Having Feature Perfecting The Dispensing Of Articles Patents (Class 211/59.2)
  • Publication number: 20100044325
    Abstract: A display cradle for storing and dispensing containers such as beverage cans and bottles. Containers are loaded from the rear of the display cradle onto shelves sloping downward from the back of the display cradle to the front of the display cradle. The bottom shelf of the display cradle includes an exit port at the front of the assembly, allowing containers to be removed from the display cradle. The display cradle includes an exit channel between a front wall and the front end of the shelves where the containers from each shelf drop through towards the exit port. A gate at the front end of each shelf pivots under the weight of the containers, allowing the front-most container on each shelf to enter the exit channel while preventing subsequent containers from entering the exit channel. When the containers have exited the exit channel, the biased gate tilts back allowing the next container on each shelf to repeat the sequence. The biased gates on each shelf may operate in unison with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: PepsiCo., Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Lowenbraun, Dennis Polvere, Jeff Leonard
  • Patent number: 7665618
    Abstract: An improved gravity feed product dispenser track apparatus for products sold in containers having a truncated conical shape, such as a bell shape or an inverted bell shape used for certain popular yogurt products. The dispenser track assembly of the present disclosure aligns the products on a track with a front discharge portion and an exit ramp that tilts the lead product forward or rearward so that the inclined or declined front surface of the container is pivoted to a more vertical state to improve its visibility for customers. A plurality of pull through fingers is disposed near front discharge portion. These fingers maintain a lead container on the track while also allowing a customer to remove a container by pulling it through the opening between the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Jay, Raymond Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100032391
    Abstract: A product display unit comprising a first side wall, a second side wall, and at least one securing structure is disclosed. Each of the first and second side walls comprise at least one rail extending laterally therefrom and the side walls define a distance therebetween. An upper surface of the rail is configured to support a portion of a product. At least one securing structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first side wall. The securing structure comprises a plurality of securing portions disposed in mechanical cooperation therewith. The securing structure is configured to allow the distance between the first side wall and the second sidewall to be adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Display Technologies
    Inventors: Raymond M. Schneider, Daniel C. Riley, Eric Neumann
  • Publication number: 20100032392
    Abstract: A product display unit for a displaying a plurality of products thereon is disclosed. The product display unit comprises a bottom member, a first rib, and a second rib. The bottom member includes a product-supporting surface. The first rib projects upwardly from the product-supporting surface and extends longitudinally along the bottom member. The second rib projects upwardly from the product-supporting surface and extends longitudinally along the bottom member, such that a distance is defined between the first rib and the second rib. The distance between the first rib and the second rib is dimensioned to be less than the widest portion of a product configured to be supported by the bottom member between the first rib and the second rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Display Technologies
    Inventors: Anthony Camello, Eric Neumann, Bruce Gommermann
  • Publication number: 20100025345
    Abstract: A cigarette display system 1000 can link a plurality of frame units 300 in a vertical direction, and each of the frame units 300 can hold a plurality of tray units 200 in an arrangement in which the tray units 200 are separated apart in the vertical direction. Each of the tray units 200 can hold a plurality of magazine units 100 arranged in a lateral direction, and each of the magazine units 100 can hold a plurality of cigarette packs T arranged in a direction from front to back. Because of this, it is possible to freely change a layout in which the cigarette packs T are arranged and displayed in the vertical and lateral directions so that cigarette cartons K or the like having a shape which cannot be accommodated in the magazine unit 100 can be displayed as well. As described above, the present invention provides the cigarette display system 1000 having a structure in which the layout of the cigarette packs T to be displayed or the like can be changed in various forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Norikazu Takashima, Hiroshi Kawaida
  • Publication number: 20100025344
    Abstract: A dual column presentation display system with optional integrated shelving, storage, headers, panels, table base and top, for use in displaying products, samples, premiums or the like made optimally from a single piece of paperboard which when folded and assembled forms a hinged dual column stand alone display system with multiple shelving trays in each column and wherein a separate center display header is nested between and attached to the dual columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Alexander Virvo
  • Publication number: 20100025346
    Abstract: Apparatuses for the efficient and safe organization of product on shelves. The present invention encompasses shelving allocation units that are adjustable in both the longitudinal and orthogonal direction. By being adjustable along an orthogonal axis, the shelving allocation units of the present invention may be adapted to accommodate various sizes of product. The present invention also includes novel backstop assemblies that may be adapted for use in shelves of various dimensions. The present invention may also include a gravity- or spring-driven bias mechanism to drive product automatically to the front of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Cynthia A. CRAWBUCK, James R. Burchell, Edward J. Moss, John C. Burchell
  • Patent number: 7644827
    Abstract: A gravity feed. display rack for supporting and displaying merchandise features a merchandise channel support structure, and at least one merchandise channel. The channel has a merchandise support, a left wall and a right wall, the left wall and right wall adjustably located in spaced apart relationship upon the merchandise channel support structure to accommodate varying sizes of merchandise. Thus the display rack may be adjustably assembled to accommodate specific sizes of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Source I Displays, a division of Fortune Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Hanretty
  • Patent number: 7624881
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for header-style bags having a housing comprising a rear portion and a front cover connected to the rear portion, and a bag mount attached to the rear portion proximate the top edge thereof, the bag mount structured and arranged to engage the aperture in the packet of bags so as to hang the packet from the bag mount. The front cover is pivotally attached to the rear portion so as to be movable between a lowered, open position providing access to an interior of the housing so that a lower portion of a packet of bags hanging from the bag mount can be received in the interior of the housing, and a raised, closed position in which the housing substantially encloses the lower portion of the packet of bags while the mouth portion of the packet of bags projects above the housing to allow a bag to be grasped at an upper end thereof and removed from the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hilex Poly Co., LLC
    Inventor: Harry B. Wilfong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7617941
    Abstract: A product display rack having a plurality of interlocking modular units, each of which are capable of tessellation. Preferably, each unit comprises: four parallel wire members, the first and second of which define a base, and the third and fourth of which define a top; a first L-shaped flange and a second, parallel L-shaped flange, wherein said first and second L-shaped flanges are attached and parallel to said first and third wire members, respectively, and wherein further the first and second L-shaped flanges have their own respective receiving portions that face each other; a third L-shaped flange and a fourth, parallel L-shaped flange, wherein said third and fourth L-shaped flanges are attached and parallel to said third and fourth wire members, respectively, and wherein further the third and fourth L-shaped flanges each have their own respective receiving portions that face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sabritas, S. de R.L. de C.V.
    Inventors: Maria Alejandra Noble Colin, Juan Manuel Avila Barriga
  • Publication number: 20090266776
    Abstract: A dispenser and display device for articles on a store shelf includes a pair of vertically disposed panels that define a space there between to guide the articles from an upper portion to a lower portion. A pin extending from each of the panels allows a display assembly, having an access door, a frame, and a card, to movably attach to the dispenser and display device. The display assembly is therefore movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The frame is movably connected to the access door such at a volume is defined between the access door and the frame. The volume is configured to complementarily receive the card in order to display advertising indicia disposed on the front of the card. A display panel is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Terry J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090261048
    Abstract: A jar dispenser includes a housing defining a row that accommodates multiple jars of baby food in single file atop a planar floor. A pushplate is configured for movement along the row. A biasing member is in communication with the pushplate to bias the pushplate from a housing back side toward a housing front side. The device includes a door adjacent the row at the housing front side, the door being pivotal to restrict access to the row when at a closed position and to allow access to the row when at open and load positions. A first biasing member biases the door toward the closed position. A door catch is positioned to interact with the door when the door is at the load position. A second biasing member biases the door to bias the door to interact with the door catch when the door is at the load position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Pauline R. Roeske
  • Publication number: 20090223914
    Abstract: A theft deterrent dispensing unit particularly for use with cans includes a conveyor section that leads to a dispensing head. A shroud extends over the forward edge of the conveying section. The dispensing head pivots downwardly allowing the leading can to be grasped without interference of the shroud. The rear edge of the dispensing head pivots upwardly, preventing the next adjacent can from moving immediately into the dispensing head until the dispensing head rotates back to a closed position. Likewise, when the dispensing head is rotated to an open position, a barrier is pulled down from the top of the shroud, again preventing an individual from reaching in and grabbing the next adjacent can. A locking mechanism is positioned on the side of the dispensing units to prevent two adjacent dispensing units from being opened at the same time. Finally, the speed at which the dispensing heads move from an open to a closed position is regulated to prevent rapid removal of cans from a single dispensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: William Henry Kahl, Robert C. Best, David E. Burbrink
  • Publication number: 20090065453
    Abstract: A sorter has a pair of laterally spaced apart wire supports. A platform is disposed between the pair of wire supports. A plurality of dividers is spaced apart from one another along the wire supports. Each divider extends generally upward and laterally outward from a respective wire support. The sorter can be stacked upon and nested with multiple like sorters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Aaron W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7497341
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Patent number: 7469791
    Abstract: A display rack comprises a plurality of display rack modules connected with each other laterally side-by-side to be fixed on wire shelves in a display case. A display rack module comprises a channel base secured on a wire shelve of a display case, and a channel tray mounted slidably on the channel base. The channel tray has a pair of guide grooves along the longitudinal sides of the bottom, a front stopper and a rear stopper formed between the pair of guide grooves. The channel base has a pair of L shaped longitudinal projections on the upper surface to be slidably engaged with the guide grooves, and has at least a stopper at the front of the upper surface, which contacts the front stopper in displaying mode and contacts the rear stopper in refilling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Sung Ho Phoy
  • Patent number: 7451881
    Abstract: A modular shelving system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a box shelf is provided that may be supported by vertical rails of a shelf upright. The box shelf may be supported by shelf supports that engage the vertical rails. The box shelf may include a slideable shelf mounted on a rail and held in position by a biased hinge plate. The slideable shelf may include a divider to separate the shelf into one or more regions and to interfere with the rapid removal of products from the shelf. The box shelf may further include a door that in an embodiment may be required to be opened before products can be removed from slideable shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max E. Syvuk, John W. Swafford, Jr., David J. Henke
  • Patent number: 7448504
    Abstract: A shelf device for a cooler has a pair of front uprights and a pair of rear uprights. A shelf is attached to uprights is adapted to hold beverage containers in an upright position. Left and right edge portions of the shelf are disposed behind the front uprights and a front edge portion of the shelf is disposed between the front uprights. Left and right guide panels respectively extend from the left and right edge portions toward the front edge portion creating channels for guiding containers from behind the posts for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Bernard Primiano
  • Publication number: 20080245811
    Abstract: A box structure has a plurality of walls positioned and configured to prevent access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A first movable wall permits manual access to a frontal portion of the interior space while at the same time moving a barrier strip to prevent manual access to other than said frontal portion of the interior space. A roll-out shelf mounts merchandise supporting modules with pushers to move merchandise toward the front of the structure where ejection mechanisms in each of the modules are able to direct selected items to the front of the structure where they can be accessed by consumers. The ejection process creates a characteristic noise to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Robert P. Colelli, Eric E. Oberg, Johnnie Cruz, Keith Cleland
  • Publication number: 20080237159
    Abstract: A display rack system for use in a display case such as a produce display case includes a base and a back wall. Mounted on the back wall are a series of shelves, which affix to holes in the back wall. Certain of the shelves are curved or sloped upwardly or downwardly relative to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the shelving unit is in the form of a box having a curvilinear upper and lower walls and vertical sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas Bray, Michael Serraino
  • Publication number: 20080237160
    Abstract: A gravity feed product display device having product chutes and supported by an easel. Embodiments of the device may include a center easel or side easels formed from the back and bottom panels of the outer body of the display device. Either a one piece or a two piece construction may be used to form the device, which may be front loaded with product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Pedler
  • Publication number: 20080203038
    Abstract: A gravity feed product display device having product chutes and supported by an easel. Embodiments of the device may include a center easel or side easels formed from the back and bottom panels of the outer body of the display device. Either a one piece or a two piece construction may be used to form the device, which may be front loaded with product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Pedler, Ronald W. Grotovsky
  • Publication number: 20080197089
    Abstract: A display rack structure comprises: a rack, at least two restricting pieces and two reinforced pieces. With the restricting pieces, the display racks can be stacked more firmly, and the reinforce pieces are provided with weight-sharing piece to evenly distribute the weight of the stacked racks, thus prolonging the service life of the racks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Lin-chun CHANG
  • Patent number: 7404494
    Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers includes a generally flat panel which supports products and a motion providing device adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device may include a motor-driven cam that moves the panel quickly in one direction and then slowly in the opposite direction. During the quick movement of the panel, the friction between the panel and the products resting on the panel is released and the panel generally moves under the products while the products remain generally stationary. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 7398888
    Abstract: A sports equipment storage rack for supporting a variety of sports equipment in an off the ground position includes an elongated cylindrically shaped body of a wire type cage construction that is sized to hold a plurality of spherically shaped balls and has an arcuately shaped top portion for receiving the balls and a bottom portion that is arcuately formed to provide a ramp for discharging the balls from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory Nowak
  • Publication number: 20080164229
    Abstract: A merchandising system for articles comprising a first divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall and a second divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall. The first divider is coupled to the second divider to form a compartment for the articles between the sidewall of the first compartment and the sidewall of the second compartment. The compartment has a front and a back. A support for the articles is provided within the compartment between the sidewall of the first divider and the sidewall of the second divider from adjacent the front of the compartment to adjacent the back of the compartment by the member on the first divider and the member on the second divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Gary M. Richter, Allen E. Johnson, M. Scott Bryson, Daniel J. Schiffer, Terrence G. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20080156751
    Abstract: A merchandising system for articles comprising a first divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall and a second divider providing a sidewall and a generally longitudinal member along the sidewall. The first divider is coupled to the second divider to form a compartment for the articles between the sidewall of the first compartment and the sidewall of the second compartment. The compartment has a front and a back. A support for the articles is provided within the compartment between the sidewall of the first divider and the sidewall of the second divider from adjacent the front of the compartment to adjacent the back of the compartment by the member on the first divider and the member on the second divider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Gary M. Richter, Allen E. Johnson, M.Scott Bryson, Daniel J. Schiffer, Terrence G. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20080121595
    Abstract: A gravity feed dispenser for containers, in which the dispenser carrying the containers includes a pair of longitudinally extending fingers engaging with shelf rack in snap-fitting relation to secure the dispenser in to the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske
  • Publication number: 20080116156
    Abstract: A sectional shelf is provided, which includes a plurality of shelves each having at least two hollow fastening parts and being stacked one by one to form desired shelf compartments, an upper portion of each shelf being opened, a plurality of hollow support members located between the shelves for supporting the shelves, an upper coupling member with one end inserted into an upper end of each support member and the other end inserted into a lower end of each support member, a threaded portion being formed on an upper end of the upper coupling member, and a lower coupling member with one end inserted into the lower end of each support member and the other end inserted into the upper end of each support member, a threaded portion being formed on a lower end of the lower coupling member and threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the upper coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Moon Sun Park
  • Publication number: 20080078729
    Abstract: A horizontal dispensing container comprising a base, opposed side structures including vertically spaced support members for slidably supporting removable, hinged shelves, and opposed rectangular frames is provided. The rectangular frames define openings on front and rear sides of the container through which parts may be loaded onto the slidable shelves inside the container. At least some of the movable shelves have front and rear sections separated by a hinge, the front section being pivotal downwardly to allow access to parts on the rear section of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: BRADFORD COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald J. Bazany, Barnia L. Scruggs
  • Publication number: 20080029467
    Abstract: A product display rack having a plurality of interlocking modular units, each of which are capable of tessellation. Preferably, each unit comprises: four parallel wire members, the first and second of which define a base, and the third and fourth of which define a top; a first L-shaped flange and a second, parallel L-shaped flange, wherein said first and second L-shaped flanges are attached and parallel to said first and third wire members, respectively, and wherein further the first and second L-shaped flanges have their own respective receiving portions that face each other; a third L-shaped flange and a fourth, parallel L-shaped flange, wherein said third and fourth L-shaped flanges are attached and parallel to said third and fourth wire members, respectively, and wherein further the third and fourth L-shaped flanges each have their own respective receiving portions that face each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Maria Alejandra Noble Colin, Juan Manuel Avila Barriga
  • Patent number: 7325697
    Abstract: A shelving system has a plurality of shelves, with each shelf having a plurality of intersecting wire rods. The shelving system also has a plurality of posts connected to the shelves and separating the shelves. A storage bin is adapted for use with the shelving system. The storage bin has a bottom wall, at least one side wall, an interior space enclosed by the at least one side wall and the bottom wall, and a plurality of rails provided on the bottom surface of the bottom wall. Each rail has a groove, with the groove of each of the rails aligned to form a row of grooves. The storage bin is seated on one of the shelves, with one of the wire rods in the one of the shelves positioned in the row of grooves to maintain the storage bin at a desired position on the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Seville Classics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Lim, James Sokol
  • Publication number: 20080000852
    Abstract: A shelf device for a cooler has a pair of front uprights and a pair of rear uprights. A shelf is attached to uprights is adapted to hold beverage containers in an upright position. Left and right edge portions of the shelf are disposed behind the front uprights and a front edge portion of the shelf is disposed between the front uprights. Left and right guide panels respectively extend from the left and right edge portions toward the front edge portion creating channels for guiding containers from behind the posts for removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Primiano
  • Publication number: 20070295678
    Abstract: A shelf device for a cooler has a base member for a bottle to roll along by gravity feed. A guide member on the base member shifts the center of gravity of the bottle towards the base of the bottle to urge contact with a side panel so that the bottle maintains contact with the side panel and thereby roll in a straight path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Mark A. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20070295681
    Abstract: A display rack having a support frame and at least one tray for holding and displaying product. Each tray attaches at its rear to the support frame by way of at least one moveable suspension arm and at least two possible tray-to-frame buttress points (or stops) for every suspension arm. The at least two tray-to-frame buttress points act together as a dual-position stop, which dual-position stop is capable of maintaining the tray in two different orientations with respect to the support frame. In a preferred embodiment, each tray has two L-shaped, pivoting suspension arms, where a portion of each suspension arm is horizontal and passes through a receiving channel in the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Maria Alejandra Noble Colin
  • Patent number: 7299934
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Publication number: 20070256997
    Abstract: A combination display tray and divider member are disclosed. The display tray includes a rear wall, a support portion depending outwardly therefrom, and a forward lip for retaining items placed on the display tray. The rear wall includes a channel therein for receiving a base portion of the divider member. A divider portion extends outwardly from the base portion member and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the channel of the display tray when the base portion of the divider member is slidably received in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Danell M. Collins, Craig William Cayce, Jimmy J.D. Leeper, Adam P. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20070251899
    Abstract: A storage system includes a pair of rails and a tray. The tray includes a frame and an inert liner located in the frame. Further, the frame including guides for sliding engagement with the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: Borroughs Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Machala, Daniel C. Mehren
  • Patent number: 7233241
    Abstract: A low product stock display system for detecting at least one of fully stocked, partially stocked, and empty (no stock) shelf has been described. The presence/absence of stock can be detected by conductive contact sensors, inductance sensors, weight sensors, optical sensors, and, in the preferred embodiment, with an RF transmission line. The data from a sensor is wirelessly relayed to an external server for processing across a plurality of facilities, and can provide alerts to personnel or systems responsible for reordering or restocking the particular shelf or display at the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Goliath Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Overhultz, Gordon E. Hardman, John W. Pyne
  • Patent number: 7207447
    Abstract: A modular storage and dispensing assembly for storing and selectively dispensing objects, such as cans, includes a plurality of panels and a connector assembly for connecting adjacently disposed panels such that a chute is formed between each of the adjacently disposed panels. A rail assembly is provided in each chute for defining a travel path through the chute. The rail assembly includes an upper rail and a lower rail, each being supported by adjacently disposed panels such that the upper rails in the chute are spatially disposed and in a facing relationship and the lower rails in the chute are also spatially disposed and in a facing relationship. The upper rails each have a first end and a second end and are sloped in a downward direction from their first end to their respective second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Excell Products
    Inventors: Merle D. Medcalf, Michael D. Medcalf
  • Patent number: 7182209
    Abstract: A glide (20) includes a base (22), a front member, and a number of walls (26) extending front-to-back. Both the base and the front member are advantageously formed as a number of pieces secured side-by-side to provide expandability. The front member may be secured to the walls via dovetail interaction and different front members may be provided for different wall spacings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony C. Squitieri
  • Patent number: 7150365
    Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy, Adam Gold, John Ward, Max Syvuk, John Swafford
  • Patent number: 7131543
    Abstract: A display device for at least one modular merchandise unit having a substantially flat base includes a base, a housing supported by the base, a cover, at least one wheel connected to the base, and at least one shelf supported in the housing for receiving the base of the merchandise unit. The housing includes parallel first and second side walls and a third side wall connected to the first and second side walls. The cover is disposed on an upper portion of the first, second and third side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: New Dimensions Research Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Mason
  • Patent number: 7128221
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf assembly for displaying product. The shelves can be oriented in horizontally or in a forward sloping position with a simple adjustment. The shelves are generally rectangular and comprise upper and lower mounting pins located on each side of the shelf, extending downwardly from the rear edge of the shelf. The mounting pins are vertically spaced and slightly offset from one another. The mounting pins are used to mount the shelf on a support frame comprising a plurality of openings along the vertical members of the frame. The upper mounting pins are placed in first openings along the frame. The lower mounting pins are positionable either flush against the front surface of the vertical members to position the shelf in a horizontal orientation or inside second openings along the frame to position the shelf in a forward sloping orientaion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services LLC
    Inventor: Derek Metcalf
  • Patent number: 7124771
    Abstract: A spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from devices including but not limited to batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the leaks and spills from spreading. The system not only detects leaks, but also indicates whether a leak has occurred. The system can communicate with personnel or devices to raise an alarm or cause corrective measures to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Expo Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 7124898
    Abstract: A merchandising system for articles comprising a connector, a first divider coupled to the connector, and a second divider coupled to the connector wherein a compartment of a first size is provided when the first divider is coupled to a portion of the connector and the second divider is coupled to a portion of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: DCI Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Richter, Allen E. Johnson, M. Scott Bryson, Daniel J. Schiffer, Terrence G. Berglund
  • Patent number: 7114904
    Abstract: The push-back storage system includes an elongated storing lane defining opposite front and rear ends and at least one pair of spaced-apart parallel elongated rails extending between the front and rear ends of the storing lane and being inclined downwardly from the rear end towards the front end. Each rail includes a pair of elongated inclined side walls integrally linked at a common elongated top edge. At least one cart is rollably carried by the pair of rails and is rollable along the pair of rails between the storing lane front and rear ends, the cart having a load-bearing frame rollably carrying a number of wheels each engaging a corresponding one of the rails. Each wheel has a web rotatable about a rotational axis and a pair of side flanges radially extending from and axially spaced-apart along the wheel web so as to define a rail-engaging surface on the wheel web between the spaced-apart side flanges. The rail-engaging surface is wider than the top edge of the corresponding rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: C.O.S.M.E. Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Charbonneau, Jonathan Vallée
  • Patent number: 7104410
    Abstract: A merchandising display shelf track device for receiving a row of articles for sliding movement therealong has non-planar front face members connected to a base wall and sidewalls. Racking forces exerted on the front face members are transferred through the non-planar face members to the base wall and sidewalls to minimize racking. An anti-torsion bar connects the front face members to prevent spreading of the sidewalls and thereby minimize racking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventor: Bernard Primiano
  • 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: 7083054
    Abstract: A glide (20) includes a base (22), a front member, and a number of walls (26) extending front-to-back. Both the base and the front member are advantageously formed as a number of pieces secured side-by-side to provide expandability. The front member may be secured to the walls via dovetail interaction and different front members may be provided for different wall spacings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Squitieri