Abstract: A pharmaceutical container holder for holding pharmaceutical containers includes a receiver having an interior sized and shaped to receive and hold the pharmaceutical containers as a stack of pharmaceutical containers. The receiver has a removal location from which the pharmaceutical containers are removed from the receiver. A lift raises the pharmaceutical containers disposed in the interior of the receiver upward to move the pharmaceutical containers toward the removal location. A lift controller operates the lift to move the pharmaceutical containers upward toward the removal location after an upper-most pharmaceutical container of the stack of pharmaceutical containers has been removed from the removal location to move a subsequent upper-most pharmaceutical container of the stack of pharmaceutical containers to the removal location.

Abstract: A pusher tray assembly configured to hold products includes a pusher tray including a floor, a bottom surface, a front wall, at least one sidewall, and at least one back wall, where the floor is configured to hold the products thereon; a pusher paddle having a front face and a back face; an engagement mechanism arranged on a lower side of the pusher paddle and configured to secure the pusher paddle to the floor; a channel arranged in the floor and configured to receive the engagement mechanism; a spring configured to urge the pusher paddle and the products towards the front wall; and an inventory control bar configured to at least partially cover the products, where the pusher tray that includes a transparent material.

Abstract: Provided is a guitar case that can include a body for placement of a guitar; a translucent or transparent window where a portion of the guitar is visible from outside of the case; and a speaker; wherein the guitar placed inside of the case is configured to play over the speaker with a wired or wireless connection. The guitar case can further include a panel or a screen. The screen can be a touch-screen. The panel can be configured to move to allow access to electronics inside of the case. The panel can pivot out. The guitar case can further include a door, the door having the window. The guitar case can further include a camera or a microphone. The case can be configured so that a guitar is placed at an angle of less than vertical.

Abstract: Provided is a guitar case that can include a body for placement of a guitar; a translucent or transparent window where a portion of the guitar is visible from outside of the case; and a speaker; wherein the guitar placed inside of the case is configured to play over the speaker with a wired or wireless connection. The guitar case can further include a panel or a screen. The screen can be a touch-screen. The panel can be configured to move to allow access to electronics inside of the case. The panel can pivot out. The guitar case can further include a door, the door having the window. The guitar case can further include a camera or a microphone. The case can be configured so that a guitar is placed at an angle of less than vertical.

Abstract: A bread storage dispenser device comprising a housing container made to stand upright having a closed bottom surface and open top end with the housing container further formed having a substantially rectangular chamber extending longitudinally through perimeter walls thereof. A serving drawer assembly is integrally constructed and formed to engage the chamber of the housing container and slide longitudinally therein guided by a pair of side rails on the perimeter walls on opposite sides of the container to a position substantially proximate to the closed bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A holding structure for holding a plurality of culture plates in a stacked arrangement includes a feature for de-nesting the bottom culture plate from the plate above it. The de-nesting feature is preferably a structure which urges a plate to move laterally relative to the plate above it. The de-nesting of the bottom culture plate from the adjacent culture plate facilitates withdrawal of the bottom culture plate from the base via a robotic plate transfer mechanism. The de-nesting feature can be entirely passive, such as ramps formed in the base of the holding structure.

Abstract: An apparatus adaptable to automatic leveling platform devices with integral springs, which enables an operator to easily and quickly adjust the overall spring resistance to accommodate a range of loads applied to the platform. More particularly, the apparatus utilizes a sliding frame, springs and pins such that a user may engage or disengage one or more springs easily and quickly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a piece of furniture and a method for dispensing diapers. The furniture keeps diapers neatly organized and conveniently accessible for dispensing. The furniture has an elongated interior space, a platform, a lead screw, a motor, a detector, and a processor. The platform can hold a stack of diapers and move the stack of diapers so they can be dispensed from the top of the piece of furniture. Rotating a lead screw raises and lowers the platform within the piece of furniture. A detector positioned at the top of the interior space of the piece of furniture is configured to detect when a diaper is dispensed from the interior space. A processor in communication with the detector and the motor is configured to activate the motor, thereby raising the platform, when the detector detects that a diaper has been dispensed from the piece of furniture.

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.

Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.

Abstract: A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a channel and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the channel. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. The paddle includes a foot which is slidably engaged in the channel and extends forwardly of the front face. A biasing element urges the paddle toward the track front end.

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: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.

Abstract: A medicine cart (1) is provided which includes a plurality of cassettes (10) which are upwardly open and each accommodate a plurality of medicine containers in an upright state in a row. The plurality of cassettes (10) are placed on a shelf plate (8) which can be drawn out of a main body (3) of the medicine cart (1). A pressing member (47) is provided in each cassette (10) and forwardly presses a rearmost medicine container in its respective cassette (10). Each cassette (10) has a locking means (61) for locking the pressing member (47) at a predetermined position in the cassette (10), and an unlocking means (62, 63) for canceling the lock of the pressing member (47) by the locking means (61) if the shelf plate (8) is pushed in or drawn out of the main body (3) of the medicine cart (1).

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 dispenser for dispensing folded sheet products from a stack of folded sheet products, includes: an open-ended body, a front panel provided with a dispensing opening, a rear panel, and a transverse panel located between the front and rear panels. The dispenser further includes a support member for receiving the stack of the folded sheet products and at least one locking mechanism located between the support member and at least one longitudinal wall of the open-ended body.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent cabinets for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in stores. Numerous products in a store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The pusher includes ends that may be independently biased. The pusher system also includes removable dividers that separate product channels and also limit the amount of product that may be removed at a time from the shelf.

Abstract: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.

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.

Abstract: A display rack for rounded articles generally includes a product track with a pusher block slidably mounted thereon. The pusher block is biased toward a front portion of the display rack, and the side walls of the display rack are configured to support a circular or elliptical product. Additionally, the display rack can be provided with front and/or rear removable panel carriers configured to removably receive front and rear panels.

Abstract: A product display device is comprised of a wire base structure with a plurality of spaced-apart, straight parallel wire supports extending in a front-to-back direction, and wire cross bars underlying the wire supports adjacent their front and back ends. Plastic base elements are snap-fitted to the cross bars at the front and back ends of the wire base structure, and a pusher is provided on the base structure for urging displayed product items toward the front. A molded plastic barrier panel is mounted at the front of the front base element by vertical tabs which are received in vertical grooves at the front of the base element. The plastic barrier panel can be made of clear, transparent material for optimum viewing of the product being displayed. The panels can accommodate the presence of product identifying logos, graphics or other special information associated with a particular product.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a merchandising system. The merchandising system includes a first divider, a second divider, and a third divider. The merchandising system further includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector couples the first divider and the second divider. The first connector provides for selective size adjustability between the first divider and the second divider. The second connector couples the second divider and the third divider. The second connector provides for selective size adjustability between the second divider and the third divider. The connector may be provided in a variety of configurations, including teeth configured to engage with the divider. The connector may alternatively include a flexible member configured to engage and disengage with the divider.

Abstract: A weight-driven pusher for product on a gravity-fed display shelf includes a weighted frame. A front plate is mounted on the frame and manually adjustable in upper reach relative to the frame to accommodate product of varying height and preclude product from tipping rearwardly over the pusher. A leg assembly is retractably mounted on the frame adjacent the bottom thereof and biased to project rearwardly from the frame to preclude product from tipping the pusher over backwards.

Abstract: A product feed apparatus for feeding a row of products towards the front edge of a shelf has an elongate track mounted on the shelf so as to extend from a rear edge to the front edge of the shelf. A pusher member is slidably mounted in the track for engaging the rearmost product of a row of products supported on the track, and a biasing mechanism biases the pusher member towards the front edge of the track so as to advance product to the front edge of the shelf. The biasing mechanism includes a plurality of identical elongate, resilient biasing elements which can be releasably secured between the front end of the pusher member and the track so as to move the pusher member along the track. The user selects the number of biasing elements to be used based on the size and weight of product to be advanced.

Abstract: An adjustable display rack is used in a shelf management system. The rack stores and displays products of a variety of shapes and sizes and automatically delivers the products to the front of the rack. The adjustable display rack includes a frame and a product supporting and feeding assembly. The assembly includes product tracks that can be added or removed as needed and that can be separated by varying distances depending on the width desired. The assembly also includes dividers. The product tracks and dividers can be separate or integral. The product tracks have raised rails extending from a front of the track to a back of the rack for attachment of a removable pusher block and a roll spring which urges the pusher block forward. Additionally, a spacer block can be fitted onto the pusher block to increase its height and width or used to change the spacing between the tracks. The tracks are generally freely slidable in races formed within the frame.

Abstract: A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a channel and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the channel. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. The paddle includes a foot which is slidably engaged in the channel and extends forwardly of the front face. A biasing element urges the paddle toward the track front end.

Abstract: A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a rail and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the rail. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. A foot protrudes from the paddle. The foot extends away from the front face and is slidably engaged with the rail. A biasing element is operatively connected to the paddle for urging the paddle toward the track front end.

Abstract: A display rack for rounded articles generally includes a product track with a pusher block slidably mounted thereon. The pusher block is biased toward a front portion of the display rack, and the side walls of the display rack are configured to support a circular or elliptical product. Additionally, the display rack can be provided with front and/or rear removable panel carriers configured to removably receive front and rear panels.

Abstract: A display rack for rounded articles generally includes a product track with a pusher block slidably mounted thereon. The pusher block is biased toward a front portion of the display rack, and the side walls of the display rack are configured to support a circular or elliptical product. Additionally, the display rack can be provided with front and/or rear removable panel carriers configured to removably receive front and rear panels.

Abstract: A merchandise display device for dispensing and displaying digital media cases. Digital media cases are inserted vertically into the opening between the front panel and the lateral supports. This opening limits the number of cases which can be removed and/or inserted at one time. The width of the opening allows only two cases to be inserted or removed at a time, to deter theft. The opening, however, still allows for easy access when removing or inserting the cases. A replaceable pusher is attached to the back wall of the unit to bias the digital media cases toward the front panel. The display units are broken into two separate components, a right and left side. The components allow for flexibility in arranging the display system, depending on the need of the vendor.

Abstract: A merchandising display track device is adapted to merchandise pies so that pies can be dispensed one at a time with the oldest pie dispensed first. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises a base member having a front end portion, first and second upstanding sidewalls connected to the base member forming a U-shaped structure having a front end portion, a rail connected to the base member between the sidewalls, and a pusher mechanism adapted to ride on the rail and push the articles toward the front end portion of the tubular housing. The front end portion of the base member extends forward more than the front end portion of the U-shaped structure to hold an article for dispensing articles one at a time.

Abstract: A merchandising system is disclosed. The merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a base having a front and a back, the base being configured to support the articles and defining a first space for containing the articles. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the articles toward the front of the base, wherein the assembly comprises a member configured to extend beyond the base to create a second space for containing the articles in addition to the first space.

Abstract: A device, system, and method system for manually arranging products on a display shelf without requiring additional shelf width. The product containers, such as jars, cans, and bottles, may be pulled forward toward the front of the display shelf by pulling a front member which is attached to two slide rails which fit into the vacant spaces near the bottom of rounded container sides. In an alternate embodiment, a base is provided to elevate the containers, and the slide rails slide underneath the container. The slide rails are attached to a rear member which engages the rear of the last product container in the row, and pushes the containers forward as the front member is pulled away from the display shelf. The device may be a wire frame which may include side covers of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A display rack for the display of merchandise packages with provisions for moving product packages toward the front. A pusher sled is formed of front and back plastic wall panels, spaced apart at the bottom, with side opening notches at the edges and downwardly opening notches at the bottom for sliding engagement with and support by a base comprised of four spaced-apart, parallel wire-like supports. The four support wires are disposed in a flat plane and serve as a sliding support for product items placed on the display rack. The four wires also guide, support and retain the pusher sled for easy sliding movement under the urging of one or more coiled strip springs. The springs are confined between the wall panels of the sled and strip portions thereof extend through openings in the, front wall panel to anchor points at the front of assembly. The four support wires are connected at their ends by welded cross bars, which in turn are supported in small plastic base members.

Abstract: A product feed apparatus for feeding a row of products towards the front edge of a shelf has an elongate track mounted on the shelf so as to extend from a rear edge to the front edge of the shelf. A pusher member is slidably mounted in the track for engaging the rearmost product of a row of products supported on the track, and a biasing mechanism biases the pusher member towards the front edge of the track so as to advance product to the front edge of the shelf. The biasing mechanism includes a plurality of identical elongate, resilient biasing elements which can be releasably secured between the front end of the pusher member and the track so as to move the pusher member along the track. The user selects the number of biasing elements to be used based on the size and weight of product to be advanced.

Abstract: A product module for supporting and merchandising product containers therefrom including at least one elongated product channel defined by a pair of laterally spaced upstanding side walls and a substantially planar product supporting floor portion extending therebetween, each product channel having at least one front member spaced above the floor portion and partially bridging the product channel side walls, the at least one front member including a first wall portion extending from one of the product channel side walls and a second wall portion extending from the other of the product channel side walls. The first and second front wall portions define a space therebetween and are sufficiently resilient so as to allow a lead product container positioned within a product channel to be pulled therethrough to facilitate removal of the lead product container from the product channel.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for manually arranging products on a display shelf. A plastic ridged base may be cut to a desired display shelf width along preformed notches and then be placed on the display shelf. Excess base width may serve as a rear backing element to support row partitions. The ridges support merchandise and permit a pull member to rest between ridges. The pull member may be manually pulled to bring merchandise to the front of a row. The ridges may be universal, or may be of specific dimensions for items such as soup cans or baby food jars.

Abstract: A device for displaying merchandise on a store shelf provides for arranging articles in rows with a pusher device for pushing the remaining articles forward on the shelf as each article is removed. A coiled spring operates to drive the pusher device for each row, the spring extending along a side rail having a hollow center in which the spring rides, the rail thus acting as a shield for the spring and preventing hand contact therewith which might cause injury.

Abstract: A product storage and dispensing assembly includes first and second tracks that are each capable of holding a row of product to be fed in a direction. A longitudinal engagement element is disposed adjacent a side of the first track and rows of detachably engagable longitudinal complemental engagement elements are disposed adjacent a side of the second track. The rows of the second track are different points of engagement for the engagement element of the first track, which allows the width of the second track to be adjusted as needed for allowing it to accommodate product of varying width.

Abstract: A bread storage device for keeping bread fresher for longer periods of time. The bread storage device includes a container having top, back, bottom and side walls, and also having an open front; and also includes a door being removably closed over the open front of the container; and further includes a bread support assembly including a board member, a plurality of rollers being attached to a bottom side of the board member, and a handle being attached to the board member for the movement thereof in and out of the container through the open front; also includes a bread retaining member being disposed in the container and being adapted to engage a loaf of bread to allow a user to slice the loaf of bread; and further includes a freshness seal being disposed in the top wall of the container.

Abstract: A device for displaying merchandise on a store shelf provides for arranging articles in rows with a pusher device for pushing the remaining articles forward on the shelf as each article is removed. A coiled spring operates to drive the pusher device for each row, the spring extending along a side rail having a hollow center in which the spring rides, the rail thus acting as a shield for the spring and preventing hand contact therewith which might cause injury.

Abstract: Systems and methods for merchandising product are disclosed. A merchandising system includes a a base having a first set of interfaces and a second set of interfaces, a first divider having a first engagement portion, and a second divider having a second engagement portion. The first engagement portion releasably couples to one of the interfaces of the first set of interfaces and the second engagement portion releasably couples to one of the interfaces of the second set of interfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for merchandising product are disclosed. A merchandising system includes a base coupled to the frame configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandising system further includes a pusher assembly provided on the base configured to move between a first position and a second position. The merchandising system further includes a retainer assembly coupled to the pusher assembly. The retainer assembly is configured to restrict movement of the pusher assembly as the base is moved from the first position of the base to the second position of the base.

Abstract: A device suitable for dispensing a plurality of like articles therefrom, the device characterized as having a plurality of columns for storing and dispensing the articles, each column having a front opening for dispensing the articles and a bottom side for holding the articles, each column having resilient spring means for biasing the articles towards the front opening of the column, the improvement being a tilt ramp attached to the front opening, wherein the ramp is at a decreased angle.

Abstract: A device for moving forward in an easy and efficient manner, articles such as canned goods, that are placed on a store shelf in order to facilitate their frontal display. The device makes use of positioning rods that are installed on the shelf so as to extend in parallel relationship with respect to the edge of the shelf. Two parallel side rails act as a support for the articles. These side rails extend on both sides of a central rail supporting a puller member and a backstop assembly. The side rails and the central rail are perpendicular to the edge of the shelf and are detachably fastened to the positioning rods, preferably by snapping. As a result, one may easily adjust their spacing as a function of the size of the articles. The backstop assembly is located at the back end of the puller member. It extends vertically and moves the articles closer to the front of the shelf when the puller member is pulled forward.

Abstract: A pusher apparatus pushes articles on a shelf in a display case forward when the front article is removed. The pusher apparatus has a partition panel dividing the shelf into first and second segments. The partition panel has front and rear end portions, first and second top rails, and first and second bottom rails. A first pusher panel has a top channel riding on the first top rail and a bottom channel riding on the first bottom rail, and a second pusher panel has a top channel riding on the second top rail and a bottom channel riding on the second bottom rail. A first coil spring has one end portion fastened to the front end portion of the partition panel and has the other end portion in contact with the first pusher panel. The first spring coils to move the first pusher panel from the rear end portion of the partition panel toward the front end portion of the partition panel.

Abstract: A product housing apparatus for a vending machine, for housing therein a plurality of products arranged in the longitudinal direction, the product housing apparatus comprising: a product passage defined by a product rack horizontally extended in the longitudinal direction and left and right partition walls which face each other while leaving a space therebetween in the lateral direction, are extended upward from the product rack, and are extended parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of products being housed in the product passage in the state of being arranged in the longitudinal direction and being abutted against each other; and a convex member which is provided between the left and right partition walls of the product rack so as to extend along the product passage and locks the plurality of products so as to be held in a laid state and in a position inclined on the lower right direction and/or the lower left direction.