U.S. patent application number 13/534547 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for product dispenser and shelf assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to MeadWestvaco Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Elisebeth Gelardi. Invention is credited to Aaron L. Bates, William J. Bogdziewicz, III, John Gelardi, James S. Shortt, Stephen G. Simmons, Laurel Thomas.
Application Number | 20140001200 13/534547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48534513 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140001200 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bates; Aaron L. ; et
al. |
January 2, 2014 |
Product Dispenser and Shelf Assembly
Abstract
A product dispenser and shelf assembly including a shelf having
laterally opposed first and second side members and a number of
lateral members extending between the first and second side
members, and a product dispenser frame positioned on the shelf, the
product dispenser frame having a front end longitudinally opposed
from a rear end, the product dispenser frame having a container
support deck extending at least partially between the front and
rear ends and a lower support deck positioned below the container
support deck, the lower support deck extending at least partially
between the front and rear ends, and defining a product display
area, wherein at least one of the lateral members is positioned
below the front end of the product dispenser frame.
Inventors: |
Bates; Aaron L.; (Moseley,
VA) ; Bogdziewicz, III; William J.; (Richmond,
VA) ; Simmons; Stephen G.; (Chesterfield, VA)
; Thomas; Laurel; (Portland, OR) ; Gelardi;
John; (Midlothian, VA) ; Shortt; James S.;
(Holly Springs, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gelardi; Elisebeth |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MeadWestvaco Corporation
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
48534513 |
Appl. No.: |
13/534547 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
221/191 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/087 20130101;
A47B 96/021 20130101; A47F 1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/191 |
International
Class: |
A47F 1/08 20060101
A47F001/08 |
Claims
1. A product dispenser and shelf assembly comprising: a shelf
comprising: laterally opposed first and second side members; and a
plurality of lateral members extending between said first and
second side members; and a product dispenser frame positioned on at
least a portion of said shelf, said product dispenser frame having
a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, wherein at
least one lateral member of said plurality of lateral members is
positioned below said front end of said product dispenser
frame.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein another lateral member of said
plurality of lateral members is engaged with said product dispenser
frame to inhibit longitudinal movement of said product dispenser
frame relative to said shelf.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein another lateral member of said
plurality of lateral members is engaged with said product dispenser
frame to inhibit vertical movement of said product dispenser frame
relative to said shelf.
4. A product dispenser and shelf assembly comprising: a shelf
comprising: laterally opposed first and second side members; and a
plurality of lateral members extending between said first and
second side members; and a product dispenser frame positioned on at
least a portion of said shelf, said product dispenser frame having
a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, said product
dispenser frame comprising: a container support deck extending at
least partially between said front end and said rear end; and a
lower support deck positioned below said container support deck,
said lower support deck extending at least partially between said
front end and said rear end, and defining a product display area,
wherein at least one lateral member of said plurality of lateral
members is positioned below said front end of said product
dispenser frame.
5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein said plurality of lateral
members comprises a first lateral member, a second lateral member
and a third lateral member, wherein said third lateral member is
positioned below said front end of said product dispenser
frame.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said product dispenser frame
defines a shelf engagement notch, and wherein said second lateral
member is at least partially received in said shelf engagement
notch.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said second lateral member
inhibits longitudinal movement of said product dispenser frame
relative to said shelf.
8. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said product dispenser frame
comprises a shelf engagement member comprising a first member and a
second member, and wherein said first lateral member is positioned
at least partially between said first member and said second
member.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said shelf engagement member
inhibits vertical movement of said product dispenser frame relative
to said shelf.
10. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said first member comprises a
hooked portion.
11. The assembly of claim 4 further comprising a product container
positioned on said container support deck.
12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said product container
initially comprises a plurality of products, and wherein at least
one product of said plurality of products is moved to said product
display area when said container is positioned on said container
support deck.
13. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising an opening tool
associated with said product dispenser frame.
14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said opening tool is
positioned to open said product container as said product container
is moved longitudinally along said container support deck.
15. The assembly of claim 4 wherein each of said first and second
side members of said shelf comprises a coupling member connected
thereto.
16. The assembly of claim 4 wherein said shelf is connected to a
support structure.
17. A product dispenser and shelf assembly comprising: a shelf
comprising: laterally opposed first and second side members; a
first lateral member extending between said first and second side
members; a third lateral member extending between said first and
second side members, said third lateral member being substantially
parallel with said first lateral member; and a second lateral
member positioned between said first lateral member and said third
lateral member, said second lateral member extending between said
first and second side members; and a product dispenser frame
positioned on at least a portion of said shelf, said product
dispenser frame having a front end longitudinally opposed from a
rear end, wherein said third lateral member is positioned below
said front end of said product dispenser frame.
18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said first lateral member is
engaged with said product dispenser frame to inhibit vertical
movement of said product dispenser frame relative to said
shelf.
19. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said second lateral member is
engaged with said product dispenser frame to inhibit longitudinal
movement of said product dispenser frame relative to said
shelf.
20. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said product dispenser frame
comprises: a container support deck extending at least partially
between said front end and said rear end; and a lower support deck
positioned below said container support deck, said lower support
deck extending at least partially between said front end and said
rear end, and defining a product display area.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This application relates to product dispensing and, more
particularly, to systems and methods for displaying and dispensing
products to consumers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Products are typically shipped to retailers in bulk by
enclosing multiple individual product units in a container, such as
a carton or box. For example, canned foods may be shipped to a
retailer in a box containing twenty-four individual cans. Then, it
is typically the retailer's obligation to remove the individual
product units from the container and present them on a display,
such as a shelf, where the products may be retrieved by
consumers.
[0003] Alternatives to the traditional package-ship-unpack-display
model have been developed in an effort to improve operating
efficiency. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,437 discloses a
product dispensing system that includes a dispenser having a
support structure, a product display area and an opening tool. The
dispenser may be positioned on a retailer's shelf and loaded with
product simply by placing a container comprising multiple units of
product onto the support structure of the dispenser. As the
container is being placed onto the support structure, the opening
tool of the dispenser opens the container in such a manner that
product rolls from the container and down to the product display
area of the dispenser under the force of gravity.
[0004] Thus, product dispensers may include a product display area
from which consumers may easily retrieve products. When one product
is removed from the product display area, another product in the
dispenser moves to the product display area under the force of
gravity. Therefore, consumers may retrieve multiple products from a
single product dispenser.
[0005] Furthermore, multiple product dispensers may be positioned
on a single display. In one example, each product dispenser may be
loaded with a different product, thereby presenting the consumer
with various product options. In another example, each product
dispenser may be loaded with the same product, such as a product
that is in high demand.
[0006] Despite advances already made, those skilled in the art
continue with research and development efforts in the field of
product dispensing.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one embodiment, the disclosed product dispenser and shelf
assembly may include a shelf having laterally opposed first and
second side members and a plurality of lateral members extending
between the first and second side members, and a product dispenser
frame positioned on the shelf, the product dispenser frame having a
front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, wherein at least
one of the lateral members is positioned below the front end of the
product dispenser frame.
[0008] In another embodiment, the disclosed product dispenser and
shelf assembly may include a shelf having laterally opposed first
and second side members and a number of lateral members extending
between the first and second side members, and a product dispenser
frame positioned on the shelf, the product dispenser frame having a
front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, the product
dispenser frame having a container support deck extending at least
partially between the front and rear ends and a lower support deck
positioned below the container support deck, the lower support deck
extending at least partially between the front and rear ends, and
defining a product display area, wherein at least one of the
lateral members is positioned below the front end of the product
dispenser frame.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed product dispenser
and shelf assembly may include a shelf having laterally opposed
first and second side members, a first lateral member extending
between the first and second side members, a third lateral member
extending between the first and second side members, the third
lateral member being substantially parallel with the first lateral
member, and a second lateral member positioned between the first
lateral member and the third lateral member, the second lateral
member extending between the first and second side members, and a
product dispenser frame positioned on the shelf, the product
dispenser frame having a front end longitudinally opposed from a
rear end, wherein the third lateral member is positioned below the
front end of the product dispenser frame.
[0010] Other embodiments of the disclosed product dispenser and
shelf assembly will become apparent from the following detailed
description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of one
embodiment of the disclosed product dispenser and shelf
assembly;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the product dispenser
and shelf assembly of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front and side perspective view of the shelf of
the product dispenser and shelf assembly of FIG. 2; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the product dispenser
of the product dispenser and shelf assembly of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the disclosed
product dispenser and shelf assembly, generally designated 10, may
include a shelf 12 and a product dispenser 14. The product
dispenser 14 may be support on, and releasably coupled to, the
shelf 12. While only one product dispenser 14 is shown in the
drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple
product dispensers may be positioned on the shelf 12, such as in a
side-by-side arrangement.
[0016] Thus, the disclosed product dispenser and shelf assembly 10
may be used to safely and securely display and dispense products 16
(FIG. 2) to consumers. For example, the product dispenser and shelf
assembly 10 may be placed in a retail setting, such as a grocery
store, to display and dispense products 16 to consumers.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, the shelf 12 may include a first
(right) side member 18, a second (left) side member 20, a first
lateral member 22, a second lateral member 24 and a third lateral
member 26. Optionally, the shelf 12 may additionally include one or
more longitudinal reinforcement members 28.
[0018] The right side member 18 may be generally parallel with, and
laterally opposed from, the left side member 20. The lateral
spacing between the right and left side members 18, 20 may define
the lateral width W of the shelf 12. As one example, the lateral
width W of the shelf 12 may be sufficient to receive one product
dispenser 14 between the right and left side members 18, 20. As
another example, the lateral width W of the shelf 12 may be
sufficient to receive two or more product dispensers 14 between the
right and left side members 18, 20.
[0019] The right side member 18 may longitudinally extend between a
front end 30 and a rear end 32 to define the depth D of the shelf
12. A first coupling member 34 may be connected proximate (i.e., at
or near) the rear end 32 of the right side member 18 to facilitate
coupling the shelf 12 to a support structure 36 (FIG. 2), such as a
wall, a backboard, a post or the like. Optionally, a first stop 38
may be connected to (or integral with) the right side member 18
between the front and rear ends 30, 32 to inhibit outward lateral
movement of product dispensers 14 supported on the shelf 12.
[0020] Likewise, the left side member 20 may longitudinally extend
between a front end 40 and a rear end 42 to define the depth D of
the shelf 12. A second coupling member 44 may be connected
proximate the rear end 42 of the left side member 20 to facilitate
coupling the shelf 12 to the support structure 36 (FIG. 2).
Optionally, a second stop 46 may be connected to (or integral with)
the left side member 20 between the front and rear ends 40, 42 to
inhibit outward lateral movement of product dispensers 14 supported
on the shelf 12.
[0021] Thus, the shelf 12 may be connected to the support structure
36 (FIG. 2) by engaging the support structure 36 with the first and
second coupling members 34, 44. For example, the support structure
36 may include recesses or slots sized and shaped to closely
receive the first and second coupling members 34, 44, thereby
allowing the first and second coupling members 34, 44 to securely
engage the support structure 36.
[0022] While the first and second coupling members 34, 44 are shown
in FIG. 3 as hook-like coupling members (specifically four
vertically spaced hook-like coupling members), those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various coupling members may be used to
couple the shelf 12 to the support structure 36 (FIG. 2) without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Various hooks,
pegs, pins, latches and the like are contemplated as being suitable
first and second coupling members 34, 44.
[0023] The first lateral member 22 may include a first end 50
connected to the right side member 18 and a second end 52 connected
to the left side member 20 such that the first lateral member 22
generally laterally extends between the right and left side members
18, 20. The first lateral member 22 may be connected proximate the
rear ends 32, 42 of the right and left side members 18, 20.
Optionally, the first lateral member 22 may be slightly elevated
relative to the second and third lateral members 24, 26.
[0024] The first lateral member 22 may have a generally square
cross-sectional profile, which may enhance the structural integrity
of the shelf 12 and may closely correspond to the configuration of
the product dispenser 14, as is described in greater detail herein.
However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
cross-sectional profiles may be used for the first lateral member
22 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0025] The third lateral member 26 may be generally parallel with
the first lateral member 22, and may include a first end 54
connected to the right side member 18 and a second end 56 connected
to the left side member 20. Therefore, the third lateral member 26
may generally laterally extend between the right side member 18 and
the left side member 20. The third lateral member 26 may be
connected proximate the front ends 30, 40 of the right and left
side members 18, 20.
[0026] The third lateral member 26 may have a generally thin, flat
cross-sectional profile, which may enhance the structural integrity
of the shelf 12, while minimizing the profile of the third lateral
member 26 and providing a substantially flat surface 25 upon which
the product dispenser 14 may be positioned. However, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that various cross-sectional profiles
may be used for the third lateral member 26 without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0027] The second lateral member 24 may be generally parallel with
the first and third lateral members 22, 26, and may include a first
end 58 connected to the right side member 18 and a second end 60
connected to the left side member 20. Therefore, the second lateral
member 24 may generally laterally extend between the right side
member 18 and the left side member 20. The second lateral member 24
may be connected to the right and left side members 18, 20 between
the first lateral member 22 and the third lateral member 26.
[0028] The second lateral member 24 may have a generally L-shaped
cross-sectional profile, which may enhance the structural integrity
of the shelf 12, while providing a substantially flat surface 23
upon which the product dispenser 14 may be positioned. However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
cross-sectional profiles may be used for the second lateral member
24 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0029] The longitudinal reinforcement member 28 may be positioned
between the right and left side members 18, 20 and may be generally
parallel with the right and left side members. The longitudinal
reinforcement member 28 may be connected to the first lateral
member 22, the second lateral member 24 and the third lateral
member 26 to structurally reinforce the shelf 12. It is also
contemplated that the longitudinal reinforcement member 28 may be
connected to only two of the three lateral members 22, 24, 26.
[0030] The shelf 12 may be constructed from various materials,
including wood, wood composites, metals, polymeric materials and
combinations of suitable materials. The side members 18, 20 and the
lateral members 22, 24, 26 may be connected together using various
techniques, such as with welds, fasteners and/or adhesives.
However, it is also contemplated that the shelf 12 may be
constructed as a single monolithic (integral) body.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, a product dispenser 14 of the disclosed
product dispenser and shelf assembly 10 may include a product
dispenser frame 70 and a product container 72. The product
container 72 may house multiple units of product 16 capable of
rolling about a rolling axis, such as cans (e.g., canned food),
jars (e.g., jarred sauce) or bottles (e.g., bottled soft
drinks).
[0032] Thus, when the product container 72 is loaded onto the frame
70, such as by urging the product container 72 along the frame 70,
the frame 70 may automatically open the product container 72 and
release the products 16 from the product container 72 to the frame
70, as shown in FIG. 2. The use of product dispensers 14 that
require manually opening the product container 72 prior to loading
the product container 72 onto the frame 70 is also
contemplated.
[0033] The product container 72 may be any container capable of
housing products 16 and beneficially interacting with the frame 70
to release and guide the products 16 to the frame 70. For example,
the product container 72 may be a paperboard carton or a corrugated
box. Optionally, at least one major surface of the product
container 72 may be marked with various indicia, such as
advertising text and/or graphics.
[0034] The frame 70 may have a longitudinal length L that may
closely correspond to the depth D (FIG. 3) of the shelf 12. The
frame 70 may include a first (right) side wall 74 (FIG. 1), a
second (left) side wall 76, a lower support deck 78 and an upper
support deck 80. The right side wall 74 may be laterally spaced
from the left side wall 76, and may be generally parallel with the
left side wall 76.
[0035] The lower support deck 78 may laterally extend between the
right and left side walls 74, 76, and may include a front end 82
that longitudinally extends toward the front end 84 of the frame 70
and a rear end 86 that longitudinally extends toward the rear end
88 of the frame 70. Therefore, the lower support deck 78 and the
side walls 74, 76 may define a lower level 90 of the frame 70.
[0036] The lower support deck 78 may be inclined from the front end
82 to the rear end 86 such that products 16 deposited proximate the
rear end 86 of the lower support deck 78 roll down to the front end
82 of the lower support deck 78 under the force of gravity. A stop
92 may be positioned proximate the front end 82 of the lower
support deck 78 to prevent products 16 from rolling beyond the
front end 82 of the lower support deck 78. For example, the stop 92
may be connected to (e.g., integral with) the lower support deck
78, and may form an upward curve at the front end 82 of the lower
support deck 78. Therefore, the stop 92 may collect products 16 at
the front end 82 of the lower support deck 78, thereby defining a
product display area 94 at the front end 82 of the lower support
deck 78.
[0037] The upper support deck 80 may laterally extend between the
right and left side walls 74, 76, and may include a front end 96
that longitudinally extends toward the front end 84 of the frame 70
and a rear end 98 that longitudinally extends toward, but not to,
the rear end 88 of the frame 70. Therefore, the upper support deck
80 and the side walls 74, 76 may define an upper level 100 of the
frame 70.
[0038] The spacing 102 between the rear end 98 of the upper support
deck 80 and the rear end 88 of the frame 70 may define an opening
104, which may function as a chute to allow products 16 to move
from the upper level 100 down to the lower level 90 of the frame 70
under the force of gravity.
[0039] The upper support deck 80 may be declined from the front end
96 to the rear end 98. Therefore, products 16 supported on the
upper support deck 80 may roll under the force of gravity down to
the rear end 98 of the upper support deck 80, through the opening
104, to the lower level 90 of the frame 70 and, ultimately, to the
product display area 94. Consumers may then retrieve products 16
from the product display area 94.
[0040] The frame 70 may further include an opening tool 106. The
opening tool 106 may be positioned in the upper level 100 of the
frame 70 to sever the product container 72 as the product container
72 is urged generally horizontally along the upper support deck 80
toward the rear end 88 of the frame 70. By severing the product
container 72, the opening tool 106 may form an exit opening in the
product container 72, which may be aligned with the opening 104 in
the frame 70 when the product container 72 is fully loaded onto the
frame 70. With the exit opening formed in the product container 72,
the products 16 initially housed in the product container 72 may
exit the product container 72 through the exit opening, pass
through the opening 104 defined by the frame 70 and drop down to
the lower level 90 of the frame 70 and, ultimately, move to the
product display area 94.
[0041] Product dispensers, as well as opening tools for
automatically opening product containers as they are being loaded
onto dispenser frames, are discussed in greater detail in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,922,437 (issued Apr. 12, 2011), the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/306,196 (filed Nov. 29, 2011), the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0042] The frame 70 of the product dispenser 14 may define a shelf
engagement notch 110 that laterally extends across the frame 70.
The shelf engagement notch 110 may be formed in the side walls 74,
76 of the frame 70 (proximate the underside 112 of the frame 70),
and may be positioned between the front and rear ends 84, 88 of the
frame 70.
[0043] At this point, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the shelf engagement notch 110 may be sized and shaped to closely
receive at least a portion of the second lateral member 24 of the
shelf 12 therein, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to inhibit
longitudinal movement of the product dispenser 14 relative to the
shelf 12.
[0044] A shelf engagement member 120 may be connected to the frame
70 proximate the rear end 88 of the frame 70. The shelf engagement
member 120 may include a first, hook member 122 and a second,
horizontal member 124. The hook member 122 may protrude outward
from the rear end 88 of the frame 70, and may include a hooking
portion 126. The horizontal member 124 may also protrude outward
from the rear end 88 of the frame 70 below the hook member 122, and
may define a vertical gap 128 between the hook member 122 and the
horizontal member 124. The vertical gap 128 may laterally extend
across at least a portion of the lateral width of the frame 70. The
longitudinal spacing 130 between the rear-most end of the
horizontal member 124 and the hooking portion 126 of the hook
member 122 may provide access to the vertical gap 128.
[0045] At this point, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the vertical gap 128 may be sized and shaped to closely receive the
first lateral member 22 of the shelf 12 therein, as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, to inhibit vertical movement of the product dispenser 14
relative to the shelf 12. Furthermore, the longitudinal spacing 130
between the horizontal member 124 and the hooking portion 126 may
be sufficient to allow the first lateral member 22 to pass
therethrough and move to the vertical gap 128. Still furthermore,
the hooking portion 126 of the hook member 122 may inhibit removal
of the first lateral member 22 from the vertical gap 128.
[0046] The product dispenser 14 may be mounted to the shelf 12 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Multiple product dispensers (not shown) may
be arranged in a side-by-side configuration across the shelf
12.
[0047] The product dispenser 14 may be mounted to the shelf 12 such
that the first lateral member 22 of the shelf 12 is received in the
vertical gap 128 of the shelf engagement member 120 of the product
dispenser 14 and the second lateral member 24 of the shelf 12 is
received in the shelf engagement notch 110 of the frame 70 of the
product dispenser 14. Therefore, vertical movement of the product
dispenser 14 relative to the shelf 12 may be inhibited by the first
lateral member 22 and horizontal movement of the product dispenser
14 relative to the shelf 12 may be inhibited by the second lateral
member 24. The first lateral member 22 may also inhibit some
horizontal movement.
[0048] Thus, the first and second lateral members 22, 24 may
facilitate a secure, locking engagement of the product dispenser 14
with the shelf 12. Separation of the product dispenser 14 from the
shelf 12 may require a precise motion (e.g., slightly lifting the
front end 84 of the frame 70, while pulling the front end 84
forward). Therefore, the engagement of the product dispenser 14
with the shelf 12 may serve as a theft deterrent.
[0049] Furthermore, with the product dispenser 14 engaged with the
first and second lateral members 22, 24 of the shelf 12, the third
lateral member 26 of the shelf 12 may be positioned below the front
end 84 of the frame 70 of the product dispenser 14. Therefore, the
third lateral member 26 may apply a reactive force (arrow F) to the
front end 84 of the frame 70 to provide vertical strength and
stability to the product dispenser and shelf assembly 10. Such
additional vertical support proximate the front end 84 of the frame
70 may be particularly advantageous when additional weight is
applied to the front end 84 of the frame 70, such as when heavy
products 16 are being dispensed and/or when a customer
(intentionally or unintentionally) applies a force to the front end
84 of the frame 70.
[0050] Although various embodiments of the disclosed product
dispenser and shelf assembly have been shown and described,
modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading
the specification. The present application includes such
modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *