EP4298959B1 - Diebstahlsicherer warenhaken - Google Patents

Diebstahlsicherer warenhaken

Info

Publication number
EP4298959B1
EP4298959B1 EP23182098.6A EP23182098A EP4298959B1 EP 4298959 B1 EP4298959 B1 EP 4298959B1 EP 23182098 A EP23182098 A EP 23182098A EP 4298959 B1 EP4298959 B1 EP 4298959B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
theft
hanger
merchandise
controller
hook
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP23182098.6A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4298959A1 (de
Inventor
Keith C. Eden
Shane Obitts
Brent O. Ewing
Chan Chor MAN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fasteners for Retail Inc
Original Assignee
Fasteners for Retail Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/855,359 external-priority patent/US11643850B2/en
Application filed by Fasteners for Retail Inc filed Critical Fasteners for Retail Inc
Priority to EP26154322.7A priority Critical patent/EP4725369A2/de
Publication of EP4298959A1 publication Critical patent/EP4298959A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4298959B1 publication Critical patent/EP4298959B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/08—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features secured to the wall, ceiling, or the like; Wall-bracket display devices
    • A47F5/0807—Display panels, grids or rods used for suspending merchandise or cards supporting articles; Movable brackets therefor
    • A47F5/0861—Anti-theft means therefor

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to an anti-theft merchandise hook.
  • Loss prevention is a continuing problem in the retail industry.
  • the retail industry is continually looking for better ways to prevent loss due to theft. Therefore, many retail environments incorporate various types of theft deterrence systems.
  • Some current anti-theft systems involve locking up merchandise behind counters, often far away from related merchandise, or locking up the merchandise in secure cabinets, closer to the place where related merchandise is generally stored.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide such an anti-theft system. This and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.
  • An anti-theft merchandise hook useful for understanding the invention has a top wire connected to a housing portion at one end of the top wire, and connected to a mounting portion at another end of the top wire opposite the one end.
  • the mounting portion is used to mount the anti-theft merchandise hook to a stationary surface.
  • the bottom wire is attached to the mounting portion, extending from the mounting portion toward the housing portion, and is configured to hold retail merchandise.
  • a moveable hanger is at least partially disposed within the housing portion. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position in which the hanger abuts the bottom wire, and an open position in which the hanger is spaced some distance from the bottom wire.
  • both the hanger and bottom wire include conductive material that form an electrical contact when the bottom wire that abuts the hanger, and the electronic circuitry of the anti-theft merchandise hook is configured to detect the electrical contact.
  • the aforementioned hanger includes a notch, and the hanger is configured to be manually moved into a locking position by a user, and locked into the closed position when a plunger, disposed within the housing portion is seated in the notch.
  • the plunger is configured to move back and forth in a first direction perpendicular and the hanger is configured to move back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
  • the plunger moves linearly back and forth, and the plunger's movement is effected by a motor disposed in the housing portion.
  • the motor may be configured such that it is activated by an RFID-enabled device placed in proximity to the housing portion.
  • the motor is an electrically-powered stepper motor.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook useful for understanding the invention may include electronic circuitry disposed in the housing portion, the electronic circuitry including an emitter configured to emit at least one of an audible, a visible, and a wireless radio alarm signal. Additionally, embodiments include a limit switch to track an amount of time that the hanger is in the open position, and to trigger the alarm signal if the hanger remains open for more than a threshold period of time.
  • the mounting portion of the anti-theft merchandise hook useful for understanding the invention may include a mounting face with means for locking the anti-theft merchandise hook into a mounted position.
  • the mounting portion may further include a mounting face plunger that is depressed when the mounting portion is mounted flush to a stationary surface, and which triggers an alarm when released mounting face plunger that triggers an alarm when released.
  • the top and/or bottom wire of the anti-theft merchandise hook useful for understanding the invention may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry such that the top and/or bottom wires function as an antenna for the transmission of the wireless radio alarm signal.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook may also include an alarm box, located remotely from the anti-theft merchandise hook, and configured to receive the wireless radio alarm signal from the emitter and to emit a second alarm, and/or relay the wireless radio alarm signal to another location.
  • the invention provides an anti-theft merchandise hook that includes a top wire connected to a housing at a first end of the top wire, and to a mounting portion, used to mount the anti-theft merchandise hook to a stationary surface, at a second end of the top wire opposite the first end.
  • a bottom wire is attached to the mounting portion and extends from the mounting portion towards the housing.
  • the bottom wire is configured to hold retail merchandise.
  • a hanger is at least partially disposed within the housing. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position in which the hanger abuts the bottom wire, and an open position in which the hanger is spaced some distance from the bottom wire.
  • a motor is configured to drive a rotary shaft in order to move the hanger between the closed position and the open position.
  • the hanger includes an attached locating guide with a threaded opening configured to accommodate a threaded rotary shaft.
  • the locating guide extends transversely from an exterior surface of the hanger.
  • rotation of the shaft in a first rotary direction causes the locating guide to move linearly along the rotary shaft in a first linear direction
  • rotation of the shaft in a second rotary direction, opposite the first rotary direction causes the locating guide to move linearly along the rotary shaft in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.
  • the movement of the hanger, between the closed position and the open position is linear along a longitudinal axis of the hanger.
  • the hanger may be cylindrical. Furthermore, the motor and rotary shaft may be disposed within the housing. In certain embodiments, the hanger has a slot that extends longitudinally along a length of the hanger, and wherein a guide post, attached to the housing, extends through the slot.
  • the aforementioned motor may be a stepper motor. Also, the motor may be battery-powered.
  • a pivoting latch extends from the housing to an end of the bottom wire. The pivoting latch is configured to prevent merchandise from inadvertently coming off of the bottom wire. The pivoting latch may be spring biased such that an end of the pivoting latch contacts the end of the bottom wire.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook may further include a controller with an RFID reader, where the controller is disposed within the housing.
  • the controller may be configured to operate the motor when an operator RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller.
  • the controller moves the hanger from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, when the operator RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller.
  • the controller may be further configured to recognize one or more specific operator RFID cards such that controller only operates the motor when the one or more specific operator RFID cards is placed in proximity to the controller.
  • the controller may be configured to initialize operation of the anti-theft merchandise hook when a write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller. Further still, in some embodiments, the controller is configured to enable or disable an operator RFID card when the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller for a predetermined length of time.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook may further include a reset button which resets the anti-theft merchandise hook when depressed for a threshold period of time.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook has an audio emitter and/or a light indicator, and the controller operates the audio emitter and/or light indicator to indicate a status of the anti-theft merchandise hook.
  • the audio emitter or light indicator may be used to indicate at least one of a battery power status, movement of the hanger between the open and closed positions, a reset status, a placement of merchandise onto the bottom wire, or removal of merchandise from the bottom wire.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 provide front and rear perspective views of an anti-theft merchandise hook 100 in the open position, useful for understanding the invention.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 provide front and rear perspective views of anti-theft merchandise hook 100 in the closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is an RFID-activated merchandise hook with a top wire 102 and a bottom wire 104 on which the merchandise is held, where the bottom wire 104 is shorter in length than the top wire 102.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 further includes a spring-biased hanger 106 that is moved laterally back and forth between a closed position in which the hanger 106 is securely abutted to an end of the bottom wire 104, and an open position in which the hanger 106 is separated from the end of the bottom wire 104. In the open position, the space between the hanger 106 and bottom wire 104 allows for merchandise to be removed from the hook 100. In the closed position, no merchandise can be removed.
  • the hanger 106 is substantially cylindrical, though in alternate embodiments, the hanger 106 could be prismatic, curved, spiraled, or some other suitable shape.
  • the hanger 106 is disposed, at least partially, within a housing 108 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 useful for understanding the invention.
  • the hanger 106 may have a concave or cup-shaped end 110 configured to abut securely against an end 105 of the bottom wire 104 when the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is in the closed position.
  • the end 105 of the bottom wire 104 may be convex or rounded to facilitate a fit between the concave cup-shaped end 110 and the end 105 of the bottom wire 104.
  • the convex end of the bottom wire 104 when abutted with the correspondingly concave end of the hanger 106 provides a secure attachment between the two components such that no merchandise can be removed from the bottom wire 104.
  • electronic circuitry 140 disposed within the housing 108 is able to detect when the hanger 106 is in contact with the bottom wire 104, and therefore able to determine when the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is in the closed position.
  • the electronic circuitry 140 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is battery-powered. Alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the electronic circuitry 140 is powered by means other than a battery, e.g., solar cell, hardwired to building power, etc.
  • the bottom wire 104 may be made from metal or some similarly conductive material, while some portion of the hanger 106, including a portion that abuts the bottom wire 104, is also made from metal or some similarly conductive material, such that an electrical circuit is formed when the bottom wire 104 and hanger 106 are in contact with each other.
  • the electronic circuitry 140 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 may be able to detect when the bottom wire 104 and hanger 106 are in contact with each other based on the formation of this electrical circuit.
  • a spring 112 is assembled onto the hanger 106 within the housing 108.
  • the spring 112 abuts a surface within the housing 108 such that the spring 112 biases the hanger 106 in the open position.
  • a second end of the hanger 106 opposite the cup-shaped end 110 protrudes from the housing 108. The user pushes on this second end of the hanger 106, against the force of spring 112 in order to bring the hanger 106 in contact with the bottom wire 104, thereby closing the anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • the hanger 106 may then be locked in the closed position by a plunger 114 within the housing 108.
  • the plunger 114 is substantially cylindrical and arranged perpendicularly to the hanger 106 (in this case vertically with respect to the horizontally-arranged hanger 106), and is seated within a notch 116 cut into a middle portion of the hanger 106 to lock the hanger 106 in place and keep it from moving back to the open position.
  • the plunger 114 could be assume different shapes, e.g., prismatic, that engage the notch 116 to lock the hanger 106 in the closed position.
  • the plunger 114 is moved back and forth by a small motor 122 disposed within the housing 108.
  • the motor 122 may be an electrically-powered stepper motor.
  • the electronic circuitry 140 in the housing 108 operates the motor 122 in response to an RFID-enabled device, e.g., an RFID card or RFID key (not shown), or other suitable device when placed in proximity to the housing 108.
  • RFID-enabled device e.g., an RFID card or RFID key (not shown)
  • devices other than RFID-enabled devices e.g., magnetic, electromagnetic, etc.
  • tapping the RFID card on the housing 108 may cause the plunger 114 to seat in the notch 116 of the hanger 106 when the user pushes the hanger 106 into contact with the bottom wire 104. Subsequently, tapping the RFID card on the housing 108 may then cause the plunger 114 to unseat from the notch 116 to open the anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • a limit switch 126 is disposed in the housing 108 and configured to track the time the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is in the open position and to issue an alarm if the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 remains in the open position longer than a threshold period of time.
  • the limit switch 126 may be configured such that the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 emits an audible alarm and/or a wireless alarm signal if the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is in the open position for more than 15 seconds, or even 30 seconds. However, threshold times greater than 30 seconds and lesser than 15 seconds are envisioned.
  • the user may adjust the threshold time limit before the limit switch 126 causes the alarm to issue.
  • the aforementioned RFID-enabled device when used to tap the housing 108 or placed in close proximity to the housing 108, activates the motor 122 which lifts the plunger 114 out of the notch 116 so that the spring 112 moves the hanger 106 away from the bottom wire 104, thus allowing for the removal of merchandise from the bottom wire 104.
  • the lifting of the plunger 114 depresses and activates the limit switch 126 which starts a timer.
  • the limit switch 126 may cause anti-theft merchandise hook 100 to issue an alarm.
  • the alarm may issue for a specified period of time, or the alarm may continue until the hanger 106 is urged into contact with the end 105 of the bottom wire 104 and the plunger 114 lowered into the notch 116 to lock the hanger 106 in place.
  • the electronic circuitry 140 in the housing 108 may include an emitter 142 capable of emitting an audible, visible, and wireless radio alarm signal. Additionally, the top 102 and/or bottom wire 104 may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry 140 such that the wire(s) functions as an antenna for the transmission of the signal to the wireless radio alarm signal. In certain embodiments, the wireless radio alarm signal emitted by the electronic circuitry 140 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is configured to be transmitted to an alarm box 128 ( see FIG. 3 ).
  • the alarm box 128 includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal-emitting retail display devices.
  • the alarm box 128 also has an alarm box emitter 130 configured to emit an audible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, and one or more terminals 132 for connecting the alarm box 128 to an output receiving device.
  • the alarm box emitter 130 is also configured to emit a visible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices.
  • the alarm box 128 may include one or more LEDs or other light-emitting devices capable of indicating multiple types of alarm conditions or indicating a particular status of one or more anti-theft merchandise hooks 100. Furthermore, the alarm box 128 may also include an antenna 134 for transmitting wireless signals indicative of an alarm condition. The wireless signals may be transmitted to an output receiving device capable of receiving wireless transmission or to some remotely-located receiving station.
  • FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the mounting apparatus 120 for the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the mounting apparatus 120 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is for mounting or attaching the mounting apparatus 120 to a fixed or stationary surface to fix the position of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • the mounting apparatus 120 includes one or more openings 121 in which is arranged a mechanical mounting lock 124.
  • the mounting apparatus 120 includes two mounting projections 123 for securing the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 to a pegboard.
  • the mounting apparatus 120 includes a mounting face plunger 118 that is depressed when the mounting apparatus 120 is secured flush to a stationary surface, such that when the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is removed from its flush mounting to the stationary surface, the mounting face plunger 118 is released thus triggering an alarm.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 An embodiment of the anti-theft merchandise hook 200 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of the anti-theft merchandise hook 200 with the housing 108 partially removed and showing the hanger 206 in the closed position
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of the anti-theft merchandise hook 200 with the housing 108 partially removed and showing the hanger 206 in the open position.
  • the hanger 206 is actuated by a stepper motor 202 which drives a rotary shaft 204.
  • the stepper motor 202 and rotary shaft 204 are disposed in the housing 108.
  • the stepper motor 202 may be powered by a battery also disposed in the housing 108.
  • the hanger 206 has an attached locating guide 208 with a threaded opening configured to accept the rotary shaft 204 the exterior surface of which is also threaded.
  • the rotary shaft 204 is threaded into the threaded opening of the locating guide 208.
  • the stepper motor 202 rotates the rotary shaft 204 causing the locating guide 208 to move linearly along the rotary shaft 204 in a first direction, e.g., clockwise.
  • a first direction e.g., clockwise.
  • the stepper motor 202 rotates the rotary shaft 204 in the opposite direction, e.g., counterclockwise, the locating guide 208 moves in a second direction opposite the first direction.
  • the hanger 206 moves in unison with the locating guide 208 linearly along the rotary shaft 204.
  • the rotary shaft 204 may have a plate or stop of some kind attached at a distal end (furthest from the stepper motor 202) thereof to prevent the locating guide 208 from coming off of the rotary shaft 204. It is contemplated that certain embodiments may not include a threaded rotary shaft 204. In particular embodiments, a gear arrangement may be used to effect movement of the hanger 206. It should also be noted that the hanger 206 may be actuated by a type of motor other than the stepper motor 202 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . In various alternate embodiments, it is envisioned that the motor could be a servomotor, a linear motor, a direct drive motor, a DC brushed or brushless motor, etc.
  • the locating guide 208 is attached towards a central portion of the hanger 206.
  • the central portion is the portion of the hanger 206 not close to either end of the hanger 206, e.g., the middle third of the hanger 206 taken lengthwise.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 shows the locating guide extending transversely from a surface of the hanger 206 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 207 of the hanger 206, where the hanger 206 is cylindrical and the longitudinal axis 207 extends through the hanger 206 from one end to the opposite end.
  • the locating guide 208 may be attached closer to either end of the hanger 206, and may not extend transversely to the hanger's longitudinal axis 207.
  • the hanger 206 may be prismatic rather than cylindrical.
  • the hanger 206 has two slots 210 that extend longitudinally along a length of the hanger 206.
  • the slots 210 define openings that extend through an entire body portion of the hanger 206.
  • the slots 210 are removably assembled onto guide posts 212 attached to the interior of the housing 108. It is understood that alternate embodiments of the hanger 206 may have fewer or more than two slots 210.
  • the two guide posts 212 extend through each of the two slots 210.
  • the slots 210 define the range of linear movement for the hanger 206 as movement of the hanger 206 stops when the ends of the slots 210 contact the guide posts 212.
  • the width of the slots 210 are only slightly larger than the diameter of the guide posts 212, thus ensuring that the hanger 206 can only move linearly within the housing 108.
  • the movement of the hanger 206, between the closed position and the open position is linear along a longitudinal axis 207 of the hanger 206.
  • the hanger 206 is in the closed position due to the stepper motor 202 having driven the rotary shaft 204 in a first rotary direction in order to move the locating guide 208 to the distal end (furthest from the stepper motor 202) of the rotary shaft 204 such that the hanger 206 comes into contact with the end 105 of the bottom wire 104.
  • FIG. 8 the hanger 206 is in the closed position due to the stepper motor 202 having driven the rotary shaft 204 in a first rotary direction in order to move the locating guide 208 to the distal end (furthest from the stepper motor 202) of the rotary shaft 204 such that the hanger 206 comes into contact with the end 105 of the bottom wire 104.
  • FIG. 9 shows the hanger 206 is in the open position due to the stepper motor 202 having driven the rotary shaft 204 in a second rotary direction opposite the first rotary direction in order to move the locating guide 208 to a proximal end (closest to the stepper motor 202) of the rotary shaft 204 such that the hanger 206 is spaced some distance from the bottom wire 104.
  • Embodiments of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 further include a controller 220 coupled to an RFID reader 222, where the controller 220 and RFID reader 222 are disposed within the housing 108.
  • the controller 220 may be configured to operate the motor 202 when an operator RFID card (not shown) is placed in proximity to the controller 220.
  • the controller 220 moves the hanger 206 from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, when the operator RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller 220.
  • the term "in proximity" to the controller 220, as used herein means within 12 inches of the controller 220.
  • the term “in proximity” to the controller 220, as used herein means within six inches of the controller 220.
  • the term "in proximity" to the controller 220, as used herein means within three inches of the controller 220.
  • the controller 220 may be further configured to recognize one or more specific operator RFID cards such that controller 220 only operates the motor 202 when the one or more recognized specific operator RFID cards is placed in proximity to the controller 220. Additionally, the controller 220 may be configured to initialize operation of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 when a write RFID card (not shown) is placed in proximity to the controller 220. Furthermore, it is envisioned that, in some embodiments of the invention, the controller 220 is configured to enable or disable an operator RFID card when the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller 220 for a predetermined length of time.
  • a pivoting latch 214 extends from within the housing 108 to the end 105 of the bottom wire 104.
  • the pivoting latch 214 prevents merchandise from inadvertently falling off of the bottom wire 104 when the hanger 206 is in the open position.
  • a user can remove an item by pulling the item from the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 causing the pivoting latch 214 to rotate away from the end 105 of the bottom wire 104.
  • the pivoting latch 214 is spring-biased, in certain embodiments, so as to pivot back such that the end of the latch 214 returns to the end 105 of the bottom wire 104.
  • the pivoting latch 214 is configured to pivot upward when loading merchandise onto the bottom wire 104, and to pivot downward when removing merchandise from the bottom wire 104.
  • a conductive pointer 215 is attached to the rotating end of the pivoting latch 214 that is attached within the housing 108. When the pivoting latch 214 pivots upward, the conductive pointer 215 rotates downward and contacts a first electrical contact 226. In certain embodiments, each time the conductive pointer 215 contacts the first electrical contact 226, a signal is sent to the controller 220 causing the controller 220 to add one to the count of the number of items on the bottom wire 104 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • the conductive pointer 215 rotates upward and contacts a second electrical contact 228.
  • a signal is sent to the controller 220 causing the controller 220 to subtract one from the count of the number of items on the bottom wire 104 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100. In this way the controller 220 keeps an ongoing and real time account of the number of items on any particular anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 has an audio emitter 216 and/or a light indicator 224, which may be one or more LEDs set into the housing 108.
  • the controller 220 operates the audio emitter 216 and/or light indicator 224 to indicate a particular status of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • the audio emitter 216 or light indicator 224 may be used to indicate at least one of a battery power status, movement of the hanger 206 between the open and closed positions, a reset status, a placement of merchandise onto the bottom wire 104, or removal of merchandise from the bottom wire 104.
  • the addition or removal of an item from the bottom wire 104 may be accompanied by a specific sound or pattern of beeps from the audio emitter 216, or a unique pattern of flashing lights from the light indicator 224.
  • the write RFID card After attaching the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 to a wall or retail display case, the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller 220.
  • the emitter 216 will issue a series of beeps or light indicator 224 will flash in a particular patter to indicate that the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is ready for operation.
  • the items when items are to be added to the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 and the hanger 206 is in the closed position; the items may be loaded onto the bottom wire 104 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 by placing an operator RFID card in proximity to the controller 220 causing the hanger 206 to move to the open position. As indicated above, these movements, and any other movements of the hanger 206 described below, may be accompanied by unique sound patterns from the emitter 216 or flashing light patterns from the light indicator 224. When loading of the items is completed, the operator RFID card is again placed in proximity to the controller 220 causing the hanger 206 to move to the closed position. In particular embodiments, the hanger 206 will remain in the open position while loading items onto the bottom wire 104. However, the controller 220 may be programmed to cause the hanger 206 to automatically move to the closed position if no loading occurs for a threshold period of time.
  • the items when items are to be removed from the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 and the hanger 206 is in the closed position; the items may be removed from the bottom wire 104 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 by placing an operator RFID card in proximity to the controller 220 causing the hanger 206 to move to the open position.
  • the operator RFID card is again placed in proximity to the controller 220 causing the hanger 206 to move to the closed position.
  • the hanger 206 will remain in the open position during removal of the items from the bottom wire 104.
  • the controller 220 may be programmed to cause the hanger 206 to automatically move to the closed position if no items are removed for a threshold period of time. Additionally, the controller 220 may be programmed to issue an alarm if too many items are removed within a predetermined period of time.
  • the write RFID card used to initialize operation of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100, may also be used to enable or disable use of an operator RFID card.
  • one or more operator RFID cards may be linked to an anti-theft merchandise hook 100 when the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller 220 until the audio emitter 216 or light indicator 224 shows a first unique pattern indicating that an operator RFID card is ready to be enabled, or a second unique pattern, different from the first, indicating that an operator RFID card is ready to be disabled or erased from the system, i.e., the memory of the controller 220.
  • the operator RFID card is recognized by the controller 220, and can be used to open or close the hanger 206 of the anti-theft merchandise hook 100.
  • a disabled operator RFID card is no longer recognized by the controller 220, and therefore cannot be used to open or close the hanger 206.
  • the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 may further include a reset button 218 which resets the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 when depressed for a threshold period of time. In reset mode, the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is not ready for operation, and must be initialized using the write RFID card. When the anti-theft merchandise hook 100 is reset, the audio emitter 216 or light indicator 224 may provide a unique pattern of sounds or flashing lights to indicate the reset status.

Landscapes

  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken (200) mit:
    einem oberen Draht (102), der an einem ersten Ende des oberen Drahts mit einem Gehäuse (108) verbunden ist, und an einem zweiten, dem ersten Ende gegenüberliegenden Ende des oberen Drahts mit einem Montageabschnitt, der dazu verwendet wird, den Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken an einer stationären Fläche anzubringen;
    einem unteren Draht (104), der an dem Montageabschnitt befestigt ist und sich von dem Montageabschnitt in Richtung des Gehäuses erstreckt, wobei der untere Draht dafür ausgelegt ist, Einzelhandelswaren zu halten;
    einem Aufhänger (206), der zumindest teilweise in dem Gehäuse angeordnet ist, wobei der Aufhänger dafür ausgelegt ist, sich linear zwischen einer geschlossenen Stellung, in der der Aufhänger an dem unteren Draht anliegt, und einer offenen Stellung, in der sich der Aufhänger in einigem Abstand von dem unteren Draht befindet, zu bewegen; und
    einem Motor (202), der dafür ausgelegt ist, eine drehbare Welle anzutreiben, um den Aufhänger zwischen der geschlossenen Stellung und der offenen Stellung zu bewegen;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er weiterhin einen schwenkbaren Riegel (214) aufweist, der sich von dem Gehäuse zu einem Ende des unteren Drahts erstreckt, wobei der schwenkbare Riegel so ausgelegt ist, dass er verhindert, dass sich Waren versehentlich von dem unteren Draht lösen,
    wobei der schwenkbare Riegel insbesondere federvorgespannt ist, so dass ein Ende des schwenkbaren Riegels das Ende des unteren Drahts berührt.
  2. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach Anspruch 1, bei dem der Aufhänger eine daran angebrachte Positionierführung mit einer Gewindeöffnung beinhaltet, die so ausgelegt ist, dass sie eine drehbare Gewindewelle aufnehmen kann.
  3. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach Anspruch 2, bei dem sich die Positionierführung quer von einer Außenfläche des Aufhängers erstreckt.
  4. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach Anspruch 2, bei dem eine Drehung der Welle in einer ersten Drehrichtung bewirkt, dass sich die Positionierführung linear entlang der drehbaren Welle in einer ersten linearen Richtung bewegt, und eine Drehung der Welle in einer zweiten Drehrichtung, die der ersten Drehrichtung entgegengesetzt ist, bewirkt, dass sich die Positionierführung linear entlang der drehbaren Welle in einer zweiten linearen Richtung bewegt, die der ersten linearen Richtung entgegengesetzt ist.
  5. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Motor und die drehbare Welle in dem Gehäuse angeordnet sind.
  6. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Aufhänger zylindrisch ist
    und/oder
    bei dem der Aufhänger einen Schlitz aufweist, der sich in Längsrichtung entlang einer Länge des Aufhängers erstreckt, und bei dem sich ein an dem Gehäuse befestigter Führungsstift durch den Schlitz erstreckt.
  7. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Motor ein Schrittmotor ist
    und/oder
    bei dem der Motor batteriebetrieben ist.
  8. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Bewegung des Aufhängers zwischen der geschlossenen Stellung und der offenen Stellung linear entlang einer Längsachse des Aufhängers ist.
  9. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, welcher weiterhin eine Steuereinrichtung mit einem RFID-Lesegerät aufweist, wobei die Steuereinrichtung in dem Gehäuse angeordnet ist,
    insbesondere mit wenigstens einem der folgenden Merkmale:
    - wobei insbesondere die Steuereinrichtung so ausgelegt ist, dass sie den Motor betätigt, wenn eine Bediener-RFID-Karte in der Nähe der Steuereinrichtung platziert wird;
    und/oder
    - wobei die Steuereinrichtung insbesondere den Aufhänger von der geschlossenen Stellung in die offene Stellung, oder von der offenen Stellung in die geschlossene Stellung, bewegt, wenn die Bediener-RFID-Karte in der Nähe der Steuereinrichtung platziert wird;
    und/oder
    - wobei insbesondere die Steuereinrichtung so ausgelegt ist, dass sie eine oder mehrere Bediener-RFID-Karten erkennt, so dass die Steuereinrichtung den Motor nur dann betätigt, wenn eine oder mehrere spezifische Bediener-RFID-Karten in der Nähe der Steuereinrichtung platziert werden.
  10. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach Anspruch 9, bei dem die Steuereinrichtung so ausgelegt ist, dass sie den Betrieb des Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhakens initialisiert, wenn eine Schreib-RFID-Karte in der Nähe der Steuereinrichtung platziert wird.
  11. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, bei dem die Steuereinrichtung so ausgelegt ist, dass sie eine Bediener-RFID-Karte aktiviert oder deaktiviert, wenn die Schreib-RFID-Karte in der Nähe der Steuereinrichtung für eine vorbestimmte Zeitdauer platziert wird.
  12. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, welcher weiterhin einen Reset-Knopf aufweist, der den Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken zurücksetzt, wenn er für einen Schwellenzeitraum gedrückt wird.
  13. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach einem beliebigen der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, welcher weiterhin einen Audioemitter und/oder eine Lichtanzeige aufweist, wobei die Steuereinrichtung den Audioemitter und/oder die Lichtanzeige betätigt, um einen Status des Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhakens anzuzeigen.
  14. Anti-Diebstahl-Warenhaken nach Anspruch 13, bei dem der Audioemitter oder die Lichtanzeige verwendet wird, um zumindest einen der folgenden Zustände anzuzeigen: ein Batterieladezustand, eine Bewegung des Aufhängers zwischen den offenen und geschlossenen Stellungen, ein Reset-Status, eine Platzierung von Waren auf dem unteren Draht, oder eine Entfernung von Waren von dem unteren Draht.
EP23182098.6A 2022-06-30 2023-06-28 Diebstahlsicherer warenhaken Active EP4298959B1 (de)

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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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US17/855,359 US11643850B2 (en) 2020-12-09 2022-06-30 Anti-theft merchandise hook

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105378195B (zh) * 2013-07-12 2018-04-17 Invue安全产品公司 用于与电子钥匙一起使用的商品安全装置
NL2022751B1 (nl) * 2019-03-15 2020-11-26 Top Vision Group Montuurbeveiliginginrichting en werkwijze
US11680427B2 (en) * 2020-12-09 2023-06-20 Fasteners For Retail, Inc. Anti-theft merchandise hook

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