Patent Publication Number: US-6991116-B2

Title: Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display

Description:
This application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 60/404,648, filed Aug. 20, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to dispenser racks and displays therefore, and more particularly, to a compact, easy to assemble, easy to load and unload multiple chute dispenser with an integrated display. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Gravity feed dispensers have been used in the product dispensing markets, i.e., grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience marts and department stores, to provide on shelf storage, automatic rotation of stock, easy access for customers. The principal of operation is quite simple. The products are arranged on a rack which is inclined to horizontal such that when a customer removes one product at an end of a row of products, the entire row of products indexes forward one location equivalent to one product. Rollers are known to ease movement of the product. 
   One disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is that such devices are integrated into racks useful only for granting feed applications. Prior art gravity feed dispensers are not designed to be used in connection with standard shelving already in place at the retailer. As a result, the retailer must invest in additional specialized racks in order to provide a gravity feed apparatus. 
   Another disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is that they must be reloaded from the backside or topside thereof. As a result, gravity feed dispensers are usually not disposed in a back-to-back orientation. As a result, valuable floor space is wasted and the cost of operation is increased for the retailer. 
   Yet another disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is the customer&#39;s inability to return unwanted product. If a customer removes a product and then decides not to purchase, there is nowhere for the customer to replace the product in the gravity feed device. The row of product is too heavy for the customer to push back in order to reinsert the unwanted product. As a result, unwanted product is placed on shelves in other portions of the store. Costs associated with reshelving the unwanted product are incurred by the retailer. 
   Thus, there remains a need in the art for a compact, easy to assemble, easy to load and reload multi-chute gravity feed dispenser having an integrated display. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a panel representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a an edge on view of a panel representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3A  is a side perspective view of a display module and representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3B  shows the retention pin  60  disposed in a locked configuration representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3C  shows the retention pin  60  disposed in an unlocked configuration representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4A  is a side view of a display module and representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4B  is a top view of a display module and representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4C  is a front view of a display module and representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5B  is a side view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5C  is a rear view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5D  is a top view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5E  is a cut-away top view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6A  is a side view of both a display module with a loading magazine in a loading position and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6B  is a side perspective view of a loading magazine showing the bottom side, porous side and the product ejection end, and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6C  is a side perspective view of a loading magazine showing the top side, non-porous side and the product non-ejection end, and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6D  shows the separated elongated ends of the paper overwrap of the loading magazine and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a relational front view of multiple attached panels in a collapsed position and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a relational side view of two attached panels in a collapsed position and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of multiple attached panels in an expanded position and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10A  is a top view of a retention pin and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10B  is a rear view of a retention pin and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10C  is a side view of a retention pin and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11A  is a top view of medially disposed retention pin and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11B  is a rear view of medially disposed retention pin and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11C  is a side view of a medially disposed retention pin and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a template indicating the advertising area available on access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13A  shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a collapsed configuration disposed within a shipping box and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13B  shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a collapsed configuration partially removed from the shipping box and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13C  shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a partly expanded configuration and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13D  shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display disposed in an expanded configuration with the retention pins in a locked position; 
       FIG. 13E  shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display with the access doors in the closed position with product decals applied and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14A  shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display with a category sign connected thereto and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14B  shows product being loaded into the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14C  shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display filled with product and ready for retail and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  shows a plurality of multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displays disposed on a number of adjacently disposed conventional shelves and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 16  is a side view of a panel representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 17  is an edge on view of the panel of  FIG. 16  representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 18  is a top view of the panel of  FIGS. 16 and 17  representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a side view of a display member representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 20  is a side edge on view of a display member representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 21  is a close up view of a clamp section of a display member and representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 22  is a side perspective view of a display member and representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 23  is a front edge on view of a display member representing one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 24A  is a front view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 24B  is a side view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 24C  is a rear view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 24D  is a top view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 24E  is a bottom view of the access door and representing an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  show a side and front view of the main element of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display, a panel  10  which is generally formed as a vertical upright panel. The panel  10  is preferably configured to be used in connection with conventional store shelving in place at a retailer having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches. In one embodiment of the invention the depth of the panel  10  is 20 inches overall and the height is 14 inches overall. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the embodiments discussed herein are configured to be adapted to conventional shelving. However, changes in scale or any dimension cited herein are within the scope of the present invention and may be adjusted based on any requirements for an application. 
   The panel  10  includes at least one set of rails  20  which are formed as ribs extending normal to a side  12  of the panel  10  to cooperatively define a plurality of chutes  22 ,  24  for product which have a boustrophedonic or C-shaped configuration. A first rail  26  is disposed in the generally medial portion of the side  12  inclined to the horizontal, angled generally downwardly, and having a linear configuration. The second rail  28  is disposed about the first rail  26  and has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. The first and second rails  26  and  28  each having a minimum incline to the horizontal such that product is capable of continuous movement along such rails in response to a normal gravitational force, and where as shown in FIG.  1 ., can be a substantially slight angle. A first product travel stop or stop  30  is formed at a lowest extent of the second rail  28  as an enlarged portion thereof. The first stop  30  engages the product to prevent unwanted further movement down chute  22  and positions the product for viewing and selection by a customer. A third rail  32  has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially L-shaped and has a second stop  34 , formed as an enlarged portion thereof at a lower end adjacent first stop  30 , and prevents further downward motion down chute  24 . For structural rigidity and to provide visibility to the product positioned on first and second rails  26  and  28 , cut out portions  18  or holes are formed along on panel  10  along the chutes described below. The cut out portions  18  also allow one to determine the quantity and contents of such chutes thus facilitating inventory control of the products stored therein. 
   At least one set of positioning elements  36  are formed on the side  12  as raised protrusions having a height normal to the side  12  less than the rails  26 ,  28  and  32 . Each positioning element  38 ,  40  has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. The first positioning element  38  is disposed between the first and second rails  26 ,  28 . The second positioning element  40  is disposed between the second and third rails  28 ,  32 . 
   A plurality of bosses  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  are formed at each corner of the panel  10 , and when used, provide greater rigidity to the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Each has at least one aperture or bore  49  defined therein and a lock  50  associated with each bore  49 . The lock mechanism or lock  50  is defined in the boss  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  where a portion of an outer wall of the boss  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  is removed to form a receptacle. The operation and function of the lock  50  will be described in more detail below. An additional boss  52  is formed in a generally medial position adjacent an end of the first rail  26 . At least one bore  49  is defined therein. However, this boss does not include a lock. 
   An aperture  54  is formed in the panel  10  disposed between the second positioning element  40  and an upper boss  44  for positioning an access door as will be discussed in detail below. A plurality of feet  56  are formed on the side  12  and extend from the third rail  32  to the lower portion edge of the panel  10  in order to provide stability to the panel  10 . Each foot  56  extends normal to the side  12  in the same manner as the rails  26 ,  28  and  32  to the same extent. 
     FIG. 3A  shows a pair of panels, a display module  16 , in accordance with the embodiment described in detail above, connected by a pair of retention pins to define a dispenser module  16 , one or more such dispenser modules  16  making up a multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The chutes  22 ,  24  are defined between adjacent pairs of panels  10  and are of a width slightly greater than the width of products  90  and which allow the products to be stored and dispensed therefrom. The retention pins  60  engage the bores  49  defined in the bosses  42 ,  44  to maintain the panels  10  at a preselected spacing. Another retention pin (medially disposed  62 ) engages adjacent bosses  52  and is configured slightly different than the retention pin  60  as will be described in detail below. Additional retention pins  60  may be connected to the bores  49  in bosses  46 ,  48  for further rigidity and stabilization of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. With all retention pins  60  in place between adjacent pairs of panels  10 , such panels  10  are maintained substantially parallel to one another. Other embodiments may use more and/or less number of retention pins  60  and  62  as needed to provide sufficient support and structural integrity for the display module  16 . 
     FIG. 3C  shows a highlighted portion of  FIG. 3A  in detail. Retention pin  60  is shown disposed in an unlocked position partially removed from boss  44 . It will be noted by those of ordinary skill in the art that retention pin  60  is disposed such that the panel  10  may rotate relative to the retention pin  60 . Here, retention pin  60  is allowed to rotate within bore  49 . This allows adjacent panels  10  to remain connected (engaged horizontally) when disposed offset to one another in a collapsed orientation as will be discussed in detail below. 
     FIG. 3B  shows the retention pin  60  disposed in a locked configuration. This orientation is achieved by moving the retention pin  60  from the unlocked position shown in  FIG. 3C  into engagement with the lock  50  formed in each boss  44 . It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the same procedure applies for each retention pin  60  associated with a boss  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  which has a lock  50 . The lock  50  as described in detail above, essentially prevents rotation of the retention pin  60  relative to the panel  10 . Here, retention pin  60  is not allowed to rotate within bore  49  due to lock  50 . As a result, adjacent panels  10  are operatively connected (engaged both horizontally and vertically) such that they are relatively immovable, or fixedly positioned, with respect to one another so that unintended movement is restricted. 
   An access door  70  is connected to the medially disposed retention pin  62  and is movable relative thereto as described in detail below. 
     FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C show the side, top and front views of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display as described in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C. The panels  10  are preferably made from high impact styrene plastic. However, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any other suitable material of construction may be used that also provides a sufficiently low enough coefficient of friction to facilitate the movement of products within the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Further, the panels  10  are preferably injection molded. Again, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any other suitable manufacturing technique may be used. The retention pins  60  and  62  are preferably made from stainless steel. However, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that other materials of comparable strength and corrosion resistant properties may be used. One particular advantage of the present invention is the use of the replaceable retention pins. In the event that one of the retention pins breaks, it can be easily replaced. However, more likely, is that a panel  10  would break, and being replaceable/removable, the retention pins  60  and  62  could be removed from such panel  10 , the panel can they be removed from among its adjacent panels, and a new panel  10  may be inserted in the same position and then have the retention pins  60  and  62  replaced and connected to the newly inserted panel  10 . In either case, disassembly of the entire dispenser display is not required. Further, the dispenser display may be expanded to include as many additional panels as desired and shown in FIGS.  3 A–C and  4 A–C. In addition, although the embodiment shown in such figures utilize retention pins  60  and  62  having a particular length, other embodiments use retention pins having different lengths for the purpose of accommodating products that have a different height, (i.e., the height of a cylindrical article), than the height described herein regarding product  90 . As such, different embodiments using different length retention pins  60  and  62 , and that still use the panels  10  described herein, are able to accommodate products having different dimensions. 
     FIGS. 5A–D  show various different views of the access door  70 . The access door  70  includes a front face  72 , a rear face  73 , a handle  74 , a clip  76 , a pair of resilient arms  78  and a pair of alignment arms  80 . The front face  72  is configured as slightly curved to present a pleasing appearance and increased surface area for advertising display purposes, such as alphanumeric and graphic indicia advertising the products therein. The handle  74  is disposed at the top of the access door  70  opposite the clip  76  and enables a user to easily move the access door from a closed position (access closing relation) to an open position (access opening relation) through an arc of at least 90 degrees. Preferably, the access door  70  is moved from a generally vertical orientation in the closed position to a orientation in the open position which is at least horizontal and preferably several degrees past horizontal. Other embodiments allow for the complete or partial removal of access door  70 . The resilient arms  78  include an enlarged nub  82  which engages the aperture formed in the side  12  as discussed above with regard to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The nub  82  provides a secondary connection for the access door to the panel  10 . The clip  76  is the primary connection to adjacent panels  10 . The clip  76  engages medially disposed retention pin  62  and moves relative thereto. Alignment arms  80  engage adjacent panels  10  when necessary in order to maintain the access door properly disposed between adjacent panels  10 . 
     FIG. 6A  shows the dispenser module  16  described in  FIGS. 3A–3  and  4 A–C with one panel  10  removed. The product  90  is loaded into the chutes  22 ,  24 . The product  90  is shown as being of cylindrical form, and in this embodiment, represents cans of consumer goods. Other embodiments use a product  90  in a cylindrical form, but in the form of a jar, including glass, plastic or other typical jar materials. Yet additional embodiments use products  90  of a variety of other shapes or packaging designs, otherwise capable of being received by chutes  22  and  24 . Further, the product  90  loaded into the different chutes  22  and  24  may be of a different design, whether external or internal. An external design difference could be size, shape, or material (i.e., glass jars or cans). An internal design difference may be different contents, such as different types of soup or different types of food. Chute  22  is a circuitous, serpentine path which is shorter than chute  24 . As a result, more product  90  may be disposed in chute  24  than chute  22 . However, other embodiments provide chutes  22  and  24  which such curvilinear structures that both chutes have the same length and are capable of containing the same amount of product  90 . 
   When the supply of product  90  has been sufficiently depleted from chutes  22  and  24 , new product  92  must be added. One advantage of the present invention is that additional new product  92  may be added to the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display from the front. This is accomplished by moving the access door  70  from the closed position to the open position. It will be noted by those of skill in the art that the access door  70  has been removed from  FIG. 6A  for clarity purposes. Once the access door  70  has been opened a sleeve or loading magazine  100  is used to refresh the supply of product  90  in the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display through its loading end, where the loading end includes the upper extents or portions of chutes  22  and  24 , and where such upper extents of such chutes  22  and  24  represent a separate lower and upper loading port, respectively. 
   Further, the new products  92  are arranged in the loading magazine  100  such that two parallel rows (dual rows) are formed where an upper row traverses, or lies across, a lower row. Further, as shown, the new products  92  are arranged in pairs of upper and lower new products  92  within such dual rows with an upper new product lying across or on top of a lower new product. However, other embodiments use loading magazines  100  that have more or less rows of new product  92 . Typically, although not required, the number of rows of new product  92  in loading magazine  100  is equal to the corresponding number of chutes in a dispenser module  16 . Further, most embodiments of loading magazine  100  contain at least two new product  92  units in each of the rows contained therein. As such, and as shown in  FIG. 6A , a loading magazine would typically consist of at least four new products  92 , (two rows by two deep), but, as shown, actually consists of twelve, (two rows by six deep). Further, other embodiments contain multiple rows of new products  92  where the quantities per row for different rows are not equal. In addition, some embodiments contain rows of new products  92  that have different external and/or internal qualities, for example, some contain different size products in different rows, or different types of internal contents in different rows. 
   When loaded, the new product  92  simply rolls into the chute  22  or  24  whichever is empty and available. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the positioning elements  38  and  40  engage the end faces of the product  90  at point locations to center the product  90  between adjacent panels  10  and to reduce the rolling resistance of the product  90 ,  92  relative to the panels  10 . Another advantage of the present invention is the return area or replace stall  110  which is defined between the first and second stops  30  and  34  and a cradle member or ear  112  formed on the panel  10 . The replace stall  110  is further defined as an area in which a product  90  may be replaced if the consumer decides not to purchase. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6A , a consumer has already replaced a product  90  which was not purchased. The next purchaser interested in the product  90  will then intuitively remove the product  90  from the replace stall  110  first as it is most easily removed. If another product  90  is desired, the consumer will pick the product from the lower extent, or dispensing end, of chute  22  or  24 , and the next product in the appropriate chute  22  or  24  will index forward accordingly. The distal or dispensing ends of chutes  22  and  24  are also known as dispensing bays, or together, as a removal area. Similar to the situation where first stop  30  is located towards the rear of panel  10  in comparison to second stop  34 , the dispensing bay associated with the first chute  22  is similarly located with respect to the dispensing bay associated with the second chute  24 . Further, in this embodiment, the distance between such dispensing bays is slightly greater than the diameter of a products  90  unit. If the second product is then returned to the dispenser display, the replace stall is available for the consumer rather than the tedious and difficult chore of attempting to retention the product  90  backwards in the dispenser display while replacing the unwanted product  90 . This represents a significant advantage over the prior art. 
   Further, although not shown in the FIGS., one embodiment provides an indicator that notifies an observer when the contents of the dispenser display reaches a certain minimum level of products  90 . Here, the second chute  24  is designed such that when such certain minimum level of products  90 , for example five, is reached in such chute, that the remaining minimum, or less, products  90 , recede from contact with the second stop  34 . This provides the advantage of notifying an observer of a low level of stock of product  90  before the product reaches a critical level, or runs out completely. The second chute  24  may be designed such that any desired minimum number of product  90  can be originally chosen as the amount which will provide the indication to an observer. Further, other embodiments provide the same indicator associated with the first chute  22 , or any corresponding additional chute. 
     FIGS. 6B–6D  show a more detailed depiction of loading magazine  100 . First, it should be noted that as shown here, both products  90  and  92  are shown as cylindrical articles. Other embodiments use products of other shapes and sizes, and have outside enclosures with differing coefficients of friction, where such products have sufficient rolling, sliding or other movement along chutes  22  and  24  so that multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display operates as described herein where gravity is used to dispense the products to product consumers. Such other embodiments include, for example, products having a substantially cylindrical form, and those having multiple outer sides that still allow the product to rotate as it travels along chutes  22  and  24 . The loading magazine  100  includes a porous side  132 , a non-porous side  134 , a top side  136  and a bottom side  138 , a product ejection end  140  and a product non-ejection end  141 . In addition,  FIG. 6C  shows a tear strip  142  on top side  136 . Both the porous side  132  and the non-porous side  134  have loading notches  144  and  146 , respectively, at the product ejection end  140  of the loading magazine  100 . Further, the entire casing which makes up the loading magazine  100  is a paper overwrap  148  with elongated ends  150  and  152 , where such elongated ends are attached forming a overlap seam  153 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6B , a porous side  132  contains holes  154  which provides access to the top of the new products  92  where markings, including alphanumeric indicia, can be either applied or observed without removing such products from the loading magazine  100 . The porous side  132  in other embodiments are absent such holes  154 . Further, each of the porous side  132 , non-porous side  134 , top side  136  and bottom side  138 , each have slit protrusions  156  or apertures that provides room for the new products  92  to be received, and each slit protrusion  156  area stretches or bulges outwardly along the top and bottom sides  136  and  138  such that such new products  92  are statically secured via an enclosing force from moving along such sides  136  and  138 , and as a result, loading magazine  100  need not include end members to statically secure the new products  92  from exiting from either of its ends. Other embodiments do not include slit protrusions  156  about the loading magazine  100 . Further, other embodiments also include structures, such as full or partial walls to achieve the necessary enclosing force, such as walls that cover all or part of both or either the product ejection end  140  and the non-product ejection end  141 . In some embodiments, partial walls are created by folds in the overwrap  148 , which prevent new products  92  from exiting the magazine  100  from both its product ejection end  140  and its non-product ejection end  141 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6C , a tear strip  142  is located on the top side  136  of the loading magazine  100 . Here, the tear strip  142  is a perforated strip. Other embodiments use other forms of tear strips including adhesive strips and pull string tear strips, while others use no tear strip at all. Some embodiments place the tear strip  142  along an overlap seam  153  located on the top side  136 , while others locate such tear strips  142  on other sides of the loading magazine  100 , while yet others locate the tear strips  142  circumferentially about the periphery of the loading magazine  100 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , loading notches  144  and  146  are provided here to allow the further insertion of the loading magazine into the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display by allowing the upper extents of two corresponding first rails  26  to slide into such loading notches  144  and  146 . At least one embodiment, which utilizes a loading magazine  100  having a single row of new product  92  therein, may be advanced down a portion of the length of either chute  22  or  24  such that the portion at most reaches or approaches the first curve in such chutes. 
   Although the paper overwrap  148  here is made out of paperboard, such as Kraft paperboard, generally made from cross-directional fibers providing some level of expansion and retraction within the paperboard itself, and having a caliper range between 0.012 and 0.26 and a weight per 1,000 square feet of between 32 and 90 pounds, (for example, a 32, 42 and 68 pound Kraft liner), other embodiments have paper overwrap  148  made out of bleached sulfate, while others are made from thermoplastic film. The structure that results from the covering of the new product  92  with an overwrap  148  in addition to being called a loading magazine  100  is also referred to as a tube. Here, the elongated ends  150  and  152  of the paper overwrap  148  are attached to one another via a glue agent forming overlap seam  153 . Other embodiments form overlap seam  153  by using an attachment agent other than glue. Further, other embodiments, such as those having a paper overwrap  148 , are absent any overlap seam  153  or elongated ends  150  or  152 . Yet other embodiments, such as those having a tear strip  142 , attach elongated ends  150  and  152  together via such tear strip  142 . Although not shown in  FIGS. 6B–6D , some embodiments utilize an intermediate wall within loading magazine  100 . Such wall is located between the rows of new product  92 , i.e., the row of new product  92  adjacent the top side  136  and the row of new product  92  adjacent the bottom side  138 . 
   The loading magazine  100  is designed to secure a set of new product  92  such that the set can me easily transported to the location of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The loading magazine  100  is further designed to provide a convenient way to load or feed new product  92  into the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display where new product  92  is ejected or expelled from the magazine  100  onto one or both of the highest extents of the first and second rail  26  and  28 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , loading magazine  100  is positioned for loading such that its bottom and top sides  138  and  136  are angled such that gravity provides an urging force against the new product  92  therein towards the product ejection end  140 . Before the new product  92  can flow however, the securing force or pressure about loading magazine  100  must be released, for example, where a perforated tear strip  142  is pulled from the top side  136  fracturing such perforations, or where the product ejection end  140  is obscured by a wall, and the wall is removed. In either case the ejection end  140  is expanded or otherwise opened. Upon release, the new product  92  flows down loading magazine  100  and onto first and/or second rails  26  and  28 . For those embodiments including a middle wall between the upper and lower rows of new product  92 , each such row is directed only to its corresponding second and first rails  28  and  26  respectfully. 
   As long as the multi-chute gravity dispenser display is not completely full, multiple loading magazines may be emptied there in. Where the multi-chute gravity dispenser reaches its full condition before a current loading magazine is emptied, such loading magazine  100  is then pivotally adjusted about its product ejection end  140 , where the product non-ejection end  141  moves lower portion of a panel  10 , resulting in the remaining new product resting in the product non-ejection end  141  portion of the loading magazine  100 . 
     FIG. 7  shows one embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a collapsed position. The dispenser display shown herein includes a plurality of panels  10  which are offset from one another connected by retention pins  60  disposed in the unlocked position. As shown, the panels  10  have been advanced toward each other in an accordion-type manner until reaching abutment or contact against one another in a compressed position with retention pins  60  extended at an angle away from the horizontal. As a result, the overall width of the dispenser display is only 12.3 inches. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the overall width of any dispenser display is dependent upon the number of panels selected for use. In other words, the more panels used, the wider the overall width and vice versa. 
     FIG. 8  shows a side view of the collapsed dispenser display of  FIG. 7 . The retention pins  60  are clearly shown in the unlocked position and also disposed in the rearward bosses  46 ,  48 . The overall depth of the dispenser display in the collapsed position with the retention pins  60  disposed in the unlocked position is 21 inches. The overall height of the dispenser display in this configuration is 17.8 inches. 
     FIG. 9  shows a front view of the dispenser display of  FIGS. 7 and 8  in an expanded configuration. The overall width of the dispenser display is 47.871 inches. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that there is a significant difference between the dimensions of the dispenser display from the collapsed to the expanded configurations. As a result, there is a significant savings in shipping and storage costs as the dispenser display in the collapsed position is much smaller. After the dispenser display is moved from the collapsed to the expanded position, the retention pins  60  may be moved to engage the locks  50  formed in bosses  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48 . The resulting structure is then rigid and stable for use. Further, because the retention pins  60  are already in place when the dispenser display is received for installation, the steps needed to achieve a rigid structure are reduced to the steps of locking such retention pins  60 , and as result, provides benefits at the assembly end of the process where assembly time and assembly errors are reduced. Although the embodiment shown in such figures utilize retention pins  60  and  62  having a particular length, other embodiments use retention pins having different lengths for the purpose of accommodating products that have a different height, (i.e., the height of a cylindrical article), than the height described herein regarding product  90 . As such, different embodiments using different length retention pins  60  and  62 , and that still use the panels  10  described herein, are able to accommodate products having different dimensions. 
     FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C show retention pin  60  in greater detail. The retention pin  60 , having a U-shape, has a main portion  120  and a pair of arms  122  disposed in opposition which have been formed normal to the main portion  120 . In this embodiment, the arms  122  have a length from their distal end to the center line of the main portion  120  of approximately 1.25 inches. The overall width on center from arm-to-arm is approximately 3.761 inches. The diameter of the retention pin is preferably approximately 0.188 inches. 
     FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C show the structural configuration of medially disposed retention pin  62 . It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that medially disposed retention pin  62  is substantially similar to retention pin  60  described in  FIGS. 10A–C . The difference between the two is that the arms  122  in medially disposed retention pin  62  have a length from their distal end to the center line of the main portion  120  of approximately 1.5 inches. Other dimensions remain the same. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any of the dimensions of the retention pins may be adjusted to suit different design parameters. The medially disposed retention pin  62  has an increased length over the retention pin  60  so that it may be used in the generally medial position in connection with boss  52  so that the access door is properly positioned when clip  76  engages the main portion  120  of medially disposed retention pin  62 . 
     FIG. 12  shows a template  600  for the display area available on the access door  70 . Another advantage of the present invention is that additional display space is not required. The access door provides sufficient area to advertise the products disposed within the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The display area may be covered with a variety of signage including, an adhesive backed material. (preferably using a weak or light adhesive amount), a plastic or paper sheet having tabs to interlink with corresponding slots on the access door  70 , or other suitable advertising medium. 
     FIG. 13A  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a collapsed configuration disposed within a shipping box  620 . 
     FIG. 13B  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a collapsed partially removed from the shipping box  620 . 
     FIG. 13C  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in a partly expanded configuration as compared to  FIGS. 13A and 13B . The retention pins  60  are shown in the unlocked position. 
     FIG. 13D  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display disposed on a conventional shelf  630  in an expanded configuration with the retention pins  60  in a locked position. A conventional shelf  630  having a 48 inch width  632  is also shown. The overall width  640  of the expanded multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display is 47.871 inches. Accordingly, the dispenser display is easily disposed upon the conventional shelf  630 . 
     FIG. 13E  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display of  FIG. 13D  with the magazine access doors  70  assembled and product decals applied, where the access door  70  is disposed in the closed position. It will also be noted that the depth  650  of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display is 20 inches which is easily accommodated on a conventional shelf  630 . 
     FIG. 14A  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display with an additional display item in the form of a category sign  660  connected thereto. 
     FIG. 14B  shows product being loaded into an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display of the present invention. The access door  70  is moved from a closed position to an open position such that the magazine  100  may be in communication with the chutes  22  and  24  so that the product may be loaded. 
     FIG. 14C  shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display filled with product  90  and ready for retail. The replaced stall  110  in each module has product disposed therein for maximum initial density. 
     FIG. 15  shows a plurality of multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displays disposed on a number of adjacently disposed conventional shelves  630 . 
     FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18  show a different embodiment of the main element of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display, ( FIGS. 1 and 2  show another such embodiment), where a panel  210  represents a vertical upright panel designed to be remotely mated with other like panels  210 . Further, the panel  210  is shown to be supporting a full load of product  92 . The panel  210  includes at least one set of rails  220  which are formed as ribs extending normal to a side  212  of the panel  210  to cooperatively define a plurality of chutes  222 ,  224  for product which have a boustrophedonic or C-shaped configuration. 
   A first rail  226  is disposed in the generally medial portion of the side  212  inclined to the horizontal, angled generally downwardly, and having a linear configuration. The second rail  228  is disposed about the first rail  226  and has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. The first and second rails  226  and  228  each having a minimum incline to the horizontal such that product is capable of continuous movement along such rails in response to a normal gravitational force, and where as shown in FIG.  16 ., can be a substantially slight angle. A first product travel stop or stop  230  is formed at a lowest extent of the second rail  228  as an enlarged portion thereof. The first stop  230  engages the product to prevent unwanted further movement down chute  222  and positions the product for viewing and selection by a customer. 
   A third rail  232  has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially L-shaped and has a second stop  234 , formed as an enlarged portion thereof at a lower end adjacent first stop  230 , and prevents further downward motion down chute  224 . In addition, a return area or replace stall  310 , defined between the first and second stops  230  and  234  and a cradle member or ear  312  formed on the panel  210 , can be used as an area in which a product  90  may be replaced after being initially removed by a customer. 
   Here, unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an additional top member  233  is used to provide a top for a portion of chute  224  and which also provides additional structural rigidity to the top portion of panel  210 . For structural rigidity and to provide visibility to the product positioned on first and second rails  226  and  228 , cut out portions  218  or holes are formed along on panel  210  along the chutes  222  and  224 . The cut out portions  218  also allow one to determine the quantity and contents of such chutes thus facilitating inventory control of the products stored therein. 
   At least one set of positioning elements  236  are formed on the side  212  as raised protrusions having a height normal to the side  212  less than the rails  226 ,  228  and  232 . Each positioning element  238 ,  240  has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. The first positioning element  238  is disposed between the first and second rails  226 ,  228 . The second positioning element  240  is disposed between the second and third rails  228 ,  232 , for a bottom portion of chute  224 , as well as between second rail  228  and top member  233 , for a top portion of chute  224 . 
   A plurality of bosses  242 ,  244 ,  246  and  248  are formed at each corner of the panel  210 , and when used, provide greater rigidity to the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Each has at least one aperture or bore  249  defined therein and a lock  250  associated with each bore  249 . The lock mechanism or lock  250  is defined in the boss  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248  where a portion of an outer wall of the boss  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248  is removed to form a receptacle. Additional bosses  252  and  253  are also included where boss  252  is formed in a generally medial position adjacent an end of the first rail  226  and where boss  253  is generally located near a lower position on panel  210  near the lower extent of second rail  228 . At least one bore  249  is defined in both additional bosses  252  and  253 . However, such two bosses do not include a lock. Although not shown, an additional retention pin engages the bore  249  defined in the boss  253 . 
   An aperture  254  is formed in the panel  210  disposed between the second positioning element  240  and an upper boss  244  for positioning an access door. A plurality of feet  256  are formed on the side  212  and extend from the third rail  232  to the lower portion edge of the panel  210  in order to provide stability to the panel  210 . Each foot  256  extends normal to the side  212  in the same manner as the rails  226 ,  228  and  232  to the same extent. Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , here an additional stability arm  257  is included for additional structural stability. 
   As best shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , a blade sign base member  270  is located longitudinally along the upper portion of the panel  210  and extending from a location adjacent to the bottom of upper boss  244  to a location at or adjacent to first rail  226 . The blade sign base member  270  has offset grooves  272  for mating with a blade sign display member discussed in greater detail below. The blade sign base member  270  is located in parallel along a substantial portion of its length and having a beginning location  274  at the top  276  of the blade sign base member  270  and ending at an ending location  278  near the bottom  280  of the blade sign base member  270 . 
   Next,  FIGS. 19 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 , and  23  show a blade sign display member  400  designed to attach to the blade sign base member  270  of panel  210 . The blade sign display member  400  has a clamp section  402 , a face section  404  and an outer lip  406 . Further, clamp section  402  has a cavity  408  therein. Inside the cavity  408  there are opposing offset ribs or tongues  410  and  412  for mating with the grooves  272  of the blades sign base member  270 . The attaching of the blade sign display member  400  to blade sign base member  270  can be achieved in a number of ways. 
   For example, by aligning the blade sign display member  400  above the sign base member  270  in a linear manner such that the grooves  272  of the blades sign base member  270  are lined up with the tongues  410  and  412 , once so aligned, a downward force is then applied on the display member  400  such that the tongues  410  and  412  slide within the grooves  272  until the top of the display member  400  is near the top of blades sign base member  270 . Another example is to line up the opening of cavity  408  of blade sign display member  400  along the front edge of blades sign base member  270  such that the top of both the blade sign display member  270  and the display member  400  are located proximate to one another, and such that the cavity  408  is located along the same direction that blades sign base member  270  protrudes from panel  210 , and whereupon force is applied down the length of blade sign display member  400  towards its clamp section  402  such that the front of the cavity  408  is forced open to allow the entry of the front edge of the blade sign display member  270  and where force is continually applied until the tongues  410  and  412  snap into engagement with grooves  272 . 
   Further, the face section  404 , one on each side of the blade sign display member  400 , can contain signage indicating the products or category of products stored in the associated multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The signage can be any of a number of advertising mediums such as an adhesive backed material, a plastic, paper or cardboard sheet having tabs that interlock with corresponding apertures on the blade sign display member  400 . 
   Next,  FIGS. 24A ,  24 B,  24 C,  24 D and  24 E show various different views of the access door  570 . The access door  570  includes a front face  572 , a rear face  573 , a handle  574 , a clips  576 A and  576 B, a pair of resilient arms  578  and a pair of alignment arms  580 . The front face  572  is configured as slightly curved to present a pleasing appearance and increased surface area for advertising display purposes. The handle  574  is disposed at the top of the access door  570  opposite and enables a user to easily move the access door from a closed position to an open position. Preferably, the access door  570  is moved from a generally vertical orientation in the closed position to a orientation in the open position which is at least horizontal and preferably several degrees past horizontal. Other embodiments allow for the complete or partial removal of access door  570 . The resilient arms  578  include an enlarged nub  582  which engages the aperture formed in the side  212 . The nub  582  provides a secondary connection for the access door to the panel  210 . The clip clips  576 A and  576 B are the primary connection to the adjacent panels  210 . The clips  576 A and  576 B engage medially disposed retention pin  62  and move relative thereto. Alignment arms  580  engage adjacent panels  210  when necessary in order to maintain the access door properly disposed between adjacent panels  210 . 
   In addition to providing the functionality and the advantages described above, the loading magazine  100  has the additional advantages associated with its use with standard shelving, and other display structures generally known to be used to display products  90 , that do not otherwise represent a multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Regardless of the type of display structure used to display the products  90 , the magazine  100  provides the same secure and easy transportation to the location at which the new products  92  will be displayed as described above. In addition, and in a similar fashion to that described above, the loading magazine  100  provides a convenient and easy way of expelling the contents of a loaded magazine  100  onto a variety of display structures. 
   Although new product display designs, such as standard gravity fed shelving for example, have provided advances in the area display stocking, many stocking procedures still populate display structures in the same manner that occurred decades ago, i.e., by the placement of new products  92  on such display structures on a unit by unit, or product by product, or can by can basis. However, now with the loading magazine  100  of  FIG. 6A , display structures can be instantly loaded with a loading magazine  100  of new products  92 , greatly reducing the time and effort associated with the unit by unit shelf populating techniques. For example, in the case of standard shelving, where products are generally placed next to one another in a vertical position, e.g., where cylindrical articles are rested on an end, the loading magazine  100  may positioned on a portion of the standard shelf with the non-porous side  134  resting thereon and then the tear strip  142  may then be partially or fully removed, removing or reducing the securing force or pressure about loading magazine  100  about new product  90 , and one may use their hand or other object to push, or hold in place, the new goods  92  within the loading magazine  100 , while with their other hand, pulling or grasping the paper overwrap  148  such that the new products  92  populate the standard shelf as an organized group of new products  92  arranged in a column and row format. Other embodiments do not include the maintaining of the organized nature in row and column format as the new product  92  populate the standard shelf, as such embodiments rely more heavily on the advantage of the loading of a group of new products  92  at one time, over the prior art method of stocking such shelving on a unit by unit basis. 
   Although many of the embodiments described above are limited to the use of two chutes  22  and  24 , other embodiments contain the use one, three or more chutes.