Security device for preventing rapid removal of merchandise

[0002] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/163,322 filed Nov. 3, 1999; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0003] 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to security devices and, more particularly, to a security device that prevents large numbers of items of merchandise to be rapidly removed from a display rack. Specifically, the present invention relates to a security device that holds merchandise on a display rack while only allowing one or two items of merchandise to be removed from the rack at any one time. The security device thus prevents a shoplifter from dumping a plurality of items of merchandise into a bag and making a quick escape.

[0005] 2. Background Information

[0006] Numerous items of merchandise are displayed for sale on long protruding rods that are supported from a piece of pegboard or slatboard. These protruding rods are commonly referred to in the art as pegboard hooks or slatboard hooks. Such items of merchandise may be batteries, small tools, tool components, film, or other relatively expensive small items that are displayed in areas where consumers may pick them up. Unfortunately, such merchandise is an easy target for shoplifters. Merchandisers have found that shoplifters can rapidly empty all of the merchandise from a pegboard display hook and make off with the merchandise without being detected. It is desired in the art to provide a security device for these types of display racks so that large quantities of merchandise cannot be rapidly removed. Such a security device would allow legitimate consumers to remove merchandise one item at a time. Another problem in the art is that some shoplifters simply remove the entire pegboard hook including the merchandise from a display rack and steal the pegboard hook along with the merchandise.

[0007] The invention provides a security device for a display board that prevents the rapid removal of multiple items of merchandise from the device. The invention slows a shoplifter by forcing the shoplifter to remove the items of merchandise one by one.

[0008] The security device may be locked to the display board so that the shoplifter cannot remove the entire device with the items of merchandise.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the security device includes a locking end assembly that may be pivoted to an unlocked position so that the device may be easily loaded with merchandise.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the security device of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in section, of the first embodiment of the security device being installed in a pegboard.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view similar to FIG. 2 showing the first embodiment of the security device installed in the pegboard in an unlocked condition.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view, partially in section, of the base of the first embodiment of the security device in a locked position.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5—5 of FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the key for the first embodiment of the security device.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the end cup of the first embodiment of the security device with the top portion in section showing elements of the lock.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along 9—9 of FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along 10—10 of FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the end cup with the key moving the lock to an unlocked position.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 8 with the end cup in an unlocked position.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13—13 of FIG. 12.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the second embodiment of the security device of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a font view taken along line 15—15 of FIG. 14.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a side view, partially in section, of the inner base connected to the display board.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a side view, partially in section, of the inner base connected to the display board taken from the opposite side as FIG. 16.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a section view taken along line 18—18 of FIG. 16.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19—19 of FIG. 18.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a section view taken along line 20—20 of FIG. 18.

[0030] FIG. 21 is a side view of the outer base connected to the inner base.

[0031] FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the outer base.

[0032] FIG. 23 is a section view taken along line 23—23 of FIG. 22.

[0033] FIG. 24 is a section view taken along line 24—24 of FIG. 22.

[0034] FIG. 25 is a section view taken along line 25—25 of FIG. 14 showing the end assembly in the locked position.

[0035] FIG. 26 is a section view taken along line 26—26 of FIG. 25.

[0036] FIG. 27 is a section view taken along line 27—27 of FIG. 26.

[0037] FIG. 28 is a section view similar to FIG. 25 showing the key moving the lock to the unlocked position.

[0038] FIG. 29 is a section view taken along line 29—29 of FIG. 28.

[0039] FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 25 showing the end assembly being moved from the locked position toward the unlocked position.

[0040] FIG. 31 is a section view taken along line 31—31 of FIG. 30.

[0041] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 30 showing the end assembly moved 180 degrees to the unlocked position.

[0042] FIG. 33 is a section view taken along line 33—33 of FIG. 32.

[0043] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.

[0044] The security device of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. Security device 10 is used with a display board 12 (pegboard or slatboard) to support items 14 of merchandise for display in a retail environment. Device 10 holds multiple items of merchandise in a way that only allows one item 14 of merchandise to be removed from device 10 at a time thus preventing multiple items 14 from being removed all at one time.

[0045] Device 10 includes a locking base assembly 20 that selectively secures device 10 to board 12 in a manner that prevents device 10 from being removed from board 12 without the use of a specific key 22. Base assembly 20 includes an inner base 24 and an outer base 26. Outer base 26 slides over inner base 24 and locks inner base 24 in place against board 12. Inner base 24 has a main body 28 with a pair of opposed flanges 30 projecting out from either side of body 28. Outer base 26 includes a pair of slots that receive flanges 30 when outer base 26 is slid over inner base 24.

[0046] A lock 32 lockingly connects base 26 to base 24 when base 26 is slid all the way over base 24. Any of a variety of locks 32 will function with base assembly 20. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a protruding lock member 34 extends outwardly from one flange 30 such that it catches and locks against a ledge 36 formed in outer base 26. A set of key holes 38 is disposed in outer base 26 in a position where they align with lock member 34 when base 26 is locked in position on inner base 24. Lock 32 is unlocked when the pins 40 of key 22 are pushed through openings 38 and depressed lock member 34 down off of ledge 36. Once lock member 34 is depressed, outer base 26 may be slid off of inner base 24 so that inner base 24 may be removed from board 12.

[0047] Base assembly 20 may further include a pair of positional protrusions 50 and a pair of mounting hooks 52 that mount base assembly 20 to board 12. Protrusions 50 are optional but may be provided to position device 10 with respect to board 12. Hooks 52 are configured to fit into the holes of board 12 and be tilted upwardly as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0048] Base assembly 20 is thus installed by tilting inner base 24 upwardly so that hooks 52 may be fit into board 12. This position is depicted in FIG. 2. Inner base 24 is then tilted downwardly until inner base 24 rests against board 12. Outer base 26 is then slid over inner base 24 until it locks in place. Outer base 26 prevents inner base 24 from being removed from board 12 by wedging itself between board 12 and flanges 30 of inner base 24 and preventing it from tilting with respect to board 12. This position is depicted in FIGS. 4-6 and more specifically shown in FIG. 5.

[0049] A pair of rods 60 and 62 are anchored in inner base 24 and are cantilevered therefrom. Upper rod 60 supports an end assembly 64 away from base assembly 20. A price tag or product identification label 66 may be supported on rod 60 in a manner allowing it to be easily removed and replaced. For instance, label 66 may be clipped to rod 60 and may be slid back and forth on rod 60 so that it may be easily positioned anywhere along rod 60.

[0050] Lower rod 62 supports items 14 for display. Each item 14 includes a flange 63 having a hole that allows flange 63 to be received on rod 62. A spring 68 may be positioned adjacent rod 62 to constantly force flanges 63 and items 14 toward end assembly 64. A plunger 70 may be attached to spring 68 to prevent spring 68 from becoming entangled with items 14.

[0051] The outer end of rod 62 is disposed adjacent an end cup 80 that functions to cover the end of rod 62 to prevent multiple items 14 from being removed from rod 62 at one time. End cup 80 thus prevents a shoplifter from grasping all items 14 and simply pulling them off rod 62 in one quick movement. End cup 80 cooperates with rod 62 to only allow one, two, or possibly three items, to be pulled off of rod 62 at any one time. End cup 80 performs this function by being positioned closely adjacent the end of rod 62 such that there is only a small space through which flange 63 may be removed.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, end cup 80 is slidingly and resiliently disposed in end assembly 64. End cup 80 is mounted in a cavity 82 formed in end assembly 64 such that end cup 80 frictionally slides along the inner wall of cavity 82. A spring 84 is connected to end cup 80 and to end assembly 64 preventing end cup 80 from falling out of end assembly 64. Spring 84 resiliently mounts end cup 80 so that it is always pushing or urged against the end of rod 62. Spring 84 also allows end cup 80 to be moved away from rod 62 to allow flanges 63 to pass between the end of rod 62 and end cup 80. In another embodiment of the invention, end cup 80 may include a magnet that is attracted to rod 62 and snaps against the end of rod 62 when flange 63 is not disposed between rod 62 and end cup 80. In still other embodiments of the invention, spring 84 may be replaced by a leaf spring instead of the coil spring depicted in the drawings. The end of rod 62 may have a rounded end, as shown in the drawings, to facilitate the removal of flanges 63.

[0053] Although the device described above achieves the primary objectives of the present invention, loading device 10 is time consuming because a clerk must place each item 14 onto rod 62 one by one. It is thus desired to provide end assembly 64 with the capability of being rotated out away from rod 62 as depicted in FIG. 12 so that it may be readily loaded with items 14. Of course, the rotation must be selective in order to prevent a shoplifter from simply rotating end assembly 64 to the position depicted in FIG. 12 and removing items 14. As such, a lock assembly 90 is provided in end assembly 64 to allow rotation of end assembly 64 only upon the use of a specific key. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the specific key is the same key 22 having the same pin 40 configuration that is used to unlock lock 32 of base assembly 20. This configuration allows a clerk to use a single key 22 to operate both locks 90 and 32.

[0054] Any of a variety of lock mechanisms may be used with end assembly 64 to provide these functions. Both mechanical and magnetically actuated lock mechanisms may be used. The mechanically actuated lock mechanism depicted in the drawings is provided as an exemplary embodiment for lock mechanism 90. It is understood that various other types of lock mechanisms may be used to lock end assembly 64 in place with respect to rod 62.

[0055] End assembly 64 includes a pair of key openings 92 that receive pins 40 of key 22. Openings 92 are aligned with a biased lock element 94 that selectively locks the position of end assembly 64 with respect to rod 60. Lock element 94 is biased toward openings 92 by a spring 95. End assembly 64 includes a pair of opposed protrusions 96 disposed intermediate openings 92 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12. Protrusions 96 are disposed in an interfering relationship with lock element 94 such that the outer body 98 of end assembly 64 may not rotate with respect to lock element 94 when lock element 94 is in the locked position as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. In this position, lock element 94 includes a pair of depressions 100 that receive protrusions 96. When body 98 is attempted to be rotated about rod 60, protrusions 96 engage the side wall 102 of depressions 100 and prevent further rotation.

[0056] The user of device 10 unlocks end assembly 64 by placing pins 40 of key 22 into openings 92 and depressing lock element 94 toward base assembly 20. When lock element 94 is depressed, protrusions 96 clear side wall 102 because they are moved out of depressions 100. This position is depicted in FIG. 11. In this position, spring 95 is compressed. Body 98 may then be rotated to the unlocked position depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the unlocked position, each protrusion 96 rests on the outer surface of lock element 94 maintaining the compression of spring 95. Lock 90 remains in this position until body 98 is rotated back in the position depicted in FIG. 8 or 180 degrees from the position depicted in FIG. 8. In either position, rod 62 is exposed allowing the user of device 10 to easily load rod 62 with items 14 as depicted in FIG. 12.

[0057] The second embodiment of the security device of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 200 in FIGS. 14 through 33. Device 200 generally functions in the same manner as device 10 described above. Device 200 thus allows multiple items of merchandise 14 to be carried by rod 62 in a manner that allows items 14 to be individually removed. Device 200 includes some of the same elements as device 10 and the same reference numbers are used to refer to these elements. In this embodiment, rods 60 and 62 may be integrally formed by bending a single length of metal rod.

[0058] Device 200 includes a locking base assembly 220 that selectively secures device 200 to board 12 in a manner that prevents device 200 from being removed from board 12 without the use of a specific key 22. Base assembly 220 includes an inner base 224 and an outer base 226. Outer base 226 slides over inner base 224 and locks inner base 224 in place against board 12. Inner base 224 has a main body with a pair of opposed flanges 230 projecting out from either side of the main body. Outer base 226 includes a pair of slots that receive flanges 230 when outer base 226 is slid over inner base 224.

[0059] A lock lockingly connects base 226 to base 224 when base 226 is slid all the way over base 224. Any of a variety of locks will function with base assembly 220. In this embodiment, a pair of protruding lock members 234 extend outwardly from the main body adjacent one flange 230 such that they catch and lock against ledges 236 formed in outer base 226. Each lock member 234 is resiliently cantilevered so that it may be depressed with a key. A set of key holes 238 is disposed in outer base 226 in a position where they align with lock member 234 when base 226 is locked in position on inner base 224. Lock 232 is unlocked when the pins 40 of key 22 are pushed through openings 238 and depressed lock member 234 down off of ledge 236. Once lock member 234 is depressed, outer base 226 may be slid off of inner base 224 so that inner base 224 may be removed from board 12. Outer base 226 extends substantially above rod 60 and provides a substantially large surface in contact with board 12. The size of outer base 226 helps to prevent a shoplifter from twisting device 200 off of board 12. In this embodiment of the invention, rod 60 extends outwardly from the center of base assembly 220.

[0060] Rods 60 and 62 project outwardly from base assembly 220 in a manner similar to that described above. Rods 60 and 62 function substantially the same as described above with lower rod 62 including an outer end over which items of merchandise 14 are removed. An end assembly 264 is positioned adjacent the outer end of rod 62 to prevent a shoplifter from rapidly removing all of the items of merchandise from rod 62. End assembly 264 forces the user of device 200 to remove items 14 one by one or at least in twos or threes. A flange 266 extends outwardly from the bottom portion of end assembly 264. Flange 266 is configured to remain adjacent the end of rod 62 if a shoplifter forces end assembly 264 upwardly or laterally with respect to rod 62 by bending rod 60 or by bending both rods 60 and 62 away from each other. The radius of flange 266 is configured to be large enough to be adjacent the end of rod 62 when a person pushes end assembly 264 as far as the flexibility of rods 60 and 62 will allow. Flange 266 thus provides a security function to device 200.

[0061] In the second embodiment, end assembly 264 includes a cantilevered spring arm 268 that is positioned closely adjacent the end of rod 62 to prevent multiple items of merchandise 14 from being rapidly removed from rod 62. Arm 268 may include a protruding member 270 that contacts the end of rod 62 as depicted in FIG. 26. In this embodiment, end assembly 264 simply defines a space 272 behind arm 268 to allow arm 268 to flex away from rod 62 when items of merchandise 14 are pulled over the end of rod 62.

[0062] End assembly 264 also includes a lock mechanism that selectively locks end assembly 264 in the locked position depicted in FIG. 26. When the user unlocks the lock mechanism with key 22, the user may rotate end assembly upwardly to the unlocked position (FIGS. 30 and 32) to allow the user unfettered access to rod 62 (FIG. 32) to quickly load or unload merchandise from rod 62. Both mechanical and magnetically actuated lock mechanisms may be used with end assembly 264. The mechanically actuated lock mechanism depicted in FIGS. 25-32 is provided as another exemplary embodiment for the lock mechanism.

[0063] End assembly 264 includes a housing that defines pair of key openings 280 that receive pins 40 of key 22. Openings 280 are aligned with a biased lock element 282 that is slidably disposed on a base lock element 284. Biased lock element 282 is biased toward openings 280 by an appropriate biasing element 286 such as a coil spring. Other types of biasing elements may be used with the lock mechanism.

[0064] Base lock element 284 includes ribs 288 that prevent lock element 282 from rotating with respect to base lock element 284. Base lock element 282 is fixed on rod 60. Element 284 includes four equally-spaced ribs 288 that extend from a substantially cylindrical base.

[0065] The face of biased lock element 282 disposed toward key openings 280 defines a pair of notches 292 that receive locking protrusions 294 when end assembly 264 is in the locked position. Locking protrusions 294 are connected to the housing of end assembly 264. When biased lock element 282 is in the locked position, protrusions 294 are received in notches 292 and the housing cannot rotate with respect to biased lock element 282—and thus cannot rotate with respect to rod 60. Key 40 pushes biased lock element 282 to the unlocked position wherein protrusions 294 are released from notches 292. In this position, the housing of end assembly may rotate with respect to biased lock element 282—and thus with respect to rod 60. If the user rotates the housing of end assembly 264 180 degrees, notches 292 are forced back over protrusions 294 and end assembly 264 is held in the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 32.

[0066] The user of device 200 may thus load items 14 on rod 62 by inserting key 22 into openings 280 such that pins 40 move biased lock element 282 from the locked position (FIGS. 26 and 27) to the unlocked position (FIGS. 28 and 29). The user may then rotate end assembly from the locked position (FIGS. 26 and 27) to an unlocked position (FIGS. 32 and 33). The user may then quickly load items 14 on rod 62. After rod 62 is loaded, the user rotates end assembly 264 back to the locked position. In this position, multiple items 14 cannot be rapidly pulled from rod 62 because end assembly 264 is disposed adjacent the end of rod 62. The position and function of end assembly 264 frustrates shoplifters while allowing a legitimate consumer to remove items 14 one by one.

[0067] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

[0068] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.