US20140001200A1 - Product Dispenser and Shelf Assembly - Google Patents

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.

Description

FIELD
• This application relates to product dispensing and, more particularly, to systems and methods for displaying and dispensing products to consumers.
BACKGROUND
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Despite advances already made, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of product dispensing.
SUMMARY
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed product dispenser and shelf assembly;
• FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the product dispenser and shelf assembly ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a front and side perspective view of the shelf of the product dispenser and shelf assembly ofFIG. 2; and
• FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the product dispenser of the product dispenser and shelf assembly ofFIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the disclosed product dispenser and shelf assembly, generally designated10, may include ashelf12 and aproduct dispenser14. Theproduct dispenser14 may be support on, and releasably coupled to, theshelf12. While only oneproduct dispenser14 is shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple product dispensers may be positioned on theshelf12, such as in a side-by-side arrangement.
• Thus, the disclosed product dispenser andshelf assembly10 may be used to safely and securely display and dispense products16 (FIG. 2) to consumers. For example, the product dispenser andshelf assembly10 may be placed in a retail setting, such as a grocery store, to display and dispenseproducts16 to consumers.
• Referring toFIG. 3, theshelf12 may include a first (right)side member18, a second (left)side member20, a firstlateral member22, a secondlateral member24 and a thirdlateral member26. Optionally, theshelf12 may additionally include one or morelongitudinal reinforcement members28.
• Theright side member18 may be generally parallel with, and laterally opposed from, theleft side member20. The lateral spacing between the right andleft side members18,20 may define the lateral width W of theshelf12. As one example, the lateral width W of theshelf12 may be sufficient to receive oneproduct dispenser14 between the right andleft side members18,20. As another example, the lateral width W of theshelf12 may be sufficient to receive two ormore product dispensers14 between the right andleft side members18,20.
• Theright side member18 may longitudinally extend between afront end30 and arear end32 to define the depth D of theshelf12. A first coupling member34 may be connected proximate (i.e., at or near) therear end32 of theright side member18 to facilitate coupling theshelf12 to a support structure36 (FIG. 2), such as a wall, a backboard, a post or the like. Optionally, afirst stop38 may be connected to (or integral with) theright side member18 between the front andrear ends30,32 to inhibit outward lateral movement ofproduct dispensers14 supported on theshelf12.
• Likewise, theleft side member20 may longitudinally extend between afront end40 and arear end42 to define the depth D of theshelf12. Asecond coupling member44 may be connected proximate therear end42 of theleft side member20 to facilitate coupling theshelf12 to the support structure36 (FIG. 2). Optionally, asecond stop46 may be connected to (or integral with) theleft side member20 between the front andrear ends40,42 to inhibit outward lateral movement ofproduct dispensers14 supported on theshelf12.
• Thus, theshelf12 may be connected to the support structure36 (FIG. 2) by engaging thesupport structure36 with the first andsecond coupling members34,44. For example, thesupport structure36 may include recesses or slots sized and shaped to closely receive the first andsecond coupling members34,44, thereby allowing the first andsecond coupling members34,44 to securely engage thesupport structure36.
• While the first andsecond coupling members34,44 are shown inFIG. 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 theshelf12 to the support structure36 (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 andsecond coupling members34,44.
• The firstlateral member22 may include afirst end50 connected to theright side member18 and asecond end52 connected to theleft side member20 such that the firstlateral member22 generally laterally extends between the right andleft side members18,20. The firstlateral member22 may be connected proximate therear ends32,42 of the right andleft side members18,20. Optionally, the firstlateral member22 may be slightly elevated relative to the second and thirdlateral members24,26.
• The firstlateral member22 may have a generally square cross-sectional profile, which may enhance the structural integrity of theshelf12 and may closely correspond to the configuration of theproduct dispenser14, 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 firstlateral member22 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
• The thirdlateral member26 may be generally parallel with the firstlateral member22, and may include afirst end54 connected to theright side member18 and asecond end56 connected to theleft side member20. Therefore, the thirdlateral member26 may generally laterally extend between theright side member18 and theleft side member20. The thirdlateral member26 may be connected proximate thefront ends30,40 of the right andleft side members18,20.
• The thirdlateral member26 may have a generally thin, flat cross-sectional profile, which may enhance the structural integrity of theshelf12, while minimizing the profile of the thirdlateral member26 and providing a substantiallyflat surface25 upon which theproduct dispenser14 may be positioned. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various cross-sectional profiles may be used for the thirdlateral member26 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
• The secondlateral member24 may be generally parallel with the first and thirdlateral members22,26, and may include afirst end58 connected to theright side member18 and asecond end60 connected to theleft side member20. Therefore, the secondlateral member24 may generally laterally extend between theright side member18 and theleft side member20. The secondlateral member24 may be connected to the right andleft side members18,20 between the firstlateral member22 and the thirdlateral member26.
• The secondlateral member24 may have a generally L-shaped cross-sectional profile, which may enhance the structural integrity of theshelf12, while providing a substantiallyflat surface23 upon which theproduct dispenser14 may be positioned. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various cross-sectional profiles may be used for the secondlateral member24 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
• Thelongitudinal reinforcement member28 may be positioned between the right and leftside members18,20 and may be generally parallel with the right and left side members. Thelongitudinal reinforcement member28 may be connected to the firstlateral member22, the secondlateral member24 and the thirdlateral member26 to structurally reinforce theshelf12. It is also contemplated that thelongitudinal reinforcement member28 may be connected to only two of the threelateral members22,24,26.
• Theshelf12 may be constructed from various materials, including wood, wood composites, metals, polymeric materials and combinations of suitable materials. Theside members18,20 and thelateral members22,24,26 may be connected together using various techniques, such as with welds, fasteners and/or adhesives. However, it is also contemplated that theshelf12 may be constructed as a single monolithic (integral) body.
• Referring toFIG. 4, aproduct dispenser14 of the disclosed product dispenser andshelf assembly10 may include aproduct dispenser frame70 and aproduct container72. Theproduct container72 may house multiple units ofproduct16 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).
• Thus, when theproduct container72 is loaded onto theframe70, such as by urging theproduct container72 along theframe70, theframe70 may automatically open theproduct container72 and release theproducts16 from theproduct container72 to theframe70, as shown inFIG. 2. The use ofproduct dispensers14 that require manually opening theproduct container72 prior to loading theproduct container72 onto theframe70 is also contemplated.
• Theproduct container72 may be any container capable ofhousing products16 and beneficially interacting with theframe70 to release and guide theproducts16 to theframe70. For example, theproduct container72 may be a paperboard carton or a corrugated box. Optionally, at least one major surface of theproduct container72 may be marked with various indicia, such as advertising text and/or graphics.
• Theframe70 may have a longitudinal length L that may closely correspond to the depth D (FIG. 3) of theshelf12. Theframe70 may include a first (right) side wall74 (FIG. 1), a second (left)side wall76, alower support deck78 and anupper support deck80. Theright side wall74 may be laterally spaced from theleft side wall76, and may be generally parallel with theleft side wall76.
• Thelower support deck78 may laterally extend between the right and leftside walls74,76, and may include afront end82 that longitudinally extends toward thefront end84 of theframe70 and arear end86 that longitudinally extends toward therear end88 of theframe70. Therefore, thelower support deck78 and theside walls74,76 may define alower level90 of theframe70.
• Thelower support deck78 may be inclined from thefront end82 to therear end86 such thatproducts16 deposited proximate therear end86 of thelower support deck78 roll down to thefront end82 of thelower support deck78 under the force of gravity. Astop92 may be positioned proximate thefront end82 of thelower support deck78 to preventproducts16 from rolling beyond thefront end82 of thelower support deck78. For example, thestop92 may be connected to (e.g., integral with) thelower support deck78, and may form an upward curve at thefront end82 of thelower support deck78. Therefore, thestop92 may collectproducts16 at thefront end82 of thelower support deck78, thereby defining aproduct display area94 at thefront end82 of thelower support deck78.
• Theupper support deck80 may laterally extend between the right and leftside walls74,76, and may include afront end96 that longitudinally extends toward thefront end84 of theframe70 and arear end98 that longitudinally extends toward, but not to, therear end88 of theframe70. Therefore, theupper support deck80 and theside walls74,76 may define anupper level100 of theframe70.
• The spacing102 between therear end98 of theupper support deck80 and therear end88 of theframe70 may define anopening104, which may function as a chute to allowproducts16 to move from theupper level100 down to thelower level90 of theframe70 under the force of gravity.
• Theupper support deck80 may be declined from thefront end96 to therear end98. Therefore,products16 supported on theupper support deck80 may roll under the force of gravity down to therear end98 of theupper support deck80, through theopening104, to thelower level90 of theframe70 and, ultimately, to theproduct display area94. Consumers may then retrieveproducts16 from theproduct display area94.
• Theframe70 may further include anopening tool106. Theopening tool106 may be positioned in theupper level100 of theframe70 to sever theproduct container72 as theproduct container72 is urged generally horizontally along theupper support deck80 toward therear end88 of theframe70. By severing theproduct container72, theopening tool106 may form an exit opening in theproduct container72, which may be aligned with theopening104 in theframe70 when theproduct container72 is fully loaded onto theframe70. With the exit opening formed in theproduct container72, theproducts16 initially housed in theproduct container72 may exit theproduct container72 through the exit opening, pass through theopening104 defined by theframe70 and drop down to thelower level90 of theframe70 and, ultimately, move to theproduct display area94.
• 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.
• Theframe70 of theproduct dispenser14 may define ashelf engagement notch110 that laterally extends across theframe70. Theshelf engagement notch110 may be formed in theside walls74,76 of the frame70 (proximate theunderside112 of the frame70), and may be positioned between the front andrear ends84,88 of theframe70.
• At this point, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theshelf engagement notch110 may be sized and shaped to closely receive at least a portion of the secondlateral member24 of theshelf12 therein, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, to inhibit longitudinal movement of theproduct dispenser14 relative to theshelf12.
• Ashelf engagement member120 may be connected to theframe70 proximate therear end88 of theframe70. Theshelf engagement member120 may include a first,hook member122 and a second,horizontal member124. Thehook member122 may protrude outward from therear end88 of theframe70, and may include a hookingportion126. Thehorizontal member124 may also protrude outward from therear end88 of theframe70 below thehook member122, and may define avertical gap128 between thehook member122 and thehorizontal member124. Thevertical gap128 may laterally extend across at least a portion of the lateral width of theframe70. Thelongitudinal spacing130 between the rear-most end of thehorizontal member124 and the hookingportion126 of thehook member122 may provide access to thevertical gap128.
• At this point, those skilled in the art will appreciate that thevertical gap128 may be sized and shaped to closely receive the firstlateral member22 of theshelf12 therein, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, to inhibit vertical movement of theproduct dispenser14 relative to theshelf12. Furthermore, thelongitudinal spacing130 between thehorizontal member124 and the hookingportion126 may be sufficient to allow the firstlateral member22 to pass therethrough and move to thevertical gap128. Still furthermore, the hookingportion126 of thehook member122 may inhibit removal of the firstlateral member22 from thevertical gap128.
• Theproduct dispenser14 may be mounted to theshelf12 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Multiple product dispensers (not shown) may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration across theshelf12.
• Theproduct dispenser14 may be mounted to theshelf12 such that the firstlateral member22 of theshelf12 is received in thevertical gap128 of theshelf engagement member120 of theproduct dispenser14 and the secondlateral member24 of theshelf12 is received in theshelf engagement notch110 of theframe70 of theproduct dispenser14. Therefore, vertical movement of theproduct dispenser14 relative to theshelf12 may be inhibited by the firstlateral member22 and horizontal movement of theproduct dispenser14 relative to theshelf12 may be inhibited by the secondlateral member24. The firstlateral member22 may also inhibit some horizontal movement.
• Thus, the first and secondlateral members22,24 may facilitate a secure, locking engagement of theproduct dispenser14 with theshelf12. Separation of theproduct dispenser14 from theshelf12 may require a precise motion (e.g., slightly lifting thefront end84 of theframe70, while pulling thefront end84 forward). Therefore, the engagement of theproduct dispenser14 with theshelf12 may serve as a theft deterrent.
• Furthermore, with theproduct dispenser14 engaged with the first and secondlateral members22,24 of theshelf12, the thirdlateral member26 of theshelf12 may be positioned below thefront end84 of theframe70 of theproduct dispenser14. Therefore, the thirdlateral member26 may apply a reactive force (arrow F) to thefront end84 of theframe70 to provide vertical strength and stability to the product dispenser andshelf assembly10. Such additional vertical support proximate thefront end84 of theframe70 may be particularly advantageous when additional weight is applied to thefront end84 of theframe70, such as whenheavy products16 are being dispensed and/or when a customer (intentionally or unintentionally) applies a force to thefront end84 of theframe70.
• 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.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 6 wherein said second lateral member inhibits longitudinal movement of said product dispenser frame relative to said shelf.

8. The assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 8 wherein said shelf engagement member inhibits vertical movement of said product dispenser frame relative to said shelf.

10. The assembly ofclaim 8 wherein said first member comprises a hooked portion.

11. The assembly ofclaim 4 further comprising a product container positioned on said container support deck.

12. The assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 11 further comprising an opening tool associated with said product dispenser frame.

14. The assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 4 wherein each of said first and second side members of said shelf comprises a coupling member connected thereto.

16. The assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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.

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