Time delay product pushing system

Abstract

A system for controlled advancement of product. Systems of this invention includes a track and pusher system as well as 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.

1 . A device for controlled advancement of a product comprising: 
 (a) a track,    (b) a pusher slidable along the track, and    (c) a motor attached to the pusher and coupled to the track, wherein the motor controls forward movement of the pusher along the track.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the track further comprises a channel.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the channel further comprises gear teeth that project into the channel.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the motor further comprises an external gear component.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pusher further comprises a pushing ram.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pusher further comprises an extension for coupling the pusher to the track, so that the pusher slides along the track.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring that urges the pusher in a forward direction.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the spring is a constant force spring.  
     
     
         9 . A product pushing device comprising: 
 (a) a track comprising a central channel and having a motor engagement surface,    (b) a pusher slidable along the track, and    (c) a motor attached to the pusher and comprising an external engagement component,    wherein the external engagement component of the motor engages the motor engagement surface, allowing the motor to control movement of the pusher along the track.    
     
     
         10 . The product pushing device of  claim 9 , wherein the motor engagement surface comprises gear teeth.  
     
     
         11 . The product pushing device of  claim 9 , wherein the external engagement component is an external gear component.  
     
     
         12 . The product pushing device of  claim 9 , further comprising a pushing ram.  
     
     
         13 . The product pushing device of  claim 9 , wherein the pusher further comprises an extension for coupling the pusher to the track and allowing the pusher to slide along the track.  
     
     
         14 . The product pushing device of  claim 9 , further comprising a spring that urges the pusher in a forward direction.  
     
     
         15 . The product pushing device of  claim 14 , wherein the spring is a constant force spring.  
     
     
         16 . The product pushing device of  claim 14 , wherein an end of the spring passes through a slot in the pusher and is attached to an end of the track.  
     
     
         17 . A system for controlled advancement of product comprising: 
 (a) a track comprising a central channel having side walls, at least one of the side walls including gear teeth;    (b) a pusher slidable along the track and comprising a pushing ram and a bracket;    (c) a motor attached to the pusher and comprising an external gear component that extends into the channel of the track and engages the gear teeth; and    (d) a spring attached to the track for urging the pusher in a forward direction.    
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the spring is a constant force spring.