Patent Publication Number: US-8534469-B2

Title: Inventory display lock

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to an inventory display lock, and more particularly to an inventory display lock for use with display hooks that are attached to a merchandise display for holding and displaying merchandise at a retail establishment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are a variety of different types of display hooks that are presently in wide use. One type of display hook is a “scanner hook” of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,360 to Barnes. The scanner hook includes a lower horizontally extending hanger bar for supporting merchandise and an upper parallel bar for supporting a label that includes a price tag which may be “read” by an electronic scanning wand. 
     Unfortunately, these display hooks by themselves provided little or no theft deterrence to shoplifters. Particularly, shoplifters will steal product by a method know as sweeping. The shoplifter will “sweep” the entire product supported by the lower hanger bar from the display hook in a single motion into a container such as a purse or bag. This method of shoplifting occurs very quickly and results in a significant loss of product. Security display locks have been developed to prevent sweeping by securing or locking the merchandise on the display hook. Such display locks include U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,555 to Nagel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,877 to Church; U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,027 to Eklof et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,622 to Hatch et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,197,902 to Barkdoll; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,931 to Barkdoll. The present invention relates to improvements in display locks as it relates to theft prevention, reliability, adaptability, practicality, ease-of-use, and/or cost effectiveness. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to new and improved display lock systems and particularly display locks for use with merchandise display systems. The new and improved display lock provides easier access to the display lock for engagement with a key. The new and improved display lock system also includes a protective cover and arrangement for securing a display hook to a display support such as a peg board or slat wall. 
     In one embodiment, a retail merchandise lock for securing merchandise on a merchandise display hook of a retail display is provided. The retail merchandise lock comprises a lock body, a lock bar and lock arrangement between the lock body and the lock bar. The lock body defines a mounting channel for receiving an bar or bar of the merchandise display hook therethrough. The lock bar is rotatably coupled to the lock body for rotation about a lock bar axis. The lock bar defines a lock bar aperture configured to receive a second bar of the merchandise display hook therethrough in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lock bar axis. The lock arrangement acts between the lock bar and the lock body. The lock arrangement has a locked state in which the lock bar is prevented from rotating about the lock bar axis relative to the lock body, and an unlocked state in which the lock bar is allowed to rotate about the lock bar axis relative to the lock body. In one embodiment, the lock bar does not affect the mounting of the display lock to the display hooks. 
     In one embodiment, an attachment pin extends through the mounting channel for securing the lock body to the bar. The attachment pin is spaced away from a bottom of the mounting channel which is generally trough shaped. The attachment pin and mounting channel are configured such that the attachment pin can pass through an aperture formed through the bar of the merchandise display hook. 
     In one embodiment, the lock arrangement includes a lock pin. The lock pin extends across a shear interface formed between the lock body and the lock bar. The lock pin engages both the lock body and the lock bar in the locked state to prevent rotation of the lock bar relative to the lock body in the locked state. The lock pin does not extend across the shear interface and not engaging the lock bar in the unlocked state to allow rotation of the lock bar relative to the lock body in the unlocked state. The lock pin is slidable between the locked and unlocked states along a pin axis and relative to the lock body. 
     In one embodiment, a spring member biases the lock pin toward the locked state. 
     In another embodiment, the lock pin is slidably carried in a lock pin channel formed in the lock body. The lock bar includes a first pin pocket. The lock pin extends into the first pin pocket in the locked state and is removed from the first pin pocket in the unlocked state. The lock pin engages the portion of the lock bar forming/bounding the first pin pocket in the locked state to prevent rotation of the lock bar relative to the lock body. 
     In one embodiment, the lock bar includes a key slot arranged to receive a key therein in a direction extending generally parallel to the pin axis of the lock pin. The key slot aligns with the lock pin providing access to the pin for axially engaging and biasing the pin to the unlocked state along the pin axis. 
     In one embodiment, the key slot is non-circular such that rotation of the key within the key slot will cause rotation of the lock bar. 
     In one embodiment, the lock bar is generally clevis shaped including a first leg portion and a second leg portion. The lock body is interposed between the first and second leg portions. In a more particular embodiment, an attachment pin extends through a first end of the first leg portion, through the lock body and into a second end of the second leg portion. The attachment pin is co-axial with the lock bar axis. The attachment pin maintains the lock body in a sandwiched relationship between the first and second ends. 
     In a more particular embodiment, the attachment pin includes first and second end portions. The first end of the first leg portion includes a first abutment plate through which the attachment pin extends, the first abutment plate configured to prevent passage of the first end portion of the attachment pin therethrough. The second end of the second leg portion includes a second abutment plate through which the attachment pin extends. The second abutment plate is configured to prevent passage of the second end portion therethrough. The first and second abutment plates are positioned between the first and second end portions to secure the merchandise lock in an assembled state. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment pin is a bolt and the first end portion is a head of the bolt and the second end portion is a nut threaded onto an end of the bolt. The first end of the first leg is detachable from the rest of the lock bar to assist mounting to a bar of the display hook. 
     In one embodiment, a key is provided for transitioning the lock arrangement between the locked and unlocked states. The first end of the first leg portion includes a key receiving aperture configured to receive the key for engagement of the key with the lock arrangement. In a more particular embodiment, the key includes a central aperture. The central aperture receives the first end portion of the attachment pin when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. 
     In one embodiment, the lock bar includes a second pin pocket. The lock pin extends into the second pin pocket in a second locked state that is different than the other locked state. Preferably, the lock bar is in a second angular orientation relative to the lock body in the second locked state. 
     In a further implementation of the invention, a retail display system or display lock system is provided. The display lock system a merchandise display hook and a display lock. The display hook has first and second bars. The second bar is configured to carry merchandise. Typically, the second bar is below the first bar. The display lock includes a lock body, a lock bar and a lock arrangement. The lock body defines a mounting channel for receiving the first bar of the merchandise display hook therethrough. The lock bar rotatably coupled to the lock body for rotation about a lock bar axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second bars of the merchandise display hook. The lock bar and lock body form a complete securing loop that surrounds the second bar. The lock arrangement acts between the lock bar and the lock body. The lock arrangement has a locked state in which the lock bar is fixed relative to the lock body in a closed state relative to the second bar where the lock bar inhibits removal of merchandise from the second bar. The lock arrangement has an unlocked state in which the lock bar is allowed to rotate about the lock bar axis relative to the lock body to an open state where the lock bar does not inhibit removal of merchandise from the second bar. 
     In one embodiment, the first bar includes a mounting aperture therethrough. The display lock includes an attachment pin. The attachment pin extends through the mounting channel and the mounting aperture to secure the lock body and lock bar to the first bar. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment pin is co-axial with the lock bar axis. 
     In one embodiment, the lock bar includes first and second leg portions that are spaced apart from one another along the lock bar axis. The first and second leg portions are coupled together by a bend or bent portion. The second bar of the display hook extends through a cavity formed between the first and second leg portions, the lock body, and the bend when the lock bar is in the closed state. The second bar does not pass through the cavity when the lock bar is in the open state. 
     In one embodiment, a support structures is provided to which the merchandise display hook is attached. The merchandise display hook further includes a metal stamping including at least one bent foot operably engaging the support structure to secure the merchandise display hook to the support structure. A protective cover extends over at least a portion of the metal stamping and includes a bent foot operably engaging the support structure to secure the protective cover to the support structure. The protective cover operably engages the metal stamping to secure the metal stamping to the support structure. 
     In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a cover body that is generally U-shaped defining a channel between a pair of legs. The protective cover is engaged with the metal stamping. The top and bottom bars are positioned between the pair of legs. 
     In one embodiment, the metal stamping includes first and second wings that are positioned proximate a front face of the support structure when mounted thereto. A first wall extends outward from and is connected to the first wing and a second wall extends outward from and is connected to the second wing. An intermediate portion extends between and connects the first and second walls. The intermediate portion is positioned between the pair of legs of the protective cover. A gap is formed between the intermediate portion and the front face of the support structure. The at least one bent foot of the metal stamping is connected to at least one of the first and second wings. 
     In another embodiment, the first and second walls include catch recesses formed in outer surfaces thereof. The protective cover includes an inward extending catch on each leg. The catches cooperate with the catch recesses to create the engagement between the protective cover and the metal stamping. This arrangement covers the metal stamping to prevent the metal stamping and the display hook from being removed from the retail support structure, e.g. peg board or slat wall. 
     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 top view of a display lock system according to an embodiment of the present inventions with the display lock in a closed state; 
         FIG. 2  is a top front illustration of the display lock system of  FIG. 1  with the display lock in the open state; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the display lock of the display lock system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are cross-sectional illustrations of the display lock of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged front bottom illustration of the display lock system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are right and left exploded illustrations of the display lock of the display lock system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional illustration of the display lock in the unlocked state; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional illustration of the display lock in a locked state; 
         FIG. 11  is a top front illustration of the rear mount of the display lock system of  FIG. 1  in an open state; 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are cross-sectional illustrations of the rear mount of the display lock system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear illustration of the plastic protective cover of the rear mount of the display lock system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of the metal stamping of the display hook engaged with the protective cover of the display lock system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     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 
     An exemplary embodiment of a display lock system  100  in accordance with the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The display lock system  100  is used to securely display merchandise  102  for sale to customers in a retail establishment. The display lock system  100  allows for selective removal of the merchandise  102  therefrom. This configuration prevents sweeping as discussed above. 
     The display lock system  100  includes a vertical support in the form of a pegboard  106  having numerous apertures  108 , in the illustrated embodiment. It is also noted that, while the current display lock system  100  uses a pegboard, other retail fixtures can be used with the current display lock system. More particularly, the display hooks  110 , which are illustrated as scanning style hooks for pegboards, could be attached to slat walls or other types of vertical support structures. A display hook  110  for carrying the merchandise  102  is mounted to and extends outward from a front face of the pegboard  106 . The display hook  110  has a rear mount  112  adapted to selectively attach the display hook  110  to the apertures  108  of the pegboard  106 . Further, the display hooks  110  could be permanently attached to the vertical support such as being welded to the vertical support or to a shelf. 
     The display hook  110  is a scan style retail hook that includes a top bar  114  and a bottom bar  116  extending in a forward direction outward from the rear mount  112 . The top bar  114  is vertically displaced above and generally parallel to the bottom bar  116 . Typically, but not required, the top and bottom bars  114 ,  116  are formed from a single continuous piece of metal rod or wire that is bent into a generally U-shaped member. 
     The front end of the top bar  114  terminates in a stop  118  in the form of a cross-wire configured for attaching a sign holder. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop  28  is a laterally extending piece of rod that is perpendicular to the top and bottom bars  114 ,  116 . However, in other alternative embodiments the stop could be a bend in the free end of the top bar  114 . Other forms of a stop could be provided or merely a sign holder could be provided that is permanently attached to the top bar  114 . 
     The front or distal end of the bottom bar  116  terminates in a bent free end  120 . The bent free end  120  extends upwards towards the top bar  114 . The bottom bar  116  carries the displayed merchandise  102  and the bent free end  120  helps retain merchandise  102  on the bottom bar  116  when merchandise is allowed to be removed from the display lock system  100 . 
     The display lock system  100  includes a display lock  130  attached to the display hook  110  to inhibit removal of merchandise  102  from the bottom bar  116 . The display lock  130  is illustrated in a closed state wherein the display lock  130  prevents removal of the merchandise  102  from the bottom bar  116 . The display lock system  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  in an open state such that the display lock  130  does not inhibit removal of the merchandise  102  from the bottom bar  116 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the display lock  130  generally includes a lock body  132  defining a mounting channel  134  and an attachment pin  136  for securing the lock body to the display hook  110  and particularly to the top bar  114  of the display hook  110 . The lock body  132  will saddle top bar  114  when mounted. The mounting channel  134  is sized to receive the top bar  114  therein. The top bar  114  includes an aperture  138  (see also  FIG. 5 ) formed in a coined/flattened portion through which the attachment pin  136  extends to fixably attach the lock body  132  to the top bar  114  with the top bar  114  extending through the mounting channel  134 . The mounting channel  134  defines a bottom  140  from which the attachment pin  136  is spaced to allow a portion of the top bar  114  to be positioned therein. The attachment pin  136  extends entirely through the mounting channel  134  from one side to the other. 
     The display lock  130  includes a lock bar  142  rotatably coupled to the lock body  132  for rotation about a lock bar axis  144  relative to the lock body  132 . This configuration allows the lock bar  142  to transition between the closed state and the open state discussed previously to selectively allow removal of merchandise  102 . The lock bar  142  is generally U-shaped and defines a lock bar aperture  146  configured to receive the distal bent free end  120  of the bottom bar  116  of the display hook  110  therethrough in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lock bar axis  144 . When the display lock  130  is in the closed state (see  FIG. 1 ), the display lock  130  surrounds the distal end of the bottom bar  116  to prevent removal of merchandise  102  therefrom. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the lock body  132  is axially positioned between distal ends  148 ,  149  of first and second leg portions  150 ,  151 . Distal end  148  is formed from a separate component  184  as the rest of the lock bar  142  to assist in assembly of the display lock  130 . 
     The attachment pin  136  of the illustrated embodiment is generally in the form of a screw that extends through an aperture  150  in distal end  149  and then through an aperture  156  in the lock body  132  and then finally through an aperture  158  in the other distal end  148 . The first end of the attachment pin has an enlarged head portion  160  and an opposed threaded end  160 . The enlarged head portion  160  is larger in dimension than aperture  154  through distal end  149  to prevent complete passage of the attachment pin  136  therethrough. The threaded end  162  mates with a lock nut  164  to secure the attachment pin  136  in distal ends  148 ,  149  and lock body  132  and secure the components in an assembled state. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the attachment pin includes a central portion  166  axially positioned between the threaded end  162  and enlarged head portion  160 . The central portion  166  includes two opposed flats  167 ,  168  that prevent rotation of the attachment pin  136  relative to the lock body  132 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the lock body  132  includes corresponding flats  169 ,  170  forming part of the boundary of the aperture  156  therethrough. In some embodiments, the aperture through the top bar  114  has similar flats to prevent rotation of the attachment pin  136  relative thereto. The attachment pin  136  extends through the first and second leg portions  150 ,  151  and is coaxial with the lock bar axis  144  in the illustrated embodiment. The attachment pin  136  maintains the lock body  132  in a sandwiched relationship between the distal ends  148 ,  149  of the lock bar  142 . 
     The lock body  132  includes a recessed end  170  that receives an axially extending cylindrical hub  172  when the display lock  130  is assembled. The interaction between the hub  172  and the shoulder  174  provided by the recessed end  170  permits relative rotation between the lock body and the distal end  148 . The opposed end of the lock body  132  includes a hub  176  that is axially received in a recess  178  that also provides a shoulder  180 . The interaction of this hub  176  with shoulder  180  further supports the lock bar  142  relative to the lock body  132  for rotational motion therebetween. It should be noted that the recesses and hubs and recess of the lock body could be provided by the lock bar and similarly the hubs and recess of the lock bar could be provided by the lock body. Further, all recesses could be provided by either the lock bar or lock body and all hubs could be provided by the lock bar or lock body where appropriate. 
     As noted above, distal end  148  is formed from a separate component  184  from the rest of lock bar  142 . The separate component and the rest of the lock bar  142  have a mating interface  182  that is generally a dovetail arrangement. The mating interface  182  is configured to allow the separate component  184  to slide axially parallel to the rotational lock bar axis  144  to assist in assembly of the display lock  130 . It should be noted that the hubbed arrangement discussed above is not necessary, however it is beneficial to maintain engagement of the lock body  132  relative to the lock bar  142  while mounting the display lock  130  to the top bar  114 . The mating relationship prevents the lock body  132  from falling out from between the distal ends  148 ,  149  when the attachment pin  136  is moved axially out of the apertures  154 ,  156 ,  158  discussed above. 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 5 and 9 , the display lock  130  includes a lock arrangement  200  interposed between the lock body  132  and the lock bar  142 . The lock arrangement  200  can be manipulated between a locked state ( FIG. 5 ) and an unlocked state ( FIG. 9 ). In the locked state, angular rotation of the lock bar  142  relative to the lock body  132  is prevented. Therefore, the lock arrangement prevents transition of the display lock  130  from the closed state to the open state (see  FIGS. 1 and 2  discussed above). 
     The lock arrangement  200  generally includes at least one lock pin and in the illustrated embodiment a pair of lock pins  202  extending across a shear interface  204  positioned axially between the lock body  132  and the lock bar  142 . More particularly, the shear interface  204  is positioned between distal end  206  of hub  176  and inner face  208  of distal end  149 . The distal end  206  and the face thereof axially faces the inner face  208  of distal end  149  of leg portion  151 . 
     In the locked state, the lock pins  202  engage both the lock body  132  and the lock bar  142  to prevent rotation of the lock bar  142  relative to the lock body  132  about the lock bar axis  144 . In the unlocked state, the lock pins  202  do not extend across the shear interface  204  and do not engage the lock bar  142 , and particularly the distal end  149  thereof. Because the lock pins  202  do not engage the lock bar  142 , rotational motion therebetween is permitted. 
     The lock pins  202  are axially slideable relative to the lock bar  142  and lock body  132  between the locked and unlocked states. A key  210  can cooperate with the lock pins  202  to transition the lock pins to the unlocked state. The key  210  will engage distal ends  212  of the lock pins  202  and push the lock pins  202  past the shear interface  204 . With the distal ends  212  pushed past the shear interface  204 , the lock bar  142  is permitted to rotate relative to the lock body  132  at the rotation interface between the hub  176  and shoulder  180 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 7 , the lock pins  202  are slideably carried in a locked pin channels  214  formed in the lock body  132  between the locked and unlocked states (see  FIGS. 5 and 9 ). Return spring members  216  may also be carried in the lock pin channels  214  to bias the lock pins  202  towards the locked state and particularly biasing the lock pins  202  axially out of the lock pin channels  214  such that the lock pins  202  are positioned across the shear interface  204 . The lock pins  202  and springs  214  act as plungers. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 10 , the distal end  149  has an abutment plate that defines a pair of key slots  218 ,  220  through which the key extends to unlock the display lock. At one end, key slots  218 ,  220  include a pin retaining pocket  222  that the lock pins  202  extend into in the closed state and are removed from in the open state. The pin retaining pockets  222  are configured such that the lock pin engages the portion of the lock bar  142  forming the pin retaining pockets in the locked state to prevent rotation of the lock pins  202  relative to the distal end  149  of the lock bar  142  when the lock pins  202  are positioned within the pin retaining pockets  222 . The key slots  218 ,  220  are generally arc shaped and are configured to receive a key therein in a direction extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lock pins  202 . This is also generally parallel to lock bar axis  146 . The pin retaining pockets  222  in the illustrated embodiment are formed at the ends of the key slots  218 ,  220 . The lock pins  202  engage a first set of the pin retaining pockets  222  when the lock bar is in the open state. 
     The abutment plate can define arcuate channels in which the distal end  212  of the lock pins  202  can be positioned in the unlocked state while rotating the lock bar  142  relative to the lock body  132 . The lock pins  202  need not be entirely recessed within lock pin channels  214  of the lock body, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     In the open state, the key  210  can be removed from the display lock  130  and the lock pins  202  can be inserted into the pin retaining pockets  224  at the opposite ends of the key slots  218 ,  220 . In this configuration, the lock pins  202  are used to maintain the lock bar  142  in the open state such that the user can load merchandise on to the bottom bar  116  with the lock bar  142  maintained in a location where it will not interfere with loading the bottom bar  116  with merchandise  102 . 
     The illustrated embodiment uses two fixed configurations where the lock bar  142  is either in the closed state (see  FIG. 1 ) or the open state (see  FIG. 2 ). Other designs could have the lock pins  202  cooperate with the distal end  149  of lock bar  142  in the open state such that the engagement therebetween is sufficient to maintain the lock bar  142  in the released state but not so strong that the user cannot merely transition lock bar  142  to the lock state when finished. Such an arrangement would be configured such that the lock pin  202  would drop into a minimally recessed cavity of the lock bar  142  rather than the deeper slots that are currently illustrated. This would only provide limited resistance to transitioning the lock bar  142  to the secured state from the released state. 
     The lock bar  142  can include an angular key orientation slot  226  in which a radially extending projection of the key  210  can extend. This allows the manufacturer to modify the angular location of the angular key orientation slot  226  relative to the rest of the key slots  218 ,  220  for providing different keyed arrangements between the key  210  and the display lock  130 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the enlarged head portion  160  of the attachment pin  136  includes notched portions  232 ,  234  in the outer periphery thereof in which the distal ends  212  of the lock pins  202  extend in the locked state. This engagement between lock pin  202  and the enlarged head portion  160  further assists in preventing rotation of the lock bar  142  relative to the lock body  132  in the locked state. 
     The key slots  218 ,  220  are configured in size to receive corresponding shaped and sized end portion of the key  210 . The key slots  218 ,  220  are therefore axially aligned with the lock pin channels  214  such that the distal end of the key  210  can engage the distal end  212  of the lock pins  202 . 
     The distal end  149  of lock bar  142  defines a key receiving aperture configured to receive the key  218  for engagement of the key  218  with the lock pins  202 . The key  210  includes a central aperture. The central aperture of the key  210  receives the enlarged head portion  160  of the attachment pin  136  when the key  210  is inserted into the key receiving aperture  238 . The distal end  149  and the enlarged head  160  define a channel therebetween that forms a portion of the key receiving aperture  238 . 
     Additionally, due to the inclusion of the key projection  228  on the key, the display lock  130  can be configured such that once the key is rotated from the state illustrated in  FIG. 1  to the state illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the key cannot be removed from the display lock  130 . This is one way to attempt to remind the user that the display lock  130  is in the released state such that merchandise can be removed from the bottom bar  116 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the rear mount  112  is illustrated mounting the plate hook  110  to the pegboard  106 . Rear mount  112  includes a metal stamping  252  that is operably welded to the vertical portion of the display hook  110  extending between the top and bottom bars  114 ,  116 . The rear mount  112  also includes a plastic protective cover  254  that engages with the metal stamping  252  to secure the peg hook  110  to the pegboard  106 . The use of the protective cover  254  conceals the metal stamping  252  to prevent complete theft of the display hook  110  including the merchandise  102  attached thereto. The interaction between the metal stamping  252  and protective cover  254  is configured such that a tool is required to disengage the two components to allow the display hook  110  to be removed from the pegboard  106 . Typically, the handle end of the key  210  is configured to disengage the two components. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 11-15  the operation of the rear mount  112  will be described. 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the metal stamping  252  includes a pair of bent feet  256  that extend through adjacent apertures  108  in the pegboard  106 . The feet  256  include a back portion  258  and an extension portion  259  that extend generally perpendicular to one another. The back portion  256  will remain behind and generally parallel with the pegboard  106  when the metal stamping  252  is mounted to the pegboard. The extension portion  259  will extend axially through the aperture  108  in the pegboard  106  and connect the front body portion  262  of the stamping  252  to the back portion  258 . 
     When mounting the stamping  252  to the pegboard  106 , the user will insert the back portion  258  through the aperture  108  and then rotate the stamping approximately 90° such that the front portion rests against the front surface of the pegboard  106 . During the rotation step, the extension portion  260  will then extend through the aperture  108 . 
     The front body portion  262  includes a pair of wing sections  263  that connect to a central portion  264  that connects the two wing portions  263  to one another. The central portion  264  is configured to be spaced from the front surface of the pegboard  106  to define a cavity  265  between the front surface of the pegboard  106  and the central portion  264 . The front body portion  262  includes a pair of upstanding wall portions  266  that extend outward from the wing sections  263  to connect the central portion  264  to the wing portions  263 . The upstanding wall portions  266 , in the illustrated embodiment, extend generally perpendicular to both the wing sections  263  and the central portion  264 . These upstanding wall portions  266  space the central portion  264  from the front surface of the pegboard  106  to define cavity  265 . 
     The upstanding wall portions  266  include attachment recesses in the form of cavities  268 . These cavities  268  are used for attaching the protective cover  254  to the metal stamping  252  when the display hook  110  is attached to the pegboard  106 . In other embodiments, the recesses need not extend entirely through the upstanding wall portions  266 . 
     The protective cover  254  generally includes a pair of bent feet  270  that are configured much like the feet  256  of the metal stamping. The bent feet  270  include a back portion  271  and extension portion  272  that operate just like that of the bent feet  256  of the metal stamping  252 . As such, the protective cover  254  is mounted to the pegboard  106  by inserting the back portion  271  through an aperture  108  in the pegboard  106  and then rotating 90° to locate the extension portion  272  within the aperture with the back portion  271  adjacent and generally parallel to the back surface of the pegboard  106 . 
     The protective cover  254  includes a generally U-shaped body  274 . The U-shaped body  274  generally includes a pair of interconnected leg portions  276  that form a channel  275  therebetween. 
     A pair of latch catches  278  extend laterally into the channel  275 . The latch catches  278  are resilient and are configured to snap into the cavities  268  of the upstanding wall portion  266  of the metal stamping  252 . These latch catches  278  will secure the protective cover  254  to the metal stamping  252  to prevent the protective cover  254  from being removed from the metal stamping  252  when the two components are connected to prevent removal of the display hook  110  from the pegboard  106 . The latch catches  278  have canted outer faces that act as cams and allow for sliding the latch catches  278  across the upstanding wall portion  266  while rotating the protective cover  254  into the mounted state as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The canted surfaces assist in flexing the latch catches  278  away from one another during the mounting process. The latch catches  278  include a flat catch surface that cooperates with a corresponding flat catch surface  281  defined by the cavity  268 . 
     By having the U-shaped body  274  with channel  275 , the protective cover  254  can be rotated past the top and bottom bars  114 ,  116  of the display hook  110  during assembly. The top and bottom bars  114 ,  116  extend through the channel  275  and are interposed between the leg portions  276  when assembled. 
     A key or tool must be inserted into cavity  265  such that it flexes the latch catches  278  laterally away from one another and out of engagement with the catch surfaces  281  of the metal stamping  252  to remove the protective  254  from the metal stamping. 
     The leg portions  276  (with reference to  FIG. 14 ) include a plurality of abutment surfaces  284  that rest against the outer face of the wing sections  263  of the metal stamping. The abutment surfaces  284  are formed in ribbed portions  285  of the U-shaped body  274  and particularly the leg portions  276 . The wing sections  263  are thus sandwiched between the rib portions  285  of the U-shaped body  274  and the front surface of the pegboard  106  when fully assembled. This arrangement is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the U-shaped body  274  defines a outer skirt  286  that has an abutment face  287  that will rest against the outer surface of the pegboard  106  and hide wing sections  263  when assembled. Thus the abutments surfaces  284  of the ribs  285  are laterally recessed relative to the abutment face  287  of the outer skirt  286 . 
     Now that a general description of the display lock system  100  has been described, the operation and assembly thereof will be described. 
     The display hook  110  will first be mounted to the pegboard  106  by inserting the bent feet  256  of metal stamping  252  into apertures  108  of the pegboard  106 . At this time, the top and bottom bars  114 ,  116  will be extending substantially vertically so that the back portions  258  of the metal stamping  252  can be inserted axially into apertures  108 . The display hook  110  will then be rotated approximately 90° such that the bottom bars  114 ,  116  extend outward from the front face of the pegboard  106  such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The protective cover  254  can then be attached to the pegboard  106  and the metal stamping  252 . The feet of the protective cover  254  will then be inserted into corresponding apertures  108  of the pegboard  106 . The protective cover  254  will then be rotated 90° and such that the latch catches  278  will engage the cavity  268  of the metal stamping  252 . At this point, the display hook  110  is generally attached to the retail support such as the pegboard  106 . Again, similar mounting would apply if a slatwall were used. 
     The display lock  130  can then be attached to the display hook  110 . To attach the display lock  130 , the user will first locate the lock body  132  of display lock  130  over the top bar  114  with the top bar  114  extending through the mounting channel  134  of the lock body such that the lock body  132  will straddle and be saddled over the top bar  114 . Typically the location of the lock body  132  will be in a generally coined or flattened section of the top bar  114 . The user can, if necessary, then insert the lock pins  202  and the ring members  216  into the corresponding channels of the lock body  132 . 
     The lock bar  142  will then be positioned adjacent to the distal ends of the lock body  132  with the distal ends  148 ,  149  of the lock bar  142  sandwiching the lock body  132  thereinbetween. The user can then insert the attachment pin  136  through the corresponding apertures in the lock bar  142  and the lock body  132  to secure the display lock  130  to top bar  142 . As the attachment pin  136  is being inserted through the distal ends  148 ,  149  and the lock body  132 , the attachment pin  136  will also extend through the aperture  138  in the coined region of the top bar  114 . The threaded lock nut  164  can then be threaded on to the threaded end  162  of the attachment pin. A cap or cover can then be inserted into the lock nut  164 . 
     While locating the lock bar  142  relative to the lock body  132 , the lock bar  142  may be separated into its two separate components. This will allow distal end  149  to be located proximate the lock body  132  easily. The user can then attach the separate component  184  to the rest of the lock bar  142  and locate it proximate the opposite end of the lock body  132 . This makes for ease of assembly particularly if the lock bar  142  and the lock body  132  are formed from non-flexible material such as rigid metal. 
     The user can use the key  210  to transition the lock bar  142  to the open state illustrated in  FIG. 2  if necessary. The user can then load the bottom bar  116  with merchandise  102 . After the bottom bar  116  is loaded with merchandise, the user can then transition the lock bar  142  to the closed state as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . This will secure the merchandise  102  on the display hook  110 . 
     It is noted that the present display lock  130  has the key interface on a side of the display lock such that it does not need to be inserted into the display lock  130  from the bottom or the front of the display lock. This makes it much more useful and easier to insert the key into the display lock  130 . This is particularly true if the display lock  130  is positioned between different pieces of merchandise or on a lower portion of the retail display. 
     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.