U.S. patent application number 12/231871 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for display device with slow product advancing mechanism.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey Mason, Timothy L. Mason, Vladimir Sedov, Jeffrey Sherretts.
Application Number | 20100059469 12/231871 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41798309 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100059469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mason; Jeffrey ; et
al. |
March 11, 2010 |
Display device with slow product advancing mechanism
Abstract
A display device includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality
of items of merchandise. The enclosure has a first side wall, a
second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall and a front
portion. The display device also includes a product advancing
mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front
portion of the enclosure for dispensing an item of merchandise. The
product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed between the
first and second side walls, a pusher body slidably engaging the
track, a biasing element for biasing the pusher body, and a
governing device for controlling the rate at which the first
biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion
of the enclosure.
Inventors: |
Mason; Jeffrey; (Lloyd
Harbor, NY) ; Mason; Timothy L.; (Melville, NY)
; Sherretts; Jeffrey; (North Babylon, NY) ; Sedov;
Vladimir; (Long Beach, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
41798309 |
Appl. No.: |
12/231871 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/162 ;
221/199 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 1/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/162 ;
221/199 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; B65H 83/00 20060101 B65H083/00 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: an enclosure for receiving a
plurality of items of merchandise, said enclosure comprising a
first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from said first
side wall and a front portion; and a product advancing mechanism
for advancing the plurality of items of merchandise toward said
front portion of said enclosure for dispensing an item of the
plurality of items of merchandise, said product advancing mechanism
comprising: a track disposed between said first side wall and said
second side wall; a pusher body slidably engaging said track; a
first biasing element for biasing said pusher body toward said
front portion of said enclosure; and a governing device for
controlling the rate at which said first biasing element displaces
said pusher body toward said front portion of the enclosure.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said governing
device comprises a gear rack disposed on said track; and a rotary
damper coupled to said pusher body and engaging said gear rack.
3. The display device according to claim 1 wherein said first
biasing element comprises a spring.
4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure
further comprises a slidable top member movable between a first
position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from
said enclosure and a second position wherein the item of
merchandise can be removed from said enclosure.
5. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising a
second biasing element coupled to said slidable top member for
biasing said slidable top member into said first position.
6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising a
second governing device coupled to said slidable top member for
controlling a rate at which said second biasing element displaces
said slidable top member towards said front portion of said
enclosure
7. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising a
first locking pin and a second locking pin wherein said slidable
top member displaces said first locking pin and said second locking
pin from a retracted position to an extended position as said
slidable top member is moved from said first position to said
second position.
8. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising: a
tapered projection disposed on an underside of said slidable top
member; a bracket; a first locking pin slidably mounted in said
bracket and biased inwardly toward said tapered projection; and a
second locking pin slidably mounted in said bracket and biased
inwardly toward said tapered projection; wherein said tapered
projection displaces said first locking pin and said second locking
pin from a retracted position to an extended position as said
slidable top member is moved from said first position to said
second position, and in said extended position said first locking
pin projects through an associated first opening provided in said
first side wall and said second locking pin projects through an
associated second opening in said second side wall.
9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure
further comprises a pivoting door coupled to said front portion of
said enclosure, said pivoting door being movable between a first
position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be removed from
said enclosure and a second position wherein the item of
merchandise can be removed from said enclosure.
10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein said pivoting
door has an opening therethrough for loading the plurality of items
of merchandise into said enclosure.
11. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising a
second biasing element coupled to said pivoting door for biasing
said pivoting door into said first position.
12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a
cover member covering at least a portion of a top of said enclosure
and said front portion of said enclosure, said cover member having
a front portion spaced apart from a front edge of a surface of said
enclosure on which the items of merchandise rest by a distance
sufficient to allow the item of merchandise to drop to a position
where the item may be removed from the enclosure; and a
displaceable retaining member disposed at a lower front portion of
said enclosure, said displaceable retaining member being movable
between a first position wherein the item of merchandise cannot be
removed from said enclosure and a second position wherein the item
of merchandise can be removed from said enclosure.
13. A display device comprising a plurality of product dispensers,
each of said plurality of product dispensers comprising: a) an
enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise, said
enclosure comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall spaced
apart from said first side wall; a front portion; a gate movable
between a first position wherein an item of merchandise of said
plurality of items of merchandise cannot be removed from said
enclosure and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can
be removed from said enclosure; a first locking pin and a second
locking pin wherein said gate displaces said first locking pin and
said second locking pin from a retracted position to an extended
position as said gate is moved from said first position to said
second position; and b) a product advancing mechanism for advancing
the items of merchandise toward said front portion of said
enclosure for dispensing the item of merchandise, said product
advancing mechanism comprising: a track disposed between said first
side wall and said second side wall; a pusher body slidably
engaging said track; a first biasing element for biasing said
pusher body toward said front portion of said enclosure; and a
governing device for controlling the rate at which said first
biasing element displaces said pusher body toward said front
portion of the enclosure, wherein when said first locking pin and
said second locking pin associated with a first product dispenser
of said plurality of product dispensers are in said extended
position, a gate associated with a second product dispenser of said
plurality of product dispensers cannot be moved to said second
position.
14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising a
second biasing element coupled to said gate for biasing said gate
into said first position.
15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein said gate
comprises a pivoting door coupled to said front portion of said
enclosure.
16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein said gate
comprises a slidable top member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to display devices and more
particularly to display devices having a product advancing
mechanism for advancing items of merchandise to a portion of the
display device where an item can be dispensed.
[0003] 2. The Prior Art
[0004] Merchandise for retail sale is typically arranged in
parallel rows on modular shelving units. It is known to use a
biasing device to bias a row of products displayed on a shelf
toward a front portion of the shelf. Such devices push a row of
remaining products forward toward a front of the shelf as a product
is removed, thereby maintaining a neat, fully stocked appearance
and eliminating the need for manual leveling of shelves.
[0005] Existing biasing devices typically advance the remaining
products in a row of products to a front portion of the display at
a relatively rapid rate. In the case of certain items of
merchandise, particularly items with a high retail price which are
more susceptible to theft, such as, for example over the counter
pharmaceutical products, razor cartridges and other products, it
may be desirable to limit the access to the item of merchandise in
order to reduce the instances of theft of such items.
[0006] Accordingly, the need exists for a display device having a
product advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise
toward a front portion of the display for dispensing, wherein the
product advancing mechanism advances the items at a controlled slow
rate of speed combined with limited access to the product, thereby
limiting access to the items and reducing theft.
[0007] A need further exists for a display device including a
plurality of product dispensers wherein each product dispenser
includes a movable gate which is movable between a closed position
wherein items of merchandise cannot be removed from the product
dispenser and an open position wherein an item of merchandise can
be removed from the product dispenser.
[0008] A need further exists for a display device including a
lockout mechanism which is actuated by a movable gate, such that
when one gate of a product dispenser is opened for dispensing an
item of merchandise, another gate of an adjacent product dispenser
cannot be opened, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing
theft.
[0009] A need further exists for a display device including a
plurality of product dispensers wherein each product dispenser
includes a slidable top member which is movable between a first
position wherein items of merchandise cannot be removed from the
product dispenser and a second position wherein an item of
merchandise can be removed from the product dispenser.
[0010] A need further exists for a display device including a
lockout mechanism which is actuated by a slidable top member, such
that when one slidable top member of a product dispenser is opened
for dispensing an item of merchandise, another slidable top member
of an adjacent product dispenser cannot be opened, thereby limiting
access to the items and reducing theft.
[0011] A need further exists for a display device having a product
advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise toward a
front portion of the display at a controlled slow rate of speed,
and wherein a frontmost item of merchandise may be dropped to a
position wherein the item may be removed from an enclosure by
displacing a push button or bar, thereby limiting access to the
items and reducing theft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention relates to display devices and more
particularly to display devices having a product advancing
mechanism for advancing items of merchandise to a portion of the
display device where an item can be dispensed.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention, a display device includes an
enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. The
enclosure has a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart
from the first side wall and a front portion. The display device
further includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing the
items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for
dispensing an item of merchandise.
[0014] The product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed
between the first side wall and second side wall, a pusher body
slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element for biasing
the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure, and a
governing device for controlling the rate at which the first
biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion
of the enclosure.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the enclosure includes a
slidable top member movable between a first position wherein the
item of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a
second position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from
the enclosure. A second biasing element may be coupled to the
slidable top member for biasing the slidable top member into the
first position.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a first locking pin and
a second locking pin are provided. The locking pins are displaced
from a retracted position to an extended position as the slidable
top member is moved from its first position to its second
position.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the enclosure includes a
pivoting door coupled to the front portion of the enclosure. The
pivoting door is movable between a first position wherein the item
of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a second
position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from the
enclosure. The pivoting door may have an opening therethrough for
loading the plurality of items of merchandise into the enclosure. A
second biasing element may be coupled to the pivoting door for
biasing the pivoting door into the first position.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the display device
includes a projection disposed on the pivoting door, a bracket, a
first locking pin slidably mounted in the bracket and biased
inwardly toward the tapered projection and a second locking pin
slidably mounted in the bracket and biased inwardly toward the
tapered projection. The tapered projection displaces the first and
second locking pins from a retracted position to an extended
position as the pivoting door is moved from its first position to
its second position. In the extended position, the first locking
pin projects through an associated first opening provided in the
first side wall of the enclosure and the second locking pin
projects through an associated second opening in the second side
wall of the enclosure.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a display device
includes a plurality of product dispensers. Each of the plurality
of product dispensers includes an enclosure for receiving a
plurality of items of merchandise. Each of the enclosures includes
a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first
side wall, a front portion, a gate movable between a first position
wherein an item of merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure
and a second position wherein the item of merchandise can be
removed from the enclosure, a first locking pin, and a second
locking pin. The gate displaces the first and second locking pins
from a retracted position to an extended position as the gate is
moved from its first position to its second position.
[0020] Each of the plurality of product dispensers also includes a
product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise
toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing the item
of merchandise. Each of the product advancing mechanisms include a
track disposed between the first side wall the second side wall, a
pusher body slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element
for biasing the pusher body toward the front portion of the
enclosure and a governing device for controlling the rate at which
the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the
front portion of the enclosure.
[0021] When the first locking pin and second locking pin associated
with a first product dispenser are in the extended position, a gate
associated with a second product dispenser cannot be moved to its
second position.
[0022] The gate may be biased into its first position by a second
biasing element and the gate may include a pivoting door coupled to
the front portion of the enclosure or a slidable top member.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a display device
includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of
merchandise. The enclosure has a first side wall, a second side
wall spaced apart from the first side wall and a front portion. The
display device further includes a product advancing mechanism for
advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the
enclosure for dispensing an item of merchandise.
[0024] The product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed
between the first side wall and second side wall, a pusher body
slidably engaging the track, a first biasing element for biasing
the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure, and a
governing device for controlling the rate at which the first
biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion
of the enclosure.
[0025] A bottom front portion of the enclosure may be open too
allow a frontmost item of merchandise to be dropped to a position
wherein the item may be removed from an enclosure by displacing a
push button or bar.
[0026] One advantage of a display device according to an aspect of
the invention is that the display device includes a product
advancing mechanism for advancing items of merchandise toward a
front portion of the display, wherein the product advancing
mechanism advances the items at a controlled slow rate of speed,
thereby limiting access to the items and reducing theft.
[0027] Another advantage of a display device according to an aspect
of the invention is that a product dispenser is provided which
includes a movable gate movable between a closed position wherein
items of merchandise cannot be removed from the product dispenser
and an open position wherein an item of merchandise can be removed
from the product dispenser.
[0028] Another advantage of a display device according to an aspect
of the invention is that the display device includes a lockout
mechanism which is actuated by a movable gate, such that when one
gate of a product dispenser is opened for dispensing an item of
merchandise, another gate of an adjacent product dispenser cannot
be opened, thereby limiting access to the items and reducing
theft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Other benefits and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an
illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the
invention.
[0030] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote
similar elements throughout the several views:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a display
device according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the display device shown
in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position for dispensing an item
of merchandise;
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the display device shown
in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of
merchandise cannot be removed;
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the display device as shown in
FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the display device as shown in
FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a cutaway side view of the display device shown
in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position for dispensing an item
of merchandise;
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway side view of the display device shown
in FIG. 1 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of
merchandise cannot be removed;
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a product advancing
mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the product
advancing mechanism shown in FIG. 8;
[0040] FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of a rotary damper for a product
advancing mechanism according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the rotary damper shown in FIG.
10;
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of a door for a
display device according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the door shown in
FIG. 12;
[0044] FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a locking pin
arrangement for a display device according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the locking pin
arrangement shown in FIG. 14, with the locking pins in an extended
position;
[0046] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the locking pin
arrangement shown in FIG. 14, with the locking pins in a retracted
position;
[0047] FIG. 17 shows a display device having a slidable top member
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 18 shows a front perspective view of a display device
with a plurality of product dispensers according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 19 shows an exploded perspective view of a display
device according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 20 shows a front view of the display device shown in
FIG. 19;
[0051] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the display device shown in
FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of
merchandise cannot be removed;
[0052] FIG. 22 shows a side view of the display device shown in
FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item of
merchandise can be removed;
[0053] FIG. 23 shows a top perspective view of the display device
shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item
of merchandise cannot be removed;
[0054] FIG. 24 shows a top perspective view of the display device
shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item
of merchandise can be removed;
[0055] FIG. 25 shows a cutaway side view of the display device
shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item
of merchandise cannot be removed;
[0056] FIG. 26 shows a cutaway side view of the display device
shown in FIG. 19 with a gate or door in a position wherein the item
of merchandise can be removed;
[0057] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a product advancing
member according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0058] FIG. 28 shows an exploded perspective view of the product
advancing member shown in FIG. 27;
[0059] FIG. 29 shows an exploded perspective view of a display
device having a slidable top member according to another embodiment
of the invention;
[0060] FIG. 30 shows an exploded perspective view of a display
device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 29,
[0061] FIG. 31 shows a bottom perspective view of a slidable top
member for the enclosure of the embodiment shown in FIG. 29;
[0062] FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the display device shown
in FIG. 29 with a slidable top member in a position wherein an item
of merchandise can be removed;
[0063] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the display device shown
in FIG. 29 with the slidable top member in a position wherein an
item of merchandise cannot be removed;
[0064] FIG. 34 shows a front view of the display device as shown in
FIG. 32;
[0065] FIG. 35 shows a front view of the display device as shown in
FIG. 33;
[0066] FIG. 36 shows a cutaway side view of the display device as
shown in FIG. 32;
[0067] FIG. 37 shows a cutaway side view of the display device as
shown in FIG. 33;
[0068] FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of a product advancing
member for the display device shown in FIG. 29;
[0069] FIG. 39 shows an exploded perspective view of a product
advancing member for the display device shown in FIG. 29;
[0070] FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of a locking pin
arrangement for the display device shown in FIG. 29;
[0071] FIG. 41 shows a perspective view of the locking pin
arrangement shown in FIG. 40, with the locking pins in an extended
position;
[0072] FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of the locking pin
arrangement shown in FIG. 40, with the locking pins in a retracted
position;
[0073] FIG. 43 shows an exploded perspective view of a display
device enclosure according to another aspect of the invention;
[0074] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of the enclosure shown in
FIG. 43 as assembled;
[0075] FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of a portion of a product
advancing member and a drop down mechanism for the enclosure shown
in FIG. 43;
[0076] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view of a portion of a product
advancing member and a drop down mechanism for the enclosure shown
in FIG. 43;
[0077] FIG. 47 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a
product advancing member and a drop down mechanism for the
enclosure shown in FIG. 43;
[0078] FIG. 48 shows a top view of a portion of a product advancing
member a for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;
[0079] FIG. 49 shows a front view of a portion of a product
advancing member a for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;
[0080] FIG. 50 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a
product advancing member for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;
[0081] FIG. 51 shows a side view of a portion of a product
advancing member for the enclosure shown in FIG. 43;
[0082] FIG. 52 shows a side view of a product advancing member and
a drop down mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention
wherein the drop down mechanism is in a position such that an item
cannot be removed from the enclosure;
[0083] FIG. 53 shows a side view of the product advancing member
and drop down mechanism shown in FIG. 52 wherein the drop down
mechanism is in a position such that an item can be removed from
the enclosure;
[0084] FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of the arrangement as shown
in FIG. 52;
[0085] FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of the arrangement as shown
in FIG. 53;
[0086] FIG. 56 shows a side view of a display device with a product
advancing member and drop down mechanism according to an embodiment
of the invention wherein an item is retained in the enclosure;
and
[0087] FIG. 57 shows a side view of a display device as shown in
FIG. 56 wherein the item is being removed from the enclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 19, 29, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, 56 and
57, a display device according to an embodiment of the invention
includes an enclosure 1 for receiving a plurality of items of
merchandise. The items of merchandise may include, for example,
over the counter pharmaceutical products, razor cartridges and any
other merchandise or product suitable for retail display and/or
sale.
[0089] Enclosure 1 includes a first side wall 11, a second side
wall 12 spaced apart from first side wall 11 and a front portion
13. The dimensions and arrangement of first side wall 11, second
side wall 12 and front portion 13 may be adapted for accommodating
various shapes and size of merchandise to be received in the
display device.
[0090] The items of merchandise are dispensed or removed from the
enclosure 1 at front portion 13. The enclosure is configured such
that access to the plurality of items received in the enclosure is
restricted and items may only be removed at front portion 13. For
example, side walls 11, 12 may include overhanging portions
extending from a rear of the enclosure to an area near front
portion 13 for preventing an item from being removed through the
top of the enclosure 1, other than at front portion 13. Rear and
bottom enclosure walls may be provided as well for preventing
removal of the merchandise items. Preferably only one item of
merchandise at a time may be removed or dispensed from the display
device.
[0091] The display device further includes a product advancing
mechanism 2 for advancing the items of merchandise toward front
portion 13 of enclosure 1 for dispensing the item. FIGS. 8, 27, 38,
and 46 show perspective views and FIGS. 9, 28, 39 and 47 show
exploded perspective view of exemplary product advancing mechanisms
for a display device according to an embodiments of the
invention.
[0092] Product advancing mechanism 2 includes a track 21 which is
disposed between first side wall 11 and said second side wall 12 of
enclosure 1. A pusher body 22 slidably engages track 21. As shown
in the exploded view of FIG. 1, pusher body 22 may include a pusher
front 221 sized and shaped for contacting an associated item of
merchandise. Pusher body 22 may include one or more legs projecting
downwardly and engaging a corresponding slot or slots in track
21.
[0093] A first biasing element 23 biases pusher body 22 toward
front portion 13 of enclosure 1. First biasing element 23 may
comprise a spring element which is secured at one end near a front
of enclosure 1 and/or track 21. In the embodiments shown, first
biasing element 23 comprises a length of flat metal spring material
which is secured at one end to a front of track 21 and forms a coil
which is uncoiled as pusher body 22 is moved toward a back of
enclosure 1. The coiled spring biases pusher body 22 toward front
portion 13 of enclosure 1. As shown in FIGS. 39 and 50, a stop 231
may be provided for retaining biasing element 23. Stop 231 may be
secured to track 21 at various locations. Other forms of biasing
elements, for example, coil springs, are contemplated as well.
[0094] Product advancing mechanism 2 further includes a governing
device 200 for controlling the rate at which the first biasing
element 23 displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front portion 13
of the enclosure. Preferably, governing device 200 results in the
pusher body 22 moving at a relatively slow, controlled rate of
speed.
[0095] Governing device 200 may comprise various means for
controlling the rate at which the first biasing element 23
displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front portion 13 of the
enclosure, thereby controlling the rate at which items of
merchandise are made available for removal from the enclosure. For
example, governing device may be a damper, such as a rotary damper
or a linear damper. Governing device 200 may include spring-based
mechanisms, for example a mechanism similar to those used in a
mechanical clock or watch. Governing device 200 may also include
mechanisms which employ viscous fluids, gas or air pressure or any
other mechanism suitable for controlling the rate of displacement
of the product advancing member to achieve the desired rate of
advancement of the items for limiting access thereto and reducing
theft.
[0096] Governing device 200 is configured to provide a desired rate
of movement of pusher body 22. The design of product advancing
member 2 including governing device 200 may take into account the
particular dimensions of the items of merchandise received in
enclosure 1. For example, for a small item of merchandise, product
advancing mechanism 2 including governing device 200 may be
configured such that approximately 10 seconds elapse between
removal of a first item from front portion 13 of enclosure 1 and
the displacement of a second item to a position where the second
item is available for removal. For a larger item of merchandise,
product advancing mechanism 2 including governing device 200 may be
configured such that approximately 30 seconds elapse between
removal of a first item from front portion 13 of enclosure 1 and
the displacement of a second item to a position where the second
item is available for removal.
[0097] Governing device 200 may include, for example, a gear rack
24 disposed on track 21. Gear rack 24 includes a plurality of teeth
engaged by an associated gear of rotary damper 25, shown for
example in FIG. 10. Governing device 200 may further include a
rotary damper 25 which is coupled to pusher body 22 and engages
gear rack 24. Rotary damper 25 may include an upper flanged portion
for securing to an underside of pusher body 22. Rotary damper 25
may further include a housing containing a viscous medium, such as
oil, for slowing the rotation of the associated gear.
[0098] The governing device 200, such as a rotary damper 25 slows
the forward linear motion of pusher body 22 in response to the
biasing action of biasing element 23. As a result, the product
advancing mechanism advances the items of merchandise at a
controlled, slow rate of speed, thereby limiting access to the
items and reducing theft.
[0099] As described herein, enclosure 1 may be configured such that
an item or items of the plurality of items received in enclosure 1
may only removed at front portion 13. Preferably, enclosure 1 is
designed so that only one item of merchandise may be removed from
the display device at a time.
[0100] In operation, when a person removes an item of merchandise
from front portion 13 of enclosure 1, product advancing mechanism 2
advances the remaining items of merchandise 1 in the enclosure 1
toward front portion 13 so that another item may be removed. In
particular, first biasing element 23 biases pusher body 22 toward
front portion 13 of enclosure 1, thereby pushing the remaining
items of merchandise which are arranged one behind another in a
row, toward the front portion 13 of enclosure 1. Governing device
200 controls the rate at which the biasing element 23 displaces the
pusher body 22 toward the front portion of the enclosure, where the
item may be removed. For example, rotary damper 25, which is
coupled to pusher body 22 and engages gear rack 24, slows the
forward motion of pusher body 22, thus increasing the time required
for the next item of merchandise to be available for removal.
[0101] Enclosure 1 may further include a gate which is movable
between a first or closed position, wherein an item of merchandise
cannot be removed from enclosure 1, and a second or open position,
wherein an item of merchandise can be removed from enclosure 1. The
gate may be in the form of a slidable top member 15 or a pivoting
door 16. A gate, however, is not required, and a display device or
product dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention may
function without a movable gate. For example, the enclosure may
incorporate a front wall and top member wherein the top member is
dimensioned so as to allow removal of the front most item of
merchandise from the top of the enclosure. In a further embodiment
described and shown herein, the enclosure may be configured such
that a frontmost item of merchandise may drop down onto a
displaceable button or bar, which button or bar may be displaced to
allow for removal of the item.
[0102] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 29-37, enclosure 1 may further
include a slidable top member 15 which functions as a gate.
Slidable top member 15 may be movable between a first or closed
position as shown in FIGS. 33, 35 and 37, wherein the item of
merchandise cannot be removed from enclosure 1 and a second or open
position, as shown in FIGS. 32, 34 and 36, wherein the item of
merchandise can be removed from enclosure 1. Slidable top member 15
may cover a top portion of enclosure 1 in the first or closed
position such that the items of merchandise cannot be removed from
enclosure 1. Slidable top member 15 may be coupled to the display
device so that a prospective customer may move slidable top member
from the first or closed position to the second or open position by
pushing slidable top member 15 back toward a rear of the display
device. Preferably, in its second or open position, slidable top
member 15 retracts just enough to allow the forward-most item of
merchandise to be removed from enclosure 1.
[0103] One or more second biasing elements 162 may be coupled to
slidable top member 15 for biasing slidable top member 15 into the
first or closed position. Second biasing element may comprise, for
example, one or more coil springs coupled to slidable top member
15.
[0104] As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, slidable top member 15
may include a tapered projection 150 disposed on an underside of
slidable top member 15. Preferably, tapered projection 150 is
disposed at a bottom central portion of slidable top member 15 and
has a substantially pointed portion which tapers or increases in
width as the projection extends toward a front portion of slidable
top member 15.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 29, 30, and 40-42 a bracket 164 may be
provided underneath slidable top member 15 and first and second
locking pins 165, 166 are slidably mounted in bracket 164. Each of
the first and second locking pins 165, 166 may be biased inwardly
toward tapered projection 150, as shown for example in FIG. 42. As
slidable top member 15 is moved from its first or closed position
to its second or opened position, tapered projection 150 displaces
first locking pin 165 and second locking pin 166 from the
inwardly-biased retracted position (as shown in FIGS. 33, 35 and
42) to an extended position (as shown in FIGS. 32, 34 and 41). In
this extended position, first locking pin 165 projects through an
associated first opening 167 provided in first side wall 11 and
second locking pin 166 projects through an associated second
opening 168 in second side wall 12.
[0106] In their extended position, first and second locking pins
165, 166 serve to prevent an adjacent sliding top member associated
with an adjacent display device or product dispenser from being
moved into its open position. This feature further limits access to
the items of merchandise and reduces theft by preventing a person
from opening multiple product dispensers at a time.
[0107] For example, tapered projection 150 may be aligned with a
small space between adjacent inner ends of first and second locking
pins 165, 166 when the slidable top member 15 is in its first or
closed position and the locking pins are in their retracted
position. As sliding top member 15 is opened, tapered projection
150 contacts each of first and second locking pins 165, 166,
displacing them outwardly into their respective extended
positions.
[0108] In this extended position, first and second locking pins
165, 166 project through openings 167, 168 in the respective
enclosure side walls and displace the locking pins of adjacent
display devices or product dispensers. This displacement results in
the interface or space between adjacent inner ends of the locking
pins of the adjacent display devices becoming out of alignment with
the associated sliding top member tapered projections. As a result,
the tapered projection contacts a locking pin and not the interface
or space between the ends of the pair of locking pins and the
adjacent sliding top member cannot be opened. This feature further
limits access to the items of merchandise and reduces theft by
preventing a person from opening multiple product dispensers at a
time.
[0109] A second governing device may be coupled to slidable top
member 15 for controlling the rate at which the second biasing
element 162 displaces the slidable top member 15 back towards the
front portion 13 of the enclosure. Preferably, the second governing
device results in the slidable top member 15 moving at a relatively
slow, controlled rate of speed. This feature further limits access
to the items of merchandise and prevents theft by increasing the
time necessary for the slidable top member to return to its first
or closed position and thereby retract locking pins 165, 166,
allowing adjacent display devices to be opened.
[0110] The second governing device for limiting the displacement
rate of slidable top member 15 may be similar to the governing
device previously described for limiting the displacement rate of
the pusher body 22 of the product advancing member. Accordingly,
the second governing device may comprise various means for
controlling the rate at which the second biasing element 162
displaces the slidable top member 15 toward the front portion 13 of
the enclosure. For example, the second governing device may be a
damper, such as a rotary damper or a linear damper. The second
governing device may include spring-based mechanisms, for example a
mechanism similar to those used in a mechanical clock or watch. The
second governing device may also include mechanisms which employ
viscous fluids, gas or air pressure or any other mechanism suitable
for controlling the rate of displacement of the slidable top member
15 to achieve the desired rate of displacement of the slidable top
member.
[0111] The second governing device may include, for example, a gear
rack 240 disposed on an underside of slidable top member 15, as
shown for example in FIG. 31. Gear rack 240 includes a plurality of
teeth engaged by an associated gear of rotary damper 250, shown for
example in FIGS. 29 and 30. Rotary damper 250 engages gear rack 240
of slidable top member 15. Rotary damper 250 may include a lower
flanged portion for securing to a fixed portion of the display
device. Rotary damper 250 may further include a housing containing
a viscous medium, such as oil, for slowing the rotation of the
associated gear.
[0112] The second governing device, such as a rotary damper 250
slows the forward linear motion of slidable top member 15 in
response to the biasing action of second biasing element 162. As a
result, the slidable top member returns to it first or closed
position at a controlled, slow rate of speed. Until the slidable
top member returns to its forward or closed position, adjacent
enclosures remain locked by the previously described lockout
mechanism. In this way, access to the displays is limited by
controlling the rate of closure of the slidable top member, thereby
reducing theft.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, enclosure 1 may further include a
pivoting door 16 which functions as a gate. Pivoting door 16 is
coupled to front portion 13 of enclosure 1. Pivoting door 16 may be
movable between a first or closed position (as shown, for example
in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7) wherein the item of merchandise cannot be
removed from enclosure 1 and a second or open position (as shown,
for example in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6) wherein the item of merchandise
can be removed from enclosure 1.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 13, pivoting door 16 may be
configured such that a rear portion receives one or more of the
forward most items of merchandise in the display device, preferably
a single, forward most item of merchandise. As pivoting door 16 is
pivoted forward into its second or open position, the item of
merchandise received in pivoting door 16 is available for removal
from the display device or product dispenser, as shown in FIGS. 2,
4 and 6. A front surface of pivoting door 16 may include a grasping
handle to facilitate opening of pivoting door 16 as shown, for
example in FIG. 12.
[0115] Pivoting door 16 may further include an opening or aperture
161 therethrough for loading the plurality of items of merchandise
into enclosure 1. A person responsible for stocking the display
device may insert one or more fingers or a tool through opening 161
in pivoting door 16 for pushing the item or items of merchandise
already loaded into enclosure 1 back toward a rear of enclosure 1,
thereby allowing additional items of merchandise to be loaded into
enclosure 1.
[0116] A second biasing element 162 may be coupled to pivoting door
16 for biasing pivoting door 16 into the first or closed position.
Second biasing element may comprise, for example, one or more coil
springs coupled to pivoting door 16.
[0117] As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, pivoting door 16 may also
include a tapered projection 163 disposed on pivoting door 16.
Preferably, tapered projection 163 is disposed at a bottom portion
of pivoting door 16 and has a substantially pointed rear portion
which tapers or increases in width as the projection extends toward
a front portion of pivoting door 16.
[0118] As shown in FIGS. 1, and 14-16, a bracket may be provided,
wherein first and second locking pins 165, 166 are slidably mounted
in bracket 164. Each of the first and second locking pins 165, 166
may be biased inwardly toward tapered projection 163, as shown for
example in FIG. 16. As pivoting door 16 is moved from its first or
closed position to its second or opened position, tapered
projection 163 displaces first locking pin 165 and second locking
pin 166 from the inwardly-biased retracted position (as shown in
FIGS. 3, 5 and 16) to an extended position (as shown in FIGS. 2, 4
and 15). In this extended position, first locking pin 165 projects
through an associated first opening 167 provided in first side wall
11 and second locking pin 166 projects through an associated second
opening 168 in second side wall 12.
[0119] In their extended position, first and second locking pins
165, 166 serve to prevent an adjacent gate or pivoting door 16
associated with an adjacent display device or product dispenser
from being moved into its open position. This feature further
limits access to the items of merchandise and reduces theft by
preventing a person from opening multiple product dispensers at a
time.
[0120] For example, tapered projection 163 may be aligned with a
small space between adjacent inner ends of first and second locking
pins 165, 166 when the pivoting door 16 is in its first or closed
position and the locking pins are in their retracted position. As
pivoting door 16 is opened, tapered projection 163 contacts each of
first and second locking pins 165, 166, displacing them outwardly
into their respective extended positions.
[0121] In this extended position, first and second locking pins
165, 166 project through openings 167, 168 in the respective
enclosure side walls and displace the locking pins of adjacent
display devices or product dispensers. This displacement results in
the interface or space between adjacent inner ends of the locking
pins of the adjacent display devices becoming out of alignment with
the associated pivoting door tapered projections. As a result, the
tapered projection contacts a locking pin and not the interface or
space between the ends of the pair of locking pins and the pivoting
door cannot be opened.
[0122] FIGS. 19-26 show another embodiment of a display device
having a pivoting door, wherein similar reference numerals denote
elements similar to those described for the embodiments discussed
above.
[0123] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention having a
plurality of product dispensers arranged substantially parallel to
one another. Each of the product dispensers may be as shown and
described in the foregoing. For example, each product dispenser may
include an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of
merchandise. Each of the enclosures has a first side wall, a second
side wall spaced apart from the first side wall, a front portion
and a gate movable between a first position wherein an item of
merchandise cannot be removed from the enclosure and a second
position wherein the item of merchandise can be removed from the
enclosure.
[0124] Each product dispenser may include a first locking pin and a
second locking pin wherein the gate displaces the first and second
locking pins from a retracted position to an extended position as
the gate is moved from its first position to its second
position.
[0125] The product dispensers also include associated product
advancing mechanisms for advancing the items of merchandise toward
the front portion of a respective enclosure for dispensing. The
product advancing mechanisms comprise a track disposed between the
first and second enclosure side walls, a pusher body slidably
engaging the track, a first biasing element coupled to the pusher
body, and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the
first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front
portion of the enclosure.
[0126] When the first locking pin and second locking pin associated
with a first product dispenser of the plurality of product
dispensers are in their extended positions, the gate associated
with a second product dispenser of the plurality of product
dispensers cannot be moved to its second or open position.
[0127] One or more of the product dispensers may include a a second
biasing element, for example a spring, coupled to the gate for
biasing the gate into its first or closed position. The gate may
comprise a pivoting door coupled to the front portion of the
enclosure or a slidable top member.
[0128] FIGS. 43-57 show a further embodiment of a display device
according to the invention. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-57
employs a drop down mechanism, wherein the enclosure is configured
such that only a frontmost item or items of merchandise may be
removed from the enclosure at a time, preferably a single item of
merchandise.
[0129] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-57 may incorporate a
product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise
toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing as
described for embodiments already described herein. As shown in
FIGS. 45-55, the product advancing mechanism may include a track 21
disposed between the first and second side walls, a pusher body 22
slidably engaging track 21, a first biasing element 23 for biasing
the pusher body 22 toward the front portion of the enclosure, and a
governing device 200 for controlling the rate at which the first
biasing element 23 displaces the pusher body 22 toward the front
portion 13 of the enclosure.
[0130] In particular, each enclosure includes spaced apart first 11
and second 12 side walls and a cover member 14. cover member 14
covers at least a portion of a top of the enclosure and front 13
portion of the enclosure for preventing access to the items of
merchandise therein. Cover member 14 is arranged such that a
frontmost item or items of merchandise can be removed from the
front bottom portion of the enclosure.
[0131] For example cover member 14 may comprise a substantially
L-shaped member wherein a front portion of cover member 14 is
spaced apart from a front edge of a surface on which the items of
merchandise rest by a distance sufficient to allow a frontmost item
of merchandise to fall under the force of gravity to a position
where the item may be removed from the enclosure for purchase.
[0132] As shown for example in FIGS. 45-47 and 52-57, one or more
displaceable retaining members 301 are provided at a lower front
portion of the enclosure. Diplaceable retaining member 301 may be,
for example, a push button or push bar which is movable between a
first or extended position where the forward-most item of
merchandise rests on displaceable retaining member 301 and against
cover member 14, such that it cannot be removed from the enclosure
(FIG. 56) and a second or retracted position wherein the
forward-most item of merchandise may fall from the space between
the cover member 14 and front edge and therefore be removed from
the enclosure (FIG. 57). Displaceable retaining member 301 may be
biased outwardly into its first or extended position by a biasing
element 302 (FIG. 45).
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 52, 53, 56 and 57, track 21 may include
one or more tabs 303 projecting downwardly from an underside of
track 21. Tabs 303 are configured to engage corresponding slots 304
(FIG. 43) provided in a bottom surface of the enclosure. Slots 304
may be arranged as elongated, notched slots which allow the product
advancing mechanism assembly to be secured in the respective
enclosure at various positions along the length of the enclosure by
engaging tab 303 at a desired notch in slot 304. This feature
provides flexibility in the configuration of the display device and
permits the display device to accommodate different merchandise
item sizes.
[0134] Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many
changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *