Alarm sounding retail display system

An alarm sounding retail display system is provided. The alarm sounding retail display system is operable to provide an audible tone upon the movement of retail merchandise carried within the retail display system. The audible provides an indication of enhanced security and can alert store employees in proximity to the retail display system that merchandise has been added to or removed from the retail display system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to retail display systems, and more particularly to retail display systems incorporating loss prevention measures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail theft is an ongoing problem in retail environments. As retail theft increases, retail profits decrease. As a result, retailers often times must increase the price of merchandise to maintain profitability. Accordingly, retail theft affects retailers and consumers alike, and various loss prevention measures have been employed in various retail environments and retail display systems to reduce retail theft.

One type of retail display system, a pusher system, has been used for some time in various retail markets for facing products, i.e. biasing the products towards the consumer in a neat and organized manner. It is generally accepted that facing products can increase retail sales, and as a result, many retail stores now incorporate pusher systems for various merchandise. A typical pusher system uses a pusher to bias products forward. The pusher is typically biased forward by a biasing element such as a coil spring, connected to a leading edge of a shelf or other structure. Retail products are contained between the leading edge of the shelf or other structure and the pusher so that as the pusher is biased forward, so too are the retail products. Dividers are often used to separate rows of merchandise contained in multiple pusher systems arranged in parallel to one another. As a leading item of merchandise is removed, the pusher biases the row forward, so that the next item is now the leading item.

Another type of retail display system, a gravity fed system, has also been used for some time for facing products. A gravity fed system is similar to a pusher system with the exception that it relies upon gravity to bias merchandise forward as opposed to a pusher. Gravity feed systems are typically located on an angled shelf, and contain merchandise therein in a line or row. As a leading item of merchandise is removed, gravity biases the remaining products forward, so that the next item of merchandise is now the leading item.

Pusher and gravity feed systems, i.e. self facing merchandisers, like many other retail display systems, are subject to retail theft attempts. Indeed, these systems do not ordinarily contain additional security devices or measures, and as a result, products can simply be removed from the systems in a retail theft scenario. This problem is particularly acute where higher value products are contained by the system. In response, many retailers have incorporated additional external security measures.

One such security measure used in the past has been to lock the entire system(s) in a case. When a consumer wishes to remove an item from the system, a store employee must open the case and remove the item for the consumer. Unfortunately, it has been shown that such a configuration can reduce retail sales. Consumers can grow impatient waiting for a store employee to unlock the case when an employee is not readily available. Often times, the consumer will abandon their previously formed intention to purchase the product within the case, as the consumer simply grows tired of waiting.

There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a retail display system that provides additional loss prevention measures without sacrificing consumer access and the sales generated thereby, unlike the systems described above. The invention provides such a pusher system. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has several aspects that may be claimed and stand as patentable independently and individually or in combination with other aspects. Some aspects are summarized below, while others may be developed in the remainder of the disclosure.

In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a retail display system including an alarm sounding pusher system that provides an audible tone upon the movement of a pusher. An embodiment of this aspect of the invention includes a pusher movable for facing retail merchandise and a tone generation module in electrical communication with the pusher. The tone generation module is operable to provide an audible tone upon removal of one or more items of merchandise from the retail display system.

In a subsidiary embodiment, the tone generation module is in electrical communication with the pusher. A movement of the pusher causes a change of state in an electrical circuit formed between the pusher and the tone generation module. The tone generation module is operable to provide the audible tone upon the change of state.

In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a retail display system that includes a self facing merchandiser that provides an audible notification upon the removal of merchandise therefrom. The retail merchandiser is configured to self face retail merchandise toward a front of a shelf. A tone generation module is operable to provide an audible tone upon removal of one or more items of merchandise from the self facing merchandiser and generally any time one or more items of merchandise is removed.

In a subsidiary embodiment, the tone generation module is connected to a sensor that is adapted to sense withdrawal of a leading one of the items of merchandise on the shelf. The self facing merchandiser can be a pusher that is movable for facing retail merchandise. The tone generation module is in electrical communication with the pusher via a senor and is operable to provide an audible tone upon removal of one or more items of merchandise from the retail display system due to movement of the pusher.

In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a retail display system system that intermittently opens and closes an electrical circuit. An embodiment of a pusher system according to this aspect includes a pusher having a first contact and a track providing a second contact. The pusher is slidable along the track. The first and second contacts intermittently align and misalign as the pusher slides along the track. A tone generation module is in communication with at least one of the first and second contacts and is operable to provide an audible tone upon the intermittent alignment and misalignment of the first and second contacts.

In a subsidiary embodiment, the first contact extends from a bottom of the pusher and the track has an opening configured to receive the first contact. The second contact is carried within a pocket of the track. The first contact extends through the opening and into the pocket to contact the second contact. The second contact can be a contact board that has a first and a second contact strip carried by a non-conductive base of the contact board. The first contact strip can be a continuous strip of conductive material and the second contact strip can also be a strip of conductive material. The second contact strip can have a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart extensions with a portion of the non-conductive base disposed between adjacent spaced apart extensions of the plurality of extensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, a retail display system embodied as an alarm sounding pusher system10is illustrated in a typical retail environment. The alarm sounding pusher system10is situated on a retail shelf12, and carries retail merchandise14therein. As is generally known in the art, the shelf12incorporates rows16of apertures18for mounting the pusher system10thereto. The merchandise14is biased toward a front edge22of the shelf12in a facing direction20. As a front most item of retail merchandise14is removed, the next adjacent item of retail merchandise14is biased forward by the pusher system10.

While such an exemplary retail embodiment is provided, it will be recognized from the following that embodiments of the invention may be implemented in various other retail environments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the alarm sounding pusher10includes a pusher30interposed between a pair of dividers32. The pusher30rides upon and is guided by a track34. A pair of end caps36close either end of the track34. The pusher30contains a biasing element38(seeFIG. 2) connected to one of the end caps36. The biasing element38biases the pusher30towards the leading edge22of the shelf12. The dividers32and end caps36connect to front and rear shelf mounts40. The shelf mounts40are connected to the shelf12using the rows16of apertures18. The dividers32and end caps36connect to the shelf mounts40such that the alarm sounding pusher system10is maintained upon the shelf12in a generally rigid and structurally sound state.

The alarm sounding pusher system10also includes a tone generation module42. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the tone generation module42is operable to provide an audible tone upon a movement of the pusher30along the shelf12. It will be recognized that the audible tone provided by the tone generation module42can discourage attempts of retail theft from the alarm sounding pusher system10because it presents an indication of potential additional security systems associated with the alarm sounding pusher system10. The audible tone provided by the tone generation module42can also deter attempts of retail theft from the alarm sounding pusher system10because nearby employees hearing the audible tone can monitor the alarm sounding pusher system10for any theft activity.

It will be recognized from the following disclosure that the advantages of the tone generation module42discussed above are not limited to the illustrated alarm sounding pusher system10ofFIG. 1. To the contrary, the tone generation module42can provide the above advantages in various types of pusher systems and is not limited to the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1.

Turning now toFIG. 2, the above advantages and benefits of the tone generation module42are accomplished in part by the incorporation of a contact board44within the alarm sounding pusher system10. The contact board44is contained within the track34. The contact board44is in electrical communication with the tone generation module42. The end caps36maintain the contact board44in place within the track34.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the pusher30has a first contact and rides along the track34making contact with a second contact formed by the contact board44. More specifically, the pusher30, as it moves along the track34, opens and closes an electrical circuit incorporating the contact board44and tone generation module42. Accordingly, the first and second contacts form a sensor that senses movement of the pusher upon removal or withdrawal of retail merchandise. As will be more fully understood from the following, the sensor can take the form of various other structures not necessarily limited to first and second contacts.

In one embodiment the tone generation module42is operable to provide an audible tone when the circuit is in an open state. In another embodiment, the tone generation module42is operable to provide an audible tone when the circuit is in a closed state. In yet another embodiment, the tone generation module is operable to provide an audible tone upon detecting a change in state from open to close or from close to open of the electrical circuit. In further embodiments, the tone generation module42in combination with the contact board44and pusher30are operable to provide an audible tone under various other conditions.

The track34is an elongated member that extends between first and second ends50,52. The track34defines a pocket54for containment of the contact board44. The pusher30can engage the contact board44contained within the pocket54through an open bottomed channel56of the track34.

Turning now toFIG. 3, the track34also includes a pair of down turned flanges58. The flanges58define the extremities of the open bottom channel56and also serve to seat the contact board44within the pocket54. The track34has a pair of guide grooves60that receive inwardly extending guides62for aligning and guiding the pusher30relative to the track34. The guides62are slidable within the grooves60of the track. It is recognized that other structures can be used to guide the pusher30relative to the track34. For example, the pusher30and track34could each utilize a single guide and groove, respectively. For additional example, the guide could be part of the track34and the groove60could be part of the pusher30.

Referring now toFIG. 4, the pusher30has a paddle70and a housing72. As illustrated inFIG. 4and additionally inFIG. 1, the paddle70makes contact with retail merchandise14(seeFIG. 1). The housing72is generally a rectangular chamber having an open back74and extending between top and bottom walls76,78. The paddle70also forms a front of the housing72.

The housing72carries the biasing element38. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, the biasing element38is a coil spring. However, in other embodiments, the biasing element38can take the form of various other biasing elements e.g. compression springs, elastic members, etc. The bottom wall78of the housing72has an opening80therein for routing of an end82of the biasing element38. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the end82of the biasing element38connects to one of the end caps36. As the pusher30is pulled or biased away from the end cap36, the biasing element38through its connection to the same end cap36biases the pusher30back toward the end cap36.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, the pusher30also includes a contact structure90extending from a bottom of the pusher30. The contact structure90carries a first contact member92and a second contact member94. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first and second contact members92,94make contact with the contact board44to open and close a circuit with the tone generation module42(seeFIG. 1). The contact structure90carrying the first and second contact members92,94extends through the open bottom channel56into the pocket54to contact the contact board44.

With reference toFIG. 5, the first and second contact members92,94extend through a bottom surface96of the contact structure90(see alsoFIG. 3). The contact structure90also carries a union98. The union98conductively joins the first and second contact members92,94such that electrical current can flow into the first contact member92, across the union98, and out of the second contact member94, or vice versa. As a result, the first and second contact members92,94and union98carried by the contact structure90can function to complete an electrical circuit with the tone generation module42(seeFIG. 1). The first and second contact members92,94can be spring loaded to better facilitate their connection between the union98and contact board44. Although illustrated as utilizing several components, the first and second contact members92,94and union98can be formed as a one piece construction. Indeed, various other configurations of the contact structure90are contemplated, that will achieve the benefits disclosed herein.

Turning now toFIG. 6, as discussed above, the contact board44resides within the track34. The contact board44has a non-conductive board100that carries a first and second contact strip102,104. The first and second contact strips102,104are electrically insulated from one another by way of the non-conductive board100. The first contact strip102has a first lead wire106extending from an end thereof. Similarly, the second contact strip104has a second lead wire108extending from an end thereof. The lead wires106,108terminate at the tone generation module42.

The first contact member92is in constant contact with the first contact strip102. However, the second contact member94is in intermittent contact with the second contact strip104as a function of the serrated design of the second contact strip104. More specifically, the second contact strip has a base portion110and a plurality of equally spaced extensions112extending from the base portion110. The second contact member94remains out of contact with the base portion110during operation of the alarm sounding pusher system10.

However, the second contact member94will intermittently contact the extensions112. As a result, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, electrical current will flow between the first and second contact strips102and104when the first and second contact members92and94are aligned therewith such that the second contact member94is in contact with one of the plurality of extensions112of the second contact member104. Likewise, electrical current will not flow between the first and second contact members102,104when the second contact member94is aligned with an opening114between the extensions112of the second contact member104.

While the particular configuration and design of the first and second contact strips102,104are illustrated, it is recognized that various other configurations are contemplated. For example, the position of the first and second contact strips102,104could be reversed. For additional example, the first and second contact strips102,104could possess any other shape sufficient to achieve the functionality described herein.

Turning now toFIGS. 7A-B, the interaction between the first and second contact members92,94and the first and second contact strips102,104is further illustrated. With reference toFIG. 7A, the first contact member92is aligned with the first contact strip102. The second contact member94is within an opening114of the second contact strip104, and is thus in contact with the non-conductive board100of the contact board44. When this is so, current cannot flow between the first contact member92and second contact member94. The result is schematically illustrated as an opened switch or contact.

Turning now toFIG. 7B, when the first contact member92is aligned with the first contact strip102and the second contact member94is aligned with one extension112of the second contact strip104, current will flow between the first contact member92through the second contact member94, and likewise therefore through the first contact strip102and second contact strip104. When this is the case, the illustrated configuration is schematically represented as a closed switch or contact. It is recognized that the above description can be reversed such that current selectively flows from the second contact strip104through the second contact member94and union98to the first contact member92and first contact strip102.

It will further be recognized that from the foregoing description and with reference toFIGS. 5,6,7A,7B, that as the pusher30moves along the track34, the second contact member94will intermittently contact extensions112and openings114. Accordingly, an electrical circuit will likewise be intermittently opened and closed as the pusher30moves along the track34. The intermittent opening and closing can occur multiple times when a single product is removed, or a single time, depending upon the spacing of the contact extensions112.

Referring back toFIG. 2, the end caps36maintain the contact board44within the pocket54of the track34. As such, the contact board44remains fixed relative to the track34while the pusher30is free to move along the track34and relative to the contact board44. The end caps36also function to affix the track34to the shelf mounts40(seeFIG. 1). As illustrated inFIG. 2, the end caps36are generally symmetric such that one end cap36is not specific to a particular end of the track34. With reference now toFIG. 8, the end cap36has a front stop120. The front stop120functions as a barrier preventing retail merchandise14contained within the alarm sounding pusher system10from passing beyond the front stop120under the biasing action of the pusher30and biasing element38. (SeeFIGS. 1,2).

The end cap36can also incorporate ramped structures122to ramp retail merchandise14upward and away from the retail shelf12and towards the front stop120. The end cap36also includes a tongue portion124that is dimensioned to fit within the pocket54and open bottomed channel56of the track34(seeFIG. 2). The end cap36also has a plurality of support legs126vertically supporting the end cap36. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 8, the end cap36has three support legs126, however, more or fewer support legs126are contemplated.

Still referring toFIG. 8, the end cap36has a mounting post128dimensioned to receive an end82of the biasing element38and more particularly an opening130of the biasing element38. The end cap36further includes a pair of retention flanges132to further facilitate the retention of the biasing element38once it is connected to the mounting post128.

Turning now toFIG. 9, as stated above, the end cap36interlocks with the shelf mount40(seeFIG. 1). The shelf mount40includes a securement portion140that remains in surface contact with the shelf12(seeFIG. 1). A rail142extends upwardly away from the securement portion140. The rail142has a vertical support portion144and a flange145. The rail142is dimensioned to be interfit within a channel146of the end cap36. A locking tab148projects inwardly from the channel146to interlock with flange portion145of the rail142.

Turning now toFIGS. 10-13, various configurations of the tone generation module42are illustrated. InFIG. 10, the tone generation module42includes a power source160and a tone generator162. The alarm sounding pusher system10is schematically illustrated inFIG. 10as a switch164. When the switch164is in an open state as described above relative toFIG. 7A, current will not flow from the power source160to the tone generator162and therefore no audible tone will be emitted by the tone generator162. However, when the switch164is in a closed position as discussed above with reference toFIG. 7B, current will flow from the power source160through the tone generator162and an audible tone will be generated thereby. As a result, the switch164acts as a sensor for the detection of current.

Turning now toFIG. 11, the control module42is operable to connect with multiple alarm sounding pusher systems10illustrated inFIG. 11schematically as switches164a-d. It will be recognized from examination ofFIG. 11that when any one of switches164a-dare closed, an audible tone will generate from the tone generator162by way of electrical current flowing from the power source160to the tone generator162. It will also be recognized that current will not flow when all of switches164a-dare in an open state and thus no audible tone will generate from the tone generator162.

Turning now toFIG. 12, the tone generation module42can also include a controller166. The controller166is operable to detect when the switch164transitions from an open to a closed state or from a closed to an open state by detecting the presence or absence of current. The controller166can be configured to allow power to be temporarily supplied to the tone generator162upon the detection of a change of state of the switch164, i.e the electrical circuit formed between the pusher30and the contact board44.

In certain embodiments, the controller166can be programmed to count a number of changes of state of the switch164before allowing power to be supplied to the tone generator162. Additionally, the controller166can be programmed with a predetermined time period for the duration of power to be supplied to the tone generator162so as to govern the duration of the audible tone. With reference toFIG. 13, a similar configuration incorporating a controller166can also function with multiple alarm sounding pusher systems represented symmetrically by switches164a-dsimilar to that as described above with respect toFIG. 11.

Despite the configuration selected, the tone generation module42is operable to provide an audible tone generally any time one or more items of retail merchandise14is removed, however, such functionality is not limiting on the invention. Indeed, as discussed above, the tone generation module42can incorporate a controller145such that various settings and configurations of tone generation are contemplated. As a result, various thresholds can be established to define the timing and manner of tone generation.

The audible tone provided by the tone generator160can take numerous forms. For example, the tone can be a continuous tone for a predetermined period of time, or discontinuous such that several tones are provided in rapid succession. For example, the tone generator may play a tone for 1-5 seconds and then automatically stop. Moreover, the tone generator160can play a pre-recorded message. Additionally, the tone generator160can play a tone that stays at a predetermined volume, or that escalates to a higher volume.

Additionally, the change of state of the electrical circuit formed by the pusher30and the contact board44can be used for other purposes not necessarily associated with playing the audible tone alone. For example, in other embodiments, when the controller166detects a change of state in the electrical circuit, it can also provide a visual indication as well as an audible tone. The visual indication may be, for example, an illumination of an LED light. Additionally, the controller166can be networked with a retail store's security camera system and control the operation of certain cameras to focus on the pusher system upon a change of state of the electrical circuit.

Turning now toFIG. 14, another embodiment of an alarm sounding retail display system embodied in an alarm sounding pusher system210is illustrated. In this embodiment, the tone generation module242is carried by the pusher230within a chamber220of the paddle270of the pusher230. The alarm sounding pusher system210illustrated inFIG. 14functions in a similar manner as that discussed above. More particularly, the alarm sounding pusher system210has a pusher230that contains a biasing element238within a housing272. The biasing element238is connected to an end cap236. The biasing element238pulls the pusher230towards the end cap236. The pusher rides along and is guided by a track234as it is biased forward by the biasing element238. The track234contains a contact board244. The contact board244functions in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to contact board44in that it completes a circuit between the contact board244, contact structure290and tone generation module242.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tone generation module242is specific to the alarm sounding pusher system210. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that one alarm sounding pusher system210can contain a tone generation module242and other alarm sounding pusher systems that otherwise do not contain a tone generation module242can be interconnected with the alarm sounding pusher system210to perform the functionality as described herein.

Turning now toFIG. 15, another embodiment of an alarm sounding retail display system embodied in an alarm sounding pusher system310is illustrated. In this embodiment, a pusher330and track334are integrated with a retail hook318for hanging retail merchandise314therefrom. In a similar manner as discussed above, as the front most item of retail merchandise314is removed from the alarm sounding pusher system310, the next item of retail merchandise314is biased forward by the pusher330. More particularly, the pusher330is biased forward by a biasing element338contained within the pusher330(seeFIG. 16).

With reference toFIG. 16, the track334is supported by a support frame316and is in electrical communication with a tone generation module342. A retention frame322is also provided to retain the retail merchandise314on the hook318such that the pusher330cannot bias all of the retail merchandise314off of the hook318. The retention frame322also prevents retail merchandise314(seeFIG. 16) from being removed in groups during a retail theft scenario referred to as “sweeping”.

The support frame316, retail hook318and retention frame322are all fixedly attached to a mounting bracket320. The mounting bracket320in turn is configured to mount to a retail structure such as a structure incorporating rigid wires, or any other structure sufficient to support the pusher system310. Indeed, the mounting bracket320is not meant to limit the pusher system310to any particular environment. Still referring toFIG. 16, the track334is a split design having a first half333and a second half335. The contact board344is contained between the first and second halves333,335. The first and second halves333,335connect with one another via connections structures337. The contact board344is contained within the track334such that a contact structure390of the pusher330can contact the contact board344in a similar manner as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 2-6.

More particularly and with reference now toFIG. 17, the contact structure390of the pusher330has a first contact member392and a second contact member394. The first and second contact members392,394contact first and second contact strips302,304of the contact board344(seeFIG. 19). The contact board344is maintained within the track334between the first and second halves333,335thereof by contact board support structures358. When the first and second halves333,335of the track334are joined, the support structures358maintain the contact board344generally within the center of the track334. Also when joined, the track334has a pair of guide grooves360dimensioned to receive inwardly extending guides362of the pusher330.

Turning now toFIG. 18, the pusher330carries the biasing element338within a housing372. The biasing element338extends through an opening380of the pusher330and mounts to the bottom half335of the track334. As the pusher330is pulled away from the leading end of the track334, the biasing element338acts to bias the pusher back toward the leading end of the track334. The pusher330further has an opening378to allow the retail hook318to freely pass therethrough. It will be recognized from examination ofFIG. 18that as the pusher330is biased forward by the biasing element338, it moves relative to the contact board344, retail hook318, and track334.

With reference now toFIG. 19, as the pusher330moves forward, the second contact member394is brought into intermittent contact with extensions312of the second contact member304. As this occurs, a circuit formed with the contact board344and the tone generation module342(seeFIG. 16) is likewise intermittently opened and closed. The tone generation module342will in turn provide an audible tone intermittently or under the operation of a controller also as described above.

Turning now toFIGS. 20 and 21, another embodiment of an alarm sounding retail display system embodied as an alarm sounding gravity fed system410is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, a row of retail merchandise414is situated on a retail shelf412and contained between parallel dividers432. As the leading item of merchandise414is removed, the row moves forward under gravity as a result of the angle θ formed between the shelf412and a support structure411supporting the shelf. The row moves forward until the next item414, now the leading item414, engages a front stop436.

The gravity fed system410also includes a light source402and a light detector404defining a sensor. The light detector404is aligned with the light source402such that the leading item of retail merchandise414interrupts a beam of light emitted from the light source402. When the leading item of merchandise is removed, the beam of light is detected by the light detector404. Once detected, a signal is sent to a tone generation module442, and an audible tone is generated in accordance with the description herein.

It will be recognized that in other embodiments, a light detector404could be used without an additional light source402. In such an embodiment, the light detector404detects a change in lighting conditions in proximity to the detector404when the leading item of merchandise414is removed from the system410.

Turning now toFIG. 22, in an alternative embodiment, a touch and/or a proximity sensor405can replace or supplement the light source402and light detector404configuration ofFIGS. 20 and 21. In this embodiment, the leading item of retail merchandise414is in contact or proximity to the sensor405. Once removed, the sensor sends a signal to the tone generation module442, and an audible tone is generated in accordance with the description herein.

It will be recognized from the foregoing that certain embodiments of the invention do not contemplate the necessity of an additional product actuation mechanism in their respective operations. More specifically, product need only be manually added and/or removed to face more product forward, and to generate an audible tone. However, other embodiments can incorporate additional actuation systems. It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, the system will provide an audible tone only after an item is actually removed, causing the remaining merchandise to move forward. However, in other embodiments, the system can provide an audible tone when an item is only partially removed, using sensors, controllers, and/or combinations thereof.

As described herein, embodiments of the alarm sounding pusher system provide an audible tone via a tone generation module upon movement of a pusher relative to a track. By providing this audible tone, would be shoplifter is deterred due to an impression of enhanced security because of the audible tone. Moreover, the audible tone functions to alert store employees in proximity to the alarm sounding pusher system that merchandise has been replaced or removed therefrom.