U.S. patent number 3,786,927 [Application Number 05/178,039] was granted by the patent office on 1974-01-22 for pilfer proof display unit for pack merchandise.
Invention is credited to Jay Manheim.
United States Patent |
3,786,927 |
Manheim |
January 22, 1974 |
PILFER PROOF DISPLAY UNIT FOR PACK MERCHANDISE
Abstract
A display unit for merchandise in packs which is intended to
prevent pilfering. The unit includes a housing for supporting a
plurality of holders. Each holder is adapted to hold one of the
packs and to permit its removal upon movement of the pack in a
predetermined path relative to the holder. Each holder is connected
with the housing for pivoting motion about a generally horizontal
pivot axis, to facilitate browsing. Each pack is normally prevented
from removal from its holder by a limit member connected with the
housing projecting into the predetermined path of the pack from its
holder when the holder is in a secured, first position, which
limits movement of the pack to less than that necessary for
removal. Each holder can, however, be tilted about a tilt axis
generally perpendicular to the pivot axis to a released, second
position in which the predetermined path of removal of the pack
relative to the holder is moved out of the way of the limit member
so that the pack can be removed. Tilting of the holders to the
released position is normally prevented by a selectively operable,
concealed keeper hidden within the housing.
Inventors: |
Manheim; Jay (New York,
NY) |
Family
ID: |
22650924 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/178,039 |
Filed: |
September 7, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/4; 211/168;
211/40; 312/9.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F
7/0246 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
7/02 (20060101); A47F 7/024 (20060101); A47f
007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;211/4,40,41,165,168,169,169.1 ;70/62 ;312/107.5,9,13,14,20
;206/DIG.36,75,76 ;40/104.06,104.09,104.13 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Britts; Ramon S.
Assistant Examiner: Holko; Thomas J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pretty; Laurence H.
Claims
I claim:
1. A display unit for packs comprising,
a housing having at least one tray including a longitudinally
extending floor,
at least one holder adapted to hold one of the packs, said holder
being further adapted for removal of the pack by movement thereof
along a predetermined path relative to said holder, said holder
having an end wall and a pair of side walls defining a U-shaped
cradle to receive a pack and an axle extending from said end wall
in parallel relation to said floor of said tray in a first position
of said holder in said housing and in an opposite direction from
said side walls,
connecting means for connecting said holder with said housing for
movement relative thereto between said first position and a second
position, said connecting means supporting said holder in said
first position thereof for pivoting motion about said axle,
limit means connected with said housing in facing relation to said
U-shaped cradle to intercept the predetermined path of movement of
the pack relative to said holder when said holder is in said first
position thereof to prevent removal of the pack from said holder
with movement of said holder to said second position being adapted
to position the predetermined path of movement of the pack relative
to said holder out of contact with said limit means whereby the
pack may be removed; and
keeper means movably connected with said housing and selectively
contacting said holder for preventing movement thereof from said
first to said second position, said keeper means being selectively
movable within said housing out of contact with said holder to free
said holder for movement to said second position.
2. A display unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting
means further supports said holder for tilting motion between said
first and second positions relative to said housing about a tilt
axis generally perpendicular to said pivot axis.
3. A display unit as defined in claim 2 wherein said pivot and tilt
axis are disposed in generally horizontal planes.
4. A display unit as defined in claim 2 wherein said predetermined
path of relative movement for removal of the pack from said holder
is generally parallel to said pivot axis.
5. A display unit as defined in claim 2 further including, alarm
means operatively associated with said keeper means for causing an
alarm upon movement thereof out of contact with said holder.
6. A display unit for packs comprising,
a housing;
at least one holder adapted to hold one of the packs, said holder
being further adapted for removal of the pack by movement thereof
along a predetermined path relative to said holder;
connecting means for connecting said holder with said housing for
movement relative thereto between first and second positions, said
connecting means supporting said holder in said first position
thereof for pivoting motion about a horizontal pivot axis parallel
to said predetermined path and between said first and second
positions for tilting motion relative to said housing about a
horizontal tilt axis generally perpendicular to said pivot axis,
said connecting means including an axle fixedly connected with said
holder extending axially in parallel relation to said predetermined
path of relative movement for removal of the pack in an opposite
direction therefrom, a first wall connected with said housing, said
first wall underlying and supporting said holder and the pack when
said holder is in said first position thereof; and a second wall
connected with said first wall, said second wall having an opening
therein through which said axle passes, said opening supporting
said axle in axial alignment with said pivot axis for pivoting
motion thereabout when said holder is in said first position
thereof, portions of said second wall which define said opening
further providing a fulcrum for tilting motion of said axle about
an axis perpendicular thereto coinciding with said tilt axis;
limit means connected with said housing adapted to intercept the
predetermined path of movement of the pack relative to said holder
when said holder is in said first position thereof to prevent
removal of the pack from said holder with movement of said holder
to said second position being adapted to position the predetermined
path of movement of the pack relative to said holder out of contact
with said limit means whereby the pack may be removed; and
keeper means movably connected with said housing contacting said
holder for preventing movement thereof from said first to said
second position, said keeper means being selectively movable out of
contact with said holder to free said holder for movement to said
second position.
7. A display unit as defined in claim 6 further including,
alignment means connected with said housing contacting said axle
for preventing rotational movement thereof about an axis
perpendicular to said pivot and tilt axes.
8. A display unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said limit means
includes,
a third wall connected with said first wall in spaced, generally
parallel relation to said second wall, said third wall adapted to
be spaced closely adjacent the pack to prevent sufficient motion
thereof from said holder for removal of the pack when said holder
is in said first position, movement of said holder to said second
position permitting the pack to clear said third wall during motion
from said holder.
9. A display unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said keeper means
includes,
a keeper bar slidably connected with said housing for motion
between first and second positions of said keeper bar, said keeper
bar in said first position thereof contacting said axle to prevent
tilting motion thereof in a direction which would move said holder
relatively away from said first wall; and
at least one opening in said keeper bar, said opening registering
with said axle when said keeper bar is in said second position
thereof, thereby freeing said holder for tilting motion to said
second position thereof.
10. A display unit as defined in claim 9 further including biasing
means connected with said housing for resiliently biasing said bar
to said first position.
11. A display unit for packs comprising
a housing having at least one tray including a longitudinally
extending floor and a pair of spaced parallel walls extending
upwardly from said floor;
at least one holder disposed in said tray for removably mounting
one of the packs therein, said holder having an end wall and a pair
of side walls defining a U-shaped cradle to receive a pack and an
axle extending perpendicularly from said end wall in an opposite
direction from said side walls through an aperture in one of said
walls to pivotally dispose said holder relative to said one wall
about an axis parallel to said one wall, said U-shaped cradle being
disposed in facing relation to the other of said walls;
a keeper mechanism within said housing having movable means for
selectively preventing pivoting of said axle of said holder
relative to said axis; and
a release mechanism mounted in said housing for moving said keeper
mechanism movable means away from said axle to permit pivoting of
said axle of said holder relative to said axis.
12. A display unit as set forth in claim 11 having a plurality of
apertures in said wall and a plurality of said holders mounted
therein, each tray being pivotally mounted about a pivot axis
perpendicularly to said wall.
13. A display unit as set forth in claim 12 having a plurality of
said trays in said housing to respectively receive a plurality of
said holders therein.
14. A display unit for packs comprising
a housing having at least one tray including a longitudinally
extending floor and a wall extending upwardly from said floor;
at least one holder disposed in said tray for removably mounting
one of the packs therein, said holder having an axle extending
therefrom through an aperture in said wall to pivotally dispose
said holder relative to said wall about an axis parallel to said
wall;
a keeper mechanism within said housing having movable means for
selectively preventing pivoting of said axle of said holder
relative to said axis, said movable means including a slidably
mounted keeper bar having a cut-out opening in an upper edge
thereof, said bar being movable into a first position to have said
axle of said holder rest on said upper edge to prevent tilting of
said axle and into a second position to have said axle aligned with
said cut-out opening to permit pivoting of said axle; and
a release mechanism mounted in said housing for moving said keeper
mechanism movable means away from said axle to permit pivoting said
axle of said holder relative to said axis.
15. A display unit as set forth in claim 14 which further comprises
means for biasing said keeper bar towards said release mechanism
and wherein said keeper bar has an inclined edge forming said
opening and said axle is pointed to engage said edge and move said
keeper bar towards said biasing means upon insertion of said axle
through said apertured wall with said keeper bar in said first
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a display unit for pack merchandise,
(e.g. packaged tape cartridges and the like) which is intended to
facilitate browsing through the merchandise while minimizing the
opportunity for pilferage.
As is well known many items are packaged for merchandising purposes
in rigid rectangular packs. For example tape cartridges and
cassettes are usually packaged for sale in this manner as are many
other, very diverse items. In displaying taped cartridges or
cassettes for sale the retailer may find it necessary to display a
large number of packs in such a manner that prospective customers
may easily browse through them to make their selection. At the same
time the retailer wishes to insure that pilferage of the packs is
made as difficult as possible.
One prior display case for tape cartridge packs includes a
rectangular box having a hinged transparent lid. Mounted in
parallel, transverse rows within the box are a plurality of holders
for supporting the packs, each holder comprising a vertical wall
with a U-shaped channel along its lower edge for receiving several
of the packs in side-by-side relation. Each holder is hinged to the
sidewalls of the box for pivoting motion about a horizontal
transverse axis. The holders are provided with individual levers by
which any selected holder can be pivoted forwardly or rearwardly by
a viewer standing in front of the box to expose the tape cartridges
supported by that holder for viewing through the transparent lid.
Pilferage is prevented by providing a latch which holds the
transparent lid closed until released by the retailer.
Although generally satisfactory, certain disadvantages may be
associated with a display unit of the type just described. For
example, because all the packs are kept in the box beneath the
normally locked transparent lid, the prospective customer is unable
to get as close to the merchandise to inspect it as he may wish
(particularly a customer with poor reading vision). In addition the
prospective customer cannot see the reverse side of each pack,
which may also contain information in which he is interested,
because it is held flush against the wall portion of the holder.
There is also the possibility that a really determined vandal may
make an opening in the transparent lid and make off with packs
before he is detected.
Another prior device for displaying merchandise for sale comprises
a horizontal base having a plurality of spaced vertical slots
extending through it for receiving the lower ends of a plurality of
holders, each adapted to hold one item of merchandise. A concealed
keeper bar slidably mounted within the base is provided with arms
which extend across the slots passing through aligned openings in
the lower portions of the holders to prevent the holders being
removed vertically from the slots. The keeper bar may be slid
longitudinally by one knowing of its presence (e.g. the retailer)
to move the arms out of engagement with the holders so that each
may be selectively withdrawn. The keeper bar is returnable to the
engaged position by a bias spring.
Such a device would not, however, be suitable for displaying
merchandise packs requiring that they be mounted pivotally to
enable the prospective customer to browse through numerous of the
packs, reading information on the front and sometimes the rear of
each, to make his selection. This is because the construction
described, with the vertical slot and holder construction
substantially precludes forward and rear pivoting motion of the
holders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a display unit for merchandise
retailed in packs, which obviates or minimizes problems of the type
previously described. In particular it provides a display unit
which facilitates easy browsing through a plurality of the packs by
a prospective customer, while minimizing the opportunity for
pilferage of the packs displayed.
In more detail the invention provides a display unit for
merchandise packaged in rigid rectangular packs of generally
uniform dimension (e.g. tape cartridges or cassettes in the form in
which they are commonly packaged for merchandising). Although the
invention will be particularly discussed with respect to the
merchandising of tape cartridges and cassettes, it will be
understood that it is not to be considered so limited, but is of
general applicability to merchandise retailed in rigid rectangular
packs regardless of whatever particular contents the packs may
contain.
A display unit, according to the invention, includes a housing in
which at least one holder is mounted. The holder is adapted to hold
one of the packs to permit removal of the pack from the holder only
upon movement of the pack along a predetermined path relative to
the holder. The holder is connected with the housing for movement
relative thereto between a first, secured position and a second,
released position. In its first position, the holder is supported
for pivoting motion relative to the housing about a pivot axis. A
limit member, connected with the housing, is adapted to intersect
the predetermined path of the pack relative to the holder when the
holder is in its first position to prevent removal of the pack.
However movement of the holder to its second position is adapted to
position the predetermined path of the pack relative to the holder
out of contact with the limit member, so that the pack may be
removed.
A keeper is movably connected with the housing and contacts the
holder to permit it being moved from the first to the second
position. When the keeper is moved selectively out of contact with
the holder, then the holder is freed for movement to its second
position in which the pack can be withdrawn from the holder.
The keeper is concealed within the housing so that only a person
knowing in advance of the existence of the keeper, can release the
holder for movement to the second position in which the pack can be
removed from the holder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A dislay unit constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the invention, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of a
display unit and associated holders, constructed in accordance with
the preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the holders shown in FIG. 1
and associated portions of the display unit, with the holder being
shown in a secured position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the holder and associated structure
shown in FIG. 2 but with the holder tilted to a release
position;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 2 with the
holder being restored to a secured position;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a release bar
mechanism forming a part of the display unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of three, identical display units and
associated holders, each display unit constructed in accordance
with a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the display units shown in
FIG. 6 but showing only one of the holders illustrated in FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of four of the holders shown in FIG. 7
in association with a keeper preventing removal of the holders;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of one of the display units
shown in FIG. 6 taken along the lines 9--9 therein;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the display
unit shown in FIG. 9 taken along the lines 10--10 therein;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a forward end portion of
the keeper shown in FIG. 8; and
FIG. 12 is an additional side view of a portion of the keeper shown
in FIG. 8 further illustrating the locking action thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a display unit constructed in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, is there
shown.
The display unit includes a housing generally designated 2
configured to provide a bottom tray 4, an intermediate tray 6 and
an upper tray 8 disposed in parallel, vertically staggered,
ascending relation from front to rear of the unit. The trays 4, 6
and 8 which are of similar configuration each include a
longitudinally extending floor 10 disposed at an inclination to the
horizontal, and front and rear sidewalls 12 and 14 extending
upwardly along the longitudinal edges of the floor 10. Each of the
trays 4, 6 and 8 receives a plurality of identical pack holders 16,
each of which holds one of the packs 18 to be displayed.
The packs 18, which may be packaged tape cartridges or cassettes,
are rigid and of rectangular shape and uniform dimensions. It will
be understood that many items of merchandise are packaged for sale
in this manner and a display unit according to the present
invention is applicable to any merchandise sold in packs regardless
of the particular contents of the packs, be it taped music or goods
of an entirely unrelated nature such as for example nails, ladies'
stockings or other highly diverse articles.
Each of the previously mentioned pack holders 16 (FIG. 2) includes
an end wall 20 and spaced, parallel, upper and lower side walls 22
and 24 extending perpendicularly from opposite extremities of the
end wall. Flanges extending along the edges of the end and
sidewalls 20, 22 and 24 provide a U-shaped cradle with a central
channel extending across the bottom and up the sides of the cradle
for slidably and snugly receiving the lower and side edges of the
associated pack 18 while leaving the central and upper portions of
the pack unobscured for easy reading and viewing. To remove the
pack 18 it is necessary to slide it outwardly of the holder 16 for
a sufficient distance to permit the lower end of the pack to
completely clear the upper extremities of the holder. In a first,
or secured, position of the holder, its lower sidewall 24 and
adjacent portions of the pack 18 rest against the floor 10 of the
tray within which the holder is positioned.
Fixedly secured to each holder 16 is an associated axle 26
positioned at the lower end of the end wall 20 on the centerline
thereof. The axle 26 extends perpendicularly from the end wall 20
generally on a level with the lower sidewall 24 in the opposite
direction therefrom. The front sidewall 12 of each of the trays 4,
6 and 8, are each provided with a row of uniformly spaced circular
openings 28 (FIG. 1) through which the axles 26 of the various
holders 16 are loosely passed to locate and align the holders in
uniform ranks within the trays.
To maintain parallel alignment of the holders extending
transversely perpendicularly across the trays, three alignment
walls 30 are fixedly secured to the housing 2 disposed in spaced,
parallel adjacent relation to the front walls 12 of the three
trays. Rows of vertical U-shaped slots 32 each aligned with an
adjacent one of the previously mentioned openings 28 are provided
in the alignment walls 30. Each of the axles 26 thus passes through
one of the openings 28 in the adjacent front wall 12 and through
one of the slots 32 in the adjacent alignment wall 30. In this way,
each axle 26 is contacted at two spaced points and prevented from
pivoting movement about a vertical axis in a direction
perpendicular to its length, thereby maintaining the alignment of
the holder with the adjacent holders.
With the arrangement described, when each holder and its pack are
resting in a first, secured position, the pack and holder can be
pivoted from side to side as a unit (FIG. 2) on the pivot axle 26
about a pivot axis A-A which is generally parallel to the floor 10
of the associated one of the trays extending transversely
thereacross. The customer can thus readily browse through the packs
reading the informational material provided on the front and rear
of each pack, in order to make his choice. Illicit removal of a
pack from its holder is however prevented because the pack cannot
be slid sufficiently outwardly of its holder for removal because it
will impinge upon the rear wall 14 of the tray, which acts as a
limit.
To enable a pack to be removed it is necessary to tilt the holder
16 upwardly (FIG. 3) about a horizontal tilt axis B-B extending
longitudinally of the tray in perpendicular relation to the pivot
axis to a second, or released, position. This enables the lower
outer end of the pack to clear the rear wall 14 of the tray so that
the pack can be moved a sufficient distance outwardly of its holder
to be removed. During such tilting action, the lower end of the
hole 28 in the front wall 12 acts as a fulcrum for the tilting
action about the tilt axis B--B, while the axle 26 is free to move
downwardly in the vertical elongate slot 32 in the alignment bar
30. The front wall 12 of each tray is inclined sufficiently away
from perpendicular relation to the floor 10 to provide clearance
for this tilting motion.
Tilting of the pack and holder in this manner is however normally
prevented by three, similarly constructed, keeper mechanisms 34
each associated with one of the trays 4, 6 and 8 (FIG. 1). Each
keeper mechanism 34 includes a longitudinally extending hollow
channel member 36 fixedly secured to the housing 2 in spaced
parallel relation to the adjacent alignment bar 30 on an opposite
side thereof from the adjacent front wall 12 of the associated
tray. Slidably and snugly received within the interior of each of
the channel members 36 is a longitudinally movable keeper bar 38.
Vertical cut-out openings 40 spaced along each channel member 36
expose the keeper bar 38 within, in the regions adjacent each of
the axles 26 of the holders 16.
With the holders in their secured, first position and with the
keeper bars 38 in a first secured position (FIG. 2) of the keeper
bars, the underside of each axle 26 adjacent its free extremity,
rests on the upper edge of the adjacent keeper bar 38 and is thus
prevented from moving downwardly. In this way tilting of the
associated holder about the tilt axis is prevented, and so the
holder remains in its secured position in which it can be pivoted
about the pivot axis for browsing but in which the associated pack
cannot be removed by a pilferer.
To free the axles 26 for tilting motion, each keeper bar 38 is
provided along its length with a series of uniformly spaced
openings 40 extending downwardly into the keeper bar. By
longitudinal displacement of the keeper bar 38 in a direction
longitudinally of the housing from left to right to a second, or
release, position, each of the openings 40 may simultaneously be
moved into alignment with each of the axles 26 of the holders in
the associated tray, thereby freeing those holders for tilting
motion so that the packs within the holders may be removed.
Movement of each of the three keeper bars 38 from the secured to
the released position is effected by a release mechanism 42 (FIG.
1). The release mechanism 42 includes a release bar 44 positioned
within the housing 2 adjacent the left end thereof and mounted for
sliding motion transversely of the housing 2 between a first, or
secured, position and a second, or released, position. Fixed to the
release bar 44 adjacent each of the keeper bars 38 are three
wedge-shaped cams 48 each of which engages a correspondingly
inclined surface at the forward end of each of the adjacent keeper
bars 38. By manual transverse motion of the release bar 44 in a
direction from the front to the back of the housing 2, the three
cams 48 move the associated keeper bars 36 longitudinally to the
right to their released positions (FIG. 3).
As soon as manual pressure is released from the release bar 44 it
is returned forwardly to its secured position by a spring 50
positioned between the back wall of the housing 2 and the adjacent
end of the release bar. Similar springs (not shown) positioned
between the right end wall of the housing 2 and the adjacent right
ends of the keeper bars 38 return each of the keeper bars to their
secured position.
Each of the previously mentioned openings 40 in each keeper bar 38
has a right-hand edge 52 extending at an inclination dowardly and
to the right in a longitudinal direction. Thus if a tilted holder
16 is restored to a tray at a time when the associated keeper bar
38 is already in its secured position, the free end of the axle 26,
after passing through the openings 28 and 32, passes into the
opening 40 in a region underhung by the inclined right edge 52. The
forward end of the axle 26 is pointed facilitate this entry. If
pressure is then applied in a downward direction (FIG. 4) to the
upper wall 22 of the holder, the resulting upward tilting motion of
the free end of the axle 26 exerts a camming action against the
right edge 52 of the opening. This causes the keeper bar 36 to be
moved to the right so that the axle 26 can move upwardly to the
secured position. During this motion the left end of the keeper bar
38 is moved out of contact with the adjacent cam 48. As the axle 26
reaches its secured position above the keeper bar, the associated
spring restores the keeper bar 38 to its secured position
underlying the axle (FIG. 2) so the holder is now secured.
The structure by which the release bar 44 may be moved to its
release position includes a press button release (FIG. 5) which
requires that a concealed button first be elevated vertically
before the release bar can be moved transversely to the rear. The
press button release includes a vertical shaft 54 which is mounted
for vertical sliding motion in a mating vertical opening 58 through
the release bar and passes through vertical, transversely elongate
openings 59 in adjacent portions of the housing 2. The shaft 54 is
provided with enlarged, horizontal disks 60 and 62 at its upper and
lower ends respectively. A coil spring 64 between the release bar
44 and the lower disk 62 biases the shaft 54 downwardly so that the
upper disk 60 is pressed against the upper surface of the portions
of the housing surrounding the slot 59. In this lower position, the
upper disk 60 abuts a transverse stop member 66 secured to the
housing 2, which prevents rearward sliding motion of the release
bar to the released position.
Upward pressure of a finger on the lower disk 62 elevates the upper
disk above the level of the transverse member 66 so that the
release bar may be slid rearwardly to its released position.
Positive location of the release bar 44 at its release position is
achieved by abutment of the shaft 54 against the closed ends of the
slots 59.
As the release bar is entirely concealed from view, it will be
appreciated that a person not acquainted with the release mechanism
will not be able to free even one of the packs 18 from its
associated holder, so that the opportunity for pilferage is
prevented. This desirable result is however achieved without any
reduction in the ease with which a prospective customer may browse
through a large number of the packs attractively and conveniently
stored in the display unit. In addition, the avoidance of any
overall lid or equivalent structure, permits the customer to handle
the packs directly and to inspect both sides of them thereby
stimulating his interest in making a purchase.
Additionally the combination of first an upward and then a rearward
motion before the holders can be released is sufficiently complex
to elude discovery by a would-be thief not familiar with the
mechanism and usually limited, through fear of surveillance or of
creating a suspicious disturbance, in his capacity to investigate
and solve the hidden release mechanism. The structure therefore
provides a powerful deterrent to pilfering and significantly
reduces the chance of loss from this cause.
The release bar 44 may also be incorporated into an electrical
alarm system 44' to actuate either an audible signal such as a
buzzer or a visual signal such as a lamp by causing the release
bars to complete a switching circuit 44" including a switch 44'"
initiating operation of the alarm whenever it is moved from its
secured to its released position.
Three display units 80 each constructed in accordance with a second
embodiment of the invention, are shown in FIG. 6 resting on a
suitable supporting surface such as a table.
Each of the display units 80 includes a housing 83 (FIG. 7)
comprising a longitudinally extending, rectangular shallow tray 84
divided into two equal longitudinal compartments 86 by a centrally
positioned, hollow, partition unit 88. Each compartment 86 receives
a plurality of identical pack holders 90 (FIG. 6), each of which
holds one of the packs 18 of the type previously described.
Each holder 90 (FIG. 9) is of similar construction to the
previously described holders 16 and includes inner and outer (or
first and second) vertically extending sidewalls 94 aud 96 which
have fixedly secured to them adjacent their lower extremities,
sidewardly projecting inner and outer, dowel-like axles 98 and 100,
respectively, aligned with the center line of the holder to provide
balanced support.
Each outer axle 100 is loosely received within one of a plurality
of circular openings 104 (FIG. 7) provided in one of two
longitudinally and vertically extending outer, sidewalls 106 of the
previously mentioned tray 84. Each inner axle 98 is received within
a transversely aligned one of a plurality of vertically extending
elongate, slots 108 provided in two, spaced opposed, longitudinally
and vertically extending, inner sidewalls 110 forming a part of the
previously mentioned center partition 88 and joined at their upper
extremities by a horizontal top wall 111. The openings 104 and 108
are arranged in transversely aligned groups spaced at uniform
intervals along the length of the display unit, for mounting the
successive holders 90 in uniformly spaced parallel rows within the
compartments 86 (FIG. 6). The lower closed extremities of each slot
108 and its adjacent aligned opening 104 are on the same horizontal
level so that one of the holders 90 positioned between them with
its axles received in the aligned openings, is supported for
forward and backward pivoting motion about a horizontal,
transverse, pivot axis. In this position, hereinafter referred to
as the first position, a prospective customer may readily rotate
the pack in the holder toward and away from him to facilitate
browsing through the merchandise in the display unit. As can be
seen from FIG. 8 there is sufficient longitudinal spacing between
adjacent holders 10 to permit free and easy pivoting motion of each
without binding or interference with the adjacent holders.
To prevent illicit removal of any of the packs 18, each inner wall
110 adjacent its upper extremity is provided with a transversely
and longitudinally projecting, ledge-like, abutment 112 which
overlies and is spaced closely above the adjacent upper portions of
the packs 18. The abutments 112 intercept the path of vertical
upward movement of each pack 18 from its associated holder 90 when
that holder is in its first position, to limit the upward path of
travel of the pack to less than that necessary to enable the pack
to be lifted clear out of and from the holder. Thus with the
holders 90 in their horizontal position, customers can browse
through the packs but are unable to remove them, thereby
discouraging pilferage.
To permit removal of one of the packs 18 from its holder 90, it is
necessary to tilt the holder about a horizontal tilt axis generally
perpendicular to the pivot axis, as shown in FIG. 9, by raising its
inner end upwardly so that the inner, first axle 98 of the holder
moves upwardly within the associated elongate slot 108. The lower
part of the opening 104 receiving the outer axle 100 provides a
fulcrum for vertical tilting motion of the holder 90 in this
manner. The vertical extent of the slot 108 is sufficient to permit
the holder 90 to tilt to a second, or release position relative to
the housing in which it is inclined at a sufficient angle from the
vertical such that the outward path of movement of the pack 18 from
the holder 90 is no longer intercepted by the abutment 112, so that
the pack may be withdrawn without obstruction.
Tilting of the holder 90 in this way to permit withdrawal of the
pack 18 is, however, normally prevented by a horizontal,
longitudinally extending keeper bar 120 (FIGS. 8 and 9) concealed
from view within the interior of the central partition unit 88.
When each holder 90 is in its first position its inner axle 98
projects through and beyond the inner wall 110 with its upper
surface in underlying abutting contact with the lower surface of
the keeper bar 120. The bar 120 thus prevents upward motion of the
inner axle so that the holder cannot be tilted to the second
position, and as a result the pack cannot be released from the
holder.
The keeper bar 120 (FIG. 9) extends transversely between the inner
walls 110, which locate it for longitudinal sliding motion, and is
supported on an underlying, horizontal longitudinal wall 122
fixedly connected with the walls 110 and the remainder of the
housing. Upward motion of the keeper bar 120 is prevented by an
overlying cross member 124 secured between the sidewalls 110, with
its lower surface in contact with the upper surface of the keeper
bar 120.
The keeper bar 120 (FIG. 10) is biased to a first (or secure)
position relative to the housing in which its forward end abuts the
inner surface of a forward, vertical end wall 126 of the central
partition unit 88, by a biasing spring 128 positioned between the
rear of the keeper bar 120 and a rear vertical end wall 130 of the
central partition unit 88. In the first position of the keeper bar
120 its lower surface overlies and contacts all the inner axles 98
to prevent tilting of the holders.
To release the holders 90 for tilting, so that the packs may be
freed for removal, the keeper bar 120 (FIG. 11) can be slid
rearwardly to a second position relative to the housing (as will be
described hereinafter) in which a plurality of vertical channels
131 extending vertically through the keeper bar along both of its
transverse edges (FIG. 8) are moved into vertical alignment with
all the inner axles 98. At this time each holder may be tilted as
previously described because its inner axle 98 is now free for
unobstructed vertical motion.
The structure by which the keeper bar 120 may be moved to its
second position includes a press-button release mechanism 134
(FIGS. 10 and 11) similar to that previously described for the
first embodiment of the invention.
To facilitate returning individual holders to the first, engaged
position to a locked condition within the housing, each of the
previously mentioned channels or openings 131 in the keeper bar is
provided, along its rear edge, with an inclined, upwardly and
rearwardly extending chamfered surface 136 (FIG. 10). The upper end
of each surface 136, when the keeper bar 120 is in its first
position is aligned with the rearward end of the adjacent one of
the vertical slots 108. To replace a holder 90, its outer axle 100
is slotted into one of the vacant openings 104 and its inner axle
98 is slotted into the upper end of the aligned one of the elongate
slots 108. The inner axle 98 is then moved downwardly in the slot
until it contacts the upper end of the adjacent one of the inclined
faces 136 (FIG. 12). Continued downward pressure, because of the
inclination of the face 136, forces the keeper bar 120 rearwardly
to the second position so that the axle 98 can pass vertically
through the opening 131 to tbe bottom of the slot 108, after which
the spring 128 returns the keeper bar 120 forwardly to its second
position. To enable the keeper bar 120 to move to the second
position, in view of the fact that the button structure is in its
lower position at this time, a slot 160 in the keeper bar 120
through which the button shaft passes is longitudinally elongated
in a direction forwardly of the shaft, so that the keeper bar 120
may have space to move rearwardly without interference with the
button shaft (FIG. 10).
* * * * *