Product Dispenser With Low Product Indicator

• US 20110121022A1
• Filed: 09/25/2010
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Meadwestvaco (WestRock Company)
• Original Assignee: Meadwestvaco (WestRock Company)
• Inventors: Sholl, Andrew B., Loftin, Caleb S., Bates, Aaron L., Thomas, Laurel, Gelardi, John
• Granted Patent: US 8,448,815 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 222/23
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 1/08 dispensing from bottom

Abstract

A product dispenser including a frame configured to support a plurality of products and flag element connected to the frame, the flag element being moveable relative to the frame from a first, un-deployed configuration when the flag element is engaged with at least one of the products, to a second, deployed configuration when the flag element is not engaged with the products.

Claims

1. A product dispenser comprising:

a frame configured to support a plurality of products; and

a flag element connected to said frame, said flag element being moveable relative to said frame from a first, un-deployed configuration when said flag element is engaged with at least one product of said plurality, to a second, deployed configuration when said flag element is not engaged with said plurality of products.

2. The product dispenser of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises a first side wall laterally spaced from a second side wall, and a support surface between said first and said second side walls.

3. The product dispenser of claim 2 further comprising a container supported on said support surface.

4. The product dispenser of claim 2 wherein said flag element is pivotally connected to said support surface.

5. The product dispenser of claim 2 wherein said support surface includes a panel connected thereto, said panel defining an aperture therein, and wherein said flag element is aligned with said aperture when said flag element is in said second configuration.

6. The product dispenser of claim 5 wherein said flag element defines a face, and wherein said face is viewable through said aperture when said flag element is in said second configuration.

7. The product dispenser of claim 6 wherein said face is marked with indicia.

8. The product dispenser of claim 1 wherein said flag element is biased to said second configuration.

9. The product dispenser of claim 2 wherein said support surface comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein said second end is elevated relative to said first end.

10. A product dispenser comprising:

a frame comprising;

a first side wall;

a second side wall laterally spaced from said first side wall; and

a support surface extending between said first and second side walls, said support surface comprising a front end and a rear end, said front end defining an aperture; and

a flag element pivotally connected to said frame, said flag element comprising a front end and a rear end, wherein said flag element is moveable from a first configuration, wherein said front end of said flag element is aligned with said aperture, to a second configuration, wherein said front end of said flag element is displaced from said aperture.

11. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said flag element is pivotally connected to said support surface.

12. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said support surface comprises a face panel connected thereto, and wherein said face panel defines said aperture.

13. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said front end of said flag element defines a face, and wherein said face is displayed in said aperture when said flag element is in said first configuration.

14. The product dispenser of claim 13 wherein said face is marked with indicia.

15. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said flag element is biased to said first configuration.

16. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said rear end of said flag element comprises a protrusion extending therefrom.

17. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said rear end of said flag element is engaged with a product supported by said frame when said flag element is in said second configuration.

18. The product dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a container positioned on said support surface.

19. The product dispenser of claim 10 wherein said front end of said support surface is elevated relative to said rear end of said support surface.

20. A product dispenser comprising:

a frame comprising a support surface having longitudinally spaced front and rear ends;

a plurality of products positioned on said support surface, wherein said support surface is configured to urge said plurality of products to said front end of said support surface; and

a flag element connected to said frame and moveable relative to said frame between a first configuration and a second configuration,

wherein said flag element is in said first configuration when said flag element is engaged with at least one product of said plurality of products, and wherein said flag element is in said second configuration when said flag element is not engaged with said plurality of products.