U.S. patent application number 13/014437 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for pusher system for dispensing articles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lloyd, Gerstner & Partners. Invention is credited to Andrew Coker, Robert Christopher Kidd.
Application Number | 20110180498 13/014437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44308168 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110180498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kidd; Robert Christopher ;
et al. |
July 28, 2011 |
Pusher System for Dispensing Articles
Abstract
A pusher system for dispensing articles includes a pusher track,
on which the articles can be stacked for storage, displaying, and
dispensing. The pusher system also includes a pusher plate assembly
having a pusher plate urging the articles stored on the pusher
track toward a dispensing location under the action of a driving
unit, such as a coil spring. The pusher plate assembly has a
retaining portion to be movably received in a longitudinal channel
formed in the pusher track to retain the pusher plate assembly on
the pusher track and allow the pusher track assembly to translate
along the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track.
According to the various embodiments, the pusher plate assembly is
configured to be in a rolling engagement with the pusher track as
the pusher plate travels along the pusher track. Such rolling
engagement can reduce friction between the pusher plate assembly
and the pusher track, thereby facilitating travel of a pusher plate
during the dispensing and reloading operations.
Inventors: |
Kidd; Robert Christopher;
(New York, NY) ; Coker; Andrew; (Peekskill,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Lloyd, Gerstner &
Partners
Paramus
NJ
|
Family ID: |
44308168 |
Appl. No.: |
13/014437 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61298750 |
Jan 27, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/59.3 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/12 20060101
A47F001/12 |
Claims
1. A pusher system for dispensing articles, the pusher system
comprising: a pusher track having a top surface for supporting
articles to be dispensed and a longitudinal channel opening to the
top surface of the pusher track; and a pusher plate assembly
movably supported on the pusher track and comprising: a pusher
plate biased toward a dispensing end of the pusher system; a
retaining portion attached to the pusher plate and configured to
extend into the longitudinal channel in the pusher track to retain
the pusher plate on the pusher track and allow for translational
movement along the pusher track; and one or more roller elements
rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate; wherein the
pusher plate assembly and the pusher track are in a rolling
engagement when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of
forward and reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.
2. The pusher system of claim 1, wherein the one or more roller
elements comprise a first roller element rotatably mounted to the
retaining portion and retained inside the longitudinal channel
formed in the pusher track, whereby the first roller element is
capable of rollingly engaging an under surface of the pusher track
opposite to its top surface when the pusher plate is moved in the
reverse direction along the pusher track.
3. The pusher system of claim 1, wherein the one or more roller
elements comprise a second roller element in rolling engagement
with the top surface of the pusher track during operation of the
pusher system, whereby the second roller element is capable of
rollingly engaging the top surface of the pusher track when the
pusher plate is moved in the reverse direction along the pusher
track.
4. The pusher system of claim 2, wherein the one or more roller
elements comprise a second roller element in rolling engagement
with the top surface of the pusher track during operation of the
pusher system.
5. The pusher system of claim 3, wherein the second roller element
is rotatably mounted to the pusher plate.
6. The pusher system of claim 3, wherein the second roller element
is rotatably mounted to the retaining portion.
7. The pusher system of claim 4, wherein the first and second
roller elements are mounted at respective front and rear ends of
the pusher plate assembly.
8. The pusher system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
roller elements comprises a pair of wheels rotatably supported on
an axel rotatable secured to the pusher plate assembly.
9. The pusher system of claim 9, wherein the wheel shaft is
removably mounted to at least one of the retaining portion and the
pusher plate.
10. The pusher system of claim 1 further comprising a driving unit
for driving the pusher plate assembly along the longitudinal
channel formed in the pusher track toward the dispensing end of the
pusher system, thereby urging the articles stored on the pusher
track in the forward direction.
11. A pusher system for dispensing articles, the pusher system
comprising: a pusher track having a top surface for supporting
articles to be dispensed and a longitudinal channel opening to the
top surface of the pusher track; and a pusher plate assembly
movably supported on the pusher track and biased toward a
dispensing end of the pusher system, the pusher plate assembly
comprising a retaining portion configured to extend into the
longitudinal channel in the pusher track; and one or more roller
elements rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate assembly
and configured to retain the pusher plate assembly on the pusher
track and allow for translation movement of the pusher plate along
the pusher track; wherein the one or more roller elements are in
roller contact with the pusher track, resulting in a rolling
engagement between the pusher plate assembly and the pusher track
when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of forward and
reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.
12. The pusher system of claim 11, wherein the one or more roller
elements comprise a first roller element rotatably mounted to the
retaining portion of the pusher plate assembly and retained inside
the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track, whereby the
first roller element is capable of rollerly engaging an under
surface of the pusher track opposite to its top surface.
13. The pusher system of claim 12, wherein the one or more roller
elements comprise a second roller element in rolling engagement
with the top surface of the pusher track during operation of the
pusher system.
14. The pusher system of claim 11, wherein the one or more roller
elements comprise a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the
retaining portion of the pusher plate assembly and retained inside
the longitudinal channel formed in the pusher track, wherein the
pair of wheels are positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal
opening through which the longitudinal channel opens to the top
surface of the pusher track.
15. A pusher system for dispensing articles, the pusher system
comprising: a base support; a plurality of pusher tracks removably
mounted on the base support, each of the plurality of pusher tracks
having a top surface for supporting articles to be dispensed and a
longitudinal channel opening to the top surface of the pusher
track; and a plurality of pusher plate assemblies movably supported
on the respective plurality of pusher tracks and each comprising: a
pusher plate biased toward a dispensing end of the pusher system; a
retaining portion attached to the pusher plate and configured to
extend into the longitudinal channel in the pusher track to retain
the pusher plate on the pusher track and allow for translational
movement along the pusher track; and one or more roller elements
rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher plate; wherein the
pusher plate assembly and the pusher track are in a rolling
engagement when the pusher plate assembly moves in at least one of
forward and reverse directions along the longitudinal channel.
16. The pusher system of claim 15 further comprising a pair of
retainers mounted to the base support, wherein the pair of
retainers each comprise a plurality of first anchoring elements
aligned with one another for engaging complimentary anchoring
elements on the plurality of pusher tracks thereby mounting the
plurality pusher tracks on the base support.
17. The pusher system of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of
dividers to form, with the plurality of pusher plates, a plurality
of storage chambers along the respective pusher tracks, wherein the
pair of retainers each comprise a plurality of second anchoring
elements aligned with one another for engaging complimentary
anchoring elements on the plurality of dividers thereby mounting
the plurality dividers on the base support.
18. The pusher system of claim 17, wherein the pair of retainers
each comprise a plurality of second anchoring elements between
adjacent pusher tracks for mounting one of the plurality dividers
at different positions between the adjacent pusher tracks.
19. The pusher system of claim 17, wherein the anchoring elements
on the pair or retainers comprises at least one of hooks and slots
configured to connect with the complimentary anchoring elements on
at least one of the pusher tracks and the dividers.
20. A pusher plate assembly configured for use with a pusher track
having a top surface for supporting articles to be dispensed and a
channel opening to the top surface of the pusher track, the pusher
plate assembly comprising: a pusher plate biased toward a
dispensing end of the pusher track; a retaining portion attached to
the pusher plate and configured to extend into the channel in the
pusher track to retain the pusher plate on the pusher track and
allow for translational movement along the pusher track; and one or
more roller elements rotatably mounted in relation to the pusher
plate; wherein the pusher plate assembly is capable of rollingly
engaging the pusher track during operation when the pusher plate
assembly moves in at least one of forward and reverse directions
along the longitudinal channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,750 filed Jan. 27,
2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to an improved system for
dispensing articles. More particularly, the invention relates to a
pusher-type dispensing system that has an improved pushing
effect.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a conventional pusher 10 having a
front end 12 facing the user and a rear end 14 further away from
the user during normal use. The pusher 10 has a pusher plate 20
slidably supported on a track 30, on which merchandise can be
stacked for storage, displaying, and dispensing during normal use.
The pusher plate 20 of the pusher 10 includes an upright portion 22
and a bottom portion 24 forming an L-shape when viewing the pusher
plate 20 from its side. The upright portion 22 of pusher plate 20
urges the stored merchandise (not shown) toward the front end 12 of
the pusher 10. The bottom portion 24 of pusher plate 20 engages
track 30 to support the upright portion 22 during the normal use of
the pusher 10.
[0006] The pusher plate 20 and the track 30 are configured to
retain the pusher plate 20 on the track 30 during normal use of the
pusher 10. For example the pusher plate 20 has a retaining portion
26 formed to have an inverted T-shape, as is best illustrated in
FIG. 1B showing a bottom perspective view of the pusher plate 20.
The retaining portion 26 of the pusher plate 20 is received in a
longitudinal channel 34, which is formed in the track 30 and open
to a top surface 32 of the track 30. As is best shown in FIG. 1A,
the longitudinal channel 34 extends to the rear end 14 of the
pusher 10, allowing the retaining portion 26 of the pusher plate 20
to enter the longitudinal channel 34 from such rear end 14 in a
tongue and groove configuration. Once in place, the pusher plate 20
is retained in the longitudinal channel 34 in the track 30 and
slidable between the front and the rear ends 12, 14 of the pusher
10.
[0007] A spring or coil 40 is arranged to bias the pusher plate 20
toward the front end 12 of the pusher 10. For example, the spring
or coil 40 can be received in a receiving area formed between the
upright portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 of the L-shaped pusher
plate 20. A free end of the spring or coil 40 can extend to toward
and be secured at the front end 12 of the pusher 10.
[0008] As a result, the merchandise stored between the pusher plate
20 and the front end 12 of the pusher 10 is loaded or pushed toward
and maintained at the front end 12 of the pusher 10 for easy access
by a customer, dispensing mechanism, and/or salesperson, etc. The
pusher plate 20 can also be manually pushed toward the rear end 14
of the pusher 10, so that as merchandise is depleted, additional
merchandise can be loaded onto the track 30 of the pusher 10
between the pusher plate 20 and the front end 12 of the pusher
10.
[0009] As FIG. 1A shows, the spring 40 acts on the upright portion
22 of the pusher plate 20 and above the top surface 32 of the track
30. The retaining portion 26 of the pusher 10 operates inside the
longitudinal channel 34 under the top surface 32 of the track 30.
When the pusher plate 20 is made to travel on the track 30 along
the longitudinal channel 34 toward the rear end 14, such as when
product is being re-supplied, the pusher plate 20 has a tendency to
tip toward the rear end 14 of the pusher 10. This causes the bottom
portion 24 or retaining portion 26 of the pusher plate 20 to
contact the upper portion of the track 30 and, consequently,
adversely affects the movement of the pusher plate 20. Thus, such
pushers 10 are difficult to use during the reloading of
product.
[0010] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved pusher
system that avoids the above mentioned problem and improves the
operation of the pusher system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The embodiments below describe a pusher system configured
for dispensing articles. The pusher system includes a pusher track
on which articles can be stacked for storage, displaying, and
dispensing. The pusher system also includes a pusher plate assembly
having a pusher plate for urging the articles stored on the pusher
track toward a dispensing location under the action of a driving
unit, such as a spring. The pusher plate assembly has a retaining
portion to be movably received in a longitudinal channel formed in
the pusher track to retain the pusher plate assembly on the pusher
track and allow the pusher track assembly to translate along the
longitudinal channel. According to the various embodiments, the
pusher plate assembly is configured to be in a rolling engagement
with the pusher track as the pusher plate travels along the pusher
track. Such rolling engagement reduces friction between the pusher
plate assembly and the pusher track, thereby improving travel of
the pusher plate during forward movement as in the dispensing
operation and/or during rearward movement as in a reloading
operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The following description is set forth in connection with
the attached drawings which are not necessarily to scale, emphasis
instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a prior art pusher
system;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the pusher plate in
FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, which is
taken along a longitudinal line similar to the line I'-I'
schematically illustrated in the FIG. 1 prior art pusher system, of
a pusher system formed according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
pusher system in FIG. 2A taken along the line II-II;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a pusher system
according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the pusher system
in FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5A is an exploded front perspective view of the pusher
plate assembly of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5B is an exploded rear perspective view of the pusher
plate assembly in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the assembled pusher plate
assembly of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the assembling of
front and decorative panels of a pusher system; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view
showing a pusher system similar to that shown in FIG. 3 taken along
the line III-III.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a pusher system 100 formed
according to a first embodiment of the invention. The pusher system
100 includes a pusher track 130, on which articles can be stacked
for storage, displaying, and dispensing. In one example, the pusher
track 130 has an elongated shape, formed similarly to the track 30
of FIG. 1, allowing articles to be stacked in a longitudinal
direction. The top surface 132 of the pusher track 130 can be
formed in various ways to facilitate storing, displaying, and
dispensing the articles. For example, the top surface 132 of the
pusher track 130 can contain longitudinally-oriented ridges to
reduce friction between the articles and the pusher track 130 as
the articles are being dispensed or otherwise moved along the
pusher track 130. The pusher track 130 of the pushing system 100
has a longitudinal channel 134, which is formed under a top portion
136 of the pusher track 130 and opens to the top surface 132.
[0025] The pusher system 100 also includes a pusher plate assembly
160 having a pusher plate 162, which can be similarly formed as the
pusher plate 20 described in FIG. 1 above. For example, the pusher
plate 162 can have an upright portion 162a and a bottom portion
162b joined to each other forming an L-shape. A retaining portion
164 is formed with, or otherwise attached to the bottom portion
162b of the pusher plate 162. The longitudinal channel 134 is
adapted to receive retaining portion 164 of the pusher plate 162
and to allow the retaining portion 164 to translate in the
longitudinal channel 134, as will be further described below. In
one example, the retaining portion 164 is formed similar to the
T-shaped retaining portion 26 described above.
[0026] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pusher plate
assembly 160 includes one or more roller elements 166, 168 which
are rotatably mounted to the pusher plate 162 to facilitate
movement of the pusher plate 162 along the pusher track 130. For
example, the roller elements 166, 168 can be wheels rotatably
mounted to the front and rear ends 162f, 162r of the pusher plate
162. In one example, one or more first roller elements 166 can be
rotatably mounted to the retaining portion 164 at the front end
162f of the pusher plate 162. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B, a pair of first roller elements 166 are arranged under the
upright portion 162a and laterally adjacent to the wider sides 164t
of the T-shaped retaining portion 164 of the pusher plate 162. In
another example, such first roller elements 166 are rotatably
mounted to the wider sides 164t of the T-shaped retaining portion
164 by any of, various known methods. The first roller elements 166
are so formed and arranged that they can remain in the longitudinal
channel 134 and engage an under surface 138 of the top portion 136
of the pusher track 130 during the normal operation of the pusher
system 100.
[0027] Additionally or alternatively, one or more second roller
elements 168, such as wheels, can be rotatably mounted to the
bottom portion 162b of the pusher plate 162. In one example, the
second roller elements 168 can be arranged adjacent to the rear end
162r of the pusher plate 162. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, such
second roller elements 168 are rotatably mounted to the lateral
sides of the bottom portion 162a of the pusher plate 162 near its
rear end 162r as explained below. The second roller elements 168
are so formed or arranged that at least a portion of the second
roller elements 168 can pass the bottom portion 162a of the pusher
plate 162 to rest and/or roll on the upper surface 132 of the
pusher track 130 during normal operation of the pusher system
100.
[0028] During the operation of the pusher system 100, the pusher
plate 162 is supported on the pusher track 130 through at least one
of the roller elements 166, 168. For example, when the pusher plate
162 travels along the pusher track 130 during a dispensing
operation, at least one of the first and second roller elements
166, 168 is in rolling engagement with the respective upper or
under surface 132, 138. In one example, one or more of the second
roller elements 168 roll on the upper surface 132 of the pusher
track 130 when the pusher plate assembly 160 is urged by a driving
unit 170 toward the front end 112 of the pusher system 100, i.e.,
toward the user. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the
first roller elements 166 can be configured to roll on the under
surface 138 of the pusher track 130 when the pusher plate assembly
160 is urged by a driving unit 170 toward the front end 112 of the
pusher system 100.
[0029] As a result, the rolling engagement between the first and/or
second roller elements 166, 168 can effectively reduce friction
between the pusher plate assembly 160 and the pusher track 130,
thereby making it easier for the pusher plate 162 to travel in a
forward direction during a dispensing operation.
[0030] On the other hand, when the pusher plate 162 is urged toward
the rear end 114 of the pusher track 130, i.e., away from the user
in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 2A, the pusher plate
162 is subject to a torque and slightly tips toward the rear end
162r of the pusher plate 162. In such a case, the first roller
elements 166 come into rolling engagement with the under surfaces
138 of the upper portion 136 of the pusher track 130, instead of or
in addition to the rolling engagement between the second roller
elements 168 and the upper surface 132 of the pusher track 130. In
particular, when the pusher plate 162 is urged toward the rear end
114 of the pusher track 130 by pushing a top region of the pusher
plate 162, the first roller elements 166 will engage the under
surface 138 and the second roller elements 168 will engage upper
surface 132 of the pusher track 130. The first and second roller
elements 166, 168 can thus roll on the respective upper or under
surface 132, 138 of the pusher track 130 during a reloading
operation.
[0031] As a result, the pusher plate assembly 160 is in rolling
engagement with the pusher track 130 as the pusher plate 162
travels in a reverse direction along the pusher track 130. Such
rolling engagement can effectively reduce friction between the
pusher plate assembly 160 and the pusher track 130, thereby making
it easier for the pusher plate 162 to travel along the track 130,
such as when loading articles onto the pusher system 100.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows an assembled pusher system 200 according to a
second embodiment of the invention, which can be formed as either a
single-track system or a multi-track system. The pusher system 200
has a base support 210, on which a pair of retainers 220 are
mounted to support and retain one or more pusher tracks 230 and one
or more dividers 240. Each pusher track 230 and two adjacent
dividers 240 form a storage chamber 250, in which articles can be
stacked along the pusher track 230. A pusher plate assembly 260
(also shown in FIG. 4) is supported on each pusher track 230 and
works in tandem with a driving unit 270 (shown in FIG. 4), such as
a coil spring, to urge the articles on the pusher track 230 toward
the front end of the pusher track 230. Various components of the
pusher system 200 will be discussed in great details below.
[0033] The pusher system 200 can further include a front panel 280
mounted to the front end of the base support 210. The front panel
280 acts as a barrier to retain the products or articles on the
pusher tracks 230 inside the storage chambers 250. In the example,
one or more decorative panels 290 can be provided and attached to
the front panel 280 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the
pusher system 200 and/or to carry advertising information
concerning articles in the pusher system 200.
[0034] Detailed description of the various components in the pusher
system 200 will now be made in reference to FIG. 4, in which the
various components of the pusher system 200 are shown separately
from one another to better illustrate the details of these
components.
[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the base support 210 of the
pusher system 200 has a substantially rectangular plate shape with
upper and lower surfaces 212, 214. On the top surface 212 of the
base support 210, a pair of retaining grooves 216 are formed for
receiving retainers 220. The retaining grooves 216 are located in
the front and rear portions of the base support 210 and spaced
apart from each other to provide stability to the one or more
pusher tracks 230 and one or more dividers 240 in the assembled
pusher system 200.
[0036] The retainers 220 of the pusher system 200 can be formed
similar to each other and each have a bottom portion 222 formed in
a complementary shape to the retaining grooves 216 in the base
support 210, so as to fit inside such retaining grooves 216.
Additional fasteners 223, such as screws, can be used to fix the
retainers 220 on the base support 210. On the top portion 224 of
each retainer 220, one or more first anchoring members 226 can be
provided for securing the one or more pusher tracks 230 in position
in the assembled pusher system 200, as will be further described
below. The first anchoring members 226 can be in various forms,
such as hooks. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the hooks 226 are
formed in pairs on each retainer 220. Corresponding pair of hooks
226 on the pair of retainers 220 can be used to secure a pusher
track 230 formed with complementary anchoring elements 236 as will
be described below.
[0037] Additionally or alternatively, each retainer 220 is formed
with one or more second anchoring members 228 on the top portion
224 of the retainer 220. The second anchoring members 228 can be in
various forms for receiving a corresponding anchoring element 242
formed at the bottom of a divider 240. For example, the second
anchoring members 228 on the retainer 220 are formed as slots. The
second anchoring members 228 can be arranged for mounting one or
more dividers 240, as is shown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in
FIG. 4, a plurality of second anchoring members 228 are formed
between two adjacent first anchoring members 226 on the retainer
220. In such a case, the user can choose one of the plurality of
second anchoring members 228 for mounting the dividers 240 so as to
form storage chambers 250 of different sizes for accommodating
various types of articles, thereby increasing versatility of the
pusher system 200.
[0038] The pair of retainers 220 are received and fixed in the
retaining grooves 216 formed in the base support 210. For example,
the pair of retainers 220 are arranged on the base support 210 so
that the first anchoring elements 226 on the pair of retainers 220
are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the
pusher system 200 for receiving and mounting the pusher tracks 230.
Additionally or alternatively, the second anchoring elements 228 on
the pair of the retainers 220 are aligned with each other for
receiving and mounting dividers 240. The pair of retainers 220 are
arranged to space apart from each other in the longitudinal
direction of the pusher system 200 to provide additional stability
to the pusher tracks 230 and dividers 240 in the pusher system
200.
[0039] The pusher tracks 230 of the pusher system 200 have an
elongated rectangular shape, as is shown in FIG. 4. Each pusher
track 230 has a top surface 232 for supporting the articles before
they are dispensed from the pusher system 200. In one example, the
top surface 232 of the pusher track 230 can be at least partially
ridged in a transverse direction of the pusher track 230 forming
elongated ridges to reduce friction when the dispensing articles
travel on the top surface 232 of the pusher track 230. A
longitudinal channel 234, similar to the longitudinal channel 134
discussed above, is formed in the pusher track 230 for receiving
and guiding the pusher plate assembly 260 as will be further
described below.
[0040] As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pusher tracks 230 are
mounted onto the base support 210 through the first anchoring
elements 226 on the retainers 220. For example, the pusher tracks
230 each have one or more anchoring elements 236 formed to be
complementary to the first anchoring elements 226 on the retainers
220 to be fastened thereto. In one example, the anchoring elements
236 on the pusher tracks 230 can be configured as projections to
snap into the corresponding hooks 226 formed on the retainers 220.
As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various other types of
anchoring mechanisms can be employed to mount the pusher tracks 230
onto the retainers 220.
[0041] The dividers 240 of the pusher system 200 can be formed in
various forms and be mounted between two adjacent pusher tracks 230
to form a storage chamber 250 and assist in keeping the articles on
the pusher tracks 230 during normal use of the pusher system 200.
Although the dividers 240 in FIG. 4 are shown in an elongated
rectangular shape, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
dividers 240 can be formed otherwise, such as to have curvy edges
to add to the aesthetic appearance of the finished pusher plate
assembly 200.
[0042] As FIG. 4 shows, each divider 240 is formed with anchoring
elements 242 at the bottom 244 of the divider 240. Each of the
anchoring elements 242 is adapted to engage with one of the second
anchoring elements 228 of the retainer 220. For example, the
anchoring elements 242 on the divider 240 can be in the form of
tabs configured to be inserted and secured in the corresponding
slots 228 formed on the retainers 220, to thereby hold the divider
240 in position in the pusher system 200. As one skilled in the art
will appreciate, various other types of anchoring mechanisms can be
employed to mount the dividers 240 onto the retainers 220.
[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 4, each divider 240 can be
mounted to one of three paired slots 228 in the pair of retainers
220. Accordingly, each divider 240 can be mounted at different
transverse positions between adjacent pusher tracks 230. The
resultant storage chamber 250 formed between adjacent dividers 240
can thus have an adjustable width in the transverse direction of
the pusher track 230. As a result, adjacent dividers 240 can be
arranged to form storage chambers 250 to accommodate articles of
different sizes.
[0044] The pusher plate assemblies 260 of the pusher system 200
according to the second embodiment will now be described in
connection with FIGS. 5A to 5C, which illustrate further details of
such pusher plate assemblies 260. Each pusher plate assembly 260
includes a pusher plate 262 movably supported and retained on the
pusher track 230 by a retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate 262
during normal operation of the pusher system 200. The pusher plate
assembly 260 is configured to be in rolling engagement with the
pusher track 230 during normal operation of the pusher system 200
through first and second roller elements 266, 268, as will be
further described below.
[0045] The pusher plate 262 of each pusher plate assembly 260 can
be formed in various configurations. In one example, the pusher
plate 262 of pusher plate assembly 260 can be oriented in a
substantially upright position at a normal use position, as is
shown in FIG. 3. In another example, the pusher plate 262 can be
formed to be substantially flat, as is shown in FIGS. 5A and 7, on
the side facing the articles so as to contact a flat surface of the
last article in each storage chamber 250. As one skilled in the art
will appreciate, the pusher plate 262 in each pusher plate assembly
260 can be formed in various other shapes or forms depending on the
shapes of the articles stored in the pusher system 200 and/or
adding to the aesthetic appearance of the pusher system 200.
[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the pusher plate assembly 260
can be configured in various forms to support the driving unit 270.
As FIGS. 5B and 5C show, the pusher plate 262 of the pusher plate
assembly 260 can include a receiving area 262a located on the rear
side of the pusher plate 262 for receiving the driving unit 270,
such as a coil spring 272 shown in FIG. 4. The receiving area 262a
of the pusher plate 262 can be formed by a bottom wall 262b and
sidewalls 262s extending from the rear surface of the pusher plate
262. The pusher plate 262 can be formed with a cutout 262c at the
bottom of the pusher plate 262 for passing through a portion of the
coil spring 272 as will be described below.
[0047] Optionally, one or more ribs 262r can be provided on the
rear surface of the pusher plate 262 to add rigidity to the pusher
plate 263 during a reverse motion of the pusher plate assembly 260.
In one example, the ribs 262r can be formed to merge with the
sidewalls 262s on the rear surface of the pusher plate 262.
[0048] As is best shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, each pusher plate
assembly 260 includes a retaining portion 264 attached to the
bottom wall 262b on the rear side of the pusher plate 262. The
retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate assembly 260 is formed to
at least partially extend into the longitudinal channel 234 in the
pusher track 230 to retain the pusher plate 262 on the pusher track
230 during normal operation of the pusher system 200. For example,
the retaining portion 264 can have one or more roller elements 266
adapted to be received in the longitudinal channel 234 in the
pusher track 230 and retained therein by the top surface 232 of the
pusher track 230.
[0049] In one example, the retaining portion 264 of the pusher
plate assembly 260 can be configured to support one or more of the
roller elements 266, 268 to realize a rolling engagement between
the pusher plate assembly 260 and the pusher track 230. For
example, the retaining portion 264 of the pusher plate assembly 260
includes a front mounting portion 264f for rotatably mounting one
or more first roller elements 266. In one example, the front
mounting portion 264f is formed as a clamping fastener to provide a
rotatable, snap-fit arrangement with the first roller elements 266.
During normal operation of the pusher system 200, the front
mounting portion 264f of the retaining portion 264 can hold the
first roller elements 266 to travel in the longitudinal channel 234
of the pusher track 230 and/or to rollingly engage an under surface
238 of the top portion 236 of the pusher track 230.
[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the pusher plate assembly 260
can include a rear mounting portion 264r for rotatably mounting one
or more second roller elements 268. In one example shown in FIGS.
5B and 5C, the rear mounting portion 264r of the pusher plate
assembly 260 can be formed partly by the retaining portion 264
and/or by the sidewalls 262s of the pusher plate assembly 260. In
one example, the rear mounting portion 264r is formed as a clamping
fastener to provide a rotatable, snap-fit arrangement with that the
second roller elements 268. During normal operation of the pusher
system 200, the second roller elements 268 will rest on, and roll
along, the top surface 232 of the pusher track 230.
[0051] The first and second roller elements 266, 268 of the pusher
plate assembly 260 can be formed in various configurations. For
example, each of the first and second roller elements 266, 268 can
be formed as a pair of wheels joined to a common axle, as is best
shown in FIG. 5A. These rotatably joined wheels 266, 268 can be
readily mounted onto respectively the front and rear mounting
portions 264f, 264r of the pusher plate assembly 260 by a simple
snapping action. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the
first and second roller elements 266, 268 can be configured in
various other forms and/or mounted to the retaining portion 264 and
the pusher plate assembly 260 in various other manners.
[0052] Referring back to FIG. 4, the pusher system 200 also
includes a driving unit 270 provided for each pusher plate assembly
260 to urge the same toward the front of the pusher system 200,
i.e., toward the user in a normal use position of the pusher system
200. In one example, the driving unit 270 of the pusher system 200
can be accommodated in the receiving area 262a on the rear side of
the pusher plate 262 in a conventional manner. In one example, the
driving unit 270 can have a driving coil 272 which passes through
the cutout 262c formed at the bottom of the pusher plate 262. The
driving coil 272 extends, and is secured, to a front end portion of
the pusher track 230 by any of various conventional manners. During
the normal operation of the pusher system 200, the driving coil 272
urges the pusher plate 262, and hence the articles stored on the
pusher track 230, toward the front end of the pusher system 200 for
easy access of the articles by the user.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows the front panel 280 of the pusher system 200
together with one or more optional decorative panels 290. In one
example, the front panel 280 can be formed to assume an L-shape
when viewing from the side of the front panel 280. The bottom
portion 282 of the front panel 280 is configured to be attached and
mounted to the base support 210, such as to the under surface of
the base support 210. In one example, the bottom portion 282 of the
front panel 280 can be formed with holes 284, through which screws
or bolts or similar fasteners (see FIG. 4) can pass to thereby fix
the front panel 280 to the base support 210.
[0054] The front panel 280 also has an upright portion 286, which
can act as a barrier of the pusher system 200, after the front
panel 280 is mounted onto the base support 210, to retain the
articles inside the storage chambers 250. Additionally or
alternatively, the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280 can
be used as a support for one or more decorative panels 290. Such
decorative panels 290 can be used to provide additional aesthetic
appearance to the pusher system 200 and/or to carry advertising
information for merchants or manufacturers.
[0055] Various additional mechanisms can be provided on the upright
portion 286 of the front panel 280 to mount the decorative panel
290 onto the upright portion 286. The mounting connection can be
either removable or permanent. In one example shown in FIG. 6, a
plurality of mounting slots 288 are formed in the upright portion
286 of the front panel 280 for receiving a mounting structure on
the decorative panels 290. For example, the decorative panels 290
can be formed with a plurality of mounting tabs 292, which can be
positioned corresponding to the mounting slots 288 in the upright
portion 286 of the front panel 280. The mounting tabs 292 on the
decorative panels 290 can be removably inserted in the mounting
slots 288 in the upright portion 286 of the front panel 280 for
connection.
[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the mounting slots 288 and
the mounting tabs 292 can be configured in various manners to
secure the decorative panel 290 to the upright portion 286 of the
front panel 280. In one example, the mounting slots 288 on the
upright portion 286 can have a narrowed region 288n to thereby
prevent the corresponding mounting tabs 292 on the decorative panel
290 from freely moving along the mounting slots 288 and position
the decorative panel 290 relative to the front panel 280 in a
vertical direction. In another example, the mounting tabs 292 on
the decorative panel 290 can have a stepped portion 292s. When the
decorative panel 290 is attached to the front panel 290, the
stepped portion 292s rests on the lower end of a corresponding slot
288, thereby preventing the decorative panel 290 from clasping into
the front panel 280.
[0057] In a further example, the decorative panel 290 can be formed
with an overhead bracket 294 on the rear side of the decorative
panel 290. The overhead bracket 294 of the decorative panel 290 can
hang from the top edge of the upright portion 286 of the front
panel 280. The downward hanging edge 294d of the overhead bracket
294 can prevent the decorative panel 290 from being separated from
the front panel 280. Additional and other types of mounting and
locking mechanisms can be employed to either removably or
permanently attach the decorative panel 290 to the front panel
280.
[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of a pusher system 300
formed similarly to the pusher system 200 depicted in FIGS. 3, 4,
5A-5C, and 6. In the following description of the pusher system
300, components similar to those in the above described second
embodiment are designated with numeral references having the same
two lower digits.
[0059] In the assembled pusher system 300, the pusher plate 362 is
rollingly supported on the pusher track 330. For example, at least
one of the first and second roller elements 366, 368 are in rolling
engagement with the respective upper and under surfaces 332, 338 of
the pusher track 330 during a dispensing and/or reloading
operation. In one example, one or more second wheels 368 are
arranged to roll on the upper surface 332 of the pusher track 330
when the pusher plate assembly 360 is urged by a driving unit 370
in a receiving area 362a of the pusher plate 362 and toward the
front end of the pusher system 300, i.e., toward the user.
[0060] On the other hand, when the pusher plate 362 is urged toward
the rear end of the pusher track 330, i.e., away from the user in
the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, the pusher plate 362 is
subject to a torque which will impede translational motion of the
pusher plate 362 along the pusher track 330. In such a case, the
first roller elements 366 come into rolling engagement with the
under surfaces 338 of the upper portion 336 of the pusher track
330, in addition to the rolling engagement between the second
roller elements 368 and the upper surface 332 of the pusher track
330.
[0061] As a result, the pusher plate assembly 360 is in rolling
engagement with the upper portion 336 of the pusher track 330 as
the pusher plate 362 travels along the pusher track 330. Such
rolling engagement reduces friction between the pusher plate
assembly 360 and the pusher track 330, thereby making it easier for
the pusher plate 362 to travel forward during the dispensing
operation and/or rearward, such as when loading articles onto the
pusher system 300.
[0062] Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a
preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various
omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of
the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all
combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements
and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any
disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated
in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment
as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *