Abstract:
A method of using a security display apparatus for media content products in a retail store is disclosed. The method includes arranging sample media content containers in a side-by-side configuration on a front lip of a security display fixture, wherein each of the sample media content containers is anchored to the security display fixture with a security cable The method further includes unlocking an access door of the security display fixture, in response to a consumer request, to provide access to an internal space defined by the security display fixture rearward of the sample media content containers, and retrieving one or more non-tethered media content containers from the internal space that are of a same title as one of the sample media content containers positioned immediately in front of the one or more non-tethered media content containers.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/545,387, filed Aug. 21, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Display fixtures can be used in retail stores or other environ en s to present various products to consumers. The display fixtures may retain products for consumers to purchase, or display products or images of products for consumers to view. For example, electronic media, such as video games, DVDs, computer software, or CDs may be supported by a display fixture. Such a display fixture can be arranged along an aisle in a store so that consumers walking by the display fixture can view selected media contort products. In some instances, security measures are taken to prevent the theft of various consumer goods. Some retailers may use specialized security packaging to retain consumer goods and prevent theft of the goods. 
         [0003]    For example, some retail stores may prevent the theft of video game containers by placing every video game container in a generally transparent box having a security alarm tag attached thereto. As such, the store workers are required to insert each video game on the sales floor into one of the security boxes before it is placed on a shelf or rack for display. When a consumer decides to purchase a selected video game, a store worker uses a specialized tool to open the transparent security box and remove the video game container for the consumer. Such a security process can require a significantaiount of labor time because a security box is required for nearly every game on the sales floor that will be purchased by consumers. 
         [0004]    In some circumstances, a retail store may display only the video game containers with the actual media disc removed from the container. As such, the consumers are essentially browsing and handling empty video game containers. When a consumer decides to purchase a selected video game, the store worker retrieves the media disc that corresponds to the video game container and inserts the media disc into the container after the transaction is complete. While this process does not necessarily require security alarm tags or transparent boxes, there is a substantial labor cost in removing each game from its container and then reinserting each game into its container at a later time. Further, there is a likelihood that one of the video game containers or media discs may be misplaced or stolen so that the retail store is left with an d pair of items. Additionally, removing video game discs from their respective containers may require that shrink wrap, security strips, or other original packaging be removed from the video game containers. 
         [0005]    Other retail stores may display all of he video games inside a secure display shelf having a generally transparent front low. Consumers may view the front of the video game containers through the front window of the secure display shelf. When a consumer decides to purchase a selected video game, the store worker must unlock the front window of the secure display shelf, retrieve the selected video game container, and then relock the display window. In such circumstances, the consumer is generally prevented from handling the video game container and viewing the rear side of the video game container until after the store worker has unlocked and retrieved the selected video game container. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment, a method of using a security display apparatus for media content products in a retail store is utilized. The method includes arranging sample media content containers in a side-by-side configuration on a front lip of a security display fixture, wherein each of the sample media content containers is anchored to the security display fixture with a security cable. The method further includes unlocking an access door of the security display fixture, in response to a consumer request, to provide access to an internal space defined by the security display fixture rearward of the sample media content containers, and retrieving one or more non-tethered media content containers from the internal space that are of a same title as one of the sample media content containers positioned immediately in from of the one or more non-tethered media content containers. 
         [0007]    Such method, associated apparatus, and other embodiments described herein may provide one or more of the following benefits. First, some embodiments of a display apparatus may retain video game products in a secure manner that reduces the likelihood of theft. Second, the display apparatus can permit a sample video game container to be handled by consumers so that each consumer can readily browse the front and rear faces of the sample video game container. Third, the display apparatus allows an inventory of video game containers to be collectively positioned in at least one lockable security shelf so that most of the video game containers do not require individual security boxes. Fourth, the display apparatus allows for faster stocking of video game products on the display apparatus since most of the video game products do not require individual security boxes. Fifth, each security display shelf can be removably mounted to a rear wall support without the use of handheld tools. Sixth, the security display shelves can be tiered so that lower shelves have a greater depth and retain sample video game containers in a non-vertical, angled orientation thereby making the sample video game containers readily viewable to consumers located near the display fixture. 
         [0008]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display fixture for securely retaining and displaying consumer products, in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a close up view of a securing mechanism of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a close up view of a storage bin of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of a portion of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of a shelf and a storage bin of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a shelving unit of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a shelving unit of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5C  is a top view of a shelving unit of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5D  is a front view of a shelving unit of the display fixture of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart of an example method for securely displaying consumer products on a display fixture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of a display fixture  100  include one or more display shelves  110   a - d  that are configured to retain and display a number of consumer product packages such as media content packages  102  and  108  ( FIG. 3 ) in a secure manner. In some embodiments, the media content packages  102  and  108  are retail products containing video games, DVDs, computer software products, compact discs, or other media content items. In some embodiments, the display shelves  110   a - d  include front lip portions  112   a - d  for supporting bottom edges of sample media content packages  102  of the media content packages and angled faces  114   a - d  for supporting the sample media content packages  102  in a non-vertical orientation. In the depicted embodiment, sample video game packages  102  are placed on the display shelves  110   a - d  so that the bottom edges of the sample video game packages  102  are supported by the front lip portions  112   a - d . The rear faces of the sample video game packages  102  are supported by the angled faces  114   a - d  so that the front faces of the sample video game packages  102  are angled upwards (e.g., toward a consumer&#39;s eyes). Such a configuration permits a consumer viewing the display fixture  100  to readily view the front faces of the sample video game packages  102  on all four display shelves  110   a - d  without having to crouch down to view the sample video game packages  102  supported by the lower shelves  110   c  and  110   d . This non-vertical, angled orientation for the sample media content packages  102  allows the front faces of the sample media content packages  102  to be readily viewed by consumers passing by the display fixture  100 , and therefore more likely to draw the attention of consumers. 
         [0020]    Briefly, in use, the display fixture enables consumers to browse and handle a sample media content package  102  while an inventory of media content packages  108  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) of the same type as the sample media content package  102  are arranged in one or more secure bins or secure storage enclosures  116  (refer to  FIG. 3 ) inside one of the display shelves  110   a - d  behind the sample media content package  102 . As such, a consumer can handle the sample media content package  102  and view pertinent information or graphic examples on various surfaces of the sample media content package  102 . In this embodiment, the sample media content package  102  is tethered or otherwise secured to the display fixture so as to hinder theft of the sample media content package  102 . If the consumer decides to purchase the media content featured by the sample media content package  102 , a store worker unlocks the secure storage enclosure  116  of the display shelf (refer to  FIG. 3 ) to retrieve one of the non-tethered media content packages  108  (of the same type as the sample media content package  102 ) for purchase by the consumer. Accordingly, the display fixture  100  provides the consumers with the convenience of browsing front and rear faces of the sample media content packages  102  without requiring the store workers to insert each and every media content package  108  into a separate security box or security tether system. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, only the sample media content packages  102  are retained within security boxes  104  while the remaining inventory of media content package  108  ( FIG. 3 ) are not. In the depicted embodiment, the sample media content packages  102  are video game packages arranged inside generally transparent security boxes  104 . Each security box  104  includes an interior cavity having height, width, and depth dimensions so as to receive and retain a video game container. Continuing with this example, each security box  104  includes generally transparent front, rear, top, bottom, and side panels to allow consumers to view information and graphics printed on the various faces of the video game container contained within. In some embodiments, a security box  104  is capable of being locked so that a sample media content package  102  contained within the security box  104  can only be removed from the security box  104  by a store worker having a particular tool or key. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with some embodiments, each of the security boxes  104  is coupled to the associated display shelf  110   i a - d  by a corresponding security tether  130 . In some embodiments, each security tether  130  includes a securing portion  132  that attaches to the rear face of a security box  104  and an anchor portion  134  ( FIG. 2 ) located behind the angled faces  114   a - d  of the display shelves  110   a - d . The anchor portions  134  attach to the rear sides of the angled faces  114   a - d  to secure the security tethers  130  to the display shelves  110   a - d . The security tethers  130  additionally include flexible cables  136  connecting the securing portions  132  to the anchor portions  134 . In the depicted embodiment, the flexible cables  136  extend through the angled faces  114   a - d  to connect the securing portions  132  to the anchor portions  134 . In some implementations, the flexible cables  136  are retractably connected to the anchor portions  134  or the securing portions  132 . For example, an anchor portion  134  ( FIG. 2 ) of a security tether  130  optionally includes a recoil spring mechanism in an interior cavity for receiving the flexible cable  136 . The recoil spring mechanism optionally comprises a spring-loaded spindle that causes the flexible cable  136  to retract into the interior cavity and wrap around the spindle. Continuing with this example, when a sufficient force is applied to the securing portion  132  or the flexible cable  136  (e.g., when a consumer picks up a sample media content package  102  to view the rear side of the package  102 ), the flexible cable  136  unwinds from the spindle and is withdrawn from the anchor portion  134 . Upon the force being removed or reduced (e.g., when the consumer returns the sample media content package  102  to the front lip portion  112   a - d ), the flexible cable  136  is retracted back into the interior cavity of the anchor portion  134  as it winds around the spring-loaded spindle therein. In some implementations, the flexible cables  136  are coiled “self-springing” cables configured to create a self-retracting effect. For example, the flexible cables  136  have a construction similar to a self-springing telephone cables, and the flexible cable  136  will thereby retract the sample media content packages  102  towards the display shelves  110   a - d . In such implementations, recoil spring mechanisms are not necessary for retracting the flexible cables  136 . 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the security tethers  130  allow consumers to handle and inspect the sample media content packages  102  without being able to separate the media content packages  102  from the display fixture  100 . For example, a consumer  128  can approach the display fixture  100  and identify a sample media content package  102  to inspect for possible purchase. The consumer  128  may grasp one of the sample media content packages  102  and remove the selected package  102  from the front lip portion  112   a - d  of one of the display shelves  110   a - d . The security tether  130  connected to the security box  104  secures the sample media content package  102  to the display fixture  100 , thereby preventing the consumer  128  from removing the sample media content package  102  from the display fixture  100 . As the consumer  128  removes the sample media content package  102  from the display shelf  110 , the flexible cable  136  of the security tether  130  uncoils from the anchor portion  134  ( FIG. 2 ) and extends through an opening in the angled face  114  of the display shelf  110 . In some embodiments, the flexible cable is sufficiently long to allow an adult consumer of average height to handle the sample media content package  102  while standing upright. The consumer  128  is able to view product information and graphics displayed on the sample media content package  102  through the security box  104  that lockingly retains the sample media content package  102 . 
         [0024]    For example, if the sample media content package  102  contains a CD, the consumer  128  can view an artist name and album title shown on the front of the CD case and track listing information shown on the back of the CD case. As another example, if the sample media content package  102  contains a video game, the consumer  128  can view a title of the video game and graphics associated with the video game that are shown on the front of the sample media content package  102  and turn the sample media content package  102  around to view information displayed on the back of the sample media content package  102 , such as game play features, or recommended ages for the video game. The security tether  130  allows the consumer  128  to inspect the sample media content package  102  while maintaining the security of the sample media content package  102  attached to the display fixture  100 . In some embodiments, the security box  104  securely retains the sample media content package  102  so that the sample media content package  102  is not readily removable from the security box  104 . Alternatively, the sample media content package  102  may not be contained within a security box  104 . In such circumstances, the security tether  130  is directly connected to the sample media content package  102  (rather than the security box  104 ) in order to secure the sample media content package  102  to the display fixture  100 . 
         [0025]    After the consumer  128  inspects the sample media content package  102 , the consumer  128  can return the sample media content package  102  back onto the front lip portion  112   a - d  of one of the display shelves  110   a - d . In some embodiments, as the consumer  128  places the sample media content package  102  back onto the display fixture  100 , the flexible cable  136  associated with the sample media content package  102  is biased to wind back into the anchor portion  134  of the security tether  130  located behind the angled face  114   a - d  of the display fixture  100 . 
         [0026]    In addition to securing the sample media content packages  102  to the display fixture  100 , the security tethers  130  also ensure that the sample media content packages  102  remain in a predetermined order. In alternative embodiments without such security tethers  130  for the sample packages  102 , consumers may be able to remove the sample media content packages  102  and replace them on the shelf in different positions. In the depicted embodiment, the security tethers  130  help to define a designated position on the display fixture  100  for each of the sample media content packages  102 . For example, in some embodiments the security tethers  130  are generally equally spaced apart along the display shelves  10   a - d , with the anchor portions of the security tethers  130  being attached to the display shelves  110  at regular intervals. In such circumstances, the flexible cables  136  can recoil into the anchor portions  134  to hold the sample media content packages  102  in an operative display position when the sample media content packages  102  are not being inspected or otherwise handled by a consumer or store worker. By defining an operative display position for each sample media content package  102 , the security tethers  130  provide an orderly and aesthetic appearance for the display fixture  100 , as shown for example in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0027]    In particular embodiments, if the sample media content packages  102  include video game media content, a store worker can arrange the sample media content packages  102  so that related video games are placed near each other. For example, the store worker can arrange the sample media content packages  102  so that sports related video games are placed near each other, puzzle-based games are placed near each other, role playing games are placed near each other, and racing games are placed near each other. As another example, the video games can be grouped by recommended age level for the games, with games for young children arranged on one end of the display fixture  100  and games for adults arranged at the other end of the display fixture  100 . As another example, the best selling or most popular titles can be placed in a highly visible position on the display fixture, such as in the middle of the top display shelf  110   a . As yet another example, newly released video games can be placed in a special new releases section. Following with this example, the display fixture  100  can optionally include a sign  106  indicating that video games located under the sign  106  are new releases. 
         [0028]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the display fixture  100  in this embodiment includes one or more signs  106  for conveying product information to consumers. As an example, the sign  106  includes text indicating that video games displayed on the display fixture  100  are in a particular genre or for a particular game console. As another example, the sign  106  may include text indicating that the media content packages  108  are all priced at a specific sales price. The front lips portions  112   a - d  are optionally equipped with pricing signage, such a product label strip to receive labels indicative of product information and pricing information. Also, as shown in  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of the display fixture  100  can include one or more shelves  140  for retaining accessory products  142 . In this embodiment, the accessory products  142  are related to the sample media content packages  102 . For example, if the sample media content packages  102  are video games, the accessory products  142  displayed on the unlocked shelves  140  can include video game controllers, video game consoles, video game branded apparel, or other video game related merchandise. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3 , in accordance with some embodiments, an inventory of the media content packages  108  represented by the sample media content packages  102  are accessible by unlocking the display shelves  110   a - d  and accessing storage enclosures  116  ( FIG. 3 ) disposed within each display shelf  110   a - d . For example, a consumer can inspect one or more sample media content packages  102  that are tethered to the display fixture  100  as described above and make a determination to purchase one or more media titles. When the consumer informs a store worker that he or she will purchase one of the media content products displayed by the sample media content packages  102 , the store worker unlocks one of the display shelves  110   a - d  to access additional copies of the media content packages  108 . For example, referring to  FIG. 3 , the display shelf  110   b  may include a locking mechanism  118  and the store worker may use a key or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to unlock the display shelf  110   b . The store worker opens the selected display shelf  110  to access a storage enclosure  116  disposed behind the angled face  114  of that shelf  110 . The storage enclosure is configured to retain a plurality of media content packages  108  that are similar to the sample media content packages  102  arranged on the front lip  112  of the particular shelf  110 . After the store worker removes the selected media content package  108  from the enclosure, the store worker then provides the non-tethered package  108  to the consumer. In some embodiments, the store worker provides the selected media content package  108  to the consumer, and the consumer thereafter takes the media content package  108  to a designated register in order to purchase the package  108 . In other embodiments, the store worker carries the selected media content package  108  to a designated register before the consumer can handle the package  108 . 
         [0030]    Continuing with the above example, in some embodiments, after removing the selected media content package  108  from one of the storage enclosures  116  of the display shelf  110 , the store worker closes the storage enclosure  116 . In some embodiments, an access door  120  of the storage enclosure  116  will automatically lock upon being closed. In other embodiments, the store worker locks the access door  120  of the storage enclosure  116  after closing the storage enclosure (e.g., using a key). 
         [0031]    Still referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , the angled faces  114   a - d  serve as the access doors  120 , which are movably coupled to the display shelves  110   a - d  by hinges positioned at the bottoms of the angled faces  114   a - d . In such embodiments, each storage enclosure can be accessed by pulling upon the top of a corresponding one of the angled faces  114   a - d , causing the access door  120  to pivot about a horizontal hinge axis to an opened position. This front accessibility allows media content packages  108  stored in the storage enclosures  116  to be readily accessed by a store worker without the store worker requiring access to a rear or side portion of the display fixture  100 . Accordingly, the display fixture  100  can be mounted against a wall or back to back with another similar display fixture without inhibiting the functionality of the display fixture  100 . The display fixture  100  also prevents a store worker from having to retrieve additional copies of media content packages  108  from a back storage room or other remote area of the store because the non-tethered packages  108  are stored in close proximity to the sample media content packages  102  displayed on the front of the display shelves  110   a - d.    
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the sample media content packages  102  are retained in position on the display shelves  110   a - d  by the security tethers  130  when the access doors  120  are in the open position. For example, the anchor portions  134  of the security tethers  130  may be spring-loaded or contain other mechanisms to impart tension about the flexible cables  136  of the security tethers  130 . The tension imparted on the flexible cables  136  can be sufficient to counteract the force of gravity on the sample media content packages  102  so that the sample media content packages  102  are retained in the same position on the display shelves  110   a - d  even when the angle faces  114   a - d  are hingedly adjusted to an open position. 
         [0033]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the media content packages  108  arranged within the storage enclosures  116  are arranged to align behind the corresponding sample media content packages  102  displayed on the front lips  112   a - d  of the display shelves  110   a - d . For example, if the sample media content packages  102  include video game products, a supply of the same video game packages  108  are contained within the storage enclosures  116  behind the sample media content packages  102  having the same title. Such a configuration allows a store worker to readily identify the location of a desired media content package  108  contained within the storage enclosures. In some embodiments, the media content packages  108  are arranged at an angle so that the media content packages  108  are substantially parallel to the sample media content packages  102  when the sample media content packages  102  are arranged on the front lip portions  112   a - d  and the access doors is closed. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-B , in accordance with some embodiments, the display shelves  10   a - d  are individually attached to a support wall  150  of the display fixture  100 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4A , fasteners  152  are used to secure the display shelves  10   a - d  in place on the support wall. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the display shelves  110   a - d  include one or more tabs or hooks  154  extending rearwardly from the back of the display shelves. The support wall  150  can include slots for receiving the hooks  154 . In such instances, the hooks  154  can securely hold the display shelves  110   a - d  in place with relation to the support wall  150  without the need for tools or fasteners. The modular design of the display fixture  100  allows for display shelves  110  to be added or removed from the display fixture  100  in order to change the appearance of the display fixture  100 . For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , an additional display shelf can be positioned below the display shelf  110   d  in place of the unlocked shelf  140 . As another example, the display shelf  110   a  can be removed from the display fixture  100  and replaced with signage or other information or product display devices. 
         [0035]    Referring again to  FIGS. 4A-B , the display shelves  110   a - d  may be arranged in a vertical array with the display shelf  110   a  positioned above the display shelf  110   b , the display shelf  110   b  positioned above the display shelf  110   c , and so on. In the depicted embodiment, each display shelf  110   a - d  has a greater depth than the display shelf  110   a - d  positioned immediately above it. For example, the display shelf  110   b  has a greater depth than the display shelf  110   a . Each display shelf extends away from the support wall  150  such that the front faces of the sample media content packages  102  are substantially coplanar when the access doors  120  of the display shelves  110   a - d  are in a closed position and the sample media content packages  102  are in an operative position on the front lip portions  112   a - d . This configuration increases the viewability of the lower shelves  110   c - d  because the higher display shelves  110   a - b  do not block the line-of-sight to the sample media content packages  102  positioned on the lower display shelves  110   c - d . In some circumstances, positioning the sample media content packages  102  so that their front faces are substantially coplanar improves the aesthetic appeal of the display fixture  100  and provides visibility of all of the sample media content packages  102  to a consumer standing in front of the display fixture  100 . 
         [0036]    As described above, in some embodiments, the media content packages  108  located within the storage enclosures  116  are accessed by drawing the tops of the access doors  120  outward, away from the support wall  150 . In some embodiments, the lock  118  must be unlocked before the access door  120  can be opened. For example, each display shelf  110   a - d  can include a lock receiving mechanism  122  for receiving a portion of the lock  118  and securing the access door  120  in a closed position when the lock  118  is in a locked position. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4A , when the access door  120  of the display shelf  110   a  is opened, the sample media content packages  102  supported by the display shelf  110   a  are held in position with relation to the access door  120  by security tethers  130 . The anchor portions  134  of the security tethers  130  extend rearwardly from the access door  120 . The recoil spring mechanisms retained within the anchor portions  134  create tension on the flexible cables  136  in order to hold the sample media content packages  102  in position on the front lip portion  112   a  when the access door  120  is in an open position. 
         [0037]    Still referring to  FIGS. 4A-B , in accordance with some embodiments, each display shelf  110   a - d  includes a door support cable  124  for holding the access door  120  in a specified position when the access door  120  is open. The door support cable  124  can be attached to the access door  120  and anchored to an inner side wall of the display shelf  110   a - d . The door support cable  124  can hold the access door  120  in place while a store worker accesses media content packages  108  retained within the storage enclosure  116 . Also, the door support cable  124  may prevent the access door  120  from being opened beyond a specified angle. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5D , in some embodiments, each display shelf  110  is an individual unit that can be attached to a support wall  150  to create a modular display fixture (e.g. the display fixture  100 ). The angled face  114  of the display shelf  110  holds the sample media content packages  102  at a non-vertical angle so that the front faces of the sample media content packages  102  are viewable by a consumer standing near the shelf and looking at the display shelf  110  in a downward manner. The access door  120  allows access to media content packages  108  stored within an internal storage enclosure  116  of the display shelf  110 . In some embodiments, the access door  120  includes a lock  118  so that only authorized personnel are able to access the internal enclosure. Display shelves  110  of various depths can be arranged in a vertical array on a support wall such that the sample media content packages  102  supported by the display shelves  110  are substantially aligned. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, multiple display shelves  110  can be positioned side-by-side on one or more support walls  150  in order to create a display fixture that is longer than a single display shelf  110  (e.g. the display fixture  100  shown in  FIG. 1 ). As previously described, each shelf may include a plurality of fasteners  152  ( FIG. 5B ) to secure the display shelf  110  in a selected position on a rear support wall. In addition or in the alternative, the display shelf  110  can include one or more tabs or hooks  154  ( FIG. 5B ) extending rearwardly from the shelf  110  so as to toollessly mount to a rear support wall. As previously described, the support wall  150  can include slots for receiving the hooks  154 . In such instances, the hooks  154  can securely hold the display shelves  110   a - d  in place with relation to the support wall  150  without the need for handheld tools during installation. Because each shelf  110  can be installed adjacent to other similar shelves, the display fixture  100  can be assembled in a modular fashion to accommodate store aisles of different sizes. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , some embodiments of a process  600  for displaying media content packages on a display fixture can include an operation  610  of arranging one or more consumer product packages (e.g. media content packages  108 ) within a storage enclosure of a security display fixture. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the media content packages  108  can be arranged within the storage enclosure  116 . In some instances, the media content packages  108  are arranged so that the media content packages  108  are grouped by category, genre, or recommended age level. For example, if the media content packages  108  contain video games, the video games can be grouped according to genre, such as action games, role playing games, puzzle based games, and sports games. 
         [0041]    In operation  620 , a user locks a horizontally hinged access door of the security display fixture. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4A , a store worker can close the access door  120  of the display shelf  110   a  and lock the access door  120  in a closed position using the lock  118 . In some embodiments, the access door  120  requires a key or other locking device to be locked. In other embodiments, the access door  120  will lock automatically upon being closed. 
         [0042]    In operation  630 , a user arranges one or more sample consumer product packages in a side-by-side configuration on a ledge of the horizontally hinged access door. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , a store worker can place sample media content packages  102  within corresponding security boxes  104 . The store worker can place the sample media content packages  102  side-by-side on the front lip portions  112   a - d  of the display shelves  110   a - d . In some embodiments, the store worker can arrange the sample media content packages  102  so that each sample media content package  102  is positioned in front of corresponding media content packages  108  positioned within the display shelf  110   a - d  having the same title as the respective sample media content package  102 . In some embodiments, the sample media content packages  102  are retained on the shelf in a secure manner by security tethers  130  that are attached to the security boxes  104  and anchored to the display shelves  110   a - d . The security tethers  130  allow consumers to inspect front, rear, side, top, and bottom surfaces of the sample media content packages  102  without being able to remove the sample media content packages  102  from the display fixture  100 . 
         [0043]    In operation  640 , a user receives a consumer request for a specified consumer product package. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a consumer can inspect one or more video games displayed by the display fixture  100  and make a decision as to a video game that he or she wishes to purchase. The consumer can then inform a store worker of the particular video game title that he or she wishes to purchase. 
         [0044]    In operation  650 , a user unlocks the horizontally hinged access door in response to the consumer request. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the store worker can use a key, RFID tag, or specialized tool to unlock the access door  120  and access the storage enclosure  116 . The storage enclosure  116  contains media content packages  108  of the same type or title as the sample media content packages  102  displayed on the outside of the display shelf  110   b . In some embodiments, as the store worker opens the access door  120 , the sample media content packages  102  are held in place on the angled face  114   b  by the security tethers  130 . 
         [0045]    In operation  660 , a user retrieves a consumer product package having the same title as the specified sample consumer product package from the storage enclosure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the store worker can access the storage enclosure  116  and select a copy of the desired media content package  108  indicated by the consumer from the storage enclosure  116 . In some embodiments, the store worker provides the selected media content package  108  to the consumer, and the consumer thereafter takes the media content package  108  to a designated register in order to purchase the media content package  108 . In other embodiments, the store worker carries the selected media content package  108  to a designated register before the consumer can handle the media content package  108 . 
         [0046]    In operation  670 , a user locks the horizontally hinged access door of the security display fixture. In some implementations, a store worker uses a key or specialized tool to lock the display shelf  110 . In other implementations, the access doors  120  are self-locking and will automatically lock when closed. Locking the access door  120  of a display shelf  110   a - d  secures the remaining media content packages  108  within the storage enclosure  116 , and thereby limits access of the media content packages  108  to consumers without the assistance of a store worker. 
         [0047]    It should be understood from the description herein that, in alternate embodiments, consumer products other than media content products  108  can be retained and displayed by the display fixture  100 . For example, the display fixture  100  can be employed to display in a secure manner items such as watches, eyeglasses, jewelry, clothing, sporting goods, computer accessories, video game console accessories, cameras, cellular phones, GPS units, or other electronic devices. Sample products may be retained in security boxes  104  and coupled to the display shelves  110   a - d  by secure tethers  130 . Additional products can be obtained for purchase by opening an access door  120  of a display shelf  110  in order to access a storage enclosure  116  of the display shelf  110 . 
         [0048]    A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.