David W Gallagher

US Patent:

50869353, Feb 11, 1992

Filed:

Oct 26, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/603893

Inventors:

David Gallagher - Minnetonka MN

International Classification:

A47F 500

US Classification:

211103

Abstract:

A merchandise storing and dispensing rack means comprising a frame, shroud means, and an endless merchandise display supporting belt trained about toothed drive and idler rollers, each of which is journaled for rotation about generally parallelly arranged spaced-apart axes. Drive means are provided for powering the drive roller along with the merchandise loading and carrying means coupled to the endless merchandise display supporting belt. The endless belt is slotted as is the shroud means so as to permit passage of a support roller therethrough. The endless merchandise display supporting belt is further provided with bores for receiving the distal end of a drive bracket therein. Merchandise loading and carrying means are provided with an elongated generally "U"-shaped roller supported channel means with an outer rod receiving plate and a pair of laterally disposed roller supported legs extending from the rod receiving plate. A pair of spaced-apart channel supporting rollers are journably supported within the channels legs and are disposed to contact the surface of the shroud laterally of the belt receiving channel. A drive bracket is slidably secured to the shank of the merchandise loading and carrying means at its proximal end, and has its distal end received in one of the drive bracket receiving bores of the endless belt.