Patent ID: 8684227
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: A47F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A merchandise display hook comprising: a support rod including mounting structure for mounting the display hook to a display fixture, the support rod having a first rear end adjacent the mounting structure and a second front end opposite the first rear end for loading items of merchandise onto the support rod and for dispensing the items of merchandise from the support rod; a helix disposed about the support rod and extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the support rod; a handle; and a time delay mechanism attached to the helix adjacent the second front end of the support rod, wherein a space is defined between the time delay mechanism and a portion of the second front end for loading and dispensing the items of merchandise, the time delay mechanism comprising a gear assembly operatively coupled to the handle, wherein, when in use, the handle rotates the helix in a first direction to load the items of merchandise onto the support rod and rotates the helix in a second opposite direction to dispense the items of merchandise from the support rod, wherein the time delay mechanism produces a ratio of a rate of rotation of the handle to a rate of rotation of the helix that is greater in the second direction to dispense the items of merchandise than in the first direction to load the items of merchandise such that the items of merchandise are loaded at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the items of merchandise are dispensed from the support rod.