AU2019100058A4 - Anti-theft device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an anti-theft device for use with a merchandise display hook. The device comprises a member that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook, whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook. The member is configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the merchandise display hook are blocked from being removed. Movement of the member into the blocking position activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed. Figure 1 14A Figure

Description

ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to anti-theft devices for use with merchandise display hooks.

Background Art [0002] Merchandise display hooks are often used to display merchandise items for customers to inspect before purchase. Many different types of display hooks are available, having all manner of shapes and being arrangeable in any number of configurations. By way of example, so-called pegboards are mountable to the walls of a shop and include an array of evenly spaced holes which are adapted to receive the ends of display pegs or hooks. Display hooks (which are themselves configured to best hold a particular merchandise item or its packaging) can be inserted into the pegboard’s holes in a configuration that best displays the merchandise. Once so-located on the pegboard, the shopkeeper stocks the display hooks by hanging the merchandise items therefrom.

[0003] Packaging for merchandise items such as razors, for example, often includes an aperture which is shaped to receive the arm(s) of a display hook therethrough, with the packets of razors subsequently hanging from the display hook in-line and in a highly visible manner for inspection by the customer. Should the customer want to purchase the razors (or inspect them more closely), they would simply slide the foremost packet towards themselves and off the end of the display hook.

[0004] Unfortunately, however, presenting merchandise items to consumers in such a manner can make it easier to steal. For example, merchandise displayed on display hooks are susceptible to being taken vigorously (also known as sweeping theft), where the shoplifter grabs a handful of the items at once and then rapidly exits the shop.

[0005] Some display hook systems have attempted to prevent such vigorous removal of merchandise items from their display hooks, but these tend to either inconvenience genuine customers and/or complicate restocking of the display hook with new items of merchandise.

2019100058 18 Jan 2019

Summary of Invention [0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an anti-theft device for use with a merchandise display hook. The device comprises a member that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook, whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook. The member is configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the merchandise display hook are blocked from being removed. Movement of the member into the blocking position also activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed.

[0007] The anti-theft device of the present intention advantageously permits only one merchandise item to be removed at a time, whilst also providing warnings (e.g. to a shopkeeper) in the event of multiple items being removed from the display hook in close succession. This combination of features may provide an effective deterrent to shoplifters contemplating stealing the items because sweeping theft is simply not possible due to the blocking action of the device, and each subsequent removal of an item from the hook causing an alarm is unlikely to go unnoticed. However, such features should not greatly inconvenience a legitimate customer, as they are still able to remove merchandise items for inspection and/or purchase.

[0008] In some embodiments, the member may be locatable on a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook. As would be appreciated, display hooks used in commercial settings often include a number of hooks configured to best position the merchandise items and display pricing and other information. It would therefore be a relatively simple matter to provide such a hook in an appropriate position and upon which the member (and other components of the device, where relevant) may be located.

[0009] In some embodiments, the member may be releasably attachable to the hook located above the merchandise display hook, as this may help to simplify installation of the member both initially and when restocking the merchandise display hook.

[0010] In some embodiments, the member may comprise first and second arms which radially extend from a centre of the member. The first arm may, for example, normally overlie the dispensing end of the merchandise display hook. The second arm may, for example, be configured to move into the blocking position when a user removing the foremost merchandise item causes the first arm to move.

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 [0011] In some embodiments, the first arm may comprise an inner surface from which a rib projects and against which rib the foremost merchandise item bears during its removal from the merchandise display hook. The rib may, for example, comprise two ribs which are configured to receive (and, in some embodiments, engage) the dispending end of the merchandise display hook therebetween (i.e. when overlying the dispensing end of the display hook).

[0012] In some embodiments, the second arm may comprise a hook portion which engages the merchandise display hook (e.g. at its dispensing end) when in the blocking position. Such a configuration may help to even more reliably block the removal of subsequent merchandise items from the display hook.

[0013] In some embodiments, the centre of the member may be configured to clip onto and rotate about a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook. As will be described in further detail below, rotation of the member between its respective positions has been found by the inventors to be a particularly efficient operation in use of the anti-theft device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the alert may be an audible alarm, which would notify both the shopkeeper and potential shoplifter that removal of the merchandise is being monitored.

[0015] In some embodiments, the anti-theft device may further comprise an alarm that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook. The alarm may comprise a switch that is actuated by movement of the member into the blocking position. The alarm may, for example, be locatable on a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook (e.g. the same hook on which the member is located, in relevant embodiments).

[0016] In some embodiments, the member may comprise an alarm-actuating arm, which presses the alarm’s switch when the member moves into the blocking position.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing an alert that a merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook has been removed. The method comprises:

providing a merchandise display hook from which merchandise items hang; and locating a member proximal to the merchandise display hook whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook, the member being configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the display hook are blocked from being removed, wherein movement of the member into the blocking position activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing removal of more than one merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook at a time. The method comprises:

providing a merchandise display hook from which merchandise items hang; and locating a member proximal to the merchandise display hook whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook, the member being configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the merchandise display hook are blocked from being removed.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second and third aspects of the present invention, providing a merchandise display hook from which merchandise items hang may involve a shopkeeper hanging the merchandise items from the merchandise display hook.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second and third aspects of the present invention, the member may be provided as part of the anti-theft device of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts which, when assembled, provide the anti-theft device of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] Additional features and advantages of the various aspects of the present invention will be described below in the context of specific embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that such additional features may have a more general applicability in the present invention than that described in the context of these specific embodiments.

Brief Description of Drawings [0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 [0024] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the anti-theft device of the present invention installed on a merchandise display hook and in its normal configuration;

[0025] Figure 2 shows a close-up view of the anti-theft device in the configuration shown in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 3 shows the anti-theft device of Figure 1 in its blocking configuration as the foremost merchandise item is being removed;

[0027] Figure 4 shows a close-up view of the member of the anti-theft device in the configuration shown in Figure 3; and [0028] Figure 5 shows the anti-theft device of Figure 1, installed on a display hook and including indicia thereon.

Description of Embodiments [0029] As described herein, the overarching purpose of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device that is simpler for both the customer and shopkeeper to use, whist still preventing (or at least deterring) sweeping theft. Thus, the present invention provides an anti-theft device for use with a merchandise display hook. The device comprises a member that is locatable proximal to the display hook, whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the display hook. The member is configured such that removal of a foremost merchandise item hanging from the display hook (i.e. by the user) causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the display hook are blocked from being removed. Movement of the member into the blocking position activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed.

[0030] In effect, when a merchandise item is taken from the display hook, the display hook is blocked and an alert triggered, both of which may act as a deterrent to a potential shoplifter (e.g. those considering sweeping theft). It will be appreciated that the device of the present invention may not be capable of preventing a determined thief, who may have time and/or tools to hand, but the primary application of the present invention is in preventing merchandise displayed on display hooks from being taken vigorously. Stopping determined thieves is usually a more difficult prospect.

[0031] The device and methods of the present invention may be used with any display or dispensing hook system for merchandise that may be stolen. Specific embodiments of

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 display hooks, themselves having a specific configuration and adapted for holding specific mechanise items, will be described herein. It is within the ability of a person skilled in the art to adapt these embodiments in accordance with the teachings of the present invention for other applications.

[0032] The anti-theft device comprises a member that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook and where it overlies the dispensing end of the display hook. The member may take any form compatible with the functionality described herein and may be appropriately located in any suitable manner.

[0033] Typically, given the high degree of versatility associated with pegboards and display hooks, the member will be locatable on a hook positioned proximal (e.g. above) to the merchandise display hook. When positioned in such a manner, the member is readily able to physically interact with the display hook and merchandise items in the manner necessary in order to achieve the advantageous functionality described herein.

[0034] The member may, for example, be releasably attachable to a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook. Such a releasable mode of attachment would enable the member to be removed if necessary, for example, in order for a shopkeeper to restock the display hook. Obviously, in embodiments where the member is releasably attachable to the hook, it must not be easily detachable, because such might provide a relatively straightforward way for a shoplifter to circumvent the anti-theft features of the device.

[0035] The member may move into its blocking position in any suitable manner (depending primarily on the structure of the member and configuration of the merchandise display). For example, the member may move by sliding (either vertically or horizontally with respect to the display hook) or by rotating either in-line with the axis of the display hook or in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the display hook. In the embodiments described below, for example, the member is rotatable into the blocking position about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the display hook.

[0036] The member may be biased into or towards the position where it overlies the dispensing end of the display hook such that it tends to return to this position in the absence of other forces (e.g. those caused by a user removing an item of merchandise). Such a bias need not be too strong, provided that it achieves the necessary function. The bias may be imparted using any suitable mechanism, for example a biasing means such as a torsional spring may be used. Alternatively, the member may be configured such that its weight

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 distribution in use causes it to move back towards the position where it overlies the dispensing end of the display hook.

[0037] The member may comprise any structural features that enable it to achieve its necessary functionality. In some embodiments, for example, the member may comprise a body and one or more arms. In some embodiments, the one or more arms may project outwardly from a substantially centrally-located body.

[0038] In some embodiments, for example, the member may comprise first and second arms which radially extend from a centre of the member. The first arm may normally overly the dispensing end of the display hook and the second arm may be configured such that it moves into the blocking position when the user removing the foremost merchandise item causes the first arm to move.

[0039] In such embodiments, the first arm must be moved away from the position where it overlies the dispensing end of the display hook in order to remove the foremost item of merchandise hanging on the display hook. This may be achieved either by the user moving the first arm or by the user grasping the item of merchandise and removing it from the display hook.

[0040] The first arm may, for example, comprise an inner surface from which a rib projects, against which rib the foremost merchandise item bears during its removal from the display hook. The rib may provide a dual function in that it may also engage the merchandise display hook when overlying the dispensing end of the display hook, making it difficult for a person to remove an item of merchandise from the display hook without causing the member to move.

[0041] The rib may, in some embodiments, be provided in the form of two ribs, which are spaced apart on the first arm such that they can receive the merchandise display hook (e.g. the dispending end of the display hook) therebetween when overlying the dispensing end of the display hook. Such a configuration may help to even further reduce the likelihood of a person being able to remove merchandise items from the display hook without causing the member to move.

[0042] The first arm may also comprise an outer surface configured to receive indicia such as pricing information, advertising or factual information relevant to the merchandise items hanging on the display hook.

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 [0043] The second arm, in embodiments where the member includes such, may have any suitable configuration, provided that it moves into the blocking position when removing the merchandise item causes the first arm to move. The second arm may simply be moved into a position where it physically blocks movement of merchandise items along the display hook, or may comprise features which enable it to interact more physically with the display hook and/or merchandise hanging therefrom. In some embodiments, for example, the second arm may comprise a hook portion which engages the display hook (e.g. at its dispensing end) when moved into the blocking position. Such an engagement may potentially even further enhance the anti-theft properties of the device of the present invention.

[0044] In embodiments where the member includes first and second arms which radially extend from the centre of the member, the centre of the member may be configured to clip onto and rotate around a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook. Once so attached, the member can rotate about the hook to which it is clipped and between the positions described herein. A specific embodiment of this configuration will be described below.

[0045] The member in the anti-theft device of the present invention may be made from any suitable materials, given its intended applications. Plastic materials such as polycarbonates, acrylic, acetyl, nylon, ABS, HIPS and other plastic blends routinely used in the art could, for example, be used to form the body and arms described herein. Alternatively, if enhanced security is required some or all of the member could be formed of metals such as stainless steel (which is what display hooks are commonly made from), mild steel or aluminium.

[0046] The anti-theft device of the present invention is configured such that movement of the member into the blocking position also activates an alert that a merchandise item hanging from the display hook has been removed. The alert may be provided by any suitable component, and activated using any suitable mechanism.

[0047] The alert may take any form and would usually be provided in the form of (or at least include) an audible alarm, such as a beep. Such an audible alarm serves a dual function, in that it can alert the shopkeeper that merchandise items are being removed from the display hook, but also warn the potential shoplifter that their activities may be being monitored. Sweeping theft is often very opportunistic, and such an alert may be sufficient to deter the shoplifter.

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 [0048] In alternative embodiments, the alert may be provided in (or include) another form, such as a visual alert, for example a flashing LED light at the display hook and/or the cash register, or may cause a notification to be sent to store security or the like. The alarm may, for example, cause a SMS to be sent to a software application running on the shopkeeper’s (or security personnel’s) device.

[0049] In some embodiments, activation of the alert (and especially if the alert is activated a number of times in relatively close succession) may also activate other security features such as cameras or store security.

[0050] In some embodiments, the anti-theft device may comprise a separate alarm unit which is activated by movement of the member into its blocking position. The anti-theft device may, for example, further comprise an alarm unit that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook (e.g. on a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook). The alarm unit may, for example, comprise a switch that is actuated by movement of the member into the blocking position.

[0051] In specific embodiments, such as those described below for example, the member may further comprise an alarm-actuating arm, which presses the switch when the member moves into the blocking position.

[0052] The present invention also provides methods for providing an alert that a merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook has been removed and methods for preventing removal of more than one merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook at a time.

[0053] The method for providing an alert that a merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook has been removed comprises:

providing a merchandise display hook from which a plurality of merchandise items hang (e.g. after a shopkeeper having placed the merchandise items onto the merchandise display hook); and locating a member proximal to the display hook whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the display hook, the member being configured such that removal of a foremost merchandise item hanging from the display hook by a user causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the display hook are blocked from being removed,

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 wherein movement of the member into the blocking position activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed.

[0054] The method for preventing removal of more than one merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook at a time comprises:

providing a merchandise display hook from which a plurality of merchandise items hang (e.g. by a shopkeeper hanging a plurality of merchandise items from a merchandise display hook); and locating a member proximal to the display hook whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the display hook, the member being configured such that removal of a foremost merchandise item hanging from the display hook by a user causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby other merchandise items hanging from the display hook are blocked from being removed.

[0055] Although the methods of the present invention may be used with any member capable of providing the recited functionality, the methods are particularly intended for use with the member of the anti-theft device disclosed herein (and, where appropriate, with other components of the disclosed anti-theft device). Specific embodiments of these methods are described below.

[0056] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, shown is an embodiment of an anti-theft device 10 of the present invention installed in an operating position above a merchandise display hook 12. Figures 1 and 2 show the device 10 in its normal configuration, whilst Figures 3 and 4 show the device 10 in its blocked configuration.

[0057] Display hook 12 would be affixed to a surface such as a wall or other vertical structure (not shown) in a conventional manner. A number of merchandise items shown generally as packets 14 hang from display hook 12, with the foremost of those packets (i.e. that closest to the end of the hook 12) being labelled as packet 14A.

[0058] The anti-theft device 10 includes a rotating member 16 and an alarm unit 18, each of which will be described in further detail below. Both rotating member 16 and the alarm unit 18 are releasably fastened to a device support hook 20, which is located directly above the display hook 12 and in a position which enables the device 10 to perform the functions described below. Alarm unit 18 is releasably fastenable to the support hook 20 via fittings

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 (not numbered) located on an underside thereof, which are adapted to grip the hook 20 and securely join the unit 18 and hook 20 upon tightening of screws (also not numbered).

[0059] Referring now to Figure 2, rotating member 16 has a central portion 22, which includes a clip 24. Clip 24 is adapted to clip the member 16 onto a return portion at the distal end of the support hook 20, in a manner where the member 16 can rotate about the return portion of the support hook 20 in the manner described below. Clip 24 needs to clip to the support hook 20 in a manner that ensures it is not easily removable by a shoplifter, but is capable of being removed if this is ever necessary (e.g. in order to quickly restock the display hook 12 with a number of packets 14).

[0060] Rotating member 16 has three arms which project outwardly from the central portion 22. First arm 26 is the arm which, at least in this embodiment, normally overlies the dispensing end of the display hook 12 (i.e. as shown in Figures 1 and 2). First arm 26 is the largest of the rotating member’s 16 arms (or at least weighs the most) in order to bias the rotating member 16 into the position shown in Figures 1 and 2, where the rotating member 16 is configured to provide its anti-theft functionality. First arm 26 has a customer facing outer surface (not numbered), which can receive indicia thereon (see Figure 5, for example), and a packet facing inner surface from which two ribs 28, 28 (only one of which can be seen in the drawings) project. Ribs 28, 28 are configured to receive the end of display hook 12 therebetween and shaped to abut packets 14 being removed from the hook 12 in the manner described below.

[0061] Second arm 30 is the arm which, at least in this embodiment, is configured to move into the blocking position (described below) when removal of the merchandise item causes the first arm to move. Second arm includes a return portion 31, which is defined by a right angle bend in the arm 30 and which leaves only a relatively small physical gap between it and the rib 28, the purpose of which is to ensure that only one packet 14 can be removed at a time, as will be described in further detail below. In the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that second arm 30 is located in a stowed position, where it is unlikely to interfere with the normal operation of the display hook 12 and anti-theft device 10.

[0062] Third arm 32 is an alarm-actuating arm, which presses a switch 34 of the alarm unit 18 when the member 16 rotates into the blocking position. As can be seen by comparing Figures 2 and 4, for example, clockwise rotation of the member 16 brings the arm 32 to bear on the switch 34, whereupon it is depressed and an alarm (e.g. an audible beep) is activated.

2019100058 18 Jan 2019

The customer facing side of third arm 32 may also include indicia thereon, or be adapted to receive an item containing indicia (see Figure 5, for example).

[0063] In use, a user would typically grasp the foremost merchandise item 14A and pull it towards themselves and hence towards the distal (dispensing) end of display hook 12. This movement causes the hanging tab 15A (see Figures 2 and 4) of merchandise 14A to bear against ribs 28 and 28, which causes the rotating member 16 to rotate (in a clockwise manner when viewing the drawings) about its central portion 22 at the end of device support hook 20. When the merchandise 14A has cleared the end of display hook 12 (i.e. as shown in Figures 3 and 4), it can be lowered slightly such that the hanging tab 15A no longer abuts ribs 28, whereupon the customer has unhindered access to the merchandise item. The weight distribution of rotating member 16 (e.g. the greater mass of first arm 26 compared to the other arms) then causes the member to rotate in the opposite (anticlockwise) direction until it again reaches its normal in use position (i.e. as shown in Figures 1 and 2).

[0064] During this operation, the second arm 30 and third arm 32 also play important roles. Specifically, clockwise rotation of member 16 causes the second arm 30 to rotate such that its return portion 31 closely follows the hanging tab 15A of merchandise 14A. Indeed, as noted above, the distance between ribs 28, 28 and return portion 31 is designed such that only one item of merchandise 14 can physically fit therebetween. By the time the hanging tab 15A of merchandise item 14A has cleared the end of display hook 12, the second arm 30 and, in particular, return portion 31 have either abutted or otherwise engaged the distal (dispensing) end of display hook 12 in a manner whereby other items of merchandise 14 hanging therefrom are physically blocked from being removed from the display hook (as shown in Figure 4). The next merchandise item 14B in line is therefore not able to be removed from the display hook 12 at the same time as the foremost merchandise item 14A.

[0065] Clockwise rotation of member 16 also causes the third arm 32 to rotate until it abuts and depresses alarm switch 34 in order to actuate the alarm. Rotation of the member 16 in the opposite (anticlockwise) direction causes it to move back into its normal in use position (i.e. as shown in Figures 1 and 2), with the second arm 30 in its stowed positon and the third arm 32 well away from switch 34.

[0066] Should the user decide, after viewing the merchandise 14A that they did not wish to purchase it, then they could manually lift first arm 26 far enough for ribs 28 to clear the display hook 12, slide the merchandise 14 back onto the display hook and then simply let go

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 of arm 26. Ribs 28 and the upwardly tilted end of display hook 12 would cause the merchandise 14A to again assume the position shown in Figure 1.

[0067] When a shopkeeper needs to restock the display hook 12, the rotating member 16 may be manually tilted (clockwise) to a slight angle (i.e. as shown in Figure 3) and then one item of merchandise at a time fed onto the display hook 12 with a small anticlockwise movement of the member 16 being performed each time in order to move the second (blocking) arm 30 out of the way. Alternatively, as noted above, the member 16 may be unclipped from the support hook 20.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a commercial form of the anti-theft device 10 of Figures 1 to 4, being used to display packets 50 containing Gillette® razors. The member’s 16 first arm (which cannot be seen in Figure 5) has a tab 52 affixed thereto, showing pricing information and a bar code containing product information. The member’s third arm (which again cannot be seen) includes icons 54 indicative of an audible alarm system, which indicates that the razors are protected and may help to further deter shoplifters.

[0069] In summary, in at least preferred embodiments, the present invention can prevent (or at least lessen) the loss of retail products through shoplifting. The anti-theft device of the present invention prevents customers from taking merchandise items vigorously and alerts staff members (e.g. with an audible sound) when an item has been removed. Ideally, however, such functionality is not at the expense of convenience to genuine customers and staff members, with the device also being configured to reduce difficult re-stocking situations and improve shopability (i.e. by reducing the time and effort required to shop, compared to existing loss prevention systems).

[0070] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of new and useful results. For example, specific embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages:

• Ease of use, compared to existing loss prevention systems.

• An audible alert warns staff that items are being removed, and a potential shoplifter that their actions may be being monitored.

• Customers can replace merchandise items relatively easily if they change their mind.

2019100058 18 Jan 2019 • It is easier for a shopkeeper to re-stock the display hooks, compared to those incorporating existing loss prevention systems.

• The modular form of the anti-theft device enables it to be used with a variety of display hooks and merchandise items.

[0071] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0072] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. An anti-theft device for use with a merchandise display hook, the device comprising:

   a member that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook, whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook, the member being configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the merchandise display hook are blocked from being removed, wherein movement of the member into the blocking position activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed.
2. 2. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein the member is locatable on a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook.
3. 3. The anti-theft device of claim 2, wherein the member is releasably attachable to the hook positioned above the merchandise display hook.
4. 4. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the member is rotatable into the blocking position.
5. 5. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the member comprises first and second arms which radially extend from a centre of the member, the first arm normally overlying the dispensing end of the merchandise display hook and the second arm being configured to move into the blocking position when a user removing the foremost merchandise item causes the first arm to move.
6. 6. The anti-theft device of claim 5, wherein the first arm comprises an inner surface from which a rib projects, against which rib the foremost merchandise item bears during removal from the merchandise display hook.
7. 7. The anti-theft device of claim 6, wherein the rib comprises two ribs which are configured to receive the dispensing end of the merchandise display hook therebetween.
8. 8. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first arm comprises an outer surface configured to receive pricing information for the merchandise items.

   2019100058 18 Jan 2019
9. 9. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second arm comprises a hook portion which engages the dispensing end of the merchandise display hook when in the blocking position.
10. 10. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the centre of the member is configured to clip onto and rotate about a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook.
11. 11. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the alert is an audible alarm.
12. 12. The anti-theft device of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an alarm that is locatable proximal to the merchandise display hook, the alarm comprising a switch that is actuated by movement of the member into the blocking position.
13. 13. The anti-theft device of claim 12, wherein the alarm is locatable on a hook positioned above the merchandise display hook.
14. 14. The anti-theft device of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the member comprises an alarmactuating arm, which presses the switch when the member moves into the blocking position.
15. 15. A method for providing an alert that a merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook has been removed, the method comprising:

    providing a merchandise display hook from which merchandise items hang; and locating a member proximal to the merchandise display hook whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook, the member being configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the merchandise display hook are blocked from being removed, wherein movement of the member into the blocking position activates an alert that the merchandise item has been removed.
16. 16. A method for preventing removal of more than one merchandise item hanging from a merchandise display hook at a time, the method comprising:

    providing a merchandise display hook from which merchandise items hang; and

    2019100058 18 Jan 2019 locating a member proximal to the merchandise display hook whereby it overlies a dispensing end of the merchandise display hook, the member being configured such that a user removing a foremost merchandise item hanging from the merchandise display hook causes the member to move into a blocking position whereby any other merchandise items hanging from the merchandise display hook are blocked from being removed.
17. 17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein providing a merchandise display hook from which merchandise items hang comprises hanging one or more merchandise items from the merchandise display hook.
18. 18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the member is provided as part of the anti-theft device of any one of claims 1 to 14.