[0001] Bins or units for storing bulk products are described herein and, in particular, bins having a movable platform disposed therein for supporting bulk products, such as food products. Background

[0002] Product storage and display bins or units, such as point of sale units, are used at grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations to hold products for consumers to pick therefrom and purchase. To facilitate easy removal of the products from the bins by the consumers and to prevent the consumers from having to reach deep down into the bin as the number of products stored in the bin decreases, the products are loaded into the bins such that the top layer of the products is located about waist-high for an average person. To achieve this, many conventional bins have a false bottom elevated well above the floor, thereby disadvantageously resulting in a significant waste of storage space in the area of the bin below the false bottom. Another disadvantage of conventional bins is that, as the products are removed from the bin, the top level of the products in the bin dips significantly below the top of the bin, which can be unappealing. Summary

[0003] Generally, the bins or units described herein include a movable platform disposed therein, and the height of the movable platform is automatically adjusted via a spring and pulley system, based upon the product weight supported by the platform, to maintain the top level of the products within the bin at a predetermined height or range of heights, and thereby maintain the products stored in the bin within easy reach of consumers. [0004] In some embodiments, a bin for storing a plurality of products includes a frame including an open top and a bottom. The bin further includes a product supporting platform movable relative to the frame and configured to support products thereon. The platform is movable relative to the frame between an unloaded position, where no products are supported on the platform, and a fully loaded position, closer to the bottom of the frame as compared to the unloaded position, where a maximum number of the products are loaded onto the platform. The bin further includes a plurality of resilient members coupled relative to the frame and the platform. The resilient members are biased to pull the platform in a direction toward the top of the frame to adjust the height of the platform relative to the frame based upon the weight of products supported by the platform to maintain a top level of the products at a predetermined height or range of heights. The bin further includes a plurality of upper pulleys coupled relative to the frame adjacent the open top of the frame and a plurality of bottom pulleys coupled to the frame adjacent the bottom of the frame. In addition, the bin includes a plurality of line segments each having ends fixedly coupled relative to the movable platform at spaced locations and passing over at least one of the upper pulleys and at least one of the bottom pulleys. The line segments restrict movement of the platform relative to the frame so that sides and/or anchor points of the platform travel substantially synchronously in terms of distance and speed (within acceptable production and equipment tolerances) as the platform moves between the fully loaded and unloaded positions.

[0005] In some aspects, the platform is rectangular and has a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner.

[0006] In some aspects, four line segments are provided, and each of the four line segments extends from adjacent one of the corners of the platform, over an upper pulley, from the upper pulley to a lower pulley, from the lower pulley to another lower pulley, and to adjacent another one of the corners of the platform.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bin may include a first leg including a first upper pulley and a pair of first bottom pulleys; a second leg including a second upper pulley and a pair of second bottom pulleys; a third leg including a third upper pulley and a pair of third bottom pulleys; and a fourth leg including a fourth upper pulley and a pair of fourth bottom pulleys.

[0008] In certain aspects, the line segments include a first line segment, a second line segment, a third line segment and a fourth line segment. The first line segment has a first end attached adjacent to the first corner of the platform, extending over the first upper pulley and from the first upper pulley to one of the pair of first bottom pulleys, from the one of the pair of first bottom pulleys to one of the pair of second bottom pulleys, and from the one of the pair of second bottom pulleys to the second corner of the platform where a second end of the first line segment is attached adjacent to the second corner of the platform. The second line segment has a first end attached adjacent to the second corner of the platform, extending over the second upper pulley and from the second upper pulley to another of the pair of second bottom pulleys, from the another of the pair of second bottom pulleys to one of the pair of third bottom pulleys, and from the one of the pair of third bottom pulleys to the third corner of the platform where a second end of the second line segment is attached adjacent to the third corner of the platform. The third line segment has a first end attached adjacent to the third corner of the platform, extending over the third upper pulley and from the third upper pulley to another of the pair of third bottom pulleys, from the another of the pair of third bottom pulleys to one of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys, and from the one of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys to the fourth corner of the platform where a second end of the third line segment is attached adjacent to the fourth corner of the platform. The fourth line segment has a first end attached adjacent to the fourth corner of the platform, extending over the fourth upper pulley and from the fourth upper pulley to another of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys, from the another of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys to another of the pair of first bottom pulleys, and from the another of the pair of first bottom pulleys to the first corner of the platform where a second end of the fourth line segment is attached adjacent to the first corner of the platform.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the corners of the platform includes at least one coupling member configured to permit a bottom end of a respective one of the resilient members to be coupled thereto.

[0010] In certain aspects, at least one of the corners of the platform includes at least one wire connector configured to permit an end of the at least one line segment to be fixedly coupled thereto. In some embodiments, each of the corners of the platform includes two line connectors extending therefrom and the at least one line segment comprises four line segments, with each of the four line segments having one end connected to a top one of the wire connectors at one of the corners and another end connected to a bottom one of the connectors at another one of the corners.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom pulleys each comprise a bottom pulley assembly coupled relative to the frame and each bottom pulley assembly includes a pair of axles each having a pulley mounted relative thereto for rotation. Each bottom pulley assembly may include a plurality of openings to permit the at least one line segment to pass therethrough. In some aspects, the at least one line segment is movably coupled relative to the pulleys of the bottom pulley assembly such that movement of the at least one line segment results in rotation of the pulleys of the bottom pulley assembly.

[0012] In certain aspects, the top pulleys each comprise an upper pulley assembly coupled relative to the frame, with each top pulley assembly including an axle having a respective one of the upper pulleys mounted relative thereto for rotation. In some embodiments, each upper pulley assemblies further comprises at least one coupling member configured to permit a top end of a respective one of the resilient members to be coupled thereto.

[0013] In some embodiments, the frame includes a plurality of panels coupled relative to one another via a plurality of legs, with the side panels at least in part defining an interior of the bin therebetween.

[0014] In some aspects, the line segments are formed from a flexible, non-extensible length of material.

[0015] In some embodiments, a method of dispensing the products from the bin comprises: storing the products within the bin and on the product supporting platform; in response to a plurality of the products being picked from the bin, whereby contraction of the resilient members causes the platform to move in a direction toward the top of the frame; in response to movement of the platform in the direction toward the top of the frame, moving the line segments to cause rotation of the upper pulleys and the bottom pulleys; in response to contraction of the at least one resilient member and movement of the line segments and rotation of the pulleys, moving the sides of the platform substantially the same distance in a direction toward the top of the frame. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bin according to some embodiments, shown with the bin not having any products therein, and the movable platform not having any products thereon and being at its unloaded position;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 1, shown with the bin being half-loaded with products and the movable platform having products thereon and being at an intermediate position;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 1, shown with the bin being fully loaded with products and the movable platform having more products than shown in FIG. 2 thereon and being at its fully loaded position;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the bin of FIG. 1, further including an optional top panel extending upwardly above the open top of the bin;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the bin of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the platform- moving spring and pulley assembly of FIG.1, depicting the platform at its unloaded position and the springs being shown in their contracted state, where the springs are slightly extended from their natural relaxed/non-extended state by the weight of the platform;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the platform- moving spring and pulley assembly of FIG.1, depicting the platform at its fully loaded position and the springs extended;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective fragmentary view of an exemplary top pulley assembly of the bin of FIG. 1, depicting pulley, wire, and spring components of the platform-moving assembly;

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective fragmentary view of an exemplary bottom pulley of the bin of FIG. 1, depicting pulley and wire components of the platform-moving assembly; and [0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective fragmentary view of a corner of the movable platform, illustrating the coupling of the spring component to the movable platform and the pulley assembly wire component passing therethrough. Detailed Description

[0026] An exemplary bin 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The bin 10 includes a frame 12 including an open top 14 and a bottom 16. The illustrated exemplary frame 12 of the bin 10 includes a front panel 28, a rear panel 30, a first side panel 32, a second side panel 34, and a bottom panel 35 that enclose an interior 36 of the bin 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the bottom panel 35 is generally horizontal and the panels 28, 30, 32, and 34 are generally upstanding.

[0027] In FIGS. 1-3, the bin 10 is illustrated with each of the panels 28, 30, 32, and 34 being entirely made of a transparent material to permit the products 90 loaded onto a product supporting platform 18 of the bin 10 to be visible through the panels 28, 30, 32, and 34. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the panels 28, 30, 32, and 34 may be made non-transparent (e.g., by being made of a non-transparent material, by including a non-transparent coating, etc.) to obstruct from view at least a portion of the products 90 on the platform 18 and/or to obstruct from view a portion of the bin 10 located below the platform 18. For instance, all of a given panel may be non-transparent. In one embodiment, one or more of the panels may be primarily non-transparent but have a transparent window. The window can be disposed toward the top of the bin 10 (e.g., the upper 25%), and positioned to enable visibility as to the depth of product available, i.e., how much is left in the bin.

[0028] It will be appreciated that the frame 12 of the bin 10 has been illustrated as having four upstanding panels 28, 30, 32, and 34 by way of example only, and that the number of upstanding panels of the bin 10 may vary depending on the size and shape of the bin 10. For example, the frame 12 of the bin 10 may include three or more upstanding panels in some aspects, five upstanding panels in other aspects, six upstanding panels in yet other aspects, and eight upstanding panels in still other aspects, or any other suitable number within practical limits.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 35 has an upward-facing surface 37 and a downward-facing surface 39. In some embodiments (e.g., see FIG. 4), the downward-facing surface 39 of the bottom panel 35 of the bin 10 includes adjustable feet 44 coupled thereto to enable the bin 10 to stand flat and upright on a supporting surface (e.g., a floor). In some aspects, the bin 10 includes four adjustable feet 44 and, in other aspects, depending on the size and shape of the bin 10, the bin 10 may include more than four feet 44. Notably, the feet 44 are optional and the bin 10 according to some embodiments may be placed on a supporting surface (e.g., a floor) such that the downward-facing surface 39 of the bottom panel 35 is in direct contact with the supporting surface.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the frame 12 of the bin 10 further includes a top panel 38 generally aligned with the rear panel 34 and extending upwardly above the top end 14 of the bin 10. In some aspects, the top panel 38 includes printed information identifying the products 90 located in the bin 10 by name and/or advertising a seasonal and/or a price reduction promotion associated with the products 90 in the bin 10.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the bin 10 includes four legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d configured to retain the panels 28, 30, 32, 34 in a fixed position relative to one another. Upper portions of each of the legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are optionally connected with horizontal cross members 45a-d. These cross members 45a-d contribute to the structural integrity of the bin 10. In addition, the cross members 45a-d can each include a profile that includes an angled lower face 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5. The angled lower faces 47a-d are positioned such that friction can be created with adjacent items stored in the bin 10 which can provide resistance to raising of the platform, functioning as a choke, particularly when the bin contains lighter products. This advantageously allows for a greater degree of control of the product and therefore the movement of the platform, and can allow for the springs to be selected for relatively heavier products but yet still function adequately for lighter products.

[0032] The illustrated embodiment of the bin 10 includes four legs 40a-d because the overall shape of the bin 10 is generally square-shaped. However, in embodiments, where the bin 10 is not quadrilateral in shape, the frame 12 of the bin 10 may include less than four legs or more than four legs. For example, the frame 12 of the bin 10 may include three legs in some aspects, five legs in other aspects, six legs in yet other aspects, and eight legs in still other aspects. The number of legs can correspond to the shape of the platform, e.g., a triangular platform can have three legs, a circular or oval platform can have three or more legs, etc.

[0033] Each of the legs 40a-d of the exemplary bin 10 includes a channel 41, respectively, sized and shaped to retain structures responsible for movement of the product supporting platform 18. It will be appreciated that the configuration and the shape of the channels 41 illustrated in the drawings have been shown by way of example only, and that each of the channels 41 may be entirely or partially hollow, and may be of any suitable shape exhibiting a degree of rotational indexation (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, etc.). For example, in some aspects, each of the first leg 40a, second leg 40b, third leg 40c, and fourth leg 40d includes an upper pulley 24 and a pair of bottom pulleys 24 (which are referred to herein as first, second, third and fourth upper pulleys 24, and first, second, third, and fourth pairs of bottom pulleys 24).

[0034] Each channel 41 of each leg 40a-d is defined by first and second outer walls 46 and 48, and first and second inner walls 50 and 52. The first and second outer walls 46 and 48 intersect each other to form an outer corner 54 of the legs 40a-d. In the illustrated form, the first inner walls 50 intersect the first outer walls 46, the second inner walls 52 intersect the second outer walls 48, but the first and second outer walls 46 and 48 do not intersect each other and are spaced apart to form an elongate slot 56 between the distal ends thereof.

[0035] Each of the legs 40 of the frame 12 may optionally include a top cover 43, respectively. Each of the top covers 43 may be a non-transparent plastic cover configured to provide an aesthetic effect of obstructing from view the structures located within the channels 41 of their respective legs 40a-d, and a protective effect of restricting consumers and/or retail store workers from accessing and/or touching any moving structures and/or possible sharp edges located within the channels 41.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 5, each of the legs 40a-d of the frame 12 includes a pair of elongate vertical slots or channels 42 each sized and shaped to receive and securely retain an edge portion 27, 29, 31, 33 of a respective one of the panels 28, 30, 32, 34. In particular, in the illustrated form, the edge portion 27 of the front panel 28 is received within channels 42 of the legs 40a and 40b, the edge portion 29 of the first side panel 32 is received within channels 42 of the legs 40b and 40c, the edge portion 31 of the rear panel 30 is received within channels 42 of the legs 40c and 40d, and the edge portion 33 of the second side panel 34 is received within channels 42 of the legs 40d and 40a. [0037] In some embodiments, the exemplary bin 10 includes resilient members 22 coupled relative to the frame 12 and the platform 18, pulleys 24 coupled relative to the frame and the resilient members, and one or more line segments 26 interconnecting the pulleys and coupled relative to the platform 18. A resilient member 22 may be in the form of a spring (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), at least one elastic band, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the bin 10 includes four resilient members 22 each positioned in a corner of the bin 10 and, more specifically, within the respective hollow channels 41 of the legs 40a-d. The load- bearing strength and weight sensitivity of the resilient members 22 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are specifically calibrated to account for the shape and/or weight of the food products 90 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, but it will be appreciated that the load-bearing strength and weight sensitivity of the resilient members 22 may be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of products 90 that may be loaded into the bin 10 and onto the platform 18. Instead of a resilient member 22 that pulls the platform 18 toward the upper end of the bin 10, the platform 18 could be pushed from the bottom toward the upper end of the bin 10, such as by a bladder, piston or other device that could push the platform 18.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a portion of the resilient member 22 located within each of the hollow channels 41 may be visible through a slot 56 formed between the inner walls 50 and 52 of the legs 40a-d. It will be appreciated that the bin 10 is shown with four resilient members 22 by way of example only, and that depending on the desired size and shape, the bin 10 may include more than four (e.g., 6, 8, etc.) resilient members 22.

[0039] A pulley 24 may be in the form of a rotatable wheel mounted on an axle 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the bin 10 includes four upper pulleys 24 each positioned within a corner of the bin 10 and, more specifically, within the respective hollow channels 41 of the legs 40. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a portion of each of the upper pulleys 24 located within a respective one of the hollow channels 41 may be visible through the slot 56 formed between the inner walls 50 and the outer walls 52 of the legs 40a-d.

[0040] In certain embodiments described herein, the pulleys 24 engage one or more line segments 26 (e.g., a wire, cable, rope, cord, chain, belt or the like), which are operatively coupled relative to the platform 18 at two different, spaced locations (as will be described in more detail below). As a result, movement of the platform 18 (e.g., in response to products 90 being loaded onto the platform 18, or in response to products 90 being picked off the platform 18) causes movement of one or more line segments 26 coupled to the platform, which in turn results in rotation of the pulleys 24. In some aspects, the line segments 26 are formed from a flexible, non-extensible material. The pulleys 24 can be rotatable wheels, as depicted in the figures and described herein. Alternatively, some or all of the pulleys can be something other than a rotatable wheel that provides the function of allowing change in direction of line segments on either side. For example, if the line segments are formed from a chain, then rotatable sprockets can be used. Also by way of example, a smooth, low friction stationary material could be used, e.g., a Teflon, where the line changes direction, or other ways of facilitating the change of direction, such as a roller, curved groove, slot or channel upon with the line may slide under, pass over or through.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 8, the exemplary bin 10 includes a plurality of upper pulley assemblies 58 coupled relative to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bin 10 includes four upper pulley assemblies 58 each located within a respective corner of the bin 10. However, it will be appreciated that depending on the size and shape of the bin 10, the bin 10 may include more than four (e.g., 6, 8, etc.) upper pulley assemblies 58.

[0042] The exemplary upper pulley assembly 58 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes two generally horizontal plates (namely, an upper plate 60 and a lower plate 62) and two generally vertical plates 64, 66. It will be appreciated that the horizontal plates 60, 62 are shown in FIG. 8 as being interconnected by the vertical plates 64, 66 by way of example only, and may be spaced from each other without being interconnected. In addition, it will be appreciated that, in some aspects, the upper plate 60 may be fixed while the lower plate 62 may be movable. The vertical plates 64 and 66 are spaced apart from each other, but interconnected via an upper rod 65 and a lower rod 67. In the illustrated form, the upper rod 65 functions as a spindle and has a pulley 24 mounted for rotation thereon. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower rod 67 functions as a coupling member that permits a top end 23 of the resilient member 22 to be fixedly coupled thereto. Preferably, the distance between the upper plate 60 and lower plate 62 can be adjusted so as to adjust the tension of the resilient member 22 coupled to the lower plate 62, as well as the position of the lower plate 62 relative to the frame, specifically, the leg 40 to which it is attached. For example, the lower pate 62 can be fixed in one position relative to the frame, specifically, the leg to which it is attached; and the position of the upper plate 60 can be adjusted vertically and fixed in a variety of positions, e.g., such as using one or more machine screws (not shown) extending between the upper and lower plates 60, 62 so as to adjust the vertical spacing therebetween. This adjustment can advantageously allow for adjustments to the tension of the wire loop (or specific segments thereof).

[0043] The lower horizontal plate 62 of the upper pulley assembly 58 shown in FIG. 8 includes one or more through holes 63 (e.g., slots, apertures, etc.) that permit the line segment 26 connected to the pulley 24 to pass therethrough. Similarly, the upper horizontal plate 60 of the upper pulley assembly 58 shown in FIG. 8 includes one or more through holes 61 (e.g., slots, apertures, etc.) that permit portions of the pulley 24 and portions of the line segment 26 connected to the pulley 24 to pass therethrough.

[0044] With reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 9, the exemplary bin 10 includes bottom pulley assemblies 68 coupled relative to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bin 10 includes four bottom pulley assemblies 68 each located within a respective corner of the bin 10. However, it will be appreciated that depending on the size and shape of the bin 10, the bin 10 may include more than four (e.g., 6, 8, etc.) bottom pulley assemblies 68.

[0045] The exemplary bottom pulley assembly 68 shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 is in the form of a corner bracket including a generally horizontal top wall 69, a bottom wall 71, and side walls 70 and 72 that intersect with each other to form a corner 74 of the bottom pulley assembly 68. The exemplary bottom pulley assembly 68 is configured to include two pulleys 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, each of the pulleys 24 rotatably coupled to the bottom pulley assembly 68 are mounted on a respective one of two spindles or rods 76 that extend inwardly from their respective side walls 70 and 72 of the bottom pulley assembly 68. As shown in FIG. 9, the top wall 69 of the bottom pulley assembly 68 includes two slot- like apertures 73 that permit portions of the line(s) 26 connected to the pulleys 24 housed within the bottom pulley assembly 68 to pass therethrough. In some aspects, the slot-like apertures 73 also permit removal of the line segment 26 and/or the pulleys 24 therethrough (e.g., for maintenance purposes).

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the bin 10 includes a product supporting platform 18 movably coupled relative to the frame 12. The product supporting platform 18 has a product- supporting surface 20 configured to support a multitude of products 90 thereon. As illustrated, the exemplary product supporting platform 18 is generally rectangular and includes four sides 11 and four corners 19a-d, but it will be appreciated that, based on the overall shape of the bin 10, the product supporting platform 18 may have another suitable shape, for example, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, or the like. The products 90 may be, for example, individually packaged or bulk-packaged products meant for consumption (e.g., confectionery products, savory products, etc.), as well as any other non-consumable products (e.g., electronics, stationery, home goods, etc.).

[0047] The product supporting platform 18 is movable between an unloaded position, where no products 90 are supported on the platform 18 (as shown in FIG. 1), and a fully loaded position, where a maximum number of the products 90 are loaded onto the platform 18 (as shown in FIG. 3). The platform 18 is located closer to the open top 14 of the bin 10 when the platform 18 is in the unloaded position shown in FIG. 1 than when the platform 18 is in the fully loaded position shown in FIG. 3. When the platform 18 is loaded with a number of products 90 (as shown in FIG. 2) that is less than the number of products 90 shown in FIG. 3, the platform 18 is located at an intermediate position that is closer to the top 14 of the bin 10 than the platform 18 of the bin 10 shown in FIG. 3, but further away from the top 14 of the bin 10 than the platform 18 of the bin 10 shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the amount of food or other products 90 and the position of the platform 18 shown in FIG. 3 are shown by way of example only, and that the platform 18 is not restricted from capable of moving to a lower position than that shown in FIG. 3 if a full load of products 90 intended to be contained in the bin 10 included a larger number of the products 90 (which would have a total combined weight greater than the total combined weight of the number of products 90 shown in FIG. 3) and/or a number of different products having a total combined weight greater than the total combined weight of the products 90 shown in FIG. 3.

[0048] In some embodiments, each of the corners 19a-d of the platform 18 includes at least one through aperture 17 configured to permit the at least one line segment 26 to pass through the platform 18 as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. Each of the corners 19a-d of the platform 18 also includes two generally vertical plates 15a, 15b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the vertical plates 15a and 15b are spaced apart from each other, but interconnected via a rod 13. As shown in FIG. 10, the rod 13 functions as a coupling member that permits a bottom end 21 of the resilient member 22 to be fixedly coupled thereto.

[0049] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the line segment 26 is in the form of one continuous line segment (e.g., wire, cable, cord, etc.) having a first end and a second end each connected separately to the platform to create a continuous loop, as well as multiple fixations, such as by clamping, along its length relative to the platform, e.g., adjacent the corners thereof. In other embodiments, the line segment 26 is in the form of two separate continuous line segments each having a first end and a second end. In certain aspects, the line segment 26 may be in the form of three separate continuous line segments each having a first end and a second end. In yet other aspects, the line segment 26 may be in the form of four continuous line segments each having a first end and a second end.

[0050] In one exemplary configuration, one of the corners (i.e., corner 19a) of the platform 18 includes two wire connectors 78, 80 that permit an end (and/or a portion other than the end) of the line segment 26 to be fixedly coupled thereto as shown in FIG. 10. The wire connectors 78, 80 may be in the form of pins, rods, or the like, and may be cylindrical in shape as shown, or may have a different shape suitable to permit any portion of the line segment 26 to be coupled (e.g., by twisting and/or tying) thereto. In some aspects, the wire connectors 78, 80 may be in the form of a clamp having two threaded elements and two separate plates. In some embodiments, the line segment 26 may clamped onto one, two, three or four corner regions of the platform 18 to facilitate orientation of the platform 18 within the frame 12 as well as generally synchronous movement of the platform 18.

[0051] In some embodiments, the wire connectors 78, 80 are present at only one corner (e.g., corner 19a) of the platform 18, and the line segment 26 is a single continuous line having a portion (e.g., one end) connected to the top wire connector 78 and another portion (e.g., other end) connected to a bottom wire connector 80. In other embodiments, each of the corners 19a-d of the platform 18 may include two wire connectors akin to the wire connectors 78 and 80 extending therefrom. In such embodiments, given the four corners 19a-d of the platform 18, there are eight such wire connectors 78, 80 total, and the line segment 26 includes four separate line segments 26 each end of which is connected to a top wire connector 78 at one of the corners of the platform 18 and another end connected to a bottom wire connector 80 at another one of the corners of the platform 18.

[0052] In some configurations, the line segment 26 is in the form of a single continuous wire that extends from a top wire connector 78 adjacent one of the corners (e.g., 19a) of the platform 18, over an upper pulley 24 located above that corner, from the upper pulley 24 to a lower pulley 24 located below that corner, and from that lower pulley 24 to another lower pulley 24 located in the adjacent another one of the corners (e.g., 19d) of the platform 18, and to an upper pulley 24 located at the corner 19d, then down to the bottom pulley 24 located at the corner 19d, and so on, until the other free end of the line segment 26 reaches the bottom wire connector 80 in the corner 19a and is fixedly attached thereto, thereby completing the attachment of the line segments 26 to the platform 18.

[0053] In some aspects, one or more portions of the single continuous line segment 26 is attached (e.g., clamped) adjacent each of the other corners (e.g., 19b, 19c, and 19d) of the platform 18, to restrict independent movement of the corners 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d with respect to one another, and to cause the sides 11 of the platform 18 to travel substantially simultaneously and at substantially the same rate of speed and for the same total travel distance (up or down) in a generally synchronous fashion as the platform 18 moves (upwardly and downwardly) between the fully loaded position and the unloaded position. Such generally synchronous movement is not necessarily with precision, but will be understood to be impacted by friction of sliding or rolling components, manufacturing varies, the materials used (such as spring strength material), but can result in improved movement compared to if no such pulley system were employed and can avoid wracking and locking up of the platform. During build, the line segment 26 can be a pre-formed continual loop (each end terminating adjacent each other) that is subsequently clamped to the platform in multiple locations 19a-d.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the line segment 26 is in the form of four separate line segments, and includes a first line segment, a second line segment, a third line segment and a fourth line segment. The first line segment 26 has a first end attached adjacent to the first corner 19a of the platform 18 (e.g., to a wire connector akin to top wire connector 78), and extends over a first upper pulley 24 (located above the first corner 19a of the platform 18) and from the first upper 24 located at the first corner 19a to one of the pair of first bottom pulleys 24 located below the first corner 19a of the platform 18. Then the line segment 26 extends from this one of the pair of first bottom pulleys 24 to one of the pair of second bottom pulleys 24 located below the second corner 19d of the platform 18, and from the one of the pair of second bottom pulleys 24 located below the second corner 19d to the second corner 19d of the platform 18, where a second end of the first line segment 26 is attached adjacent to the second corner 19d of the platform 18 via a wire connector akin to the bottom wire connector 80.

[0055] The second line segment 26 has a first end attached adjacent to the second corner 19d of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector akin to the top wire connector 78) and extends over the second upper pulley 24 located above the second corner 19d and from the second upper pulley 24 located above the second corner 19d to another of the pair of second bottom pulleys 24 located below the second corner 19d of the platform 18. Then the second line segment 26 extends from this one of the pair of second bottom pulleys 24 at the second corner 19d of the platform 18 to one of the pair of third bottom pulleys 24 located below the third corner 19c of the platform, and from this one of the pair of third bottom pulleys 24 to the third corner 19c of the platform 18, where a second end of the second line segment 26 is attached adjacent to the third corner of the platform (e.g., via a wire connector akin to the bottom wire connector 80).

[0056] The third line segment 26 has a first end attached adjacent to the third corner 19c of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector akin to the top wire connector 78) and extends over the third upper pulley 24 located above the third corner 19c of the platform 18 and from the third upper pulley 24 to another of the pair of third bottom pulleys located below the third corner 19c of the platform 18. Then, from this other one of the pair of third bottom pulleys 24, the third line segment 26 extends to one of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys 24 located below the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18, and from this one of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys to the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18, where a second end of the third line segment 26 is attached adjacent to the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector akin to the bottom wire connector 80).

[0057] The fourth line segment 26 has a first end attached adjacent to the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector akin to the top wire connector 78) and extends over the fourth upper pulley 24 located above the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18, and from the fourth upper pulley 24 to another of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys located below the fourth corner 19b of the platform 18. Then, from this other one of the pair of fourth bottom pulleys 24, the fourth line segment 26 extends to another of the pair of first bottom pulleys 24 located below the first corner 19a of the platform 18, and from this one of the pair of first bottom pulleys 24 to the first corner 19a of the platform 18, where a second end of the fourth line segment 26 is attached adjacent to the first corner 19a of the platform 18 (e.g., via a wire connector akin to the bottom wire connector 80).

[0058] The four line segments 26 described above provide a continuous line segment loop that passes through the pulleys 24 and is connected to the platform 18 to provide for generally synchronous movement of the corners (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d) and sides 11 of the platform 18 during movement of the platform 18 between the exemplary unloaded position shown in FIG. 1 and the exemplary fully loaded position shown in FIG. 3. Each of the four line segments 26 are attached adjacent a respective one of the corners 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d. The line segments 26 of the bin 10 restrict movement of the platform 18 relative to the frame 12, so that sides of the platform 18 travel substantially the same distance (up or down) as the platform moves (upwardly and downwardly) between the fully loaded position and the unloaded position. In certain aspects, as will be described in more detail below, the resilient members 22, the pulleys 24, and the line segments 26 of the bin 10 are arranged to cause each of the corners 19a-d of the platform 18 to simultaneously move in a direction toward the bottom 16 of the frame 12 in response to weight exerted by the products 90 when the products 90 are loaded onto the product-supporting surface 20 of the platform 18, and in a direction toward the top 14 of the frame 12 in response to the products 90 being picked (i.e., by consumers or store workers) from the platform 18.

[0059] FIG.6 illustrates a portion of the bin of FIG.1 without the frame members, and shows the platform 18 at its exemplary unloaded position and the resilient members 22 contracted but still extended due to the weight of the platform 18 from their natural relaxed/non-extended state (that the resilient members 22 would be in if they were not supporting the weight of the platform 18). As a result of the bin 10 configured with the resilient members 22, pulleys 24, and line segments 26 as described above and shown in FIG. 6, when the bin 10 is loaded with products 90, the weight of the products 90 loaded onto the product-supporting surface 20 of the platform 18 exerts a downward force onto the platform that is stronger than the combined upward-biasing force of the resilient members 22, and the platform 18 is urged in a downward direction, thereby causing the resilient members 22 to expand/extend/stretch in a downward direction.

[0060] Since the line segment 26 is attached and/or clamped relative to one or more corners 19a-d of the platform 18 as described above, the downward movement of the platform 18 causes the line segment 26 coupled to a given corner (e.g., 19a) of the platform 18 to move downward as well (e.g., by two inches, three inches, 6 inches, etc.). This movement of the line segment 26 causes rotation of one or more bottom pulleys 24 (two bottom pulleys 24 are shown by way of example at each corner in FIG. 6) associated with this corner (e.g., 19a), as well as the associated movement of one or more bottom pulleys 24 associated with an adjacent corner (e.g., 19d) of the platform, which in turn causes movement of this adjacent corner (e.g., 19d) downward by substantially the same distance (e.g., by two inches, three inches, 6 inches, etc.) as the first corner (19a) moved downward.

[0061] As such, each of the sides 11 of the platform 18 and each of the corners 19b of the platform 18 are caused to simultaneously move by the same distance in a direction toward the bottom 16 of the frame 12 of the bin 10 to a position as shown in FIG. 7, where the platform 18 at its fully loaded position and the resilient members 22 are fully expanded downward, but no side 11 or corner 19a-d of the platform 18 is undesirably tilted relative to any one of the other sides 11 or corners 19a-d of the platform 18, thereby maintaining the substantially horizontal orientation of the product supporting surface 20 of the platform 18.

[0062] By the same token, when one or more products 90 is removed from the platform 18 (e.g., by a worker or by one or more consumers), the weight exerted by the remaining products 90 onto the product-supporting surface 20 of the platform 18 decreases, which may cause the resilient members 22 (which are biased in an upward direction toward the top of the bin 10) to pull the platform 18 in an upward direction toward the top 14 of the frame 12 of the bin 10. In some aspects, depending on the weight of each individual product 90, the load-bearing sensitivity of the resilient members 22, the friction of the surfaces of the remaining products 90 against the interior surfaces of the panels 28, 30, 32, and 34, and any friction between the platform 18 and surrounding components, removal of an individual product 90 (e.g., a smaller, light-weight product) from the bin 10 may not represent enough load weight reduction to permit the resilient members 22 to contract and move the platform 18 in an upward direction, but the removal of multiple (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 20, etc.) individual products 90 from the bin 10 may represent enough load weight reduction to permit the resilient members 22 to contract and move the platform 18 in an upward direction. Similarly, depending on the weight of each individual product 90, the load-bearing sensitivity of the resilient members 22, the friction of the surfaces of the remaining products 90 against the interior surfaces of the panels 28, 30, 32, and 34, and any friction between the platform 18 and surrounding components, removal of an individual product 90 (e.g., a larger, heavier product) from the bin 10 may represent a sufficient load weight reduction to permit the resilient members 22 to contract and move the platform 18 in an upward direction. As a result, each of the sides 11 of the platform 18 and each of the corners 19b of the platform 18 are caused to substantially simultaneously move at a substantially the same travel speed and by a substantially the same travel distance in a direction toward the top 14 of the frame 12 of the bin 10. Since each of the sides 11 and corners 19a-d of the platform 18 moves upward simultaneously and by the same distance, the platform 18 is advantageously prevented from being tilted (which may cause the products to shift to one side of the bin 10, which would be visually unappealing to consumers).

[0063] While preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications can be made within the configurations described herein. For example, the descriptions of the bin and its direction of platform movement could be oriented in an other than upright position, such as angled or even horizontal. Thus, the use of the directional terms herein, e.g., “top”, “vertical”, “upward”, etc. will be understood to encompass such non-upright orientations of the bin.