Pusher assembly, merchandise dispenser and method of dispensing merchandise
First Claim
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1. A merchandise dispenser, comprising:
- a base unit having a front dispensing end and an opposite end;
a pusher assembly movable along a path of travel between said front dispensing and opposite ends of said base unit, said pusher assembly including a spring for resiliently urging said pusher assembly toward said front dispensing end of said base, said entire spring being carried on said pusher assembly for movement therewith along said path of travel; and
a guide track engageable with said pusher assembly and defining said path of travel on said base unit;
said pusher assembly including a drive wheel engageable with said guide track, said spring being a spiral spring having multiple coplanar windings, and, when said spring uncoils, said drive wheel rotates and causes said pusher assembly to move in a direction toward said dispensing end of said base unit.
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Abstract
A spring-driven pusher assembly of a merchandise dispenser in which the spring is carried entirely on the pusher assembly behind the articles being dispensed to thereby eliminate any interference problems with RF signals or the like used for purposes of determining inventories and the like. Preferably, the spring is a spiral spring that rotates a drive wheel when the spring uncoils. The drive wheel cooperatively engages a guide track on the base of the dispenser, and the rotation of the drive wheel causes the pusher assembly to advance along the guide track toward the dispensing end of the dispenser.
153 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A merchandise dispenser, comprising:
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a base unit having a front dispensing end and an opposite end; a pusher assembly movable along a path of travel between said front dispensing and opposite ends of said base unit, said pusher assembly including a spring for resiliently urging said pusher assembly toward said front dispensing end of said base, said entire spring being carried on said pusher assembly for movement therewith along said path of travel; and a guide track engageable with said pusher assembly and defining said path of travel on said base unit; said pusher assembly including a drive wheel engageable with said guide track, said spring being a spiral spring having multiple coplanar windings, and, when said spring uncoils, said drive wheel rotates and causes said pusher assembly to move in a direction toward said dispensing end of said base unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification