Self-Closing Security Door Assembly for Retail Display

A self-closing door assembly for limiting access to goods displayed on a shelving system. A frame assembly is attached to the shelving system adjacent the front edge of a first shelf, with upper and lower guide rails to slidably engage a pair of overlapping and self-closing doors. The door are aligned to laterally slide open from a closed position at which they interfere with manual access to the goods displayed on the shelf. Springs disposed between the frame assembly and the doors urge the doors toward the closed position. The doors are adapted for manual engagement to be urged toward the open position, and the springs automatically return the doors to the closed position upon manual release thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Related Applications

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to retail merchandise display fixtures.

More particularly, the present disclosure relates to self-closing security door assemblies for real shelving fixtures, which interfere with attempts at product-sweeping theft.

Description of Related Art

Shelving display fixtures for consumer products in retail are important for attractive product display, efficient utilization of limited shelf space, convenience for consumers, and for generally incentivizing purchases by consumers. However, in recent years with increasing petty larceny, particularly regarding theft by sweeping large quantities of products from retail shelves, and then quickly absconding with such products before defensive actions can be taken, retailers have a need for shelving systems that both effectively present goods for purchase while controlling mass theft by sweeping.

Some solutions to the foregoing problems in the art are to position goods out of reach of thieves, such as behind a counter, requiring retail sale personnel to retrieve the goods, for example. Another solution is to place the goods in locked cabinets, where a consumer must request assistance of retail sales personnel to open a lock for access. There are also systems the dispense goods one unit at at time, using a complex mechanical or electrical arrangement to slow the access to plural units of any given good, and which must be adapted for the size and shape of the goods to be dispensed. These solution fall into two challenging areas, either requiring additional services of the retailer, or requiring a complex dispensing apparatus tailored to the particular goods to be dispensed. Thus it can be appreciated that there is a need in the art for an apparatus the allows consumers to access retail goods on display without the assistance of retail service personal, and which are flexible to present a wide range of goods while still acting as a foil to shelf-sweeping larceny.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need in the art is addressed by the apparatuses of the present invention. The present disclosure teaches a self-closing door assembly for limiting access to goods displayed on a shelving system that includes a first shelf with a front edge. The assembly includes a frame assembly that is attached to the shelving system adjacent the front edge of the first shelf, and a guide rail assembly that is positioned in fixed relationship to the frame assembly and aligned in parallel with the front edge of the first shelf. A first door is aligned to laterally engage the guide rail assembly so as to slide between a closed position that interferes with manual access to the goods displayed on the first shelf and an open position that enables manual access to a first fractional portion of the goods displayed on the first shelf, and a first spring disposed between the frame assembly and the first door to urge the first door toward the closed position. And where the first door is adapted for manual engagement to be urged toward the open position, and where the first spring returns the first door to the closed position upon manual release thereof.

In a specific embodiment of the forgoing assembly, the first spring is a coiled-strip constant-force spring retained in position by the frame assembly, and with an end clip extended to engage the first door.

In a specific embodiment of the forgoing assembly, the guide rail assembly further includes a lower guide rail that slidably engages a lower portion of the first door, and an upper guide rail that slidably engages an upper portion of the first door.

In a specific embodiment, the forgoing assembly further includes first and second end panels attached to left and right sides of the frame assembly, respectively, each extending rearwardly to limit access to goods upon the first shelf from left and right sides thereof.

In a specific embodiment, the forgoing assembly further includes a second door aligned to laterally engage the guide rail assembly to slide between a closed position that interferes with manual access to the goods displayed on the first shelf and an open position that enables manual access to a second fractional portion of the goods displayed on the first shelf, and, a second spring disposed between the frame assembly and the second door to urge the second door toward the closed position. And, the second door is adapted for manual engagement to be urged toward the open position, and the second spring returns the second door to the closed position upon manual release thereof.

In a refinement to the foregoing embodiment, the first door overlaps with the second door when urged open, and the second door overlaps with the first door when urged open. In another specific refinement, the first door and the second door are arranged in left-right opposing orientation, and the guide rail assembly includes a first guide rail engaged with the first door, and a second guide rail engaged with the second door.

In a specific embodiment of the forgoing assembly, the first door includes a first lower door portion and a first upper door portion attached to one another in height adjustable fashion to enable adjustment of the first door height according to the shelving system shelf spacing, and, the second door includes a second lower door portion and a second upper door portion attached to one another in height adjustable fashion to enable adjustment of the second door height according to the shelving system shelf spacing.

In a refinement to the forgoing embodiment, the frame assembly further includes a first telescopic side frame that is height adjustable to accommodate a selected height of the first lower door portion attached to the first upper door portion, and a second telescopic side frame that is height adjustable to accommodate a selected height of the second lower door portion attached to the second upper door portion, and where the guide rail assembly further includes a lower guide rail that slidably engages the first lower door portion and the second lower door portion, and an upper guide rail that slidably engages the first upper door portion and the second upper door portion.

In a refinement to the foregoing embodiment, a lower fastener is fixed to the lower guide rail for connecting the lower guide rail to the first shelf.

In another specific embodiment, where the shelving system includes a second shelf located above the first shelf, the assembly further includes an upper fastener fixed to the upper guide rail for connecting the upper guide rail to the first shelf, and, the upper and lower door portion and the first a second telescopic side frames are all adjusted to accommodate the spacing between the first shelf and the second shelf.

The present disclosure also teaches a self-closing door assembly for limiting access to goods in a shelving system that includes a first and second shelf for displaying the goods. The assembly include a frame assembly attached to the shelving system along the front edge of the first shelf, and a guide rail assembly that has a lower guide rail positioned attached to the frame assembly and aligned in parallel with the front edge of the first shelf, and an upper guide rail located above the first guide rail. The assembly includes a first door with a first lower door portion and a first upper door portion attached to one another in height adjustable fashion to enable adjustment of the first door height according to the shelving system shelf spacing, and that is aligned to laterally engage the guide rail assembly to slide between a closed position that interferes with manual access to the goods displayed on the first shelf and an open position that enables manual access to a first fractional portion of the goods displayed on the first shelf. The assembly also includes a second door with a second lower door portion and a second upper door portion attached to one another in height adjustable fashion to enable adjustment of the second door height according to the shelving system shelf spacing, and aligned to laterally engage the guide rail assembly to slide between a closed position that interferes with manual access to the goods displayed on the first shelf and an open position that enables manual access to a second fractional portion of the goods displayed on the first shelf. And, where the first door and the second door are arranged in left-right opposing orientation. A first constant-force spring is retained in position by the frame assembly, and has an end clip that extends to engage the first door to urge the first door toward the closed position, and, a second constant-force spring retained in position by the frame assembly, with an end clip that extends to engage the second door to urge the second door toward the closed position. The first door and the second door are adapted for manual engagement to be urged toward the open positions, and the first and second springs return the first and second doors, respectively, toward the closed positions when released. The assembly further includes first and second end panels attached to left and right sides of the frame assembly, respectively, each extending rearwardly to limit access to goods upon the first shelf from left and right sides. The assembly further includes a first and second telescopic side frames that are height adjustable to accommodate a selected height of the lower and upper door portion.

In a specific embodiment, the foregoing assembly further includes a lower fastener fixed to the lower guide rail for connecting the lower guide rail to the first shelf, and an upper fastener fixed to the upper guide rail for connecting the upper guide rail to the first shelf, and where the upper and lower door portions and the first a second telescopic side frames are all adjusted to accommodate the spacing between the first shelf and the second shelf.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope hereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

In considering the detailed embodiments of the present invention, it will be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of steps to accomplish various methods or components to form various apparatus and systems. Accordingly, the apparatus and system components, and method steps, have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the disclosures contained herein.

The present disclosure presents illustrative embodiments of self-closing door assemblies useful in retail shelving systems of various types. A typical retail shelf has a width, depth, and height, and, displays plural units of retail goods. Such shelving systems typically have a vertical structure, such as in a gondola shelving frame known to those skilled in the art, with plural shelves that are adjustable in height, enabling the retailer to adjust vertical shelf spacing to accommodate the goods to the displayed. Traditionally, these shelves enable wide open access to the goods displayed thereon. In a proper transaction, the consumer selects one or more items to purchase, leaving the remaining goods on the shelf. However, given the recent trends to mass larceny, there are individuals that wrongly take advantage of the open access by gathering a mass quantity of goods, perhaps all of the goods, and pushing them into some sort of container, then fleeing the scene and stealing the goods. In the industry, this is called “sweeping”, and represents a substantial risk of loss to the retailers. As noted hereinbefore, there are known techniques for preventing this, but these require either more extensive access control by retail personal, or the use of complex and expensive display fixtures that meter out the goods under some mechanical or automated access control scheme.

The illustrative embodiments taught herein place a barrier in front of the goods, in the form of one or more sliding doors, which require the user to slide the door open with one hand, and retrieve the desired goods with the other hand. A prompt self-closing feature of the illustrative embodiment door prevents two-handed access to the goods. The present disclosures also teaches the use of two or more sliding doors on a single shelf unit, which limits open access to half, or less than half, of the goods by opening a single door. The doors may be arranged so that they overlap one-another when one is opened, making it impossible to access all the goods in an attempt to sweep them from the shelf. The self-closing door of the present disclosure is typically place along the front edge of the shelf, with the goods located behind. In the case where the shelving system also provide access from the sides of any given shelf, the present disclosure contemplates the use of end panels that prevent access to the good from the left and right sides of the shelf. In the case where the shelving system provides for vertical shelf spacing adjustment, the height of the self-closing door in the illustrative embodiment may be adjustable to accommodate the actual shelf spacing.

Reference is directed toFIG.1, which is a front perspective view drawing of a self-closing door assembly2according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A frame assembly4is comprised of several elements, including a lower guide rail6, an upper guide rail8, and a pair of left and right side frames18,20. Within the frame assembly4, and between the upper guide rail8and the lower guide rail6are a pair of door assemblies10,12on the right side and14,16on the left side, which are laterally slidable along the upper guide rail8and the lower guide rail6. In the illustrative embodiment, each door assembly is comprised of a lower door portion10,14and an upper door portion12,16that enable vertical height adjustment of each door. In thisFIG.1, the doors,10,12and14,16, are adjusted to their maximum height, as illustrated. Left and right side panels22,24extend rearwardly from the frame assembly4to control access from the left and right sides, respectively. Also note in this view that the left lower door portion14presents a tab15that is readily accessible for manual sliding of the left door14,16. Similarly, the right lower door portion10presents a tab17that is readily accessible for manual sliding of the right door10,12.

Reference is directed toFIG.2, which is a rear perspective view drawing of a self-closing door assembly2according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. This view corresponds withFIG.1, however, inFIG.2the self closing door assembly2is illustrated at its minimum height adjustment. The frame assembly4is comprised of a lower guide rail6, and upper guide rail8, and a pair of left and right side frames18,20. Within the frame assembly4, and between the upper guide rail8and the lower guide rail6are a pair of door assemblies with the upper portions12,16visible in this view. The left and right side panels22,24extend rearwardly from the frame assembly4to control access from the left and right sides, respectively. Note that fasteners23,25are provided for attachment of the end panels22,24to the host shelving system (not shown). In the illustrative embodiment, threaded fasteners and wing nuts are used to connect to the host shelving system.

Reference is directed toFIGS.3A,3B,3C, and3D, which are a front view drawing, a top view drawing, a bottom view drawing, and a side view drawing, respectively, of a self-closing door assembly2according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In these views, the assembly2is illustrated at its lowest height adjustable range. In the front view3A, the lower portion of the right door10and left door14are visible, supported between the lower guide rail6and the upper guide rail8. The side frames18and20are disposed between these guide rails. Note that the finger tabs15on the left door and17on the right door are illustrated. Note further that a gap,11on the left and a gap13on the right, between the respective side frames18,20and lower door portions14,10is provided so that the user can easily use a finger to access the tabs15,17to urge the doors open by sliding action. The top view3B and bottom view3C present the end panels22,24, as well as certain fasteners. These fasteners include threaded fasteners23,25on the end panels22,24, respectively, for connection to the host shelving system (not shown). Similarly, the lower guide rail6includes threaded fasteners5,7on the left side and right side, respectively, for attachment to the host shelving system as well.FIG.3Dpresents a right hand side view of the self-closing door assembly2, and illustrates the arrangement of the frame assembly4, with its lower guide rail6ad upper guide rail8, as well as the right side panel20. In addition, the aforementioned fasteners7,25, as illustrated.

Reference is directed toFIG.4, which is a front section view drawing, Section A-A, of a self-closing door assembly2according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Again, in thisFIG.4the self closing door assembly2is illustrated at its minimum height adjustment. The frame assembly4is comprised of a lower guide rail6, and upper guide rail8, and a pair of left and right side frames18,20. Within the frame assembly4, and between the upper guide rail8and the lower guide rail6are the pair of door assemblies with just the upper portions12,16visible in this view. The left and right side panels22,24extend rearwardly from the frame assembly4to control access from the left and right sides, respectively. Note that fasteners23,25are provided for attachment of the end panels22,24to the host shelving system (not shown). In the illustrative embodiment, threaded fasteners and wing nuts are used to connect to the host shelving system. Also note the finger tabs15,17, which extend from the lower door portions16,12, respectively, for proving convenient user access for opening the doors.

Reference is directed toFIG.5, which is a side section view drawing, Section B-B, of a self-closing door assembly2according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Part of the frame assembly4is visible, including the lower guide rail6, the upper guide rail8, the left side frame member18, a shelf attachment member40on top of the upper guide rail8, and a threaded fastener5that extends from the lower guide rail6, as illustrated. The lower left door portion10and upper left door portion12can been seen in section view. In the illustrative embodiment, the door portions10,12are fabricated from injection molded transparent polycarbonate for strength and to enable product viewing without opening the doors. Note that the molded door portions10,12include guide bosses36,34, respectively, which slide within the respective guide rails6,8, and serve to locate and retain the door portions within those respective guide rails, as illustrated. Also note the height adjustment fastener37used to join the upper and lower door portions10,12after the desired height has been selected. Also note spring38located within the lower guide rail6portion of the frame assembly4. In the illustrative embodiment, there are two springs, one for each side of the door upper-lower portion assemblies, which are coiled-strip type constant-force springs, such as the part number 1845N4 clip-on constant-force spring available from McMaster-Carr (see www.mcmaster.com). In this section view, the left side end panel22is also visible, and shows details of a folded edge30arrangement, which stiffens the steel end panel22. A threaded fastener23extends from the side panel22for connection to the host shelving system (not shown).

Reference is directed toFIG.6A and6B, which are an exploded perspective view drawing and a corresponding detail drawing, respectively, of a self-closing door assembly2according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. These views show further elements and assembly details of the illustrative embodiment. The lower guide rail6, upper guide rail8, and both the left and right side frames18,20are shown. But note the telescopic side frame members19,21that are attached to the upper guide rail8, and which are inserted into, and slidably engage the side frames18,20, respectively. This arrangement enables the aforementioned adjustable height feature of the illustrative embodiment. Also note the lower guide rail6divider46, which serves to define separate guide paths for the left lower door portion14and the right lower door portion10as they traverse the guide rail6. The upper left door portion16adjustably engages the lower left door portion14, and, the upper right door portion12adjustably engages the lower right door portion10, to thereby enable corresponding adjustment of the door height. The access tabs15of the lower left door portion and access tab17of the lower right door portion are also illustrated. These are molded together with the door panels during manufacture. Note also, the left constant-force spring44and the right constant-force spring42, which are contained within the left and right ends, respectively, of the lower guide rail6, and which extend to engage and urge their respective door portions14,10to automatically close after being manually urged open by a user. The left end panel22and right end panel24are also illustrated. But note the inner left and right end panels29,27, respectively, which are provided to present a smooth and attractive interior surface within the protected shelf space.FIG.6Bprovides finer details information, including the threaded fastener7for connection to the host shelf (not shown) and the right constant-force sprig42showing its door portion engaging clip extension43.

Reference is directed toFIG.7A and7B, which are a top view functional diagram and a front section view, Section C-C, functional diagram, respectively, of a self-closing door assembly according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. These views present a generic arrangement of the left and right door portions58,60, respectively, and their corresponding constant-force springs66,68, and how they are arranged in the lower guide rail50. The lower guide rail50is divided into two section by divider52such that the left door portion58and right door portion60slide within separate guide channels, as illustrated. Left end compartment54retains left constant-force spring66therein. And, right end compartment56retains right constant-force spring68therein. The left spring66extends to a left clip70that engages a tab62on the left door58, which thereby enables left constant-force spring66to urge the left door portion58back to its closed position after it is manually released by a user. Similarly, the right spring68extends to a right clip72that engages a tab64on the right door60, which thereby enables right constant-force spring68to urge the right door portion60back to its closed position after it is manually released by a user.

Reference is directed toFIG.8A and8B, which are a front view drawing and a side section view drawing, respectively, of a self-closing door assembly in an extended position and fixed to a shelving system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The shelving system comprises a lower shelf80and an upper shelf82, as is typical in modern gondola shelving systems known to those skilled in the art. The self-closing door assembly includes the lower guide rail84and upper guide rail86that are fixed by threaded fasteners to the corresponding shelves80,82, as illustrated. Telescopic side frame88,90on both sides of the assembly extend between the guide rails80,82to accommodate the shelf spacing, as illustrated. Disposed between the guide rails84,86is the door assembly comprising a lower left door portion96and an upper left door portion98, as well as a lower right door portion92and an upper right door portion94. The left door portions96,98are adjustable joined by slots or rows of holes106using threaded fasteners (not shown), which are fixed at the desired height. Likewise, the right door portions92,94are adjustable joined by slots or rows of holes108using threaded fasteners (not shown). Instructional graphics102,104may be provided to instruct users on operation of the assembly. End panels100are also provided on the left and right side of the assembly, as illustrated. With this arrangement, the self-closing door assembly can be adjusted to accommodate the shelf80,82spacing.

Reference is directed toFIG.9A and9B, which are a front view drawing and a side section view drawing, respectively, of a self-closing door assembly in a retracted position according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. These views correspond with those ofFIGS.8A and8B. InFIGS.9A and9B, the shelving system comprises a lower shelf80and an upper shelf82. The self-closing door assembly includes the lower guide rail84and upper guide rail86that are fixed by threaded fasteners to the corresponding shelves80,82, as illustrated. Telescopic side frame88,90on both sides of the assembly extend between the guide rails80,82to accommodate the shelf spacing, which is set to the minimum height in these views. Disposed between the guide rails84,86is the door assembly comprising the aforementioned four door panels, with just the lower left door portion96and lower right door portion92visible in these views.

Reference is directed toFIG.10, which is a front view drawing of a pair of self-closing door assemblies116,118installed in a shelving system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. This view presents the arrangement when the illustrative embodiment self-closing door assemblies are stacked into two shelves on a multiple shelf shelving system, as illustrated. Three shelves110,112,114support two self-closing door assemblies116,118there-between. The lower assembly116includes a lower and upper guide rails120,124, respectively, and, the upper assembly118includes a lower and upper guide rail122,126, respectively, all of which are fastened to the adjacent shelves110,112,114using threaded fasteners. The lower assembly includes left door132and right door130. Likewise, the upper assembly includes a left door136and right door134.

Reference is directed toFIG.11A,11B,11C, and11D, which are a side section view drawing and three detailed section view drawings, respectively, of a pair of a self-closing door assemblies116,118installed in a shelving system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. These figures correspond with FIGS.10. InFIGS.11A, B, C, and D, three shelves110,112,114support two self-closing door assemblies116,118there-between. The lower assembly116includes a lower guide rail120fixed to the lower shelf110as illustrated inFIG.11D. The lower assembly also includes and upper guide rail124fixed to the bottom of middle shelf112with threaded fasteners, as illustrated inFIG.11C. Similarly, the upper assembly118includes a lower guide rail122fixed to the top of middle shelf112, also as illustrated inFIG.11C. The upper assembly118also includes and upper guide rail126fixed to the bottom of upper shelf114with threaded fasteners, as illustrated inFIG.11B.