U.S. patent number 3,695,452 [Application Number 05/073,149] was granted by the patent office on 1972-10-03 for theft-deterrent merchandising display apparatus.
Invention is credited to Albert A. Surman.
United States Patent |
3,695,452 |
Surman |
October 3, 1972 |
THEFT-DETERRENT MERCHANDISING DISPLAY APPARATUS
Abstract
A theft-deterrent apparatus/system for displaying, merchandising
and selling articles relative to a holding or "framelike" structure
having a series of movable or slidable panels which retain the
articles therebetween. Customers may readily view and/or handle the
article but cannot remove it from the apparatus/system. A customer
interested in purchasing or more closely examining (or inspecting)
an article informs the salesman who can disengage or remove
theft-deterrent (lock, key, handle or pull pin) stop(s) which
permit the panels to freely move or slide apart thereby freeing the
desired article. The articles may be displayed, in an exposed
and/or enclosed condition in various affixed packages, on hooks,
clips and shelves and/or displayed in packages comprising a shelf
base with a transparent (pivotal and/or removable) cover affixed
thereto as suits the particular theft-deterrent merchandising
requirement/need.
Inventors: |
Surman; Albert A. (Madison
Heights, MI) |
Family
ID: |
22112017 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/073,149 |
Filed: |
September 17, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/4; 206/461;
248/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F
7/024 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
7/02 (20060101); A47F 7/024 (20060101); E05b
073/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;211/4,133,90,128,134
;206/76 ;248/116 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Byers, Jr.; Nile C.
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means removably attached to said first elements for
facilitating the positioning of said removable articles adjacent to
at least one of said plurality of first elements, so that a
predetermined article may be removed from said apparatus only when
said first means has placed said plurality of first elements in
said unlocked condition and the first element which is adjacent to
said predetermined article has been moved sufficiently to permit
the removal of said predetermined article from said apparatus;
and
said plurality of first elements mounted within said frame
structure comprise substantially flat members which are adapted for
translatory motion relative to said frame structure.
2. A shelf device for supporting and displaying one or more
removable articles, comprising, in combination:
a shelf member disposed in a predetermined direction;
means for attaching said shelf member to one or more first elements
which are disposed in a direction that is substantially transverse
to said predetermined direction of said shelf member;
means for pivotally securing a cover to said shelf member;
said means for attaching said shelf member to one or more first
elements comprises a key channel lock member having a first portion
for attachment to said shelf member and a second portion which is
adapted to be disposed on the side of said first elements remote
from the major portion of said shelf member, said means for
pivotally securing a cover to said shelf member includes an
integral cover hinge forming a portion of said shelf member, and
including a transparent pivotal cover affixed to said integral
hinge for permitting the viewing of said article disposed on said
shelf member and for permitting said cover to pivot to an open
position when desired.
3. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 1, wherein said first means for selectively placing said
plurality of first elements in a locked or an unlocked condition
comprises pin members having their longitudinal axis disposed
substantially transverse to the path of movement of said plurality
of first elements mounted within said frame structure.
4. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus;
each removable article is disposed within an enclosure at least a
portion of which is formed from transparent material to permit
observation of the article disposed therein;
said first elements comprise slat members disposed within
substantially vertical grooves in said frame structure; and said
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements includes an article shelf having notches which facilitate
the mounting of said article shelf between adjacent slat members,
and having means for pivotally affixing said enclosure to said
article shelf, so that said enclosure is normally constrained to
remain in a closed condition by the presence of at least one of
said slat members and said enclosure is permitted to be pivoted to
an open condition only when said first means has been placed in
said unlocked condition to permit vertical movement of at least the
slat member in back of said enclosure to be opened.
5. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus;
at least one of said removable articles includes a package base
having a transparent enclosure pivotally mounted thereon;
said first elements comprise locking slats which are adapted to
translate within said frame structure; and
said second means comprises a key channel lock element for
accommodating the opposing edges of two adjacent locking slats, and
having a first predetermined portion adapted to be affixed to said
package base near one major surface of said locking slats, and
having a second predetermined portion adjacent the opposite major
surface of said locking slats for preventing removal of said
article while said first means remains in said locked position.
6. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 5, wherein said key channel lock element is integral with
said package base.
7. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 5, wherein said key channel lock element constitutes a
separate member which is removably secured to said package
base.
8. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus:
at least one of said removable articles has an elongated flexible
member affixed thereto; and
said second means includes at least one article shelf which is
disposed substantially perpendicular to the major surfaces of said
first elements;
said article shelf including opposed grooves for accomodating the
opposed edges of an adjacent pair of said first elements; and
said article shelf also including a groove to accomodate said
elongated flexible member when said first elements are in a locked
condition to permit the bulk of said elongated flexible member to
be secured on one side of said first element while the article to
which said elongated flexible member is affixed rests on the
opposite side of said first element.
9. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 1, wherein said first elements comprise slat members which
are constrained to translate along a curved path relative to said
frame structure.
10. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 1, wherein said first elements comprise slat members which
are constrained to translate around a closed curve path relative to
said frame structure.
11. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus;
said removable articles are mounted for display in front of one
major surface of said first element;
said frame structure including a top member; and
third means mounted in back of said major surface of said first
elements for moving at least one of said first elements;
said third means including at least one rotatable pulley secured to
said top member of said frame structure, an elongated member being
affixed to at least one of said first elements and passing over
said pulley, and a counter weight or spring for facilitating
movement of said first elements when desired.
12. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 1, wherein said second means comprises a clip having at least
one portion for fitting about the edge of one of said first
elements and a second portion to which one of said removable
articles may be removably attached.
13. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus; and
said second means includes a substantially U-shaped portion which
is affixed to an elongated hook portion upon which said removable
article may be mounted; said substantially U-shaped portion being
shaped to mate with an edge of one of said first elements.
14. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus; and
said second means includes a substantially U-shaped portion adapted
to mate with an edge of said first elements, a second portion
affixed to said substantially U-shaped portion and having at least
two tubular channels therein, and a third elongated member portion
which is adapted to slide within said second portion, to hold one
of said removable articles, and which is shaped to double back to
slidably pass within the other of said two tubular sections and
present an end which abuts one of said first elements.
15. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus; and
a tool having one portion adapted for moving said first elements,
and having another portion adapted for temporarily storing at least
some of said first means.
16. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus; and
resilient means disposed between adjacent edges of at least some of
said plurality of first elements whereby said resilient means are
normally maintained in a compressed state when said first elements
are in said locked condition, and when said first means places said
first elements in an unlocked condition the normally compressed
resilient means expands to separate said first elements to said
unlocked condition.
17. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus;
at least some of said first elements comprise slat members having
shoulders formed at the opposite edges thereof including a portion
which is disposed substantially transverse to the major surface of
said slat member;
each said shoulder having at least one slot therein formed in a
direction which is substantially transverse to the path of movement
of said first element;
and a connector element slidably disposed within said slot in
adjacent shoulders of adjacent first elements to permit said first
elements to be moved apart from one another and closer to one
another along said connector element; and
means for raising or lowering at least one of said first
elements.
18. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus;
said frame structure includes a side portion which is disposed
substantially transverse to the major plane of said first elements
and said side portion having an aperture therein;
said first elements being interconnected by third elements which
permit adjacent first elements to slide relative to one another to
vary the spacing between adjacent first elements;
and including means for selectively raising or lowering at least
one of said first elements;
said raising and lowering means including a crank member affixed to
a shaft rotatably mounted in said side portion of said frame
structure, means for transmitting rotary motion imparted to said
shaft to a second shaft within said frame structure, a spool
mounted on said second shaft, and an elongated member wound around
said spool and having one end of said elongated member connected to
at least one of said movable first elements;
said first means comprising a pin member which is slidably
connected to said crank and which serves as a handle for rotating
said crank and which is adapted to slide within said aperture in
said side portion of said frame structure to protrude within the
path of movement of at least one of said first elements and thereby
maintain said element in said locked condition.
19. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 26, wherein the front major surfaces of said first elements
lie within a predetermined plane when said first elements are in
said locked condition; and including second elements having their
front major surfaces within said predetermined plane and being
fixedly secured to said frame structure; and third means for
movably connecting a first element to at least one of said second
elements.
20. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus;
the front major surfaces of said first elements lie within a
predetermined plane when said first elements are in said locked
condition; and including second elements having their front major
surfaces within said predetermined plane and being fixedly secured
to said frame structure;
third means for movably connecting a first element to at least one
of said second elements; and
said third means comprises a pivotal connection between one of said
first elements and one of said second elements.
21. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 19, wherein said third means is so shaped and arranged so as
to permit said first element to be pushed substantially transverse
to said predetermined plane and then translated parallel to said
predetermined plane and relative to said second element.
22. An apparatus characterized substantially in accordance with
claim 26, including a shelf member disposed in a predetermined
direction; means for attaching said shelf member to one or more of
said first elements which are disposed in a direction that is
substantially transverse to said predetermined direction of said
shelf member; and means for pivotally securing a cover to said
shelf member.
23. An apparatus for holding a plurality of removable articles and
for controlling the selective removability of predetermined ones of
said plurality of removable articles therefrom, comprising, in
combination:
at least one frame structure;
a plurality of first elements mounted within said frame structure
and being selectively movable relative to said frame structure;
first means for selectively placing said plurality of first
elements in a locked or in an unlocked condition to permit or to
prevent, respectively, said movement relative to said frame
structure;
second means for facilitating the positioning of said removable
articles adjacent to at least one of said plurality of first
elements, so that a predetermined article may be removed from said
apparatus only when said first means has placed said plurality of
first elements in said unlocked condition and the first element
which is adjacent to said predetermined article has been moved
sufficiently to permit the removal of said predetermined article
from said apparatus; and
said second means includes a clip which is adapted to be disposed
between the opposed edges of adjacent first elements, said clip
being provided with means for attachment to one of said removable
articles.
Description
The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a
plurality of removable articles and for controlling the selective
removability of predetermined ones of the removable articles
therefrom. In particular, the invention relates to an anti-theft
display apparatus and a shelf device for supporting and displaying
one or more articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is an ever increasing need for relatively simple point of
purchase display systems which permit large numbers of prospective
purchasers to view the articles on sale, and yet prevent the theft
of such articles. The visual display of articles on sale within the
reach of potential customers increases sales as well as
shoplifting. The merchandise in opaque boxes beneath sales counters
and in back rooms reduces shoplifting, and at the same time reduces
sales and increases the time and effort expended by sales personnel
in securing the article which the customer desires to purchase.
Heretofore, various attempts to resolve these problems, such as
those disclosed in U.S. Pats. Nos. 2,987,192 and 3,204,774, have
failed to solve these problems and have various other attendant
disadvantages. In particular, such prior art devices have been
found somewhat suitable for specialized articles, such as pens,
pencils and finger rings, but these prior devices are very complex,
expensive, and are not readily adapatable to display a great
variety of different articles having varying shapes and sizes. In
contrast, the present invention solves all of the aforementioned
problems very simply, efficiently and inexpensively.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for holding a plurality
of removable articles and for controlling the selective
removability of predetermined ones of the plurality of removable
articles therefrom. The apparatus includes at least one frame
structure, and a plurality of first elements, such as slidable
panels or slats, mounted within the frame structure and being
selectively movable relative to the frame structure. The apparatus
also includes first means, such as theft-guard pull pins, for
selectively placing the plurality of first elements in a locked or
in an unlocked condition to permit or to prevent, respectively, the
movement of the first elements relative to the frame structure. The
apparatus also includes second means, such as a special shelf
device or product shelf with an associated key channel lock, for
facilitating the positioning of the removable articles adjacent to
at least one of the plurality of first elements, so that a
predetermined article may be removed from the apparatus only when
the first means has placed the plurality of first elements in the
unlocked condition and the first element which is adjacent to the
predetermined article has been moved sufficiently to permit the
removal of the predetermined article from the apparatus.
The present invention also provides a shelf device for supporting
and displaying one or more articles. The shelf device includes a
shelf member, such as an open product shelf, which is disposed in a
predetermined direction. The device also includes means, such as a
key channel lock member, for attaching the shelf member to one or
more first elements which are disposed in a direction that is
substantially transverse to the predetermined direction of the
shelf member. The shelf device also includes means, such as an
integral cover hinge, for pivotally securing a cover to the shelf
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an anti-theft display
apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional elevational view of a first
embodiment of the novel shelf device according to the present
invention which may be employed with the apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 depicts a back elevational view of the shelf device shown in
FIG. 2 taken from the left side of FIG. 2 with the adjacent slats
removed.
FIG. 4 represents a second embodiment of the novel product shelf
device having a pivotally attached transparent cover for enclosing
the article on the shelf which also may be used in conjunction with
the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational view partly in section of a third
embodiment of the novel product shelf device which may be used in
conjunction with the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and which has
particular application for displaying items which may have an
electrical line cord attached thereto requiring storage of the cord
behind the movable slat members.
FIG. 6 depicts a partial top plan view of the groove in the product
shelf taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 shows a top plan view partially in section of the side
member of the frame structure taken along the line 7--7 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the
novel combination shelf device-display package having a transparent
pivotal cover.
FIG. 9 represents a side elevational view of the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 8 showing the package base shelf, the novel key
channel lock member for mounting the shelf on the slidable slat
members, and the transparent cover pivoted to an open position.
FIG. 10 represents a partial enlarged view of the display package
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for clearly depicting the shelf, transparent
cover, and key channel lock member when the cover is in a closed
position.
FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9 with the key
channel lock member removed from the back slot of the shelf.
FIG. 12 illustrates a modification of the shelf having the integral
cover hinge, a modified key channel lock member, and a modification
of the movable slat members all of which are particularly adapted
for extrusion manufacture, injection molding or machining
fabrication.
FIG. 13 illustrates a novel tool employed for lifting the slats of
the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and for storing the theft-guard pull
pins.
FIG. 14 represents a side view of the tool shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 illustrates a side elevational cross sectional view of a
second embodiment of the display apparatus showing special features
for facilitating the opening of the movable or slidable slat
members.
FIG. 16 is a partial enlarged view of a section of FIG. 15 showing
a spring member held in compression between the edges of adjacent
slat members.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a novel clip employed for mounting
various removable articles on the slat members.
FIG. 18 shows the clip of FIG. 17 mounted on a typical slat
member.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a U-shaped clip which is welded to
a hook for holding various removable articles.
FIG. 20 is another embodiment of the hook-clip arrangement shown in
FIG. 19 which is particularly suited for displaying blister pack
articles.
FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the novel display
apparatus according to the present invention wherein the slat
members and/or the frame structure are constrained to move around a
closed curved path.
FIG. 22 is the modification of the display apparatus depicted in
FIG. 21 wherein the slat members are horizontally arranged and are
constrained to move around a closed curved path.
FIG. 23 shows a fragmentary sectional view of two adjacent slat
members with the removable article disposed therebetween which may
be employed with the display apparatus of FIG. 21 or FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
present invention wherein the slats are constrained to move along a
concave curved path.
FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an alternative form of clip
having an adhesive strip or holes for rivets or staples for
attaching the removable article thereto.
FIG. 26 shows another modification of a clip having a serrated
portion for gripping the removable article or the box enclosing
such article.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a further modification of the clip
having push-in prongs.
FIG. 28 is a fragmentary side elevational view partly in section of
the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 or 15 illustrating the use of the
clips depicted in FIGS. 25, 26 and 27.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a further modification of the clip
having an integral snap thereon.
FIG. 30 is an alternative form of the clip shown in FIG. 29 having
a separate snap-in rivet.
FIG. 31 is a fragmentary perspective view of modified slat members
linked together by slidable connector elements.
FIG. 32 shows a top plan view of the capturing spacer.
FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
31 represented in the closed position.
FIG. 34 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 33 but shown in
the open position.
FIG. 35 shows a modified connector element having an integral
capture spacer.
FIG. 36 shows an alternative form of connector element having a
spherical capture spacer and spherical ends.
FIG. 37 is a fragmentary top plan view partly in section of another
embodiment of the display apparatus including special means for
selectively raising or lowering the slat members.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of an
anti-theft display apparatus for holding a plurality of removable
articles 2 and for controlling the selective removability of
predetermined ones of such removable articles 2 from the apparatus.
The display apparatus 1 may have a frame structure 3 substantially
in the shape of a rectangular parallelopiped for facilitating
mounting on the wall or floor of a store.
The frame structure 3 includes a horizontally disposed bottom
member 4 and a top member 5, and vertical side members 6 and 7. A
sign 8 may be secured between the side members 6 and 7 and the top
member 5. The sign 8 need not necessarily be slidable within the
side members 6 and 7, but preferably should be arranged to be
readily interchangeable with new signs when the need arises.
The display apparatus is provided with a plurality of first
elements, such as substantially flat slat members 9, mounted within
the frame structure 3 and being selectively movable or slidable
within the side members 6 and 7. A gap 10 may be provided between
the slidable slat members 9 for facilitating the holding or
retaining of the removable articles 2 or their associated shelves
or shelf devices 11.
The display apparatus also includes first means, such as
theft-guard pull pins 12, for selectively placing the slat members
9 in a locked or an unlocked condition to permit or prevent,
respectively, moving of slat members 9 relative to the frame
structure 3, The theft-guard pull pins 12, which are also
illustrated in FIG. 7, extend through the side frame member 6 or 7
and into the path of movement of the slidable slat members 9. If
desired, the pull pin 12 can be arranged to fit within an aperture
13 provided in one of the slat members 9. The function of the
theft-guard pull pins 12 will be described in detail
hereinafter.
The display apparatus 1 includes second means, such as the shelf
devices 11, for facilitating the positioning of the removable
articles 2 adjacent to at least one of the slat members 9.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a shelf device 11 according to
the present invention having a shelf member or portion 14 disposed
in a predetermined direction which is perpendicular to the major
surfaces of slat members 9. The shelf device 11 is provided with
means, such as opposed slots 15 and 16, for attaching the shelf
member 14 to one or more of the slat members 9. The major portion
of the shelf device 11 consisting of the shelf member 14 is
disposed in front of the slat members 9 for supporting or
displaying a removable article, such as the time pieces 2 shown in
the FIG. 1. The shelf device 11 may also include a portion 17 which
is disposed behind the slat members 9. It should be understood that
the shelf member 14 and/or the shelf portion 17 may extend for the
full dimension between the side frame members 6 and 7, or for only
a portion thereof as illustrated in FIG. 1. The length, width and
thickness dimensions of shelf portion 14 need not coincide with the
corresponding dimension of shelf portion 17. If desired, the front
end of shelf portion 14 may be provided with a lip 18 which is
useful in preventing the displayed article 2 from moving off the
shelf portion 14 and is also useful as a retainer for the end of
the pivotal transparent covers 19 to be described hereinafter.
The shelf device 11 may be provided with one or more tapered or
non-tapered grooves 20 which bridges the shelf portions 14 and 17
in the vicinity of the slots 15 and 16.
The groove 20 is also illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows a back end
view of the device illustrated in FIG. 2 with the slats 9 removed.
The purpose of the groove 20 is to facilitate the passage of an
electrical line cord 21 (see FIG. 5) from the area in front of the
slat members 9 to the storage area 22 in back of the slat members
9. The groove 20 may also be used for accommodating an anti-theft
wire or ball chain cord (not shown) which may be attached to the
back of the displayed article 2.
FIG. 4 shows a modified shelf device 11a having a different shape
than the shelf device 11 shown in FIG. 2, and also including means,
such as a pivot pin or screw 23, for pivotally securing a cover 19
to the shelf member 14a. The pivotal lid or cover member 19 may be
entirely or partially transparent to facilitate viewing of the
article 2 enclosed therein, and may be shaped and dimensioned to
snap into cooperative retention with the lip 18a. It should be
noted that FIGS. 2 and 4 are shown in the locked condition. That
is, with the slat members 9 shown fitted within the slots 15 and
16, the shelf device 11 or 11a cannot be removed from the display
apparatus and the cover 19 cannot be pivoted to an open
position.
FIG. 4 shows the shelf device 11a provided with a velvet or felt
insert 24, a product shelf which may be milled or extruded if
desired, and an injection molded clear plastic cover 19. The front
area 25 of the shelf device 11, 11a or 11b (FIG. 5) may be used for
displaying product identity or price information which may be
provided by the manufacturer of the article 2 to be sold.
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the shelf device 11b
specially adapted for holding an article such as an electric clock
or appliance. FIG. 5 shows the shelf portion 14b having a lip 18b
and a stiffener portion 26 which aids in supporting the shelf
device 11b in a rigid horizontal position. The electrical line cord
21 from the article or appliance 2 rests within the groove 20 and
the remainder of the electrical line cord 21 is bunched and stored
in the storage area 22 behind the slat members 9. The hidden
storage area 22 is provided behind the slat members 9 and in front
of the back member 27 of the frame structure 3. The solid line
depiction of the line cord 21 shows the line cord resting above the
shelf device 11b, and the phantom lined representation of the line
cord 21 shows how the bunched line cord may be stored below the
shelf device 11b. As an alternative to the groove 20, there may be
provided a cylindrical cord hole (not shown) through the shelf
device 11b and centered in the vicinity where the slat members 9
meet the shelf device 11b.
FIG. 6 shows a tapered configuration for the line cord groove 20
and the upper slot 15 with the slat member 9 removed.
FIG. 7 shows a fragmentary top plan view, partially in section, of
an extruded form of the vertical side member 6 of the frame
structure 3. The side member 6 and a portion 28 which provides a
vertical side track or slot within which the slat members 9 may
move. The theft-guard pull pin 12 is adapted to pass through the
outer portion of the side member 6, through the portion 28 and to
the aperture 13 in one of slat members 9. As an alternative
arrangement, the theft-guard pull pin may merely be disposed in the
path of movement of the slat member 9 and above one of the edges of
the slat member 9. The side member 6 as shown in FIG. 7 also
supports one end of the back member 27 of the frame structure
3.
With reference to FIG. 8, there is shown another embodiment of the
novel combination shelf device-display package having a transparent
pivotal cover 19a which is pivotally secured to a shelf device 11c
by way of a cover hinge 29 which is integral with the shelf device
11c. A transverse bead 30 on the back portion of the transparent
cover 19a is pivotally inserted within the hinge 29. Beneath the
hinge and pivotally mating bead arrangement, the shelf device 11c
is provided with a key channel 31 which will be described in detail
hereinafter. The front lower portion of the transparent cover 19a
is provided with a pair of parallel transverse beads or lips 32 and
33 which mate with the lip 18c and the lower front edge of the
shelf device 11c, respectively, for a snapped retention of the
pivotal cover 19a with the shelf device 11c.
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 relate to a modification of the combination
shelf device and product package. The shelf device 11d is provided
with a front lip 18d adapted to mate with a transverse bead 32 on
the front lower portion of the transparent pivotal cover 19b. On
the back side of the cover 19b, a transverse bead 30a is pivotally
inserted in the integral hinge 29a of the shelf device 11d.
As shown best in FIG. 10, a key channel lock member 34 is inserted
in the key channel 31 to facilitate the mounting of the product
package to the slidable slats 9. FIG. 11 shows the transparent
cover 19d in an open position with the key channel lock member 34
removed from the key channel 31.
With reference to FIG. 12, there is shown a modified shelf device
11e having a front lip 18e and an integral snap-in detent or hinge
29 to mate with the bead of a cover member (not shown). FIG. 12
shows a modified form of slat member 9a, and a modified form of key
channel lock member 34a.
The operation of the various embodiments of the invention described
hereinabove will now be explained in connection with the two views
of the novel tool 35 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The embodiments as
shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 12 are all illustrated in an
anti-theft or locked condition of the display apparatus 1. In this
condition, the various articles 2 cannot be directly or readily
removed from the apparatus without first removing the pull pins 12
which are not in full view of the potential customers. It should
also be noted that in the same anti-theft or locked condition, the
package cover 19, 19a or 19b cannot be pivoted to an open position
to permit removal of the article 2 enclosed therein without first
moving or raising the retaining back slat member 9 or 9a. In this
condition the customer may closely examine and touch the various
articles 2, but he cannot directly or readily remove such article
by himself.
When the customer informs the salesman that he desires to purchase
or more closely examine a particular removable article 2, the
salesman removes or withdraws the theft-guard pull pins 12 from the
side members 6 and 7 of the frame structure 3. Upon doing so, the
display apparatus is now in an unlocked condition and the slat
members 9 may be slid within the vertical side track or slot 28 in
side members 6 and 7. To avoid loss or misplacement of the removed
pull pins 12, the slat lifting tool 35 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is
provided with a body member 36 having storage holes 37 to receive
the pull pins 12 for temporary storage therein.
The opposite end of the body member 36 is provided with a portion
in the form of an eyelet 38 adapted for insertion in the gap 10
(see FIG. 1) between the slat members 9. After the eyelet 38 has
been inserted in the gap 10, the tool 35 may merely be lifted
vertically to raise the slat members 9, or alternatively, the tool
35 may be rotated 90.degree. and thereby lifting the slat members 9
by forcing the wide portion of the eyelet in the gap 10. When the
slat members 9 have been raised a sufficient distance to permit
removal of the desired article 2, the body member 36 of the tool 35
may be left interposed in the widened gap 10 so that the slat
members 9 above the tool 35 will rest thereon until it is desired
to place the apparatus back into its locked condition. Thus, the
tool 35 serves the triple purpose of temporarily storing the pull
pins 12, raising the desired slat members 9, and maintaining the
slat members spaced apart until it is desired to have the apparatus
revert to its locked condition.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show another embodiment of the present invention
which is provided with third means including at least one rotatable
pulley 39 secured to the top member 5 of the frame structure 3, an
elongated member, such as a wire, chain or cord 40, being affixed
to at least one of the slat members 9 by fasteners 41 and passing
over the pulley 39, and a spring or counterweight 42 for
facilitating movement of the slats 9 when desired. FIG. 15 also
shows the back wall member 27 affixed to the top member 5 and the
bottom member 4 of the frame structure 3. With reference to FIGS.
1, 7, 15 and 16, it should be noted that if desired the frame
members 4, 5, 6 and 7 may have the same cross sectional
configuration. FIG. 15 shows the portion 28 which provides the
vertical slot or track within which the slat members 9 may slide.
The slat members 9 may be provided with gap spacers 43 to provide
the gap 10 shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 15, the slot or side track may be provided with a
plurality of pull pins 12, and if desired a permanent stop in the
form of a stop or pull pin 12a near the top of the frame. The
counterweight embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 would operate
essentially the same as the conventional sash weight window
arrangement.
With reference to FIG. 15 and 16, there is shown a modification or
another embodiment of the easy opening display apparatus which may
be used as a separate embodiment or as an adjunct to the FIG. 15
counterweight arrangement. This modification entails the use of a
resilient member, such as a spring 44, which is normally maintained
compressed between the opposing edges of the slat members 9. FIG.
16 shows a cutaway section of the portions 28 to make the spring
member 44 more visible. Upon selective withdrawal of certain pull
pins 12, the restoring force or urging of the spring member 44 will
move the associated slats 9 along the vertical track or slot.
With reference to FIG. 17, there is illustrated a novel clip
according to the present invention which is especially adapted for
mounting removable articles, such as wall clocks, on the various
slats of the display apparatus. The novel clip 45 has a U-shaped
portion 46 for facilitating mounting on the slat member 9, and
another portion 47 for facilitating connection to the article 2,
such as a wall clock, to be displayed. FIG. 18 shows the novel clip
45 mounted on a typical slat member 9. It should be noted that with
the use of the novel clip 45, the gap 10 between adjacent slat
members 9 does not have to be very wide.
FIG. 19 shows a novel U-shaped clip 48 which is welded to a hook
member 49 for use in holding various removable articles 2. The
device shown in FIG. 19 is especially useful for holding blister
pack articles which may be mounted on cards. If desired the
U-shaped channel or clip 48 may be mounted on the upper side of the
hook 49 for affixing to the lower edge of the slat member 9 above
the hook 49. As an alternative, two U-shaped clips 48 can be welded
to the hook 49 for mounting on the upper and lower edges of the
adjacent slat members 9.
With reference to FIG. 20, there is shown another embodiment of the
hook-clip arrangement wherein a U-shaped clip 48 is welded to an
elongated member portion 50. A slider 51 having two tubular
channels therein is adapted to slide on the double back portions of
the elongated member portion 50. The opening 52 at the bottom of
the slider 51 is adapted to pass over the weld holding the member
50 to the clip 48. The end 53 of the member 50 is adapted to abut
against the major surface of the slat member 9. A ball 54 affixed
to the longer end of the member 50 is adapted to prevent loss of
the slider 51 when it is slid back too far. This embodiment is also
especially adapted for the mounting and displaying of blister pack
articles or products.
With reference to FIG. 21, there is shown another embodiment of the
novel display apparatus having somewhat modified movable slat
members 9b which are constrained to move within a closed curved
path or track provided in a horizontally disposed top member 55 and
a horizontally disposed bottom member 56. It is to be noted that in
this embodiment, the slats 9b are arranged vertically to provide a
substantially vertical gap 10 therebetween, and that the slat
members 9b may be slightly arcuate or concave in cross section.
This is best illustrated in FIG. 23. The display apparatus shown in
FIG. 21 may be fixedly or rotatably mounted upon the leg members
57. A vertically disposed sign 8a may be fixedly or slidably
secured between the top and bottom members 55 and 56. It is of
course essential that there be relative motion between slat members
9b and the top members 55 and 56 to widen and close the gap 10.
However, it is optional whether or not there be relative motion
between leg members 57 and the bottom member 56 and the top member
55. It is also optional whether or not there be relative motion
between the sign 8a and the members 55 and 56.
FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the novel display
apparatus according to the present invention wherein slat members
9b are disposed substantially horizontally and movable within
enclosed curved paths or tracks in side members 58 and 59. The
members 58 and 59 are mounted on leg stand members 60 and 61,
respectively. A sign 8b may be fixedly mounted between the upper
portions of stand members 60 and 61. If the removable articles are
associated with various colors, such as various colored inks, the
display apparatus may be provided with a color tone guide 62 which
is connected between the side members 58 and 59. This guide 62 may
be just for visual comparison between the color dots 63 on the
guide 62 and the color dots 64 on the removable articles 2, or
alternatively may be provided with apertures in the guide 62 which
can be aligned with the associated color dots 64 on the removable
articles 2 when the slats 9b have been appropriately rotated to a
predetermined position.
FIG. 24 depicts another embodiment of the display apparatus wherein
the slats 9c are substantially horizontally disposed and slidable
within incomplete or partial curved paths or tracks provided in
side members 65 and 66 of the apparatus. The slat members 9c may
have a cross section which is slightly arcuate or concave.
The operation of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, 23
and 24 is similar to the operation of the various embodiments of
the invention described hereinabove in connection with the novel
tool 35 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 25 shows a clip 67 having a U-shaped portion 68 which is
adapted to be disposed on or between the opposite edges of adjacent
slat members 9, and means for attachment to one of the removable
articles 2. The attachment means may take the form of an adhesive
strip 69 or apertures 70 for connecting members, such as rivets or
staples.
FIG. 26 shows a modified clip 71 having a portion 72 adapted to be
disposed between the opposite edges of adjacent slat members 9, and
a serrated gripping portion 73 for attachment to one of the
removable articles 2.
FIG. 27 illustrates a modified clip 74 having a portion 75 adapted
to be disposed on or between the opposite edges of adjacent slat
members 9, and attachment means in the form of push-in prongs 76.
FIG. 28 illustrates a partial side elevational view of the display
apparatus showing exemplary uses of the novel clips 67, 71 and 74.
These clips may be used by themselves to display the various
removable articles 2, or maybe used in conjunction with the various
novel shelf devices according to the invention, such as the shelf
device 11b shown in the lower portion of FIG. 28.
FIG. 29 illustrates a novel one-piece snapped together clip 77
provided with a portion 78 which is adapted to be disposed between
or on the opposite edges of adjacent slat members 9, and attaching
means in the form of an integrally affixed rivet 79 to mate with an
aperture 80 provided in a bendable member 81.
FIG. 30 shows a modified clip 82 having a portion 83 adapted to be
disposed on or between opposite edges of adjacent first elements 9,
and attaching means in the form of bendable portion 84 provided
with an aperture 87 for the reception of a separate rivet 86. The
bendable portion 84 is adapted to be bent into contact with the
card wall 85 of a box or other removable article 2 to be displayed.
The snap-in rivet 86 may be inserted in the apertures 87 manually
or by a convenient tool (not shown). It should also be noted that
all of the clips illustrated in FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 may
be employed in the position as illustrated or equally as well in a
reversed or upside down position.
FIGS. 31, 32, 33 and 34 illustrate another embodiment of the
present invention including modified movable slat members 9d which
are slidably connected together by a connector element 88. The
modified slat members 9d have shoulders 89 including a portion 90
which is disposed substantially transverse to the major or front
surface of the slat member 9d. The transverse portion 90 is
provided with a slot 91 for slidable reception of the connector
element 88.
The connector element 88 is provided with enlarged ends 92 for
preventing slidable detachment from the slat members 9d. If
desired, a spacer element or capturing spacer 43a may be disposed
on the connector element 88 between adjacent slat members 9d. FIG.
33 shows the embodiment in the locked condition, and FIG. 34 shows
the embodiment in the open or unlocked condition for removal of one
of the articles 2. It should be noted how the enlarged ends 92 of
the connector element 88 are shaped to mate with or fit within the
shoulders 89 of the slat members 9d. The embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 31, 32, 33 and 34 is especially adapted for production by
exclusion techniques. FIG. 35 shows a modified connector element 93
having an integral capture spacer 94 disposed between the enlarged
ends or yoke heads 95.
FIG. 36 shows another modified connector element 96 having a
spherical or ball capture spacer 97 disposed between the ball or
spherical ends 98.
FIG. 37 illustrates another embodiment of the display apparatus
emphasizing special means for selectively raising and lowering the
slat members. The side frame members 6 and 7 are provided with
apertures 99, 100, 101 and 102 for the reception of various
anti-theft pull pins to be described hereinbelow. The slat members
9d are interconnected by suitable connector elements 88, 93 or 96
which permit the slat members 9d to slide relative to one another
to vary the spacing of gap 10 between adjacent slat members 9d.
The novel raising and lowering means includes a crank member 103
which is affixed to a shaft 104 that is rotatably mounted in side
frame member 6. A gear 105 is affixed to the rotatable shaft 104
and is adapted to mesh with a gear 106 affixed to a rotatable shaft
107.
The rotatable shaft 107 may be provided with one or more spools 108
which are adapted to receive in a wound fashion an elongated
member, such as a metallic tape 109, which is connected at one end
of one of the movable slat members 9d.
An anti-theft pull pin 12b also serves as the handle for the crank
103 when the apparatus is in an unlocked condition. When the crank
103 is rotated to a position where the pull pin 12b is aligned with
the aperture 99 in the side frame member 6, the pull pin 12b may be
moved into the apertures 99 and 100 to protrude within the path of
movement of at least one of the slat members 9d. This serves the
dual purpose of temporarily storing the crank handle pull pin 12b,
and maintaining the apparatus in a locked condition. The opposite
side member 7 may be provided with an anti-theft pull pin 12
similar to the pull pin described in connection with the display
apparatus of FIG. 1.
Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed in considerable detail hereinabove, it will be
understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be
employed in many other configurations, environments and
applications. The various features of the invention may be employed
in the combination disclosed, or separately, or other combinations.
Many other variations and modifications thereof can be resorted to
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *