초록 ▼

A system for storing cylindrical containers includes multiple container guides positioned parallel to each other. In one embodiment, each container guide includes upper and lower track rails including left and right bearing surfaces and a track separator. The track rails guide containers placed on e

A system for storing cylindrical containers includes multiple container guides positioned parallel to each other. In one embodiment, each container guide includes upper and lower track rails including left and right bearing surfaces and a track separator. The track rails guide containers placed on either side of the rails from a receiving area on the upper track to a dispensing area on the lower track. The lower track may include a concave depression proximate to the dispensing area that retains a first container at a lower relative position, thus enabling the first container to act as a stopping mechanism to subsequent containers placed in the system. The system may also include a frame that receives and supports the container guides and thereby provides one or more storage shelves capable of storing containers such as cans on a first-in first-out basis in a compact manner.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A system for storing cylindrical containers, the system comprising: a plurality of container guides configured to store cylindrical containers therebetween when positioned substantially parallel to each other, each container guide comprising an upper track rail configured to

What is claimed is: 1. A system for storing cylindrical containers, the system comprising: a plurality of container guides configured to store cylindrical containers therebetween when positioned substantially parallel to each other, each container guide comprising an upper track rail configured to guide a container placed on either side thereof from a receiving area toward a transfer area, and a lower track rail configured to guide a container placed on either side thereof from the transfer area toward a dispensing area, and an interlocking element disposed on the bottom of the lower track rail; at least one spacing member comprising a discrete plurality of interlocking positions, each interlocking position configured to interlock with the interlocking element of a container guide, wherein each interlocking position comprises a void shaped to interlock with the interlocking element; and wherein the interlocking element comprises a shank configured to fit within the void and a cap configured to cover the void and retain the spacing member between the cap and the lower track rail. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a frame configured to receive the plurality of container guides. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the frame comprises a front and a back support member that are substantially horizontal and parallel to each other and wherein the plurality of container guides are supported from the front and back support members. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper track rail and lower track rail comprise left and right bearing surfaces and a track separator. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of container guides are further configured to rest on a level shelf. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower track rail further comprises a stop configured to prevent a container from overrunning the dispensing area. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper track rail is vertically extended at the transfer area. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper track rail and the lower track rail comprise left and right bearing surfaces. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper track rail and the lower track further comprise a track separator. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper track rail comprises a ribbed track separator. 11. An apparatus for storing cylindrical containers, the apparatus comprising: an upper track rail configured to guide a container placed on either side thereof from a receiving area toward a transfer area; a lower track rail configured to guide a container placed on either side thereof from the transfer area toward a dispensing area; an interlocking element disposed on the bottom of the lower track rail; the upper track rail and the lower track rail integrally formed into a container guide configured to store cylindrical containers when positioned substantially parallel to another container guide; at least one spacing member comprising a discrete plurality of interlocking positions, each interlocking position configured to interlock with the interlocking element of a container guide, wherein each interlocking position comprises a void shaped to interlock with the interlocking element; and wherein the interlocking element comprises a shank configured to fit within the void and a cap configured to cover the void and retain the spacing member between the cap and the lower track rail. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a frame mating element configured to mate with a frame. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least one foot. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lower track rail further comprises a stop configured to prevent a container from overrunning the dispensing area. 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the upper track rail is vertically extended at the transfer area. 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the upper track rail and the lower track rail comprise left and right bearing surfaces. 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the upper track rail and the lower track further comprise a track separator. 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the upper track rail comprises a ribbed track separator. 19. A method for storing cylindrical containers, the method comprising: providing a plurality of container guides configured to store cylindrical containers therebetween when positioned substantially parallel to each other, each container guide comprising an upper track rail configured to guide a container placed on either side thereof from a receiving area toward a transfer area, and a lower track rail configured to guide a container placed on either side thereof from the transfer area toward a dispensing area, and an interlocking element disposed on the bottom of the lower track rail; providing at least one spacing member comprising a discrete plurality of interlocking positions, each interlocking position configured to interlock with the interlocking element of a container guide, wherein each interlocking position comprises a void shaped to interlock with the interlocking element, wherein the interlocking element comprises a shank configured to fit within the void and a cap configured to cover the void and retain the spacing member between the cap and the lower track rail; and interlocking the spacing member with the lower track rail via the interlocking element.