Front-loading product storage cabinet for FIFO dispensing

Abstract

A front-loading storage unit includes a cabinet having an internal storage space and a front opening providing access to the space. Shelves for supporting product are mounted one above the other within the storage space and have a low friction support surface inclined upward to enable remaining product to slide frontwardly downward when product near the front opening is removed by a consumer. The shelves are translatable for servicing to extend outside the cabinet through the opening, moving at an angle equal to that of the low friction shelf surface. A mounting structure supporting the shelves translatably includes slide assemblies each having a bracket fixed to the cabinet, and a slide constrained to move along a predetermined path. The slides connect to the shelves and are movable to extend the associated shelf outside the cabinet. Product is stored and removed in a FIFO sequence. FIFO

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A front-loading storage unit comprising: 
 a cabinet having a front, back, and an internal storage space, an opening at the front of said cabinet providing access to said storage space;    shelves for supporting product within said storage space, each said shelf having a support surface inclined upward from front to back at a first angle relative to a horizontal orientation to enable remaining stored product to transport downward toward said cabinet front when product proximate said opening is removed from a shelf, said shelves being translatable to extend outside said cabinet through said front opening;    a mounting structure connecting to said cabinet, said mounting structure supporting said shelves translatably.    
     
     
         2 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said shelves are individually translatable.  
     
     
         3 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said shelves translate at said first angle.  
     
     
         4 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said mounting structure includes at least one slide assembly having a bracket fixed relative to said cabinet, and a slide constrained to move along a predetermined path relative to said fixed bracket, said slide being connected to a respective one of said shelves, said slide being movable with said associated shelf to extend said associated shelf outside said cabinet.  
     
     
         5 . A storage unit as in  claim 4 , wherein said slide moves at a second angle relative to the horizontal orientation.  
     
     
         6 . A storage unit as in  claim 5 , wherein said predetermined path is linear and said first and second angles are equal.  
     
     
         7 . A storage unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said support surface provides low friction contact with said product.  
     
     
         8  A storage unit as in  claim 5 , wherein said support surface provides low friction contact with said product.  
     
     
         9 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 1 , wherein said first angle is in an approximate range of +6 degrees to +12 degrees.  
     
     
         10 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 5 , wherein said first angle is in an approximate range of +6 degrees to +12 degrees.  
     
     
         11 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 10 , wherein said second angle is in an approximate range of −12 degrees to +12 degrees relative to the horizontal.  
     
     
         12 . A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising means for biasing said shelves for motion in opposition to gravity, up said sliding surface.  
     
     
         13  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 5 , further comprising means for biasing said shelves for motion in opposition to gravity, up said sliding surface.  
     
     
         14  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 12 , wherein said means for biasing includes tension springs and counterweights.  
     
     
         15  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 13 , wherein said means for biasing include tension springs and counterweights.  
     
     
         16  A front-loading storage means as in  claim 1 , further comprising means to block shelf translation.  
     
     
         17  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 4 , further comprising means to block shelf translation.  
     
     
         18  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 17 . wherein said means to block shelf translation includes a manually releasable detent assembly interging engaging said fixed bracket and said slide.  
     
     
         19  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising a front door connected to said cabinet and movable to be alternatively in a first position to close off said opening and in a second position making said storage space accessible from the front of said cabinet through said opening.  
     
     
         20  A front-loading storage unit as in  claim 4 , further comprising a front door connected to said cabinet and movable to be alternatively in a first position to close off said opening and in a second position making said storage space accessible from the front of said cabinet through said opening.