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Time delay product pushing systemRelated Patent Categories: Supports: Racks, Special Article, Stacked Articles, Having Feature Perfecting The Dispensing Of Articles, Including FollowerTime delay product pushing system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060237381, Time delay product pushing system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/674,880, filed Apr. 25, 2005, incorporated herein by this reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to a system for advancing product on a shelf and, in particular, to a device allowing controlled forward movement of product. BACKGROUND [0003] Theft of small items in retail stores is an all too common problem. Items that are in high demand by thieves include over-the-counter (OTC) products such as analgesics and cough and cold medications, razor blades, camera film, batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products and infant formula. Shelf sweeping is a particular problem for small items. Shelf sweeping occurs when individuals or groups remove all the shelf stock and exit the store, similar to a "smash and grab" shoplifting technique. Shelf sweeping relies on excessive quantities of product being available on the shelf. Retailers must keep substantial inventory on shelf or incur the cost, including labor costs, of constantly restocking. [0004] In addition to preventing theft, retail stores may want to limit the purchase of certain items. For example, to make methamphetamine, large quantities of cold medication are needed. Pseudoephedrine, the sole active ingredient in many cold medicines and decongestants, is also a key ingredient in methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. [0005] Retailers are constantly challenged to balance the needs of legitimate consumers' access to high theft items with measures to minimize the incidence of theft. Because theft has become so rampant in certain product categories, such as razors and infant formula, many retail stores are taking the products off the shelves and placing them behind the counter or under lock and key. Customers must request the products in order to make a purchase. This requires additional labor costs to provide individual service to customers who would normally not require it. It also makes it difficult for customers to compare products. Furthermore, it may be impossible where the space behind the counter is limited and is needed for prescription medications. In some cases, products are simply unavailable due to high pilferage rates. Therefore, a device or dispensing apparatus that minimizes the incidence of product theft is needed. [0006] A common problem at pharmacies and grocery stores is ensuring that consumers have access to cold medication, but at the same time deterring theft or multiple purchases for the production of drugs. A solution to the problem of sweeping is to limit the amount of cold medicine each customer is allowed to purchase. However, this requires additional labor and is not feasible where many stores now allow customers the option to check themselves out without the help of a cashier. Furthermore, this solution also keeps lawful products out of the hands of lawful consumers. Finally, legislation may be required to in order to limit such purchases. [0007] Studies have shown that a desirable form of theft deterrence is to cause time delay between the dispensing of multiple products. Would be thieves are less likely to steal products if there is a substantial delay between the dispensing of individual products. It is also desirable to achieve time delayed dispensing of products in cost effective manner. SUMMARY [0008] Systems of this invention provide controlled advancement of product on a shelf unit. As a first product is removed from the shelf unit, the products located behind the one that was removed must move forward. A pushing device of one embodiment of this invention includes a pusher, a track and a motor. The motor couples to the track and pusher system, controlling forward movement of the pusher along the track and thereby controlling the speed at which product is advanced for access by the consumer. [0009] Forward movement may be controlled using a resistance motor. External gear components on the motor engage gear components on the pushing device track, so that limitation of rotation of the external gear components controls movement of the pusher of the pushing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pushing device according to embodiments of the invention. [0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pushing device of FIG. 1. [0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the motor of the pushing device of FIG. 1. [0013] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pushing device of FIG. 1. [0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the track of FIG. 1. [0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view in partial cross-section of the pushing device of FIG. 1. [0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the spring of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017] Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a pushing device 10, such as a product pushing device, for advancing product. For example, it may be desirable to position product close to the edge of a shelf unit. As a first product is removed from the shelf unit, the products located behind the one that was removed must move forward. A pushing device may be used to accomplish the forward movement of product. [0018] According to certain embodiments, pushing device 10, shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5, comprises a pusher 12, a track 16, and a motor 18. Pusher 12 includes a pushing ram 20 that engages product (not shown) and pushes product forward. As shown in FIG. 1, pushing ram 20 includes a front surface 22 for engaging product and a rear surface 24. In one embodiment, shown in the figures, the pushing ram 20 is rectangular plate, although other suitable shapes and geometries may also be used. Pusher 12 includes gusset 26 (shown in FIG. 2), reinforcing pusher 12 and providing a housing for spring 48 (further described below). Continue reading about Time delay product pushing system... Full patent description for Time delay product pushing system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Time delay product pushing system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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