3006results about "Racks" patented technology

Modular manual lift dispenser security systems and methods store and dispense at least one retail product. The systems and methods have a dispenser body having a floor and walls extending above the floor, wherein the walls of the dispenser body define an interior of the dispenser body that is sized to receive one or more retail products. Further, the systems and methods have a locking lid assembly slidably connected to a top edge of each side wall of the dispenser body via at least one fastener and a pusher paddle located within the interior of the dispenser body, wherein the pusher paddle is spring-loaded and configured to move one or more retail products towards the front wall of the dispenser body. Still further, the systems and methods have a first opening between a lip of the front wall of the dispenser body and a front edge of the locking lid assembly that is located adjacent to the front wall of the dispenser body, wherein the first opening is sized such that a leading retail product is passable through the opening between the lip of the front wall and the front edge of the locking lid assembly. Moreover, the systems and methods have a recess formed in the floor of the dispenser body and a lift slot formed in the front wall of the dispenser body, wherein the recess and lift slot are at least one of sized and shaped such that a leading retail product is accessible through the recess and lift slot.

The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. Upon selection of a desired item from a list of items held by the unit, the visual indicator corresponding to the item is actuated so that the user can locate the desired item quickly and conveniently with the help of the visual indicator.

The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. Upon selection of a desired item from a list of items held by the unit, the visual indicator corresponding to the item is actuated so that the user can locate the desired item quickly and conveniently with the help of the visual indicator.

An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.

An integrated “T” assembly (500) combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider (504). The T assembly may have a wide-base portion (518), which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion (520) on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher (700) 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 (600) 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, such as mating teeth.

A container for dispensing a product is provided, the container including an outer casing body having a cavity; a dispensing tray adapted for sliding movement within the cavity of the outer casing body between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, the dispensing tray having an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, a dispensing window, and a stop for engaging the outer casing body to prevent removal of the dispensing tray from the cavity; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the dispensing tray in the cavity, the locking mechanism including protrusions projecting from the outer casing body into the cavity and positioned adjacent to a moveable flap formed in the outer casing body, and recesses carried by the dispensing tray and positioned to engage the protrusions when the dispensing tray is in the closed and locked position.

A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided, the container including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed; a dispensing chamber for receiving at least one unit of the product, the dispensing chamber configured for movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing pathway between the storage compartment and the dispensing chamber, the dispensing pathway sized for passage of at least one unit of the product; a locking mechanism adapted for releasably locking the dispensing chamber in the closed and locked position; and a blocking member operatively positioned to block the dispensing pathway when the dispensing chamber is in the dispensing position.

A pusher apparatus comprises a track, a pusher mounted on the track for movement along the track; a spring mounted on the pusher for urging the pusher along the track; an axle rotatably mounted on the pusher; and at least one wheel fixed to the axle for positively engaging the track. In one aspect of the invention, two of the said wheels are fixed to the axle to avoid canting of the pusher as it moves along the track. In another aspect of the invention, the spring is a coil spring contained within the pusher unit for driving rotation of the axle. Preferably, a rotary damper regulates the operation of the coil spring.

Apparatus and method for selectively engaging and securing an array of shelf dividers to a mounting device which is securable to a display shelf. In the first form a divider is characterized by a divider structure having an elongated vertical wall and elongated horizontal base that operates to divide, organize and support the displayed merchandise. A resilient latch located on the underside of the base of the divider structure selectively engages and secures the divider structure onto a mounting device comprising a receiving member running longitudinally along the length of the surface of the mounting device which is securable along the front edge of a display shelf. The latch and the receiving member each comprise reciprocating (i.e. complementary) protrusions to allow the cooperative engagement of the divider structure and mounting device, thus locking the divider member to and unlocking the divider member from the mounting device to permit the repositioning of the display as desired without necessitating removal of the merchandise from the display. In addition when the divider structure and mounting device are fully engaged, a second protrusion on the underside of the divider member cooperates with a flange or lip on the mounting device to prevent lateral movement of the divider structure and maintain the position of the divider perpendicular to the mounting device and the front edge of the shelf. In a second embodiment, the divider structure comprises a pusher track and a spring urged pusher assembly to automatically push merchandise to the front of the shelf. Another embodiment comprises a divider base without a vertical divider wall, and with or without a pusher track and spring urged pusher assembly, thus pushers and dividers can be used in various convenient combinations within a shelf management system.

A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. In another embodiment, an alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and may provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product on the shelf or corresponding to a potential theft situation. In an embodiment, the alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to the potential thief that his actions are being monitored and recorded, or provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like. In yet another embodiment, lock mechanisms may be used to further secure high-risk theft items. Also, clips or clip members may be incorporated to further secure the product dividers to the shelves. In addition, an adjustable power bar may be included that is adjustable to accommodate the height adjustments made to the shelves.

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. The pusher mechanism of the invention also includes a pusher paddle and a floor that extends forward of the pusher paddle. A flat coiled spring or other biasing element may be operatively connected behind the pusher paddle and extend across the floor of the pusher mechanism and to the front of the shelf. In use, the product to be merchandised may be placed on the coiled spring and on the floor of the pusher mechanism. With this configuration, the pusher paddle is prevented from tipping or bending backwards during operation. The invention may be used with the merchandising of product on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces, as well as with gravity-fed systems, or systems that use gravity as a mechanism to urge product toward the front of the shelf.

An adjustable width product display system which includes spaced-apart front and back display supports formed of an engineering plastic material, suitable for food freezer environments. Formed wire side elements, provided with transversely extending mounting portions, are slideably received in transversely disposed recesses in the plastic display supports. Each display support includes a pair of closely adjacent, parallel recesses for receiving the mounting portions in overlapping relation, providing a wide range of width adjustment to accommodate packages of different size. A wire frame, comprising a pair of elongated wire elements extending from front to back of the display system joins the two display supports in spaced relation. These wire elements also function as an underneath support for product packages confined between the side elements. Laterally adjacent elements can be connected in series by intermediate wire side supports provided with transverse mounting elements extending in opposite directions and engagable in plastic display supports on both sides. Product pusher means are easily incorporated into the product display system either in the form of a preassembled pusher device, or the use of a spring-driven pusher sled mounted on the wire elements connecting the front and back display supports. The system, is ideally suited for food freezer environment, because plastic materials are minimally present in the structure and thus can be of a suitable engineering grade material. Additionally, the open wire structure accommodates free circulation of air in a freezer compartment to help maintain the desired environment throughout the compartment.

The present invention relates to a system for tracking product on a shelf. In an embodiment, an indicia strip is placed on a self coiling sheet, and a sensor is configured to read the indicia strip. The data on the indicia strip corresponds to the location of a pusher assembly. In an embodiment, a store computer can use the data regarding the location of the pusher assembly to determine the amount of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, the store computer can automatically order additional inventory based on the levels of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, a deviation from normal customer purchasing habits can be used to prompt security measures so as to reduce the possibility of product theft.

An automated merchant banking apparatus (10) is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes a user interface (18) which includes a plurality of input and output devices. The apparatus further includes a rolled coin dispenser (40) for dispensing various denominations of rolled coin. The rolled coin dispenser includes a coin roll presenter and retraction unit (42) which is operative to retract coin rolls which have been dispensed into holding areas (177) into a storage area (176) in the machine.

An adjustable snap-fit display assembly is used in a product display assembly. The display assembly stores and displays products of a variety of shapes and sizes and automatically delivers the products to the front of the display assembly. The adjustable display assembly includes a frame and a product supporting and feeding assembly. The product supporting and feeding assembly has tracks and, in some instances, dividers. The product tracks and dividers can be separately formed or integrated into a single component. The tracks and / or dividers are considered insertable components that can be added or removed as needed and that can be separated by varying distances depending on the width of product to be displayed. The insertable components generally are freely slideable and are snap-fit onto the frame. The product supporting and feeding assembly allows product to be fed forward to a front fence such that all or almost all of the available shelf depth can be used.

Apparatus and method for selectively engaging and securing an array of shelf dividers to a mounting device which is securable to a display shelf. In the first form a divider is characterized by a divider structure having an elongated vertical wall and elongated horizontal base that operates to divide, organize and support the displayed merchandise. A resilient latch located on the underside of the base of the divider structure selectively engages and secures the divider structure onto a mounting device comprising a receiving member running longitudinally along the length of the surface of the mounting device which is securable along the front edge of a display shelf. The latch and the receiving member each comprise reciprocating (i.e. complementary) protrusions to allow the cooperative engagement of the divider structure and mounting device, thus locking the divider member to and unlocking the divider member from the mounting device to permit the repositioning of the display as desired without necessitating removal of the merchandise from the display. In addition when the divider structure and mounting device are fully engaged, a second protrusion on the underside of the divider member cooperates with a flange or lip on the mounting device to prevent lateral movement of the divider structure and maintain the position of the divider perpendicular to the mounting device and the front edge of the shelf. In a second embodiment, the divider structure comprises a pusher track and a spring urged pusher assembly to automatically push merchandise to the front of the shelf. Another embodiment comprises a divider base without a vertical divider wall, and with or without a pusher track and spring urged pusher assembly, thus pushers and dividers can be used in various convenient combinations within a shelf management system.

Disclosed is a package for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which includes, inter alia, a container that has opposing upper and lower surfaces, and a container sidewall that extends between the upper and lower surfaces to define an interior for storing a plurality of products. The upper surface of the container has an apex intermediate a first region and a second region and the container sidewall defines an opening sized and configured to release at least one of the products. The package also includes an outer cover having an upper section and a cover sidewall depending from the upper section. The outer cover is configured to retain the container and selectively seal the opening. The container pivots about the apex to transition between open and closed positions.

The present invention relates to an inventory control system where the most updated number of products displayed on a display space is electronically determined and communicated to a computer for remote users, and electronically displayed along with other relevant information about the products.

Disclosed is an improved shelf tray assembly for use to hold and move forward in a simple and efficient way articles of a given dimension placed on a shelf toward a front edge of this shelf in order to allow frontal display of these articles. This assembly has a front rail installable on the shelf close to its front edge, a rear rail installable onto the shelf in parallel relationship with respect to the front rail and one or more tracks snappable onto the front and rear rails, each track acting as a support for the articles to be displayed and having a guiding rail on which a pushing element is slideably mounted. Advantageously, one or more clips are provided at the front end of each track to rigidly retain this track to the front rail. Advantageously also, each track has several slots made in its upper surface to receive one or more lateral partitions so as to guide the articles to be displayed when they are pulled forward, whatever their size.

An adjustable length track for a pusher system includes a first section and a second section which is operably connected to the first section. A first elongated rail extends longitudinally along the first section. A second elongated rail extends longitudinally along the second section. The second section is moveable in relation to the first section to allow a length of the track to be changed, thereby enabling the track to be placed on associated shelves of varying depths.

A shelving system includes an elongated mounting member operationally securable to an associated shelf. The mounting member includes an approximately vertically oriented wall and an approximately horizontally oriented wall. A track is received on the mounting member in a non-sliding manner. The track extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the associated shelf. An elongated rail extends longitudinally along the track. A spring urged pusher is slidably mounted in relation to the rail. A slot extends transversely along a bottom face of the track. A first smooth contact surface is located on the mounting member approximately a horizontally oriented wall. A second smooth contact surface is located on the track adjacent the slot. The second contact surface engages the first contact surface to retard a sideward sliding motion of the track in relation to the mounting member.

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.

An apparatus for displaying a plurality of merchandise packages is provided. The apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal lower surface, a substantially vertical front plate portion connected to the lower surface, and a substantially vertical rear plate portion connected to the lower surface. The front plate portion has at least one dimension substantially smaller than a corresponding dimension of each merchandise package. A substantially vertical pusher plate is slidably mounted to the lower surface and a resilient member attached to the tray, the resilient member being adapted to urge the pusher surface toward the front plate portion.

In some embodiments, a product fronting assembly includes a rotatable rear member and an elongated member extending to a handle at a front of the assembly. The rear member in some embodiments is rotatable to permit rear product loading in the assembly. Alternatively or in addition, the rear member is rotatable between a position in which forward handle movement fronts product and another position in which such handle movement does not front product. In some embodiments, a ratchet mechanism enables a handle to be returned to a stowed position after fronting product. A cable or strip can connect a handle to a rear member used to move the product. A portion of the cable or strip can be wound in a coil within or at least partially defining an assembly handle. Also, in some embodiments the assembly can be snap-fit upon a shelf.

A variable shelf organizer glide system for merchandising products therefrom capable of being assembled to accommodate any shelf length and width and any product dimension including a plurality of cooperatively engageable adjustable floor members having a plurality of transverse projection members associated with each respective track rib, the transverse projection members extending laterally across only a portion of the respective longitudinal slots formed between adjacent track ribs, and a plurality of adjustable divider members, each divider member being selectively engageable with the transverse projection members to form any number of segregated product channels for arranging products therebetween. Each floor member includes frangible break-away portions for adjusting the overall length thereof, and each divider member includes a frangible break-away front product stop member as well as a plurality of frangible break-away rear portions for likewise controlling the overall length of each divider member.

A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.

Compositions, articles and methods are provided for supplying fabric care benefits to clothing or fabrics in an automated washing machine and by manual washing. The fabric care compositions preferably have less than about 5% detergent surfactants, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1% and are most preferably free of detergent surfactants. Similarly, the fabric care compositions preferably have less than about 5% fabric softener actives, more preferably less than 3%, even more preferably less than 1% and are most preferably free of detergent surfactants. The laundry articles can take a variety of forms in a variety of physical states all of which will rapidly dispense a unitized amount of one or more selected fabric care agents to a wash and / or rinse bath solution during the laundering process under a variety of conditions. The invention also pertains to laundry kits that contain a variety of such articles and instructions concerning their use. Likewise, methods for preparing a customized laundry solution to obtain a specific; fabric care benefit selected based on the user's personal preferences and / or the fabric care needs of the fabrics being laundered are also provided. Further, the present invention also concerns methods for assisting a consumer in identifying the unitized articles to be used in preparing a laundry solution that will impart desired fabric care benefits as well as merchandising displays for dispensing the articles, assembling customized laundry kits and instructing the consumer on the selection and use of laundry articles.