U.S. patent number RE33,913 [Application Number 07/599,687] was granted by the patent office on 1992-05-05 for dispensing rack.
This patent grant is currently assigned to M & M Mars. Invention is credited to Paul Belokin, Rudy Kral.
United States Patent |
RE33,913 |
Kral , et al. |
May 5, 1992 |
Dispensing rack
Abstract
A dispensing rack for use in a refrigerated environment for
dispensing a leading item from a stack of items which includes a
housing adapted to receive the items in associated ramps releasably
secured within the housing by a plurality of horizontal connecting
rods. One of the connecting rods engages abutment posts extending
downwardly from the ramps and another connecting rod engages a rear
flange extending downwardly from the ramp. The connecting rod
engaging the rear flange is positioned at a horizontal plane above
the horizontal plane of the connecting rod engaging the abutment
post so that the ramps are generally forwardly inclined. In such an
inclined position, when the leading item in the stack of items
within each ramp is withdrawn, the next leading item is placed into
a convenient position to be withdrawn as a result of the positive
gravity feed of each ramp. The ends of each connecting rod are also
cooperatively retained to a corresponding horizontal retention
member formed within the housing by clip retention means.
Inventors: |
Kral; Rudy (Clifton, NJ),
Belokin; Paul (Denton, TX) |
Assignee: |
M & M Mars (Hackettstown,
NJ)
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Family
ID: |
26710104 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/599,687 |
Filed: |
October 18, 1990 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
033760 |
Apr 3, 1987 |
04782959 |
Nov 8, 1988 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/59.2;
211/105.6; 312/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F
3/0486 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
3/04 (20060101); A47F 007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;211/59.2,59.3,59.4,105.6 ;312/42,43,45,71 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Purol; David M.
Assistant Examiner: Lechok; Sarah A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Curtis, Morris & Safford
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing rack adaptable in a refrigeration unit for
dispensing a leading item from a stack of items comprising:
a housing adapted to receive a plurality of items to be dispensed
and having a plurality of horizontal retention members;
at least one individual ramp releasably secured within the housing
and retaining the items therein on a base and having a front flange
extending upwardly from the base, a rear flange extending
downwardly from the base, a plurality of abutment posts extending
downwardly from the base, and means to constrain the items therein;
and
a plurality of horizontal connecting rods each having first and
second ends, the ends each being cooperatively retained to a
horizontal retention member by clip retention means which
insertably receives and retains the horizontal retention members
and cooperatively retains the ends of the rods supporting the ramp
within the housing, one of the connecting rods engaging the
abutment posts and another rod engaging the rear flange at a
horizontal plane above the horizontal plane of the rod engaging the
abutment posts to releasably secure the ramp in a generally
horizontal inclined position wherein the leading item in the ramp
is restrained from advancing therein by the front flange and when
the leading item is withdrawn, the next leading item is placed into
a convenient position to be withdrawn as a result of the positive
gravity feed of the ramp.
2. The dispensing rack of claim 1 wherein the means to constrain
items include parallel upper extending side flanges of the
ramp.
3. The dispensing rack of claim 1 wherein:
the ends of the rods include end apertures formed therein; and
the clip retention means include a clip, a projection disposed
inwardly of the clip which cooperatively engages each end aperture
of each rod, and a pair of parallel horizontal flanges outwardly
disposed from the clip which receive and retain the horizontal
member therebetween so that the rod is securely retained within the
housing.
4. The dispensing rack of claim 1 wherein the connecting rods
include telescopic means so that the rods may be securely retained
within variably-sized housings.
5. The dispensing rack of claim 4 including biasing means
associated with said telescopic means to outwardly bias said
rods.
6. The dispensing rack of claim 4 wherein the telescopic means
include a first section having a first inner aperture, second
section having a first cylindrical member which is received within
the first inner aperture and slidably retained within the first
section and a second cylindrical member having a second inner
aperture terminating at a closed end, and a third section having a
third cylindrical member which is in biasing engagement with the
second inner aperture as a result of a first spring means disposed
circumferentially around the third cylindrical section which abuts
the closed end to thereby vary the length of the connecting
rod.
7. The dispensing rack of claim 1 wherein the ramp includes a
cut-out section in the base adjacent to the front flange to provide
easy withdrawal of the leading item from the stack of items.
8. The dispensing rack of claim 1 wherein the base of each
individual ramp includes at least one elongated opening so that the
items will be more evenly refrigerated in the refrigerated
environment.
9. The dispensing rack of claim 1 wherein the clip retention means
are of varying sizes so that the ramp is in a generally horizontal
inclined position when the clip retention means cooperatively
retain the ends of the horizontal connecting rods to the horizontal
retention member. .Iadd.10. A dispensing rack adaptable in a
refrigeration unit for dispensing a leading item from a stack of
items comprising:
a housing adapted to receive a plurality of items to be dispensed
and having a plurality of horizontal retention members;
at least one individual ramp releasably secured within the housing
and retaining the items wherein on a base and having a front flange
extending upwardly from the base and means to constrain the items
therein; and
a plurality of horizontal connecting rods each having first and
second ends, the ends each being cooperatively retained to a
horizontal retention member by clip retention means which
insertably receives and retains the horizontal retention member and
cooperatively retains the ends of the rods supporting the ramp
within the housing, one of the connecting rods engaging the ramp at
a horizontal plane above the horizontal plane of the other rod
engaging the ramp to secure the ramp in a generally horizontal
inclined position wherein the leading item in the ramp is
restrained from advancing therein by the front flange and when the
leading item is withdrawn, the next leading item is placed into a
convenient position to be withdrawn as a result of the positive
gravity feed of the ramp. .Iaddend. .Iadd.11. The dispensing rack
of claim 10 wherein the means to constrain items include parallel
upper extending side flanges of the ramp. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12. The
dispensing rack of claim 10 wherein:
the ends of the rods include end apertures formed therein; and
the clip retention means include a clip, a projection disposed
inwardly of the clip which cooperatively engages each end aperture
of each rod, and a pair of parallel horizontal flanges outwardly
disposed from the clip which receive and retain the horizontal
member therebetween so that the rod is
securely retained within the housing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. The
dispensing rack of claim 10 wherein the connecting rods include
telescopic means so that the rods may be securely retained within
variably-sized housings. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. The dispensing rack of
claim 13 including biasing means associated with said telescopic
means to outwardly bias said rods. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. The
dispensing rack of claim 13 wherein the telescopic means include a
first section having a first inner aperture, second section having
a first cylindrical member which is received within the first inner
aperture and slidably retained within the first section and a
second cylindrical member having a second inner aperture
terminating at a closed end, and a third section having a third
cylindrical member which is in biasing engagement with the second
inner aperture as a result of a first spring means disposed
circumferentially around the third cylindrical section which abuts
the closed end to thereby vary the length of the connecting rod.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.16. The dispensing rack of claim 10 wherein the
ramp includes a cut-out section in the base adjacent to the front
flange to provide easy withdrawal of the leading item from the
stack of items. .Iaddend. .Iadd.17. The dispensing rack of claim 10
wherein the base of each individual ramp includes at least one
elongated opening so that the items will be more evenly
refrigerated in the refrigerated environment. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18.
The dispensing rack of claim 10 wherein the clip retention means
are of varying sizes so that the ramp is in a generally horizontal
inclined position when the clip retention means cooperatively
retain the ends of the horizontal connecting rods to the horizontal
retention member. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a display rack for
retaining packaged items, and more particularly, to a display rack
used in a refrigerated environment wherein the items, such as candy
bars, are secured within inclined ramps mounted in a housing.
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the
consumption of confectionary products, such as packaged candy bars,
as well as packaged coated peanut and chocolate candy. A large
number of consumers prefer to eat such confectionary products
chilled. However, the method most often used by retailers to
display confectionary products does not permit the products to be
chilled when displayed and are displayed in open boxes along a
counter. This method of display has the apparent disadvantage that
the consumer must take the candy bar to his residence and chill the
bar for a substantial period of time before consumption.
In prior attempts to provide the customer with chilled candy bars,
the retailer has placed the bars on horizontal shelves mounted
within a refrigerated housing. After a number of bars have been
withdrawn, the retailer or clerk must waste valuable time by
continually monitoring the inventory of bars within the shelves.
After several purchases, the clerk must manually adjust the
inventory so that the leading item is in a position for easy access
by the consumer and to permit the items to be directly displayed
for the customer. This method of display also has the inherent
disadvantage that the consumer must extend his arm into the housing
to obtain the leading candy bar from the row of bars which
maximizes the potential for accidently spilling or breaking other
items contained within the refrigerated housing.
In the past, the racks used to display items within the
refrigerated unit were usually permanently affixed to the housing.
This prevented the retailer from easily stocking the racks without
completely dismantling the racks from the housing.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of this invention to provide a display rack
for dispensing packaged items, such as packaged candy bars or
packaged coated peanut and chocolate candy for particular use in a
refrigerated environment.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a display rack
which reliably retains at least one generally horizontally inclined
ramp which contains the items so that when the leading item or
candy bar is withdrawn, the next leading item is placed in a
position for easy withdrawal as a result of the positive gravity
feed of the inclined ramp.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a display
rack which includes telescopic connecting rods releasably securing
the inclined ramps within a housing so that the ramps may be
retained within variably-sized housings.
It is still a further object of this invention to provide a display
rack having inclined ramps which are releasably secured within the
housing wherein the ramps are easily removed permitting the ramps
to be easily stocked with new inventory.
It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a display
rack which includes a novel design for a clip which rigidly secures
the connecting rods adjacent to the housing.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description and from the appended
drawings in which like numbers have been used to describe like
parts of the several views.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a display rack for use in a refrigerated
environment for dispensing packaged items, such as candy bars,
which are generally angularly stacked within a refrigerated
housing. The packaged items are retained along the base of at least
one inclined ramp mounted within the refrigerated housing. The
ramps are releasably engaged with a plurality of horizontal
connecting rods with one of the connecting rods engaging a
plurality of abutment posts which extend downwardly from the base
of the ramp and another of the connecting rods engaging a rear
flange extending downwardly from the base of the inclined ramp. The
connecting rod engaging the rear flange is positioned at a
horizontal plane above the horizontal plane of the connecting rod
which engages the abutment posts so that the ramp is forwardly
inclined. In this inclined position, the leading item retained
within the ramp is restrained from the further forward movement by
a front flange extending upwardly from the base of the ramp. In
addition, when the leading item is withdrawn from the ramp, the
next leading item is placed in a convenient position to be
withdrawn as a result of the positive gravity feed of each
ramp.
In accordance with one of the general objects of the present
invention, each rod is securely mounted to a pair of parallel
horizontal members of the housing by a specially-designed clip.
Each clip includes a projection disposed inwardly therefrom which
cooperatively engages an aperture inwardly formed at the ends of
each rod. The clips also include a pair of horizontal flanges
outwardly disposed therefrom which receive and retain the
horizontal members therebetween by a snap fit so that the rod is
securely retained adjacent to the horizontal members.
Since refrigerated housings vary in dimension, it is important that
the dispensing rack of this invention be adaptable to housings of
different size. This object is achieved by the connecting rods
being telescopic in length. In the preferred embodiment, each
connecting rod includes three sections: (1) a first section which
has a first inner aperture; (2) a second section having a first
cylindrical member received within the first inner aperture and
slidably retained within the first inner aperture, and a second
cylindrical member having a second inner aperture formed therein
terminating at a closed end; and (3) a third section having a third
cylindrical member in biasing engagement with the second inner
aperture as a result of a spring being circumferentially disposed
around the third cylindrical section. This spring abuts the closed
end of the second section so that the length of each connecting rod
may be varied to the size of the individual refrigerated housings
when the first, second, and third sections are interconnected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following detailed description, given by way of example but not
intended to limit the present invention solely to the specific
embodiments described, may best be understood in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the refrigerated housing of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a plurality of clips engaging
the horizontal retention members of the horizontal support rack of
the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the display rack showing
the inclined ramps and clips of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connecting rod of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting rod of the
present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6
shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 shown in
FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a partial front-sectional view taken along line 8--8
shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is another partial front-sectional view taken along 9--9
shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, a display rack 10 for use in a
refrigerated environment is shown within a refrigerated housing 12
which can be opened or closed by a slidable front door 13,
preferably a glass sliding door. Housing 12 is adapted for
dispensing a leading item 14, such as chilled candy bars, from a
generally angularly displaced stack or row of items 16.
The candy bars are placed within ramps 20 specially designed to
restrain movement of the bars therein and to provide easy stocking
of the bars within each ramp 20. A base 21 of each ramp 20 supports
the candy bars therein. Referring also to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, ramps
20 include a front flange 22 having two independent sections 23 and
24 to restrain the leading item or candy bar 14 from advancing in
each ramp while permitting ready access to the leading candy bar.
Independent sections 23 and 24 each possess embossed openings 23A
and 24A, respectively. Embossed openings 23A and 24A allow for
product identification of the items contained in the ramp. The
stack of items 16 is also restrained from lateral movement within
each ramp 20 by side flanges 26 and 28 extending upwardly from base
21. As best shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, each ramp 20 also includes a
rear flange 30 and forwardly disposed abutment posts 31 and 33
extending downwardly from base 21 to facilitate positioning of the
ramps. The items to be retained within the ramps 20 are easily
stocked within each ramp 20 through a rear opening 32 formed
between the rear ends 27 and 29 of side flanges 26 and 28.
For effectiveness and convenience, the ramps 20 are releasably
secured within housing 12. This permits easy withdrawal of the
ramps from housing 12 so that the inventory of items within each
ramp can be easily replenished. Each ramp should also be situated
within housing 12 such that the leading item 14 of row 16 can be
conveniently withdrawn. This is accomplished by a set of connecting
rods, such as 34 and 36, being associated with each ramp 20 (FIGS.
6, 7). In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of ramps may be
accommodated by each pair of connecting rods 34 and 36. When
properly positioned, connecting rod 34 engages the front surface 35
of each abutment post 31 and 33. The other connecting rod 36
engages the front surface 37 of rear flange 30 (FIGS. 3, 6).
Connecting rod 36 is positioned within housing 12 at a horizontal
plane above the horizontal plane of connecting rod 34 to releasably
secure each ramp 20 in a generally horizontally forward inclined
position wherein leading item 14 of the stack of items 16 is
restrained from advancing further within each rack 20 by front
flange 22. Thus, when leading item 14 is withdrawn, the next
leading item in the stack of items 16 is placed into a convenient
position to be withdrawn as a result of the positive gravity feed
of each inclined ramp 20.
In accordance with one of the objects of this invention, each
connecting rod is telescopic in length so that it can be securely
retained within variably-sized housings. As best shown in FIGS. 4
and 5, the connecting rods include a first section 38 having a
first inner aperture 40 and a second section 42 comprised of a
first cylindrical member 44 which is slidably inserted within first
inner aperture 40. Second section 42 also includes a second
cylindrical member 46 of the same radius as the radius of first
section 38 which abuts against first section 38. The outer free end
of second cylindrical member 46 includes a second inner aperture 48
inwardly formed therein. Second inner aperture 48 forms a chamber
which terminates at a closed end 50. A third section 52 of each
connecting rod includes a third cylindrical member 54 of the same
radius as the first cylindrical member 44 of second section 42.
Third cylindrical member 54 is in biasing engagement and fitted
within second inner aperture 48 by a first spring 56
circumferentially disposed around third cylindrical member 54. The
first spring 56 is slidably received within second inner aperture
48 and compresses upon contact with closed end 50. Third section 52
of the connecting rods also includes a fourth cylindrical member 58
of the same radius as second cylindrical member 46 which, as
aforedescribed, has the same radius as first section 38. The free
end of the fourth cylindrical member 58 includes a third inner
aperture 59 inwardly formed therein which terminates in a closed
end 60. This third inner aperture 59 is adapted to receive another
cylindrical member, such as 44 or 54, and a corresponding spring to
lengthen the connecting rods to the variable size of each housing
12. In addition, for smaller width housings, second section 42 may
be eliminated and third cylindrical member 54 may be slidably
inserted within first inner aperture 40. In this manner, the
display rack 10 as disclosed herein can be adapted for use in
variable sizes of housings 12, and in turn, a variable number of
racks 20 can be retained by the corresponding connecting rods 34
and 36.
As a result of downward force being applied upon connecting rods 34
and 36 by the items contained within ramps 20, the connecting rods
must be securely retained within housing 12. In the preferred
embodiment, the first and second outer ends 62 and 64 of each
connecting rod 34 and 36 are individually securely retained to
housing 12 by a specially designed clip, such as 76 (FIG. 3). First
and second outer ends 62 and 64 include, respectively, first and
second outer end apertures 66 and 68 which are inwardly formed
therein (FIG. 5). First and second outer end apertures 66 and 68
each receive a projection 78 inwardly disposed from an associated
clip. As shown in FIG. 8, the first or front connecting rod 34 is
mounted to housing 12 by clips 74 and 76. As shown in FIG. 9, the
rear or second connecting rod 36 is mounted to housing 12 by clips
75 and 77.
As best shown in FIG. 3, each clip includes a pair of horizontal
flanges 79 and 80 extending outwardly therefrom. Referring now to
FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, flanges 79 and 80 engage the horizontal retention
members, such as 18 and 19, therebetween. This provides for a snap
fit of each clip to the associated horizontal retention member and,
therefore, provides for the secure retainment of connecting rods 34
and 36 within housing 12. The horizontal retention members 18 and
19 form the side edges of a horizontal support rack 18A (FIG. 2)
which is capable of supporting containers 19A such as soda cans,
milk cartons, etc. (FIGS. 6, 8 and 9). The horizontal support racks
are supported within housing 12 (see FIG. 1). Returning to FIG. 3,
the clips also include angular strength members 81 extending
inwardly from the mid-plane of the clips. Strength members 81
provide for rigidity and stability of the clips.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 8 and 9, the pair of clips 74 and 76
engaging the first or front connecting rod 34 and the pair of clips
75 and 77 engaging the second or rear connecting rod 36 are of
different sizes in that clips 74 and 76 are greater in height than
clips 75 and 77. As is best shown in FIG. 6, this difference in
height allows a downward or forward inclination of the ramps 20
toward the door 13 of the refrigerated housing 12.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, each ramp 20 may be provided with a
cut-out 82 formed along base 21 and positioned generally between
the two sections 23 and 24 of front flange 22. The cut-out provides
for easy access and grasping of leading item 14 within the stack of
items 16.
The present invention also provides for the even chilling of the
items or candy bars contained within ramps 20. Still referring to
FIGS. 3 and 7, each ramp 20 includes elongated slotted openings 83
in base 21. The elongated slotted openings permit refrigerated air
to circulate to the under-side of the items or candy bars in the
ramps so that a more even distribution of chilling is
effectuated.
In operation, horizontal members 18 and 19 are insertably retained
within the pair of horizontal flanges 79 and 80 of each clip.
FIG. 2 shows an entire horizontal support rack 18A in which clips
74 and 75 are engaging horizontal retention member 18 and clips 76
and 77 are engaging horizontal retention member 19. Flanges 79 and
80 of clips 76 and 79 are shown snapily engaging horizontal
retention member 19. First and second outer apertures 66 and 68 of
the first and second outer ends 62 and 64 of each connecting rod
are also insertably retained within the projection 78 inwardly
disposed from each clip. As aforedescribed, each rod is telescopic
and can be fitted into any sized housing by its multiple section
design, such as first, second, and third sections 38, 42, and 52.
The connecting rods are placed in a position such that the rear or
second connecting rod 36 is placed at a horizontal plane above the
horizontal plane of the first or front connecting rod 34. The clip
structure, as disclosed herein, provides for the secure retainment
of the rods within the housing.
Each ramp 20 is releasably secured within housing 12 by positioning
the ramps in housing 12 such that the front surface 35 of each
abutment post 31 and 33 abuts and is restrained from further
movement by connecting rod 34 and front surface 37 of rear flange
30 abuts and is restrained from further movement by connecting rod
36. In the preferred embodiment, more than one abutment post is
shown so that a stable retention of the ramps within the housing is
provided. In its retained position, each ramp 20 is generally
horizontally forwardly inclined. The retailer can stock the ramps
20 by placing each item within rear opening 32 and allowing the
items to slide down each ramp 20. The leading item 14 of these
stack of items 16 is restrained from further forward movement by
front flange 22. As a result of the positive gravity feed of each
ramp 20, when the leading item 14 is withdrawn from the ramp, the
next leading item in the stack of items is placed in a position
where it is easily accessible to the clerk or purchaser. The next
leading item will also be restrained from further forward movement
by front flange 22. While in the refrigerated environment, the
items and candy bars within each ramp 20 are more evenly chilled as
a result of refrigerated air circulating through the elongated
slotted openings 83 formed within base 21 of each ramp 20.
As disclosed herein, each ramp can be easily removed from housing
12 so that it can be easily stocked by the retailer. In addition,
any number of ramps can be retained by the connecting rod 34 and
36, the only limitation being the size of the housing 12.
* * * * *