Abstract: Coolers for dispensing products, such as beverages, having multiple doors for accessing a single product compartment. A cooler may include a housing defining a product compartment; a top door coupled to a top surface of the housing at a hinge, the top door comprising a curved transparent panel; a vertical door coupled to a vertical front surface of the housing; a collapsible shelf disposed in the product compartment that is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position; and a lower shelf disposed below the collapsible shelf in the product compartment. A product disposed on the collapsible shelf may be accessible through the top door when the collapsible shelf is in the extended position and a product disposed on the lower shelf may be accessible through the top door when the collapsible shelf is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. A stack gauge comprising a gauge arm can be configured to indicate a quantity of utensils in the stack of the utensils in the housing and is visible from outside the housing and the dispenser.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of utensils can include a next utensil. A drive mechanism can be configured to contact the next utensil. An access port can provide an opening to the housing. An actuator can be operably connected to the drive mechanism and configured to move the drive mechanism into a release position such that the drive mechanism contacts the next utensil in the stack of the utensils to push the next utensil causing the next utensil to release from the stack of the utensils and become a released utensil. The released utensil can fall to a dispense position and be accessible via the access port for removing from the dispenser. A prime mechanism can be configured to move the drive mechanism to the release position without removing any released utensil from the dispense position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a display rack for display and exhibition. The display device includes the display rack. Both sides of the display rack are provided with at least one insertion plate and insertion slot respectively, and the outer surface of the display rack is provided with at least one first item placement slot for exhibiting products. The upper side surface and the lower side surface of the inner surface of the display rack are provided with a connector and a groove respectively, the connector is provided with a first threaded hole, and the groove wall of the groove is provided with a second threaded hole. In the present invention, by modular design, a plurality of identical display racks are combined and superposed to form display devices of different width or height, less molds are used in production, so the production efficiency is increased, and production costs are reduced.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing. A dispense chassis can be configured to fit within the housing. At least one post can be disposed on an outer surface of the dispense chassis, and at least one glide mechanism can be disposed within the housing. The glide mechanism is configured to engage the dispense chassis post. The glide mechanism can include a slot configured to guide the dispense chassis between a dispensing position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a loading position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils.

Abstract: An ornamental cover for concealing an article includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a base member disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft may extend distally from an upper surface of the base member, while a lower surface of the base member defines an opening for receiving an upper portion of the article into the elongated shaft. A perimeter of the base member may be shaped to fit an opening of a container sized to receive a lower portion of the article.

Abstract: A stacking device is provided for stacking plugs, in particular paint or installation plugs for motor vehicles, having a housing which has an opening, at at least one axial end, on a front side and in which extend in the axial direction, on an inner wall of the housing, at least two retaining and guide devices for the plugs. The retaining and guiding devices are designed to keep the plugs stacked in position, to allow axial movement of the plugs, and to guide the plugs in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shelving display system comprising substantially horizontal shelves, multi-chute gravity feed units and advertising panels. The horizontal shelves may be arranged in any number of configurations to display and dispense consumer goods. In a particularly preferred embodiment a horizontal shelf defines the lower portion of the shelving display system. Generally the horizontal shelves are spaced and arranged so as to display and dispense products, such as bundled consumer goods, and more preferably bundles of paper towels, facial and bath tissue.

Abstract: A medication storage and dispensing unit is provided which includes a support platform and a vial dispenser supported by the support platform. The vial dispenser may include a chute configured to store a plurality of vials of medication and a gate configured to be alternately positioned in a closed position in which the vials remain within the chute and an open position in which a vial is dispensed from the chute. The medication storage and dispensing unit may be computer controlled so as to include a computing device configured to receive user input regarding dispensation of a vial. The computing device may be further configured to actuate the gate to thereby permit the gate to move to the open position such that the vial is dispensed from the chute.

Abstract: A plastic bag storage and dispensing container having an elongated tubular structure with contoured top and bottom ends each having a formed opening. An elongated slot extends between the formed openings of the contoured top and bottom for receiving and dispensing collapsed plastic bags. The storage and dispensing container has mounting structures for mounting the container in a vertical or horizontal orientation to a wall, either a flat wall or in a wall corner, and may be provided with a vanity door cover to cover and expose the elongated slot.

Abstract: Wipe dispenser and collector unit particularly for use in gents' toilets, with a storage cabinet (2) for batches of wipes (24), with an aperture for the bottom wipe (24) located at the center of an angled bottom at an acute angle with the horizontal; the cabinet has a wall-mounting rear cover (3) and a front panel (5) connected to it that can be tilted forward in order to open it, with those two components forming the interior of the closed wipe storage cabinet (2), with a waste container at a specific distance underneath, which also has a wall-mounting rear cover (30), whose storage space, open at the top, is defined by the rear cover (30) and the front unit that can be tilted against it, with the bottom of the front unit connecting to the holes (14) at the bottom of the rear cover (30) with matching bolts (15), which can be released when the unit is tilted forward.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: A vending machine includes at least one width-adjustable storage rack, the storage rack having a fixed wall and a movable wall connected to the fixed wall by at least one connecting link; and an adjustment mechanism constructed and adapted to position the movable wall relative to the fixed wall and to thereby vary an interior width between the fixed and movable walls. Two movable walls can be connected to a single fixed wall.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, reliable and maintenance-free dispenser in which the stored products are offered automatically on the outside of the dispenser where they can be grasped by a hand without further manipulation. The dispenser includes housings in which the products, stacked in a column, are stored and moved by gravity and, at the base of each housing in front of the first product of the column, outlet orifices are closed by a closing membrane with slits. A slope is provided, in the lower rear part of each housing, to automatically advance the first product a predetermined distance through the outlet orifice so that the product partially emerges and can be grasped by hand on the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser can be used to automatically dispense consumable products, such as drinks, without prepayment, and for all types of industrial, commercial, home and other applications.

Abstract: The apparatus includes first and second side walls, and a bottom wall having a first, a second, a third and a fourth side edge. A lower edge of the first side wall is secured to the first side edge, and a lower edge of the second side wall is secured to the third side edge. A door is rotatably coupled to a front edge of the first side wall and latchable proximate to a front edge of the second side wall. When latched, a bottom edge of the door is located at a pre-determined distance from the second side edge of the bottom wall. The first and second side walls, the bottom wall and the door form a substantially rectangular enclosure when first and second cross-members, fixedly attached to respective top and bottom back edges of the first and second side walls, are affixed to a vertical structure.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, reliable and maintenance-free dispenser in which the stored products are offered automatically on the outside of the dispenser where they can be grasped by a hand without further manipulation. The dispenser includes housings in which the products, stacked in a column, are stored and moved by gravity and, at the base of each housing in front of the first product of the column, outlet orifices are closed by a closing membrane with slits. A slope is provided, in the lower rear part of each housing, to automatically advance the first product a predetermined distance through the outlet orifice so that the product partially emerges and can be grasped by hand on the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser can be used to automatically dispense consumable products, such as drinks, without prepayment, and for all types of industrial, commercial, home and other applications.

Abstract: The apparatus includes first and second side walls, and a bottom wall having a first, a second, a third and a fourth side edge. A lower edge of the first side wall is secured to the first side edge, and a lower edge of the second side wall is secured to the third side edge. A door is rotatably coupled to a front edge of the first side wall and latchable proximate to a front edge of the second side wall. When latched, a bottom edge of the door is located at a pre-determined distance from the second side edge of the bottom wall. The first and second side walls, the bottom wall and the door form a substantially rectangular enclosure when first and second cross-members, fixedly attached to respective top and bottom back edges of the first and second side walls, are affixed to a vertical structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficiently automated incubation device that reduces the number of powered moving parts in the device and the amount of air transfer between environments that are internal and external to the device.

Abstract: A vending machine includes at least one width-adjustable storage rack, the storage rack having a fixed wall and a movable wall connected to the fixed wall by at least one connecting link; and an adjustment mechanism constructed and adapted to position the movable wall relative to the fixed wall and to thereby vary an interior width between the fixed and movable walls. Two movable walls can be connected to a single fixed wall.

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.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system comprising a packaging unit, a first dispensing unit above the packaging unit and defined by a front portion, a rear portion and side portions where tablet cassettes containing tablets are installed in the dispensing unit detachably through the front portion and aligned in columns to selectively release the tablets through the rear portion into the tablet packaging unit, a second dispensing unit mirrored and hinged to the first dispensing unit to form spatial shafts by corresponding grooves of the dispensing units, and a hopper disposed beneath the dispensing units into the tablet packaging unit. Vertical dividers are formed on the rear portion to incorporate the vertical grooves between and by the dividers and each rear side of the tablet cassettes.

Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.

Abstract: A display device has at least one shelf for modular merchandise units having a substantially flat base. The shelf has at least two spaced walls defining a channel between the walls. At least one support is disposed in the channel and receives the base of the merchandise unit or units. Each support has a rearward portion elevated at a first angle, a substantially horizontal forward portion, and an intermediate portion elevated at a second angle greater than the first angle and connecting the rearward and forward portions. When placed on the rearward portion of the support, the merchandise unit will descend by gravity to the forward portion of the support for access to the unit in a selected presentation position.

Abstract: A display system includes a reusable basic unit into which a product-carrying tray may be inserted to display/dispense such product. The trays are replaceable as the product is expended. The basic unit advantageously includes portions for removably accommodating graphics so that, for various promotional events, different graphics can be used for each event.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a cabinet frame having top, bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central cavity. A plurality of column walls are arranged within the central cavity that, together with the side walls, form an associated plurality of stack or column areas for receiving product containers to be vended. The vending machine includes a door that is pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame for selectively closing off the central cavity. In order to prevent unauthorized access to the product stored in the central cavity, the vending machine is provided with a lock assembly including a main body and a lock member. The main body includes first and second fixed end portions and an intermediate portion that spans one of the plurality of stack areas. The lock member is attached to the main body and receives a locking element of the door.

Abstract: A vending machine includes an adjustable channel assembly for varying the depth of a product stack area within the vending machine. Preferably two adjustable channel assemblies are mounted to a column wall to support a rear spacer wall that defines a back portion of the stack area. The rear spacer wall is selectively movable fore-to-aft in order to permit the stack area to be customized in order to accommodate various sized bottles and cans.

Abstract: A hinged front gate assembly includes a plurality of wire retaining elements pivotally secured across a vending machine through a plurality of hinge units for movement between a product retention position and a product loading position through a swing radius defined by the hinge units. When the front gate is shifted to the product retention position, the retaining elements can impinge upon and shift product containers into proper alignment. The front gate assembly can be automatically shifted through closure of a main door, with the door either directly engaging cammed hinges of the front gate assembly or indirectly through a gate pusher attached to the door.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of column walls that collectively define an associated plurality of stack areas for storing product containers. The column wall includes various, vertically spaced and fore-to-aft extending stiffeners embossed into the column wall. The integral stiffeners eliminate the need for any additional discrete stiffener parts and fasteners. In addition, the integral stiffeners advantageously permit thinner material to be employed in forming the column walls, thereby improving the entire manufacturing process. Preferably, one of the stiffeners constitutes a decoupling member which isolates a bottom portion of the column wall from a top portion and substantially prevents bow forces from transferring into a dispensing region of the column wall. Furthermore, each of the column walls is integrally formed with an alignment member or louver structure in the form of a guide element or flange which provides for proper product positioning through a vending area.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing articles such as scrub garments. The dispenser includes a housing that defines an interior portion, a foldable, wheeled distribution cartridge defining an orthogonal array of receptacles for receiving items to be distributed from the dispenser; and a main door for controlling access to the interior of each of the various receptacles. The main door defines a plurality of rectangular horizontal openings, each of which aligns with a horizontal row of receptacles within the distribution cartridge. Access to each of these horizontal openings is controlled by a lockable main door. A flexible receptacle door having a vertical opening is mounted on mechanically-driven rollers on the interior of the main door. The receptacle door may be moved laterally relative to the receptacles so that the vertical opening aligns with any column of receptacles within the distribution cartridge.

Abstract: A modular system is provided for mounting a gravity feed dispenser that allows one or more fixtures to be mounted in front of, and in working relationship with, the dispenser. The gravity feed dispenser is mounted on a support structure in such a way that other fixtures such shelving, hangers, rods, or other storage and display fixtures can be mounted in front of the dispenser in a number of different configurations. A workstation featuring one or more gravity feed dispensers is provided by mounting a work area and shelves in front of and in working relationship with the dispensers.

Abstract: A consumer display and dispensing rack having a front and a back, and a container rail inclined downwardly and forwardly from the back to the front for supporting a series of bottles thereon is disclosed. The rail provides a spaced apart pair of support flanges for supporting a series of bottles adjacent their tops. The rack has a stop on the front end to engage a bottom portion of a forwardmost bottle on the rail. The height of the stop is less than the distance between a top of the forwardmost bottle and a front edge inner surface of the rail. This allows the forwardmost bottle to be raised over the stop and removed from the display rack.

Abstract: A display apparatus (18) capable of sequentially displaying a plurality of annotated image prints (36), each image print having audio data encoded (54) and made integral its back surface (46), thereby providing a convenient way to both display image prints and play back audio data associated with image prints. In one aspect of the present invention, the display apparatus (18) also records audio data for a plurality of image prints and provides a handwritten means to electronically associate a particular image print with its respective audio recording.

Abstract: A wall hanging cassette tape organizer for allowing a user to keep tapes neat and organized, on a wall where they would be easily accessible and out of reach for children or pets and not take up any usable floor or table space. The wall hanging cassette tape organizer includes a housing that has an interior space defined by a back wall, a pair of sidewalls, upper end walls and a lower end wall. The interior space is adapted to store a plurality of cassettes. A mounting member is coupled to the upper end wall such that the mounting member is adapted to be removably secured the housing to a support surface.

Abstract: A point of purchase gravity feed packaged product dispenser with replaceable graphic advertising display panels on the front and sides includes a housing holding packaged products stacked vertically with a bottom front dispensing opening, guide members that pivot inwardly at adjustable chosen angles from the rear and side walls to guide and adjust to the size of the product package and guide members that pivot upwardly at adjustable chosen angles from the floor to guide and adjust the height of the dispensing opening. The housing of the dispenser is a parallelepiped molded of a polyolefin in two parts, one part the side walls, a back wall and a bottom wall connected by living hinges and interlocking to a front wall forming opposing grooves along each front vertical edge to receive graphic panels.

Abstract: A point of purchase gravity feed packaged product dispenser with replaceable graphic advertising display panels on the front and sides includes a housing holding packaged products stacked vertically with a bottom front dispensing opening, guide members that pivot inwardly at adjustable chosen angles from the rear and side walls to guide and adjust to the size of the product package, and guide members that pivot upwardly at adjustable chosen angles from the floor to guide and adjust the height of the dispensing opening. The housing of the dispenser is a parallelepiped molded of a polyolefin in two parts, one part the side walls, a back wall and a bottom wall connected by living hinges and interlocking to a front wall forming opposing grooves along each front vertical edge to receive graphic panels.

Abstract: A merchandising device is useful to display flanged bottles. The device includes an elongate track for supporting a row of flanged bottles such that the bottles in the row are suspended by their neck flanges for movement along the track and are removable from the track through the front end of the track. The track comprises a track body including a pair of opposed side walls extending along the track, and a pair of rail members detachably attached respectively to the side walls of the body to be disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each rail member comprises a connector panel extending alongside a respective one of the side walls and a supporting ledge joined to and extending along the panel. The ledges of the rail members project laterally of the panels toward each other and are disposed with a gap therebetween to receive in the gap the necks of the bottles such that the bottles are slidably engaged at the undersides of their neck flanges with the ledges.

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.

Abstract: An exchangeable magazine (1) for a storage shelf (54) comprises two side walls (3, 4) interconnected via webs (5), superimposed items (2) being stacked therebetween, the side walls (3, 4) including lower, inwardly angled end portions (17) for supporting the item stack. To adapt the magazine to different dimensions of the items (2), the mutual distance of the side walls (3, 4) is adaptable to the width (B) of the items (2) by aid of the webs (5) wherein on at least one side wall (3, 4), at least one guide rail (18) extending in parallel to the side walls (3, 4) and capable of engaging the item stack over the height thereof is mounted to be displaceable in the direction of the depth (T) of the items (2).

Abstract: A shelf assembly for organizing and merchandising a plurality of products. The shelf assembly comprises a shelf having a bottom, plurality of dividers extending from front to back, a pair of dividers and the bottom forming a track in which a column of products are arranged. A front member pivotal about a stop, or pivotally engaged with the dividers, prevents the forwardmost product within the column from falling off the front of the shelf. The pivotal front members enable product to be pulled forwardly off the shelf, minimizing the spacing necessary between adjacent shelves.

Abstract: A showcase assembly unit for the showcase structure is disclosed, which includes a roller support frame and a plurality of parallel sets of rollers mounted on the roller support frame, wherein the rollers in each set of rollers are mounted rotatably and arranged one after another from the rear end toward the front end of the roller support frame, and a plurality of individual articles, such as canned foods or drinks, may be placed across two or more parallel sets of rollers and are capable of moving one by one from the rear end toward the front end of the roller support frame.

Abstract: Outside and inside cylindrical containers store a toilet plunger and multiple rows of toilet paper. The outside container has a base with side vent holes and a cap with vent holes. A toilet plunger resides vertically in the container. The inside container has a central bore in a base plate through to a tube through which the handle of the plunger protrudes upwardly. Multiple rolls of toilet paper are mounted axially on the tube within the inside container. A pull rod on the outside of the inner container tube is used to lift the toilet rolls from the inner container.

Abstract: A display system having a frame, a storage space on the frame for an object to be displayed, a closure element on the frame that is repositionable between a closed position and an open position, a loading opening through at least one of the frame and closure element in communication with the storage space, and a removal opening through at least one of the frame and closure element that is spaced from the loading opening and in communication with the storage space. The closure element blocks access to the storage space from a loading location with the closure element in the closed position and permits access to the storage space from the loading location with the closure element in the open position.

Abstract: A rack for removably mounting in-line skate wheels includes a top plate having a retainer for releasably locking a wheel-mounting spindle thereto. The spindle is rotatably secure to the rack. Preferably, a plurality of spindles are deplayed. The rack may be incorporated into a multi-compartment framing which includes shelves and at least one drawer. By enveloping the rack within a suitable covering, a carry-all or carrying bag or case is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing disposable diapers includes a rectangular frame with an inverted Y-shaped partition forming two compartments for holding a stack of diapers at an incline. Openings are formed in the side walls for dispensing the diapers and notches are provided to facilitate removal. A picture frame is provided on the front panel of the apparatus for holding photographs. The cover can be one piece with an attached container on top or two pieces hinged to the partition. A towel rack may be provided on the bottom of the apparatus for holding washcloths or towels.

Abstract: A method for providing a system of feminine hygiene products for use by individuals. The method includes collecting information from a consumer regarding her menstrual cycle using a computer, selecting a system of feminine hygiene products based upon the information collected where the system contains at least one tampon and one sanitary napkin. The method further includes a step of providing information back to said consumer identifying the products which make up the selected system.

Abstract: A flatware dispensing unit for dispensing flatware is disclosed including a primary housing having at least one compartment for receiving flatware therein with the compartment having an elongated slot for exposing at least a portion of the flatware. In a first embodiment, a cartridge having a complimentary elongated slot substantially aligned with the elongated slot in the compartment when the cartridge is positioned within the compartment. The flatware cartridge includes a widened portion which when inserted into the compartment aligns with a widened portion of the elongated slot of the compartment. In doing so, the cartridge may be easily dropped into the compartment such that the flatware need not be individually handled by the person stocking the dispenser unit and limits the number of utensils which can be removed from the dispenser at one time.

Abstract: The display rack includes a plurality of separate and distinct longitudinally elongate channels. Each channel has a front, a track and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending sides. Additionally, each channel has on one side thereof a plurality of widely longitudinally spaced apart male engaging means (lugs) projecting laterally outwardly from the channel side; and, for each one of the male engaging means, the other channel side has an associated set of at least three relatively narrowly longitudinally spaced apart female engaging means (slots). The associated slot sets are widely longitudinally spaced apart, and each female engaging means of the associated slot sets is configured and dimensioned to receive one of the male engaging means.

Abstract: A self-serve chilled condiment dispenser dispenses individual containers of one or more different types of condiments from a compact space generally on a first in, first out basis. The chilled condiment dispenser comprises a cabinet having a narrow side compartment for housing one or more removable cooling devices, and a plurality of removable chutes stacked one above the other. The cooling devices may be removed from the dispensers without having to remove condiment containers.