Including Follower Patents (Class 211/59.3)
  • Publication number: 20140332482
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140326691
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140326690
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140319087
    Abstract: A pusher shelf assembly may comprise a wire grid assembly affixed to a left bracket and to a right bracket. The wire grid assembly may have a plurality of wires and one or more pushers slidingly engaged to at least two wires in the wire grid assembly. The left bracket and the right bracket may be configured for removable engagement to a wall of a product display. The product display may be a freezer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: The Marco Company
    Inventors: Jerome F. Sosso, Craig Alan Nickell
  • Publication number: 20140319088
    Abstract: A product display system includes a plurality of brackets, a plurality of shelves, and a plurality of products. Each bracket is configured to mechanically engage a support structure. Each shelf is mechanically engaged with at least one bracket. The shelves form a first row, a second row, a third row, a first column, a second column, and a third column. The first row is adjacent the second row, and the second row is adjacent the third row. The first column is adjacent the second column, and the second column is adjacent the third column. Each product is supported by one of the shelves. The shelves are arranged such that the distance between the shelves in the first column and the third column is smaller than the width of the product supported by the shelves in the second column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Eric Neumann, Eleanor Lovinsky, David Piazza, Anthony Camello
  • Publication number: 20140319086
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: The Marco Company
    Inventors: Jerome F. Sosso, Craig Alan Nickell
  • Patent number: 8863963
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes at least one tray having a front rounded portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. A lip may extend upward from the front rounded portion of the at least one tray. A front shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include one divider extending upwardly from each of the two sides and a front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, bottom wall, and two side legs may form a wall aperture and the front wall may include a plurality of projections configured to engage with the plurality of apertures on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140305891
    Abstract: Adjustable depth merchandising crossbar systems and methods dispense retail products, the crossbar systems and methods having a fixed portion comprising a first outer mounting assembly, a second outer mounting assembly movably connected to the first outer mounting assembly, and upright mounting hooks provided at rear sides of the first outer mounting assembly and the second outer mounting assembly, wherein the upright mounting hooks are configured to be mountable to retail aisle uprights and a sliding portion comprising a first inner sliding assembly and a second inner sliding assembly movably connected to the first inner sliding assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Marketing Impact Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vogler, Joel Pollock
  • Publication number: 20140305890
    Abstract: Quick-load retail merchandising product pusher systems and methods dispense retail products, wherein the systems and methods have a fixed portion having a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the fixed portion, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the fixed portion. Further, the systems and methods have a movable track movably connected to the top side of the fixed portion, wherein the movable track has a front end, a rear end located opposite with respect to the front end of the movable track, a top side and a bottom side located opposite with respect to the top side of the movable track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Marketing Impact Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vogler, Joel Pollock, David G. Waddell, Martin Gil
  • Publication number: 20140305892
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140305889
    Abstract: A hanging merchandising product divider and pusher system and method dispense retail products. The system and method have a first divider having a length defined between a front end and a rear end and a height defined between a top end and a bottom end, at least one second divider having a length defined between a front end and a rear end and a height defined between a top end and a bottom end, and at least one connection plate connecting at least a portion of bottom end of the first divider to at least a portion of the bottom end of the second divider. The system and method also have at least one rear support connector connecting at least a portion of the rear end of the first divider to at least a portion of the rear end of the second divider and a first pocket defined by the first and second dividers, the connection plate, the rear support connector and the front ends of the first and second dividers, wherein the first pocket is sized or configured to receive one or more first retail products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Marketing Impact Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vogler, Joel Pollock
  • Patent number: 8851303
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Crawbuck, James R. Burchell, Edward J. Moss, John C. Burchell
  • Publication number: 20140284290
    Abstract: A merchandise display system having a pusher structure slidably-coupled to a track. The pusher structure comprises a lock arm configured to selectively engage with a ratchet rack to allow for selective unidirectional motion of pusher structure upon application of a manual force to a pusher face of the pusher structure. Further, selective disengagement of the ratchet rack from the lock arm is facilitated by a manually-actuated pull strip having a ramp structure that slidably engages with the lock arm to lift a pawl out of the ratchet rack. This selective disengagement allows for bidirectional sliding of said pusher structure along said track, thereby allowing displayed products to be moved towards a front of a display shelf, or for products to be reloaded into the merchandise display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140250749
    Abstract: A shelf-type display module includes a carrier tray assembly including a carrier tray having a top, a bottom, a plurality of tracks and at least one light. The plurality of tracks protrude from the top of the carrier tray and the at least one light is mounted to the bottom of the carrier tray. An insert tray includes a main body having components for holding products for display and components for mating with the plurality of tracks on the carrier tray. The components of the main body that mate with the plurality of tracks on the carrier tray slide along the plurality of tracks from a right side to a left side of the carrier tray or from the left side to the right side of the carrier tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Theisen, William Y. Stafford, Erin L. Zobel, Timothy J. Martell, Benjamin Weshler
  • Patent number: 8820545
    Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a product display tray of the type having a base formed of longitudinal wires and having a product pusher slideable on the wires and urged forwardly by a spring to maintain products at the front of the tray as items are removed by customers. A locking member is positioned to slide on the wires and is pushed forwardly by the spring. The locking member has angled edges which engage the wires when the element is tilted. When the pusher is moved toward the rear of the tray, the geometry of the pusher causes it to tilt the locking member such that its angled edges lock onto the wires, preventing the spring from moving the pusher forward during loading of the tray. Pressing rearward at the top of the pusher reorients the locking member and frees the pusher to be moved forward by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Kologe
  • Publication number: 20140224752
    Abstract: An article dispensing assembly is provided for supporting a plurality of product containers on a stacked array of shelves mountable on uprights in a compartment such as a refrigerated space. A first series of product containers of a first quality or character are supported in side-by-side substantially parallel rows on each shelf and a second series of product dispensers are supported respectively between adjacent rows of the first series of product containers. The shelves, in turn, are adjustably supported for fore and aft positioning on the uprights. The first series of products are indexed to the front of each shelf whereas the second series of products automatically are urged forwardly in their respective trays by a corresponding pusher assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Brian A. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20140190914
    Abstract: A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher mounted to and movable in a second direction relative to the base structure. A locking arm is provided for locking the pusher in a locked position and automatically unlocking the pusher from the locked position upon the exertion of an actuation force against the locking arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHERN IMPERIAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20140190913
    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 mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed. The system may also include the use of over-the-air power to power any of the shelf components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, David S. Breslow, Gideon Schlessinger
  • Publication number: 20140175035
    Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider. The T assembly may have a wide-base portion, which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. Additional supporting bases, any of which may include spring-urged-pusher tracks and/or a spring-urged pusher, may be used under a wide product. Left and right side finisher components may be paired with T assemblies near the sides of a merchandise-display shelf. The T assembly, base, and/or end finishers may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement and/or a non-slideable engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140175034
    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 mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140166598
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a support adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure and a tile mounted to the support. The tile extends away from the support so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion and selectively slidable in relation to the first portion to change a size of the tile. A protrusion extends from the first portion. The protrusion is connected to the support to enable a movement of the tile in relation to the support thereby allowing selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The tile front face can include a cut out section or a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Shane Obitts, Paul A. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20140167962
    Abstract: An alarm device configured to monitor retail merchandise on a retail pusher system is provided. The alarm device includes a triggering mechanism that activates an alarm when retail merchandise is removed from the retail pusher system. The alarm makes store personnel aware that retail merchandise has been removed from a particular pusher system. In certain embodiments of the invention, the alarm device is disposed on a front stop of the retail pusher system. A biasing member of the pusher system biases retail merchandise into a switch of the alarm device. In this configuration, the alarm device may include a plunger switch that activates an alarm when retail merchandise is not biased into the plunger switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas E. Valiulis, Jörg Niederhüfner
  • Patent number: 8752717
    Abstract: A base and divider assembly includes an elongated base portion and an elongated divider portion which is adapted to be selectively coupled to the base portion. The divider portion includes a plurality of spaced first connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the divider portion, and the base portion includes a plurality of spaced second connection elements extending along a longitudinal axis of the base portion. The first and second connection elements are adapted to cooperate so that the divider portion can be selectively mounted to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Matthew Szpak, Paul Mueller
  • Patent number: 8746468
    Abstract: Pushers for displaying merchandise forward on a shelf including shelf attachments including base extending perpendicularly and longitudinally along the end and parallel to shelf edge, a front attachment wall extending essentially vertically from the base disposed at a base front edge, the front attachment wall including base engagement teeth protruding essentially horizontally from the front attachment wall toward the shelf, and an upraised ridge region removed from the vertically extending front attachment wall in the second direction that is offset from the plane of the base, a divider portion including a divider block and an essentially planar divider extending outwardly from the divider block; pusher track having a top surface and two rails, and at least one track tooth disposed at a longitudinal end of the track, the at least one track tooth providing engagement from the track tooth and base engagement teeth; and a resilient pusher member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: American Gasket Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dimitris Poulokefalos
  • Publication number: 20140151313
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes at least one tray having a front rounded portion and defining a plurality of apertures and having two sides. A lip may extend upward from the front rounded portion of the at least one tray. A front shelf may extend forward from the lip. The at least one tray may include one divider extending upwardly from each of the two sides and a front wall. The front wall may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side legs. The front wall, bottom wall, and two side legs may form a wall aperture and the front wall may include a plurality of projections configured to engage with the plurality of apertures on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Breslow, Tony DiPaolo, Barry Hearn
  • Patent number: 8739984
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140144854
    Abstract: Shelving units having an adjustable width. The shelving units here provide structural stability and simple adjustment of width to accommodate varying product sizes. The distance between the side walls of the shelving units can be adjustable in two manners. First, the distance is continuously adjustable from within a range established by slots located in the base portion of the side wall components. Second, a further range of shelving unit depth may be generated by changing the orientation of the side wall components. The side wall components of the shelving units may be formed in an L shape with one side longer than the other. By rotating the side walls, a new range of product widths may be accommodated by the shelving unit. The shelving units may also include a simple mechanism that can be used to advance products toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Smart Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Burchell
  • Publication number: 20140138330
    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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8727179
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Colelli, Eric E. Oberg, Johnnie Cruz, Keith Cleland
  • Patent number: 8727457
    Abstract: A storage system (10) for storing a plurality of single-serve-beverage cartridges (30). The system 10 includes a drawer (40) with compartment lanes (50) adapted to allow a plurality of the cartridges to be single-file situated therein. A slide (80) can be used to move the drawer (40) between a closed position and an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Aaron Daniel Marshall, Walter G. Berry
  • Patent number: 8720702
    Abstract: A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher mounted to and movable in a second direction relative to the base structure. A locking arm is provided for locking the pusher in a locked position and automatically unlocking the pusher from the locked position upon the exertion of an actuation force against the locking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20140112752
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Publication number: 20140104826
    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 first and second indexing members. Each indexing member has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each merchandise supporting unit has a front side and an opposite rear side, and spaced apart first and second locator protrusions extending outwardly from the rear side. The first and second locator protrusions are respectively receivable in corresponding openings in the first and second indexing members. Each of the first and second locator protrusions includes an open side, and a latch barb received thereby and movable within the locator protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SUMMIT PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Summit Plastics, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140097149
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140083961
    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: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: FASTENERS FOR RETAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Wamsley, Robert Gray, Paul A. Mueller, Daniel J. Kump, Curtis Taylor, James J. Rataiczak, III
  • Patent number: 8662320
    Abstract: A product display includes a wall member and a support surface coupled to the wall. Merchandise is displayed on the surface. At least one security support arm is pivotally coupled to the support surface and rotates about an axis. A security bar is coupled to the security support arm and extends over at least a portion of the merchandise. A warning device is coupled to the security support arm and activates to provide a warning as the support arm and the security bar rotate between a plurality of positions. The positions provide a multi-stage notification including a first position where no warning is provided, a second position where a first stage warning is provided, and a third position where a second stage warning is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Csak
  • Patent number: 8662319
    Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider. The T assembly may have a wide-base portion, which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. Additional supporting bases, any of which may include spring-urged-pusher tracks and/or a spring-urged pusher, may be used under a wide product. Left and right side finisher components may be paired with T assemblies near the sides of a merchandise-display shelf. The T assembly, base, and/or end finishers may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement and/or a non-slidable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8657154
    Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for providing theft deterrence includes a housing defining an interior space adapted to hold a plurality of associated products. A vending door is mounted to the housing for selectively allowing access to the interior space. A bar is provided on which the associated products are supported, the bar extending in the interior space of the housing. An advancing assembly is disposed in the housing for urging product supported on the bar in a direction towards the vending door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird, Gerald Szpak
  • 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: 8646650
    Abstract: Dispensing systems and methods are disclosed that provide controlled advancement of product and provide controlled access to product stored within the system. Embodiments include a product pushing device having a track and a pusher that urges product stored on the track forward. Certain embodiments include mechanisms to limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a brake mechanism, and certain embodiments include mechanisms to block access to product located on the track. Some embodiments include mechanisms for providing a time delay in between the vending of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lockwood, Roger K. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140034592
    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 mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20140021150
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 8627965
    Abstract: A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130341292
    Abstract: A product positioning apparatus for use on display shelves is provided. The system has a track with opposed sides, and a front portion that houses an inductive transmission coil. A product pusher is coupled to the track, and is guided down the track along the sides. The pusher has an inductive receiving coil in it, that provides power to a display element on the front face of the pusher, when the receiving coil is in proximity to the transmission coil within the track. The system also includes a biasing element that biases the pusher to the front of the track. A forward stop element is coupled directly in front of the track, and stops products on the track at the front of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: CAROLYN JOHNSON, LEROY B. JOHNSON, ROBERT S. OLD
  • Patent number: 8608218
    Abstract: A method of handling products on shelves comprises providing a pan member including a base portion connected to a back portion with the back portion including a handle member and being angularly oriented relative to the base portion, with the base portion including a front edge and the back portion being connected to the base portion opposite the front edge. The method includes placing the front edge of the pan member adjacent a plurality of products stored on a shelf, sliding the pan member and at least a portion of the products relative to each other such that at least a portion of the products are contained in the pan member. The front edge may be positioned perpendicularly relative to the elongate length of the shelf and a biasing force may be provided to the products, such as by way of a retention arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley F. Marthens
  • Patent number: 8607997
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Summit Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergdoll, Michael Mongelluzzo, Gary Rein
  • Publication number: 20130327733
    Abstract: A product display includes a wall member and a support surface coupled to the wall. Merchandise is displayed on the surface. At least one security support arm is pivotally coupled to the support surface and rotates about an axis. A security bar is coupled to the security support arm and extends over at least a portion of the merchandise. A warning device is coupled to the security support arm and activates to provide a warning as the support arm and the security bar rotate between a plurality of positions. The positions provide a multi-stage notification including a first position where no warning is provided, a second position where a first stage warning is provided, and a third position where a second stage warning is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MECHTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Louis Csak
  • Patent number: 8602230
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Summit Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergdoll, Michael Mongelluzzo, Gary Rein
  • Patent number: 8579123
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Mueller, John Caterinacci, Gerald Szpak
  • Patent number: 8561818
    Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Joseph F. Kologe