Product securement and management system

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to a modular shelving system intended for use in the sale of products, and in particular to modular shelving systems that improve the security and management of the product being sold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as, for example, pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores, toy stores and the like, require and use large amounts of shelving for both product storage and displaying the product to buyers. When displaying a product to buyers to facilitate and improve warehouse sales, these stores place or position the product in front of the shelf so that it is visible and easily accessible to buyers. This desired setting has some disadvantages. For example, with such a desirable directing of the product in accordance with the "aesthetic" principle ("front-facing", returning the product to the front of the shelf / exhibition with the front label), shops notice that relatively small products or packaging of high value can become the target of thieves. Certain items may be of great value to potential thieves who may later resell these items or use them for other illegal purposes, such as for some pharmaceutical products. The thefts of this type are increasing and are now a significant cost for retailers because thieves prefer to steal many products at the same time or in the shortest possible time. For this purpose, for example, thieves will "scrap" the shelf with their arms, collecting items very quickly into a bag, sack or coat, and leave the store without paying any attention.

[0003] Theft can be the result of the actions of both customers and employees and is difficult to eliminate. Efforts to stop and prevent theft have been only partially effective. For example, store cameras often do not observe the theft clearly enough to catch and punish a thief. In addition, shop security personnel are rarely in the correct position to actually observe the activities of the thief. As a result, thefts are still a significant problem and cost when managing product inventory.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these and other known disadvantages and problems existing in existing rack systems.

[0005] US Patent Document US2005 / 0161420 describes a product management and security system designed to prevent theft in a retail kit. Its deficiency is the lack of protection for certain types of products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by solving product security and management in a retail kit. As will be apparent below, the invention has the ability to prevent a thief from "picking up" the product and to limit the removal of large amounts of product from the shelf in a short period of time. By using one or more methods such as placing the shelves closer to each other, using product distributors that protrude from the front edge of the shelf and between the shelves, as well as placing front walls having a certain height, resulting in a smaller opening to limit product access, the present invention will limiting product scraping and pulling many products at the same time. The present invention allows alerting to shop or security personnel and security cameras of a potential theft situation, while minimizing the impact on lawful product access. By introducing an alarming device that detects the movement of a movable barrier installed over a small opening above the front wall, the present invention will provide a signal indicating the potential theft of many products from the shelf. In the embodiment, a box shelf may be used which is clearly installed at the retail outlet. The box shelf allows modular properties to be obtained and can be configured to be compatible with existing shelves. The box shelf may include a pull-out shelf that can be locked in the first position during normal use and moved to a second position for better access and to facilitate refilling of the pull-out shelf.

According to the present invention, there is therefore provided a modular rack system intended to be mounted on vertical rack rails, comprising:

a housing having a top and two sides also having a front and rear, the front of the housing comprising an opening; an extendable shelf comprising a distributor, the extendable shelf being mounted inside the housing and can be moved between the first position and the second position, the first position being substantially within the housing and the second position extending beyond the opening in the housing; a door supported by the housing and moved between a closed position and an open position, the door at least partially obstructing access to the pull-out shelf when in the closed position; at least two shelf supports extending from the rear of the housing and configured to connect to vertical rack rails to support the housing;

and characterized in that:

the top and sides of the housing are joined together to form a box shelf; and also in that it further comprises: a hat channel for providing rigidity to the box shelf; and a hinged plate within the housing that can be moved between an unlocked and locked position, the hinged plate being configured to hold the extendable shelf in the first position when it is in the locked position.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description, claims and drawing in which similar numbers have been used to designate similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the product security and management system in which the present invention may be applied.

[0009] Figure 2 is a partial side view of the exemplary product security and management system of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the retractable shelf in which the system of the present invention may be used.

[0011] Figure 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a product security and management system comprising a retractable shelf.

[0012] Figure 5 is a side view of a retractable shelf in which the present invention may be used to illustrate product distributors and topping up the product on the shelf.

[0013] Figure 6 is a side view of the mounting of the front protective wall and the auxiliary protective wall to the shelf in addition to the pusher mechanism. [0014] Figure 7 is a front view of the front protective wall and the secondary protective wall.

[0015] Figure 8 shows a front view of a front protective wall and an auxiliary protective wall with the product displayed on the shelf.

[0016] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the alarm device mounted to the security and product management system of figure 1.

[0017] Figure 10 shows a locking mechanism that can be used with the present invention.

[0018] Figure 11 shows the movable barrier and barrier extension that can be used with the present invention.

[0019] Figure 12 is an approximate view of the movable barrier and barrier extension of figure 11.

[0020] Figure 13 is an approximate view of the handle that can be used with the movable barrier or barrier extension of figure 11.

[0021] Figure 14 is an approximate view of the movable barrier and barrier extension of Figure 11 forming the aperture and assembly structure for receiving the locking mechanism of Figure 10.

[0022] Figure 15 is a partial front view of the product security and management system of Figure 1 including the use of a security camera. [0023] Figure 16 is a partial front view of the product security and management system of Figure 1 including the use of a video monitor.

[0024] Figure 17 is a flowchart of switching between camera image and video player image on the monitor of Figure 16.

[0025] Figure 18 shows another locking mechanism that can be used with the present invention.

[0026] Figure 19 is a different view of the locking mechanism of figure 18.

[0027] Figure 20 is a rear view of the locking mechanism of figure 18.

[0028] Figure 21 shows yet another locking mechanism that can be used with the present invention.

[0029] Figure 22 is a different view of the locking mechanism of figure 21.

[0030] Figure 23 is an enlarged view of the locking plate of the locking mechanism of Figure 21.

[0031] Figure 24 is a different view of the locking plate of figure 23.

[0032] Figure 25 shows an embodiment that includes the use of a clamp that can be used to further attach the sidewall to the shelf. [0033] Figure 26 is an isometric view of the clamp of figure 25.

[0034] Figure 27 is an approximate view of the mounted clamp of figure 25.

[0035] Figure 28 shows an electrical power strip that can be used with the invention.

[0036] Figure 29 is a different view of the power strip of Figure 28.

[0037] Figure 30 shows an embodiment that includes a side wall that can be used to provide greater product security on a shelf or shelf portion.

[0038] Figure 31 is a different view of the wall of figure 30.

[0039] Figure 32 is an isometric view of the clamp that can be used to further attach the sidewall to the shelf.

[0040] Figure 33 is a different view of the clamp of figure 32.

[0041] Figure 34 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the box shelf of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the box shelf with a pull-out shelf in a second position according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the box shelf with a pull-out shelf in a first position according to the present invention.

[0044] Figures 37a-37b show cross-sectional views of embodiments of the hinge plate connecting to the locking bead according to the present invention. [0045] Figure 38 shows an embodiment of two box shelves stacked on top of each other according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 39 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the box shelf of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 40 illustrates in various views a housing according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view of the housing and door of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 42-45 show a view of a box shelf with various elements omitted to provide additional details according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 46 illustrates in cross-section a retractable shelf with a distributor according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 47 shows a partially exploded view of the retractable shelf according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 48 illustrates in various views the bearing surface of a retractable shelf according to the present invention.

[0053] Figures 49 and 50 show in cross-sections a portion of the support surface of an extendable shelf according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 51 shows part of a retractable shelf according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 52 is a partially exploded isometric view of the hinge plate and structure of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 53 shows a number of views of the hinge plate according to the present invention.

[0057] Figure 54 is a number of views of the hinged base configured to connect to the hinged plate of Figure 53 according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 55 illustrates in a number of views a shelf support according to the present invention.

[0059] Figures 56a and 56b illustrate in cross-sections a portion of a shelf support configured to connect vertical rails according to the present invention.

[0060] Figure 57 illustrates in cross section an embodiment of the rail of the present invention.

[0061] Figures 58a-58f show views of a box housing of a shelf according to the present invention.

[0062] Figures 59a-59d show an extendable shelf according to the present invention. [0063] Before discussing in detail the embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and arrangement of the components shown in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. The invention may have other forms and can be implemented or carried out in a variety of ways. Similarly, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. On the contrary, the expressions and terms used here should be given the widest possible interpretation and meaning. The use of the words 'includes' and 'contains' and their variants is intended to cover the elements listed below and their equivalents as well as their additional elements and equivalents. The use of the terms "mounted", "connected", "coupled", "located", "switched on" and similar terms is intended to cover both direct and indirect mounting, connection, coupling, position and incorporation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0064] The present invention relates to the protection, management and distribution of products in kits such as a retail kit and includes many embodiments. One embodiment is associated with a shelf management and display system that is either on a standard or existing "commercial" shelf typically used in a retail store or on a shelf designed, preferably for product security and anti-theft. The embodiment may contain the stands of a previously existing racking system or it may be a free-standing unit. The display system includes "aesthetic shelf principle" systems that force the product to be positioned in front of the shelf. These types of systems can utilize a variety of methods, such as, for example, gravity, friction, magnetism or spring-loaded push rods, or paddles to bring the product forward to the shelf near the passage. There are many examples of spring systems that orient products towards the front of the shelf and include the systems described in US Patent No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, US Patent No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and international patent application PCT / US02 / 15760 and the corresponding international publication WO 02/091885 Al to Hardy.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the management and display rack system 100 includes vertical racks 102 and shelves 104 with the product, not securely mounted on the racks. The shelves 104 can be mounted in various positions along the racks 102 depending on the desired position and spacing between the shelves 104. Similarly, the shelves 104 can be moved and relocated to different positions on the racks 102 as needed. As shown in figures 4 and 5, the shelves 104 can be pull-out shelves that slide out of the racks 102 similar to drawers. As illustrated in Figure 3, the shelf 104 may include a locking device 117 that includes mating latches that contact each other in the locked position and substantially release this contact in the unlocked position and which, when released, will allow extension shelves 104 back and forth with racks. Shelves or racks may contain other locking devices, such as, for example, magnets, latches, cutouts, binders, stringing or the like. After pulling out, store staff can refill the shelf with the product and then slide the shelf 104 back to its original position and lock the shelf again.

[0066] Rear racks 106 can be mounted to the racks 102 via known mounting techniques to assist in product storage and prevent access to products from the rear of the exposure system 100. A closed box 108 can also be attached to the racks 102 using known mounting techniques. The lockable box 108 can be used to store and close additional products and rack components for quick access by store personnel. The lockable box 108 may be located anywhere on the stands 102, including the marked location on or near the top of the 100 exposure system. Alternatively, the lockable box 108 may be attached to shelf 104 and not to racks 102. For each mounting location, additional products and rack components are located at a 100 exposure system and can therefore be easily obtained by store personnel.

[0067] The rack management and display system may include a series of walls or dividers 110 that are positioned between product rows, alleys or front sides, as well as at the ends of the front sides to prevent the thief from "picking up" the product. These walls 110 are sometimes referred to as "product distributors". The terms "vertical walls", "product dividers" and "dividers" are used here to mean that they cover any wall (including vertical and non-vertical), divider, barrier or separator, which can be used between product rows, alleys or front parties. Product distributors 110, after placing the display in a manner arranged as within system 100, form alleys of 112 products for placing and distributing the product for sale.

[0068] Product distributors 110 or sidewalls are located on the sides of the product from the exposure system 100. In one embodiment, these dividers or side walls may have telescopic properties that allow them to slide out vertically or horizontally to provide additional product protection. Importantly, these manifolds or side walls can be used in many applications, as their size and range can be adjusted to fit most shelves, shelves, display systems or applications.

[0069] A pusher 126 may be used to push the product forward. This pusher may include a coil spring to assist in pushing the product forward. The distributor 110 in some embodiments may include a base or floor. In some embodiments, the floor includes a pusher track 128. Figure 6 shows the floor on one side of a divider wall. A second floor can be located on the opposite side of the divider wall. For floors on both sides of the vertical wall of manifolds, the product may rest on these floors. In one embodiment, the product may rest on one floor of one distributor and the other floor of the other distributor.

[0070] Product distributors 110 define height, shape and configuration that prevent product from being removed above product distributors 110. Distributors 110 extend vertically or not vertically between the shelves 104 and from the front of the shelves 104 to the rear wall 106. The distributors 110 are generally rectangular in shape; however, according to the invention, other shapes and configurations of the manifolds may be used, such as non-rectangular, oval, with repeating patterns, or the like. Depending on the product being sold and the desired degree of access to products, the front edge 114 of product distributors 110 may extend vertically between shelves 104 or may not extend vertically to make products more accessible to the consumer and easier to remove from the shelf. In one embodiment, the splitter 110 defines a front edge 111 that includes a front edge portion 113 protruding outwardly from the front edge 111, as shown in Figure 5. The protruding portion of the front edge will help hold the protective wall or flap 122 in place to prevent the sliding wall or flap 122 from sliding out as described below.

[0071] Product distributors 110 can be mounted to the exposure system 100 using a variety of techniques. As an example, the distributors 110 may be placed in raceways formed in shelf 104 or in raceways formed on a base that connects to shelf 104. Similarly, distributors 110 may be formed integrally or as one unit with a base that is mounted to the shelf. Similarly, manifolds 110 may be mounted to a rail, channel, or groove, as known to those skilled in the art. Distributors 110 should be rigid enough to hold the product within the product aisle. Examples of distributors that can be used according to the invention are described in US Patent No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, US Patent No. 4,830,201 to Breslow and International Application No. PCT / US02 / 15760 and the corresponding International Publication No. WO 02/091885 A1 on Hardy thing. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other distributors and techniques for mounting manifolds to shelves are known and that they can be used with the invention.

[0072] In one embodiment, the manifolds 110 may have a step down or lowering near their rear edge, or a reduced wall height, to allow the wall 110 to be lifted and detached from the rail on which it is mounted. With this configuration, manifolds 110 can be moved transversely without colliding with the shelf above. In one embodiment, the vertical wall or divider 110 begins by grading downwards approximately 2/3 of the wall length from its front edge.

[0073] In an embodiment, it may be desirable to provide better protection for items that are only on part of the shelf. These articles can be located in the middle of the shelf or on the side of the shelf. Security elements such as those referred to herein can only be added to part of a shelf, while the remaining part of the shelf contains less or no security elements at all. When high-security items are placed in the middle of the shelf, these items can be separated from the rest of the shelf by using walls. These walls can be side barriers for parts of the shelf with a high degree of protection. These walls may have a strong structure, for example metal, and may extend from the floor of the shelf to a distance approximately close to the top of the shelf. These walls can also be attached to the shelf as well as other security elements to limit the possibility of wall bending, removal or other violation and to facilitate access to items sold on the shelf.

[0074] Referring to figures 25, 30 and 31, walls 340 and 350 are used to divide the shelf into a higher security area and a lower security area. Walls 340 and 350 may be made of steel and may extend from or adjacent to the shelf floor to the area at or near the shelf ceiling. The walls can also be adjusted. In an embodiment, the walls may consist of an upper section 344 and a lower section 346. As shown in figure 31, these two sections can overlap to form a continuous barrier. The upper section 344 of the wall 340 and the lower section 346 of the wall 340 may include holes that are aligned with the two walls. A fastener 348, such as a screw, pin, pin, rod or other fastener can be used to connect the two walls at a certain height. The walls may also include a floor 342 that includes holes and which may be connected to the floor of the shelf through a fastener 349, such as, for example, a screw, pin, pin, rod or other fastener.

[0075] Referring to Figures 25-21, 30-33, a clamp or clamping element 320 or 360 can be used to further attach wall 340, 350 to shelf 104 and especially walls that separate secured products from unsecured products. Clamp 320, 360 can also be used to attach manifold 110 to shelf 104 (embodiment not shown). Clamp 320, 360 can be used to reinforce wall 340, 350 to prevent wall bending or displacement. When using clamp 320, 360, the wall 340, 350 may be thinner, made of less expensive material, because the clamp 320, 360 will prevent potential bending or twisting of the wall to reach the product on the shelf. Walls 140, 150 are also known as side walls.

[0076] In an embodiment, the clamp 320, 360 is configured at one end to connect to the hinged rail 322, which is used to suspend the barrier 140, discussed below, on the shelf 104. Hinge rail 322 is mounted to the shelf. The clamp 320, 360 is mounted to the shelf through its interaction with the hinged rail 322. The clamp 320, 360 is further configured at the opposite end to connect to the wall 340, 350. More specifically, the clamp 320 includes a paddle portion 324 that is configured to connect to the hinge rail 322 and also in any of a plurality of multiple positions along the hinge rail 322, thereby giving flexibility in positioning the clamp 320. The paddle portion 324 can take a variety of shapes and configurations and can be connected or attached to terminal body 328. The clamp body 328 is further connected to opposing wall mounting elements 330. The wall mounting elements 330 are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the wall 340 that passes between the mounting elements 330. The wall mounting elements 330 also form aligned perforations 332 for receiving the mounting mounting element 334 that can be used to attach the mounting elements 330 to wall 340 , as shown in figure 27. The aligned perforations 332 may be through holes or threaded holes. As can be seen, any type of fastener or attachment technique may be used to secure the clamp 320 to wall 340, for fastening the clamp 320 to wall 340.

[0077] Where the wall 340 or 350 is located at the side end of the shelf, the clamp 360 can be used to further attach the wall 340, 350 to the shelf 104. A hinged rail ends at the edge of the shelf (not shown). The clamp 360 includes a paddle portion 362 that extends only in one direction from the clamp body 364. The vane part 362 is configured to connect to the hinge rail 322. In an embodiment, the blade part connects to only one hinged element or hinge rail joint. For example, in Figure 27, a single hinge element or joint is indicated by number 323. Vane portion 362 includes a first vane portion 363 and a second vane portion 366 that may be angled with respect to first portion 363. Second portion 366 may be configured to cooperate with side of joint 324 . Vane 362 can take a variety of shapes and configurations and can be attached to or connected to the terminal body 364. The clamp body 364 is further attached to or connected to opposed wall mounting elements 368. The wall mounting elements 368 are configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the wall 350 with a wall passing between the mounting elements 368. Wall mounting elements 368 further define aligned perforations 370 for receiving a mounting fastener (not shown) that can be used to attach mounting elements 368 to wall 350. Aligned perforations 370 may be through holes or threaded holes. As can be seen, any type of fastener or fastening technique can be used to attach the 360 ​​clamp to the wall 340 or 350.

[0078] The front protective wall 116 may be positioned along the front edge of the shelf 104. The front protective wall 116 may serve as a "fence" for holding the product in the product alleys 112 and helps to prevent the product falling out in front of the shelf 104. The protective wall 116 stops the movement forward product, which is caused by the push action of the pushers, described below. As shown in, for example, Figure 6, the safety wall 116 may be mounted on a channel or rail 118, which extends along the front edge 119 of shelf 104. The channel or rail 118 may be mounted to existing perforations in a standard commercial rack, or secured using any other known method to shelf 104. The protective wall 116 may be mounted to or on the channel or rail 118. The front protective wall 116 may be made of transparent plastic to allow product visualization on the shelf and to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing organization of the product being sold. The front protective wall 116 may also be made of opaque or semi-transparent material or of wire and may be adapted to display graphics. The front protective wall 116 may have various configurations, such as rectangular, longitudinal, with repetitive patterns, and the like.

[0079] As shown more clearly in Figure 7, the front protective wall 116 may also include, through it, perforations or holes 120 that are arranged along the wall 116. The perforations 120 allow the consumer and shop personnel to push the product back and out of the protective wall 116 for easy product insertion and removal.

[0080] As shown in figures 1 and 2, the protective wall 116 may have a height that allows the removal of a single product at a given time, depending on the desired level of protection, steam or several products at the same time. In other words, the height of the protective wall 116 may allow limited access to and removal of the product from the 100 exposure system. In other words, the protective wall 116 is not so high as to prevent any access to the product, but is dimensioned so as to allow the consumer or shop personnel to access and lift a limited amount of product at a given moment over the protective wall 116. This type of limited removal is achieved through the use of a protective wall 116 and a close position of the shelf 104 located above the product. That is, in one embodiment, the shelf 104 located above the product will be in close proximity to the upper edge of the product or the upper edge of the product distributor 110, whichever is greater. The product shelf 104 located above the product, the product distributors 110 and the protective wall 116 will form an opening or window 131 through which only a single, two or several products can be removed at any given time or with one movement. This configuration also prevents the product from being "scraped" off the shelf 104. The size of the window 131 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the shelf 104 above the product, distributors 110 and / or protective wall 116 or by using a second protective wall 122, barrier 130 and / or barrier 140, described below. This 131 window adjustment allows the system flexibility and allows the store to set the size of the 131 window depending on the size of the product and how many products it wants to make available for removal at one time.

[0081] In an embodiment, if higher products are sold on shelves 104, or if the presence of a smaller window 131 is desired, behind or as far as possible against the securing wall 116 there may be a second securing wall 122 serving as a product retainer. In this document, the second security wall 122 may be referred to as a "flap" and may include any retaining structure or "fence" that can be selectively configured or mounted to the shelves 104 to obtain selective theft prevention of specific products, such as articles with high the risk of theft. Consequently, the second protective wall or flap 122 may have many configurations, shapes and designs and may be used in front of individual rows of product or product groups.

[0082] As shown in figures 6 and 7, the second safety wall or tab 122 may be mounted to either the second channel or rail 124 that extends parallel to the channel or rail 118. The protective wall or tab 122 may slide relative to shelf 104 or rail 124 or may be attached to shelf 104 or rail 124. Flap 122 may be positioned between adjacent distributors 110 and held in place between distributors 110.

In other words, the flap 122 may not be able to perform significant sliding movement in or on the channel or rail 124 because the distributors 110 will obstruct this type of sliding movement. In some embodiments, the manifolds 110 include a portion that serves as a stop to prevent lateral displacement of the flap or the first protective wall. This configuration also prevents product theft, as a potential thief will not be able to simply slide the flap 122 to the side and remove many products at the same time.

[0083] The second protective wall or flap 122 will have a height that allows access and removal of a limited amount of product. If desired, the flap 122 may have a height that allows only one product to be removed at a time. Using flaps 122, the exposure system 100 will have the flexibility in that flaps 122 of varying heights may be placed in front of product aisles 112 to accommodate products of all sizes. That is, if the row of products has a product height that is different from the product in the next row, you can use variable height flaps 122 to obtain the correct level of security and access to the product.

[0084] In one embodiment, the flaps 122 may be sized to extend over one product aisle 112 or in front of a single product row. In an alternative embodiment, the flap 122 may be dimensioned and shaped to extend over many product alleys 112. In this embodiment, the flaps 122 may include slots or channels to allow the flaps to stand astride over the manifolds 110 and thus extend over many product alleys. In addition, the manifolds 110 may extend through slits or channels and thereby inhibit the sliding movement of the flaps 122.

[0085] A second protective wall or flap 122 may also be used in place of the protective wall 116. In other words, the front "fence" on the product front may be flaps 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 retailer's shelf accessories, such as an attachment tag, price tag holders, and the like. The flap 122 may also be attached to the distributor 110 or may be formed such that the flap 122 and the distributor 110 form an integral element. Upstream of the divider 110 may be a wall or partial wall structure, such as flap 122, and may extend to the left or right or both to the left and right of the divider. This wall or partial wall can be used with or without a front protective wall 116.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment, the flaps 122 may include perforations or holes 125 passing through the flap 122, similar to the perforations or holes 120 in the protective wall 116, allowing the consumer and shop personnel to push the product backwards and away from the protective wall 116 and the flap 122 to facilitate insertion and removal of the product. In other words, the perforations or holes 126 allow the consumer to replace the product, who removes but does not decide to buy the product. To this end, the perforations or holes 120, 125 are designed to allow a finger to be inserted through it to push the row of products back. After pushing the products back, the consumer or shop staff can replace the removed products back to the front. It should be understood that flaps 122 which do not contain perforations or holes 125 may also be used.

[0087] In an embodiment, the flap 122 may provide security for a single row of products at the front of the shelf. That is, it may be desirable to provide an additional impediment to theft for a single row of products. In this configuration, the flap 122 having the desired dimensions can be located in front of a given row of products in order to obtain additional security only for that row of products. This embodiment will give stores additional flexibility in terms of their planogram and arrangement of products located at the front of the shelf, because individual flaps 122 of different sizes can be located in different places across the front side of the products to increase the security of individual products.

[0088] In an embodiment, the safety flap 122 can be used on a given front side basis for specific products. If the shelf is loaded with product packaging of varying heights, the protective wall 116 must have a height that allows the lowest product packaging to be raised above it. If shelf 104, barrier 130 or barrier 140 is used above the product, then shelf 104 or barriers 130, 140 must be located at a height above the product to allow the highest product to be placed below it. This may allow the thief to easily access the taller product by being able to easily lift the taller product above the relatively short protective wall 116. It may then be desirable to increase the height of the front barrier only in front of this higher product. The second protective wall or flap 122 may be greater in height than the protective wall 116 and may generally be higher than required for small product packaging. The security wall or flap 122 can therefore be constructed and used to restrict access to a higher product and remove several higher products at one time or with one move, further protecting the product and preventing theft. Similarly, a protective wall or flap 122 can be constructed and used to restrict access to smaller but deeper products and to limit the removal of several smaller but deeper products in one move or one. The protective wall 122 thus allows the seller and manufacturer to flexibly place the product on the shelf, regardless of the size, shape and configuration of the product.

[0089] The safety wall 116 and the flap 122 can be mounted, directly or indirectly, on the shelf 104 using a variety of techniques. The safety wall 116 and the flap 122 can be slidably mounted or placed in the channels or rails 118, 124 that are attached to the front edge of the shelf via fasteners, binders, friction, tension, magnetism or other techniques and methods of attachment. The protective wall 116 and the flap 122 may also be directly or indirectly mounted or connected to the shelf 104 also by using fasteners, binders, friction, tension, magnetism or other techniques and methods of attachment. Safety wall 116 and flap 122 can be attached to shelf 104 or detachably mounted to shelf 104 to allow additional flexibility in terms of design and level of system security.

[0090] The tappets 126 can be positioned behind the product between the back wall 106 and the front edge of the shelf 104 to push the product forward so that it can be removed from the front of the shelf. The protective wall 116 and flaps 122, if used, in some embodiments can stop the product from moving forward so that it can be removed from the front of the shelf, which is caused by pushing the pushers. According to the invention, known pushers may be used, including pushers and pusher systems described in US Patent 6,041,720 to Hardy, US Patent 4,830,201 to Breslow, as well as International Application PCT / US02 / 15760 and the corresponding international publication WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy. The tappets 126 may be spring pushers that move along raceway 128 to push the product toward the front edge of shelf 104, as shown in figure 6. Treadmill 128 may be a floor on one side of the manifold. A second floor, with or without a raceway, can be located on the other side of the manifold.

[0091] In an embodiment, the pushers 126 may have a pusher face or paddle 129 that extends laterally to increase the pusher push surface and thereby more efficiently push the wider product. In other words, the pusher 126 may have a retractable face to push a narrow as well as a wide product. The pusher face or blade 129 may extend from a retracted position to one of several extended positions. The protruding pusher face places the product pushing surface behind the center or near the center of the wider product, thereby significantly increasing the transmission ratio of the push to the wider product. According to the invention, numerous other types of followers and follower faces can be used, including the systems and followers described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 772,134 to Hardy.

[0092] The tappets 126 may be free standing units that can be mounted to the shelf 104 using any known technique, including the channel assembly technique shown in the figures. That is, in one embodiment, the pusher 126 may be mounted on the front rail or channel 133 as shown in Figure 6 and may be slidably adjusted within or on that rail or channel. Optionally, the followers 126 may be used in conjunction with the manifolds 110 and may be operably mounted to the manifolds 110 as disclosed in the patents and application cited above, or as is known in the art.

[0093] In another embodiment, the tappets 126 may include spring mechanisms, such as coil springs, which include a marking strip. The marking strip is present on the spring mechanism and contains data regarding the position of the pusher 126. The sensor assembly can scan the marking strip and transmit representative data of the product and the position of the pusher on the display system to a shop computer or other useful device, such as a laptop or controller. The transmitted data can be used to determine stock levels and can be done in real time. In this embodiment, you can determine the amount of product removed from a specific place in the store. This information can be used to determine product placement efficiency and promotional displays, especially when the product can be obtained from various locations within a retail store. Similarly, in terms of obstructing theft, a deviation from typical consumer buying habits can trigger an alarm. That is, the alarm can be used to alert security personnel to the fact that too much product has been taken off the shelf at one time, and thus to indicate that potential theft has occurred. The location of the incident can also be used to alert a security camera to direct the camera towards potential theft as discussed below. In this embodiment, many 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 marking strip may include a number of types of patterns that can be read optically or can be read using several different types of detection methods, such as passive detection of variable capacitance, inductance, resistance, magnetism or active signal detection. According to the invention, many other types of sensors and detection techniques are possible for detecting the unusual movement of the pusher 126, which may indicate a potential theft situation, including the systems and techniques described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 772,010 to Swafford et al.

[0094] In other embodiments, the product being sold can be pushed toward the front of shelf 104 using other techniques, including friction, gravity and / or magnetism. Any of these techniques can be used with the display system 100 and content of the present invention. These techniques can be used with or without 110 manifolds, depending on the desired application. In one embodiment, the shelf is not completely horizontal, but has a slope or bias from back to front.

[0095] In another embodiment, the product being sold can be pushed toward the front of shelf 104 by vibration or rapid movements that orient the products in a certain direction on shelf 104. Vibration can cause products to move forward on shelf 104 and prevent them from moving in back so that the product is positioned at the front. This vibration can be used through mechanical, electrical or other structures or structures.

[0096] In one embodiment, the directed vibration moves the product towards the front of the shelf. Directed vibration causes the product to move in certain directions or in one direction and not to move in other directions. Through this vibration, which is generated by the shelf 104, rack 102, floor, wall, ceiling or other structure, or by means of a vibrating pulse or signal traveling in the air, the product moves in a certain direction, e.g., forward.

[0097] In another embodiment of the vibration technique for pushing the product forward on the shelf 104, general, non-directed vibration is applied to the system. This vibration can be applied through a shelf 104, stand 102, floor, wall, ceiling, other structure, or through vibration or a signal traveling in the air. Steering elements such as, for example, small levers, protrusions, fingers or the like mean that the product can move in a certain direction depending on its configuration, shape and orientation. The steering elements can direct energy from an indefinite vibration and push the product in a certain direction, for example forward. Control elements can be placed on shelf 104, manifold 110, floors, walls or ceilings of the system and can be incorporated into the product itself.

[0098] In an embodiment of the vibration technique, the product is mounted on the floor and friction causes the product to move towards the front of the shelf. In one embodiment, the floor may be a panel with a flat surface operatively connected to a device causing movement. During use, the product is placed on a panel with a flat surface, while the combination of gravity and friction keeps the product in place on a panel with a flat surface. The motion-inducing device then causes the panel with a flat surface to slowly move toward the protective wall 116 located in front of the shelf 104. After a predetermined period of time or through product positioning techniques, the motion-inducing device pulls the panel with a flat surface in the opposite direction direction or in other words, to the back of the shelf. In doing so, the rapid movement of a panel with a flat surface breaks the frictional connection between the product and the panel with a flat surface, causing the panel with a flat surface to slide relative to the product and the product remains in place. The motion causing device will then repeat the process described above and begin to slowly move the panel with a flat surface towards the protective wall 116. Examples of such vibratory techniques for pushing the product forward on the shelf are disclosed in US Patent Application 60 / 541,859 to Hardy.

As said above, the manifolds 110, security wall 116 and flaps 122 help prevent theft by ripping multiple products into a coat or bag, or before picking up several products from the same front side of the shelf. To further restrict access to the product, in another exemplary embodiment, a horizontal barrier 130 (Figure 2) located above the product packaging and attached to the front edge of the shelf 104 above the product may be included. The barrier 130 may be attached to the front edge of shelf 104 or may be attached to racks 102. The barrier 130 further hinders unhindered access to the product from the front of the product by reducing the surface area, window or opening through which the product can be removed from the shelf. The barrier 130 may be constructed separately from the shelf or may be integrated with the shelf. Barrier 130 may extend on one row of product on the front side or may extend on multiple rows of product, depending on the desired level of protection. Optionally, barrier 130 may include another shelf 104 located directly above the product. In this embodiment, the shelf 104 above the product is located in close proximity to the product. Barrier 130 limits front access of shelf 104 to only one or more products positioned behind the front product in the front row to allow only a few products to be removed from the shelf or product pusher in one go or at a time. Safety walls 116 and flaps 122 can be used in conjunction with barrier 130 to prevent easy removal of product from shelf 104. In other words, the present invention contemplates the use of one, two or more barriers or walls to prevent several products from being removed from the shelf at one time. or one move. The barrier 130 can be made of a variety of materials and can be attached to the front side of the shelf 104 using any known technique. [0100] A further embodiment includes a barrier 140 that extends through one or two, some or more of the top of the product on the shelf 104. The barrier 140 functions similarly to the door in that it can be hung or movably mounted to the edge of the shelf 104 or barriers 130, directly above the protected product. The term "barrier" as used herein is intended to include any structure that will prevent, deter or impede access to the product on shelf 104. The barrier may have a variety of shapes and configurations. The barrier 140 may be mounted to shelf 104 using existing mounting perforations on the shelf. The barrier 140 can also be mounted on the front edge of the front rail from the shelf above it. The front edge of the shelf may have hooks or "j" shaped elements on its bottom. The barrier 140 may have holes that fit into the interior of these hooks or "j" shaped elements. The barrier 140 forms a lower lip or edge that may face or overlap the upper edge of the securing wall 116 or flap 122. This type of contact or overlap additionally closes access to the product except for deliberate action. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the barrier 140 may include a handle 202 to facilitate sliding the barrier 140 from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. The handle may be formed with the barrier 140 along the edge of the barrier as shown in, for example, Figure 13, or the handle may be a separate component connected, mounted, attached or glued to the barrier 140 using any known technique. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to a particular shape or configuration of the handle and that the handle may form multiple shapes or configurations. In addition, the barrier 140 can be configured with a reinforcing rim that extends along the edge of the barrier 140. The reinforcing rim gives additional structural consistency and rigidity to the barrier 140. The reinforcing rim can also be equipped or configured with a handle. If the barrier 140 is configured with a locking mechanism as described herein, the reinforcing rim will help prevent potential theft by bending or breaking the barrier 140 and thereby giving the thief access to the product to be locked and secured on the shelf .

[0101] In the barrier 140, a perforation or opening 204 may be located through which a cable lock or similar locking mechanism may be mounted as said below.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment, the product display system includes inverted elements. Embodiments that are placed on the floor or shelf and extend upwards can be placed on the ceiling or extend downwards and vice versa. For example, barrier 140 and protective wall 116, dividers 110 and flaps 122 may be inverted. It is anticipated that in some embodiments, the protective wall 116, dividers 110 and / or flaps 122 may be configured above a barrier 140 that extends upwards from the shelf 104. The protective wall 116, dividers 110 and / or flaps 122 may be located on the underside of the shelf above the product and extend downwards. Pushers 126 and / or raceways 128 may be attached to the underside of the 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 bottom of the shelf.

[0103] In some embodiments, to access the product behind the barrier 140, the barrier 140 must be moved or raised, which requires thoughtful movement and the use of one hand to hold the barrier 140 in place. When the barrier 140 is raised or moved, the product can be removed. A consumer or shop staff who uses one hand to hold barrier 140 in place will have to use the other hand to remove the product from the 100 exposure system. This embodiment is designed to limit the consumer's ability to access the product with both hands at the same time. While the product is available to the consumer or shop staff, it is impossible to remove large quantities of the product in a short period of time. The barrier 140 can be made of transparent, opaque or translucent material and can be hung or moved in a variety of conventional ways.

[0104] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the adjustable and removable barrier extension 206 may be configured with the barrier 140. The barrier extension 206 may be used to provide additional product protection by creating a larger barrier to prevent or restrict access to the product on the shelf. Barrier extension 206 can be selectively mounted to barrier 140 by using mounting perforations 208 and fasteners 210. As shown in the figures, there may be several mounting perforations 208 on the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 or both of these elements. These mounting perforations may be vertically aligned or not vertically aligned. These several mounting perforations 208 allow the barrier extension 206 to be adjusted relative to the barrier 140 to allow the barrier extension 206 to extend the desired distance, depending on the application, desired level of protection, or position of the shelves. According to the invention, other techniques are possible for mounting or attaching the barrier extension 206 to the barrier 140, including techniques using other types of fasteners or adhesives.

[0105] The barrier extension 206 may form a variety of shapes and configurations depending on the desired application and level of product protection. For example, barrier extension 206 may be configured to extend across one row of product, one front side, or more than one row or front side. The barrier extension 206 may also be made of transparent, transparent or semi-transparent material to allow or prevent product visibility on the shelf for the consumer or stacker. The barrier extension 206 may also include a handle similar to the handle 202 described above.

[0106] The barrier extension 206 may include a reinforcing rim 212 that provides additional structural consistency and rigidity to the barrier extension 206 for additional product protection. The reinforcing rim 212 can also be equipped or configured with a handle 214. If the barrier extension 206 is configured with the locking mechanism as described above, or configured to be in the closed position, then the reinforcing rim 212 will help prevent the potential thief from bending or breaking the barrier extension 206, which would give the thief access for the product to be locked and secured on the shelf.

[0107] A locking mechanism may be added to barrier 140 to further impede or prevent access to product on the shelf. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, a cylinder lock 200 may be used to secure and close the barrier 140 or extend the barrier 206 in a closed position to prevent access to the product. The lock 200 may be mounted to the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 through the opening or perforation 216 (figure 14) and may be configured to be mounted through the holes 120 in the protective wall 116.

[0108] In one embodiment, the lock 200 may connect to an arcuate shaped wall portion 117 configured inside or formed with the protective wall 116. The arcuate shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock 200 to the securing wall 116 by permitting that the locking projection of the cylinder lock 200 sits more securely or is held in place relative to the securing wall 116. If a lock is used, for example lock 200, the consumer or shop staff will have to use a key, special tool or access card to open the lock before moving or raising the barrier 140.

[0109] In one embodiment, the lock 200 may engage the arcuate shaped wall portion 117 configured in or formed with the securing wall 116. The arcuate shaped wall portion 117 will further attach the lock 200 to the securing wall 116 by allowing the locking tumbler tab the lock 200 was more securely sitting on or held in place relative to the securing wall 116. If a lock is used, for example lock 200, the consumer or shop staff will have to use a key, special tool or access card to open the lock before moving or raising the barrier 140.

[0110] Referring to Figures 18-20, another locking mechanism is shown. The 280 lock can be a keyed, rotary oval lock. The lock 280 is attached to the securing wall 116 via a perforation 282 formed in the securing wall 116. More specifically, and referring to figure 20, the lock 280 includes an anchor bolt that has head 284. The bolt head 284 and, if used, will attach lock 280 to the protective wall 116. As can be seen in Figure 20, a plurality of perforations 282 may be provided along the protective wall 116 to provide flexibility in the position and location of the lock 280, as well as allowing multiple locks 280 to be used. The lock 280 may also include flanges 290, 292 that interact with protective wall 116.

[0111] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206, if used, forms an oval opening 286. Similar to the flexibility offered by the multiple perforations 282, the multiple openings 286 may be arranged along the barrier 140 or the barrier extension 206 in for the same flexibility. As shown in Figure 18, when the lock 280 is in the closed position, the opening 286 prevents the locking 280 from passing through the opening 286. As illustrated in Figure 19, when the lock 280 is moved to the open position by using the key 288, the oval lock 280 will pass through the oval shaped opening 286, thereby allowing barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 to be opened. If the lock 280 is used and mounted to the protective wall 116, unlike the lock mounted on barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 and extending inside the shelf, there will be no collision with the product on the shelf, which can sometimes be the case with locks mounted on the barrier. In addition, the lock 280 may or may not interact with the channels or rails 118, 124 and may leave these channels or rails substantially free to receive other objects, such as a protective wall or flap 122. As can be seen, the invention is not limited to the oval shaped lock 280 and hole 286 shown, as well as the illustrated location of the lock and hole. On the contrary, many differently shaped locks can be used with or without keys with similarly shaped holes made in the barrier or barrier extension and arranged in many places and still gaining the benefits of the invention.

[0112] Alternatively, figures 21-24 show an additional locking mechanism. The locking plate 302 may extend through an opening or slot 304 formed in the protective wall 116 and through the opening 306 formed in the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206. Locking plate 302 is configured to accept padlock 300. In security wall 116, one or more holes or slots 304 may be formed at various locations along the security wall, including the depicted positions between perforations or holes 120 in security wall 116. Holes or slots 304 are configured to receive blocking plate 302 and for attaching the locking plate 302 to the protective wall 116 as described below. Although the holes or slots 304 are depicted as vertical slots, other shapes and configurations of the holes or slots 304 are also possible according to the invention. A padlock 300 can be used to attach and lock the barrier 140 or extend the barrier 206 in the closed position to prevent access to the product. The padlock 300 can be any known lockable or keyless padlock and can be mounted to the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 by using a movable locking plate 302.

[0113] As can be seen, depending on the desired degree of protection, one or more locking plates 302 may be used to attach and lock the barrier 140 or extend the barrier 206 in the closed position to prevent access to the product. The locking plates 302 can move in that they can be positioned inside any of the holes or slots 304 along the protective wall 116. The mobility also allows the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 to be made in different widths to protect only those products on the shelf that need to be protected. Furthermore, the locking plate 302 need not interact with the channels or rails 118, 124 and may leave these channels or rails substantially free to receive other objects, such as, for example, a protective wall or flap 122.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking plate 302 may be made of any suitable metal or plastic and may form a beak 310 that will extend through the protective wall 116 and barrier 140 or barrier extension 206, if used. The bow 310 further forms an opening or perforation 312 for receiving a padlock 300 as shown in figure 21. The beak 310 also forms a notch or notch 314, which, when folded, will sit on the bottom edge of the hole or slit 304 as shown in figure 24. Once in place, the notch or notch 314 will prevent sliding or pushing. plate 302 from slot 304 and behind the protective wall 116.

[0115] The bow 310 is joined or formed with the back plate 316. The back plate 316 includes legs or retainers 318 which, when folded, will be positioned behind the protective wall 116 and help to hold the locking plate 302 on the protective wall 116. The back plate 316 and the retaining elements 318 can take on numerous configurations that help to keep the locking plate 302 on the securing wall 116. The locking plate 302 can be configured not only to extend through the protective wall 116 and barrier or barrier extension 206, it can also extend through and can be used with the flap 122.

[0116] The skilled person will appreciate that any known locking mechanism may be used according to the invention, including a cable lock that can be mounted with perforation 204 (figure 13), and any known key, special tool, may be used to open the locking mechanism. , access card, electronic, magnetic or wireless means (for keyless locking mechanisms).

[0117] As shown in Figure 8, the system may include an alert for shop personnel or security personnel that a potential theft situation exists. In one embodiment, raising or moving the barrier 140 activates the mechanical or electronic alarm device 142, generally indicated in the figures, which provides a signal, e.g., audible, inaudible, infrared, radio frequency, cellular, ultrasonic or electronic signal (including signals digital and analogue) or a combination of these signals. The same alarm signal may be a sound, tone or voice message that alerts shop or security personnel that the barrier 140 has been open or has been open for an unusually long period of time and potentially represents the theft situation. The alarm device 142 may also send an electronic or other signal to play a voice message via the store's paging system, to activate a local or remote strobe or information light, or to send a signal to a receiver, such as a store computer, pager, cellular device or other portable device worn by shop or security personnel. Alarm device 142 may also activate a shop security camera to monitor a specific area or neighborhood, or to activate a monitor that is located in an area or neighborhood that will show the camera image to consumers or a potential thief, or will transmit the camera image to security guards or shop personnel via a connection internet, mobile phone, a digital personal assistant or other device receiving a signal. The alert device 142 may also activate an advertisement, an information message or other statement or message that is delivered via voice, video or video and voice. This advertisement, message or statement can be directed to a specific product or product type associated with a barrier product that activates the alarm device. The alarm device may be located so that the alarm device will activate the barriers, when raised, with a width of not more than one front side of the product.

[0118] As used herein, the term "alarming device" is intended to mean any device or component that can issue an alarm, warning and / or signal regarding a state, situation or circumstance. The alarm device 142 may be wired to a shop security system or may be a wireless system. Wireless systems, if used, offer greater installation flexibility and can be easily installed in existing racks without the need for cables for power and communication. In addition, the use of a wireless system allows for gradual installation of the system. For example, high-value items (and therefore exposed to increased likelihood of theft), or items that may be subject to significant changes in customer demand, can be monitored first. In the case of a wireless system, an alarm signal can be sent not only to the store security system or computer, but also to any mobile device or receiver, such as a controller, personal digital assistant, pager or cell phone, which can be worn by shop personnel or security. Similarly, in the case of a wireless or wired system, the shop computer may subject the alarm signal to further processing to determine if there is a theft situation and may generate reports that can be analyzed to improve the placement of products, the arrangement of cameras, alarm devices, sensors and the like, as well as improving delays and actions initiated by potential theft situations. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a shop computer can be configured with a network server and can be accessed remotely via a global network or other network, and can also be remotely controlled via a global network or other network.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the alarm device 142 is located on the shelf 104 below, as shown in figure 8, or on top of the shelf. Existing mounting perforations on a standard commercial rack can be used to secure the alarm device to a shelf. The alarm device 142 may be located near or adjacent the barrier 140. The alarm device 142 may be operatively connected to the barrier 140 by a number of techniques. In one embodiment, the alarm device 142 includes a switch 144, such as a button, which will be activated when the barrier 140 is moved or opened. That is, when the barrier 140 moves and comes into contact with the switch 144, either directly or by using the activation plate 145, the switch 144 is activated. Optionally, in the closed barrier position, the switch 144 is pressed when the barrier 140 moves to the open position, the barrier 140 moves away from the switch 144, thereby releasing the switch 144 and thereby activating the alarm device 142.

[0120] The alarm device 142 may be operatively connected or coupled to the barrier to detect barrier movement using other methods or techniques. For example, a motion sensor or similar sensor device, such as a sensor assembly with a light emitting diode, may be used to detect barrier movement and communicate this information to the alarm device 142. The sensor can be mounted in a wide variety of locations including the same barrier or adjacent barrier to detect barrier movement. Optionally, a magnetic switch can be used to detect barrier movement.

[0121] The alarm device 142 may include sensor components and delay elements that will calculate how long the barrier 140 has been shifted or opened. After the assumed period of time has elapsed, in other words, when the barrier 140 has been moved or opened for a certain time, the alarm device 142 will send a signal, such as the above-mentioned signals, to alert shop personnel, security and / or consumer that the barrier 140 is open or moved for a long period of time, thus indicating a potential theft situation. In the exemplary embodiment, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the alarm device 142 may send an audible alarm signal, including a signal different from the previous audible alarm signal that will draw attention to the surroundings. The alarm device 142 may therefore be designed to issue its alarm for a predetermined period of time before it becomes silent.

[0122] In another embodiment of the alarm device 142, the alarm sound signal may be adjusted to provide various alarm sounds at varying frequencies or to inform that the barrier 140 has been open or shifted for too long and that the consumer must close the barrier 140 or to send a silent alarm signal to shopkeepers and / or security personnel. Different signals or frequencies can be used when the length of time the barrier was open or shifted increases. Many combinations of alarm signals are possible for the alarm device 142 depending on the desired level of security. The alarm signal can be adjusted and many signal combinations can be used to achieve the desired signal level and thus the level of safety, while avoiding distracting law-abiding consumers from choosing and buying a product. That is, for example, the alert device 142 may be programmed to provide an alarm that will draw the attention of other buyers or store / security personnel nearby, and at the same time short enough to reduce the irritation of law-abiding consumers or store staff.

[0123] Similarly, in another embodiment, a two-step response can be implemented. For example, if the barrier 140 is moved, the signal can be transmitted directly to the security camera either via a shop computer or both ways. In addition, an inaudible notification can be sent directly to security personnel. If the barrier 140 remains open or shifted for a set period of time, more clearly indicating potential theft, an additional audible alarm and flashing lights, or any other alarm may also be activated. Accordingly , the response can be configured to more carefully match the situation.

[0124] Referring to figure 15, in an exemplary embodiment, the security video camera 260 may be located adjacent to a product that is high risk theft articles or other product considered. As shown in Figure 16, a monitor 262 may also be positioned adjacent to the high risk product. Monitor 262 may be used to show a security camera image to consumers and any potential thief. Thus, a consumer or potential thief who removes a product from shelf 104 of the exposure system 100 may be aware that his activities are being observed by a camera and potentially recorded.

[0125] As can be seen, the location of the potential theft relative to the security camera 260 can preferably give instructions to the security camera to focus on a particular position. This positional information can be generated in a variety of ways, including the use of a shop computer with a coordinate system for a security camera. The position of the alarm device 142 relative to the security camera may be determined during positioning and during a potential theft situation; the position of the alarm device 142 can be used to focus the security camera. Alternatively, the security camera may be configured to focus on several positions, for example three points along the aisle, and the shop computer may indicate which position is most suitable for a particular situation. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the described methods are illustrative because there are many ways to control a security camera.

[0126] In addition to the value of such a system in preventing losses, the monitor can show video in the form of advertising or consumer information. As illustrated in figure 17, the monitor 262 can switch between advertising or consumer information and the camera image by using the video switch 264. This switching activity may occur periodically, e.g. every 30 seconds, or may occur when predetermined conditions are encountered, such as raising the barrier 140, removing the product, pusher movement, or a signal from the proximity sensor that the consumer has entered or approached the area. By recreating the video segment, the device not only reduces losses, but also becomes a source of revenue when advertisers pay for their messages to be placed on the system.

[0127] The auxiliary video source for the monitor on which the advertisement, consumer information or other content is shown may be a video player 266, such as for example a video recorder, compact disc player, digital semiconductor video player, direct video player, audio feed or other video sources. With respect to switch 264, the switching action between the camera image and the advertisement or other content can be performed by a hardware timer or a small microcontroller. In one embodiment, the additional video source may include a plurality of short video segments that are randomly or not randomly selected by the timer or microcontroller. Camera 260 can be a small, free-standing camera, not connected to any part of the existing security system, or it can be any typical store security camera existing in the store's security network. Monitor 262 can be a small flat color LCD monitor and can be placed in numerous places on or near shelf 104. For example, the monitor can be placed in the upper marking of the product sold above, or it can be attached to the edge of shelf 104. In some applications, a larger monitor can be used, for example CRT, plasma, LCD or projection. A preferred semiconductor digital video player may include an additional video source. This source may be enclosed in the same housing as the monitor or may be located away from the monitor.

[0128] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, in another exemplary embodiment, the shelf 104 on which the product rests may be an "pull-out" shelf. The "pull-out" shelf allows store or staff personnel to access the product to complement the shelf, but prevents the thief from gaining such access. The pull-out shelf allows easy access to all products on the shelf. However, this feature requires that the shelf should not be removed by the consumer or the thief, and therefore the extraction function must be protected by a key lock, special tool or other locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the product distributors 110 may be designed to be at least equal to the height of the highest product packaging on the shelf. When the shelf 104 is pulled out, the product aisle or manifolds can raise the barrier 140. If the height of the manifolds 110 is less than the highest product packaging, pushing the shelf back may cause the barrier 140 to hook on the product packaging and impede its return to its closed position. In addition, pulling out the shelf 104 will raise the barrier 140, which may activate the loudspeaker or signal generator as discussed above.

[0129] Referring to figure 9, in an exemplary embodiment, the barrier placed on the top shelf 104 may include a lockable box 108 that can be used to store a spare product or additional components of the exposure system 100. In an embodiment in which the top shelf 104 is of the pull-type shelf, the shelf 104 will extend while the horizontal barrier above it stays in place, allowing easy access to the product. As outlined above, the lockable box 108 can also be mounted to the vertical racks 102, using known mounting techniques, and can be mounted anywhere on the exposure system 100. The lockable box 108 may use any known locking mechanism that allows access to the lockable box 108 with or without a key. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other security components may be attached to the lockable box 108, including a security camera, monitor and alarm device 142.

[0130] In an embodiment, the stationary cover 180 can be positioned towards the top of the product exposure system 100. Cover 180 offers security and graphic space, and a product that can be stored inside. Cover 180 offers security because it acts as a top wall or barrier that prevents access to the product from a point above the product. Cover 180 can be mounted on or to an existing shelf. Cover 180 can be permanently attached or adjustable. In the case of an adjustable cover, the cover can be located in many places on the product display system. In addition, the cover 180 may be an extendable cover functioning in a manner similar to the exemplary extendable shelf 104 described above. In addition, the cover 180 can also serve as a shelf for storing the product. In other words, the product display system 100 may include a plurality of covers 180 that function as shelves for storing or displaying the product. Similarly, the enclosure can be configured to mount barriers 130, 140 using a number of known mounting techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, a lockable box 108 having a lockable door 109, as shown in Figure 9, can be placed on the casing 180 to store additional product and room for graphics.

[0131] The product exposure system 100 described herein offers various levels of security and theft protection. Each level described here can be used separately and different or all levels can be used in conjunction with each other. Each level can also be added to or adapted to existing rack systems or used as a free-standing system. A divider or 110 securing walls provide safety. The front protective wall 1160 or "fence" offers security with or without protective flaps 120. Barriers and inspection doors 130, 140 above the top of the protective wall 116 offer security. The close positioning of shelf 104 above the product located on the shelf below provides protection. An audible or other signal that is generated by the alarm device 142 when the barrier 140 has been open for a set period of time provides protection. Each of these separate aspects of an embodiment of the invention may be used separately in a retail kit or may be used together with other aspects of an embodiment. Each separate aspect can be added to an existing racking or exhibition system to effectively retrofit and add one or more levels of protection to such existing systems.

[0132] Various anti-theft systems have been described herein. One level helps to prevent product scraping. The tappets 126, dividers 110 and protective walls 116 are connected to the shelf 104 or barrier 130 or both above the product to protect the product. The tappets, distributors, protective walls, shelf and barrier allow you to remove approximately one, two or three packages to be removed through the opening at one time from the front side of the exposure system. Second protective walls or flaps 22 can be used to create separate protection for specific product rows. Front wall 116 and flaps 122 may also include perforations or holes that extend through it that would require the consumer to push the product through these perforations or holes to remove the product from the shelf.

[0133] The second level of security includes all first level components with the addition of barrier 140 or control door. To gain access to the product, the consumer must use two hands, one to raise or move the barrier 140 and the other to remove the product, thus adding a second layer of obstruction to the system.

[0134] A third level of security is created on the first and second level elements with the addition of a theft warning and warning device, such as for example an alert device 142 or other signal transmission device. Alarm notification or signal transmission is activated if the barrier 140 or control door is open for a set amount of time. This delay can be adjusted to any duration or eliminated. The notification provides an audible, inaudible, infrared, radio, electronic or cellular signal that informs consumers and / or store staff and security that the barrier 140 is open for a certain period of time. Signal transmission can send a signal to a shop computer, shop staff or security camera or monitor. This signal can alert a shop computer or staff that the barrier 140 or control door remains open for a certain period of time and can activate a security camera and monitor to show the thief a picture of himself or herself in front of the product. This image can be recorded. Additional alarm notifications or signal transmissions can be activated as the length of time that the barrier or control door remains open increases.

[0135] An additional level of impediment to theft by consumers or shop personnel is the use of a locking mechanism on the shelf 104 to limit the shelf being pulled out by unauthorized personnel. The system may require the use of a wrench or placing an unusual or typically shaped instrument in a hidden access slot at the front or bottom of the shelf. This method is designed so that it requires the presence of a person with specific knowledge of shelf operation to open the lock. In an embodiment, the barrier 140 or inspection door on the shelf 104 can be automatically raised to make up when the shelf is pulled out, then closed again when the shelf returns to the closed position. In this application, an audible alarm may be present, which indicates that the product on the shelf has been replenished.

[0136] Furthermore, in an embodiment, a stationary cover 180 can be arranged at the top of the display and product management system. The cover provides security by hindering access to the product from the top of the product. Similarly, a lockable box can be placed everywhere in the system to store an additional product that will be protected by a key lock or some other locking mechanism.

[0137] The invention can be applied to parts of existing shelves. In some environments, there are only one, two or several products with a high risk of potential theft among multiple product exposures. Embodiments of the present invention can only be added to that part of the management and exposure system associated with these high risk theft products. For example, barrier 140 can only be placed above these products. In addition, the side walls may be arranged to cover one or more sides of the products to further impede scraping or other types of theft. The front barrier, blocking mechanism or other forms of the invention described herein may be used only for high risk theft products or other highly suitable products at the same exposure and not used with other products at the same exposure. In one embodiment, a specific set of relevant products can be effectively separated from other products within the same exposure. This particular set of relevant products may be subject to additional security aspects described here that are not applied to other products on display.

[0138] Referring to Figures 28-29, an adjustable power strip 400 is shown that can be selectively mounted to rear wall 106. Power strip 400 will supply electricity to a variety of shelf mounted components, including any video monitors, security cameras, lighting, backlit markings, top headlights, radios, stereo sets or any other components that can be mounted on the shelf or product exposure and require electrical supply. As illustrated in the figures, the power strip 400 is selectively adjusted between several positions to take into account changes or height adjustment of the shelf, without causing obstacles for mounting or adjusting the shelf.

[0139] Conventionally, power outputs were shelf mounted and were not easily displaced. In fact, considerable force was required to unlock the power outputs from the raceway on which they were mounted for their next displacement. In other known applications, the power outputs were mounted to conductive treadmills, similar to the treadmill lighting treadmill with current built-in power treadmills. For such race-type systems, the power outputs had to be positioned correctly and pressed into place. Once installed, the power outputs could not be moved.

[0140] The power strip 400 solves these problems and other known problems by providing a power source for displaying the product that can be easily mounted on the display, such as back wall 106 and can be easily adjusted to account for changes in the position of the shelves. Power strip 400 includes an elongated body 402 that can be attached to the rear wall 106 of the display. As illustrated, the power strip 400 may be mounted vertically and the elongated body 402 may extend over the entire product exposure height, or alternatively less than over the entire product exposure height. The power strip 400 can be slidably moved (as indicated by the direction arrow 401) to a sufficient distance to avoid collision with the product shelf, which can be positioned at approximately the same height or with a change in the position of the mounted product shelf. Power strip 400 includes one or more power outputs 404 that can be configured at multiple locations on power strip 400. Once placed in the desired position, a fastener, not shown, can be placed in the adjustment gap 406 to secure the power strip 400 to the rear wall 106 at the desired height. The adjustment gap 406 is elongated to allow additional adjustment of the power strip 400.

[0141] The elongated body 402 forms an elongated hollow gap 408 through which conductive wires 410, which are used to power the outputs 404 of the power strip, can pass through. The elongate body 402 may also include a recessed channel 412 formed in the body 402 and along each side of the body 402. Channel 412 may be used as a container for placing and aligning the power strip 400 on the body 402. The power strip 400 can fit into or inside the duct 412 like a tongue and groove or any other useful mounting connection that allows sliding of one component relative to the other. Once installed, the power strip 400 will slide relative to the body 402 in or on channel 412. [0142] Figures 34-59 illustrate an embodiment of the box shelf that can be attached directly to the rack. Accordingly, as shown, the box shelf can be provided as a complete unit that offers theft prevention benefits as discussed above while still allowing easier direct installation at a retail outlet. As can be seen, in the embodiment the box shelf can be configured to be self-supporting, so as to eliminate the need for a supporting shelf. [0143] Looking first at Figures 34-36, the box shelf 3405 according to the invention comprises a top 3420 and two sides 3422 joined together to form a housing portion 3408. A recessed portion 3421 is present so that in case the box shelf 3405 is mounted under ledge, recessed portion 3421 helped ensure that there was no collision with brackets that support the ledge or other structure that could extend downward (not shown). One or more shelf supports 3430 are mounted to the box shelf 3405 so as to allow the box shelf 3405 to be mounted to the vertical support (not shown) in the traditional manner.

[0144] An extension shelf 3410 is mounted to one or more raceways 3416 that can be supported at least partially by sides 3422. As shown, the extension shelf 3410 may include a bearing surface 3412 that supports the splitter 3418 (which may be a pusher or simple distributor) and includes a rail 3445 mounted to the front of shelf 3410. This rail, in turn, supports retainer 3414.

[0145] As shown, on top 3420, a door 3424 with one or more handles 3426 can be mounted via a hinged system 4010 and they are connected to a control unit 3515 that can be configured to produce audible sound (immediately or after some assumed delay), when the door is open and can also be configured to provide a signal to a remote device, so to run video capture or security personnel.

[0146] Sliding shelf 3410 slides along raceway 3416 when locking element 3525 is activated. As can be seen, to move the pull-out shelf 3410, door 3424 must be open and in the embodiment, as shown, the door can open up to 90 degrees. As can be seen, rail 3445 can also be mounted on top of 3420 box shelf 3405.

[0147] It should be appreciated that details such as those discussed above with reference to Figures 1-33 may also be included in the embodiment shown in Figures 34-59, where appropriate. Accordingly, where it is desirable and / or convenient, the above details may be included.

[0148] Figures 37a-37b show the locking element 3525 in the locked or locking position and in the open and non-locking position. In an embodiment, the opening in lip 3547 allows the key to be positioned so as to move the locking member 3525 from the locked position to the open position. Thus, as can be seen, the locking element 3525 is shown in both the locked position and the open position in many figures.

[0149] As shown in figure 38, one or more box shelves 3405 may be mounted on top of each other. In this arrangement, path 3810 may allow insertion of a key (not shown) to actuate locking element 3525.

[0150] As can be seen in figure 39, door 3424 can be pivotally mounted on the support 3925. In addition, a hat channel 3915 is provided to further strengthen and stiffen the box shelf 3405. The hat channel 3915 is used to support the locking element 3525 and can be used to support one or more 3416 treadmills. As shown, two 3430 shelf supports (sometimes referred to as brackets) are mounted to the rear panel 3940 and allow slots to be mounted to the vertical brackets in a regulated manner even if the position of the vertical brackets has a certain degree of tolerance about stacking. The shelf supports 3430 can be connected to one or more vertical rails (not shown) of the rack structure.

[0151] Figures 40-47 show additional details of the illustrated embodiment of the box shelf. It should be noted that the box shelf may be formed of known materials, such as powder coated steel, 18 gauge or other suitable material. Figure 48 shows an embodiment of the support surface 3412, which includes a reference to sections J - J and P - P. As can be seen in Figures 49-51, lip 3547 may include a locking lip 4910 in the center of the shelf (or at some other location aligned with the locking element 3525), but the locking lip may not be required elsewhere, thereby allowing (but this not requiring) to reduce the amount of material used to make the bearing surface 3412.

[0152] Figures 52-54 illustrate details of one embodiment of the locking element 3525. Figure 52 shows the hinge plate 5215 in both partially exploded view and in installed position. As shown, the hinge plate 5215 is mounted to the hinge base plate 5225 via a fastener 5230 that attaches to the nut 5240. The deflecting element 5235 directs the hinge plate 5215 toward the first or locked position. Accordingly, the hinge plate 5215a is in the locked position and the hinge plate 5215b is in the open position. However, as can be seen, various other methods are possible for mounting the hinge plate 5215 to the hinge base plate 5235.

[0153] Figure 54-59 illustrates additional details regarding the embodiment of the locking element 3525, shelf support 3430 and other potential elements of the box shelf 3405. In addition, figure 59 is a section HH from which figure 46 is taken. It should be noted that all references to dimensions are only examples and are not intended to reflect any limitations of the present invention, unless otherwise stated.

[0154] Changes and modifications of the above are within the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to individual properties and any alternative combinations of two or more individual elements, listed or obvious from text and / or drawings. All such different forms of the invention form the various alternative forms of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best types known for carrying out the invention and will allow other skilled persons to use the invention.