Patent Publication Number: US-11643850-B2

Title: Anti-theft merchandise hook

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/545,469, filed Dec. 8, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/123,299, filed Dec. 9, 2020, the entire teachings and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to retail systems, and, more particularly, to theft detection systems for use in a retail environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Loss prevention is a continuing problem in the retail industry. The retail industry is continually looking for better ways to prevent loss due to theft. Therefore, many retail environments incorporate various types of theft deterrence systems. Some current anti-theft systems involve locking up merchandise behind counters, often far away from related merchandise, or locking up the merchandise in secure cabinets, closer to the place where related merchandise is generally stored. 
     There are disadvantages to each of these methods. When merchandise is stored in a secured location away from the point of storage of related items, sales of the secured merchandise decrease because customers are less likely to go out of their way to locate a sales associate to retrieve the merchandise. When merchandise is stored in a secured cabinet near the point of storage of related items, sales of related items that would otherwise be situated in proximity to the secured merchandise decrease as well because the customer is not drawn to their location. 
     Therefore, although common anti-theft systems may be effective at preventing loss, they also have the significantly negative impact of reducing sales. Additionally, multiple secured storage devices may be costly to deploy in a retail setting, while taking up space that could be used other merchandise. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an anti-theft system for retail stores that will deter theft without discouraging the sale of the merchandise and related items. Additionally, there is a need for anti-theft systems which can be retrofitted onto existing retail displays to keep the cost of installation and the shelving downtime required for installation as low as possible. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide such an anti-theft system. This 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 
     In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an anti-theft merchandise hook having a top wire connected to a housing portion at one end of the top wire, and connected to a mounting portion at another end of the top wire opposite the one end. The mounting portion is used to mount the anti-theft merchandise hook to a stationary surface. The bottom wire is attached to the mounting portion, extending from the mounting portion toward the housing portion, and is configured to hold retail merchandise. A moveable hanger is at least partially disposed within the housing portion. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position in which the hanger abuts the bottom wire, and an open position in which the hanger is spaced some distance from the bottom wire. 
     In particular embodiments, an end of the hanger that abuts the bottom wire is concave, and an end of the bottom wire that abuts the hanger is convex. In other embodiments, both the hanger and bottom wire include conductive material that form an electrical contact when the bottom wire that abuts the hanger, and the electronic circuitry of the anti-theft merchandise hook is configured to detect the electrical contact. 
     In some embodiments, the hanger includes a notch, and the hanger is configured to be manually moved into a locking position by a user, and locked into the closed position when a plunger, disposed within the housing portion is seated in the notch. In particular embodiments, the plunger is configured to move back and forth in a first direction perpendicular and the hanger is configured to move back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a further embodiment, the plunger moves linearly back and forth, and the plunger&#39;s movement is effected by a motor disposed in the housing portion. The motor may be configured such that it is activated by an RFID-enabled device placed in proximity to the housing portion. In certain embodiments, the motor is an electrically-powered stepper motor. 
     The anti-theft merchandise hook may include electronic circuitry disposed in the housing portion, the electronic circuitry including an emitter configured to emit at least one of an audible, a visible, and a wireless radio alarm signal. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include a limit switch to track an amount of time that the hanger is in the open position, and to trigger the alarm signal if the hanger remains open for more than a threshold period of time. 
     In certain embodiments, the mounting portion includes a mounting face with means for locking the anti-theft merchandise hook into a mounted position. The mounting portion may further include a mounting face plunger that is depressed when the mounting portion is mounted flush to a stationary surface, and which triggers an alarm when released mounting face plunger that triggers an alarm when released. 
     In a further embodiment, the top and/or bottom wire is electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry such that the top and/or bottom wires function as an antenna for the transmission of the wireless radio alarm signal. The anti-theft merchandise hook may also include an alarm box, located remotely from the anti-theft merchandise hook, and configured to receive the wireless radio alarm signal from the emitter and to emit a second alarm, and/or relay the wireless radio alarm signal to another location. 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an anti-theft merchandise hook that includes a top wire connected to a housing at a first end of the top wire, and to a mounting portion, used to mount the anti-theft merchandise hook to a stationary surface, at a second end of the top wire opposite the first end. A bottom wire is attached to the mounting portion and extends from the mounting portion towards the housing. The bottom wire is configured to hold retail merchandise. A hanger is at least partially disposed within the housing. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position in which the hanger abuts the bottom wire, and an open position in which the hanger is spaced some distance from the bottom wire. A motor is configured to drive a rotary shaft in order to move the hanger between the closed position and the open position. 
     In a particular embodiment, the hanger includes an attached locating guide with a threaded opening configured to accommodate a threaded rotary shaft. In some embodiments, the locating guide extends transversely from an exterior surface of the hanger. In a more particular embodiment, rotation of the shaft in a first rotary direction causes the locating guide to move linearly along the rotary shaft in a first linear direction, and rotation of the shaft in a second rotary direction, opposite the first rotary direction, causes the locating guide to move linearly along the rotary shaft in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. In particular embodiments, the movement of the hanger, between the closed position and the open position, is linear along a longitudinal axis of the hanger. 
     The hanger may be cylindrical. Furthermore, the motor and rotary shaft may be disposed within the housing. In certain embodiments, the hanger has a slot that extends longitudinally along a length of the hanger, and wherein a guide post, attached to the housing, extends through the slot. The aforementioned motor may be a stepper motor. Also, the motor may be battery-powered. In a further embodiment, a pivoting latch extends from the housing to an end of the bottom wire. The pivoting latch is configured to prevent merchandise from inadvertently coming off of the bottom wire. The pivoting latch may be spring biased such that an end of the pivoting latch contacts the end of the bottom wire. 
     The anti-theft merchandise hook may further include a controller with an RFID reader, where the controller is disposed within the housing. The controller may be configured to operate the motor when an operator RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller. In other embodiments, the controller moves the hanger from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, when the operator RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller. The controller may be further configured to recognize one or more specific operator RFID cards such that controller only operates the motor when the one or more specific operator RFID cards is placed in proximity to the controller. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initialize operation of the anti-theft merchandise hook when a write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller. Further still, in some embodiments, the controller is configured to enable or disable an operator RFID card when the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller for a predetermined length of time. 
     The anti-theft merchandise hook may further include a reset button which resets the anti-theft merchandise hook when depressed for a threshold period of time. In other embodiments, the anti-theft merchandise hook has an audio emitter and/or a light indicator, and the controller operates the audio emitter and/or light indicator to indicate a status of the anti-theft merchandise hook. Further, the audio emitter or light indicator may be used to indicate at least one of a battery power status, movement of the hanger between the open and closed positions, a reset status, a placement of merchandise onto the bottom wire, or removal of merchandise from the bottom wire. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of an anti-theft merchandise hook in the open position constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view of an anti-theft merchandise hook in the open position constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of an anti-theft merchandise hook in the closed position constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective view of an anti-theft merchandise hook in the closed position constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are close up perspective views of the hanger and bottom wire according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the hanger disposed in a housing of the anti-theft merchandise hook in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus for the anti-theft merchandise hook according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the anti-theft merchandise hook with the housing partially removed and showing the hanger in the closed position; and 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the alternate embodiment of  FIG.  8    with the housing partially removed and showing the hanger in the open position. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    provide front and rear perspective views of anti-theft merchandise hook  100  in the open position, the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS.  3  and  4    provide front and rear perspective views of anti-theft merchandise hook  100  in the closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In certain embodiments, the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is an RFID-activated merchandise hook with a top wire  102  and a bottom wire  104  on which the merchandise is held, where the bottom wire  104  is shorter in length than the top wire  102 . 
     The anti-theft merchandise hook  100  further includes a spring-biased hanger  106  that is moved laterally back and forth between a closed position in which the hanger  106  is securely abutted to an end of the bottom wire  104 , and an open position in which the hanger  106  is separated from the end of the bottom wire  104 . In the open position, the space between the hanger  106  and bottom wire  104  allows for merchandise to be removed from the hook  100 . In the closed position, no merchandise can be removed. In the embodiments shown, the hanger  106  is substantially cylindrical, though in alternate embodiments, the hanger  106  could be prismatic, curved, spiraled, or some other suitable shape. 
     In a particular embodiment of the invention which includes that shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the hanger  106  is disposed, at least partially, within a housing  108  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . As shown in the embodiments of  FIGS.  4 ,  5 A, and  5 B , the hanger  106  may have a concave or cup-shaped end  110  configured to abut securely against an end  105  of the bottom wire  104  when the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is in the closed position. The end  105  of the bottom wire  104  may be convex or rounded to facilitate a fit between the concave cup-shaped end  110  and the end  105  of the bottom wire  104 . Thus, the convex end of the bottom wire  104 , when abutted with the correspondingly concave end of the hanger  106  provides a secure attachment between the two components such that no merchandise can be removed from the bottom wire  104 . 
     In more particular embodiments, electronic circuitry  140  disposed within the housing  108  is able to detect when the hanger  106  is in contact with the bottom wire  104 , and therefore able to determine when the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry  140  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is battery-powered. Alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the electronic circuitry  140  is powered by means other than a battery, e.g., solar cell, hardwired to building power, etc. 
     The bottom wire  104  may be made from metal or some similarly conductive material, while some portion of the hanger  106 , including a portion that abuts the bottom wire  104 , is also made from metal or some similarly conductive material, such that an electrical circuit is formed when the bottom wire  104  and hanger  106  are in contact with each other. The electronic circuitry  140  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  may be able to detect when the bottom wire  104  and hanger  106  are in contact with each other based on the formation of this electrical circuit. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  6   , a spring  112  is assembled onto the hanger  106  within the housing  108 . The spring  112  abuts a surface within the housing  108  such that the spring  112  biases the hanger  106  in the open position. A second end of the hanger  106  opposite the cup-shaped end  110  protrudes from the housing  108 . The user pushes on this second end of the hanger  106 , against the force of spring  112  in order to bring the hanger  106  in contact with the bottom wire  104 , thereby closing the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . 
     The hanger  106  may then be locked in the closed position by a plunger  114  within the housing  108 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , the plunger  114  is substantially cylindrical and arranged perpendicularly to the hanger  106  (in this case vertically with respect to the horizontally-arranged hanger  106 ), and is seated within a notch  116  cut into a middle portion of the hanger  106  to lock the hanger  106  in place and keep it from moving back to the open position. In alternate embodiments, the plunger  114  could be assume different shapes, e.g., prismatic, that engage the notch  116  to lock the hanger  106  in the closed position. 
     In the embodiment shown, the plunger  114  is moved back and forth by a small motor  122  disposed within the housing  108 . The motor  122  may be an electrically-powered stepper motor. The electronic circuitry  140  in the housing  108  operates the motor  122  in response to an RFID-enabled device, e.g., an RFID card or RFID key (not shown), or other suitable device when placed in proximity to the housing  108 . For example, it is contemplated that devices other than RFID-enabled devices (e.g., magnetic, electromagnetic, etc.) may be used to operate the motor  122  and plunger  114 . In one particular example, tapping the RFID card on the housing  108  may cause the plunger  114  to seat in the notch  116  of the hanger  106  when the user pushes the hanger  106  into contact with the bottom wire  104 . Subsequently, tapping the RFID card on the housing  108  may then cause the plunger  114  to unseat from the notch  116  to open the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . 
     In a particular embodiment of the invention, a limit switch  126  is disposed in the housing  108  and configured to track the time the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is in the open position and to issue an alarm if the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  remains in the open position longer than a threshold period of time. For example, the limit switch  126  may be configured such that the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  emits an audible alarm and/or a wireless alarm signal if the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is in the open position for more than 15 seconds, or even 30 seconds. However, threshold times greater than 30 seconds and lesser than 15 seconds are envisioned. In certain embodiments of the invention, the user may adjust the threshold time limit before the limit switch  126  causes the alarm to issue. 
     In a further embodiment, the aforementioned RFID-enabled device, when used to tap the housing  108  or placed in close proximity to the housing  108 , activates the motor  122  which lifts the plunger  114  out of the notch  116  so that the spring  112  moves the hanger  106  away from the bottom wire  104 , thus allowing for the removal of merchandise from the bottom wire  104 . The lifting of the plunger  114  depresses and activates the limit switch  126  which starts a timer. After the threshold period of time, if the hanger  106  remains separated from the bottom wire  104 , the limit switch  126  may cause anti-theft merchandise hook  100  to issue an alarm. The alarm may issue for a specified period of time, or the alarm may continue until the hanger  106  is urged into contact with the end  105  of the bottom wire  104  and the plunger  114  lowered into the notch  116  to lock the hanger  106  in place. 
     The electronic circuitry  140  in the housing  108  may include an emitter  142  capable of emitting an audible, visible, and wireless radio alarm signal. Additionally, the top 102 and/or bottom wire  104  may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry  140  such that the wire(s) functions as an antenna for the transmission of the signal to the wireless radio alarm signal. In certain embodiments, the wireless radio alarm signal emitted by the electronic circuitry  140  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is configured to be transmitted to an alarm box  128  (see  FIG.  3   ). 
     In particular embodiments, the alarm box  128  includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal-emitting retail display devices. In some embodiments, the alarm box  128  also has an alarm box emitter  130  configured to emit an audible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, and one or more terminals  132  for connecting the alarm box  128  to an output receiving device. In certain embodiments, the alarm box emitter  130  is also configured to emit a visible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices. In such a case, the alarm box  128  may include one or more LEDs or other light-emitting devices capable of indicating multiple types of alarm conditions or indicating a particular status of one or more anti-theft merchandise hooks  100 . Furthermore, the alarm box  128  may also include an antenna  134  for transmitting wireless signals indicative of an alarm condition. The wireless signals may be transmitted to an output receiving device capable of receiving wireless transmission or to some remotely-located receiving station. 
       FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of the mounting apparatus  120  for the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. The mounting apparatus  120  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is for mounting or attaching the mounting apparatus  120  to a fixed or stationary surface to fix the position of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . In the embodiments shown, the mounting apparatus  120  includes one or more openings  121  in which is arranged a mechanical mounting lock  124 . 
     In the embodiments shown, the mounting apparatus  120  includes two mounting projections  123  for securing the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  to a pegboard. In a particular embodiment, the mounting apparatus  120  includes a mounting face plunger  118  that is depressed when the mounting apparatus  120  is secured flush to a stationary surface, such that when the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is removed from its flush mounting to the stationary surface, the mounting face plunger  118  is released thus triggering an alarm. 
     An alternate embodiment of the anti-theft merchandise hook  200  is shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   .  FIG.  8    is a side view of the anti-theft merchandise hook  200  with the housing  108  partially removed and showing the hanger  206  in the closed position, while  FIG.  9    is a side view of the anti-theft merchandise hook  200  with the housing  108  partially removed and showing the hanger  206  in the open position. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  8  and  9   , the hanger  206  is actuated by a stepper motor  202  which drives a rotary shaft  204 . In certain embodiments of the invention, the stepper motor  202  and rotary shaft  204  are disposed in the housing  108 . The stepper motor  202  may be powered by a battery also disposed in the housing  108 . The hanger  206  has an attached locating guide  208  with a threaded opening configured to accept the rotary shaft  204  the exterior surface of which is also threaded. The rotary shaft  204  is threaded into the threaded opening of the locating guide  208 . In operation, the stepper motor  202  rotates the rotary shaft  204  causing the locating guide  208  to move linearly along the rotary shaft  204  in a first direction, e.g., clockwise. When the stepper motor  202  rotates the rotary shaft  204  in the opposite direction, e.g., counterclockwise, the locating guide  208  moves in a second direction opposite the first direction. The hanger  206  moves in unison with the locating guide  208  linearly along the rotary shaft  204 . 
     The rotary shaft  204  may have a plate or stop of some kind attached at a distal end (furthest from the stepper motor  202 ) thereof to prevent the locating guide  208  from coming off of the rotary shaft  204 . It is contemplated that certain embodiments may not include a threaded rotary shaft  204 . In particular embodiments, a gear arrangement may be used to effect movement of the hanger  206 . It should also be noted that the hanger  206  may be actuated by a type of motor other than the stepper motor  202  shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   . In various alternate embodiments, it is envisioned that the motor could be a servomotor, a linear motor, a direct drive motor, a DC brushed or brushless motor, etc. 
     In the embodiment shown, the locating guide  208  is attached towards a central portion of the hanger  206 . In this context, the central portion is the portion of the hanger  206  not close to either end of the hanger  206 , e.g., the middle third of the hanger  206  taken lengthwise. The embodiment of  FIGS.  8  and  9    shows the locating guide extending transversely from a surface of the hanger  206  in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  207  of the hanger  206 , where the hanger  206  is cylindrical and the longitudinal axis  207  extends through the hanger  206  from one end to the opposite end. However, it is recognized that, in alternate embodiments of the hanger  206 , the locating guide  208  may be attached closer to either end of the hanger  206 , and may not extend transversely to the hanger&#39;s longitudinal axis  207 . Furthermore, in such embodiments, the hanger  206  may be prismatic rather than cylindrical. 
     In the embodiments shown, the hanger  206  has two slots  210  that extend longitudinally along a length of the hanger  206 . In the embodiment shown, the slots  210  define openings that extend through an entire body portion of the hanger  206 . The slots  210  are removably assembled onto guide posts  212  attached to the interior of the housing  108 . It is understood that alternate embodiments of the hanger  206  may have fewer or more than two slots  210 . The two guide posts  212  extend through each of the two slots  210 . The slots  210  define the range of linear movement for the hanger  206  as movement of the hanger  206  stops when the ends of the slots  210  contact the guide posts  212 . The width of the slots  210  are only slightly larger than the diameter of the guide posts  212 , thus ensuring that the hanger  206  can only move linearly within the housing  108 . In such an embodiment, the movement of the hanger  206 , between the closed position and the open position, is linear along a longitudinal axis  207  of the hanger  206 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  8   , the hanger  206  is in the closed position due to the stepper motor  202  having driven the rotary shaft  204  in a first rotary direction in order to move the locating guide  208  to the distal end (furthest from the stepper motor  202 ) of the rotary shaft  204  such that the hanger  206  comes into contact with the end  105  of the bottom wire  104 .  FIG.  9    shows the hanger  206  is in the open position due to the stepper motor  202  having driven the rotary shaft  204  in a second rotary direction opposite the first rotary direction in order to move the locating guide  208  to a proximal end (closest to the stepper motor  202 ) of the rotary shaft  204  such that the hanger  206  is spaced some distance from the bottom wire  104 . 
     Embodiments of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  further include a controller  220  coupled to an RFID reader  222 , where the controller  220  and RFID reader  222  are disposed within the housing  108 . The controller  220  may be configured to operate the motor  202  when an operator RFID card (not shown) is placed in proximity to the controller  220 . In other embodiments, the controller  220  moves the hanger  206  from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, when the operator RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller  220 . In a particular embodiment of the invention, the term “in proximity” to the controller  220 , as used herein, means within 12 inches of the controller  220 . In another embodiment, the term “in proximity” to the controller  220 , as used herein, means within six inches of the controller  220 . In yet another embodiment, the term “in proximity” to the controller  220 , as used herein, means within three inches of the controller  220 . 
     The controller  220  may be further configured to recognize one or more specific operator RFID cards such that controller  220  only operates the motor  202  when the one or more recognized specific operator RFID cards is placed in proximity to the controller  220 . Additionally, the controller  220  may be configured to initialize operation of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  when a write RFID card (not shown) is placed in proximity to the controller  220 . Furthermore, it is envisioned that, in some embodiments of the invention, the controller  220  is configured to enable or disable an operator RFID card when the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller  220  for a predetermined length of time. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , a pivoting latch  214  extends from within the housing  108  to the end  105  of the bottom wire  104 . The pivoting latch  214  prevents merchandise from inadvertently falling off of the bottom wire  104  when the hanger  206  is in the open position. A user can remove an item by pulling the item from the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  causing the pivoting latch  214  to rotate away from the end  105  of the bottom wire  104 . Following the removal of the item, the pivoting latch  214  is spring-biased, in certain embodiments, so as to pivot back such that the end of the latch  214  returns to the end  105  of the bottom wire  104 . Other embodiments of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  may exclude the pivoting latch  214 . 
     In a particular embodiment, the pivoting latch  214  is configured to pivot upward when loading merchandise onto the bottom wire  104 , and to pivot downward when removing merchandise from the bottom wire  104 . A conductive pointer  215  is attached to the rotating end of the pivoting latch  214  that is attached within the housing  108 . When the pivoting latch  214  pivots upward, the conductive pointer  215  rotates downward and contacts a first electrical contact  226 . In certain embodiments, each time the conductive pointer  215  contacts the first electrical contact  226 , a signal is sent to the controller  220  causing the controller  220  to add one to the count of the number of items on the bottom wire  104  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . 
     Similarly, when the pivoting latch  214  pivots downward, the conductive pointer  215  rotates upward and contacts a second electrical contact  228 . Each time the conductive pointer  215  contacts the second electrical contact  228 , a signal is sent to the controller  220  causing the controller  220  to subtract one from the count of the number of items on the bottom wire  104  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . In this way the controller  220  keeps an ongoing and real time account of the number of items on any particular anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . 
     In other embodiments, the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  has an audio emitter  216  and/or a light indicator  224 , which may be one or more LEDs set into the housing  108 . The controller  220  operates the audio emitter  216  and/or light indicator  224  to indicate a particular status of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . Further, the audio emitter  216  or light indicator  224  may be used to indicate at least one of a battery power status, movement of the hanger  206  between the open and closed positions, a reset status, a placement of merchandise onto the bottom wire  104 , or removal of merchandise from the bottom wire  104 . 
     The addition or removal of an item from the bottom wire  104  may be accompanied by a specific sound or pattern of beeps from the audio emitter  216 , or a unique pattern of flashing lights from the light indicator  224 . 
     The following provides one example of how the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  may be used in operation. After attaching the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  to a wall or retail display case, the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller  220 . The emitter  216  will issue a series of beeps or light indicator  224  will flash in a particular patter to indicate that the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is ready for operation. 
     In one instance, when items are to be added to the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  and the hanger  206  is in the closed position; the items may be loaded onto the bottom wire  104  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  by placing an operator RFID card in proximity to the controller  220  causing the hanger  206  to move to the open position. As indicated above, these movements, and any other movements of the hanger  206  described below, may be accompanied by unique sound patterns from the emitter  216  or flashing light patterns from the light indicator  224 . When loading of the items is completed, the operator RFID card is again placed in proximity to the controller  220  causing the hanger  206  to move to the closed position. In particular embodiments, the hanger  206  will remain in the open position while loading items onto the bottom wire  104 . However, the controller  220  may be programmed to cause the hanger  206  to automatically move to the closed position if no loading occurs for a threshold period of time. 
     Similarly, when items are to be removed from the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  and the hanger  206  is in the closed position; the items may be removed from the bottom wire  104  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  by placing an operator RFID card in proximity to the controller  220  causing the hanger  206  to move to the open position. When removal of the items is completed, the operator RFID card is again placed in proximity to the controller  220  causing the hanger  206  to move to the closed position. In particular embodiments, the hanger  206  will remain in the open position during removal of the items from the bottom wire  104 . However, the controller  220  may be programmed to cause the hanger  206  to automatically move to the closed position if no items are removed for a threshold period of time. Additionally, the controller  220  may be programmed to issue an alarm if too many items are removed within a predetermined period of time. 
     The write RFID card, used to initialize operation of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 , may also be used to enable or disable use of an operator RFID card. In a particular example, one or more operator RFID cards may be linked to an anti-theft merchandise hook  100  when the write RFID card is placed in proximity to the controller  220  until the audio emitter  216  or light indicator  224  shows a first unique pattern indicating that an operator RFID card is ready to be enabled, or a second unique pattern, different from the first, indicating that an operator RFID card is ready to be disabled or erased from the system, i.e., the memory of the controller  220 . Once enabled, the operator RFID card is recognized by the controller  220 , and can be used to open or close the hanger  206  of the anti-theft merchandise hook  100 . A disabled operator RFID card is no longer recognized by the controller  220 , and therefore cannot be used to open or close the hanger  206 . 
     The anti-theft merchandise hook  100  may further include a reset button  218  which resets the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  when depressed for a threshold period of time. In reset mode, the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is not ready for operation, and must be initialized using the write RFID card. When the anti-theft merchandise hook  100  is reset, the audio emitter  216  or light indicator  224  may provide a unique pattern of sounds or flashing lights to indicate the reset status. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.