Newspaper vending bin
AssigneeGannett Co., Inc.
InventorMilton J. Merl
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanical device for displaying newspapers for self-service free access by prospective readers is provided in modular form, which in one preferred embodiment may sufficiently resemble the newsrack from which USA TODAY newspapers are vended as to cause prospective newspaper readers to make the connection. In the preferred embodiment the construction is modular, including at least one open-front, open-top box body-like bin with an interior back panel. The bin may be mounted on a pedestal or on a countertop, or it may be hung from a wall. Other similar bins may be stacked on the first and connected with it. A header panel, upstanding at the top rear of the uppermost bin may be used for a display copy of the paper. The bins preferably are molded of structural framed plastic resin.
Claims12
A newspaper vending bin for displaying newspapers for self-service free access by prospective readers, comprising:
- an open-front box body-like bin comprising a bin body having a back wall integrally joined with an outer peripheral wall including a generally vertical left wall, a generally vertical right wall, a generally horizontal bottom wall and a generally horizontal top wall, adjoining ones of said walls being joined along respective corners;
- said outer peripheral wall having a front edge which defines a frontal opening into said bin body, said bin body being sized to receive a stack of newspapers resting on said bottom wall, between said left and right walls;
- said back wall including at least one pair of laterally spaced rib means extending vertically thereon;
- for each said pair of rib means, a slot being formed in said top wall at a location disposed between said pair of rib means;
- a stop web means extending transversally between each rib means of each pair;
- at least one post extending down through a respective said slot, between two respective rib means and engaged on a respective stop web, leaving a respective stub portion extending up out of the respective said slot;
- and
- a second container for removably containing at least one newspaper, said second container comprising a back wall joined with an outer peripheral wall including a generally vertical left wall, a generally vertical right wall and a generally horizontal bottom wall;
- means defining an opening into said second container so that said at least one newspaper may be inserted in and retrieved from within said second container;
- said second container having means associated with said back wall securing each said stub portion to said second container with said bottom wall of said second container supported on said top wall of said bin body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.