MX2014012754A - Product dispensing system with tapered catch element. - Google Patents

Abstract

A product dispensing system including a dispenser having a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, the dispenser including a first support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, a catch element connected proximate the first support deck, the catch element including a front edge, wherein the front edge is tapered to a forward-most end, and a second support deck positioned below the first support deck, the second support defining a product display area.

Description

PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH CAPTURE ELEMENT DAMAGED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This request relates to the distribution of products to packaging containers and, more particularly, to distributors of products configured to cooperate with packaging containers to distribute products.

The products are typically sent to wholesalers by enclosing multiple individual product units in a container, such as a carton or box. For example, canned goods can be sent to a retailer in a box containing twenty-four individual cans. Then, it is typically the obligation of the retailer to remove the individual product units from the container and display them to the consumers.

Alternatives to the traditional packaging-shipping-unpacking-sample model have been developed in an effort to improve operational efficiency. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,922,437 to Loftin et al., Describes a new system for distributing and presenting products packaged in a container. Specifically, the system includes a frame that has a support structure, a product display area and an opening tool. The rack can be placed on a shelf of the dispenser and loaded with products simply by placing a container that It comprises multiple product units on the support structure of the frame. When the container is placed in the support structure, the opening tool of the frame opens the container in such a way that the products roll from the container and down to the product presentation area of the frame under the force of gravity.

As another example, US Patent Application Ser. No. 13 / 032,734 filed by Gelardi et al., Discloses a product distribution system using an opening tool having a catch element that engages and open a container when a container is loaded on the distributor, and then guide the container to avoid interference between the distribution products and the open container.

Despite the advances already made in the field, those with technical experience continue with the research and develop efforts aimed at devices and systems to distribute products from packaging containers.

In one aspect, the product distribution system described may include a dispenser having a front end longitudinally opposed to a rear end, the dispenser including a first support cover extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end , a capture element connected next to the first support cover, the capture element including a rear end and an end located more in front opposite longitudinally to the rear end of the capture element, wherein the rear end of the capture element has a first side width and the end located further to the front has a second side width, the second side width which is substantially smaller than the first side width, and a second support cover placed below the first support cover, the second support defining a product display area .

In another aspect, the product distribution system described may include a dispenser having a front end longitudinally opposite the trailing end, the dispenser includes a first support cover extending at least partially between the front end and the trailing end, capture element connected next to the first support cover, the capture element includes a front edge, wherein the front edge tapers towards a more forward end, and a second support cover placed below the first cover of support, the second support defines a product presentation area.

In another aspect, the product distribution system described may include a distributor frame having a front end longitudinally opposite the rear end, the distributor frame including a cover support extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, the support cover having a top surface and defining a channel below the top surface, the channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a capture element connected to the distributor frame close to the entry opening, and a container placed on the support cover, wherein a portion of the container engages with the capture element.

In another aspect, the product distribution system described may include a manifold frame having a front end longitudinally opposite from a rear end, the distributor frame includes a top support cover extending at least partially between the front ends and rear and having a top surface and defines a channel below the top surface, the channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the outlet opening opens towards the rear end of the distributor frame, a lower support cover positioned below the upper support cover, wherein the distributor frame defines an aperture sized to allow the product to pass from the upper support cover downward into the lower support cover, a connected capture element to the distributor frame near the entrance opening of the channel, and a container that def ine weakening characteristic, the container is placed in the upper support cover so that the capture element is coupled to the weakening characteristic, wherein the capture element pierces and separates the weakening characteristic to define an opening in the container.

In yet another aspect, described as a method to distribute products from a container using a distributor. The method may include the steps of (1) providing a dispenser that includes a frame having a front end longitudinally opposite a rear end, the frame includes a top support cover having a top surface and extending at least partially between the top and bottom. front end and rear end, and a lower support cover placed below the upper support cover, the lower support cover defines a product display area, wherein the frame defines a first opening, and a capture element connected to the frame; (2) provide a container defining a weakening characteristic and initially housing a plurality of products; (3) urging the container along the upper support cover from the front end towards the rear end so that the capture element engages the weakening characteristic and separates an access panel from the container to form a second opening, the separate access panel is directed towards the upper surface and towards the posterior end; and (4) aligns the second opening with the first opening so that at least one product of the plurality of products moves from the container to the product display area, where the product interacts with the separate access panel when the product moves to the product presentation area.

Other aspects of the product distribution system described will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a front and side perspective view of one aspect of the product distribution system described.

FIGURE 2A is a bottom and side perspective view of the container of the product distribution system of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 2B is a bottom and side perspective view of the container of FIGURE 2A, shown with a force applied to make perforations.

FIGURE 3 is a side and bottom perspective view of the container of FIGURE 2B, shown in an open configuration.

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a container template that can be used to form the container of FIGURE 2A.

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view, in section, of the distributor of the product distribution system of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6A is a top plan view of the distributor capture element of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 6B is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the capture element described.

FIGURE 7A is a side elevational view, in section, of an alternative embodiment of the described dispenser.

FIGURE 7B is a detailed side elevational view, in section, of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIGURE 7A.

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view, in section, of the dispenser of FIGURE 5, shown with a container in a first, partially loaded configuration.

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view, in section, of the distributor of FIGURE 8, shown with the container in a second, fully loaded configuration.

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view, in section, of the distributor of FIGURE 9, showing distribution products.

With reference to FIGURE 1, one aspect of the system Designated product distribution, generally designated 10, may include a dispenser 12 and a container 14. The container 14 can accommodate multiple units of the product 16. The container 14 can be loaded onto the dispenser 12 by urging the container 14 generally and horizontally throughout of the dispenser 12. When the container 14 is urged along the distributor 12, the dispenser 12 can engage and open the container 14, thereby releasing the products 16 from the container 14 to the dispenser 12 without the container 14 interfering with the movement of the products 16 from the container 14 and through the distributor 12.

The container 14 can be any container capable of housing products 16 and interacting beneficially with the dispenser 12 described. For example, the container 14 may be a cardboard box or a corrugated box.

With reference to FIGURE 2A, the container 14 can generally be a rectilinear container having six walls 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 that define an internal volume 30 for receiving the products 16 (FIGURES 9 and 10). Opposite walls 18 and 20 can define the front and rear walls, respectively, of container 14. Opposite walls 22 and 24 can define the first (eg, left) and second (eg, right) side walls, respectively, of the container 14. Opposite walls 26 and 28 can define the base and top walls, respectively, of the container 14.

A first weakening feature 34 may extend generally and horizontally from the edge 52 between the base wall 26 and the left side wall 22 towards the edge 56 between the base wall 26 and the right side wall 24 of the container 14. The first feature 34 of weakening may be formed in the base wall 26 near the edge 44 between the base wall 26 and the rear wall 20.

The first weakening character 34 can facilitate the separation of a portion of the base wall 26 from the remainder of the container 14, as shown in FIGURE 3. In a first implementation, the first weakening feature 34 can be formed as a row of perforations. For example, the first weakening feature 34 can be formed as a row of standard perforations, as a row of micro-perforations or as a row of closure-like cuts. In a second implementation, the first weakening feature 34 can be formed by slotting the container 14. In a third implementation, the first weakening feature 34 can be formed by folding the container 14. Other techniques used to form the second and third features 50, Weaknesses will be evident to those with experience in the art.

A second weakening feature 50 may extend generally and longitudinally from the first weakening feature 34 towards the front wall 18 of the container 14. The second weakening feature 50 can be formed in the base wall 26 proximate the edge 52 between the base wall 26 and the left side wall 22.

A third weakening feature 54 may extend generally and longitudinally from the first weakening feature 34 toward the front wall 18 of the container 14, and may be laterally separated from the second weakening feature 50. The third weakening feature 54 can be formed in the base wall 26 near the edge 56 between the base wall 26 and the right side wall 24.

The longitudinal section of the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 can be dictated by the size (e.g., diameter) of the products 16 housed in the container 14. As an example, the second and third characteristics 50, 54 of weakening they may extend along at least 5 percent of the edge portion 52. As another example, the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 may extend along at least 10 percent of the edge portion 52. As another example, the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 may extend along at least 20 percent of the edge portion 52. As yet another example, the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 may extend along at least 30 percent of the edge portion 52.

The second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 can facilitate the separation of a portion of the base wall 26 from the remainder of the container 14, as shown in FIGURE 3. In a first implementation, the second and third features 50, 54 of weakening can be formed as rows of perforations. For example, the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 may be formed as rows of standard perforations, as rows of microperforations or as rows of closure cuts. In a second implementation, the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 can be formed by grooving the container 14. In a third implementation, the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 can be formed by folding the container 14. Other useful techniques for forming the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In this way, a force F (FIGURE 2B) applied to the base wall 26 in the first weakening feature 34 can separate the base wall 26 along the length of the weakening characteristic, and then partially remove a portion of the wall 26 base of container 14 along the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 to form an access panel 58, as shown in FIGURE 3. When the first weakening feature 34 facilitates separation of the access panel 58 from the remainder of the container 14, the size of the access panel 58 can increase significantly, so that it forms an access opening 60 in the container 14. The access opening 60 can allow the products 16 housed in the container 14 to be distributed from the container 14 and, finally, inside the distributor 12 when the container 14 is loaded on distributor 12.

Optionally, one or more preformed fold lines 62 (FIGURE 3) may extend laterally through the base wall 26 to urge the access panel 58 to pivot relative to the base wall 26 of the container 14. Preformed fold lines 62 they can reduce or eliminate the possibility that the access panel 58 is randomly doubled or stacked when the access panel 58 is formed.

The container 14 can be formed from a cardboard container template, such as the cardboard container template 70 shown in FIGURE 4. The container template 70 may include a plurality of preformed fold lines 72, 73, 75, 77, 78, 79 defining the front wall 18 (comprised of front wall panels 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D), the wall 20 posterior (composed of the rear wall panels 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D), the left side wall 22, the right side wall 24, the base wall 26, the top wall 28 and the sealing panel 71.

The container 14 can be assembled by folding the container template 70 along the longitudinal fold lines 72, 73, 75, 78 and connecting the upper wall 28 to the sealing panel 71 to form the three-dimensional body of the container 14. Then, the front wall panels 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D can be assembled to form the front wall 18 of the container 14. Finally, the rear wall panels 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D can be assembled to form the rear wall 20 of the container 14.

The container jig 70 can be formed of a card stock, such as CIS card stock, which can have a coating (e.g., clay) on a first major surface thereof, which can form the exterior surface 74 (FIGURE 1). ) of the container 14, and a second uncoated main surface. As another example, the paperboard-based material may be C2S paperboard, which may have a coating (e.g., clay) on both of its major surfaces. Optionally, at least one main surface of the container template can be marked with various indicia 76 (FIGURE 1), such as printed text and / or graphics.

While a template 70 of cardboard container Specified is shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various techniques and materials can be used to form the container 14. Folded cardboard containers are only one non-limiting and specific example of the container 14 described.

Various products 16 having various shapes and configurations can be housed in the container 14 and distributed by the product distribution system 10 described. Suitable products include cans (e.g., canned soup or pet food), jars (e.g., sauce in a jar) or bottles (e.g., bottled sweet drinks).

With reference to FIGURE 5, the distributor 12 may include a frame 80 and a capture element 82. The frame 80 of the distributor 12 can support the container 14 in a desired configuration, such as a slightly declined configuration, but generally horizontal, as shown in FIGS. 1, 9 and 10. When the container 14 is driven generally and horizontally as length of the distributor 12 to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, the capture element 82 can couple the first weakening feature 34 (FIGURE 2B) in the container 14 to separate the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) from the container 14, as described in more detail herein.

The frame 80 may include a first wall 84 side (e.g., right), a second side wall 86 (e.g., left), a first support cover 88 (e.g. top) and a second support cover 90 (e.g., bottom). The right side wall 84 can be laterally separated from the left side wall 86, and can be generally parallel with the left side wall 86. The frame 80 may include a first end 92 (eg, front) and a second end 94 (eg, rear) longitudinally opposite from the first end 92.

The lower support cover 90 may extend laterally between the right side walls 84 and left 86, and may include a front end 96 extending longitudinally toward the front end 92 of the frame 80 and a rear end 98 extending longitudinally toward the end 94 back of the frame 80. Therefore, the lower support cover 90 and the side walls 84, 86 can define a lower level 100 of the frame 80.

The lower support cover 90 can be tilted from the front end 96 towards the rear end 98 (i.e., the rear end 98 can be raised relative to the front end 96) so that the products 16 deposited next to the rear end 98 of the cover 90 of lower support roll down towards the front end 96 of the lower support cover 90 under the force of gravity. The extension of the inclination of the support cover 90 lower can be dictated by, among other things, the coefficient of friction of the material used to form the frame 80 and the shape of the products 16 to be distributed by the distributor 12.

A stop 102 can be positioned proximate the front end 96 of the lower support cover 90 to prevent the products 16 from rolling past the front end 96 of the lower support cover 90. For example, the stop 102 can be connected to (e.g., integrated with) the lower support cover 90, and can curve upwardly at the front end 96 of the lower support cover 90. Therefore, the stop 102 can collect the products 16 at the front end 96 of the lower support cover 90, thereby defining a product display area 104 at the front end 96 of the lower support cover 90.

The upper support cover 88 may extend laterally between the right side walls 86 and left side 86, and may include a front end 106 extending longitudinally toward the front end 92 of the frame 80 and a rear end 108 extending longitudinally toward, but not a, the rear end 94 of the frame 80. Therefore, the upper support cover 88 and the side walls 84, 86 can define a top level 110 of the frame 80.

The spacing between the rear end 108 of the upper support cover 88 and rear end 94 of frame 80 can define an opening 112, which can function as a conduit to allow products 16 to move from upper level 110 towards lower level 100 of frame 80. When the container 14 is in the fully loaded configuration on the distributor 12, as shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, the access opening 60 (FIGURE 3) in the container 14 can be aligned with the opening 112 (FIGURE 5) defined by the frame 80 The upper support cover 88 can be declined from the front end 106 towards the rear end 108 (i.e., the front end 106 can be raised relative to the rear end 108). Therefore, the products 16 supported on the upper support cover 88 can roll under the force of gravity towards the rear end 108 of the upper support cover 88, through the opening 112, towards the lower level 100 of the frame 80. and, finally, to the product presentation area 104.

An optional rear wall 114 may be positioned proximate the rear end 94 of the frame 80 between the right and left side walls 84. The rear wall 114 can serve as a stop which inhibits horizontal movement backward of the container 14 (FIGURE 1) along the upper support cover 88 beyond the rear wall 114.

An optional guide 116 can be connected to the rear wall 114 of the frame 80, and can extend through the opening 112 in the frame 80, from the upper level 110 to the lower level 100. The guide 116 may be a ramp-shaped structure, and may be positioned to receive the products 16 that exit the container 14 and pass through the opening 112 in the frame 80, and may guide the products 16 to the rear end 98 of the lower support cover 90.

The capture element 82 can be positioned between the front end 106 and the rear end 108 of the upper support cover 88. For example, the capture element 82 can be placed close to the rear end 108 of the upper support cover 88.

The capture element 82 may extend laterally between the side walls 84, 86 of the frame 80, and may protrude longitudinally towards the front end 92 of the frame 80. The specific size and shape of the capture element 82 may depend on, among other things, the size and shape of the first weakening feature 34 in the container 14.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the capture element 82 may include a rear end 83 and a forward end 85, and the forward end 85 may be longitudinally separated from the rearward end 83. He rear end 83 of capture element 82 may have a lateral width WR, which may extend laterally between side walls 84, 86 of frame 80, and end 85 located further to the front may have a lateral width WF (Figure 6B), which may extend laterally between the side walls 84, 86 of the frame 80. The lateral width WF of the end 85 located farther to the front may be substantially less than the lateral width WR of the rear end 83.

In one expression, the lateral width WF of the forward end 85 may be more than 50 percent of the lateral width WR of the posterior end 83. In another expression, the lateral width WF of the forward end 85 may be more than 25 percent of the lateral width WR of the posterior end 83. In another expression, the lateral width WF of the forward end 85 may be more than 10 percent of the lateral width R of the posterior end 83. In another expression, the lateral width WF of the forward end 85 may be more than 5 percent of the lateral width WR of the posterior end 83. In still another expression, the lateral width WF of the forward end 85 may be more than 1 percent of the lateral width WR of the posterior end 83.

In a construction, shown in FIGURE 6A, the capture element 82 may have a generally pentagonal shape (or, alternatively, a generally triangular shape) in plan view, and may include the end 83 back and the front edges 87, 89. The rear end 83 of the capture element 82 can be placed proximate the rear end 108 of the upper support cover 88, as shown in FIGURE 5. The front edges 87, 89 of the capture element 82 can taper from the rear end 83 , and may terminate at a generally pointed front end 85 protruding longitudinally toward the front end 92 of the frame 80 (FIGURE 5).

The end 85 located further to the pointed front may generally be sharp or pointed enough to pierce and separate the first weakening feature 34 of the container 14 when placed in accordance with FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, as described herein. Optionally, the front edges 87, 89 may also be sharp to facilitate separation of the first weakening feature 34 from the container 14 as it advances toward the rear end 94 of the frame 80, as described in more detail herein.

In an alternative construction, the end 85 'located in front of the capture element 82' can be rounded off, as shown in FIGURE 6B.

While two specific capture elements 82, 82 '(FIGURES 6A and 6B) are shown and described as being tapered, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various techniques can be used to provide the capture element 82 with one end located more in front laterally narrower and without departing from the scope of the present description.

With reference again to FIGURE 5, in an effort to minimize the interference between the capture element 82 and the container 14 during loading, the capture element 82 may be substantially co-planar with the upper surface 118 of the cover 88. of superior support. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that slight displacement and / or a slight angle of the capture element 82 relative to the upper surface 118 of the upper support cover 88 can drive the coupling of the first weakening feature 34. in the container 14 by the capture element 82 during the loading of the container 14 on the distributor 12.

The upper support cover 88 can define a channel 120 positioned to guide the access panel 58 below the upper surface 118 of the upper support cover 88 when the access panel 58 is separated from the container 14 by the capture element 82 . The channel 120 may extend from an entrance opening 122 proximate the capture element 82, below the capture element 82 and, finally, to an exit opening 124. The outlet opening 124 can be opened towards the rear end 94 of the frame 80. The channel 120 can extend laterally between the walls 84, 86 of the frame 80, and may have a sufficient lateral width to allow the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) to pass through it.

In this way, the capture element 82, particularly the end 85 located more in front of the capture element 82, can pierce the first weakening feature 34 (FIGURE 2B) in the container 14 and can separate the access panel 58 (FIGURE 2B). 3) of the container 14 when the container 14 moves horizontally along the upper support cover 88 towards the rear end 94 of the frame 80.

The shape and position of the capture element 82 can be configured such that a portion of the capture element 82 extends through the first weakening feature 34 (FIGURE 2B) in the container 14. Therefore, when the container 14 is moved in relation to the capture element 82, the capture element 82 can urge the base wall 26 downwards through the opening 122 and into the channel 120, thereby causing separation of the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) from the container 14 along the second and third weakening characteristics 50, 54 (FIGURE 2B) and, finally, the formation of the access opening 60 (FIGURE 3) in the container 14.

FIGURES 7A and 7B represent an alternative embodiment of the capture element 82. As shown in FIG.

FIGURE 7A, the capture element 82 may have an end 85"located further to the front and may define an alternative aperture 122 'and a channel 120'. The capture element may further be attached to an access panel guide element 143 which defines a guide channel 154, as described in more detail herein.

As shown in FIGURE 7B, the capture element 82 can protrude over a distance Di that is long enough to ensure that the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) is able to separate before it is redirected through a channel 154. of redirection as described in greater detail herein The distance Di may generally be less than or equal to 0.64 cm (0.25 inches), less than or equal to 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), less than or equal to 1.91 cm ( 0.75 inches), or less than or equal to 2.54 cm (1.0 inches).

In an effort to minimize the interference between the capture element 82 and the container 14 during loading, the extended distance Di may be allowed by the engagement of the capture element 82 with the initiation aperture 34 when the container 14 is inserted inside. of the frame 80 as described herein may result in the coupling at the point that is closest to the coupling of the capture element 82 described in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B. Those with experience in the technical field will appreciate that the extended Di distance can prevent the access panel 58 from has been squeezed and / or caught in the capture element 82 when the container 14 is inserted into the frame 80. This is due to the ability of the capture element 82 to interact with the container 14 in stages (i.e., when the container 14 moves generally and longitudinally along the upper support cover 88, the initial separation of the access panel 58 may occur prior to the prediction of the access panel 58 by the access panel guide element 143), thereby providing the access panel 58 with ample space to move laterally through the opening 122 'before being diverted and / or redirected through the channel 120', as described in more detail herein.

The upper support cover 88 can define a guide channel 154 positioned to guide the access panel 58 below the upper support cover 88 when the access panel 58 is separated from the container 14 by the capture element 82. guide channel 154 may extend from channel 120 'next to capture element 82"downwards through capture element 82" and finally to an exit opening 124' channel 120 'may extend along a through axis P which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the upper support cover 88. The guide channel 154 can be bent (eg, generally C-shaped) of the channel 120 'so that the channel 120' it opens towards the end 92 front of the distributor frame 80 on the cover 88 of the upper support and the outlet opening 124 'opens towards the front end 92 of the distributor frame 80 under the upper support cover 88. The guide channel 154 may extend laterally between the side walls 84, 86 of the distributor frame 80, and may have a sufficient lateral width to allow the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) to pass through it.

The access panel guide element 143 may extend laterally between the right and left side walls 84, 86, and may include a front end 145 extending longitudinally toward the front end 92 of the distributor frame 80. Therefore, the access panel guide element 143 and the side walls 84, 86 can define the exit opening 124 '. The outlet opening 124 'may extend laterally between the side walls 84, 86 of the frame 80, and may have a sufficient lateral width to allow the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) to pass from the guide channel 154 through it.

The access panel guide element 143 may define the exit opening 124 'positioned to further guide the access panel 58 below the upper support cover 88 when the access panel 58 is further separated from the container 14 by the element 82"capture" and passes through the guide channel 154. While the access panel guide element 143 shown and described herein is generally curved (e.g., C-shaped), laterally elongated, and a protrusion extending forward, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternative structures can be used as the described access panel guide element 143 without departing from the scope of the present description. For example, the access panel guide element 143 may be extended in a manner such that it does not come into contact with the products 16 that move along the lower support cover 90 as described in more detail herein.

In this way, the capture element 82 can pierce the first weakening feature 34 (FIGURE 2B) in the container 14 and can separate the access panel 58 (FIGURE 3) from the container 14 when the container 14 moves horizontally as length of the upper support cover 88 towards the rear end 94 of the distributor frame 80. The shape and position of the capture element 82 can be configured such that a portion of the capture element 82 extends through the opening 34. of start (FIGURE 2B) in the container 14, and further extends in a portion of the container.

Therefore, when the container 14 moves relative to the capture element 82, the product 16 can drive the first downward weakening characteristic 34 so that the first characteristic 34 of weakening is appropriately captured by the capture element 82, which then can urge the base wall 26 of the container 14 through the opening 122 'whereby it causes the separation of the first weakening feature 34 (FIGURE 3) of the container 14, and further along the second and third features 50, 54 of weakening (FIGURE 2B) and, finally, the formation of the access opening 60 (FIGURE 3) in the container 14. When the container 14 is installed additionally, the access panel 58 can continue to extend longitudinally through the opening 122 'and the channel 120' until it reaches the curved portion of the guide channel 154. The curved shape of the guide channel 154 can direct the access panel 58 backwardly separated (i.e., a U-shaped turn) in the exit opening 124 'defined by the access panel guide member 143 so that the separate access panel 58 does not interact with the products. 16 which move along the lower support cover 90.

FIGURES 8-10 illustrate the container 14 being loaded onto the dispenser 12 so that the capture element 82 of the dispenser 12 engages and opens the container 14, thereby freeing the products 16 initially housed in the container 14 to the dispenser 12. Specifically, FIGURES 8-10 illustrate the container 14 being propelled generally and horizontally along the support deck 88 top (ie, along the longitudinal axis A of the upper support cover 88) toward the rear end 94 of the distributor frame 80, thereby automatically opening the container 14 and distributing the products 16 of the container 14 to the distributor 12 .

As shown in FIGURE 8, as the first weakening feature 34 in the container 14 approaches the capture element 82 of the distributor 12, the capture element 82 can pierce, separate and pass through the first weakening feature 34. . With the capture element 82 extending through the first weakening feature 34, the trailing edge 66 of the base wall 26 of the container 14 can be directed downwardly through the inlet opening 122 of the channel 120.

As shown in FIGURE 9, when the container 14 continues to move longitudinally along the upper support cover 88 towards the rear end 94 of the distributor 12, the base wall 26 of the container 14 can pass through the channel 120, what separates the access panel 58 from the base wall 26. Because the outlet opening 124 of the channel 120 opens toward the rear end 94 of the distributor 12, the separate access panel 58 can be directed toward the rear end 94 of the distributor 12, thereby partially covering the access opening 60 which It has been formed in container 14.

As shown in FIGURE 10, with the container 14 fully loaded on the distributor 12, the access opening 60 formed in the container 14 can be aligned with the opening 112 between the upper 110 and lower 100 levels of the frame 80. Therefore , the force of gravity can drive the products 16 initially housed in the container 14 through the access opening 60 in the container 14, through the opening 112 in the frame 80, down to the lower support cover 90 and , finally, to the product presentation area 104. The weight of the products 16 passing through the openings 60, 112 can drive the access panel 58 from the configuration shown in FIGURE 9 to the configuration shown in FIGURE 10.

When the products 16 exit the container 14 interact with the access panel 58, the access panel 58 can be "hooked" onto the top support cover 88 of the dispenser 12. Specifically, when the products 16 exit the container 14 they interact with the panel 58, a first portion of the access panel 58 (ie, the portion of the access panel 58 within the channel 120) may extend toward the rear end 94 of the distributor frame 80 while a second portion of the access panel 58 (FIG. that is, the portion of the access panel 58 that includes the rear edge 66) may extend toward the front end 92 of the distributor frame 80, thereby inhibiting the separation of the container 14 from the distributor 12.

Accordingly, the coupling between the products 16 and the access panel 58 that facilitates the "latching" of the access panel 58 onto the dispenser 12 can function as a theft deterrent by inhibiting the easy and rapid separation of a container 14. loaded from the distributor 12.

Although various aspects of the product distribution system described have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those with technical experience upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A product distribution system characterized in that it comprises: a dispenser having a front end longitudinally opposite from a rear end, the dispenser comprises: a first support cover extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end; a capture element connected next to the first support cover, the capture element comprises a rear end and an end located more in front longitudinally opposite from the rear end of the capture element, where the rear end of the capture element has a first side width and the most forward end has a second side width, the second side width is less than the first side width; Y a second support cover placed below the first support cover, the second support defines a product display area.

2. The product distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second lateral width is at most 25 percent of the first lateral width.

3. The product distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second lateral width is at most 10 percent of the first lateral width.

4. The product distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second lateral width is at most 5 percent of the first lateral width.

5. A product distribution system characterized in that it comprises: a dispenser having a front end longitudinally opposite from a rear end, the dispenser comprises: a first support cover extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end; a capture element connected next to the first support cover, the capture element comprising a front edge, wherein the front edge tapers toward a more forward end; Y a second support cover placed below the first support cover, the second support defines a product display area.

6. The product distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the The first support cover comprises a front end and a rear end, and wherein the capture element is connected to the first support cover proximate the rear end of the first support cover and protrudes towards the front end.

7. The product distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the end located more in front is pointed or rounded.

8. The product distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the distributor further comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, the second side wall is opposite laterally to the first side wall.

9. The product distribution system according to claim 8, characterized in that the capture element extends laterally between the first side wall and the second side wall.

10. The product distribution system according to claim 8, characterized in that the frontmost end is substantially centered between the first side wall and the second side wall.

11. The product distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the capture element defines a first top surface and the first support cover defines a second surface upper, and wherein the first upper surface is substantially parallel to the second upper surface.

12. The product distribution system according to claim 5, further characterized in that it comprises a container placed on the first support cover.

13. The product distribution system according to claim 12, characterized in that the first support cover defines an upper surface and a channel extending below the upper surface, the channel has an entrance opening and an exit opening.

14. The product distribution system according to claim 13, characterized in that the outlet opening opens toward the front end.

15. The product distribution system according to claim 13, characterized in that a portion of the container is received in the channel.

16. The product distribution system according to claim 12, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of products initially housed in the container.

17. The product distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the product presentation area is close to the front end.

18. The product distribution system of according to claim 12, characterized in that the first support cover defines an upper level of the distributor and the second support cover defines a lower level of the distributor, and wherein the first support cover further defines an opening between the upper level and the lower level.

19. The product distribution system according to claim 18, characterized in that the container defines an internal volume and an access opening in the internal volume.

20. The product distribution system according to claim 19, characterized in that the access opening is aligned with the opening defined by the first support cover.