BEVERAGE DISPENSING TRAY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This U.S. patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63/746,028, filed on Jan. 16, 2025. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]This disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing tray.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Beverage trays are commonly used in retail environments, such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retail locations, to organize and display beverages within coolers or refrigerators. These trays are designed to hold various types of beverage containers, including bottles, cans, and cartons, ensuring that they are easily accessible to customers while maintaining an orderly presentation.

[0004]However, existing beverage trays often face limitations in terms of compatibility with different cooler or refrigerator sizes. Many coolers and refrigerators come in a variety of dimensions and configurations, which can make it challenging for a single type of beverage tray to fit seamlessly across all models. This lack of universal compatibility can lead to inefficient use of space, reduced product visibility, and potential difficulties in restocking and organizing beverages.

[0005]Additionally, many beverage trays are designed to be gravity-fed, allowing beverages to slide forward as items are removed, ensuring that the front of the tray is always stocked. While this feature enhances product accessibility and visibility, it can further complicate the compatibility issue with various cooler and refrigerator sizes.

[0006]The need for a versatile beverage tray that can accommodate a wide range of cooler and refrigerator sizes is evident. Such a tray would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of retail beverage displays but also improve operational efficiency for store employees.

SUMMARY

[0007]An aspect of the disclosure includes a tray having a first dispensing member extending from a first end to a second end and defining a first portion of a dispensing track, the second end defining a first coupling element, and a second dispensing member defining a second portion of the dispensing track and including a second coupling element configured to releasably engage the first coupling element to couple the second dispensing member to the first dispensing member.

[0008]Aspects of the disclosure include one or more of the following optional features. In some aspects, the first dispensing member includes a base extending from the first end to the second end, the fist coupling element including a pair of channels formed in the base at the second end. In some examples, each of the second coupling elements includes a coupling tab configured to be received within a respective one of the channels. In some implementations, each of the channels includes a first coupling retainer and each of the tabs includes a second coupling retainer configured to selectively engage the first coupling retainer of one of the channels. In some configurations, the first coupling retainer is one of a recess or a resilient locking tab and the second coupling retainer is the other of the recess or the resilient locking tab, the resilient locking tab configured to selectively mate with the recess.

[0009]In some implementations, the second dispensing member includes a retaining wall disposed in the second portion of the dispensing track. In some configurations, the retaining wall is arcuate. In some examples, the second dispensing member includes a base and the retaining wall is orientated at an oblique angle relative to the base.

[0010]In some configurations, the second dispensing member extends from a third end including the second coupling element to a second end including a retaining wall that obstructs the dispensing track at the fourth end. In some implementations, second dispensing member includes a third coupling element the same as the first coupling element disposed adjacent to the fourth end, the third coupling element selectively exposed by detaching the retaining wall.

[0011]Another aspect of the disclosure provides a tray having a first dispensing member extending from a first end to a second end and defining a portion of a dispensing track, the first end defining a first retainer coupling element, and a retaining wall including a second retainer coupling element selectively engaged with the first coupling member to attach the retaining wall at the first end.

[0012]In some implementations, the first dispensing member includes a base and a pair of sidewalls extending from opposite sides of the base to define the portion of the dispensing track, the first coupling member formed by the base. In some examples, the base defines the first retainer coupling element of the first dispensing member.

[0013]In some configurations, the first retainer coupling element includes a first socket disposed on a first side of the first coupling member and a second socket disposed on an opposite second side of the first coupling member, and wherein the second retainer coupling element is configured to mate with the first socket and the second socket. Optionally, the second coupling member includes a first wing slidably received in the first socket and a second retainer wing slidably received in the second socket. In some examples, the first retainer coupling element includes a third socket including a first plurality of retaining features and the second retainer coupling element includes one or more retainers configured to selectively engage the retaining features of the third socket.

[0014]In some implementations, the first plurality of retaining features includes a first plurality of retaining teeth and a second plurality of retaining teeth, and wherein the one or more retainers includes a retaining prong including a third plurality of teeth engaged with the first plurality of retaining teeth and a second locking prong including a fourth plurality of teeth engaged with the second plurality of retaining teeth.

[0015]In some implementations, the first retaining prong and the second retaining prong are each configured to flex from a first position engaging the first plurality of retaining teeth and the second plurality of retaining teeth, to a second position disengaging the first plurality of retaining teeth and the second plurality of retaining teeth.

[0016]In some examples, the tray further includes an actuator attached to the first retaining prong and the second retaining prong and operable to move the first retaining prong and the second retaining prong from the first position to the second position. In some examples, the retaining wall includes an arcuate lens including an upper band and a pair of retaining tabs.

[0017]The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is perspective view of an example shelving system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a partially-exploded top perspective view of a dispensing tray of the shelving system of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 3 is an enlarged top perspective view taken at Area 3 of FIG. 2.

[0021]FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the dispensing tray of FIG. 2, showing the dispensing tray in a disassembled state.

[0022]FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the dispensing tray of FIG. 2, showing the dispensing tray in an assembled state.

[0023]FIG. 6 is an enlarged top perspective view of a second dispensing member of the dispensing tray of FIG. 2.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the second dispensing member of FIG. 6.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another example of a dispensing tray according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 9 is an enlarged, exploded top perspective view of the dispensing tray of FIG. 8.

[0027]FIG. 10 is an enlarged, exploded bottom perspective view of the dispensing tray of FIG. 8.

[0028]FIG. 11 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the dispensing tray of FIG. 8.

[0029]Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030]Referring to FIG. 1, a shelving system 10 is shown including a dispensing tray 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. As described throughout the application, the shelving system 10 and components thereof may be described with reference to a front side 12 corresponding to a product dispensing location that may face a store aisle and a rear side 14 formed on the opposite side of the shelving system 10 from the front side 12. Furthermore, the shelving system 10 and components thereof may be described relative to a longitudinal direction or axis extending from the front side 12 to the rear side 14 or a lateral direction or axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0031]The shelving system 10 may be provided as a standalone unit for use in a retail environment, or may be provided in combination with a plurality of the shelving systems 10. Furthermore, the shelving system 10 may be configured for direct attachment to one or more shelving support members (not shown), such as uprights or walls, or alternatively, may be installed on existing shelves. Optionally, the shelving system 10 may be provided as a gravity-fed shelving system 10, whereby the shelving system 10 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to level such that a support bed 16 of the shelving system forms a decline from the rear side 14 of the shelving system 10 to the front side 12 of the shelving system 10.

[0032]With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a dispensing tray 100 of the shelving system 10 is provided. The dispensing tray 100 includes a first dispensing member 102 and a second dispensing member 104 joined along an intermediate portion of the dispensing tray 100 by a coupling system 106 to form a continuous dispensing track 108. As shown, the dispensing track 108 extends continuously along a length of the dispensing tray from an anterior end 110 at a forward end of the dispensing tray 100 to posterior end 112 at a rear end of the dispensing tray 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the second dispensing member 104 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first dispensing member 102 via the coupling system 106, whereby the effective length (i.e., the length that can receive and support products) of the dispensing tray 100 and the dispensing track 108 can be lengthened and shortened as desired to accommodate different configurations of cooler systems.

[0033]Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispensing tray 100 includes a base 120 that extends continuously from the anterior end 110 to the posterior end 112. A first sidewall 122 extends from the base 120 along the left side 114 of the dispensing tray and a second sidewall 124 extends from the base along the right side 116. Accordingly, the first sidewall 122 and the second sidewall 124 are spaced apart from each other by the base 120 of the dispensing tray to define a channel forming the dispensing track 108 extending from the anterior end 110 to the posterior end 112. As discussed in greater detail below, the base 120 includes an upper sliding bed 121 including a plurality of parallel ribs 121a extending along the longitudinal direction and a lower support frame 123 including a network of structural members supporting the sliding bed 121. Optionally, the base 120 includes a rail channel 138 disposed on the bottom side adjacent to the anterior end 110 and extending continuously from the left side 114 to the right side 116. The rail channel 138 is configured to slidably engage a corresponding mounting rail of the retail shelf to secure longitudinal and rotational movement of the dispensing tray 100 while allowing lateral adjustment.

[0034]The dispensing tray 100 further includes an anterior product retainer 126 disposed at the anterior end 110, and optionally, a posterior product retainer 128 disposed at the posterior end 112. Each of the product retainers 126, 128 extends transversely to (e.g., crosswise) the dispensing track 108 to provide respective stops at the anterior and posterior ends 110, 112 of the dispensing tray 100. The anterior product retainer 126 includes an arcuate retaining wall or band 130 extending across the dispensing track 108 from the first sidewall 122 to the second sidewall 124 to define an anterior receptacle 132 for receiving product at the anterior end 110. The posterior product retainer 128 includes an arcuate retaining wall or band 134 extending across the dispensing track 108 from the first sidewall 122 to the second sidewall 124 to define a posterior receptacle 136 for receiving product at the posterior end 112.

[0035]Referring to FIG. 2, the first dispensing member 102 extends from a first end 140 defining the anterior end 110 of the dispensing tray 100 to a second end 142 disposed at an opposite end of the first dispensing member 102 from the first end 140. Thus, the first dispensing member 102 includes an anterior base portion 144, an anterior first sidewall portion 146, and an anterior second sidewall portion 148 each extending between the first end 140 and the second end 142. The first dispensing member 102 may be provided as a segmented structure, whereby the anterior portions 144, 146, 148 of the first dispensing member 102 are separated into separable anterior segments 150, 150a-150e. Thus, as shown, the anterior segments 150 may be attached to each other along perforated or reduced-thickness joints 152, 152a-152d formed in the anterior portions 144, 146, 148, whereby one or more of the anterior segments 150 can be detached from adjacent ones of the anterior segments 150 along the joints 152.

[0036]Referring still to FIG. 2, the second dispensing member 104 extends from a first end 156 to a second end 142 disposed at an opposite end of the second dispensing member 104 and defining the posterior end 112 of the dispensing tray 100. Thus, the first dispensing member includes a posterior base portion 160, a posterior first sidewall portion 162, and a posterior second sidewall portion 164 each extending between the first end 156 and the second end 158. The second dispensing member 104 may be provided as a segmented structure, whereby the posterior portions 160, 162, 164 of the second dispensing member 104 are separated into separable posterior segments 166, 166a-166e. Thus, as shown, the posterior segments 166 may be attached to each other along perforated or reduced-thickness joints 168, 168a-138d formed in the posterior segments 162, 164, 166 whereby one or more of the posterior segments 166 can be detached from adjacent ones of the posterior segments 166 along the joints 168.

[0037]With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the coupling system 106 is integrated with each of the first dispensing member 102 and the second dispensing member 104 and is configured to allow the second dispensing member 104 to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the first dispensing member 102 to selectively modify the effective length of the dispensing track 108. The coupling system 106 includes a first coupling element 170 integrated with second end 142 of the first dispensing member 102 and a second coupling element 182 integrated with the first end 156 of the second dispensing member 104. In use, the second coupling element 182 is configured to selectively interface or couple with the first coupling element 170.

[0038]Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the first coupling element 170 is integrated within the second end 142 of the first dispensing member 102. In the illustrated example, the first coupling element 170 is integrated within the anterior base portion 144 of one of the anterior segments 150e at the second end 142. As discussed above, the base 120 of the dispensing tray 100 includes the upper sliding bed 121 and the lower support frame 123. The first coupling element 170 includes a pair of channels 172 formed in the lower support frame 123 of the anterior base portion 144. As shown, the lower support frame 123 includes a pair of outer frame walls 174 extending along the opposite sides of the base 120 and a pair of inner sidewalls 176 each spaced inwardly from the respective outer frame walls 174. Thus, a first outer frame wall 174 and a first inner frame wall 176 cooperate to define a first one of the channels 172 along the first side of the first dispensing member 102. Similarly, a second outer frame wall 174 and a second inner frame wall 176 cooperate to define a second one of the channels 172 along the second side of the first dispensing member 102. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower support frame 123 further includes a pair of lower frame walls 178 each extending across a respective one of the channels 172. Thus, a first one of the lower frame walls 178 extends between the first outer frame wall 174 and the first inner frame wall 176 and a second one of the lower frame walls 178 extends between the second outer frame wall 174 and the second inner frame wall 176, thereby at least partially enclosing a lower portion of each channel 172 to provide a receptacle for the second coupling element 182. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the inner frame walls 176 includes a first coupling retainer 180 formed at an intermediate portion of the inner frame wall 176 between the second end 142 and the joint 152. In this example, the first coupling retainer 180 is embodied as a detent or aperture formed through the inner frame wall 176.

[0039]Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second coupling element 182 is integrated within the first end 156 of the second dispensing member 104. In the illustrated example, the second coupling element 182 is integrated within the posterior base portion 160 of one of the anterior segments 166a at the first end 156. The second coupling element 182 includes a pair of coupling tabs 184 each extending from the support frame 123 of the base 120 at the first end 156 of the second dispensing member 104. Particularly, each coupling tab 184 extends from a proximal end 186 attached to the support frame 123 to a distal end 188 extending outwardly from the support frame 123. Each of the coupling tabs 184 is formed with a cross-sectional profile configured to provide a slip fit with a corresponding one of the channels 172 of the first coupling element 170. Thus, in the illustrated example, each of the channels 172 and the coupling tabs 184 have a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0040]Each of the coupling tabs 184 includes an outer edge 190 and an opposite inner edge 192, whereby the inner edges 192 of the coupling tabs 184 face each other. The inner edges 192 each include a second coupling retainer 196 configured to interface with the first coupling retainer 180 of the first dispensing member 102 to lock the first coupling element 170 into engagement with the second coupling element 182. Each of the second coupling retainers 196 is embodied as a resilient prong 196 integrated within the inner edge 192 of the coupling tab 184. Thus, as shown, the prong 196 includes a proximal end 198 integrated with the main body of the coupling tab 184 and a distal end 200 disposed at an opposite end. As shown, the prong 196 and the distal end 200 thereof are situated within a notch 204 formed in the inner edge 192 of the coupling tab 184, whereby the notch 204 provides clearance around a periphery of the prong 196 to allow the prong 196 to flex inwardly (i.e., into the notch, and toward the outer edge (190)). The distal end 200 of the prong 196 further includes a tooth 202 configured to mate with the first coupling retainer 180.

[0041]In use, the second dispensing member 104 can be selectively coupled with the first dispensing member 102 by engaging and disengaging the coupling system 106. For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 show the coupling system 106 in a disengaged state, whereby the second dispensing member 104 is separated from the first dispensing member 102. To engage the coupling system 106, the distal ends 188 of the coupling tabs 184 are inserted into openings of the channels 172 formed in the second end 142 of the anterior base portion 144. As the teeth 202 formed on each of the prongs 196 are inserted into the respective channels 172, the distal ends 200 of the prongs 196 are biased into the respective notches 204 by the inner frame walls 176. The coupling tabs 184 are advanced into the channels 172 until the teeth 202 align with respective ones of the apertures 180 formed in the inner frame walls 176. Once the teeth 202 are aligned with the apertures 180, the resiliency of the prong 196 causes the distal end 200 to move inwardly toward the inner frame wall 176 and the teeth 202 mate with the respective apertures 180 to secure the coupling tabs 184 within the channels 172.

[0042]To disengage the coupling system 106, the teeth 202 of the prongs 196 are biased in the outward direction (i.e., into the notches 204) by pressing the teeth 202 through the apertures 180 until each tooth 202 is clear of the inner frame wall 176. In other words, the teeth 202 are depressed into the notches 204 of the coupling tabs 184. With the teeth 202 depressed, the coupling tabs 184 can be pulled from the channels 172 to disengage the coupling system 106, thereby separating the first dispensing member 102 from the second dispensing member 104.

[0043]Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a posterior portion of the second dispensing member 104 including the posterior segments 166c-166e is shown. The posterior product retainer 128 is integrated in a posterior-most one of the posterior segments 166e formed at the posterior end 112 of the tray 100. As shown, the posterior segment 166e includes a pair of posterior sidewall segments 210, 212 each extending upwardly from the base 120 to an upper edge 214, 216 having a height H₂₁₀ that is less than the height of the main portions of the sidewalls 122, 124 associated with the segments 166-a-166d. The posterior product retainer 128 further includes the posterior retaining wall 134 extending across the posterior segment 166e from the first posterior sidewall segment 210 to the second posterior sidewall segment 212. Optionally, the posterior retaining wall 134 includes a pair of outer wings 220, 222 attached to the respective posterior sidewall segments 210, 212 and an intermediate support wall 224 disposed between the wings 220, 222. The intermediate support wall 224 extends upwardly from the wings 220, 222 to provide additional support at the posterior end 112.

[0044]As shown, the posterior retaining wall 134 extends along a continuously arcuate path such that no portion of the posterior retaining wall 134 is straight along the lateral direction. Additionally, the posterior retaining wall 134 is oriented at an oblique angle θ₁₃₄ relative to the base 120. The combination of the arcuate and obliquely-angled posterior retaining wall 134 is beneficial in providing support for cylindrical merchandise, such as bottles and cans.

[0045]Referring still to FIGS. 6 and 7, the posterior segment 166d adjacent to the posterior product retainer 128 (i.e., the posterior segment 166e) may include a first coupling element 170 identical to the first coupling element 170 discussed previously with respect to the first dispensing member 102. Thus, the second dispensing member 102 is configured such that the posterior product retainer 128 can be detached via the joint 168d to expose the first coupling element 170, thereby allowing additional ones of the second dispensing members 102 to be attached to the dispensing tray 100 to extend the effective length of the dispensing track 108.

[0046]With particular reference to FIGS. 8-11, a dispensing tray 100a is shown and includes a first dispensing member 102a and a detachable anterior product retainer 126a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the dispensing tray 100 with respect to the dispensing tray 100a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0047]With reference to FIG. 8, the dispensing tray 100a includes a first dispensing member 102 forming a continuous dispensing track 108. As shown, the dispensing track 108a extends continuously along a length of the dispensing tray 100a from an anterior end 110a at a forward end of the dispensing tray 100a to posterior end 112a at a rear end of the dispensing tray 100a. The dispensing tray 100a includes a base 120a that extends continuously from the anterior end 110a to the posterior end 112a. A first sidewall 122a extends from the base 120a along the left side 114 of the dispensing tray 100a and a second sidewall 124a extends from the base 120a along the right side 116. Accordingly, the first sidewall 122a and the second sidewall 124a are spaced apart from each other by the base 120a of the dispensing tray to define a channel forming the dispensing track 108a extending from the anterior end 110a to the posterior end 112a. The base 120a includes the upper sliding bed 121 including a plurality of parallel ribs 121a extending along the longitudinal direction and the lower support frame 123a including a network of structural members supporting the sliding bed 121.

[0048]The first dispensing member 102a may be provided as a segmented structure, whereby the portions the first dispensing member 102a are separated into separable anterior segments 150, 150f-150j. Thus, as shown, the anterior segments 150 may be attached to each other along perforated or reduced-thickness joints 152, whereby one or more of the anterior segments 150 can be detached from adjacent ones of the anterior segments 150 along the joints 152.

[0049]The dispensing tray 100a further includes the anterior product retainer 126a disposed at the anterior end 110a, and optionally, a posterior product retainer 128a disposed at the posterior end 112a. Each of the product retainers 126a, 128a extends transversely to (e.g., crosswise) the dispensing track 108a to provide respective stops at the anterior and posterior ends 110a, 112a of the dispensing tray 100a.

[0050]Referring to FIG. 9, the anterior product retainer 126a includes a retainer base 230 configured to selectively interface with the base 120a of the first dispensing member 102a to attach the anterior product retainer 126a to the first dispensing member 102a. The anterior product retainer 126a further includes a pair of stanchions 232 extending upwardly from opposite sides of the retainer base 230 to respective distal ends 234 that align with upper edges of the sidewalls 122a, 124a of the first dispensing member 102a at the anterior end 110a. The anterior product retainer 126a further includes an arcuate anterior retaining band 130a extending continuously across the anterior product retainer 126a from the first stanchion 232 to the second stanchion 232.

[0051]Optionally, the anterior product retainer 126a may further include a pair of intermediate retaining fingers 236. Each of the retaining fingers 234 has an arcuate profile and extends from an intermediate portion of a respective one of the stanchions 232 between the retainer base 230 and the anterior retaining band 134a. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the retaining fingers 236 extends to a distal end 238 formed opposite the distal end 238 of the other one of the retaining fingers 236.

[0052]Referring still to FIGS. 9-11, the anterior product retainer 126a can be selectively coupled to the anterior end 110a of the dispensing tray 100a. Particularly, the dispensing tray 100a includes an anterior product retainer coupling system 250 configured to selectively couple the anterior product retainer 126a at the anterior end. The retainer coupling system 250 may be described as including a first retainer coupling element 252 integrated with the base 120a of the first dispensing member 102a and a second retainer coupling element 254 integrated with retainer base 120 of the anterior product retainer 126a.

[0053]Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first retainer coupling element 252 projects from the base 120a of the dispensing tray 100a at the anterior end 110a. Thus, the first retainer coupling element 252 extends beyond the base 120a and the sidewalls 122a, 122b of the dispensing tray 100a at the anterior end 110a. The first retainer coupling element 252 includes an intermediate platform 260 defining an upper platform surface 262 that is flush and continuous with the upper sliding bed 121 of the base 120a. Optionally, the ribs 121a of the base 120a may extend onto the upper platform surface 262 to provide a continuous sliding bed extending into the anterior retaining receptacle 136a.

[0054]The first retainer coupling element 252 further includes a pair of first retainer wings 264 extending from opposite sides of the platform 260. As shown, each of the first retainer wings 264 includes an upper wings surface 266 that is offset or recessed from the upper platform surface 262 to define respective upper retainer sockets 268 for mating with corresponding portions of the second retainer coupling element 254. Each of the first retainer wings 264 may further include an upper retainer tab 270 extending from an upper surface thereof, which is configured to mate with a portion of the second retainer coupling element 254. Each of the upper retainer sockets 268 is further defined by an upper retainer flange 272 that extends laterally outwardly from the platform 260 and may define a portion of the upper platform surface 262. As shown, the upper retainer flanges 272 are spaced vertically from the upper wing surface 266 to define a gap for receiving a corresponding portion of the second retainer coupling element 254.

[0055]Referring still to FIG. 10, the bottom side of the intermediate platform 260 includes a lower retainer socket 274 defined by a bottom surface 276 of the platform 260 and an opposing pair of sidewalls 278 that extend between the platform 260 and the respective first retainer wings 264. The lower retainer socket 274 includes a plurality of retaining features configured to secure the first retainer coupling element 252 into engagement with the second retainer coupling element 254. For example, each of the sidewalls 278 includes a series of retaining teeth 280 having a biased leading surface (i.e., facing the front opening of the retainer socket 274) to allow engagement and a trailing surface (i.e., facing away from the front opening of the retainer socket 274) that is undercut or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction for preventing disengagement. Optionally, the bottom surface 276 of the platform may also include a lower retaining tab 290 having a biased leading surface and a perpendicular or undercut trailing surface.

[0056]With continued reference to FIGS. 9-11, the second retainer coupling element 254 is integrated within the retainer base 230 of the anterior product retainer 126a. The second retainer coupling element 254 includes a plurality of features configured to interface with and engage the various retainer elements previously described with respect to the first retainer coupling element 252. Generally, the second retainer coupling element 254 is defined by a central receiver channel 284 configured to mate with the platform 260of the first retainer coupling element 252. The second retainer coupling element 254 further includes a pair of second retainer wings 286 disposed on opposite sides of the receiver channel and configured to mate with the upper retainer sockets 268 of the first retainer coupling element 252. The second retainer coupling element 254 further includes a platform coupler 288 configured to mate with the lower retainer socket 274 and selectively engage the retaining features 280, 282 of the lower retainer socket 274.

[0057]Referring still to FIGS. 9-11, the second retainer wings 286 are configured to interface with the first retainer wings 264 of the first retainer coupling element 252 and are received within the upper retainer sockets 268 when the anterior product retainer 126a is attached to the first dispensing member 102a. As best shown in FIG. 9, the second retainer wings include a lower wing tab 290 offset from the upper surface 231 of the retainer base 230 to define a notch 292 that receives the retainer flange 272 of the first retainer coupling element 252. Thus, when the second retainer coupling element 254 is attached to the first retainer coupling element 252, the lower wing tab 290 is received within the gap formed between the retainer flange 272 and the first retainer wing 264. This interface secures vertical and torsional movement of the anterior product retainer 126a relative to the first dispensing member 102a. As shown in FIG. 10, each of the second retainer wings 286 further includes a lower retainer groove 294 configured to receive the upper retainer tabs 270 formed on the first retainer wings 264.

[0058]The platform coupler 288 is disposed within the receiver channel 284, between the lower retainer wings 286, and is configured to mate with the lower retainer socket 274. As best shown in FIG. 10, the platform coupler 288 includes an intermediate retainer tongue 296 that extends rearwardly (i.e., toward an opening of the receiver channel) from an anterior portion of the retainer base 230. The retainer tongue 296 includes a recess or aperture 298 that receives the lower retaining tab 282 when the platform coupler 288 is fully engaged with the lower retainer socket 274 (see FIG. 11).

[0059]The platform coupler 288 further includes a pair of resilient fingers or prongs 300 disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate retainer tongue 296. Each of the prongs 300 extends rearwardly from the anterior end of the retainer base 230 and is configured to flex resiliently inwardly towards the retainer tongue 296, as indicated by the directional arrows D₃₀₀ shown in FIG. 11. Each of the prongs 300 includes a series of retainer teeth 302 extending along an outward-facing surface adjacent to a distal end of the prong 300. As shown in FIG. 11, the retainer teeth 302 of the prongs 300 are formed with a complementary profile to the retainer teeth 280 of the sidewalls 278 of the first retainer coupling element 252, whereby the leading surfaces of the retainer teeth 280, 302 are angled or biased to cause the prongs 300 to move in the inwardly direction D₃₀₀ as the prongs 300 pass over the sidewalls 278 during insertion and the perpendicular or undercut trailing surfaces of the teeth 280, 302 engage to prevent inadvertent detachment of the platform coupler 288 from the lower retainer socket. Optionally, the prongs 300 may be connected by a resilient actuator 304 that can be engaged by a user to disengage the prongs 300 from the sidewalls 278. For example, the actuator 304 may be biased in the forward direction D₃₀₄, which then causes the prongs 300 to be drawn in the inwardly direction D₃₀₀ to disengage the teeth 302 of the prongs 300 from the teeth 280 of the sidewalls 278.

[0060]Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0061]The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0062]When an element or feature is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0063]The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.