Pusher bin for storing bulk products

Abstract

A push bin for storing bulk products is provided. The bin for storing a plurality of products includes a frame having an open top and bottom, a product support platform movably coupled relative to the frame and configured to support products on the product support platform, a plurality of resilient members coupled relative to the frame and the platform, a plurality of pulleys coupled relative to the frame and the resilient members, and one or more wire segments interconnecting the pulleys and coupled relative to the platform. The resilient members, pulleys, and one or more wire segments are arranged to cause each of the corners of the platform to simultaneously move in a direction toward the bottom of the frame in response to a weight applied by the products as the products are loaded onto the platform and to simultaneously move in a direction toward the top of the frame in response to at least one of the products being picked from the platform.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202080009302.9 entitled "Push-type bin for storing bulk products", which was filed on January 16, 2020, under the PCT international application PCT / US2020 / 013819 and entered the Chinese national phase on July 14, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] This document describes bins or units for storing bulk products, and more specifically, describes bins in which a movable platform is provided for supporting bulk products (such as food products). Background Technology

[0003] Grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations use product storage and display bins or units (such as point-of-sale units) to store products for consumers to select and purchase. To facilitate easy retrieval of products from the bins and prevent consumers from having to reach into the bins as the quantity decreases, products are packed so that the top layer of products is positioned at approximately waist height for the average person. To achieve this, many traditional bins have a false bottom that extends far above the base, resulting in significant wasted storage space in the area below the false bottom. Another drawback of traditional bins is that as products are removed, the top layer of products drops significantly below the top of the bin, which can be unattractive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally speaking, the bins or units described herein include a movable platform disposed therein, and the height of the movable platform is automatically adjusted by a spring and pulley system based on the weight of the products supported by the platform, so as to keep the top layer of products in the bin at a predetermined height or within a predetermined height range, thereby keeping the products stored in the bin within easy reach of consumers.

[0005] In some embodiments, a hopper for storing multiple products includes a frame with an open top and bottom. The hopper also includes a platform movable relative to the frame and configured to support products on the platform. The platform is movable relative to the frame between an empty position and a full-load position, in which no products are supported on the platform, and in a full-load position, which is closer to the bottom of the frame than in the empty position, where a maximum number of products are loaded onto the platform. The hopper also includes a plurality of resilient members coupled relative to the frame and the platform. These resilient members are biased to move the platform in a direction toward the top of the frame, thereby adjusting the height of the platform relative to the frame based on the weight of the products supported by the platform to maintain the top layer of products at a predetermined height or within a predetermined height range. The hopper also includes a plurality of upper pulleys coupled relative to the frame and a plurality of bottom pulleys coupled relative to the frame, the bottom pulleys being closer to the bottom of the frame than the upper pulleys. Furthermore, the hopper comprises multiple linear segments, each having an end fixedly connected to the movable platform at spaced-apart locations, and extending beyond at least one of the upper pulleys and at least one of the bottom pulleys. The linear segments restrict the movement of the platform relative to the frame such that the distance traveled laterally by the platform is substantially the same as the distance traveled between the fully loaded and unloaded positions (within acceptable production and assembly tolerances).

[0006] In some respects, the platform is rectangular and has a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner.

[0007] In some aspects, four linear segments are provided, and each of the four linear segments extends from an adjacent corner of the platform, beyond the upper pulley, from the upper pulley to the lower pulley, from the lower pulley to another lower pulley, and to another corner of the adjacent platform.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hopper may include a first leg including a first upper pulley and a first bottom pulley pair; a second leg including a second upper pulley and a second bottom pulley pair; a third leg including a third upper pulley and a third bottom pulley pair; and a fourth leg including a fourth upper pulley and a fourth bottom pulley pair.

[0009] In some aspects, the linear segment includes a first linear segment, a second linear segment, a third linear segment, and a fourth linear segment. The first linear segment has a first end attached to a first corner of the platform, extending beyond a first upper pulley, and extending from the first upper pulley to a first bottom pulley in a first bottom pulley pair, from a first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair to a second bottom pulley in a second bottom pulley pair, and from a second bottom pulley in the second bottom pulley pair to a second corner of the platform, wherein a second end of the first linear segment is attached to the second corner of the platform. The second linear segment has a first end attached to a second corner of the platform, extending beyond a second upper pulley, and extending from the second upper pulley to another second bottom pulley in a second bottom pulley pair, from another second bottom pulley in the second bottom pulley pair to a third bottom pulley in a third bottom pulley pair, and from a third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair to a third corner of the platform, wherein a second end of the second linear segment is attached to the third corner of the platform. The third linear segment has a first end attached to a third corner of the platform, extending beyond the third upper pulley and from the third upper pulley to another third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair, from the other third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair to a fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair, and from the fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair to a fourth corner of the platform, wherein the second end of the third linear segment is attached to the fourth corner of the platform. The fourth linear segment has a first end attached to a fourth corner of the platform, extending beyond the fourth upper pulley and from the fourth upper pulley to another fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair, from the other fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair to another bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair, and from the other first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair to a first corner of the platform, wherein the second end of the fourth linear segment is attached to the first corner of the platform.

[0010] In some implementations, each corner of the platform includes at least one connecting member configured to allow the bottom end of a corresponding elastic member in the elastic member to be connected to the connecting member.

[0011] In some aspects, at least one corner of the platform includes at least one wire connector configured to allow an end of at least one linear segment to be securely coupled to the at least one wire connector. In some embodiments, each corner of the platform includes two linear connectors extending therefrom, and at least one linear segment includes four linear segments, wherein each of the four linear segments has one end connected to one of the wire connectors at one corner of the corner and another end connected to one of the connectors at another corner of the corner.

[0012] In some embodiments, each bottom pulley includes a bottom pulley assembly coupled relative to the frame, and each bottom pulley assembly includes a pair of axles, each axle having a pulley mounted thereto for rotation. Each bottom pulley assembly may include a plurality of openings to allow at least one linear segment to pass through the plurality of openings. In some aspects, at least one linear segment is movably coupled relative to the pulley of the bottom pulley assembly such that movement of at least one linear segment causes rotation of the pulley of the bottom pulley assembly.

[0013] In some aspects, each top pulley includes an upper pulley assembly coupled relative to the frame, wherein each top pulley assembly includes a shaft having a corresponding upper pulley among the upper pulleys mounted thereto for rotation. In some embodiments, each upper pulley assembly also includes at least one connecting member configured to allow the tip of a corresponding resilient member among the resilient members to be coupled to the at least one connecting member.

[0014] In some implementations, the distance between each upper pulley assembly and the connecting member in the upper pulley assembly is adjustable to taut at least one linear segment.

[0015] In some implementations, the frame includes multiple plates connected to each other via multiple legs, wherein the side plates at least partially define the interior of the hopper therebetween.

[0016] In some implementations, the frame includes a plurality of horizontal transverse members adjacent to the open top, each of the horizontal transverse members including an inclined surface to increase friction with adjacent products within the bin.

[0017] In some respects, the linear segments are formed from flexible, non-stretchable materials.

[0018] In some respects, the elastic members push the platform toward the top of the frame.

[0019] In some embodiments, a method of dispensing products from a bin includes: storing products in the bin and on a product support platform; in response to multiple products being picked from the bin, whereby a resilient member causes the platform to move in a direction toward the top of a frame; and in response to the movement of the platform in the direction toward the top of the frame, moving a linear segment to control the movement of the side or corner of the platform by substantially the same distance in the direction toward the top of the frame.

[0020] In some embodiments, a hopper for storing multiple products includes a frame with an open top and bottom. The hopper also includes a product support platform movable relative to the frame and configured to support products on the platform. The platform is movable relative to the frame between an empty position and a full-load position, in which no products are supported on the platform, and in a full-load position, which is closer to the bottom of the frame than the empty position, where a maximum number of products are loaded onto the platform. The hopper also includes a plurality of resilient members coupled relative to the frame and the platform. These resilient members are biased to pull the platform in a direction toward the top of the frame, thereby adjusting the height of the platform relative to the frame based on the weight of the products supported by the platform to maintain the top layer of products at a predetermined height or within a predetermined height range. The hopper also includes a plurality of upper pulleys coupled relative to the frame to the open top adjacent to the frame and a plurality of bottom pulleys coupled relative to the frame to the bottom adjacent to the frame. Furthermore, the hopper comprises multiple linear segments, each having an end fixedly connected to the movable platform at spaced-apart locations, and extending beyond at least one of the upper pulleys and at least one of the bottom pulleys. The linear segments restrict the movement of the platform relative to the frame such that the travel of the platform's sides and / or anchor points is substantially synchronized in distance and speed with the platform's movement between a fully loaded and unloaded position (within acceptable production and assembly tolerances).

[0021] In some embodiments, a method of dispensing products from a bin includes: storing products within the bin and on a product support platform; in response to the selection of multiple products from the bin, whereby contraction of a resilient member causes the platform to move in a direction toward the top of a frame; in response to the movement of the platform in the direction toward the top of the frame, moving a linear segment to cause rotation of an upper pulley and a bottom pulley; and in response to the contraction of at least one resilient member, the movement of the linear segment, and the rotation of the pulleys, moving a side of the platform substantially the same distance in the direction toward the top of the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary bin according to some embodiments is shown, the bin being shown as having no product in it, and a movable platform having no product on it and being in its empty position;

[0023] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the hopper, which is shown as being half-loaded with products, and a movable platform with products on it in the middle position;

[0024] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the hopper, shown as if it were filled with products, and a movable platform on it with a... Figure 2 More products are shown and they are in their fully loaded positions;

[0025] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The side front view of the hopper also includes an optional top plate extending upward over the open top of the hopper;

[0026] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the hopper;

[0027] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the platform moving spring and pulley assembly, depicting the platform in its unloaded position and the spring shown in its contracted state, where the spring is slightly extended from its natural relaxed / unextended state due to the weight of the platform.

[0028] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the platform moving spring and pulley assembly, depicting the platform in its fully loaded position with the spring extended;

[0029] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an exemplary top pulley assembly of a hopper, depicting the pulleys, wires, and spring components of the platform movement assembly;

[0030] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an exemplary bottom pulley of the hopper depicts the pulleys and wire components of the platform movement assembly; and

[0031] Figure 10 A partial perspective view of a corner of the movable platform is shown, illustrating the connection between the spring assembly and the movable platform and the pulley assembly wire assembly passing through it. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figures 1 to 3An exemplary hopper 10 is shown. The hopper 10 includes a frame 12 with an open top 14 and a bottom 16. The exemplary frame 12 of the hopper 10 includes a front panel 28, a rear panel 30, a first side panel 32, a second side panel 34, and a bottom panel 35 that encloses the interior 36 of the hopper 10. (As shown in...) Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, the base plate 35 is roughly horizontal, while plates 28, 30, 32, and 34 are roughly vertical.

[0033] exist Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a bin 10, wherein each of plates 28, 30, 32, and 34 is made entirely of a transparent material to allow the product 90 loaded onto the product support platform 18 of the bin 10 to be seen through the plates 28, 30, 32, and 34. It should be understood that in some embodiments, at least a portion of each of plates 28, 30, 32, and 34 may be made opaque (e.g., by being made of an opaque material, by including an opaque coating, etc.) to block at least a portion of the product 90 on the platform 18 from being seen and / or to block a portion of the bin 10 located below the platform 18 from being seen. For example, all given plates may be opaque. In one embodiment, one or more of these plates may be primarily opaque but have a transparent window. This window may be positioned toward the top of the bin 10 (e.g., the upper 25%) and is positioned such that the depth of the available product can be seen, i.e., how much product remains in the bin.

[0034] It should be understood that the frame 12 of the bin 10 is shown by way of example only as having four uprights 28, 30, 32 and 34, and the number of uprights of the bin 10 may vary depending on the size and shape of the bin 10. For example, the frame 12 of the bin 10 may include three or more uprights in some aspects, five uprights in others, six uprights in still others, eight uprights in yet others, or any other suitable number of uprights within practical limits.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 35 has an upward surface 37 and a downward surface 39. In some embodiments (e.g., see...), the base plate 35 has an upward surface 37 and a downward surface 39. Figure 4 The lower surface 39 of the base plate 35 of the hopper 10 includes adjustable feet 44 connected thereto, allowing the hopper 10 to stand upright on a supporting surface (e.g., the base plate). In some aspects, the hopper 10 includes four adjustable feet 44, and in other aspects, depending on the size and shape of the hopper 10, the hopper 10 may include more than four feet 44. It is worth noting that the feet 44 are optional, and according to some embodiments, the hopper 10 may be placed on a supporting surface (e.g., the base plate) such that the lower surface 39 of the base plate 35 is in direct contact with the supporting surface.

[0036] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 12 of the container 10 also includes a top plate 38, which is generally aligned with the rear plate 34 and extends upward over the top 14 of the container 10. In some aspects, the top plate 38 includes printed information that identifies the product 90 located in the container 10 by name and / or announces seasonal and / or price reduction promotions associated with the product 90 in the container 10.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 10 includes four legs 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d, which are configured to hold plates 28, 30, 32, and 34 in a fixed position relative to each other. The upper portion of each of the legs 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d is optionally connected to horizontal transverse members 45a-45d. These transverse members 45a-45d contribute to the structural integrity of the hopper 10. Furthermore, each of the transverse members 45a-45d may also include a profile comprising inclined lower surfaces 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown. The inclined lower surfaces 47a-47d are positioned to generate friction with adjacent items stored in the bin 10, which provides resistance to platform elevation, acting as an airlock, especially when the bin contains lighter products. This advantageously allows for greater control over the product and therefore greater control over platform movement, and allows for the selection of springs for relatively heavy products, while still providing sufficient performance for lighter products.

[0038] The illustrated embodiment of the bin 10 includes four legs 40a-40d because the overall shape of the bin 10 is generally square. However, in embodiments where the bin 10 is not quadrilateral, the frame 12 of the bin 10 may include fewer than four legs or more than four legs. For example, the frame 12 of the bin 10 may include three legs in some aspects, five legs in others, six legs in still others, and eight legs in yet others. The number of legs may correspond to the shape of the platform; for example, a triangular platform may have three legs, a circular or elliptical platform may have three or more legs, etc.

[0039] Each of the legs 40a-40d of the exemplary hopper 10 includes a channel 41, the size and shape of which are configured to maintain the structure responsible for the movement of the product support platform 18. It should be understood that the configuration and shape of the channels 41 shown in the figures are merely illustrative, and each channel 41 may be wholly or partially hollow and may be any suitable shape exhibiting a degree of rotational division (e.g., square, rectangle, trapezoid, triangle, etc.). For example, in some aspects, each of the first leg 40a, second leg 40b, third leg 40c, and fourth leg 40d includes an upper pulley 24 and a pair of bottom pulleys 24 (referred herein to as the first, second, third, and fourth upper pulleys 24, and the first, second, third, and fourth bottom pulleys 24 pairs).

[0040] Each channel 41 of each leg 40a-40d is defined by a first outer wall 46 and a second outer wall 48, and a first inner wall 50 and a second inner wall 52. The first outer wall 46 and the second outer wall 48 intersect each other to form an outer corner 54 of the leg 40a-40d. In the illustrated form, the first inner wall 50 and the first outer wall 46 intersect, and the second inner wall 52 and the second outer wall 48 intersect, but the first outer wall 46 and the second outer wall 48 do not intersect each other and are spaced apart to form an elongated slot 56 between their distal ends.

[0041] Each of the legs 40 of the frame 12 may optionally include a top cover 43. Each of the top covers 43 may be an opaque plastic cover, configured to provide an aesthetic effect by preventing the structure located within the channel 41 of its respective leg 40a-40d from being seen, and to provide protection by limiting access to and / or contact with any moving structure and / or possible sharp edges located within the channel 41 by consumers and / or retail staff.

[0042] refer to Figure 5 Each of the legs 40a-40d of the frame 12 includes a pair of elongated vertical slots or channels 42, each slot or channel being sized and shaped to receive and securely hold the edge portions 27, 29, 31, 33 of a corresponding one of the plates 28, 30, 32, 34. Specifically, in the form shown, the edge portion 27 of the front plate 28 is received within the channel 42 of the legs 40a and 40b, the edge portion 29 of the first side plate 32 is received within the channel 42 of the legs 40b and 40c, the edge portion 31 of the rear plate 30 is received within the channel 42 of the legs 40c and 40d, and the edge portion 33 of the second side plate 34 is received within the channel 42 of the legs 40d and 40a.

[0043] In some embodiments, the exemplary bin 10 includes an elastic member 22 coupled to the frame 12 and platform 18, pulleys 24 coupled to the frame and elastic member, and one or more linear segments 26 interconnecting the pulleys and coupled to the platform 18. The elastic member 22 may be a spring (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 As shown), at least one elastic band, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 10 includes four elastic members 22, each positioned in a corner of the hopper 10, and more specifically within the corresponding hollow channels 41 of the legs 40a-40d. Specifically, for Figure 2 and Figure 3 The load-bearing strength and weight sensitivity of the elastic member 22 shown are calibrated to take into account Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shape and / or weight of the food product 90 shown are as described, but it should be understood that the load-bearing strength and weight sensitivity of the elastic member 22 can be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of products 90 that can be loaded into the bin 10 and onto the platform 18. Instead of the elastic member 22 pulling the platform 18 toward the upper end of the bin 10, the platform 18 can be pushed from the bottom toward the upper end of the bin 10 by means of an airbag, piston, or other means that can push the platform 18.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a portion of the elastic member 22 located within each hollow channel of the hollow channel 41 can be seen through the slot 56 formed between the inner walls 50 and 52 of the legs 40a-40d. It should be understood that the hopper 10 is shown by way of example only as having four elastic members 22, and the hopper 10 may include more than four (e.g., six, eight, etc.) elastic members 22 depending on the desired size and shape.

[0045] The pulley 24 may be in the form of a rotatable wheel mounted on the shaft 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 10 includes four upper pulleys 24, each positioned within a corner of the hopper 10, and more specifically, within a corresponding hollow channel 41 of the support leg 40. Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of each of the upper pulleys 24 located within the corresponding hollow channel in the hollow channel 41 can be seen through the slot 56 formed between the inner wall 50 and the outer wall 52 of the legs 40a-40d.

[0046] In some embodiments described herein, pulley 24 engages one or more linear segments 26 (e.g., wires, cables, ropes, cords, chains, belts, etc.) operably coupled relative to platform 18 at two distinct, spaced-apart locations (as will be described in more detail below). Thus, movement of platform 18 (e.g., in response to product 90 being loaded onto or removed from platform 18) causes movement of one or more linear segments 26 coupled to the platform, which in turn causes rotation of pulley 24. In some aspects, the linear segments 26 are formed of a flexible, non-stretchable material. Pulley 24 may be a rotatable wheel, as shown and described herein. Alternatively, some or all of the pulleys may be something other than a rotatable wheel, providing the ability to change the orientation of the linear segments on either side. For example, if the linear segments are formed of chains, rotatable sprockets may be used. By way of example, smooth, low-friction fixing materials, such as Teflon, can also be used, in which the line changes direction, or other means that facilitate changing direction, such as rollers, curved grooves, slots or channels, under which the line can slide, over or through them.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 The exemplary hopper 10 includes a plurality of upper pulley assemblies 58 coupled relative to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 10 includes four upper pulley assemblies 58, each located within a corresponding corner of the hopper 10. However, it should be understood that, depending on the size and shape of the hopper 10, the hopper 10 may include more than four (e.g., six, eight, etc.) upper pulley assemblies 58.

[0048] Figure 8 The exemplary upper pulley assembly 58 shown includes two generally horizontal plates (i.e., upper plate 60 and lower plate 62) and two generally vertical plates 64, 66. It should be understood that the horizontal plates 60, 62 are... Figure 8 The upper plate 60 is shown, by way of example only, as interconnected by vertical plates 64 and 66, which may be spaced apart from each other but not interconnected. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some respects, the upper plate 60 may be fixed, while the lower plate 62 may be movable. The vertical plates 64 and 66 are spaced apart from each other but interconnected via an upper rod 65 and a lower rod 67. In the illustrated form, the upper rod 65 serves as a spindle and has a pulley 24 mounted thereon for rotation. On the other hand, as... Figure 8As shown, the lower rod 67 serves as a connecting member, allowing the top end 23 of the elastic member 22 to be securely connected to it. Preferably, the distance between the upper plate 60 and the lower plate 62 is adjustable to adjust the tension of the elastic member 22 connected to the lower plate 62, and the position of the lower plate 62 relative to the frame (specifically, the attached legs 40). For example, the lower plate 62 can be fixed in one position relative to the frame (specifically, the attached legs); and the position of the upper plate 60 can be vertically adjusted and fixed in multiple positions, for example, by using one or more mechanical screws (not shown) extending between the upper plate 60 and the lower plate 62 to adjust the vertical spacing between them. This adjustment advantageously allows for adjustment of the tension of the loop (or a specific segment thereof).

[0049] Figure 8 The lower horizontal plate 62 of the upper pulley assembly 58 shown includes one or more through holes 63 (e.g., slots, holes, etc.) that allow a linear segment 26 connected to the pulley 24 to pass through it. Similarly, Figure 8 The upper horizontal plate 60 of the upper pulley assembly 58 shown includes one or more through holes 61 (e.g., slots, holes, etc.) that allow a portion of the pulley 24 and a portion of the linear segment 26 connected to the pulley 24 to pass through it.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 The exemplary hopper 10 includes a bottom roller assembly 68 coupled relative to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 10 includes four bottom roller assemblies 68, each located within a corresponding corner of the hopper 10. However, it should be understood that, depending on the size and shape of the hopper 10, the hopper 10 may include more than four (e.g., six, eight, etc.) bottom roller assemblies 68.

[0051] Figure 5 and Figure 9 The exemplary bottom pulley assembly 68 shown is in the form of a corner bracket, which includes a generally horizontal top wall 69, a bottom wall 71, and side walls 70 and 72 that intersect each other to form a corner 74 of the bottom pulley assembly 68. The exemplary bottom pulley assembly 68 is configured to include two pulleys 24. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pulleys 24 rotatably coupled to the bottom pulley assembly 68 is mounted on a corresponding one of two spindles or rods 76 extending inwardly from their respective sidewalls 70 and 72 of the bottom pulley assembly 68. Figure 9As shown, the top wall 69 of the bottom pulley assembly 68 includes two slotted holes 73 that allow portions of the line 26 connected to the pulley 24 housed within the bottom pulley assembly 68 to pass through it. In some respects, the slotted holes 73 also allow the removal of the line segment 26 and / or pulley 24 passing through it (e.g., for maintenance purposes).

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 includes a product support platform 18 movably coupled relative to the frame 12. The product support platform 18 has a product support surface 20 configured to support a plurality of products 90 thereon. As shown, the exemplary product support platform 18 is generally rectangular and includes four sides 11 and four corners 19a-19d; however, it should be understood that, based on the overall shape of the container 10, the product support platform 18 may have another suitable shape, such as rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, etc. The products 90 may be, for example, individually packaged or bulk-packaged products for consumption (e.g., confectionery products, flavored products, etc.), as well as any other non-consumable products (e.g., electronic devices, stationery, household goods, etc.).

[0053] Product support platform 18 can be in an unloaded position (such as...) Figure 1 (as shown) and full load position (e.g.) Figure 3 The platform 18 moves between the two positions shown. In the unloaded position, no product 90 is supported on the platform 18, and in the fully loaded position, the maximum number of products 90 are loaded onto the platform 18. When the platform 18 is in... Figure 1 When in the unloaded position shown, it is in relation to platform 18. Figure 3 Compared to the fully loaded position shown, platform 18 is positioned closer to the open top 14 of hopper 10. When platform 18 is loaded with more... Figure 3 The product shown is a smaller quantity of product 90 (e.g., product 90) Figure 2 As shown), platform 18 is located at a higher position than... Figure 3 The platform 18 of the shown bin 10 is closer to the top 14 of the bin 10, but smaller than... Figure 1 The platform 18 of the shown bin 10 is further away from the center of the top 14 of the bin 10. It should be understood that... Figure 3 The quantity of food or other products 90 shown and the location of platform 18 are illustrated by way of example only, and may vary if the full load intended to contain the products 90 in bin 10 includes a larger quantity of products 90 (whose total combined weight is greater than 100%). Figure 3 The total combined weight of the products shown (90) and / or including products with a total combined weight greater than [amount missing]. Figure 3 If the total combined weight of the products shown in product 90 is multiple different products, then platform 18 is not limited to being able to move to a greater extent than... Figure 3 The lower position shown.

[0054] In some embodiments, each of the corners 19a-19d of platform 18 includes at least one through-hole 17, which is configured to allow at least one linear segment 26 to pass through platform 18, for example, as Figure 10 As shown. Each of the corners 19a-19d of platform 18 also includes two generally vertical plates 15a, 15b. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, vertical plates 15a and 15b are spaced apart from each other but interconnected via rod 13. Figure 10 As shown, rod 13 serves as a connecting member that allows the bottom end 21 of elastic member 22 to be fixedly connected to the connecting member.

[0055] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the linear segment 26 is in the form of a single continuous linear segment (e.g., wire, cable, rope, etc.) having: a first end and a second end, each individually connected to the platform to form a continuous loop; and a plurality of fasteners, such as clamping along its length relative to the platform (e.g., adjacent to its corners). In other embodiments, the linear segment 26 is in the form of two separate continuous linear segments, each having a first end and a second end. In some aspects, the linear segment 26 may be in the form of three separate continuous linear segments, each having a first end and a second end. In still other aspects, the linear segment 26 may be in the form of four continuous linear segments, each having a first end and a second end.

[0056] In one exemplary configuration, one corner of platform 18 (i.e., corner 19a) includes two wire connectors 78 and 80, which allow the end (and / or portion other than the end) of linear segment 26 to be securely coupled to the wire connector, such as... Figure 10 As shown. Wire connectors 78, 80 may be in the form of pins, rods, etc., and may be cylindrical as shown, or may have different shapes suitable for allowing any part of the wire segment 26 to be coupled (e.g., by twisting and / or binding) thereto. In some aspects, wire connectors 78, 80 may be in the form of clamps having two threaded elements and two separate plates. In some embodiments, the wire segment 26 may be clamped to one, two, three, or four corner areas of the platform 18 to facilitate the orientation of the platform 18 within the frame 12 and the generally synchronous movement of the platform 18.

[0057] In some embodiments, wire connectors 78, 80 are present only at one corner of platform 18 (e.g., corner 19a), and the linear segment 26 is a single continuous line having a portion (e.g., one end) connected to the top wire connector 78 and another portion (e.g., the other end) connected to the bottom wire connector 80. In other embodiments, each of the corners 19a-19d of platform 18 may include two wire connectors similar to the wire connectors 78 and 80 extending therefrom. In such embodiments, given the four corners 19a-19d of platform 18, there are a total of eight such wire connectors 78, 80, and the linear segment 26 comprises four independent linear segments 26, each end of which is connected to the top wire connector 78 at one corner of platform 18, and the other end of which is connected to the bottom wire connector 80 at the other corner of platform 18.

[0058] In some configurations, the linear segment 26 is in the form of a single continuous wire extending from a top wire connector 78 adjacent to one corner (e.g., 19a) of the corner of the platform 18, beyond the upper pulley 24 located above the corner, extending from the upper pulley 24 to a lower pulley 24 located below the corner, and from the lower pulley 24 to another lower pulley 24 adjacent to another corner (e.g., 19d) of the corner of the platform 18, and extending to the upper pulley 24 located at corner 19d, then down to the bottom pulley 24 located at corner 19d, and so on, until the other free end of the linear segment 26 reaches the bottom wire connector 80 in corner 19a and is fixedly attached to the bottom wire connector, thereby completing the attachment of the linear segment 26 to the platform 18.

[0059] In some respects, one or more portions of a single continuous linear segment 26 are attached (e.g., clamped) to each of the other corners (e.g., 19b, 19c, and 19d) of the platform 18 to limit the independent movement of corners 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d relative to each other, and to cause the side 11 of the platform 18 to travel the same total distance (upward or downward) substantially simultaneously and at substantially the same rate in a manner substantially synchronized with the movement of the platform 18 between the fully loaded and unloaded positions (upward and downward). This substantially synchronized movement is not necessarily precise, but is considered to be influenced by friction of sliding or rolling components, manufacturing variations, and materials used (such as spring strength materials), but may result in improved movement compared to not employing such a pulley system, and can prevent platform skewing and locking. During construction, the linear segment 26 may be a pre-formed continuous loop (each end terminating adjacent to each other), which is subsequently clamped to the platform at multiple locations 19a-19d.

[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, the linear segment 26 is in the form of four independent linear segments, including a first linear segment, a second linear segment, a third linear segment, and a fourth linear segment. The first linear segment 26 has a first end attached adjacent to a first corner 19a of the platform 18 (e.g., attached to a wire connector similar to the top wire connector 78), and extends beyond the first upper pulley 24 (located above the first corner 19a of the platform 18), and extends from the first upper portion 24 located at the first corner 19a to one of the first bottom pulleys of the pair of first bottom pulleys located below the first corner 19a of the platform 18. Then, the linear segment 26 extends from one of the first bottom pulleys in the first bottom pulley pair 24 to one of the second bottom pulleys in the second bottom pulley pair 24 located below the second corner 19d of the platform 18, and extends from one of the second bottom pulleys in the second bottom pulley pair 24 located below the second corner 19d of the platform 18 to the second corner 19d of the platform 18, wherein the second end of the first linear segment 26 is attached to the second corner 19d of the platform 18 via a wire connector similar to the bottom wire connector 80.

[0061] The second linear segment 26 has a first end attached adjacent to the second corner 19d of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector similar to the top wire connector 78), and extends beyond the second upper pulley 24 located above the second corner 19d, and extends from the second upper pulley 24 located above the second corner 19d to another second bottom pulley in the pair of second bottom pulleys 24 located below the second corner 19d of the platform 18. Then, the second linear segment 26 extends from that second bottom pulley in the pair of second bottom pulleys 24 at the second corner 19d of the platform 18 to one third bottom pulley in the pair of third bottom pulleys 24 located below the third corner 19c of the platform, and from that third bottom pulley in the pair of third bottom pulleys 24 to the third corner 19c of the platform 18, wherein the second end of the second linear segment 26 is attached adjacent to the third corner of the platform (e.g., via a wire connector similar to the bottom wire connector 80).

[0062] The third linear segment 26 has a first end attached to the third corner 19c of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector similar to the top wire connector 78), and extends beyond the third upper pulley 24 located above the third corner 19c of the platform 18, and extends from the third upper pulley 24 to another third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair located below the third corner 19c of the platform 18. The third linear segment 26 then extends from this other third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair to one of the fourth bottom pulleys in the fourth bottom pulley pair located below the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18, and from this bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair to the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18, wherein the second end of the third linear segment 26 is attached to the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector similar to the bottom wire connector 80).

[0063] The fourth linear segment 26 has a first end attached to the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector similar to the top wire connector 78), and extends beyond the fourth upper pulley 24 located above the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18, and extends from the fourth upper pulley 24 to another fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair located below the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18. The fourth linear segment 26 then extends from this other fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair to another first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair located below the first corner 19a of the platform 18, and from this first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair to the first corner 19a of the platform 18, wherein the second end of the fourth linear segment 26 is attached to the first corner 19a of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector similar to the bottom wire connector 80).

[0064] The four linear segments 26 described above provide a continuous linear segment loop that passes through pulley 24 and connects to platform 18 to provide corners (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d) and sides 11 of platform 18 during movement of platform 18. Figure 1 The exemplary unloaded positions shown are Figure 3The exemplary fully loaded positions are shown to move in a generally synchronized manner. Each of the four linear segments 26 is attached adjacent to a corresponding corner among the corners 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d. The linear segments 26 of the bin 10 restrict the movement of the platform 18 relative to the frame 12 such that the distance traveled laterally (up or down) by the platform 18 is substantially the same as the distance traveled (up and down) by the platform between the fully loaded and unloaded positions. In some respects, as will be described in more detail below, the resilient members 22, pulleys 24, and linear segments 26 of the bin 10 are arranged such that each corner of the platform 18 among the corners 19a-19d moves simultaneously toward the bottom 16 of the frame 12 in response to the weight exerted by the product 90 when it is loaded onto the product support surface 20 of the platform 18, and simultaneously moves toward the top 14 of the frame 12 in response to the product 90 being picked up from the platform 18 (i.e., by a consumer or store worker).

[0065] Figure 6 The frameless component is shown. Figure 1 The image shows a portion of the hopper, with platform 18 in its exemplary unloaded position and elastic member 22 contracted but still extending from its natural relaxed / non-extended state (which would be the elastic member if it did not support the weight of platform 18) due to the weight of platform 18. The hopper 10 is configured to have the features described above and as... Figure 6 The elastic member 22, pulley 24 and linear segment 26 shown mean that when the bin 10 is loaded with product 90, the weight of product 90 loaded onto the product support surface 20 of the platform 18 exerts a downward force on the platform that is stronger than the combined upward bias force of the elastic member 22, and pushes the platform 18 in the downward direction, thereby causing the elastic member 22 to extend / stretch / extension in the downward direction.

[0066] Because linear segment 26 is attached and / or clamped relative to one or more corners 19a-19d of platform 18 as described above, downward movement of platform 18 causes linear segment 26 coupled to a given corner (e.g., 19a) of platform 18 to also move downward (e.g., move two inches, three inches, six inches, etc.). This movement of linear segment 26 causes one or more bottom pulleys 24 associated with that corner (e.g., 19a) to... Figure 6 The rotation of two bottom pulleys 24 at each corner is illustrated by way of example, as well as the associated movement of one or more bottom pulleys 24 associated with an adjacent corner of the platform (e.g., 19d), which in turn causes that adjacent corner (e.g., 19d) to move down by substantially the same distance (e.g., two inches, three inches, six inches, etc.) as the first corner (19a).

[0067] In this way, each side of the platform 18 and each corner of the platform 18 19b moves simultaneously by the same distance along the direction toward the bottom 16 of the frame 12 of the hopper 10. Figure 7 As shown, in this position, the platform 18 is in its fully loaded position and the elastic member 22 is fully extended downward, but neither the side 11 of the platform 18 nor the corners 19a-19d are undesirably tilted relative to any of the other sides 11 or corners 19a-19d of the platform 18, thereby maintaining the product support surface 20 of the platform 18 in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0068] For the same reason, when one or more products 90 are removed from platform 18 (e.g., by staff or by one or more consumers), the weight exerted on the product support surface 20 of platform 18 by the remaining products 90 is reduced. This can cause the resilient member 22 (which is biased upward toward the top of bin 10) to pull platform 18 upward toward the top 14 of the frame 12 of bin 10. In some respects, depending on the weight of each individual product 90, the load-bearing sensitivity of the resilient member 22, the friction of the surface of the remaining products 90 relative to the inner surfaces of plates 28, 30, 32, and 34, and any friction between platform 18 and surrounding components, removing an individual product 90 (e.g., a smaller, lighter product) from bin 10 may not represent a sufficient reduction in load weight to allow the resilient member 22 to contract and move platform 18 upward, while removing multiple (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 20, etc.) individual products 90 from bin 10 may represent a sufficient reduction in load weight to allow the resilient member 22 to contract and move platform 18 upward. Similarly, depending on the weight of each individual product 90, the load-bearing sensitivity of the resilient member 22, the friction of the remaining product 90 surface relative to the inner surfaces of plates 28, 30, 32, and 34, and any friction between platform 18 and surrounding components, removing an individual product 90 (e.g., a larger, heavier product) from bin 10 may represent a load reduction sufficient to allow the resilient member 22 to contract and move platform 18 in an upward direction. Therefore, each of the sides 11 of platform 18 and each of the corners 19b of platform 18 moves substantially simultaneously in the direction toward the top 14 of frame 12 of bin 10 at substantially the same speed and travels substantially the same distance. Since each of the sides 11 of platform 18 and each of the corners 19a-19d moves upward simultaneously and by the same distance, tilting of platform 18 is advantageously prevented (which could cause products to shift to one side of bin 10, which would be visually unappealing to consumers).

[0069] While preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications can be made within the configurations described herein. For example, the description of the direction of movement of the bin and its platform can be oriented in other positions besides the upright position, such as inclined or even horizontal. Therefore, the use of directional terms such as “top,” “vertical,” “upward,” etc., herein will be understood to cover such non-upright orientations of the bin.

Claims

1. A storage bin for storing multiple products, the storage bin comprising: A frame, the frame including an open top and bottom; A platform that is movable relative to the frame and configured to support products on the platform, the platform being movable relative to the frame between an empty position and a full-load position, in which no products are supported on the platform, the full-load position being closer to the bottom of the frame than the empty position, and the maximum number of products being loaded onto the platform in the full-load position. Multiple elastic members are connected relative to the frame and the platform. The elastic members are biased to move the platform in a direction toward the top of the frame, thereby adjusting the height of the platform relative to the frame based on the weight of the product supported by the platform, so as to keep the top layer of the product at a predetermined height or within a predetermined height range. A plurality of upper pulleys connected relative to the frame, and a plurality of bottom pulleys connected to the frame and located closer to the bottom of the frame than the upper pulleys; as well as Multiple linear segments, each having an end fixedly connected to the platform at spaced-apart locations and extending beyond at least one of the upper pulleys and at least one of the bottom pulleys, restrict the movement of the platform relative to the frame such that the distance traveled by the side of the platform is substantially the same as the distance the platform moves between the fully loaded position and the unloaded position.

2. The material bin according to claim 1, wherein the platform is rectangular and has a first corner, a second corner, a third corner and a fourth corner.

3. The hopper according to claim 2, wherein four linear segments are provided.

4. The hopper of claim 3, wherein each of the four linear segments extends from an adjacent corner of the first, second, third, and fourth corners of the platform, beyond the upper pulley, from the upper pulley to the bottom pulley, from the bottom pulley to another bottom pulley, and extends to another corner adjacent to the first, second, third, and fourth corners of the platform.

5. The hopper according to claim 3, wherein the frame comprises a first leg, a second leg, a third leg, and a fourth leg, wherein: The first leg includes a first upper pulley and a first bottom pulley pair; The second leg includes a second upper pulley and a second bottom pulley pair; The third leg includes a third upper pulley and a third bottom pulley pair; and The fourth leg includes a fourth upper pulley and a fourth bottom pulley pair.

6. The hopper according to claim 5, wherein the linear segment comprises a first linear segment, a second linear segment, a third linear segment, and a fourth linear segment, wherein: The first linear segment has a first end, the first end of the first linear segment being attached adjacent to the first corner of the platform, extending beyond the first upper pulley, and extending from the first upper pulley to a first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair, from the first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair to a second bottom pulley in the second bottom pulley pair, and from the second bottom pulley in the second bottom pulley pair to the second corner of the platform, wherein the second end of the first linear segment is attached adjacent to the second corner of the platform; The second linear segment has a first end, the first end of the second linear segment being attached adjacent to the second corner of the platform, extending beyond the second upper pulley, and extending from the second upper pulley to another second bottom pulley in the second bottom pulley pair, from the other second bottom pulley in the second bottom pulley pair to a third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair, and from the third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair to the third corner of the platform, wherein the second end of the second linear segment is attached adjacent to the third corner of the platform; The third linear segment has a first end, the first end of the third linear segment being attached adjacent to the third corner of the platform, extending beyond the third upper pulley, and extending from the third upper pulley to another third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair, from the other third bottom pulley in the third bottom pulley pair to a fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair, and from the fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair to the fourth corner of the platform, wherein the second end of the third linear segment is attached adjacent to the fourth corner of the platform; and The fourth linear segment has a first end, the first end of the fourth linear segment being attached adjacent to the fourth corner of the platform, extending beyond the fourth upper pulley, and extending from the fourth upper pulley to another fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair, from the other fourth bottom pulley in the fourth bottom pulley pair to another first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair, and from the other first bottom pulley in the first bottom pulley pair to the first corner of the platform, wherein the second end of the fourth linear segment is attached adjacent to the first corner of the platform.

7. The bin of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner of the platform includes at least one linear connector, the at least one linear connector being configured to allow a portion of at least one of the plurality of linear segments to be fixedly coupled to the at least one linear connector.

8. The bin of claim 7, wherein each of the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner of the platform comprises two linear connectors, and wherein at least one linear segment comprises four linear segments, each of the four linear segments having one end of a linear connector connected to one of the linear connectors at the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner, and the other end of a linear connector connected to the other of the linear connectors at the other corner.

9. The bin of claim 1, wherein each of the bottom pulleys comprises a bottom pulley assembly coupled relative to the frame, each bottom pulley assembly comprising a pair of shafts, each shaft having a pulley mounted relative to it for rotation.

10. The bin of claim 9, wherein each bottom pulley assembly includes a plurality of openings to allow at least one of the plurality of linear segments to pass through the plurality of openings, and wherein the at least one linear segment is movably coupled relative to the pulley of the bottom pulley assembly such that movement of the at least one linear segment causes rotation of the pulley of the bottom pulley assembly.

11. The bin of claim 1, wherein each of the upper pulleys comprises an upper pulley assembly coupled relative to the frame, each upper pulley assembly comprising a shaft having a corresponding upper pulley among the upper pulleys mounted thereto for rotation.

12. The bin of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of plates connected to each other via a plurality of legs, and side plates at least partially defining the interior of the bin therebetween.

13. The hopper according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the frame includes a plurality of horizontal transverse members adjacent to the open top, each of the plurality of horizontal transverse members including an inclined surface for increasing friction with adjacent products within the hopper.

14. The hopper according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein each of the plurality of linear segments is formed of a flexible, non-extendable material.

15. The bin according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the elastic member pushes the platform toward the top of the frame.

16. A method for dispensing products from a hopper according to any one of claims 1-12, the method comprising: The product is stored in the bin and on the platform; In response to the selection of a plurality of products from the bin, the resilient member causes the platform to move in a direction toward the top of the frame; In response to movement of the platform in the direction toward the top of the frame, the linear segment is moved to control movement of the side or corner of the platform by substantially the same distance in the direction toward the top of the frame.

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