Patent Application
20130264917
The present invention relates generally to inventory control systems, more particularly, to an inventory control system that includes theft deterrence.
Billions of dollars worth of merchandise are stolen each year from retailers. This is often referred to as shrink. Shrink represents approximately 42 billion dollars in retail loss in the U.S. and is statistically rising. Accordingly, loss prevention is becoming an increasing (priority for companies. The top two sources of shrink are internal merchandise theft and individual customer merchandise theft. The top two shrink item categories are razor blades and skin care/cosmetic products. Shelf sweeping is a particular part of the shrink problem. Shelf sweeping occurs when individuals or groups remove all the shelf stock and exit the store, similar to a “smash and grab” shoplifting technique. Shelf sweeping relies on excessive quantities of product being available on the shelf. The fact that shrink is rising shows that the current solutions are not effective enough.
Accordingly, a need exists for an inventory control system that helps solve the problems discussed above.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an inventory control system comprising a drawer that includes one or more dispensing modules, the one or more dispensing modules each comprising a front portion and a rear portion; a horizontal sliding bar positioned proximate the rear portion of the one or more dispensing modules, the horizontal sliding bar comprising one or more slots; and a horizontal blocking bar positioned proximate the front portion of the one or more dispensing modules, the horizontal blocking bar having a left side and a right side. Each of the one or more dispensing modules further comprises a dispensing module sliding base, and the dispensing module sliding base comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The dispensing module sliding base further comprises an extension tab affixed proximate the rear portion of the dispensing module sliding base, and the extension tab comprises a first roll pin affixed thereto. The first roll pin is positioned proximate the one or more curved slots of the horizontal sliding bar. The left side wall of the dispensing module sliding base comprises a second roll pin affixed thereto, and the right side wall of the dispensing module sliding base comprises a third roll pin affixed thereto. Each of the one or more dispensing modules further comprises a left rocker arm and a right rocker arm, and the left rocker arm and the right rocker arm each comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and a curved slot. The left rocker arm is positioned adjacent the outside of the left side wall of the dispensing module such that the second pin of the left side wall of the dispensing module passes through the curved slot of the left rocker arm. The right rocker arm is positioned adjacent the outside of the right side wall of the dispensing module such that the third roll pin of the right side wall of the dispensing module passes through the curved slot of the right rocker arm. The horizontal blocking bar is connected between the left rocker arm and the right rocker arm. The left side of the horizontal blocking bar is connected proximate the front portion of the left rocker arm, and the right side of the horizontal blocking bar is connected proximate the front portion of the right rocker arm. Preferably, a shield is affixed to the horizontal blocking bar. Preferably, an electromagnet is affixed proximate the horizontal sliding bar. Preferably, an elastic member is affixed proximate the dispensing module sliding base. Preferably, the one or more slots of the horizontal sliding bar comprise a portion that is angled between about 30 and 60 degrees. Preferably, at least one solenoid is affixed proximate the horizontal sliding bar. Preferably, the at least one solenoid includes a retractable pin capable of retracting and extending, the retractable pin engaging with the dispensing module sliding base. Preferably, the retraction and extension of the retractable pin is controlled by a microprocessor.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling product inventory using a dispensing module, the dispensing module comprising a front portion and a rear portion; a horizontal blocking bar positioned proximate the front portion of the dispensing module; a dispensing module sliding base, the dispensing module sliding base comprising a front portion and a rear portion, a left side wall having a roll pin affixed thereto, and aright side wall having a roll pin affixed thereto; a left rocker arm and a right rocker arm, each having a front portion and a rear portion and each having a slot, the roll pin of the left side wall passing through the slot of the left rocker arm and the roll pin of the right side wall passing through the slot of the right rocker arm; the method comprising pressing the front portion of the dispensing module sliding base; moving the left rocker arm about the roll pin of the left side wall and moving the right rocker arm about the roll pin of the right side wall such that the front portions of each of the left rocker arm and the right rocker arm move to a lower position; and lowering the horizontal blocking bar. Preferably, the dispensing module further comprises a horizontal sliding bar positioned proximate the rear portion of the dispensing module, the horizontal sliding bar comprises one or more slots, the dispensing module sliding base further comprises an extension tab that has a roll pin affixed thereto, and the method further comprises moving the horizontal sliding bar about the roll pin of the extension tab and locking the horizontal blocking bar in a lowered position. Preferably, the dispensing module further comprises at least one microprocessor connected to at least one solenoid, the at least one solenoid includes a retractable pin capable of retracting and extending, the retractable pin engages with the dispensing module base, and the method further comprises controlling the retraction and extension of the retractable pin using the microprocessor.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an inventory control system comprising a dispensing module, the dispensing module comprising a front portion and a rear portion; a horizontal blocking bar positioned proximate the front portion of the dispensing module; a dispensing module sliding base, the dispensing module sliding base comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a left side wall having a roll pin affixed thereto, and aright side wall having a roll pin affixed thereto; a left rocker arm and a right rocker arm, each having a front portion and a rear portion and each having a slot; and wherein the roll pin of the left side wall passes through the slot of the left rocker arm and the roll pin of the right side wall passes through the slot of the right rocker arm. Preferably, each slot of the left rocker arm and the right rocker arm is curved. Preferably, the dispensing module further comprises a horizontal sliding bar positioned proximate the rear portion of the dispensing module. Preferably, the horizontal sliding bar comprises one or more slots. Preferably, the dispensing module sliding base further comprises an extension tab having a roll pin affixed thereto, the roll pin of the extension tab being engaged with the one or more slots of the horizontal sliding bar. Preferably, the dispensing module further comprises at least one microprocessor connected to at least one solenoid. Preferably, the at least one solenoid includes a retractable pin capable of retracting and extending, the retractable pin engaging with the dispensing module sliding base. Preferably, the at least one microprocessor controls the retraction and extension of the retractable pin. Preferably, the inventory control system further comprises an electromagnet and a spring affixed proximate the horizontal sliding bar.
The following description of embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying figures. Where appropriate, the same reference numbers in different figures refer to the same or similar elements. The following description and figures are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description of inventive aspects of the present invention. References to one or an embodiments in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments but not necessarily by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure may be discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks; however, the use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term. The scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.
Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms may be provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the present invention. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.
Referring now to
Referring now to
When the button 18 is pressed (or when the front portion of the dispensing module sliding base 40 otherwise is pressed towards the rear of the unit), the sliding base 40 and roll pins 45 move in a rearward direction (i.e., away from door 16), thus causing the front portions of the left and right rocker arms 23 to rotate downwardly, thus causing horizontal blocking bar 20 to move into a lowered position (and preventing the removal of any consumer products located behind the horizontal blocking bar 20), as can be seen in
As shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
As shown in
Slot 56 can be straight, angled, or curved, and it can further comprise a groove or channel (i.e., it is not required to comprise an opening through the horizontal sliding bar 54). A portion of slot 56 can be angled (as shown), and it is contemplated and intended to be within the scope of the present invention that a portion or all of slot 56 can be angled at any angle with respect to the length of horizontal sliding bar 54, but preferably in the ranges of about 30 to 60 degrees (including but not limited to at about 45 degrees, as shown in
When the electromagnet 53 is de-energized (through commands from the microprocessor or otherwise), spring or elastic member 55 pulls horizontal sliding bar 54 back to its original position, moving the roll pin 42 through the corresponding slot 56 and pushing the extension tab 42 and attached dispensing module base in a forward direction, thus causing an open dispensing module 12 to close (and correspondingly the horizontal blocking bar 20 to lift up through the rearward rocking action of left and right rocker arms 23). Further, because springs 63 and 64 are in a stretched or loaded state when a dispensing module 12 is in an open position, springs 63 and 64 likewise operate to pull sliding base 40 in a forward direction to raise left and right rocker arms 23, close door 16, and place dispensing module 12 into a closed state. Correspondingly, when the horizontal blocking bar 20 lifts up, the forward horizontal spring action of the constant force spring 62 of the backstop 49 incrementally advances the remaining consumer product in a forward direction (i.e., in the direction of the door 16), such that another consumer product is in a ready position for selection by another customer.
Under the configuration described above and shown in the figures above, including
In another configuration example, the microcontroller 70 (which includes (but is not limited) to any adjustable timing device known to those of skill in the art), can be programmed to allow any one dispensing module 12 to be opened (and product removed), only a certain number of times within a certain time interval. For example, in such a configuration where the microcontroller or timing device 70 is programmed to allow a maximum of two dispensing module 12 openings within a thirty second time interval: If one dispensing module 12 is opened (and product removed) within ten seconds, and then a second dispensing module 12 (or the same dispensing module 12) is opened (and product removed) within the next ten seconds, a third dispensing module 12 cannot be opened because only twenty seconds has elapsed and all solenoid pins 52 for all dispensing modules 12 will remain in the engaged position, thus preventing any further dispensing modules 12 from being opened until after a full thirty seconds has elapsed. This configuration is possible because the microcontroller or timing device 70 is fully programmable, and also capable of detecting and counting the number of microswitch movements within a given time interval, and the microcontroller or timing device 70 is capable of operating solenoid 50 to lock or unlock any given dispensing module 12 by way of retractable pin 52. The specific time intervals and timing configuration described above is included merely by way of example (and not by way of limitation), given that the microcontroller or timing device 70 is fully programmable, and many other operational configurations, timing configurations, and timing intervals will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art in light of the disclosed invention, and each such configuration is intended to be incorporated and included herein.
In yet another embodiment of the disclosed invention, a buzzer mil/or light are included and connected to the microcontroller or device 70. As such, any number of additional operation configurations are possible. For example, if someone attempts to open more than one dispensing module 12 simultaneously, not only can the microcontroller 70 be programmed to immediately lock all dispensing modules 12, but a warning light and/or buzzer can be activated by the microcontroller as an alert feature. Similarly, if someone forcibly attempts to maintain a given dispensing module 12 in an open position longer than the programmed time interval, a warning light and/or buzzer can be activated by the microcontroller 70 as an alert feature. Alternatively or in addition, the microcontroller 70 can be programmed to detect the activation of microswitch 51 whenever someone forcibly attempts to move bar 20 or shield 22 while bar 20 and shield 22 are in the down position (i.e., during the time that a given dispensing module 12 is in the open position). Alternatively or in addition, lights (including LED lights) also can be activated during normal operation (as opposed to attempted forcible entry), to indicate normal opening/closing of dispensing modules 12. Many other similar alert features will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art in light of the disclosed invention, and each such configuration is intended to be incorporated and included herein.
It is also contemplated that wired or wireless networking capability and connectivity, as already well known in the art, be included in alternative embodiments of the disclosed invention, either as part of the microcontroller, circuit board, or microprocessor, or as a separate component of the disclosed invention. As such, any number of additional operational features and configurations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art in light of the disclosed invention. For example, forcible entry events can be quickly communicated to store personnel or other authorities, inventory can be tracked and/or monitored, and separate automated shelving units can be interconnected and programmed in any number of advantageous manners and combinations. The system 10 can include electronics that allow for radio frequency ID and other forms of inventory control. The system 10 can operate on a electric power source, and can use a circuit board to control the timer and a vibration sensor to provide an audible alarm if the unit is aggressively handled or damaged, in which case the alarm will notify the retailer of a potential theft or vandalism.
The system 10 contains a manual key locking system 26 that allows the system 10 to remain locked until the retailer is ready to refill the inventory, as can be seen in
The modular enclosures or shelving system can be modified to accommodate different types of product packaging including allergy and stomach medicines, women's toiletries, and other consumer related products. To accommodate different sized inventory, and, owing to the modular nature of the system, the total number of channels or dispensing modules can readily be reduced or increased, and the dispensing modules can readily be resized. Moreover, to the extent a given dispensing module becomes damaged, the damaged dispensing module can readily be exchanged with a new module, again, owing to the modular nature of the system.
As shown in
The particular arrangement shown in the figures and described herein is intended to be only exemplary. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples; alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
Any patents and applications and other references that may be noted herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/620,892, filed on Apr. 5, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/760,609, filed on Feb. 4, 2013, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61620892 | Apr 2012 | US | |
| 61760609 | Feb 2013 | US |
