Shelf device having variable width cradle |
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申请号 | US12455919 | 申请日 | 2009-06-09 | 公开(公告)号 | US20100307992A1 | 公开(公告)日 | 2010-12-09 |
申请人 | James David Robertson; Jason Walesh; | 发明人 | James David Robertson; Jason Walesh; | ||||
摘要 | A gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time has first and second cradle assemblies. The first cradle assembly has a first cradle panel with connecting members extending therefrom. At least one gravity feed panel is attached to the first cradle panel and extends from a rear edge portion of the first cradle panel towards a front edge portion of the first cradle panel. The second cradle assembly has a second cradle panel with connecting members extending therefrom. At least one gravity feed panel is attached to the second cradle panel and extends from a rear edge portion of the second cradle panel towards a front edge portion of the second cradle panel. The connecting members of each panel slidably receive a rod to connect the first cradle panel with the second cradle panel so that distance between the first and second cradle panels adjusts to accommodate different sized containers. | ||||||
权利要求 | What is claimed is: |
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说明书全文 | This invention relates generally to a merchandising shelf device for displaying and dispensing cylindrical containers one at a time with containers laying on their sides for rolling, and more particularly, to an adjustable width shelf device for accommodating various sizes of containers. Merchandising display devices are used in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and other commercial environments to position containers for easy access by consumers. It is desirable to display chilled containers of beverage or other goods and dispense them one at a time while using cooler space efficiently. Placing containers on their sides on a cooler shelf facilitates gravity feed without the need for gravity feed mechanisms that use space needed for product. Gravity feed assures product rotation. Also, rolling containers on their sides simplifies the task of stopping forward motion of the container that may cause a standing container to topple. In addition, placing containers on their sides allows otherwise unused space in the cooler to be more fully utilized. A problem with some shelf devices is that the shelf device is often designed and/or constructed for one size container requiring a vendor or merchant to change shelf devices when a different size container is to be displayed and dispensed. Changing shelf devices requires time and also requires a supply of available shelf devices which must be stored awaiting use further using valuable product space. It is therefore desirable to have a shelf device that adjusts to efficiently store and dispense containers of different sizes. The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time comprises first and second cradle assemblies and members for adjustably joining the cradle assemblies. Each cradle assembly has a cradle panel with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions, a front top connecting member attached to at least one of the top and front edge portions, and a front bottom connecting member attached to at least one of the bottom and front edge portions. A rear top connecting member attaches to at least one of the top and rear edge portions and a rear bottom connecting member attaches to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions. There is at least one gravity feed panel extending from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion. There are members for adjustably joining the connecting members of the first cradle panel with the connecting members of the second cradle panel so that the distance between the first and second cradle panels adjusts to accommodate different sized containers. The first and second cradle panels face one another so that connecting members of the first cradle panel face the connecting members of the second cradle panel. Female connecting members on the first cradle panel slidably receive male connecting members on the second cradle panel thereby allowing the distance between cradle panels to adjust. According to another aspect of the present invention, a gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time comprises first and second cradle assemblies, and a plurality of rods adjustably joining connecting members of the first cradle assembly to corresponding connecting members of the second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each of the cradle assemblies has a cradle panel with top, bottom, front, front extension and rear edge portions. A front connecting member is attached to the front edge portion, a front extension connecting member is attached to the front extension portion, and a rear top connecting member is attached to at least one of the top and rear edge portions. A rear bottom connecting member is attached to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions, and the cradle panel has at least one gravity feed panel. A plurality of rods adjustably join connecting members of the first cradle assembly to corresponding connecting members of the second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each connecting member is an elongated member defining a socket for releasably holding a connecting rod so that a cradle panel can slide along to vary the distance between adjacent panels to accommodate different sizes of containers. These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate similar or identical features that are common to the drawings. Referring to At least one gravity feed panel 32 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 18 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. Gravity feed panel 32 extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 18. As illustrated, a second gravity feed panel 34 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 32 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 32. Gravity feed panel 34 also extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 18. Except for the connecting members, the front and rear faces of cradle panel 18 are mirror images of one another. The second cradle assembly 14 has a second cradle panel 36 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. A front, top connecting member 38 is attached to at least one of the top and front edge portions of cradle panel 36, and a front, bottom connecting member 40 is attached to at least one of the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 36. A rear, top connecting member 42 is attached to at least one of the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 36, and a rear, bottom connecting member 44 is attached to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 36. By this construction cradle panel 36 can have connecting members disposed at or near its corners. In addition, there may be intermediate top and bottom connecting members 46, 48 disposed along the top and bottom edge portions of cradle panel 36. At least one gravity feed panel 50 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 36 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. Gravity feed panel 50 extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 36. As illustrated, a second gravity feed panel 52 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 50 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 50. Gravity feed panel 52 also extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 36. Except for the connecting members, the front and rear faces of cradle panel 36 are mirror images of one another. Except for the connecting members, the rear face of cradle panel 18 and front panel of cradle panel 36 are mirror images of one another. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a ramp for containers. As illustrated, each connecting member 20-30 on first cradle panel 18 is a female member adapted to receive an end portion of one of a plurality of male members 54. Similarly, each connecting member 38-48 on second cradle panel 36 is also a female member adapted to receive the other end portion of one of a plurality of the male members 54. Male members 54 may be force fitted to connecting members 38-48 or may be integrally formed therewith. By this construction, one cradle panel can slide via members 54 toward and from an adjacent cradle panel to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. This construction would allow a shelf device to accommodate a twelve ounce container at one time and a twenty ounce container at another time, for example. Alternatively, one set of connecting members, 20 to 30 for example, could be female members while the other set 38 to 48 for example, could be male members so that first cradle panel 18 can slide toward and from cradle panel 36 to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. Still referring to Each cradle panel contains a top lug 56 and a bottom lug 58 preferably integrally formed with the cradle panel and defining a slot wherein a connecting member is held by a force fit or by fastening. Preferably, top lugs 56 each have an opening while bottom lugs 58 have protrusions forming lips or slots. Referring now to Referring to A lower gravity feed panel 132 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 118 so that containers 111 gravity feed forward for dispensing. Gravity feed panel 132 extends along the rear face of cradle panel 118. A second gravity feed panel 134 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 132 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 132. Gravity feed panel 134 also extends along the rear face of cradle panel 118. The second cradle assembly 114 has a second cradle panel 136 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. The front, top connecting member 120 is attached to the top and front edge portions of second cradle panel 136, and the front, bottom connecting member 122 is attached to the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 136 along the front face of cradle panel 136. The rear, top connecting member 124 is attached to the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 136, and the rear, bottom connecting member 126 is attached to the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 136. By this construction cradle panel 136 has connecting members disposed at or near its corners. A gravity feed panel (not shown) extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 136 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. A second gravity feed panel (not shown) is disposed above the lower gravity feed panel and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to the lower gravity feed panel. Gravity feed panels extend along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 136 with upper gravity feed panel 152 slanting toward the rear face. The front and rear faces of cradle panel 136 are mirror images of one another. The rear face of cradle panel 118 and front panel of cradle panel 136 are mirror images of one another. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a ramp for the containers. The connecting members 120, 122, 124 and 126 are composed of male and female members as described above with reference to The third cradle assembly 116 has a third cradle panel 180 that is connected to second cradle panel 136 via connecting members 182, 184, 186, 188. The front, top connecting member 182 is attached to the top and front edge portions of third cradle panel 180, and the front, bottom connecting member 184 is attached to the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 180 along the front face of cradle panel 180. The rear, top connecting member 186 is attached to the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 180, and the rear, bottom connecting member 188 is attached to the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 180. By this construction cradle panel 180 has connecting members disposed at or near its corners. A gravity feed panel (not shown) extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 180 so that containers 111 gravity feed forward for dispensing. A second gravity feed panel (not shown) is disposed above the lower gravity feed panel and slants downward from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to the lower gravity feed panel. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a ramp for the containers. Cradle assembly 116 is the mirror image of cradle assembly 112 and is disposed opposite the rear face of cradle assembly 114 whereas cradle assembly 112 is disposed opposite the front face. Cradle assembly 116 is identical to the first and second cradle assemblies 112, 114 and when connected to them form two container cradles. The cradle between cradle assemblies 112 and 114 can hold twelve ounce containers, for example, while the cradle between cradle assemblies 114 and 116 can hold twenty ounce containers, for example. While three cradle assemblies are illustrated, there may be only two or there may be more than three assemblies joined together forming a shelf device for cylindrical containers. The forward-most container in each cradle is inhibited from exiting the cradle by the front, bottom connecting members which extend above the plane of the gravity feed panel. It can now be appreciated that a shelf device for a cooler uses male and female connecting members as a means for adjusting cradle width to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each cradle assembly can be identical with others to simplify manufacturing and assembly in the field. Or, end cradle assemblies can be different to save space in the cooler by having the external or exposed end faces free of connecting members and gravity feed panels. While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments of Referring now to the embodiment of The first cradle assembly 212 has a first cradle panel 218 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. First cradle panel 218 has a top, rear connecting member 220 formed or attached at or near the junction of the top and rear edge portions. Connecting member 220 is preferably an elongated member defining a socket or slot for receiving and holding a top, rear connecting rod 222. Connecting rod 222 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 220 to help hold the shelf device together. First cradle panel 218 also has a top, front connecting corner 224 formed therein at the junction of the top and front edge portions. Corner 224 is beveled or truncated to receive a lip member 226 formed on a rear surface of a cover panel 228 for the front of the shelf device. The first cradle panel 218 has an intermediate, front connecting member 230 formed along the front edge portion. Connecting member 230 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding an intermediate connecting rod 232. Connecting rod 232 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 230 to help hold the shelf device together. Cover panel 228 covers the upper portion of the front of the unit and provides space for product identification. Cover panel 228 can be made in lengths to fit typical cooler widths and can also be made in lengths for typical containers. Cover panel 228 has at least one connecting member 234 below lip member 226 on its rear surface. Connecting member 234 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding intermediate connecting rod 232. Connecting rod 232 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 234 to anchor cover panel 228 to the shelf device. The cover panel 228 can be moved from the closed position of First cradle panel 218 has a front extension 236 that extends the bottom edge portion and lower portion of the front edge portion forward. Front extension 236 preferably curves upward forming a cradle for holding a container for dispensing. A bottom, front connecting member 238 is formed along front extension 236. Connecting member 238 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding a bottom, front connecting rod 240. Connecting rod 240 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 238 to help hold the shelf device together. The bottom, rear portion of first cradle panel 218 is not visible in the drawings, but all the cradle panels are identical and interchangeable; so, the bottom, rear portion will be described with reference to cradle panel 242 of cradle assembly 216. Third cradle panel 242 has a bottom, rear connecting member 244 formed or attached at or near the junction of the bottom and rear edge portions, and also has a foot or stabilizing member 246 thereon. There is a transition between the rear and bottom edge portions that is curved to facilitate rolling movement of containers. Foot 246 is disposed forward of connecting member 244 so that the device rests on the foot. Connecting member 244 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding a bottom, rear connecting rod 248. Connecting rod 248 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 244 to help hold the shelf device together. Connecting rods 222, 232, 240 and 244 are solid rods of a length to fit a particular cooler. Once the cradle panels are snapped onto the rods, the panels are able to slide along the rods. By this construction, one cradle panel can slide toward and from an adjacent cradle panel to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. The connecting rods attach at or near corners of the panels to increase structural integrity. A lower gravity feed panel 250 extends along the front face or right side of cradle panel 242. The gravity feed panel 250 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 242 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. Panel 250 preferably extends along the rear edge portion also. A second gravity feed panel 252 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 250 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 250. On the rear face or left side of cradle panel 242, a gravity feed panel 254 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. A second gravity feed panel (not shown) is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 254 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 254. Gravity feed panels extend along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 242 with the upper gravity feed panel on the rear face mirroring upper gravity feed panel 252 on the front face, and with lower gravity feed panel 254 on the rear face mirroring lower gravity feed panel 250 on the front face. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a gravity feed ramp for the containers. Thus, the gravity feed panel on the rear face of cradle panel 242 and the gravity feed panel on the front face of cradle panel 256 form a gravity feed ramp. And, the gravity feed panel on the rear face of cradle panel 256 and the gravity feed panel on the front face of cradle panel 218 form a gravity feed ramp. While only three cradle assemblies are illustrated forming two container cradles, there may be fewer or more assemblies joined together forming a shelf device for cylindrical containers. The forward-most container in each cradle is inhibited from exiting the cradle by the curved front extension, which curves upward and extends above the plane of the lower gravity feed panel. It can now be appreciated that a shelf device has been presented in While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the preferred embodiments without departing from invention. For example, while a resinous material that can be injection molded is preferred for the panels, other molding methods can be used. Metal can be used for the panels also. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications as do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the invention.
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