US20010054297A1 - Door control system - Google Patents
Door control system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010054297A1 US20010054297A1 US09/932,009 US93200901A US2001054297A1 US 20010054297 A1 US20010054297 A1 US 20010054297A1 US 93200901 A US93200901 A US 93200901A US 2001054297 A1 US2001054297 A1 US 2001054297A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cooler
- door
- shelves
- product shelves
- product
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/08—Show cases or show cabinets with arrangements for continuously or intermittently moving the merchandise
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
- A47F3/0426—Details
- A47F3/043—Doors, covers
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to coolers and refrigerators and more particularly relates to coolers with oscillating product shelves.
- coolers and refrigerators are commonly used to present different types of products for sale.
- the coolers generally have a transparent door, a lid, or another type of entrance such that a consumer can see the products therein.
- the products are generally placed on shelves within the cooler. As is well known, the consumer opens the door to the cooler and grasps the desired product or products.
- Such coolers are commonly used to sell refrigerated products such as bottles or cans of beverages. These beverages may include coffee; tea; water; fruit, vegetable, and juice concentrates; fruit, vegetable, and juice beverages; isotonic beverages; non-isotonic beverages; milk and milk by-products; carbonated soft drinks; and soft drink concentrate.
- the products also may include one or more food brands or other types of consumable items.
- the cooler has several drawbacks.
- the cooler has numerous moving parts that must be maintained.
- the cooler is therefore expensive to construct and expensive to operate as compared to conventional coolers.
- Loading the cooler also has turned out to be somewhat difficult in that the products should be located within the interior portion of the cooler.
- the interior portion of the cooler is not directly accessible such that the cooler may not always be loaded in a first in and a first out basis. Further, because this cooler does not use a door, consumers may not believe the products are sufficiently cold.
- cooler that uses motion to attract the eye of the consumer.
- the motion within the cooler must be accomplished in a safe and cost effective manner.
- the cooler should be relatively inexpensive to construct, operate, maintain, and reload as compared to most types of conventional coolers.
- the present invention thus provides a cooler with a number of product shelves and an oscillating drive mechanism.
- the oscillating drive mechanism is connected to of the product shelves so as to rotate the product shelves in an oscillating manner.
- the cooler thus provides internal motion so as to catch the consumer's eye.
- the cooler also provides for easy reloading in a first in and first out manner.
- Specific embodiments of the present invention include the cooler having an outer door with a transparent panel such that the product shelves may be seen.
- the outer door includes a door switch in communication with the oscillating drive mechanism.
- the door switch turns the oscillating drive mechanism off when the outer door is opened. A consumer may then remove a product from the product shelf while the shelf is not moving.
- the cooler may include an outer shell and a door with a substantially circular shape or any other conventional shape.
- the product shelves may be made out of stainless steel, aluminum, or thermoplastics.
- the product shelves may have a substantially circular shape.
- the product shelves may have a rotation speed of about one-eighth (0.125) to about two (2) feet per second.
- One or more shelves may rotate first in a first direction while one or more other shelves may rotate first in a second direction.
- the product shelves may oscillate from a central point by about five degrees (5°) to about thirty degrees (30°).
- the product shelves may include a number of product channels positioned thereon.
- Each of the product shelves may have a first product channel positioned on a first side of the product shelf and a second product channel positioned on a second side of the product shelf.
- the product shelves may oscillate in a first direction such that the first product channel is accessible and then oscillate in a second direction such that the second product channel is accessible.
- the product shelves may have an angled shape with a first end and a second end. The second end may extend about seven degrees (7°) to about nine degrees (9°) beyond the first end.
- the product shelves also may be gravity feed organizers.
- the cooler also may include a reload switch in communication with the oscillating drive mechanism.
- the reload switch causes the oscillating drive mechanism to rotate the product shelves about one hundred eighty degrees.
- the product shelves each may have an upper end and a lower end such that the products slide towards the lower end of the shelves.
- the reload switch causes the product shelves to rotate such that the upper end of the shelf faces the user.
- the user may then reload the shelves via the upper end such that the products slide from the upper end to the lower end.
- the user again hits the reload switch such that the product shelves are rotated until the lower end of the shelves faces the door.
- the cooler also may include a door control system.
- the door control system may include an outer door and a drive motor.
- the door control system also may have a sensor to detect the presence of a consumer such that the sensor activates the drive motor to open the door when the consumer is present.
- the sensor also activates the drive motor to close the door when the consumer is no longer present.
- a further embodiment of the present invention provides for an improved cooler.
- the cooler may have an outer shell with an aperture therein and a door positioned adjacent to the aperture.
- the cooler also may have a door control system.
- the door control system may have a drive motor and a sensor such that the sensor causes the drive motor to operate the door when the sensor is triggered.
- the outer door may have a curved shape.
- the door may be positioned within the cooler.
- the sensor activates the drive motor to open the door when a consumer is present and also activates the drive motor to close the door when a consumer is no longer present.
- the sensor may be a touch sensor, a light detector, a thermal detector, a sound detector, or other conventional types of detection devices.
- the door control system also may include control means so as to delay the opening or closing of the door as desired.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of a cooler of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is plan view of the drive mechanism.
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the shelf and the drive mechanism.
- FIG. 4A is a plan view of a shelf of the present invention with a plurality of products placed within the product channels.
- FIG. 4B is a plan view of the shelf rotated in a counterclockwise fashion
- FIG. 4C is a plan view of the shelf rotated in a clockwise fashion.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cooler with an automatic door.
- FIG. 6 is a top cross sectional view of the cooler and the automatic door.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the door and the drive motor.
- FIGS. 1, 2, 3 A, and 3 B show a cooler 100 of the present invention.
- the cooler 100 generally has a conventional refrigeration system 110 positioned therein or adjacent thereto as is well known in the art.
- the cooler 100 also includes an insulated shell 120 with an interior refrigerated portion 125 .
- the insulated shell 120 and the interior portion 125 may be largely of conventional design.
- the cooler 100 may have a conventional rectangular shape.
- Alternative as is shown in FIGS. 4 A- 4 C, the cooler 100 also may have a substantially circular shape or just the interior portion 125 may have such a circular shape. Any conventional shape, however, may be used for the cooler 100 , the shell 120 , or the interior portion 125 .
- the cooler 100 may be enclosed by an outer door 130 .
- the outer door 130 preferably is transparent in whole or in part such that the consumer can see within the cooler 100 .
- the outer door 130 may swing open, slide open, or open in any conventional fashion. Further, the cooler 100 may have multiple doors 130 .
- the invention also may be applicable to coolers 100 with no door 130 at all. For example, an air door similar to that described in commonly owned U.S. application Ser. No. 09/110,847 may be used and is incorporated herein.
- the shelves 140 are preferably made from a substantially rigid, non-corrosive material such as stainless steel, aluminum, thermoplastics, or various types of composite materials.
- the shelves 140 are preferably, but not necessarily, angled in shape such that a lower end 141 of each shelf 140 faces the outer door 130 and a higher end 142 of each shelf 140 extends towards the rear of the cooler 100 .
- the shelves 140 may be gravity feed organizers such as the shelves 140 sold under the mark “Visi-Slide” by Display Technologies of New York, N.Y.
- Such gravity feed organizers are generally installed within the cooler 100 at an angle, also with the lower end 141 of the shelf 140 facing the outer door 130 and the higher end 142 of the shelf 140 extending towards the rear of the cooler 100 . In either case, products placed on the shelf 140 slide under the force of gravity towards the lower end 141 of the shelf 140 and the outer door 130 .
- the shelves 140 may have an angle of about seven degrees (7°) to about nine degrees (9°) off of the horizontal.
- the shelves 140 are shown as being angled, it is understood that largely horizontal shelves 140 also may be used herein. Other alternatives may include the use of neck-tracker shelves that hold a bottle by its neck or a horizontal serpentine design. Any conventional type of shelf 140 may be used herein.
- the shelves 140 of the present application are preferably circular or semi-circular in shape. Any convenient shape that permits movement of the shelf 140 within the cooler 100 , however, may be used.
- the shelves 140 generally have a number of channels 145 positioned thereon. The products are placed within the channels 145 such that the products slide down the shelf 140 in an organized fashion. Any number of channels 145 may be used.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first shelf 146 , a second shelf 147 , a third shelf 148 , and a fourth shelf 149 . Any number of shelves 140 , however, may be used within the cooler 100 .
- the shelves 140 may have a lattice pattern therein so as to promote airflow throughout the interior portion 125 of the cooler 100 .
- Each shelf 140 may be supported by a plurality of rollers 150 .
- the rollers 150 support each shelf 140 about its periphery.
- the rollers 150 allow the shelves 140 to rotate within the cooler 100 .
- the shelves 140 may be driven by a drive mechanism 152 .
- the drive mechanism 152 may include a number of drive shafts 153 powered by a drive motor 154 .
- the drive shafts 153 may be positioned within the interior portion 125 or the insulted shell 120 of the cooler.
- the drive motor 154 may be centrally located within or adjacent to the cooler 100 .
- the drive motor 154 is preferably a conventional electrical motor. In the present embodiment, two drive shafts 153 are used, a first drive shaft 155 and a second drive shaft 156 .
- the first drive shaft 155 is driven directly by the drive motor 154 .
- the second drive shaft 156 is driven by the first drive shaft 155 by a set of rotation gears 157 connecting both shafts 155 , 156 . If the first drive shaft 155 rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the rotation gears 157 may cause the second drive shaft 156 to rotate in the opposite direction.
- the drive mechanism 152 also may include other conventional types of drive means. For example, a central drive shaft 153 may be used.
- Each of the shelves 140 is driven by one of the drive shafts 153 by a set of drive gears 158 connecting the shelves 140 and the shafts 153 .
- Each shelf 140 may have a toothed surface 159 that meshes with the drive gears 158 .
- the first shelf 146 and the third shelf 148 are attached to the first drive shaft 155 for rotation in one direction while the second shelf 147 and the fourth shelf 149 are attached to the second drive shaft 156 for rotation in the opposite direction.
- the shafts 153 and the shelves 140 may be attached in any order or orientation.
- the drive gears 158 also may have a slip clutch positioned thereon. If an obstruction prevents rotation of one shelf 140 , the other shelves 140 may continue to move without damage to the drive mechanism 152 .
- the shelves 140 may rotate at a speed of about one-eighth (1 ⁇ 8) to about two (2) feet per second. The shelves 140 may then stop and reverse direction. Having one shelf 140 rotating in one direction while another shelf 140 rotates in the opposite direction may magnify the appearance of speed. Any combination of directions may be used. Further, the drive mechanism 153 also may have suitable gearing for driving the shelves 140 at different or varying speeds. The rotation of the shelves 140 may be continuous or intermittent on an overall or an individual basis.
- FIG. 4A shows one shelf 140 with a plurality of products 170 positioned thereon.
- the products 170 preferably may be bottles or cans of beverages such as carbonated soft drinks or the like.
- the products 170 may be almost any type of object that can slide down the shelf 140 within the channels 145 . Any number of products 170 may be used. Likewise, various combinations of different types of products 170 may be used in any order.
- each shelf 140 may oscillate by about five degrees (5°) to about thirty degrees (30°) off of a central position, a mid-point P.
- the extent of the oscillation depends in large part on the overall size of the cooler 100 such that almost any range of oscillation may be used.
- the shelf 140 may rotate a given amount in one direction, stop, return to the mid-point P, rotate the given amount in the opposite direction, stop, return to the mid-point P, and again repeat the process.
- each shelf 140 may rotate as is shown in FIG. 4B in a counterclockwise direction such that the products 170 within the first channel 180 are accessible by a consumer when the shelf 140 stop rotating.
- the shelf 140 may then rotate in a clockwise direction as is shown in FIG. 4C such that the products 170 within the seventh channel 240 are accessible.
- the shelf 140 would then again stop and repeat the process.
- the cooler 100 preferably has a door switch 250 positioned thereon.
- the door switch 250 may be in communication with the drive mechanism 152 .
- the door switch 250 is triggered such that the drive mechanism 152 is stopped.
- the consumer therefore can remove a product 170 from one of the shelves 140 without the shelves 140 rotating. Such rotation may make a consumer hesitant to grasp the product 170 .
- the door switch 250 stops the rotation of the shelves 140 so as to eliminate this hesitation.
- the door switch 250 is again triggered when the door 130 is closed such that the drive mechanism 152 again rotates the shelves 140 .
- the cooler 100 preferably also has a reload switch 260 positioned on the shell 120 .
- the reload switch 260 also may be in communication with the drive mechanism 152 .
- the reload switch 260 would be used when reloading the cooler 100 with the products 170 .
- rotation of the shelves 140 is stopped when the door 130 is opened because of the door switch 250 .
- the reloader then hits the reload switch 260 .
- the reload switch 260 causes the drive mechanism 152 to rotate each of the shelves 140 about one hundred eighty degrees (180°) such that the high end 142 of each shelf 140 is now facing the door 130 .
- each shelf 140 will rotate in the same direction so as to prevent possible contact between the shelves 140 or the products 170 .
- the reloader can then position the products 170 within each of the channels 145 .
- the products 170 will slide down within each of the channels 145 towards the lower end 141 of the shelf 140 .
- Rich shelf 140 is full, the reloader again hits the reload switch 240 so as to return the shelves 140 to their original positions with the lower end 141 of each shelf 140 facing the door 130 .
- the use of this reload method therefore ensures that the products 170 are used in a first in, first out manner within each channel 145 and each shelf 140 .
- the shelves 140 oscillate with respect to an outside point P as is shown in FIGS. 4 A- 4 C.
- the point P may represent the position of a consumer in front of the cooler 100 .
- the rotation may be uniform or one or more shelves 140 may rotate first in a clockwise direction while one or more shelves 140 may rotate first in a counterclockwise direction.
- the shelves 140 may reach the full extent of travel in one direction and then reverse direction in an oscillating manner. This movement serves to catch the consumer's eye.
- the door switch 250 stops the drive mechanism 152 .
- the shelves 140 therefore stop rotating such that the consumer may grasp one or more of the products 170 off one of the shelves 140 .
- the consumer then shuts the door 130 such that the shelves 140 again begin oscillating.
- the reloader opens the door 130 such that the door switch 250 stops the drive mechanism 152 and the rotation of the shelves 140 .
- the reloader hits the reload switch 260 such that all of the shelves 140 are rotated about one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) or so such that the upper end 142 of each shelf 140 faces the door 130 .
- the reloader then places the products 170 within each channel 145 of the shelves 140 .
- the products 170 generally slide down from the upper end 142 to the lower end 141 of each channel 145 within the shelves 140 .
- the reloader again hits the reload switch 260 such that the shelves 140 return to their original positions with the lower end 141 of each of the shelves 140 facing the door 130 . Reloading the cooler 100 in this manner ensures that the products 170 are loaded and removed from each channel 145 and each shelf 140 in a first in, first out manner.
- FIGS. 5 - 7 show a further embodiment of the present invention.
- This embodiment shows the use of an automatic door 300 .
- the door 300 may be used with the circular cooler 100 shown in FIGS. 4 A- 4 C or the door 300 may be used in any cooler 100 having a substantially or partially curved interior portion 125 .
- the door 300 is preferably, but not necessarily mounted within the interior portion 125 of the cooler 100 and preferably follows the shape of the interior portion 125 . As is shown, if the interior portion 125 is largely circular, the door 300 is also curved accordingly.
- the door 300 may be largely of conventional design and may include a large pane 310 surrounded by a frame 320 .
- the door 300 may be mounted within a channel 330 or other type of guide mechanism positioned within the interior portion 125 of the cooler 100 .
- the channel 330 may be mounted on the bottom or the top of the interior portion 125 of cooler 100 , or both.
- the door 300 may be driven by a drive motor 340 .
- the drive motor 340 may be a conventional DC drive motor or any conventional type of drive device.
- the drive motor 340 may be mounted to the top or the bottom of the interior portion 125 of the cooler 100 .
- the drive motor 340 may drive the door 300 via a roller 350 .
- the roller 350 may be made from a rubber or rubber-like material.
- the roller 350 may drive the door 300 by direct contact with the frame 320 as is shown in FIG. 6 or by contact with the pane 310 itself as is shown in FIG. 7.
- the drive motor 340 rotates the roller 350 in one direction to open the door 300 .
- the door 300 travels along the channel 330 into the interior portion 125 of the cooler 100 .
- the drive motor 340 also rotates the roller 350 in the opposite direction to close the door 300 .
- the door 300 may be operated by a control system 360 .
- the control system 360 may include one or more sensors 370 that detect the presence of the consumer adjacent to the cooler 100 .
- the sensors 370 may be in a circuit with the drive motor 340 so as to activate the drive motor 340 to open the door 300 when a consumer is present and to close the door 300 when the consumer leaves.
- a touch sensor 370 may be used.
- the touch sensor 370 may be positioned on the floor in front of the cooler 100 .
- the touch sensor 370 completes or breaks the circuit so as to activate the drive motor 340 to open the door 300 .
- the door 300 remains open as long as the consumer is on the touch sensor 370 .
- the touch sensor 370 likewise completes or breaks the circuit so as to activate the drive motor 340 to close the door 300 .
- the sensors 370 may include any device that detects the presence of a consumer. In addition to touch or pressure sensors 370 , the sensors 370 may be based upon the use of light emitters and receivers, thermal detectors, sound detectors, or any other conventional type of detection device or method. The opening and closing of the door 300 also may be delayed by a given interval so as to prevent random openings by passers-by and also to ensure that the consumer is completely out of range of the door 300 when it closes. Any conventional type of control logic may be used by the control system 360 .
Abstract
A cooler with a number of product shelves and an oscillating drive mechanism. The oscillating drive mechanism is connected to the product shelves so as to rotate the product shelves in an oscillating manner.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to coolers and refrigerators and more particularly relates to coolers with oscillating product shelves.
- Various types of coolers and refrigerators are commonly used to present different types of products for sale. The coolers generally have a transparent door, a lid, or another type of entrance such that a consumer can see the products therein. The products are generally placed on shelves within the cooler. As is well known, the consumer opens the door to the cooler and grasps the desired product or products. Such coolers are commonly used to sell refrigerated products such as bottles or cans of beverages. These beverages may include coffee; tea; water; fruit, vegetable, and juice concentrates; fruit, vegetable, and juice beverages; isotonic beverages; non-isotonic beverages; milk and milk by-products; carbonated soft drinks; and soft drink concentrate. The products also may include one or more food brands or other types of consumable items.
- Various approaches have been used in the past to make an individual cooler, or the products within that cooler, stand out from the surrounding environment. One goal of cooler design is to have the cooler, or the products within the cooler, catch the consumer's eye. Such an attraction may lead to an increase in product sales. These approaches have included, for example, various types of advertising promoting the products, different lighting effects within or around the cooler, the use of sound, and various combinations of attractions so as to grab the consumer's attention.
- Another method by which to attract the consumer's attention is to create motion within the cooler. For example, commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/110,847, entitled “Rotary Cooler”, describes a cooler with a number of product shelves that may rotate three hundred and sixty degrees (360°). Each shelf has an exposed portion with a number of products placed thereon, an interior portion for storage of products, and a panel separating the two areas. Products are moved between the exposed portion and the interior portion via an internal pusher device. When a sensor indicates that a product has been removed from the exposed area, the pusher device pushes another one of the product from the interior portion to the exterior portion. The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/110,847 is incorporated herein by reference.
- Although the rotary cooler as described therein has proved to be effective in catching the eye of the consumer through the use of motion, the cooler has several drawbacks. For example, the cooler has numerous moving parts that must be maintained. The cooler is therefore expensive to construct and expensive to operate as compared to conventional coolers. Loading the cooler also has turned out to be somewhat difficult in that the products should be located within the interior portion of the cooler. The interior portion of the cooler, however, is not directly accessible such that the cooler may not always be loaded in a first in and a first out basis. Further, because this cooler does not use a door, consumers may not believe the products are sufficiently cold.
- What is needed, therefore, is a cooler that uses motion to attract the eye of the consumer. The motion within the cooler must be accomplished in a safe and cost effective manner. Further, the cooler should be relatively inexpensive to construct, operate, maintain, and reload as compared to most types of conventional coolers.
- The present invention thus provides a cooler with a number of product shelves and an oscillating drive mechanism. The oscillating drive mechanism is connected to of the product shelves so as to rotate the product shelves in an oscillating manner. The cooler thus provides internal motion so as to catch the consumer's eye. The cooler also provides for easy reloading in a first in and first out manner.
- Specific embodiments of the present invention include the cooler having an outer door with a transparent panel such that the product shelves may be seen. The outer door includes a door switch in communication with the oscillating drive mechanism. The door switch turns the oscillating drive mechanism off when the outer door is opened. A consumer may then remove a product from the product shelf while the shelf is not moving. The cooler may include an outer shell and a door with a substantially circular shape or any other conventional shape.
- The product shelves may be made out of stainless steel, aluminum, or thermoplastics. The product shelves may have a substantially circular shape. The product shelves may have a rotation speed of about one-eighth (0.125) to about two (2) feet per second. One or more shelves may rotate first in a first direction while one or more other shelves may rotate first in a second direction. The product shelves may oscillate from a central point by about five degrees (5°) to about thirty degrees (30°). The product shelves may include a number of product channels positioned thereon. Each of the product shelves may have a first product channel positioned on a first side of the product shelf and a second product channel positioned on a second side of the product shelf. The product shelves may oscillate in a first direction such that the first product channel is accessible and then oscillate in a second direction such that the second product channel is accessible. The product shelves may have an angled shape with a first end and a second end. The second end may extend about seven degrees (7°) to about nine degrees (9°) beyond the first end. The product shelves also may be gravity feed organizers.
- The oscillating drive mechanism may include one or more drive shafts powered by an electrical motor so as to rotate the shelves. The shelves may be supported for rotation within the cooler by a series of rollers. The drive shafts may rotate the shelves via a set of drive gears. The oscillating drive mechanism may have a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft with the first drive shaft powered by the electrical motor. The drive shafts may be connected by a set of rotation gears such that the first drive shaft rotates in a first direction and the second drive rotates in a second direction. One of the shelves may be connected to the first drive shaft and another one of the shelves may be connected to the second drive shaft.
- The cooler also may include a reload switch in communication with the oscillating drive mechanism. The reload switch causes the oscillating drive mechanism to rotate the product shelves about one hundred eighty degrees. The product shelves each may have an upper end and a lower end such that the products slide towards the lower end of the shelves. The reload switch causes the product shelves to rotate such that the upper end of the shelf faces the user. The user may then reload the shelves via the upper end such that the products slide from the upper end to the lower end. The user again hits the reload switch such that the product shelves are rotated until the lower end of the shelves faces the door.
- The cooler also may include a door control system. The door control system may include an outer door and a drive motor. The door control system also may have a sensor to detect the presence of a consumer such that the sensor activates the drive motor to open the door when the consumer is present. The sensor also activates the drive motor to close the door when the consumer is no longer present.
- The method of the present invention provides for reloading a cooler with a number of products. The cooler may have a door and a number of product shelves. The product shelves may have a first end facing the door and a second end facing away from the door. The method may include the steps of opening the door, rotating the product shelves such that the second end faces the door, loading products onto the product shelves via the second end, and rotating the product shelves such that the first end again faces the door.
- A further embodiment of the present invention provides for an improved cooler. The cooler may have an outer shell with an aperture therein and a door positioned adjacent to the aperture. The cooler also may have a door control system. The door control system may have a drive motor and a sensor such that the sensor causes the drive motor to operate the door when the sensor is triggered. The outer door may have a curved shape. The door may be positioned within the cooler. The sensor activates the drive motor to open the door when a consumer is present and also activates the drive motor to close the door when a consumer is no longer present. The sensor may be a touch sensor, a light detector, a thermal detector, a sound detector, or other conventional types of detection devices. The door control system also may include control means so as to delay the opening or closing of the door as desired.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of a cooler of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is plan view of the drive mechanism.
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the shelf and the drive mechanism.
- FIG. 4A is a plan view of a shelf of the present invention with a plurality of products placed within the product channels.
- FIG. 4B is a plan view of the shelf rotated in a counterclockwise fashion
- FIG. 4C is a plan view of the shelf rotated in a clockwise fashion.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cooler with an automatic door.
- FIG. 6 is a top cross sectional view of the cooler and the automatic door.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the door and the drive motor.
- Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1, 2,3A, and 3B show a cooler 100 of the present invention. The cooler 100 generally has a
conventional refrigeration system 110 positioned therein or adjacent thereto as is well known in the art. The cooler 100 also includes aninsulated shell 120 with an interiorrefrigerated portion 125. Theinsulated shell 120 and theinterior portion 125 may be largely of conventional design. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooler 100 may have a conventional rectangular shape. Alternative as is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the cooler 100 also may have a substantially circular shape or just theinterior portion 125 may have such a circular shape. Any conventional shape, however, may be used for the cooler 100, theshell 120, or theinterior portion 125. - The cooler100 may be enclosed by an
outer door 130. Theouter door 130 preferably is transparent in whole or in part such that the consumer can see within the cooler 100. Theouter door 130 may swing open, slide open, or open in any conventional fashion. Further, the cooler 100 may havemultiple doors 130. The invention also may be applicable tocoolers 100 with nodoor 130 at all. For example, an air door similar to that described in commonly owned U.S. application Ser. No. 09/110,847 may be used and is incorporated herein. - Located within the cooler100 may be a plurality of
product shelves 140. Theshelves 140 are preferably made from a substantially rigid, non-corrosive material such as stainless steel, aluminum, thermoplastics, or various types of composite materials. Theshelves 140 are preferably, but not necessarily, angled in shape such that alower end 141 of eachshelf 140 faces theouter door 130 and ahigher end 142 of eachshelf 140 extends towards the rear of the cooler 100. Alternatively, theshelves 140 may be gravity feed organizers such as theshelves 140 sold under the mark “Visi-Slide” by Display Technologies of New York, N.Y. Such gravity feed organizers are generally installed within the cooler 100 at an angle, also with thelower end 141 of theshelf 140 facing theouter door 130 and thehigher end 142 of theshelf 140 extending towards the rear of the cooler 100. In either case, products placed on theshelf 140 slide under the force of gravity towards thelower end 141 of theshelf 140 and theouter door 130. Theshelves 140 may have an angle of about seven degrees (7°) to about nine degrees (9°) off of the horizontal. Although theshelves 140 are shown as being angled, it is understood that largelyhorizontal shelves 140 also may be used herein. Other alternatives may include the use of neck-tracker shelves that hold a bottle by its neck or a horizontal serpentine design. Any conventional type ofshelf 140 may be used herein. - The
shelves 140 of the present application are preferably circular or semi-circular in shape. Any convenient shape that permits movement of theshelf 140 within the cooler 100, however, may be used. Theshelves 140 generally have a number ofchannels 145 positioned thereon. The products are placed within thechannels 145 such that the products slide down theshelf 140 in an organized fashion. Any number ofchannels 145 may be used. FIGS. 1 and 2 show afirst shelf 146, asecond shelf 147, athird shelf 148, and afourth shelf 149. Any number ofshelves 140, however, may be used within the cooler 100. Theshelves 140 may have a lattice pattern therein so as to promote airflow throughout theinterior portion 125 of the cooler 100. - Each
shelf 140 may be supported by a plurality ofrollers 150. Therollers 150 support eachshelf 140 about its periphery. Therollers 150 allow theshelves 140 to rotate within the cooler 100. Theshelves 140 may be driven by adrive mechanism 152. Thedrive mechanism 152 may include a number ofdrive shafts 153 powered by adrive motor 154. Thedrive shafts 153 may be positioned within theinterior portion 125 or the insultedshell 120 of the cooler. Thedrive motor 154 may be centrally located within or adjacent to the cooler 100. Thedrive motor 154 is preferably a conventional electrical motor. In the present embodiment, twodrive shafts 153 are used, afirst drive shaft 155 and asecond drive shaft 156. Any number ofdrive shafts 153 may be used. Thefirst drive shaft 155 is driven directly by thedrive motor 154. Thesecond drive shaft 156 is driven by thefirst drive shaft 155 by a set of rotation gears 157 connecting bothshafts first drive shaft 155 rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the rotation gears 157 may cause thesecond drive shaft 156 to rotate in the opposite direction. Thedrive mechanism 152 also may include other conventional types of drive means. For example, acentral drive shaft 153 may be used. - Each of the
shelves 140 is driven by one of thedrive shafts 153 by a set of drive gears 158 connecting theshelves 140 and theshafts 153. Eachshelf 140 may have atoothed surface 159 that meshes with the drive gears 158. In this embodiment, thefirst shelf 146 and thethird shelf 148 are attached to thefirst drive shaft 155 for rotation in one direction while thesecond shelf 147 and thefourth shelf 149 are attached to thesecond drive shaft 156 for rotation in the opposite direction. Theshafts 153 and theshelves 140 may be attached in any order or orientation. The drive gears 158 also may have a slip clutch positioned thereon. If an obstruction prevents rotation of oneshelf 140, theother shelves 140 may continue to move without damage to thedrive mechanism 152. - The
shelves 140 may rotate at a speed of about one-eighth (⅛) to about two (2) feet per second. Theshelves 140 may then stop and reverse direction. Having oneshelf 140 rotating in one direction while anothershelf 140 rotates in the opposite direction may magnify the appearance of speed. Any combination of directions may be used. Further, thedrive mechanism 153 also may have suitable gearing for driving theshelves 140 at different or varying speeds. The rotation of theshelves 140 may be continuous or intermittent on an overall or an individual basis. - FIG. 4A shows one
shelf 140 with a plurality ofproducts 170 positioned thereon. Theproducts 170 preferably may be bottles or cans of beverages such as carbonated soft drinks or the like. Theproducts 170, however, may be almost any type of object that can slide down theshelf 140 within thechannels 145. Any number ofproducts 170 may be used. Likewise, various combinations of different types ofproducts 170 may be used in any order. - To create motion within the cooler100, each
shelf 140 may oscillate by about five degrees (5°) to about thirty degrees (30°) off of a central position, a mid-point P. The extent of the oscillation depends in large part on the overall size of the cooler 100 such that almost any range of oscillation may be used. Theshelf 140 may rotate a given amount in one direction, stop, return to the mid-point P, rotate the given amount in the opposite direction, stop, return to the mid-point P, and again repeat the process. For example, if eachshelf 140 has seven (7) channels 145: afirst channel 180, asecond channel 190, athird channel 200, afourth channel 210, afifth channel 220, asixth channel 230, and aseventh channel 240, theshelf 140 may rotate as is shown in FIG. 4B in a counterclockwise direction such that theproducts 170 within thefirst channel 180 are accessible by a consumer when theshelf 140 stop rotating. Theshelf 140 may then rotate in a clockwise direction as is shown in FIG. 4C such that theproducts 170 within theseventh channel 240 are accessible. Theshelf 140 would then again stop and repeat the process. - Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooler100 preferably has a
door switch 250 positioned thereon. Thedoor switch 250 may be in communication with thedrive mechanism 152. When theouter door 130 of the cooler 100 is opened, thedoor switch 250 is triggered such that thedrive mechanism 152 is stopped. The consumer therefore can remove aproduct 170 from one of theshelves 140 without theshelves 140 rotating. Such rotation may make a consumer hesitant to grasp theproduct 170. Thedoor switch 250 stops the rotation of theshelves 140 so as to eliminate this hesitation. Thedoor switch 250 is again triggered when thedoor 130 is closed such that thedrive mechanism 152 again rotates theshelves 140. - The cooler100 preferably also has a reload
switch 260 positioned on theshell 120. The reloadswitch 260 also may be in communication with thedrive mechanism 152. The reloadswitch 260 would be used when reloading the cooler 100 with theproducts 170. When the cooler 100 needs to be reloaded, rotation of theshelves 140 is stopped when thedoor 130 is opened because of thedoor switch 250. The reloader then hits the reloadswitch 260. The reloadswitch 260 causes thedrive mechanism 152 to rotate each of theshelves 140 about one hundred eighty degrees (180°) such that thehigh end 142 of eachshelf 140 is now facing thedoor 130. Preferably, eachshelf 140 will rotate in the same direction so as to prevent possible contact between theshelves 140 or theproducts 170. The reloader can then position theproducts 170 within each of thechannels 145. Theproducts 170 will slide down within each of thechannels 145 towards thelower end 141 of theshelf 140.Rich shelf 140 is full, the reloader again hits the reloadswitch 240 so as to return theshelves 140 to their original positions with thelower end 141 of eachshelf 140 facing thedoor 130. The use of this reload method therefore ensures that theproducts 170 are used in a first in, first out manner within eachchannel 145 and eachshelf 140. - In use, the
shelves 140 oscillate with respect to an outside point P as is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. The point P may represent the position of a consumer in front of the cooler 100. The rotation may be uniform or one ormore shelves 140 may rotate first in a clockwise direction while one ormore shelves 140 may rotate first in a counterclockwise direction. Theshelves 140 may reach the full extent of travel in one direction and then reverse direction in an oscillating manner. This movement serves to catch the consumer's eye. When the consumer opens theouter door 130, thedoor switch 250 stops thedrive mechanism 152. Theshelves 140 therefore stop rotating such that the consumer may grasp one or more of theproducts 170 off one of theshelves 140. The consumer then shuts thedoor 130 such that theshelves 140 again begin oscillating. - When the cooler100 needs to be reloaded, the reloader opens the
door 130 such that thedoor switch 250 stops thedrive mechanism 152 and the rotation of theshelves 140. The reloader then hits the reloadswitch 260 such that all of theshelves 140 are rotated about one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) or so such that theupper end 142 of eachshelf 140 faces thedoor 130. The reloader then places theproducts 170 within eachchannel 145 of theshelves 140. Theproducts 170 generally slide down from theupper end 142 to thelower end 141 of eachchannel 145 within theshelves 140. The reloader again hits the reloadswitch 260 such that theshelves 140 return to their original positions with thelower end 141 of each of theshelves 140 facing thedoor 130. Reloading the cooler 100 in this manner ensures that theproducts 170 are loaded and removed from eachchannel 145 and eachshelf 140 in a first in, first out manner. - FIGS.5-7 show a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows the use of an
automatic door 300. Thedoor 300 may be used with thecircular cooler 100 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C or thedoor 300 may be used in any cooler 100 having a substantially or partially curvedinterior portion 125. Thedoor 300 is preferably, but not necessarily mounted within theinterior portion 125 of the cooler 100 and preferably follows the shape of theinterior portion 125. As is shown, if theinterior portion 125 is largely circular, thedoor 300 is also curved accordingly. Thedoor 300 may be largely of conventional design and may include alarge pane 310 surrounded by aframe 320. Thedoor 300 may be mounted within achannel 330 or other type of guide mechanism positioned within theinterior portion 125 of the cooler 100. Thechannel 330 may be mounted on the bottom or the top of theinterior portion 125 of cooler 100, or both. - The
door 300 may be driven by adrive motor 340. Thedrive motor 340 may be a conventional DC drive motor or any conventional type of drive device. Thedrive motor 340 may be mounted to the top or the bottom of theinterior portion 125 of the cooler 100. Thedrive motor 340 may drive thedoor 300 via aroller 350. Theroller 350 may be made from a rubber or rubber-like material. Theroller 350 may drive thedoor 300 by direct contact with theframe 320 as is shown in FIG. 6 or by contact with thepane 310 itself as is shown in FIG. 7. Thedrive motor 340 rotates theroller 350 in one direction to open thedoor 300. Thedoor 300 travels along thechannel 330 into theinterior portion 125 of the cooler 100. Thedrive motor 340 also rotates theroller 350 in the opposite direction to close thedoor 300. - The
door 300 may be operated by acontrol system 360. Thecontrol system 360 may include one ormore sensors 370 that detect the presence of the consumer adjacent to the cooler 100. Thesensors 370 may be in a circuit with thedrive motor 340 so as to activate thedrive motor 340 to open thedoor 300 when a consumer is present and to close thedoor 300 when the consumer leaves. In this embodiment, atouch sensor 370 may be used. Thetouch sensor 370 may be positioned on the floor in front of the cooler 100. When a consumer walks on to thetouch sensor 370, thetouch sensor 370 completes or breaks the circuit so as to activate thedrive motor 340 to open thedoor 300. Thedoor 300 remains open as long as the consumer is on thetouch sensor 370. When the consumer walks off of thetouch sensor 370, thetouch sensor 370 likewise completes or breaks the circuit so as to activate thedrive motor 340 to close thedoor 300. - The
sensors 370 may include any device that detects the presence of a consumer. In addition to touch orpressure sensors 370, thesensors 370 may be based upon the use of light emitters and receivers, thermal detectors, sound detectors, or any other conventional type of detection device or method. The opening and closing of thedoor 300 also may be delayed by a given interval so as to prevent random openings by passers-by and also to ensure that the consumer is completely out of range of thedoor 300 when it closes. Any conventional type of control logic may be used by thecontrol system 360. - It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the preferred embodiment of the present invention and that numerous changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (45)
1. A cooler, comprising:
a plurality of product shelves; and
an oscillating drive mechanism connected to said plurality of product shelves such that said oscillating drive mechanism rotates said plurality of product shelves.
2. The cooler of , further comprising an outer door.
claim 1
3. The cooler of , wherein said outer door comprises a transparent panel such that said plurality of product shelves may be seen.
claim 2
4. The cooler of , wherein said outer door comprises a door switch in communication with said oscillating drive mechanism such that said door switch turns said oscillating drive mechanism off when said outer door is opened.
claim 2
5. The cooler of , further comprising an outer shell.
claim 1
6. The cooler of , wherein said outer shell comprises a substantially circular shape.
claim 5
7. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprises stainless steel, aluminum, or thermoplastics.
claim 1
8. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprise a substantially circular shape.
claim 1
9. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprises a speed of about one-eighth (⅛) to about two (2) feet per second.
claim 1
10. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprises one or more shelves that rotate first in a first direction and one or more shelve that rotate first in a second direction.
claim 1
11. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves may oscillate from a central point by about five degrees (5°) to about thirty degrees (30°).
claim 1
12. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprises an angled shape.
claim 1
13. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprise a first end and a second end and wherein said second end extends about seven (7) degrees to about nine (9) degrees beyond said first end.
claim 12
14. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprises gravity feed organizers.
claim 1
15. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves comprises a plurality of product channels positioned thereon.
claim 1
16. The cooler of , wherein each of said plurality of product shelves comprises a first product channel positioned on a first side of said product shelf and a second product channel positioned on a second side of said product shelf.
claim 15
17. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves oscillates in a first direction such that said first product channel is accessible and then oscillates in a second direction such that said second product channel is accessible.
claim 16
18. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of products shelves comprises a plurality of rollers.
claim 1
19. The cooler of , wherein said oscillating drive mechanism comprises an electrical motor.
claim 1
20. The cooler of , wherein said oscillating drive mechanism comprises one or more drive shafts powered by said electrical motor so as to rotate said plurality of product shelves.
claim 19
21. The cooler of , wherein said one or more drive shafts and said plurality of product shelves comprise a set of drive gears for rotation therewith.
claim 20
22. The cooler of , wherein said oscillating drive mechanism comprises a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft and wherein said first drive shaft is powered by said electrical motor.
claim 19
23. The cooler of , wherein said first and said second drive shafts are connected by a set of rotation gears such that said first drive shaft rotates in a first direction and said second drive rotates in a second direction.
claim 22
24. The cooler of , wherein a first one of said plurality of product shelves is connected to said first drive shaft and a second one of said plurality of product shelves is connected to said second drive shaft.
claim 23
25. The cooler of , further comprising a reload switch in communication with said oscillating drive mechanism such that said reload switch causes said oscillating drive mechanism to rotate said plurality of product shelves about one hundred and eighty degrees.
claim 1
26. The cooler of , further comprising a plurality of products positioned on said plurality of product shelves.
claim 1
27. The cooler of , wherein said plurality of product shelves each comprises an upper end and a lower end such that said plurality of products slide towards said lower end.
claim 26
28. The cooler of , further comprises a door control system.
claim 1
29. The cooler of , wherein said door control system comprises an outer door.
claim 28
30. The cooler of , wherein said outer door comprises a curved shape.
claim 29
31. The cooler of , wherein said door control system comprises a drive motor connected to said outer door.
claim 29
32. The cooler of , wherein said door control system comprise a sensor to detect the presence of a consumer such that said sensor activates said drive motor to open said door when a consumer is present.
claim 31
33. The cooler of , wherein said sensor activates said drive motor to close said door when a consumer is no longer present.
claim 32
34. The cooler of , wherein said sensor comprises a touch sensor.
claim 32
35. A method for reloading a cooler, said cooler having a door and a plurality of product shelves, the plurality of product shelves each have a first end facing the door and a second end facing away from the door, said method comprising the steps of:
opening said door;
rotating said plurality of product shelves such that said second end of each of said plurality of product shelves faces said door;
loading said plurality of products onto said plurality of product shelves via said second end of each of said plurality of product shelves; and
rotating said plurality of product shelves such that said first end of each of said plurality of product shelves faces said door.
36. An improved cooler, comprising:
an outer shell with an aperture therein;
a door;
said door positioned adjacent to said aperture; and
a door control system;
said door control system comprising a drive motor and a sensor such that said sensor causes said drive motor to operate said door when said sensor is triggered.
37. The cooler of , wherein said outer door comprises a curved shape.
claim 36
38. The cooler of , wherein said door is positioned within said cooler.
claim 36
39. The cooler of , wherein sensor activates said drive motor to open said door when a consumer is present.
claim 36
40. The cooler of , wherein said sensor activates said drive motor to close said door when a consumer is no longer present.
claim 39
41. The cooler of , wherein said sensor comprises a touch sensor.
claim 36
42. The cooler of , wherein said sensor comprises a light detector.
claim 36
43. The cooler of , wherein said sensor comprises a thermal detector.
claim 36
44. The cooler of , wherein said sensor comprises a sound detector.
claim 36
45. The cooler of , wherein said door control system further comprises control means so as to delay the opening or closing of said door.
claim 36
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/932,009 US20010054297A1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 2001-08-17 | Door control system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/439,830 US6309034B1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 1999-11-12 | Oscillating cooler |
US09/932,009 US20010054297A1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 2001-08-17 | Door control system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/439,830 Division US6309034B1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 1999-11-12 | Oscillating cooler |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010054297A1 true US20010054297A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 |
Family
ID=23746313
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/439,830 Expired - Fee Related US6309034B1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 1999-11-12 | Oscillating cooler |
US09/932,009 Abandoned US20010054297A1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 2001-08-17 | Door control system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/439,830 Expired - Fee Related US6309034B1 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 1999-11-12 | Oscillating cooler |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6309034B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1227743B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003513688A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1232208C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE291868T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1595601A (en) |
BR (1) | BR0015495B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60019150T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2235996T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA02004321A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001033999A1 (en) |
Cited By (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030122455A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2003-07-03 | Caldwell David W. | Intelligent shelving system |
US20080142537A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-19 | The Coca-Cola Company | First in First Out Vending Systems |
US20120285088A1 (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2012-11-15 | Robert Peter Nolte | Safety system for a door opener |
US8998005B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-04-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9060624B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-06-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with rail mounting clip |
US9173504B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-11-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9185999B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-11-17 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9232864B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-01-12 | RTC Industries, Incorporated | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9265362B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-02-23 | RTC Industries, Incorporated | Product management display system |
US9402485B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-08-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9486088B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-11-08 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9532658B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-01-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9635957B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-05-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9750354B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-09-05 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9820585B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-11-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9955802B2 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2018-05-01 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Divider with selectively securable track assembly |
US10178909B2 (en) | 2016-01-13 | 2019-01-15 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Anti-splay device for merchandise display system |
US10285510B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10448756B2 (en) | 2017-06-16 | 2019-10-22 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10952546B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-03-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US11259652B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-03-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11344138B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-05-31 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11583109B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2023-02-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6595374B2 (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2003-07-22 | Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd. | Automated display mechanism |
ITTO20050037U1 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2006-09-18 | Mondial Elite S R L | REFRIGERATED DISPLAYER PERFECTED |
EP1787553A1 (en) * | 2005-11-18 | 2007-05-23 | Sirec Engineering S.P.A. | Display case for food products |
US20100242514A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2010-09-30 | Ruben Ramos De La Fuente | Display refrigerator with multi-tray radial arrangement |
GB2483068A (en) * | 2010-08-24 | 2012-02-29 | Yisa Adewale Balogun | Rotating display controlled by sensor which detects presence of a person |
BE1019978A5 (en) * | 2011-05-17 | 2013-03-05 | Winne Jozef Odile Marie De | FRIDGE WITH A CYLINDRICAL HOUSING. |
US10846675B1 (en) * | 2012-05-16 | 2020-11-24 | Creative Methods, Inc. | Storage and retrieval system and methods |
US9327958B2 (en) * | 2012-08-07 | 2016-05-03 | The Coca-Cola Company | Automated beverage dispensing system with vertical staging |
MY180198A (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2020-11-24 | Jt Int Sa | Apparatus for keeping packages containing smoking articles |
US8882064B2 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2014-11-11 | James C. Gregg, JR. | Collapsible stand assembly |
US9255729B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-02-09 | Phillip Rindlisbach | Apparatus and method for accessing refrigerated items |
US20150374585A1 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2015-12-31 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for compounding medication |
CN105277477A (en) * | 2015-01-28 | 2016-01-27 | 何向锋 | Refrigeration light-tight vibrator special for flow-type pipe |
US10729258B2 (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2020-08-04 | The Coca-Cola Company | Beverage dispenser having at least one tilted and gravity assisted rotating tray |
US20190329305A1 (en) * | 2018-04-25 | 2019-10-31 | Timothy McKibben | Fume hood air channeling device |
CN110772096B (en) * | 2019-11-07 | 2021-11-09 | 山东隆源橡胶有限公司 | Intelligent device for placing goods in business and super |
CN116801772A (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2023-09-22 | Abb瑞士股份有限公司 | Rotatable fluent pallet and robotic system |
Family Cites Families (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US555550A (en) * | 1896-03-03 | Revolving case | ||
US1857545A (en) | 1930-10-09 | 1932-05-10 | C V Hill & Co Inc | Refrigerator show case |
US1872032A (en) | 1931-01-15 | 1932-08-16 | Glascock Brothers Mfg Co | Bottle dispensing refrigerator |
US2261910A (en) | 1938-09-26 | 1941-11-04 | Valor Vendors Inc | Bottle dispenser |
US2610473A (en) | 1949-11-08 | 1952-09-16 | Chovanec Paul | Refrigerator display cabinet |
US2677940A (en) | 1952-04-22 | 1954-05-11 | Raskin Walter | Rotatable refrigerated display stand |
US2928705A (en) | 1956-05-14 | 1960-03-15 | Mollie R Goldsmith | Rotating beverage cooler |
US2950605A (en) | 1958-06-27 | 1960-08-30 | Tyler Refrigeration Corp | Refrigerated merchandising unit |
US3021691A (en) | 1960-02-23 | 1962-02-20 | Birkenwald Inc | Air curtain reach-in display cooler |
US3063255A (en) | 1961-03-31 | 1962-11-13 | Ed Friedrich Inc | Refrigerated display cabinets |
DE1948650A1 (en) | 1969-09-26 | 1971-04-15 | Barroero Louis Francis | Cabinet-like display device, in particular a refrigerator |
US3769805A (en) | 1972-04-24 | 1973-11-06 | Melbro Corp | Revolving display capsule |
CH629256A5 (en) | 1977-09-05 | 1982-04-15 | Alusuisse | DEVICE FOR COOLING LONG-STRETCHED WARM WORKPIECES. |
NL7810089A (en) | 1978-10-06 | 1980-04-09 | Gist Brocades Nv | COOLING DEVICE. |
US4299099A (en) | 1979-01-24 | 1981-11-10 | Tyler Refrigeration Corporation | Open front refrigeration system |
US5125240A (en) | 1989-08-04 | 1992-06-30 | Cryo-Cell International, Inc. | Storage apparatus, particularly with automatic insertion and retrieval |
JP2854123B2 (en) | 1989-12-04 | 1999-02-03 | サンデン株式会社 | Open showcase |
US5458407A (en) * | 1993-04-14 | 1995-10-17 | L&P Property Management Company | Merchandising display |
NO178510C (en) | 1994-02-14 | 1996-04-10 | Jan Egil Floeysvik | bottle cooler |
US5549373A (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 1996-08-27 | L & P Property Management Company | Merchandising display with modular shelves |
US5567026A (en) * | 1994-11-02 | 1996-10-22 | Master-Bilt | Apparatus for displaying products |
FR2737934B1 (en) | 1995-08-18 | 1997-09-26 | Bertuletti Jean | TURNTABLE FOR ADVERTISING DISPLAY |
US5664435A (en) | 1995-10-30 | 1997-09-09 | Bassuk; Glenn | See-through refrigerator/freezer |
US5797279A (en) | 1997-02-14 | 1998-08-25 | Osborne; Elaine W. | Organic refrigeration system |
DE19740902C2 (en) | 1997-09-17 | 1999-07-22 | Schoeller Lebensmittel | Freezer for storing frozen goods, especially for packaged foods such as ice cream |
-
1999
- 1999-11-12 US US09/439,830 patent/US6309034B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2000
- 2000-11-09 CN CNB008155194A patent/CN1232208C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-11-09 AT AT00978497T patent/ATE291868T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-11-09 WO PCT/US2000/030930 patent/WO2001033999A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-11-09 ES ES00978497T patent/ES2235996T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-11-09 EP EP00978497A patent/EP1227743B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-11-09 AU AU15956/01A patent/AU1595601A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-11-09 JP JP2001536016A patent/JP2003513688A/en active Pending
- 2000-11-09 MX MXPA02004321A patent/MXPA02004321A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-11-09 DE DE60019150T patent/DE60019150T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-11-09 BR BRPI0015495-4A patent/BR0015495B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2001
- 2001-08-17 US US09/932,009 patent/US20010054297A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (65)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030122455A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2003-07-03 | Caldwell David W. | Intelligent shelving system |
US20070156261A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2007-07-05 | Caldwell David W | Intelligent shelving system |
US20100219958A1 (en) * | 2001-11-20 | 2010-09-02 | Touchsensor Technologies, Llc | Intelligent shelving system |
US7840286B2 (en) | 2001-11-20 | 2010-11-23 | Touchsensor Technologies, Llc | Intelligent shelving system |
US8135482B2 (en) | 2001-11-20 | 2012-03-13 | Touchsensor Technologies, Llc | Intelligent shelving system |
US10045640B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-08-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9149132B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-10-06 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9072394B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-07-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9107515B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-08-18 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10165871B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-01-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9173504B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-11-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9173505B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-11-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9185999B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-11-17 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9232864B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-01-12 | RTC Industries, Incorporated | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9237816B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-01-19 | RTC Industries, Incorporated | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9265362B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-02-23 | RTC Industries, Incorporated | Product management display system |
US9402485B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-08-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9486088B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-11-08 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9498057B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-11-22 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9504321B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-11-29 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9510677B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2016-12-06 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with rail mounting clip |
US9532658B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-01-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9635957B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-05-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9713393B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-07-25 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9730531B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-08-15 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9750354B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-09-05 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9820585B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-11-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9820584B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2017-11-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9895007B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-02-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9918565B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-03-20 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9930973B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-04-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US9968206B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2018-05-15 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US8998005B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-04-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US11517126B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-12-06 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US9060624B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2015-06-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with rail mounting clip |
US11583109B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2023-02-21 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US11490743B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-11-08 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11464346B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-10-11 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10206520B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-02-19 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10226137B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-03-12 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10278516B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10285510B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2019-05-14 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11452386B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-09-27 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10555624B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-02-11 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10568438B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-02-25 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US11344138B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-05-31 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10631666B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-04-28 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10702075B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-07-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10702079B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2020-07-07 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10905258B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-02-02 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11259652B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2022-03-01 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US10952546B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-03-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10959542B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-03-30 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10966546B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-04-06 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11058232B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-07-13 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system |
US11076707B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2021-08-03 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US20080142537A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-19 | The Coca-Cola Company | First in First Out Vending Systems |
US20120285088A1 (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2012-11-15 | Robert Peter Nolte | Safety system for a door opener |
US11122915B2 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2021-09-21 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Divider with selectively securable track assembly |
US10588426B2 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2020-03-17 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Divider with selectively securable track assembly |
US9955802B2 (en) | 2015-04-08 | 2018-05-01 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Divider with selectively securable track assembly |
US10178909B2 (en) | 2016-01-13 | 2019-01-15 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Anti-splay device for merchandise display system |
US10952549B2 (en) | 2017-06-16 | 2021-03-23 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US10448756B2 (en) | 2017-06-16 | 2019-10-22 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
US11730286B2 (en) | 2017-06-16 | 2023-08-22 | Rtc Industries, Inc. | Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1227743A1 (en) | 2002-08-07 |
MXPA02004321A (en) | 2002-11-07 |
DE60019150T2 (en) | 2006-01-26 |
CN1390101A (en) | 2003-01-08 |
CN1232208C (en) | 2005-12-21 |
DE60019150D1 (en) | 2005-05-04 |
US6309034B1 (en) | 2001-10-30 |
ATE291868T1 (en) | 2005-04-15 |
WO2001033999A1 (en) | 2001-05-17 |
JP2003513688A (en) | 2003-04-15 |
BR0015495A (en) | 2002-07-23 |
AU1595601A (en) | 2001-06-06 |
BR0015495B1 (en) | 2008-11-18 |
EP1227743B1 (en) | 2005-03-30 |
ES2235996T3 (en) | 2005-07-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6309034B1 (en) | Oscillating cooler | |
US5358128A (en) | Bottle rack for refrigerated display | |
AU2007291893B2 (en) | Improved dispenser assembly | |
ES2729484T3 (en) | Visual video representation for product marketers | |
EP0244990B1 (en) | Vending machine for dispensing refrigerated and unrefrigerated foods | |
US20140132128A1 (en) | Rotating and segmented shelving for a refrigerator | |
JPH06504392A (en) | food vending machine | |
KR101114747B1 (en) | Device for displaying for rotary heating and cooling | |
US20100025418A1 (en) | Vending machine with video display | |
US6073460A (en) | Rotary cooler | |
CA2221049C (en) | Apparatus for dispensing refrigerating elements and said refrigerating elements | |
US5058393A (en) | Display apparatus for indirectly refrigerating food and beverage items | |
US4794764A (en) | Article display apparatus | |
EP3422909B1 (en) | Indexing cooler | |
EP0438396A1 (en) | Article display apparatuses and elongated, deflectable racks | |
CN112839548A (en) | Refrigerator for beverage and food products | |
US20080067187A1 (en) | Under the Counter Beverage Cooler | |
CN105135817B (en) | A kind of tank/bottle drink quick cooler | |
JPH08308694A (en) | Show case | |
ES2244025T3 (en) | FREEZER ARCON FOR FROZEN PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY FOR ICE CREAMS AND FROZEN FOOD PRODUCTS. | |
KR200141324Y1 (en) | Automatic opening apparatus of display case | |
TWI728937B (en) | Automatic door structure of refrigerated and frozen display cabinet | |
EP2095044A2 (en) | Method and device for cooling products | |
KR930016923A (en) | vending machine | |
JP2007071934A (en) | Rotating body for food and drink carrier device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |