opposing second lengthwise edges and first widthwise edges and opposing second widthwise edges. The first and second opposing widthwise edges are located adjacent to the inner surface of the sleeve such that the first widthwise edges span across the joint and wherein the first and second support members extend through a center of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott E. Denby, Joseph R. Stukenberg, Judith A. Bell