Patent Grant
10051977
The present invention relates generally to shelf assemblies for use in merchandising product and more particularly to shelf assemblies that improve the securement and management of merchandised product. The invention relates to a system for displaying, pushing, and dividing merchandise on merchandise-display shelves.
It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, toy stores, and the like require and use a large amount of shelving both to store product and to display the product to consumers. In displaying product to consumers to promote and improve store sales, these stores situate or position the product toward the front of the shelf so that the product is visible and easily accessible to consumers. This desirable positioning has certain drawbacks. For instance, with this desirable “front-facing” of product, the stores are finding that relatively small products or packages of high value can be the target of thieves. Certain items can represent a high value to potential thieves who can either resell the items or use them for other illegitimate purposes, as in the case of certain pharmaceutical products. This theft is increasing and is now a significant cost to the retailer because thieves prefer to steal many products at once or in as short amount of time as possible. To do this, for example, thieves will “sweep” the shelf with their arm collecting the items into a purse, bag or coat very quickly and exit the store without drawing attention.
Theft can be the result of both customers and employees actions and has been difficult to eliminate. Attempts to deter and prevent theft have proven to be only partially effective. For instance, in-store cameras often do not observe the theft clearly enough to catch or prosecute the thief. In addition, in-store security personnel are rarely in the correct position to actually observe a thief in action. As a result, theft continues to be a significant problem and cost in the management of product inventory.
It is desirable to have merchandise on a shelf situated toward the front of the shelf so that the merchandise is visible and accessible to shoppers. Thus, as merchandise is removed from a shelf, it may be advantageous to push the remaining merchandise toward the front of the shelf. It may also be desirable to include dividing panels, also referred to as dividers, to separate merchandise into rows on a display shelf.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 (“the '720 patent”) discloses a product management display system that may be used for dividing and pushing displayed merchandise
DE 299-02,688 U1 discloses a merchandise display system in which a base-and-divider assembly is constructed as two separate units that need to be connected to each other before being used. When this system is used with products having different sizes, product slider guides, also referred to herein as pusher tracks, of various widths need to be used to accommodate the different sizes of the products.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,738 discloses a merchandise display system with a pusher track that has an integrated divider wall on one side of the pusher track. Like the system disclosed by DE 299-02,688 U1, pusher tracks having different widths must be used to accommodate products of different sizes.
Referring to FIG. 1 of the '720 patent, various components, such as pusher end device 150, pusher divider 152, and pusher 154 mounted on bases 166, 212, and 232, respectively, are disclosed for mounting onto either shelf frame 25 or standard dealer shelf 40. The pusher end device 150, the pusher divider 152, and the pusher 154, which are mounted to bases 166, 212, and 232, of FIG. 1 of the '720 patent were designed with ultimate flexibility in mind. This flexibility allows these components to be assembled and used in many different ways depending on the particular product to be displayed. This presents store personnel with potentially confusing choices, which may lead to frustration, wasted time, and incorrectly installed parts. Three pusher components, namely, a full-width track, which can accept the pushing device, a divider, and a narrow track, are typically used together more often than other combinations of components. Therefore, a component that combines these devices into a single integrated assembly would be desirable.
The present invention is directed at overcoming these and other known drawbacks and problems with existing shelving systems.
The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by addressing the securement and management of product in a retail setting. As will become evident below, the invention has the ability to inhibit “sweeping” of product by a thief and to limit the taking of large amounts of product from a shelf in a short period of time. Using one or more methods such as placing the shelves closer together, using product dividers that extend from the front edge of the shelf and between the shelves, using a merchandising system that controls the speed of a pusher, placing front walls having a specific height that results in a smaller opening to limit access to product, using an electronic control unit and an electronic lock-out mechanism which locks the merchandising shelf and multiple shelves when too many products are removed at one time, the present invention will inhibit sweeping of product and the removal of numerous products at a time. The present invention also has the ability to alert store or security personnel and security cameras of a potential theft situation, while minimizing the impact on access to product by legitimate shoppers.
In an embodiment, a merchandising system, comprises a base configured to support product; a housing configured to be engaged with the base, comprising a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall; a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base; a rotatable door assembly that includes a door configured to hold one product, wherein the door moves from a closed position to an open position; a locking assembly that comprises a locking bar mounted to the base, wherein the locking bar moves from an extended position to an unextended position, and when the locking bar is in the extended position, the locking bar locks the door assembly and the spring-urged pusher; and an electronic control unit that triggers a lock-out mechanism engaged to the locking bar to move the locking bar from the unextended position to the extended position. The electronic control unit may trigger the lock-out mechanism when a preset number of products are removed in a preset time limit.
In other features of an embodiment of the invention, the locking assembly may further comprise a locking latch that engages the locking bar when the locking bar is in the extended position. Additionally, the locking assembly may further comprise a locking gear that includes a free end and a gear teeth end with a door spring attached to the door and the free end of the locking gear. Additionally, when the locking bar is in the extended position, the locking latch may engage the gear teeth end of the locking gear which may prohibit the uncoiling of the door spring and the door moving to the open position. The locking assembly may also comprise a ratchet shaft that is located in a slot on the base, wherein the slot extends longitudinally along the length of the base. The ratchet shaft may also include at least one section that has a plurality of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft and at least one section that is flat that extends along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The locking mechanism may also include a pusher lock that is attached to the spring-urged pusher. Additionally, when the locking bar is in the extended position, the ratchet shaft rotates such that the plurality of teeth face upwards towards the pusher lock and a pointed end of the pusher lock engages one of the plurality of teeth to prohibit the movement of the pusher.
An integrated “T” assembly, also referred to as a base-and-divider assembly, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention combines into a single integrated assembly, a full-width track, a divider, and a narrow track. A narrow and strong end-finisher piece may be used to provide a second divider-like partition and, optionally a wide or narrow track, for pairing with a T assembly's narrow-track or wide-track portion near an end of either side of a shelf.
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a spring-urged offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. The upper offset portion may advantageously extend farther out toward the center of various products to be displayed. Such an offset pusher may allow for using a minimal number of components while still pushing products relatively near to their centers, having the advantage of pushing them smoothly with less binding. When displaying a wide product, one or more supporting tracks, any of which may have a pusher, may be used under the product.
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a T assembly and/or a full track may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement. Any of the components having a divider panel, such as a T assembly, an end finisher, and a full-width track, may also contain any of various engagement mechanisms for non-slidably engaging with a front rail's corresponding engagement mechanism. For instance, teeth on a base may engage corresponding teeth on the front rail. Teeth of this type advantageously allow a T assembly, full-width track, and/or end finishers with corresponding teeth to be located at positions virtually continuously along the front rail and may prevent the components from being moved unintentionally from their intended positions during normal shopping activity and shelf re-stocking.
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a T assembly may include a tear-off line and a break-off line. Such a tear-off line and break-off line combination may be used to advantage to produce one part that may be used for shelves having different depths, such as either 16 inches or 10 inches.
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a pusher track may include a depression, which may be used while re-stocking merchandise to hold a pusher near the back of a full-width track or T assembly. To use the depression to hold a pusher at the back of the track, a person may move the pusher back to the depression and may tilt the top of the pusher toward the front of the track. Merchandise may be re-stocked without having to manually hold the pusher out of the way. To remove the pusher from the depression, the pusher may be pushed toward the back of the track, the pusher will then return to an upright position and move along the track in its usual way.
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, front edges of the respective surfaces that the pusher travels along may automatically engage a bent portion of the pusher's coiled spring when the pusher is inserted onto the front of the track.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, the phrases and terms used herein are to be given their broadest interpretation and meaning. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. The use of the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “coupled,” “positioned,” “engaged” and similar terms, is meant to include both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, coupling, positioning and engaging.
The present invention relates to the securement, management, and distribution of products in settings such as a retail setting and includes numerous embodiments. One embodiment involves a shelf management and display system that resides either on a standard or existing “dealer” shelf typically found in a retail store or on a shelf designed with certain advantages in securing products and deterring theft. The embodiment may include uprights of a pre-existing shelving system or may be a stand alone unit. The display system includes front-facing systems, which force product to the front of a shelf. Such systems may use various methods, such as gravity, friction, magnetism, or spring-urged pushers or paddles to bring product to the front of a shelf near the aisle. Many examples of spring-urged systems that orient products toward the front of a shelf exist and include the systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application No. PCT/US02/15760 and corresponding International Publication No. WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to
A back wall 106 may be mounted to the uprights 102 through known mounting techniques to aid in containing the products and to prevent access to the products from the back of the display system 100. A lock box 108 may be mounted to the uprights 102 also through known mounting techniques. The lock box 108 may be used for storing and locking additional product and shelving components for quick retrieval by the store personnel. The lock box 108 may be positioned at any position on the uprights 102, including the depicted positioning at or near the top of the display system 100. In an alternative embodiment, the lock box 108 may be secured to a shelf 104 as opposed to the uprights 102. With either mounting location, the additional product and shelving components are located at the display system 100 and can therefore be readily retrieved by store personnel.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a series of walls or dividers 110 that are placed between product rows, lanes or facings, and at the ends of the facings, to deter product “sweeping” by a thief. These walls 110 are sometimes referred to as “product dividers.” As used herein, the terms “vertical walls,” “product dividers” and “dividers” are meant to include any wall (including vertical and non-vertical), divider, barrier, or separator that may be used between product rows, lanes or facings. The product dividers 110, when positioned in a spaced-apart manner on the display system 100, form product lanes 112 for locating and separating product to be merchandised.
The product dividers 110 or side walls also are positioned at the sides of the product facing to prevent access to the product from the side of the display system 100. In one embodiment, these dividers or side walls may include telescoping features that permit them to extend vertically or horizontally to provide additional product securement. Significantly, these dividers or side walls may be used in numerous applications as the size and extent of these can be adjusted to fit most shelves, shelving or display systems, or applications.
A pusher 126 can be used to urge product forward. This pusher can incorporate a coil spring to assist in urging product forward. The divider 110 in some embodiments can include a base or floor. In some embodiments this floor includes a pusher track 128.
The product dividers 110 define a height, shape and configuration that deter the removal of product over the product dividers 110. The dividers 110 extend in a vertical or non-vertical manner between the shelves 104 and from the front of the shelf 104 to the back wall 106. The dividers 110 have a generally rectangular shape; however, other shapes and configurations of the dividers, such as non-rectangular, oval, repeating patterns or the like, may be used with the invention. Depending on the product to be merchandised and the desired degree of access to the products, the front edge 114 of the product dividers 110 may extend vertically between the shelves 104, or may extend non-vertically to make the products more accessible to the consumer and easier to remove from the shelf. In one embodiment, the divider 110 defines a front edge 111 that includes a front edge portion 113 protruding outward from the front edge 111, as shown in
The product dividers 110 may be mounted to the display system 100 using numerous techniques. As an example, the dividers 110 may be inserted into tracks formed in the shelf 104 or tracks formed in a base that attaches to the shelf 104. Similarly, the dividers 110 may be formed integral or as a unitary unit with a base that is mounted to the shelf. Also, the dividers 110 may be mounted to a rail, channel, or groove as understood by those skilled in the art. The dividers 110 should be sufficiently rigid to retain the product within the product lanes. Examples of dividers that may be used with invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application No. PCT/US02/15760 and corresponding International Publication No. WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy, which are incorporated herein by reference. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other dividers and techniques for mounting the dividers to the shelves are known and may be used with the teachings of the invention.
In one embodiment, the dividers 110 may have a step down or decline near its rear edge, or a decrease in wall height, to allow the wall 110 to be lifted and disengaged from the rail on which it is mounted. With this configuration, the dividers 110 may be moved laterally without interfering with the shelf above it. In one embodiment, the vertical wall or divider 110 has a step down beginning approximately ⅔ of the wall length from its front edge.
In an embodiment, it may be desired to provide enhanced security for items on only a portion of a shelf. These items may be located in the center of the shelf or on a side of the shelf. Security features such as those referenced herein can be added to only a portion of the shelf, while the remainder of the shelf contains fewer or none of the security features. Where high security items are placed in the center of a shelf, these items can be segregated from the remainder of the shelf through the use of walls. These walls can provide the side barriers for the high security portion of the shelf. These walls can be made of strong construction, such as metal, and can extend from the floor of a shelf to a distance fairly near the top of the shelf. These walls also can be attached to the shelf as well as the other security features to limit the possibility of the walls being bent, removed or otherwise thwarted and to assist in limiting access to the items being merchandised on the shelf.
Referring to
Referring to
As should be readily apparent, the elongated channels 704 provide for numerous mounting positions of the wall 702 relative to the lower wall portion 706. In an exemplary position, the wall 702 is fastened to the lower wall portion 706 such that the fasteners 708 are located at positions 716a and 716b in the elongated channel 704. In this position, as shown by
Referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, the clip 320, 360 is configured at one end to engage a hinge rail 322, which is used to hinge the barrier 140, discussed below, to the shelf 104. The hinge rail 322 is mounted to a shelf. The clip 320, 360 mounts to the shelf through its interaction with hinge rail 322. The clip 320, 360 is further configured at an opposite end to engage the wall 340, 350. More particularly, the clip 320 includes a blade portion 324 that is configured to engage with the hinge rail 322 and at any of the multiple positions along the hinge rail 322, thus providing flexibility in the placement of the clip 320. The blade portion 324 may take on numerous shapes and configuration and may be connected to or joined with a clip body 328. The clip body 328 is further connected to or joined with opposing wall mounting members 330. The wall mounting members 330 are configured to be positioned on opposing sides of a wall 340 with the wall passing between the mounting members 330. The wall mounting members 330 further define aligned holes 332 for receiving a mounting fastener 334 that may be used to secure the mounting members 330 to the wall 340, as depicted by
Where a wall 340 or 350 is placed at the side end of a shelf, a clip 360 can be used to further secure the wall 340, 350 to the shelf 104. At the edge of the shelf, the hinge rail ceases (not shown). Clip 360 includes a blade portion 362 that extends in only one direction from the clip body 364. The blade portion 362 is configured to engage the hinge rail 322. In an embodiment, the blade portion engages only a single hinge piece or knuckle of the hinge rail. For example, in
A front retaining wall 116 may be positioned along the front edge of the shelf 104. The front retaining wall 116 can serve as a “fence” to restrain the product in the product lanes 112 and assist in preventing the product from falling off the front of the shelf 104. The retaining wall 116 stops the forward movement of product that is caused by the urging of the pushers, described below. As exemplified by
As more clearly shown in
As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, if taller products are merchandised on the shelves 104, or if a smaller window 131 is desired, a second retaining wall 122 may be positioned behind or possibly in front of the retaining wall 116 to serve as a retainer for the product. As used herein, the second retaining wall 122 may be referred to as a “tab” and may include any retaining structure or “fence” that can be selectively configured or mounted to the shelves 104 to provide selective theft prevention of specific products, such as high theft items. Consequently, the second retaining wall or tab 122 may have many configurations, shapes and designs, and may be used in front of individual rows of product or groups of rows of product.
As shown in
The second retaining wall or tab 122 will have a height that permits access to and removal of a limited number of product. If desired, the tab 122 may have a height that permits removal of only one product at a time. With the use of tabs 122, the display system 100 will have flexibility in that tabs 122 of varying height may be positioned in front of the product lanes 112 to accommodate various sized products. That is, if a row of product has a product height that is different than a product in an adjacent row, tabs 122 of varying height can be used to provide the proper level of security and access to the product.
In one embodiment, the tabs 122 may be sized to extend across one product lane 112 or in front of a single row of product. In an alternative embodiment, the tab 122 may be sized and shaped to extend across multiple product lanes 112. In this embodiment, the tabs 122 could include slots or channels to permit the tabs to “straddle” the dividers 110 and thereby extend across multiple product lanes. In addition, the dividers 110 could extend through the slots or channels and thereby inhibit slidable movement of the tabs 122.
The second retaining wall or tab 122 may also be used in place of the retaining wall 116. In other words, the front “fence” on a product facing may be the tabs 122 of varying height, length and width, or of the same dimensions. In this configuration, the channel or rail 118 may be used to mount dealer-shelf accessories, such as clip-in signage, price tag holders, and the like. The tab 122 also can be attached to the divider 110 or can be formed such that the tab 122 and divider 110 are an integral piece. A wall or partial wall structure such as tab 122 can exist at the front of the divider 110 and can extend to the left or right or to both the left and right of the divider. This wall or partial wall can be used with or without a front retaining wall 116.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tabs 122 may include holes or openings 125 through the tab 122, similar to the holes or openings 120 in the retaining wall 116, to permit the consumer and store personnel to push the product back and away from the retaining wall 116 and tab 122 for ease of insertion and removal of the product. In other words, the holes or openings 126 allow product to be replaced by a consumer who removes it and decides not to purchase the product. To this end, the holes or openings 120, 125 are constructed to allow finger access therethrough to push back the row of product. Once the products are pushed backward, the consumer or store personnel can replace the removed products back into the facing. It should be understood that tabs 122 also can be used that do not include the holes or openings 125.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tab 122 may provide securement for an individual row of a product facing. That is, it may be desirable to provide additional theft deterrence for an individual row of product. In this configuration, the tab 122 having the desired dimensions may be positioned in front of a desired product row to provide additional securement for just that row of product. This embodiment will provide the stores with additional flexibility with their planograms and product facings in that individual tabs 122 of different dimensions may be placed at various locations across the facing to enhance the securement of particular products.
In an embodiment, retainer tabs 122 can be used on an individual facing basis for specific products. If a shelf is merchandised with product packages of variable height, the retainer wall 116 must be of a height that allows the shortest product package to be lifted over it. If a shelf 104, barrier 130, or barrier 140 is employed above the product, then the shelf 104 or barriers 130, 140 must be located at a height above the product to allow the placement of the tallest product below it. This may allow a thief easy access to the taller product by being able to easily lift the taller product in quantity over the relatively short retainer wall 116. It can be desirable, then, to increase the height of a front barrier only in front of the taller product. The second retaining wall or tab 122 can be of a taller height than the retaining wall 116 and can be generally taller than required for the small product packages. The retainer wall or tab 122 can therefore be constructed and used to limit access to the taller product and removal of several taller products at a time or in one motion, further securing product and deterring theft. Similarly, the retainer wall or tab 122 can be constructed and used to limit access to smaller but deeper products and to limit the removal of several smaller but deeper products at a time or in one motion. The retainer tab 122 thus allows flexible placement of product on a shelf by the retailer and manufacturer, no matter the size, shape, and configuration of the product.
The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may be mounted, directly or indirectly, to the shelf 104 using numerous techniques. The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may be slidably mounted to or receivable in the channels or rails 118, 124, which are secured to the front edge of the shelf through fasteners, adhesives, friction, tension, magnetism, or other restraining techniques and methods. The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may also be directly mounted or connected to the shelf 104 also through the use of fasteners, adhesives, friction, tension, magnetism, or other restraining techniques and methods. The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may be fixed to the shelf 104 or removably mounted to the shelf 104 to permit additional flexibility in the design and level of security of the system.
Pushers 126 may be placed behind product between the back wall 106 and the front edge of the shelf 104 to push the product forward so that it may be removed from the front of the shelf. The retaining wall 116 and tabs 122, if used, in some embodiments can stop the forward movement of product that is caused by the urging of the pushers. Known pushers may be used with the invention, including the pushers and pusher systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application No. PCT/US02/15760 and corresponding International Publication No. WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The pushers 126 may be spring-urged pushers that move along a track 128 to push product toward the front edge of the shelf 104, as shown in
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in
T assembly 500 may have a relatively thick and rigid divider 504 to prevent deflection that might occur when pushing round or triangular objects. Deflection of this type could cause those objects to slip by one another or not to push well in general. In
At either end of a shelf using the pusher components, a narrow and strong end-finisher component is desirable. Referring to
The right-end component shown in
The width of many products, such as deodorants, analgesics, antihistamines, would allow a minimum number of pusher and base components to be used, spaced laterally apart from each other along a shelf, but the pushers may undesirably end up sufficiently off-center such that the products do not get pushed well. For instance, referring to
Occasionally a product is too wide to use only T assemblies 500 on either side of the product. Under these circumstances, one or more supporting tracks may be used under the product. In addition, a product may be unusually dense and/or heavy such that the product requires another track with an additional pusher to move the product. Under these circumstances, a full-width track, such as full-width track 800, shown in
For instance,
In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, any of the components, which have a divider and/or a pusher track, may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement as disclosed in the '720 patent. The T assembly 500 and full track 800 may non-slidably engage each other. For instance, teeth 900, shown in
As will be apparent, other ways of positively engaging T assembly 500, full-width track 800, and/or a left-end component with the front rail may also be used. For instance, serrations on the front rail could bite into the bottom of the pusher-track components. A compression fit arrangement could be used in which a tongue of the pusher-track component snaps into the front rail. The front rail could have rubber in a groove that would receive a serrated tongue of a pusher-track component.
Referring again to
After removing the rear portion of the T assembly 500 or any other base that may accept a pusher 700, the pusher 700 may be prevented from sliding out of the back of the pusher track by inserting a pin into hole 508. An exemplary pin 1300 is shown molded into the bottom rear portion of a base in
Referring to
Front edges 804-1 and 804-2 of the respective surfaces that the pusher travels along may automatically engage a bent portion of the pusher's coiled spring when the pusher is inserted onto the front of the track 800.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
In an embodiment, the pushers 126 may have a pusher face or paddle 129 that may extend laterally to increase the pushing surface of the pusher to thereby pusher wider product more effectively. In other words, the pusher 126 may have an extendable pusher face to push either narrow product or wide product. The pusher face or paddle 129 may be extendable from a retracted position to one of several extended positions. The extended pusher face locates the product pushing surface behind the center or near the center of the wider product, thereby greatly enhancing the pushing leverage on the wider product. Numerous other types of pushers and pusher faces may be used with the invention, including the systems and pushers described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/772,134 to Hardy, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The pushers 126 may be stand-alone units that are mountable to the shelf 104 using any known technique, including the channel mounting technique depicted in the figures. That is, in one embodiment, the pusher 126 may be mounted to a front rail or channel 133, as shown in
In another embodiment, the pushers 126 may incorporate spring mechanisms, such as coil springs, that include an indicia strip. The indicia strip is provided on spring mechanism and contains data relating to the position of the pusher 126. A sensor assembly may scan the indicia strip and transmit data representative of the product and the position of the pusher on the display system to a store computer or some other suitable device, such as a portable computer or controller. The transmitted data can be used to determine inventory levels and can be done so in real time. With this embodiment, the amount of product removed from a particular location in the store can be determined. This information can be used to determine the effectiveness of product placement and promotional displays, particularly when a product can be obtained from various places within the retail store. And with respect to deterring theft, a deviation in the typical purchasing habits of the consumer can trigger an alarm. That is, the alarm can be used to alert security personnel to the fact that too much product has been removed from the shelf at one time and thus a potential theft has occurred. The location of the incident can also be used to alert a security camera so as to focus the camera in the direction of the potential theft, as discussed below. With this embodiment, numerous types of sensors and detection techniques may be used to monitor the relative position and movement of the pusher 126. For example, in an embodiment, the indicia strip may contain numerous types of patterns that can be optically readable or can be read using several different types of detection methods, such as passive variable capacitance, inductance, resistance, magnetics, or active signal detection. Numerous other types of sensors and detection techniques are possible with the invention for detecting unusual movement of the pusher 126 that may be indicative of a potential theft situation, including the systems and techniques described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/772,010 to Swafford et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
In other exemplary embodiments, the merchandised product may be urged toward the front of the shelf 104 through other techniques, including friction, gravity and/or magnetism. Each of these techniques may be used with the display system 100 and the teachings of the present invention. These techniques may be used with or without dividers 110, depending on the desired application. In one embodiment, the shelf is not completely horizontal but has an incline or decline from back to front.
In another embodiment, the merchandised product may be urged toward the front of the shelf 104 through vibration or quick movements that orient products in a particular direction on the shelf 104. Vibration can cause products to move forward on the shelf 104 and prevent them from moving backward so that the product is front facing. This vibration may be applied through mechanical, electrical or other structures or designs.
In one embodiment, directed vibration moves product toward the front of the shelf. The directed vibration causes product to move in particular directions or in one direction and not to move in other directions. Through this vibration, which is instituted through the shelf 104, upright 102, floor, wall, ceiling or other structure, or through a vibrative pulse or signal traveling through the air, the product moves in a particular direction, such as frontward.
In another embodiment of the vibration technique for urging product forward on the shelf 104, general undirected vibration is applied to the system. This vibration may be applied through the shelf 104, upright 102, floor, wall, ceiling, other structure or through vibration or a signal traveling through the air. Directors, such as small toggles, ridges, flanges, fingers, or the like, cause product to move in a particular direction depending on their configuration, shape, and orientation. These directors can channel the energy from unspecific vibration and force product in a particular direction, such as frontward. The directors can be placed on the shelf 104, divider 110, floors, walls or ceilings of the system and can be incorporated into the product itself.
In an embodiment of the vibration technique, product sits on a floor and friction moves product toward the front of the shelf. In one embodiment, the floor may be a flat surface panel operatively coupled to a motion providing device. In use, product is placed on the flat surface panel and a combination of gravity and friction hold the product in place on the flat surface panel. The motion providing device then slowly moves the flat surface panel toward the retaining wall 116 located at the front of the shelf 104. After a preset amount of time, or through product position sensing techniques, the motion providing device quickly, in a jerking motion, pulls the flat surface panel in the opposite direction or, in other words, toward the back of the shelf. By doing so, the quick motion of the flat surface panel breaks the bond of friction between the product and the flat surface panel causing the flat surface panel to slide relative to the product and the product to remain at its location. The motion providing device will then repeat the previously described process and begin to slowly move the flat surface panel toward the retaining wall 116. Examples of such vibration techniques for urging product forward on a shelf are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/541,859 to Hardy, which is incorporated herein by reference.
As indicated above, the dividers 110, retaining wall 116 and tabs 122 assist in preventing a thief from sweeping a number of products into his or her coat or bag or from taking several products in the same facing. To even further limit the access to the product, in another exemplary embodiment, a horizontal barrier 130 (
A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a barrier 140 that spans across one or two, some, all or the majority of the top of the product on a shelf 104. The barrier 140 functions similar to a door in that it may be hinged or movably mounted to the edge of the shelf 104, or the barrier 130, just above the product to be protected. As used herein, the term “barrier” is meant to include any structure that will prevent, inhibit or obstruct access to the product on the shelf 104. The barrier can embody numerous shapes and configurations. The barrier 140 may be mounted to the shelf 104 using existing mounting holes on the shelf. The barrier 140 also may be mounted on the front edge of a front rail from the shelf above it. The front edge of the shelf can have hooks or “j” shapes on its underside. The barrier 140 can have apertures which fit within the hooks or “j” shapes. The barrier 140 defines a bottom lip or edge that may meet or overlap the top edge of the retaining wall 116 or tab 122. Such meeting or overlap further closes off access to the product except with deliberate action. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
A hole or opening 204 may be located in the barrier 140 through which may be mounted a cable lock or similar locking mechanism, as discussed below.
In an alternative embodiment, the product display system includes inverted features. The aspects of the invention that are placed on a floor or a shelf and extend upward can be placed on a ceiling or extend downward, and vice versa. For example, the barrier 140 and retaining wall 116, the dividers 110, and tabs 122 may be inverted. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the retaining wall 116, the dividers 110, and/or tabs 122 may be configured above the barrier 140 which would extend upwardly from the shelf 104. The retaining wall 116, the dividers 110 and/or tabs 122 may be placed on the underside of the shelf above the product and extend downward. Pushers 126 and/or tracks 128 can be secured to the underside of a shelf such that the pushers extend downward and the pusher springs are located near or behind the portion of the pusher that is near the underside of the shelf.
In some embodiments, to access product behind the barrier 140, the barrier 140 must be moved or lifted, which requires a deliberate movement and the use of one hand to hold the barrier 140 in place. While the barrier 140 is lifted or moved, the product can be removed. A consumer or store personnel who uses one hand to hold the barrier 140 in place, will need to use the other hand to remove product from the display system 100. This embodiment is constructed to inhibit the ability of a consumer to access product with two hands at the same time. While product is accessible to the consumer or store personnel, the removal of large amounts of product in a short period of time is deterred. The barrier 140 can be created from a clear, opaque or semi-transparent material and may be hinged or slidable in a variety of common ways.
Referring to
The barrier extension 206 can define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the desired application and level of product securement. For example, the barrier extension 206 can be configured to extend across one row of product, one facing, or more than one row or facing. The barrier extension 206 may also be made of a clear, transparent, or semi-transparent material to permit or prevent the product on the shelf to be visible to a consumer or stock person. The barrier extension 206 may also include a handle similar to the handle 202 described above.
The barrier extension 206 may include a reinforcing rim 212 that provides additional structural integrity and rigidity to the barrier extension 206 to further provide additional product security. The reinforcing rim 212 may also be equipped or configured with a handle 214. If the barrier extension 206 is configured with a locking mechanism as described herein, or configured to be in a locked position, the reinforcing rim 212 will assist in preventing a potential thief from bending or breaking the barrier extension 206 and thus giving the thief access to the product that is intended to be locked and secured on the shelf.
A locking mechanism may be further added to the barrier 140 to further hinder or prevent access to the product on the shelf. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, the lock 200 may engage an arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 configured in or formed with the retaining wall 116. The arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock 200 to the retaining wall 116 by permitting the locking tab of the cylindrical lock 200 to more securely seat on, or be held in place relative to, the retaining wall 116. With the use of a lock, such as lock 200, a consumer or store personnel will need to use a key, special tool, or access card to open the lock prior to moving or lifting the barrier 140.
In one embodiment, the lock 200 may engage an arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 configured in or formed with the retaining wall 116. The arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock 200 to the retaining wall 116 by permitting the locking tab of the cylindrical lock 200 to more securely seat on, or be held in place relative to, the retaining wall 116. With the use of a lock, such as lock 200, a consumer or store personnel will need to use a key, special tool, or access card to open the lock prior to moving or lifting the barrier 140.
Referring to
Referring to
Alternatively,
As can be appreciated, depending on the desired level of security, one or more lock plates 302 may be used to secure and lock the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 in a closed position to prevent access to the product. The lock plates 302 are movable in that they can be positioned within any of the openings or slots 304 along the retaining wall 116. Being movable also permits the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 to be made in various widths to protect only those products on the shelf that must be protected. In addition, the lock plate 302 need not interact with the channels or rails 118, 124 and can leave these channels or rails substantially free to receive other objects such as a retaining wall or tab 122.
In an exemplary embodiment, the lock plate 302 may be made of any suitable metal or plastic material and may define a nose 310 that will extend through the retaining wall 116 and barrier 140 or barrier extension 206, if used. The nose 310 further defines an opening or hole 312 for receiving the padlock 300, as illustrated by
The nose 310 is connected to or formed with a back plate 316. The back plate 316 includes legs or retaining members 318 that, when assembled, will be positioned behind the retaining wall 116 and assist in holding the lock plate 302 on the retaining wall 116. The back plate 316 and retaining members 318 may take on numerous configurations that aid in holding the lock plate 302 to the retaining wall 116. The lock plate 302 may be configured to not only extend through the retaining wall 116 and barrier 140 or barrier extension 206, it may also extend through and be used with the tab 122.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that any known locking mechanism can be used with the invention, including a cable lock that may be mounted with the hole 204 (
As depicted in
As used herein, the term “alert device” is meant to include any device or component that may provide an alert, warning and/or signal concerning a condition, situation, and/or circumstance. The alert device 142 may be hard-wired to the store's security system or may be a wireless system. Wireless systems, if used, provide increased flexibility in installation and can be readily installed in existing shelves without the need to install wires for either power or communication. In addition, the use of a wireless system allows for the gradual installation of a system. For example, items of high value (and therefore suffering from an increased likelihood of being stolen) or items that tend to have significant variations in customer demand can be monitored first. With a wireless system, the alert signal may be sent to not only the store's security system or computer, but also any portable device or receiver, such as a controller, personal data assistant, pager or cellular telephone that may be carried by store personnel or security. Also with the wireless or wired system, the store's computer can process further the alert signal to determine whether a theft situation exists and can generate reports which can be analyzed to fine tune product placement, placement of cameras, alert devices, sensors, and so forth, as well as fine tune the delays and actions initiated by potential theft situations. As understood by those skilled in the art the store's computer can be configured with the network server and can be accessible remotely through the world-wide web or other network, and can be controlled remotely through the world-wide web or other network.
In an exemplary embodiment, the alert device 142 is positioned on the shelf 104, either underneath, as depicted in
The alert device 142 may be operatively connected or coupled to the barrier to detect movement of the barrier through other methods or techniques. For instance, a motion sensor or similar sensory devices, such as a light-emitting diode sensor assembly, may be used to detect movement of the barrier and communicate that information to the alert device 142. The sensor may be mounted in a variety of locations including on the barrier itself or next to the barrier to detect barrier movement. Alternatively, a magnetic switch may be incorporated to detect movement of the barrier.
The alert device 142 may include sensory components and time-delay features that will calculate how long the barrier 140 has been moved or opened. Upon reaching a predetermined time period, in other words, as the barrier 140 has been moved or opened for a certain duration, the alert device 142 will send a signal, such as the above-mentioned signals, to alert the store personnel, security and/or the consumer that the barrier 140 has been opened or moved for a long period of time, thereby indicating a potential theft situation. In an exemplary embodiment, upon the passing of the predetermined time period, the alert device 142 may send an audio alert signal, including a signal different from a previous audio alert signal, that would draw attention to the vicinity. The alert device 142 can therefore be designed to provide its alert for a fixed period of time before becoming silent.
In another embodiment of the alert device 142, the audio alert signal is adjustable to provide a variety of alert tones of varying frequencies, or to announce that the barrier 140 has been opened or moved for too long and that the consumer needs to close the barrier 140, or to send a silent alarm to the store and/or security personnel. Different signals or frequencies can be used as the length of time in which the barrier has been opened or moved increases. Numerous combinations of alert signals are possible with the alert device 142 depending on the desired level of security. The alert signal is adjustable and numerous combinations of signals may be used to provide the desired signal level and thus security level, yet avoid turning away legitimate consumers from selecting and purchasing the product. That is, for example, the alert device 142 can be programmed to provide an alert signal that will draw the attention of surrounding shoppers or store/security personnel, yet short enough to limit aggravation of the legitimate consumers or stock person.
Also, in another embodiment, a two-tiered response could be implemented. For example, if the barrier 140 is moved, a signal could be transmitted directly to the security camera, or via the store computer or both. In addition, an inaudible notification could be provided directly to security personnel. If the barrier 140 remains open or moved for a set period of time, more clearly indicating a potential theft, an additional audible alarm and flashing lights could also be activated, or any other alarm. Thus, the response could be configured to more carefully match the situation.
Referring to
As can be appreciated, the position of the potential theft relative to the security camera 260 would be beneficial to provide an instruction to the security camera to focus on a particular position. This positional information could be generated by a number of methods, including providing a store computer with the security camera coordinate system for the security camera. The location of the alert device 142 relative to the security camera could be determined during setup and during a potential theft situation; the location of the alert device 142 could be used to direct the focus of the security camera. Alternatively, the security camera could be configured to focus in several positions, such as three points along an aisle, and the store computer could indicate which position was the most appropriate for the particular situation. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the described methods are illustrative because of the numerous methods of controlling the security camera that exist.
In addition to the value of such system in loss prevention, the monitor can show video in the form of advertising or consumer information. As illustrated by
A secondary video source for the monitor on which advertising, consumer information or other content is shown can be a video player 266 such as a video cassette recorder, compact disk-video player, solid state digital video player, direct video, audio feed or other video sources. With respect to the switch 264, the switching action between the camera image and advertising or other content can be effected by a hardware timer or a small microcontroller. In one embodiment, the secondary video source can contain a multitude of short video segments which are randomly or non-randomly selected by the timer or microcontroller. The camera 260 may be a small, stand-alone type, not connected to any part of an existing security system, or it may be any typical store security camera existing in the store's security network. The monitor 262 may be a small flat, color, LCD type monitor and can be placed at numerous locations on or near the shelf 104. For instance, the monitor may be placed in overhead signage above the merchandised product or it can be attached to the shelf 104 edge. In some applications, a larger monitor, such as a CRT-type, plasma, LCD or projection monitor can be used. A preferred solid-state digital video player may comprise the secondary video source. The source may be housed in the same enclosure as the monitor or may be located remotely from the monitor.
Referring back to
Referring to
In an embodiment, a stationary shroud 180 may placed toward the top of the product display system 100. The shroud 180 provides security and graphic placement, and product may be stored within it. The shroud 180 provides security in that it functions as a top wall or barrier preventing access to the product from a point above the product. The shroud 180 may mount on or to an existing shelf. The shroud 180 may be fixed or adjustable. With an adjustable shroud, the shroud can be positioned at numerous locations on the product display system. In addition, the shroud 180 can be a pull-out shroud functioning in manner similar to the exemplary pull-out shelf 104 described above. Moreover, the shroud 180 can also serve as a shelf to hold product. In other words, the product display system 100 could include multiple shrouds 180 that function as shelves to hold or display product. Also, the shroud can be configured to mount the barriers 130, 140, through numerous known mounting techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock box 108 having a lockable door 109, as shown in
The product display system 100 of the invention offers various levels of securement and theft protection. Each level described herein can be used separately and various or all levels can be used in conjunction with each other. Each level can also be added to or adapted with existing shelf systems or be provided as a stand alone system. The divider or retaining walls 110 provide securement. The front retaining wall 116 or “fence” provides securement, with or without the retaining tabs 120. The barriers and access doors 130, 140 over the top of the retaining wall 116 provides securement. The close positioning of the shelf 104 over the product located on the shelf below provides securement. The audible or other signal that is generated by the alert device 142 when the barrier 140 has been open for a set period of time provides securement. The security camera and video and display devices provide securement. Each of these separable aspects of an embodiment of the invention can be used on its own in a retail setting, or can be used in conjunction with other aspects of the embodiment. Each separable aspect can be added to existing shelving or display systems to effectively retrofit and add one or more levels of security to such existing systems.
One embodiment of the invention features various levels of theft deterrent. One level assists in preventing sweeping of products. Pushers 126, dividers 110, and retaining walls 116 are coupled with a shelf 104 or barrier 130, or both, above the product to provide securement to the product. The pushers, dividers, retaining walls, shelf, and barrier allow approximately one, two or three packages to be removed through an opening at one time from a facing of the display system. Second retaining walls or tabs 122 may be used to provide individual securement for specific rows of product. The front wall 116 and tabs 122 may also include holes or openings that extend therethrough that would require the consumer to push on the product through the holes or openings in order to remove the product from the shelf.
A second level of securement incorporates all of the features of first level with the addition of a barrier 140 or access door. To access the product, the consumer must utilize two hands, one to lift or slide the barrier 140 and the other to remove the product, thus adding a second layer of deterrent to the system.
A third level of securement builds upon the features of the first and second levels with the addition of a theft-warning notification device, such as an alert device 142, or other signal transmission device. The alert notification or signal transmission is activated if the barrier 140 or access door is open a predetermined amount of time. This delay can be adjusted to any duration or eliminated. The notification provides an audible, inaudible, infrared, radio-frequency, electronic, or cellular signal that notifies consumers and/or store and security personnel that the barrier 140 has been open for a particular period of time. The signal transmission can send a signal to a store computer, store personnel or a security camera or monitor. The signal can alert the store computer or personnel that the barrier 140 or access door has been opened for a particular period of time and can activate the security camera and monitor to show the thief an image of himself or herself in front of the product. This image can be recorded. Additional alert notifications or signal transmissions can be activated as the amount of time the barrier or access door is open increases.
An additional level of deterrence of theft by consumers or store personnel is the use of a locking mechanism on the shelf 104 to limit unauthorized personnel from pulling out the shelf. The system can require the use of a key or an uncommonly or commonly shaped instrument to be inserted into a concealed access slot in the front or underside of the shelf. This method is designed to require someone with specific knowledge of the shelf operation to disengage the lock. In an embodiment, the barrier 140 or access door on the shelf 104 can be automatically raised for restocking purposes when the shelf is pulled out, then re-engaged once the shelf has been returned to the closed position. In this application, an audio alert may be incorporated that indicates that the shelf is being restocked with product.
In addition, in an embodiment, a stationary shroud 180 may be placed toward the top of the product display and management system. The shroud provides security by inhibiting access to the product from above the product. Also, a lock box can be placed anywhere on the system to store additional product that will be secured by a key lock or some other locking mechanism.
In one embodiment of the present invention, various aspects of the invention are added to portions of existing shelves. In some environments, there are only one, two or a few potential high-theft products among a display of many products. Aspects of the present invention can be added solely to the portion of a shelf management and display system with respect to those high-theft products. For example, a barrier 140 could be placed solely over those products. In addition, side walls could be placed to cover one or more of the sides of the products to further deter sweeping or other theft. A front barrier, a locking mechanism or other aspects of the invention described herein could be used solely with the high-theft products or other highly relevant products in a display and not used with other products in the same display. In one embodiment, a particular set of relevant products can be effectively segregated from the other products within the same display. This particular set of relevant products can be subject to additional security aspects described herein that are not used with the remaining products in the display.
Referring to
Conventionally, power outlets were mounted to the shelf and were not easily movable. In fact, significant force was required to unlock the power outlets from the track on which they were mounted to then move the power outlets. In other known applications, the power outlets were mounted to conductive tracks, similar to track-lighting tracks which included embedded power tracks. With those track-type systems, the power outlets needed to be placed at correct locations and snap-fit into position. Once installed, the power outlets were not slidable.
The power bar 400 of the invention solves these problems and other known problems by providing a power source for a product display that is easily mountable to the display, such as the back wall 106, and is easily adjustable to accommodate changes made to the positions of the shelves. The power bar 400 includes an elongated body 402 that may be attached to the back wall 106 of the display. As illustrated, the power bar 400 may be mounted in a vertical manner and the elongated body 402 may extend the entire height of the product display or alternatively less than the entire height of the product display. The power bar 400 may be slidably moved (as indicated by direction arrow 401) a sufficient distance to avoid interference with the product shelf that may be placed at approximately the same vertical height, or with the repositioning of the mounted product shelf. The power bar 400 includes one or more power outlets 404 that may be configured at numerous positions on the power bar 400. Once in the desired position, a fastener, not shown, may be positioned through an adjustment slot 406 to secure the power bar 400 to the back wall 106 at the desired height. The adjustment slot 406 is elongated to permit further adjustment of the power bar 400.
The elongated body 402 defines an elongated hollow cavity 408 through which may pass conducting wires 410 that are used to supply the power to the power bar outlets 404. The elongated body 402 may also include a recessed channel 412 formed in the body 402 and along each side of the body 402. The channel 412 may be used as a receptor for receiving and aligning the power bar 400 onto the body 402. The power bar 400 may fit on or within the channel 412 in a tongue-and-groove manner, or any other suitable mounting connection that permits slidable movement of one component relative to another. Once installed, the power bar 400 will slide relative to the body 402 in or on the channel 412.
Looking first at
A slidable shelf 3410 is mounted to one or more tracks 3416, which can be supported at least in part by the sides 3422. As depicted, the slidable shelf 3410 can include a support surface 3412 that supports a divider 3418 (which may be a pusher or a simple divider) and includes a rail 3445 mounted to the front of the shelf 3410. The rail in turn supports a retainer 3414.
As depicted, a door 3424 with one or more handles 3426 can be mounted to the top 3420 via hinge system 4010 and is coupled to a control unit 3515 that may be configured to produce an audible tone (immediately or after some predetermined delay) when the door is opened and may further be configured to provide a signal to a remote device so as to trigger video capture or security personal.
Slidable shelf 3410 translates via a track 3416 when locking feature 3525 is actuated. As can be appreciated, to translate the slidable shelf 3410, the door 3424 needs to be opened and in an embodiment, as depicted, the door may open up to 90 degrees. As can be appreciated, the rail 3445 can also be mounted on the top 3420 of the box shelf 3405.
It should be noted that details such as discussed above with respect to
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As can be appreciated from
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In an exemplary embodiment, front retaining wall 876 is mounted at an angle, (for example, approximately a 45° angle) relative to the base 812 and extends from the second side edge 822 to first side edge 820 towards the front edge 826. Angles other than approximately 45° are possible, including angles of approximately 15°, 30°, 60° and 75°, to name a few. Front retaining wall 876 can define a channel 888 located proximate the base 812. Channel 888 further can define a detent 886. Front retaining wall 876 and first side wall 854 define an opening 878 through which, as will be explained below, product can be removed by a customer or employee. In an embodiment, front retaining wall 876 does not fully extend from the second side edge 822 to first side edge 820. A lever 880 can be operatively coupled to the merchandise system 810 for ejecting product through the opening 878. In an exemplary embodiment, lever 880 is slidably mounted within the channel 888. The lever 880 can include a lever biasing element 882 and a lever hook 884 adapted to move product. As illustrated, lever biasing element 882 can be a coil spring positioned between lever hook 884 and detent 886. The one or more tracks 814 extend along the base 812 from the back edge 828 to the front retaining wall 876. As shown, a track 814 can be used with a pusher 816. It should be understood that more or less than two tracks could be used with the invention, depending on the particular application. The base 812 further defines a rack aperture 988 for use with a rack 986 as will be discussed below.
Referring to
The pusher 816 also contains at least one pusher urging element 860 used to urge the pusher 816 toward the front of the shelf. The pusher urging element 860 may be any biasing element including, without limitation, a flat coil spring. The present invention may use one or more pusher urging elements 860 to urge the pusher 816 depending on the desired application. The pusher urging element 860 may be mounted to the pusher 816 and the base 812 using any known mounting technique. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of the pusher urging element 860 is secured to the base 812 near the front edge 826 of the base 812, and the opposing end of the pusher urging element 860 is positioned behind the pusher 816 to urge the pusher 816 toward the front of the shelf. Further, pusher 816 includes an angled pusher face 892. In an exemplary embodiment, angled pusher face 892 is positioned such that its angle relative to the base 812 corresponds to the angle of front retaining wall 876. It should be understood, however, that angled pusher face 892 can be positioned at other angles and can have various dimensions and shapes.
Referring to an embodiment of the invention in
In the embodiment described below, when customers or employees reach and pull out the product available to them, the pusher 816 is slowly urged toward the front retaining wall 876 by pusher urging element 860 and, after a pre-determined period of time, a single product once again is positively pressured between the pusher 816 and the front retaining wall 876 such that the product is adjacent opening 878. An attempt by a customer or employee to remove or urge the next product forward after a first product is removed is hampered because the product is positioned at an angle corresponding to angled pusher face 892 and thus, if a customer or employee attempts to tip the product forward, the product will be biased in a standing position by the second side wall 856. The speed at which the pusher moves can be controlled by various devices including, without limitation, a dampened gear assembly discussed below. By providing a merchandise system that urges product forward at a slow rate of speed, a customer or employee can be inhibited from removing more than one product at a time and is assisted in removing product only once every pre-determined amount of time.
In an embodiment of the invention, to provide the desired slow rate of speed for the pusher 816, an exemplary dampened gear assembly 980 may be mounted to the pusher 816. The dampened gear assembly 980 may include a gear 982 and a gear housing 984 that can be filled with any dampening fluid known in the art. A portion of gear 982 is housed within gear housing 984. A rack 986 can be mounted to rack aperture 988. The rack 986 defines a plurality of teeth 990. Gear 982 of gear assembly 980 is adapted to engage the plurality of teeth 990 of rack 986. In operation, when product is removed from the base 812, and pusher 816 is urged forward by pusher urging element 860, gear assembly 980 acts to slow the rate at which pusher 816 is urged forward. This can be accomplished because rotation of gear 982 is regulated by the dampening fluid located in gear housing 984 which acts to resist movement of the gear 982 within gear housing 984. Again, other dampening techniques may be used with the present invention to affect the desired slow rate of movement of the pusher toward the front of the shelf.
In an embodiment, front retaining wall 876 is made of a clear or transparent material that allows for the product to be viewed through front retaining wall 876. In an embodiment, front retaining wall 876 enables advertisements or marketing materials to be placed on front retaining wall 876. Base 812 also can include a display area 999 (see
In an embodiment, a locking device (not shown) can be used to prevent the removal of product. Such locking device may include a rotatable barrier, a door, or a locking clip. The locking device, for instance, could prevent product from fitting through opening 878 such that when the merchandise system 810 is not in use, neither employees nor customers can access the product.
It should be understood that the merchandise system 810 can be altered such that first side wall 854 and second side wall 856 are reversed and thus, opening 878 is on the opposite side. As can be understood by one in the art, in this embodiment, the angled pusher face 892, front retaining wall 876, and the lever 880, among other things, are also reversed.
Referring to
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The pusher 1040 also contains at least one pusher urging element 1044 used to urge the pusher 1040 toward the front of the shelf. The pusher urging element 1044 may be any biasing element including, without limitation, a flat coil spring or a spiral torsion spring. The present invention may use one or more pusher urging elements 1044 to urge the pusher 1040 depending on the desired application. The pusher urging element 1044 may be mounted to the pusher 1040 and the base 1012 using any known mounting technique. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of the pusher urging element 1044 is secured to the base 1012 near the front edge 1016 of the base 1012, and the opposing end of the pusher urging element 1044 is positioned behind the pusher 1040 to urge the pusher 1040 toward the front of the door 1020.
In an exemplary embodiment, the merchandise system 1010 also includes a product door assembly. The door assembly may include a door 1020, a door pin 1030, a door spring 1032, a door stiffener 1034, and a door spacer 1036. The door 1020 may be designed to rotate outward while holding only one product and allow the consumer to remove only one product from the merchandise system 1010. The door 1020 may be in a closed position or an open position. The operation of the door 1020 will be explained in more detail below.
The door 1020, as illustrated in
The door 1020, as illustrated in
The door 1020 may also include an opening 1028. The opening 1028 may be located on the consumer side of the door 1020 and may allow the consumer or user to press or touch the product without opening the door 1020. As will be described further below, the opening 1028 can be used during the restocking process.
The door assembly may also include a door pin 1030 and a door spring 1032, as illustrated in
Additionally, the door assembly may include a door stiffener 1034 as shown in
Additionally, as illustrated in
In an embodiment, the door 1020, and specifically the front of the door 1020, is made of a clear or transparent material that allows for the product to be viewed through the door 1020. Additionally, the door 1020 may enable advertisements or marketing materials to be placed on the front of the door 1020. Additionally, the base 1012 can include a display area for advertising or marketing material as well as product information such as product pricing information. Because the display area can include product information, merchandise system 1010 can be, as discussed above, stacked on top of another merchandise system 1010 without the use of shelves. Additionally, instead of using a door 1020 as described above, the merchandising system may include a button-release system that includes a button to help access or dispense product. For example, when the button is pressed, the product may be released by the use of a pusher or a slow-moving pusher to discharge the product at a bottom opening for the customer to recover.
The merchandise system 1010 as illustrated in
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The operation of the merchandise system 1010 includes both locking and door opening and these operations can be done simultaneously. As illustrated in
As was described above, more than one merchandise system 1010 may be placed adjacent to other like merchandise systems 1010 on a shelf. Additionally, the merchandise system 1010 may include an electronic control unit 1080 to control the locking operations of all merchandise systems linked together. As shown in
For the present embodiment described above in
A number of parameters may be included or loaded into the electronic control unit 1080 to control the flow of product by alarming and/or locking the merchandise systems 1010 without departing from this invention. One such parameter may be the electronic control unit 1080 locking the merchandise systems after a certain number of consecutive door openings, such as three door openings. For example, if a consumer attempts to open any three doors consecutively on the merchandise system 1010, the electronic control unit 1080 may then alarm and send a signal to the mechanical member, thereby extending and moving the locking bars 1060 and locking the doors 1020. This parameter may be changed based on the needs of the store or consumers and products, such as after two times, four times, five times, or more. Additionally, the definition of “consecutive” may also be varied within the electronic control unit 1080. For example, “consecutive” may mean three door openings within a 10-minute time period, or within a 5-minute time period. Additionally, “consecutive” could mean that time between individual or multiple door openings must be greater than two minutes, or greater than one minute, or greater than some other time variable. Multiple variations of number of openings and time variables may be used for the electronic control unit 1080 without departing from this invention.
Additionally, when the electronic control unit 1080 is triggered to lock or alarm, the electronic control unit 1080 may also be configured to send a signal to an alarm system or messaging system. For example, when the electronic control unit 1080 is triggered to lock or alarm, the electronic control unit 1080 may send a signal to an intercom system in a store the signals the store personnel to come to the merchandise system 1010 to either reset the system or to deal with a possible theft situation. Additionally, without departing from the invention, the electronic control unit 1080 can send an electronic signal to many other devices or systems, including, but not limited to, office phones, cell phones, cash registers, office computers, emails, etc. In addition to sending an electronic signal, the electronic control unit 1080 may light an alarm light 1082, as illustrated in
The electronic control unit 1080 may also include a key system 1081 as illustrated in
In an alternate embodiment the door assembly may also include a door spacer bar 1090 as illustrated in
The door spacer bar 1090, like the door spacer 1036, may allow the user to adjust the door for different depths of packages in the display.
Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to the individual features and all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.
This Application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/070,811, filed Mar. 15, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/188,359 filed on Feb. 24, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,078, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/858,574 filed on Apr. 8, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,351, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/544,363 filed on Jul. 9, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,823, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/230,362, filed on Sep. 12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,227, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/872,721, filed Aug. 31, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,385, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/496,389, filed Jul. 1, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,601, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/858,545, filed Sep. 20, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,409, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/685,530, filed Mar. 13, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,881, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/782,000, filed Mar. 13, 2006, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/685,530 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/612,210, filed Dec. 18, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,934, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/140,023, filed May 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,365, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/047,915 filed Feb. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,545, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/541,804 filed Feb. 3, 2004. Each of these patent applications, application Ser. Nos. 14/188,359, 13/858,574, 13/544,363, 13/230,362, 12/872,721, 12/496,389, 11/858,545, 11/685,530, 60/782,000, 11/612,210, 11,140,023, 11/047,915, 60/541,804, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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| Parent | 15070811 | Mar 2016 | US |
| Child | 15637941 | US | |
| Parent | 14188359 | Feb 2014 | US |
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| Parent | 13858574 | Apr 2013 | US |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12872721 | Aug 2010 | US |
| Child | 13230362 | US | |
| Parent | 12496389 | Jul 2009 | US |
| Child | 12872721 | US | |
| Parent | 11858545 | Sep 2007 | US |
| Child | 12496389 | US | |
| Parent | 11685530 | Mar 2007 | US |
| Child | 11858545 | US | |
| Parent | 11612210 | Dec 2006 | US |
| Child | 11685530 | US | |
| Parent | 11047915 | Feb 2005 | US |
| Child | 11140023 | US |
