JP7249045B2 - holder assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to holder assemblies for use with merchandise displayed at the point of sale.

Holder assemblies for hanging items displayed at points of sale are well known. Generally, such a holder assembly includes at least one elongated retention member (e.g., wire or hook) from which items (such as blister packs) are suspended and arranged in a back-to-back row of items. . A suspended item may be slid along the at least one elongated retaining member to a removal position at the end of the at least one elongated retaining member, in which position the at least one elongated An item may be removed from the retaining member. Typically, the holder assembly is used to display relatively expensive items such as razors and cosmetics at the point of sale. These products should be easily removable from this holder assembly by a potential purchaser. Additionally, replenishing the holder assembly with new merchandise should be reasonably easy.

In practice, however, holder assemblies with at least one elongated retaining member are highly susceptible to shoplifting, as many valuable items can be easily removed from the holder assembly at the same time. Accordingly, in applicant's US Pat. No. 7,768,399, a holder assembly is proposed that automatically determines the frequency with which items are removed from a holding member. If the determined take-out frequency exceeds a threshold, it is usually An alarm signal is automatically emitted indicating that a shoplifter has grabbed some items from the holder assembly. Thus, in the case of illicit removal, it is common for a large number of items to be removed from the holder assembly within a short period of time.

In the solutions proposed in the prior art, the detection electronics that determine the frequency of removal usually require that the goods to be removed must pass through each barrier element in said at least one elongated holding member for goods, The displacement of the barrier elements arranged so that these elements must be displaced is measured. Examples of such barrier elements of US Pat. Arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,768,399

Although holder assemblies having barrier elements in the elongated retaining members from which merchandise is suspended provide effective protection against shoplifting, such holder assemblies may not be preferred under certain circumstances. For example, certain stores may desire a holder assembly with a single wire as an elongated retention member from which merchandise may be hung, and certain packaging may require such a holder assembly. Additionally, in certain countries, items (such as blister packs) that are hung in the holder assembly have only a single circular hole for hanging each item on a single wire. Combining such a single wire with a moveable barrier element to detect the pick-up frequency can be quite complex and add to the cost of the holder assembly. Furthermore, consumers find the holder assembly unacceptable if product removal is perceived as too complicated. In addition, product replenishment can be made more difficult by complex mechanical structures with barrier elements whose displacements are measured to determine product retrieval frequency.

1. A holder assembly for suspending merchandise displayed at a point of sale, comprising: (a) at least one elongated retention member from which the merchandise is suspended, the suspended merchandise being attached to the at least one elongated retention member; Retrieving an item from said at least one elongated retaining member arranged in a back-and-forth row of items such that it can be slid along the retaining member to a retrieval position at the end of said at least one elongated retaining member. and (b) a carrier to which said at least one elongated retaining member is attached and provided with an electronic sensing element. In the proposed holder assembly, the at least one elongated retaining member is displaceable between a first position and a second position, and the at least one elongated retaining member engages the at least one elongated retaining member. It is configured to be displaced from the first position to the second position to allow removal of at least one frontmost item in a row of items arranged in a suspended state. The electronic sensing element is configured to detect displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position to emit at least one signal. Thus, in this solution the elongate holding member itself is displaceable in order to allow removal of at least one product from the at least one holding member. A corresponding displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member may be electronically detected by one or more electronic sensing elements on the carrier of the holder assembly. At least one signal is emitted based on the detected displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member, the at least one signal e.g. ) indicates fetch. The at least one signal may visually and/or audibly indicate removal of an item (such as removal of a blister pack) from the at least one elongated retaining member.

In one embodiment, said at least one elongated retaining member is (a) displaced (especially pushed) perpendicular to the direction in which an item is slidable in said at least one elongated retaining member; or (b) pivoted about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to said direction in which the item is slidable in said at least one elongated retaining member. Thereby, said at least one elongated member may be (a) linearly displaced along a displacement axis extending perpendicularly to said direction in which goods are slidable in said at least one elongated retaining member; or (b) may be pivoted near or at the carrier about a pivot axis extending transversely to the direction in which the item is slidable in the at least one elongated retaining member. Accordingly, to remove an item from the at least one elongated retaining member, the item is slidable along the direction in which the at least one elongated retaining member extends. Thus, said at least one elongated retaining member may for example be displaceable downwards from said first position to said second position. In this embodiment, items are suspended to determine potential removal of items and to prevent inadvertent removal of items from the at least one elongated retaining member of the holder assembly. The at least one elongated retaining member as a whole may for example be pushed downwards (and relative to the carrier of the holder assembly) or the free end of the at least one elongated retaining member may be pivoted downwards.

In one embodiment, said at least one elongated retaining member removes at least one item from said at least one elongated retaining member after being manually pushed or pulled from said first position to said second position by a user. configured to be removable. In such embodiments, the user may move the at least one elongated retaining member, from which the item is suspended, to the second position to enable removal of the item from the at least one elongated retaining member. You may actively push or pull on it. For example, the holder assembly may be provided with a barrier element relative to which the at least one elongated retaining member is displaced to its second position such that the at least one elongated retaining member It moves relative to the barrier element into a position where the item can be slid over said barrier element. On the other hand, in said first position of said at least one elongated retaining member, goods cannot pass said barrier element. In the first position of the at least one elongated retaining member, the barrier element impedes removal of items.

In one embodiment, said at least one elongated retaining member is displaced from said first position to said second position when at least one item slides to said end of said at least one elongated retaining member. is configured to The holder assembly then has a mechanism for moving the at least one elongated retaining member from its first position to a second position when the at least one item is slid to the end of the at least one elongated retaining member for retrieval. Structures are provided for automatically displacing into position. In such embodiments, the user also actively pushes the at least one elongated retaining member to the first position prior to exerting force on the item to cause the item to slide along the at least one elongated retaining member. It may be manually pushed or pulled from one position to said second position. However, this is not required. The user need only slide the at least one item to be retrieved along said at least one elongated retaining member, and slide it to the end of said at least one elongated retaining member, thereby moving said at least one elongated retaining member. The member automatically displaces from its first position to its second position. The holder assembly is then applied, for example, to an item suspended on the at least one elongated retaining member for at least sliding the item onto the end of the at least one elongated retaining member. a displacement element that partially converts the force into a displacement force acting on the at least one elongated retaining member to displace (e.g., push) the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position. good too. Thereby, said at least one elongated retaining member may be displaceable together with said displacement element.

Generally, the displacement element may be mounted on a holder portion spaced from the at least one elongated retaining member in the holder assembly so that when an item is slid towards the end of the at least one elongated retaining member, the Goods are moved beyond this holder part. The holder part may, for example, comprise an upper wire extending parallel to a portion of the at least one elongated retaining member.

In one embodiment, said displacement element comprises a tag configured to display information (such as price) about said item arranged on said at least one elongated retaining member.

In one embodiment, said displacement element is configured to push said at least one elongated retention member from said first position to said second position. This displacement element does not necessarily have to be movable. In one embodiment, an immovable displacement element with an inclined contact surface is proposed. Goods suspended on said at least one elongated holding member and moved to the end of said at least one elongated holding member for removal slide along said inclined contact surface to clear said displacement element. Movement should push the at least one elongated retaining member to its second position. The displacement element also has an inclined contact surface which causes the at least one elongated retaining member to move from the first position to the second position when the at least one item is moved to the end of the at least one elongated retaining member. It is configured to push to two positions.

In an alternative embodiment, said displacement element configured to push said at least one elongated retaining member from said first position to said second position is movably mounted to said holder assembly. In this embodiment, the displacement element is displaced to partially convert a force exerted on the item to be removed into a displacement force displacing the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position. is configured as follows. For example, the displacement element may be pivotally mounted to a holder portion of the holder assembly, the holder portion being spaced apart from the at least one elongated retaining member to allow an item to reach the end of the at least one elongated retaining member. When slid, the item is moved beyond the holder part. Such a displacement element thus pivots when an item to be removed from said at least one elongated retaining member is slid to the end of said at least one elongated retaining member to enable removal of the item. is configured as Thereby, said displacement element is positioned relative to said at least one elongated retaining member by said at least one elongated retaining member being displaced to its second position in which displacement is detected using said electronic sensing element. Apply a displacement force.

In one embodiment, a displacement element pivotally mounted on the holder part extends towards said at least one elongated retaining member and displaces an item towards said end of said at least one elongated retaining member. and a lobe portion extending into an adjustment path to be adjusted. An item of merchandise suspended on said at least one elongated retaining member and moved towards the end of said at least one elongated retaining member should be in contact with said lobe, thereby displacing said displacement element. After pivoting, the item can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member. The product acting on the lobe exerts a force on the lobe due to the displacement element being pivoted. Upon such pivoting movement of the displacement element, the lobe portion acts on the at least one elongated retaining member to push the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position. . The lobe portion may be rigidly connected or integrated with a bearing or hinge portion of the displacement element, and the displacement element is rotatably mounted via the bearing or hinge portion.

When the displacement element is rotated, the lobe portion
(1) from a position blocking the lobe portion from reaching the adjustment path of an item being moved toward the end of the at least one elongated retaining member;
- (2) said lobe portion displaces said at least one elongated retaining member by increasing the distance from said at least one elongated retaining member to said holder portion to which said displacement element is pivotally mounted; through an extrusion position that pushes to the second position;
(3) to a removal position where the item can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member and the lobe portion does not push the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position;
It may be displaceable. Accordingly, the holder assembly of this embodiment transitions from the blocking position of the present invention to the pushing position when an item moved along the at least one elongated retaining member is slid from the at least one elongated retaining member. a displacement element having a lobe portion configured to be moved to an ejection position through a displacement element; This inevitably brings the product into contact with the lobe in its blocking position. Upon continued sliding of the item, the displacement element is pivoted to push the lobe portion to the pushed position, where the lobe portion acts on the at least one elongated retaining member to push it to its second position. move. When the item is further slid over the end of the at least one elongated retaining member, the lobe portion prevents the lobe portion from pushing the at least one elongated retaining member to its second position, and the at least one It reaches a take-out position that does not prevent the goods from being taken out from the two elongated holding members.

As already mentioned above, the displacement element may be immovable (in particular rigidly fixed to the carrier of the holder assembly) and may be provided with an inclined contact surface. In one embodiment, such a displacement element may have a wedge-shaped (displacement) body.

In one embodiment, when no external force is applied to the item suspended on said at least one elongated retaining member and/or directly to said at least one elongated retaining member, said at least one The elongated retention member is biased to said first position by at least one spring element. The at least one elongated retaining member is automatically positioned in its first position by the at least one spring element. The at least one spring element may be supported on the carrier. Such spring elements may be housed in the housing of the carrier. In one embodiment, said at least one spring element comprises a pressure spring.

At least one stop element may be provided on the carrier to prevent the at least one retaining member from moving beyond the first position due to the spring force exerted by the at least one spring element. A portion of said at least one elongated retaining member or said at least one portion of said at least one elongated retaining member is then arranged such that said stop element in said first position prevents spring-induced movement of said at least one elongated retaining member from said second position. A portion connected to one elongated retaining member may be urged or pulled against said at least one stop element by said at least one spring element.

In one embodiment, said at least one elongated retaining member is fixed to a trigger element in said carrier, said trigger element being displaceable with respect to said (at least one) electronic detection element of said holder assembly. . Thereby, displacement of said at least one elongated retaining member causes a corresponding displacement of said trigger element, likewise displacement of said triggering element causes displacement of said at least one elongated retaining member fixed to said triggering element. produce a corresponding movement.

The electronic sensing element in one embodiment comprises at least one of a microswitch and a reed switch (or reed relay). The holder assembly may be configured to activate the microswitch or reed switch when the at least one elongated retaining member is displaced from its first position to its second position. In the second position, a trigger element secured to the at least one elongated retaining member acts on the microswitch to electronically detect displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position. You may make it possible. In other embodiments, a magnet may provide a magnetic field that opens and closes the contacts of the reed switch depending on the position of the at least one elongated retaining member. For example, the holder assembly may be configured such that the contacts of the reed switch are normally closed and the at least one elongated retaining member is in its first position and open when a magnetic field is present. It is possible. When the at least one elongated retaining member is displaced to its second position, the distance from the magnet to the reed switch increases and the contacts return to their normally closed position to produce an electrical signal. This electrical signal is thus a signal indicating that said at least one elongated retaining member has been displaced to its second position.

In one embodiment, the holder assembly comprises electronics for determining at least one of the frequency at which items are removed from the at least one elongated retaining member and the amount of time the at least one elongated retaining member is in the second position. said at least one signal (which may indicate that at least one item has been (potentially) retrieved from said at least one elongated retaining member) indicates that at least one of said retrieval frequency and said time has exceeded a corresponding threshold; May be sent accordingly. For example, detecting that the at least one elongated retaining member has been displaced to the second position multiple times in a relatively short period of time (eg, three times in five seconds or more than seven times in thirty seconds). or if it detects that said at least one elongated retaining member has been in said second position for more than 3, 5 or 10 seconds, a possible illicit removal of goods by a shoplifter has occurred. A signal may be generated and emitted by the holder assembly to indicate that there is a susceptibility. In another embodiment, a signal is emitted continuously after a predetermined time period when the at least one elongated retention member has been in and is held in the second position for a threshold length of time. be done. In one embodiment, at least two different signals are emitted depending on the time the at least one elongated retention member is in the second position. For example, the holder assembly is maintained in the second position after the at least one elongated holder assembly has been held in the second position for more than a first threshold of 2 seconds after which the first signal is emitted. , may be configured to emit the first signal every 2 or 3 seconds. A first signal is emitted multiple times (e.g., a signal is emitted two or three times), and the at least one elongated member is in the second position for a period of time that also exceeds a second threshold (e.g., 6 seconds). , a second signal is emitted. The first signal may be a weak beep and the second signal may be an alarm signal. Such a warning signal may be an acoustic signal that is much louder than said first signal. The second signal may also be a visual warning and/or radio signal transmitted to a receiver to alert a remote user of a potential shoplifter.

The holder assembly provides an audible and optical signal indicating that at least one item has been removed from the at least one elongated retaining member based on the at least one elongated retaining member being displaced to the second position. may comprise electronics for transmitting at least one of In this case, an acoustic signal and/or an optical signal may be emitted each time said at least one elongated retaining member is displaced to said second position. In the case of acoustic signals, the frequency of retrieval may be determined by an acoustic receiver that determines the frequency of retrieval based on receipt of the emitted acoustic signal. Additionally or alternatively, acoustic and/or optical signals may be emitted as warning signals to indicate potential illegal removal. The alert signal may be generated when it is determined by the electronics that the retrieval frequency or time that the at least one elongated retaining member is in the second position exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment, said holder assembly comprises at least two elongated retaining members. The holder assembly comprising two or more elongated retaining members may comprise a single carrier to which are mounted respective elongated retaining members displaceable between first and second positions. Displacement of each elongated retaining member or group of one or more elongated retaining members is detected by one or more electronic sensing elements of any elongated retaining member or any group of said elongated retaining members of said holder assembly. may be detected separately so as to indicate if the has been displaced. In an alternative embodiment, a single electronic sensing element is provided on said carrier, said single electronic sensing element being configured to detect displacement of at least one elongated retaining member of said elongated retaining members. It is Thereby, the electronic sensing element is activated when any of the representative holding members in the holder assembly is displaced.

The holder assembly may constitute a module comprising one or more of the elongated retaining members and integrated electronics for electronically detecting removal of items from the one or more of the elongated retaining members. Carriers of such modules may include fastening structures for fastening the entire module with one or more elongated retention members to a point-of-sale display arrangement (eg, fastening said module to a display rack of the present invention).

In one embodiment of a holder assembly comprising at least two elongated retaining members, said holder assembly may comprise one trigger element on said carrier to which at least two elongated retaining members are secured. Thereby, the trigger element displaceable relative to the electron sensing element may act on the electron sensing element by being fixed to the at least one elongated retaining member. Said trigger element may comprise a trigger beam to which at least two elongated retaining members are secured. The elongated retaining members may be equidistantly spaced on such a trigger beam (in particular at fixed positions defined on the trigger beam). Such a fixed position may be defined by a receptacle (eg, in the form of a locking slot) into which a portion of the elongated retention member is inserted.

The above and other advantages of the present solution will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

The holder assembly of the first embodiment comprising a number of elongated retaining members for hanging items, each elongated retaining member electronically indicating removal of an item from any of the elongated retaining members. FIG. 10 illustrates a holder assembly displaceable between first and second positions for sensing; Fig. 3 shows the holder assembly of the same first embodiment when viewed from different viewpoints; FIG. 5 is a view showing the holder assembly of the same first embodiment when viewed from a different viewpoint; FIG. 5 is a view showing the holder assembly of the same first embodiment when viewed from a different viewpoint; FIG. 5 is a view showing the holder assembly of the same first embodiment when viewed from a different viewpoint; FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of a holder assembly in which each elongated retaining member is associated with a pivotable displacement element comprising displacement lobes for automatically displacing the elongated retaining member; It is another figure which shows the holder assembly of the said 2nd embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the second embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the second embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the second embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the second embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the second embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of a holder assembly in which each elongated retaining member is associated with a separate immovable displacement element comprising a wedge-shaped displacement body; A wedge-shaped displacement body provides an angled contact surface on which an item to be removed from the elongated retaining member must slide. Thereby, the at least one elongate holding member is displaced downwards to its second position such that the goods suspended on the at least one elongate holding member can pass over the wedge-shaped displacement body of this displacement element. , a displacement force is applied to the at least one elongated retaining member. It is another figure which shows the holder assembly of the same 3rd embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the third embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the third embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the third embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of a holder assembly comprising a single holder device and a reed switch (or reed relay) for detecting removal of an item from an elongated retaining member of the holder device; is. It is another figure which shows the holder assembly of the same 4th embodiment. It is still another view showing the holder assembly of the fourth embodiment.

1A to 3 show a first embodiment of a holder assembly H comprising a carrier 2 having a carrier housing 20 on which several holder devices 1 are mounted. Each holder device 1 comprises one elongated holding member, consisting of a bottom wire 1B, from which the goods to be displayed at the point of sale can be hung and arranged in rows one behind the other. A product suspended on the bottom wire 1B can be slid along the bottom wire 1B to a removal position at the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B where the product can be removed from the bottom wire 1B. Above the bottom wire 1B, a holder part made up of the top wire 1A is provided. The top wire 1A is spaced from the bottom wire 1B and has a tag 5 at the end protruding from the carrier 2. FIG. The tag 5 comprises a front surface 5A capable of displaying information about the goods to be hung on the bottom wire 1B. The bottom edge of the tag 5 is provided with a wire opening 50 through which the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B extends.

The upper wire 1A of each holder device 1 is fixedly connected to the carrier housing 20 via the fastening portion 12A. A fastening portion 12A is provided at the end of the upper wire 1A remote from the tag 5 and is formed by two parallel wire roots. The fastening portion 12A is fixed to the carrier beam 22 of the carrier housing 20. As shown in FIG. The holder devices 1 are fixed to the carrier beam 22 such that the holder devices 1 are equidistantly spaced apart and the top and bottom wires 1A, 1B run parallel. Also integrated in the carrier housing 20 are at least two hook-like fastening elements 21 for fastening the holder assembly H to a point-of-sale display arrangement. By means of fastening elements 21 the carrier 2 and thus the complete holder module provided by the holder assembly H may be hung on such a display arrangement.

The top wire 1A of each holder device 1 is rigidly fixed to the carrier 2, while each bottom wire 1B is attached displaceably relative to the top wire 1A. Thus, each bottom wire 1B may be displaced downward from the first position shown in FIGS. 1A-3 to a second position where the distance between the top wire 1A and the bottom wire 1B increases. A displaceable bottom wire 1 B is fixed to a trigger element consisting of an elongated trigger bar 3 . The trigger bar 3 is arranged perpendicular to the holder device 1 and parallel to the carrier beam 22 . Along its extension, the trigger bar 3 comprises several equally spaced, slot-like connection receptacles 31 for attaching the wire ends 10B of the bottom wire 1B to the trigger bar 3 . A wire end portion 10B of each bottom wire 1B is bent and extended from a straight wire portion 11B of each bottom wire 1B on which a product is placed. Each wire end portion 10B is inserted into a connection receiving portion 31 on the upper surface 30 of the trigger bar 3. As shown in FIG. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A to 3 the trigger bar 3 is provided with a greater number of coupling receptacles 31 and the holder device 1 is attached to the carrier 2 . That is, only every other connecting housing portion 31 in the trigger bar 3 is occupied. Different coupling housings 31 on the trigger bar 3 allow different numbers of holder devices 1 to be arranged on the carrier 2 and to assemble the holder assemblies H in different configurations. For example, the same trigger bar 3 may be provided in a holder assembly having a smaller number (eg, three) of holder devices 1 than the holder assembly H of FIGS. 1A-3.

The trigger bar 3 is arranged parallel to the carrier beam 22 to which the upper wires 1A of the different holder devices 1 are fixed. By means of some spring elements consisting of pressure springs 4, the trigger bar 3 is biased (upwards) towards the straight wire portion 11A of the upper wire 1A having the tag 5 at its end. . In order to limit the displacement of the trigger bar 3 and thus of the bottom wire 1B fixed to the trigger bar 3, each holder device 1 is provided with a stop element 10A. These stop elements 10A are arranged so that the trigger bar 3 is positioned in its first position with the bottom wire 1B of each holder device 1 at a predetermined distance to the associated top wire 1A, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 3. Prevents upward movement beyond the designated position.

In order to remove the item from the bottom wire 1B of the holder device 1 (i.e. from the wire portion 11B of the bottom wire 1B), the bottom portion of the bottom wire 1B can move the item past the tag 5 at the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B. Wire 1B needs to be pushed or pulled downwards. To displace the bottom wire 1B in this manner, the consumer/user may pull downward on the item suspended on the bottom wire 1B, or the consumer/user may pull the upper surface of the trigger bar 3 A pressing force may be applied to 30 . Either way, the trigger bar 3 is displaced together with the bottom wire 1B to the second position to allow removal of the product from the bottom wire 1B.

By means of a pressure spring 4 acting on the trigger bar 3, the bottom wire 1B of the holder 1 allows the user/consumer (via an item suspended on the bottom wire 1B) to press the bottom wire 1B and/or the trigger bar 3. By pushing or pulling downwards (and/or by applying force directly to the bottom wire 1B and/or the trigger bar 3), the product is ejected and a manual force is applied to the bottom wire 1B or the trigger bar 3. When it is no longer applied, it is automatically pushed back to its first position.

In its second position, the trigger bar 3, as shown in cross-section in FIG. activate. This microswitch 6 is connected to the electronics 8 of the holder assembly H via a connecting lead 72 . By activating the microswitch 6, it is possible to electronically detect that the bottom wire 1B has been displaced downwards to its second position. By electronically detecting that the bottom wire 1B is thus displaced to the second position, it is determined that at least one product is about to be removed from the bottom wire 1B or has already been removed. is possible. To remove the product from the bottom wire 1B, in addition to sliding the product along the wire portion 11B to the free end 110B in the removal direction R1, the bottom wire 1B and the trigger are displaced in a displacement direction R2 perpendicular to the removal direction R1. It is necessary to push or pull the bar 3 downwards (see Figure 3), which will inevitably activate the microswitch 6, thus ensuring that at least one item has been removed from the bottom wire 1B. can be detected electronically.

In addition, the bottom wire 1B is designed so that it can turn around a turning axis S provided at the connecting portion between the bottom and top wires 1A and 1B, although the bottom wire 1B as a whole cannot be displaced linearly downward. , can be firmly fixed to the upper wire 1A. At this time, the free end 110B may be pivoted downward as the item is removed. The pivoting action of the bottom wire 1B also exerts a downward force on the trigger bar 3 to actuate the microswitch 6. FIG. A rigid connection between the bottom wire 1B and the top wire 1A, thus the pivot axis S may be provided at the end of the bottom wire 1B in the vicinity of the carrier 2. FIG. For example, the strong connection is provided by welding (particularly by spot welding) the wire portion 10B of the bottom wire 1B and the protruding element 10A of the top wire. The element 10A does not form a stop element, but a connecting element for the two wires 1A, 1B. Due to the inherent flexibility of the (single) bottom wire 1B, in this case too, the bottom wire 1B is positioned on the top wire 1A about the pivot axis S defined in the area of the element 10A of the top wire 1A. may be displaced to the second position. Further, the pivoting action about the pivoting axis S causes the trigger bar 3 to be displaced downward, thereby actuating the microswitch 6 .

Electronic device 8, which is secured to carrier housing 20 by a fastening structure 80 (e.g., bolts or screws and nuts, etc.), is further adapted to emit at least one signal based on one or more actuations of microswitch 6. It is configured. The signal may be an acoustic signal or an optical signal. At least one signal may, for example, be emitted each time the bottom wire 1B is displaced to its second position. For example, each time the bottom wire 1B is displaced to its second position, an acoustic signal is emitted to indicate that at least one item has (potentially) been removed from the bottom wire 1B. Such acoustic signals may be received by the receiver 9 shown in FIG. 1A. In order to detect acoustic signals, the receiver 9 may be equipped with a microphone. The receiving part 9 further comprises evaluation logic for determining the number of acoustic signals received from the holder assembly H within a given time. Thereby, the receiver 9 may determine the frequency of the received acoustic signals and make a comparison against a signal threshold. This signal threshold corresponds to the removal frequency threshold for removing items from the holder assembly H. FIG. If the determined frequency of the detected acoustic signal (and therefore the frequency of removal) exceeds the signal threshold, it is assumed that the goods are being illegally removed by a shoplifter, and an alarm device D connected to the receiver 9. A warning signal is emitted by the In an alternative embodiment, the signal received by the receiving device is a non-audible signal and is transmitted wirelessly (ie, as a radio wave signal). Said electronics of the holder assembly H may thus be arranged to transmit radio frequencies to inform the receiver 9 that the bottom wire 1B has been displaced to its second position. Wireless communication between the holder assembly H and the receiver 9 may be based on a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), IEEE 802.11, or LTE (registered trademark). The receiver 9 is arranged to receive radio frequencies and, as described above, generate an alarm signal if the received signal over a period of time exceeds a threshold.

Alternatively or in addition to the above-described alarming arrangement, the electronic device 8 itself may be configured to indicate how often the bottom wire 1B is displaced to its second position and how long the bottom wire 1B is held in the displaced second position. Evaluation logic may be included for determining at least one of If the electronic device 8 determines that the determined frequency or the measured time exceeds a threshold (frequency or time), the electronic device 8 in the holder assembly H provides an audible alarm signal and/or visual An alarm signal is generated and emitted. To this end, the electronic device 8 may comprise at least one of a speaker and a lamp or diode (particularly an LED).

A second embodiment of the holder assembly H is shown in FIGS. 4A-8B. In contrast to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1A-3, the holder assembly H of FIGS. 4A-8 displaces each bottom wire 1B to its second position when an item is removed from the bottom wire 1B. It comprises several holder devices 1 with displaceable tags 5 each acting as a displaceable element for the movement.

The tag 5 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-8B is hinged to a lateral journal 110A provided at the end of the upper wire 1A of the holder device 1. FIG. Attached to these journals 110A is the hinge portion 51 of the tag 5 such that the journals 110A define a pivot axis such that the tag 5 can move, for example, from the blocked position shown in FIGS. , to the ejection position shown in FIG. 8B. A hinge portion 51 of the tag 5 connects a front tag portion having a front surface 5A and a rear lobe portion 52 extending toward the bottom wire 1B.

In the first position of the bottom wire 1B, the tag 5 with the lobe portion 52 is placed in an adjustment path that requires the product to slide along the bottom wire 1B towards the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B. 52 reaches the blocking position. When a product (such as a blister pack) suspended on the bottom wire 1B is removed from the bottom wire 1B and thus pushed or pulled in the removal direction R1 towards the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B, (the bottom wire The upper portion of the item (provided with the opening through which 1B extends) must be in contact with the lobe portion 52 of the tag 5 . As the item is slid further toward the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B, the item exerts force on the lobe portion 52 toward the free end 110B. This force causes the tag 5 to rotate around the rotation axis of the journal portion 110A of the bottom wire 1B. By pivoting the tag 5, the lobe portion 52 (with its edge facing the wire portion 11B of the bottom wire 1B) is pressed against the bottom wire 1B and moved to the ejected position. In this pushed position, when the tag 5 rotates further in the clockwise direction along the rotation direction R3, the lobe portion 52 acts on the bottom wire 1B to push the bottom wire 1B downwards to its second position (Fig. 6). Therefore, the force exerted on the item suspended on the bottom wire 1B to cause the item to slide onto the end 110B of the bottom wire 1B is caused by the tag 5 hinged to the lobe portion 52 from the first position. It is partially converted into a displacement force applied to the bottom wire 1B to displace the bottom wire 1B to said second position. The displacement of the bottom wire 1B provided by the lobe portion 52 causes displacement of the trigger bar 3 to which all the bottom wires 1B are attached. Thus, by activating the microswitch 6, the removal of goods can be electronically detected and automatically evaluated, as described above.

When the product to be removed from the bottom wire 1B reaches the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B, the tag 5 will not push the bottom wire 1B to its second position due to the lobe portion 52 not acting on the bottom wire 1B. in release position. Furthermore, the tag 5 also does not interfere with taking out the product from the bottom wire 1B. The spring 4 acting on the trigger bar 3 then pushes the bottom wire 1B back upwards to its first position.

9A to 12 show a third embodiment of the holder assembly H in which each holder device 1 is provided with a non-movable displacement element at the end of each upper wire 1B. Each displacement element comprises a wedge-shaped displacement body 53 and a tag front part with a front face 5A attached to or integral with this wedge-shaped displacement body. The wedge-shaped displacement body 53 tapers towards the bottom wire 1B so that the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B extends through the wedge-shaped displacement body 53 when the bottom wire 1B is in its first position. A wire slot 531 is provided for.

The wedge-shaped displacement body 53 forms a rearwardly inclined contact surface 530 facing the carrier 2 . The goods suspended on the bottom wire 1B have to slide along this inclined contact surface 530 in order to pass the wedge-shaped displacement body 53 . By sliding the product along the inclined contact surface 530 of the wedge-shaped displacement body 53, the product to be picked up is moved downwards. As a result, the product is automatically displaced with respect to the upper wire 1A to which the wedge-shaped displacement body 53 is fixed. Thus, the wedge-shaped displacement body 53 converts the force exerted on the item to move it forward of the bottom wire 1B (towards its free end 110B) at least partially into a force directed downwards. Convert. This inevitably causes downward movement of the product when it contacts the inclined contact surface 530 of the wedge-shaped displacement body 5, for example by pulling the product towards the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B. will be

Due to the connection between the item and the displaceable bottom wire 1B from which the item is suspended, this downward directed force causes a displacement of the bottom wire 1B relative to the top wire 1A. Thus, the bottom wire 1B is necessarily displaced to its second position in order to pass the wedge-shaped displacement body 53 to said goods. This forces movement of the bottom wire 1B and the trigger bar 3 with actuation of the microswitch 6 by removing one or more products from the bottom wire 1B. Therefore, the electronics 8 housed in the carrier housing 20 of the carrier 2 of the holder assembly H (along with the receiver 9 and the alarm device D, as the case may be) can determine the frequency at which items are withdrawn from the bottom wire 1B and the bottom wire It is possible to determine at least one of the time 1B is in a second position from which the product can be removed from the bottom wire 1B over the wedge-shaped displacement body 53, as described above.

It will also be appreciated that the holder assemblies H of FIGS. 1A-3, 4A-8B and 9-12 may include fewer holder devices than shown. In particular, the holder assembly H may be configured with only one holder device 1 . In this case the carrier 2 and in particular its carrier housing 20 can be significantly smaller. The same applies to the trigger bar 3, in which case the trigger bar 3 has a housing 31 to which the bottom wire 1B is fixed or the bottom wire 1B (configured to pivot about a pivot axis S at the rear) is triggered. It is also possible to have only one receptacle 31 that can act on the bar 3 .

13A, 13B and 13C show an embodiment of a holder assembly H comprising a single holder device 1. FIG. The top wire 1A of the holder device 1 has two parallel wire portions and one bottom wire 1B extends under the top wire 1A in the middle of these two wire portions. Both top wire 1A and bottom wire 1B are fixed to the rear end of carrier 2 .

The bottom wire 1B of the holder assembly H of FIGS. 13A-13C is also displaceable with respect to the top wire 1A so that when an item is removed from the bottom wire 1B, the first wire shown in FIGS. position to a second position. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13A-13C, the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B is pivoted at the rear end of the bottom wire 1B to allow removal of goods from the bottom wire 1B at the free end 110B. S may be pivoted downward.

To ensure that only one item at a time is removed from the bottom wire 1B, the wire portion 11B near the free end 110B forms a recess 111B. This recess 111B is V-shaped to prevent more than one item from being moved beyond the recess 111B to the free end 110B.

To electronically detect that the bottom wire 1B has been displaced to its second position, the holder assembly H of FIGS. 13A-13C includes electronic sensing elements including magnet 1100B and reed switch 6R. A magnet 1100B is provided at the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B, and a reed switch 6R is attached to the top wire 1A opposite the free end 110B of the bottom wire 1B. The change in the position of the free end 110B and the corresponding change in the position of the magnet 1100B provided at the free end 110B change the magnetic field applied to the reed switch 6R to generate an electronic signal. For example, the contacts of the reed switch 6 are open when the bottom wire 1B is in its first position, thus when the magnetic field of the magnet 1100B of the bottom wire 1B is present. The distance between the magnet 1100B and the reed switch 6R increases when the bottom wire 1B is pivoted downward by its free end 110B and displaced to its second position in order to remove an item from the bottom wire 1B. This causes the contacts of reed switch 6R to return to their normally closed position to produce an electrical signal when the magnetic field provided by magnet 1100B is no longer present in the vicinity of reed switch 6R. This electrical signal thus indicates that the bottom wire 1B has been displaced to its second position. After the item is removed from the bottom wire 1B, its flexibility causes the bottom wire 1B to return to the first position where the magnet 1100B at the free end 110B is closer to the reed switch 6R of the top wire 18. FIG. Therefore, the contact of the reed switch 6 is returned to the open position again.

A tag fastening portion 15A is provided at the front end of the upper wire 1A to rotatably fix the tag to the holder device 1 of FIGS. 13A to 13C. Thus, the tag fastener 15A in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 13A-13C has lateral journals in which the tag can be clamped.

Electronically detecting that the bottom wire 1B has been displaced to its second position, as described above for the holder assembly H of FIGS. It is clear that it may be implemented with a holder assembly H configured to be closed by a magnet 1100B in the first position of the bottom wire 1B. In this case, these contacts return to their normally open position when bottom wire 1B is displaced with magnet 1100B to the second position. Also, the reed switch 6R may be provided on the bottom wire 1B and the magnet 1100B may be provided on the top wire 1A without departing from the present disclosure. Further, the holder device 1 of FIGS. 13A-13C with reed switch 6R may be provided in the holder assembly H of FIGS. 1A-3, 4A-8B and 9-12. Thus, in a holder assembly, several holder devices 1 as shown in Figures 13A to 13C may be provided and attached to a single carrier.

The description of the above embodiments is for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or configurations of a particular embodiment are not generally limited to that particular embodiment, and are interchangeable where applicable, even if not specifically described or illustrated. Yes, and can be implemented in other embodiments. Identical elements may be varied in more than one way. Such variations are not to be considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.
In addition, this invention includes the following contents as a mode of implementation.
[Aspect 1]
A holder assembly for hanging merchandise displayed at a point of sale, comprising:
- at least one elongated retaining member on which the item is suspended, the suspended item sliding along the at least one elongated retaining member to an ejection position at the end of the at least one elongated retaining member; at least one elongated retaining member arranged in a row of items in back-and-forth motion so that items can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member;
- a carrier to which said at least one elongated retaining member is attached and provided with an electronic sensing element;
said at least one elongated retaining member being displaceable between a first position and a second position;
The at least one elongated retaining member enables removal from the at least one elongated retaining member of at least one frontmost item in a row of items arranged suspended from the at least one elongated retaining member. is configured to be displaced from the first position to the second position,
The holder assembly, wherein the electronic sensing element is configured to detect displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position to emit at least one signal.
[Aspect 2]
A holder assembly according to aspect 1, wherein said at least one elongated retaining member is pivoted about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to a direction in which an item is slidable in said at least one elongated retaining member. holder assembly.
[Aspect 3]
2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one elongated retaining member is removed from the at least one elongated retaining member after the at least one elongated retaining member is manually pushed or pulled from the first position to the second position by a user. A holder assembly configured to allow removal of one item.
[Aspect 4]
2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated retaining member moves from the first position to the second position when at least one item slides to the end of the at least one elongated retaining member. A holder assembly configured to be displaced.
[Aspect 5]
5. The holder assembly of aspect 4, wherein said holder assembly comprises a displacement element associated with said at least one elongated retaining member, said at least so that the force applied to slide the item to the end of one elongated retaining member displaces the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position by the displacement element; A holder assembly partially translated into a displacement force applied to said at least one elongated retaining member.
[Aspect 6]
6. The holder assembly of aspect 5, wherein the displacement element comprises a tag configured to display information about the item disposed on the at least one elongated retaining member.
[Aspect 7]
6. The holder assembly of aspect 5, wherein the displacement element is configured to push the at least one elongated retention member from the first position to the second position.
[Aspect 8]
6. The holder assembly of aspect 5, wherein the displacement element is configured to be displaced to partially convert the force applied to the item into the displacement force.
[Aspect 9]
9. The holder assembly of claim 8, wherein said displacement element is pivotally mounted to a holder portion of said holder assembly, said holder portion being spaced apart from said at least one elongated retaining member and said at least one A holder assembly wherein an item is moved past the holder portion when the item is slid onto the end of the elongated retaining member.
[Aspect 10]
10. The holder assembly of aspect 9, wherein said displacement element extends toward said at least one elongated retaining member and to an adjustment path along which items are moved toward said end of said at least one elongated retaining member. By providing a lobe portion, the item comes into contact with the lobe portion so that the item can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member after pivoting the displacement element; A holder assembly, wherein a lobe portion pushes the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position when the displacement element rotates.
[Aspect 11]
11. The holder assembly according to aspect 10, wherein the lobe portion, when the displacement element is pivoted,
(1) from a position blocking the lobe portion from reaching the adjustment path of an item being moved toward the end of the at least one elongated retaining member;
- (2) said lobe portion displaces said at least one elongated retaining member by increasing the distance from said at least one elongated retaining member to said holder portion to which said displacement element is pivotally mounted; through an extrusion position that pushes to the second position;
(3) to a removal position where the item can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member and the lobe portion does not push the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position;
A holder assembly that is displaceable.
[Aspect 12]
6. The holder assembly according to aspect 5, wherein said displacement element is immovable, comprises an inclined contact surface, and is suspended on said at least one elongated retaining member for removal from said at least one elongated retaining member. An item moved to the end of the member is slid along the slanted contact surface to clear the displacement element thereby pushing the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position. , holder assembly.
[Aspect 13]
6. The holder assembly according to aspect 5, wherein the displacement element has a wedge-shaped body.
[Aspect 14]
The holder assembly of aspect 1, wherein said at least one elongated retaining member is biased to said first position by at least one spring element.
[Aspect 15]
The holder assembly of aspect 1, wherein the at least one elongated retaining member is fixed to a trigger element on the carrier, the trigger element being displaceable relative to the electron sensing element.
[Aspect 16]
The holder assembly of aspect 1, wherein the electronic sensing element comprises at least one of a microswitch and a reed switch.
[Aspect 17]
The holder assembly of aspect 1, wherein the holder assembly determines at least one of a retrieval frequency at which items are retrieved from the at least one elongated retaining member and the amount of time the at least one elongated retaining member is in the second position. A holder assembly with electronics.
[Aspect 18]
Aspect 1. The holder assembly of aspect 1, wherein the holder assembly moves from the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position based on the displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position. A holder assembly comprising electronics for emitting at least one of an acoustic signal and an optical signal indicating that one item has been removed.
[Aspect 19]
The holder assembly of aspect 1, wherein said holder assembly comprises at least two elongated retaining members.
[Aspect 20]
20. The holder assembly of aspect 19, wherein said at least two elongated retaining members are fixed to a trigger element on said carrier, said trigger element being displaceable relative to said electron sensing element. .

Claims (19)

A holder assembly for hanging merchandise displayed at a point of sale, comprising:
- at least one elongated retaining member on which the item is suspended, the suspended item sliding along the at least one elongated retaining member to an ejection position at the end of the at least one elongated retaining member; at least one elongated retaining member arranged in a row of items in back-and-forth motion so that items can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member;
- a carrier to which said at least one elongated retaining member is attached and provided with an electronic sensing element;
said at least one elongated retaining member being displaceable between a first position and a second position;
The at least one elongated retaining member enables removal from the at least one elongated retaining member of at least one frontmost item in a row of items arranged suspended from the at least one elongated retaining member. is configured to be displaced from the first position to the second position,
the electronic sensing element is configured to detect displacement of the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position to emit at least one signal;
The holder assembly, wherein the at least one elongated retaining member is configured to pivot about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to a direction in which an item is slidable in the at least one elongated retaining member. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated retention member is manually pushed or pulled from the first position to the second position by a user, and then the at least one elongated retention member is pulled from the at least one elongated retention member. A holder assembly configured to allow at least one item to be retrieved. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one elongated retaining member moves from said first position to said second position when at least one item slides to said end of said at least one elongated retaining member. A holder assembly configured to be displaced into the holder assembly. 4. The holder assembly of claim 3 , wherein said holder assembly comprises a displacement element associated with said at least one elongated retaining member, said displacement element for items suspended on said at least one elongated retaining member. because the force applied to slide the item to the end of the at least one elongated retaining member causes the displacement element to displace the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position. into a displacement force applied to said at least one elongated retaining member. 5. The holder assembly of Claim 4 , wherein the displacement element comprises a tag configured to display information about the item disposed on the at least one elongated retaining member. 5. The holder assembly of claim 4 , wherein the displacement element is configured to push the at least one elongated retention member from the first position to the second position. 5. The holder assembly of claim 4 , wherein the displacement element is configured to be displaced to partially transform the force applied to the item into the displacement force. 8. The holder assembly of claim 7 , wherein said displacement element is pivotally attached to a holder portion of said holder assembly, said holder portion being spaced apart from said at least one elongated retaining member and said at least one A holder assembly wherein an item is moved past the holder portion when the item is slid into the ends of the two elongated retaining members. 9. The holder assembly of claim 8 , wherein said displacement element extends toward said at least one elongated retaining member and into an adjustment path along which items are moved toward said end of said at least one elongated retaining member. By providing an extending lobe portion, the item comes into contact with the lobe portion so that the item can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member after pivoting the displacement element; A holder assembly, wherein the lobe portion pushes the at least one elongated retaining member from the first position to the second position when the displacement element rotates. 10. The holder assembly of claim 9 , wherein said lobe portion is adapted to: when said displacement element is pivoted;
(1) from a position blocking the lobe portion from reaching the adjustment path of an item being moved toward the end of the at least one elongated retaining member;
- (2) said lobe portion displaces said at least one elongated retaining member by increasing the distance from said at least one elongated retaining member to said holder portion to which said displacement element is pivotally mounted; through an extrusion position that pushes to the second position;
(3) to a removal position where the item can be removed from the at least one elongated retaining member and the lobe portion does not push the at least one elongated retaining member to the second position;
A holder assembly that is displaceable. 5. The holder assembly of claim 4 , wherein said displacement element is immovable, comprises an inclined contact surface, and is suspended from said at least one elongated retaining member for removal of said at least one elongated element. goods moved to said end of the retaining member are slid along said inclined contact surface to push said at least one elongated retaining member to said second position to clear said displacement element; holder assembly. 5. The holder assembly of claim 4 , wherein said displacement element has a wedge-shaped body. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one elongated retaining member is biased to said first position by at least one spring element. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one elongated retaining member is fixed to a trigger element on said carrier, said trigger element being displaceable relative to said electron sensing element. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein said electronic sensing element comprises at least one of a microswitch and a reed switch. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder assembly determines at least one of the frequency at which items are removed from the at least one elongated retaining member and the amount of time the at least one elongated retaining member is in the second position. a holder assembly that includes an electronic device that 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder assembly moves from the at least one elongated retaining member to at least one position based on the at least one elongated retaining member being displaced from the first position to the second position. A holder assembly comprising electronics for transmitting at least one of an acoustic signal and an optical signal indicating that an item has been removed. 2. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein said holder assembly comprises at least two elongated retaining members. 19. The holder assembly of claim 18 , wherein said at least two elongated retaining members are fixed to a trigger element on said carrier, said trigger element being displaceable relative to said electron sensing element. assembly.

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