Abstract:
A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present exemplary embodiment relates generally to theft deterrence. It finds particular application in conjunction with dispensing merchandise in retail stores, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications. 
         [0002]    Shoplifting has become an ever-increasing problem for retail stores. When products are simply placed on shelves, thieves are able to quickly and easily grab an armful of merchandise (often referred to as “sweeping”) and run out of the store, sometimes before a store employee even realizes what has transpired. One solution that stores have implemented is to keep valuable merchandise locked inside protective display cases. Thus, when a customer wants to purchase one of these items, they must first find an employee to unlock the display case. While this is a secure method, it is not time or labor efficient and is not satisfactory to the consumer who is inconvenienced. 
         [0003]    The present application discloses a new and improved system and method which, among other things, deters theft and prevents sweeping. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0004]    In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a dispenser for deterring theft of packaged items is provided. The dispenser includes a vending mechanism for dispensing associated packaged items loaded into the dispenser. The dispenser further includes a lockout mechanism monitoring movement of the vending mechanism and, in response to detecting such movement, one or more of: 1) generating an audio and/or visual indication of dispensing activity; and 2) disabling such movement for a predetermined period of time. 
         [0005]    In accordance with a second present exemplary embodiment, a merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one merchandise support module including a covering defining an interior space within the module, a support member mounted to the module, a dispensing member mounted to the module adjacent the support member, and a lockout device mounted to the at least one module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device further includes a plurality of walls defining a housing, a user input member accessible from outside the housing, the user input member communicating with the dispensing member, and a controller electrically communicating with the user input member. The controller additionally includes a memory and a processor. Further included is a sensor electrically communicating with the controller and sensing the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member, and an audio visual device electrically communicating with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item. 
         [0006]    In accordance with a third present exemplary embodiment, a merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft is provided. The apparatus comprises at least two merchandise support modules, each including a covering defining an interior space within the respective module. The apparatus further comprises a power bar to which the at least two modules are electrically connected, selectively providing electrical power to the at least two modules, and at least two lockout devices, each electrically communicating with a respective module. The at least two lockout devices each further include a plurality of walls defining a housing, a user input member accessible from outside the housing, the user input member communicating with a respective module, and a controller electrically communicating with a respective module. Finally, the apparatus comprises a central controller including a memory and a processor, the central controller electrically communicating with the controllers of each respective module, the controllers of each respective module notifying the central controller upon the dispensing of an associated packaged item. 
         [0007]    In accordance with a fourth present exemplary embodiment, a merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one merchandise support module including a cover defining an interior space within the module, a support member mounted to the module, a dispensing member enclosed in the module adjacent the support member and a lockout device mounted to the dispensing member. The lockout device further includes a plurality of walls defining a housing, an electro-mechanical user input member accessible from outside the housing, and a controller electrically communicating with the user input member. The controller further includes a memory and a processor. The lockout device also includes an electrical motor for selectively operating the dispensing member, the electrical motor electrically communicating with the controller, and a sensor electrically communicating to the controller for regulating the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. 
         [0008]    In accordance with a second aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a method of dispensing merchandise to deter theft is provided. The method comprises providing at least two merchandise support modules, each including a support member and a dispensing member, providing a lockout device mounted to each of the dispensing members of the at least two modules, each including a controller, a sensor and a user input member. The method further comprises monitoring a triggering occurrence from a respective one of the at least two user input members via the controller, detecting the dispensing of one of a plurality of packaged items via the sensor communicating with the controller. The method finally comprises determining whether to lockout a respective one of the at least two modules in response to the dispensing of one of a plurality of packaged items using the lockout device, generating a signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined dispensing event, and notifying other merchandise support modules of the dispensing of a packaged item. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispenser system comprised of a plurality of dispensers according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a dispenser of the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating a lockout device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a front portion of the dispenser of  FIG. 2  in which the lockout device generates an audio indication in response to the dispensing of a packaged item; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a front side of a lockout device generating a visual indication in response to dispensation of a packaged item according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a back side of the lockout device of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an electrical system of a lockout device; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart describing operation of a lockout device; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a dispenser system comprised of a plurality of dispensers according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of a front part of a dispenser of  FIG. 8  illustrating a lockout device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged side elevational view of a rear part of a dispenser of  FIG. 8  together with a power bar; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a dispenser system comprised of a plurality of dispensers according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an electrical system of a lockout device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating the interconnection of a central controller with a plurality of dispensers; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart describing operation of a central controller. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The present application discloses a dispenser with a lockout device. The dispenser is suitably employed in a commercial setting, such as a retail store, to dispense packaged items. More particularly, the dispenser can be used for high value items, such as razor blades, ink cartridges or the like. However, it is to be understood that the dispenser can be employed to dispense other types of items in other environments. To deter theft and prevent sweeping, the lockout device can generate an audio and/or visual indication in response to dispensing a packaged item. Further, the lockout device can disable movement of a vending mechanism of the dispenser for a predetermined period of time, such as 7-10 seconds, in response to dispensing a packaged item. 
         [0024]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a dispenser system  10  comprises a plurality of dispensers  12 , which are mounted to a wall panel  14 , such as a pegboard, slat wall or the like, and can form part of a product display, as illustrated. Typically, the dispensers  12  are arranged in a two dimensional grid on the wall panel, but a one dimensional or single row arrangement, as illustrated, is also contemplated. Further, the dispensers  12  typically extend from the wall panel  14  in a generally horizontal manner. The specific approach by which the dispensers  12  are mounted to the wall panel  14  is not important. However, as illustrated, the wall panel  14  includes a two dimensional grid  16  of holes  18 , where each of the dispensers  12  hooks into a set of two or more holes  18  on the grid  16 . 
         [0025]    The dispensers  12  vend or merchandise a variety of packaged items  20 . For example, as illustrated, the dispensers  12  vend packages of razor blades. Each of the dispensers  12  can hold a plurality of packaged items  20 . Further, each of the dispensers  12  typically merchandises only one type of packaged item  20 . However, different dispensers  12  or subsets of the dispensers  12  can and do vend different types packaged items  20 . The dispensers  12  can use any number of well-known mechanisms to dispense the packaged items  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, the dispensers  12  employ a coil actuation mechanism, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,437, filed Dec. 7, 2007, to Colelli et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an enlarged side elevational view of a dispenser  12  of  FIG. 1  employing a coil actuation mechanism is illustrated. The dispenser  12  includes a front, lockout device  22  and a chassis, covering or housing  24  having a rear panel  26 , a top panel  28 , and side panels  30 . The chassis or covering  24  can be made out of a transparent material, such as plastic, to allow for greater visibility of packaged items  20 . However, other structural materials may be substituted. The lockout device  22  is located at a first end  32  of the dispenser  12 , while the rear panel  26  is located at a second, opposite end  34  of the dispenser  12 . 
         [0027]    A first end  36  of a generally linear, cantilevered rod  38  is secured to the rear panel  26 . As discussed below, packaged items  20  are removably mounted to the rod  38 . In some embodiments, the first end  36  of the rod  38  is C-shaped, as illustrated, to facilitate the securement of the rod  38  (e.g., by welding) to the rear panel  26 . The rod  38  extends from the rear panel  26  to a second, free end  40  proximate the lockout device  22 . In some embodiments, the free end  40  is angled upwardly to secure packaged items  20  on the rod  38 . The length of the rod  38  is selected so the free end  40  and the lockout device  22  are spaced apart with enough space for packaged items  20  to dismount from the rod  38 . 
         [0028]    A helical coil  42  surrounds the rod  38  with the central axis of the coil  42  paralleling the axis running along the length of the rod  38 . The coil  42  includes a plurality of uniformly sized windings with the windings spaced to accommodate packaged items  20 . The coil  42  extends from about the rear panel  26  to the lockout device  22 . In some embodiments, a first end  44  of the coil  42  wraps around the C-shaped, first end  36  of the rod  38 . The lockout device  22  includes a rotation mechanism  46  enabling a user of the dispenser  12  to rotate the coil  42 . The rotation mechanism  46  is secured to a second, opposite end  48  of the coil  42 . The rotation mechanism  46  can, for example, include a push button selectively controlling an electric motor that rotates the coil (see  FIG. 12 ). Alternatively, as illustrated, the rotation mechanism  46  can be a manually operated knob mechanically connected to the coil  42 . When the knob  46  is turned, the coil  42  rotates. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , a perspective view of the lockout device  22  is provided.  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a perspective view of two different embodiments of the front  50  of the lockout device  22 , and  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the back  52  of the lockout device  22 . The lockout device  22  includes a housing  54  within which, or to which, the rotation mechanism  46  is mounted. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the rotation mechanism  46  (i.e., the illustrated knob) is mounted to the housing  54  and secured to the coil  42  through the housing  54 . In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a front face  56  of the housing  54  may include information  58  identifying one or more of the packaged items  20  (e.g., a product name, a bar code, a part number, etc.), the price of an individual packaged item  20 , and other useful information. 
         [0030]    The housing  54  further houses a controller that can generate an audio and/or visual indication or signal in response to the vending or merchandising of a packaged item  20 . The audio and/or visual indication is suitably generated using an audio and/or visual signaling device  60  mounted to the housing  54 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the signaling device  60  can be a speaker that generates an auditory tone in response to dispensing a packaged item  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in another embodiment, the signaling device  60  can be a light source, such as a light emitting diode, that blinks in response to dispensing a packaged item  20 . 
         [0031]    The controller further disables rotation of the coil  42  for a predetermined period of time, such as 7-10 or 60 seconds, in response to the dispensation of a packaged item  20 . Alternatively, the controller further disables rotation of the coil  42  for a predetermined period of time, such as 7-10 seconds, in response to the dispensation of a predetermined number of packaged items within a predetermined period of time. For example, if 3 packaged items are dispensed within 30 seconds, rotation of the coil  42  is disabled for a predetermined period of time. Rotation of the coil  42  is suitably disabled using an electro-mechanical lock controlled by the controller. When the electro-mechanical lock is engaged, the electro-mechanical lock prevents the coil  42  from rotating. For example, engagement of the electro-mechanical lock can move a pin into a lock position that prevents the coil  42  from rotating. By enabling the lock for a predetermined period of time in response to dispensation, a user cannot continuously dispense packaged items  20  and sweeping is prevented. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the controller can further notify other dispensers, nearby or within the same store, of a vending activity by a dispenser on the pegboard or of a lockout (i.e., disabling dispensation) using a transceiver. Communications can, for example, be performed over a wired or wireless communication network. Further, communications can be sent direct to each other dispenser  12 , broadcast to all the dispensers  12 , or provided to a central controller for distribution to the other dispensers  12 . In this way, other dispensers  12  can further disable the vending of merchandise in the same manner described above for a predetermined period of time in response to remote vending activity. 
         [0033]    To monitor for the vending of a packaged item  20 , the controller employs a sensor  62  mounted to, or within, the housing  54 . The sensor  62  can detect the vending of a packaged item  20  according to any suitable approach, such as an electro-mechanical or opto-electric approach. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the sensor  62  is an opto-electric sensor mounted to the backside  64  of the housing  54  which monitors the space between the backside  64  and the free end  40  of the rod  38  for a package being dispensed or vended. 
         [0034]    To power the controller and other electrical components, the housing  54  typically includes a power source  66 . The power source  66  is typically, as illustrated, a battery housed within a battery compartment  68  of the housing  54 . However, other power sources, such as power sources external to the dispenser  12  or the housing  54  are contemplated. The type of battery can vary depending upon the power requirements of the controller and the electronic components used by the controller, such as the audio and/or visual device  60 . As illustrated, the controller is powered by a  9  volt battery. To change the batteries, the battery compartment  68  includes a removable cover  70 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a block diagram is illustrated describing the interconnection of a controller  72 , a transceiver  74 , an electro-mechanical lock  76 , an audio and/or visual device  78 , a power source  80  and a sensor  82  corresponding to like components of the dispenser  12 . Further,  FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart describing the operation of the controller  72 . The controller  72  monitors  84  for a vending activity or dispensation using the sensor  82 . Upon detecting a dispensation, an audio and/or visual indication is generated  86  using the audio and/or visual device  78 . Optionally, other dispensers are notified  88  using the transceiver  74 . Further, dispensation is disabled 90 for a predetermined period of time, such as 7-10 seconds, using the electro-mechanical lock  76 . Alternatively, dispensation is disabled for a predetermined period of time, such as perhaps 60 seconds, in response to the dispensation of a predetermined number of packaged items within a predetermined period of time. Once the event is processed, the controller  72  returns to monitoring for a dispensation. 
         [0036]    The controller  72  is suitably a microcontroller comprised of a processor  92  and a memory  94 . The memory  94  includes processor executable instructions embodying the flow chart, which are executed by the processor  92  to perform the functions described in the flow chart. Notwithstanding that the controller  72  suitably employs the processor  92  to carry out the functions described in the flow chart; the controller  72  can perform these functions without the use of the processor  92  by using analog and/or digital circuitry. 
         [0037]    Referring back to  FIG. 2 , secured to an exterior surface of the rear panel  26 , the dispenser  12  includes a mounting structure  96 . The mounting structure  96  is removably connected with the rear panel  26  to allow different types of mounting structures to be interchanged. As illustrated, the mounting structure  96  includes a plurality of L-shaped fingers  98  extending from a top edge  100 . Optionally, the mounting structure  96  can further include a plurality of L-shaped fingers  102  extending from a bottom edge  104  opposite the top edge  100 . Securing the dispenser  12  at both the top and bottom advantageously makes it more difficult for a potential thief to steal or remove the entire dispenser  12  from the wall panel  14 . The fingers  98 ,  102  are sized to allow the dispenser  12  to be mounted into a wide range of wall panels  14 , including peg board, grid, and slat wall panels. 
         [0038]    In use, packaged items  20  are hung from the rod  38  and positioned between the windings of the coil  42  so that rotation of the coil  42  by the rotation mechanism  46  moves the packaged items  20  along the rod  38  to be dispensed at the free end  40 . Thus, to remove a packaged item  20  from the dispenser  12 , the rotation mechanism  46  turns the coil  42  a certain direction (either clockwise or counter-clockwise) depending upon the arrangement of the coil  42 . As illustrated, the coil  42  needs to be turned clockwise to dispense a packaged item  20 . To load packaged items  20  onto the rod  38 , the rotation mechanism  46  turns the coil  42  the opposite direction used for dispensation. As illustrated the coil  42  needs to be turned counter-clockwise to load packaged items  20 . 
         [0039]    In addition to the theft deterrence provided by the lockout device  22 , the covering  30  provides theft deterrence. The covering  30 , which may comprise a rounded C-shaped housing (see  FIG. 1 ) or, alternatively, a plurality of angled panels (as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,437 the subject matter of which is incorporated hereinto by reference in its entirety) may help to prevent a thief from easily cutting the packaged items  20  off the rod  38  since a cutting tool has restricted physical access to the merchandise. Even though the covering  30  serves to restrict physical access, the covering  30  is short (vertically) enough to provide direct visual access to the rod  38  and the packaged items  20 . Moreover, the covering  30  can be transparent for this purpose. 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of the dispenser system  10  is illustrated. The dispenser system  10  includes a plurality of dispensers  12 ′ mounted to a wall panel  14 , which can form part of a product display, as illustrated. The dispensers  12 ′ are typically arranged in the same manner described in connection with the embodiment of the dispenser system  10  of  FIG. 1 . However, in contrast with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the dispensers  12 ′ mount to the wall panel  14  by way of a power bar  106 . The power bar  106  can include batteries to power the dispensers  12 ′ or the requisite circuitry to convert alternating current (AC) power from an electrical power grid to direct current (DC) power used by the dispensers  12 ′. 
         [0041]    The dispensers  12 ′ dispense packaged items  20 , such as packaged merchandise. For example, as illustrated, the dispensers  12 ′ dispense packages of razor blades. Each of the dispensers  12 ′ can hold a plurality of packaged items  20 . Further, each of the dispensers  12 ′ typically dispenses only one type of packaged item  20 . However, different dispensers  12 ′ or subsets of the dispensers  12 ′ can dispense different types packaged items  20 . The dispensers  12 ′ can use any number of well-known mechanisms to dispense the packaged items  20 . However, the dispensers  12 ′ in the embodiment shown employ a coil actuation mechanism. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a dispenser  12 ′ according to the embodiment of  FIG. 8  and employing a coil actuation mechanism is illustrated.  FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a front part of the dispenser  12 ′, and  FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of a rear part of the dispenser  12 ′. The dispenser  12 ′ includes a front, lockout device  22 ′ and a chassis  24 . In this embodiment the chassis  24  includes a rear panel  26 , a top panel  28 , and side panels  30  depending from the top panel. The chassis  24  is preferably made out of a transparent material, such as plastic, to allow for greater visibility of packaged items. However, other structural materials may be substituted. The lockout device  2 ′ is located at a first end  32  of the dispenser  12 ′, while the rear panel  26  is located at a second, opposite end  34  of the dispenser  12 ′. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the dispenser  12 ′ includes an apron  108  attached or formed integrally with the chassis  24 . The apron  108  is used to identify one or more of the packaged items  20  (e.g., a product name, a bar code, a part number, etc.), the price of an individual packaged item  20 , and other useful information. The apron  108  is also helpful in resisting mechanized frontal attacks by thieves using scissors, cutters and other tools since it tends to block frontal access to the packaged items  20 . 
         [0044]    A first end  36  of a generally linear, cantilevered rod  38  is secured to the rear panel  26 . As discussed below, packaged items  20  are removably mounted to the rod  38 . In some embodiments, the first end  36  of the rod  38  is C-shaped to facilitate the securement of the rod (e.g., by welding) to the rear panel  26 . The rod  38  extends from the rear panel  26  to a second, free end  40  proximate the lockout device  22 . In some embodiments, the free end  40  is angled upwardly to secure packaged items  20  on the rod  38 . The length of the rod  38  is selected so the free end  40  and the lockout device  22  are spaced apart with enough space for packaged items  20  to dismount from the rod  38 . 
         [0045]    A helical coil  42  surrounds the rod  38  with the central axis of the coil  42  paralleling the axis running along the length of the rod  38 . The coil  42  includes a plurality of uniformly sized windings with the windings spaced to accommodate packaged items. The coil  42  extends from about the rear panel  26  to the lockout device  22 . In some embodiments, a first end  44  of the coil  42  wraps around the C-shaped, first end  36  of the rod  38 . The lockout device  22  includes a rotation mechanism  46  enabling a user of the dispenser  12 ′ to rotate the coil  42 . The rotation mechanism  46  can be a knob. When the knob  46  is turned, the coil  42  rotates. 
         [0046]    The lockout device  22 ′ includes a housing  54  within which, or to which, the rotation mechanism  46  is mounted. As illustrated, the rotation mechanism  46  (i.e., the illustrated knob) is mounted to the housing  54  and secured to the coil  42  through the housing  54 . The housing  54  further houses a controller generating an audio and/or visual indication or signal in response to the dispensation of a packaged item  20 . The audio and/or visual signal is suitably generated using signaling device  60  mounted to the housing  54 , such as a light source or a speaker. As illustrated, the signaling device  60  can be a light source, such as a light emitting diode, that blinks in response to dispensing a packaged item  20 . 
         [0047]    The controller further disables rotation of the coil  42  for a predetermined period of time, such as 7-10 seconds, in response to the dispensing of a packaged item  20 . Alternatively, the controller further disables rotation of the coil  42  for a predetermined period of time, such as 60 seconds, in response to the vending or dispensing of a predetermined number of packaged items within a predetermined period of time. For example, if 3 packaged items are dispensed within 30 seconds, rotation of the coil  42  is disabled for a predetermined period of time. Rotation of the coil  42  is suitably disabled using an electro-mechanical lock controlled by the controller. When the electro-mechanical lock is engaged, the electro-mechanical lock prevents the coil  42  from rotating. For example, engagement of the electro-mechanical lock can move a pin into a locking position that prevents the coil  42  from rotating. By enabling the lock for a predetermined period of time in response to the dispensing of merchandise, a user cannot continuously dispense packaged items  20  and sweeping is prevented. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the controller can further notify other dispensers  12 ′ of dispensing activity or a lockout (i.e., disabling dispensation) by a transceiver. In this way, other dispensers  12 ′ can further disable dispensing activity in the same manner described above for a predetermined period of time in response to remote dispensing activity. Communications can, for example, be performed over a wired or wireless communication network. Further, communications can be sent direct to each other dispensers  12 ′, broadcast to all the dispensers  12 ′, or provided to a central controller for distribution to the other dispensers  12 ′. The central controller can, for example, be located within the power bar  106 . Hence, communications with the central controller can, for example, be performed using a wire or cable  110  that runs along the length of the dispenser  12 ′. 
         [0049]    To monitor for the dispensing of a packaged item, the controller employs a sensor mounted to, or within, the housing  54 . The sensor can detect the dispensing of a packaged item  20  according to any suitable approach, such as an electro-mechanical or opto-electric approach. Suitably, the sensor is an opto-electric sensor mounted to the backside of the housing  54  and monitoring the space between the backside and the free end  40  of the rod  38  for a dispensation. 
         [0050]    To power the controller and other electrical components, the dispenser  12 ′ receives power from the power bar  106  over the wire or cable  110  that runs along the length of the dispenser  12 ′. The power bar  106  is mounted to the wall panel  14  by, for example, the illustrated L-shaped fingers  112  and provides a mount point for the dispenser  12 ′. The power bar  106  is typically a battery compartment, as illustrated. The type of batteries used varies depending upon the power requirements of the controller and the electronic components used by the controller, such as the audio and/or visual device  60 . In the embodiment illustrated, the controller is powered by batteries, such as D-cells. To access the interior of the power bar  106  (e.g., to change batteries), the power bar  106  includes a hinged lid  114  that rotates up. 
         [0051]    Referring again to the block diagram of  FIG. 6 , the interconnection of a controller  72 , a transceiver  74 , an electro-mechanical lock  76 , an audio and/or visual device  78 , a power source  80  and a sensor  82  corresponding to like components of the dispenser  12  is provided. Further,  FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart describing the operation of the controller  72 . The controller  72  monitors  84  for a dispensation using the sensor  82 . Upon detecting a dispensation, an audio and/or visual indication is generated  86  using the audio and/or visual device  78 . Optionally, other dispensers are notified  88  using the transceiver  74 . Further, vending activity is disabled  90  for a predetermined period of time through the use of the electro-mechanical lock  76 . Alternatively, vending activity is disabled for a predetermined period of time, such as 60 seconds, in response to the dispensing of a predetermined number of packaged items within a predetermined period of time. Once the event is processed, the controller  72  returns to monitoring for a dispensation. 
         [0052]    The controller  72  is suitably a microcontroller comprised of a processor  92  and a memory  94 . The memory  94  includes processor executable instructions embodying the flow chart, which are executed by the processor  92  to perform the functions described in the flow chart. Notwithstanding that the controller  72  suitably employs the processor  92  to carry out the functions described in the flow chart, the controller  72  can perform these functions without the use of the processor  92  by using analog and/or digital circuitry. 
         [0053]    Referring back to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , secured to an exterior surface of the rear panel  26 , the dispenser  12 ′ includes a mounting structure  96  mating with the power bar  106 . The mounting structure  96  is removably connected with the rear panel  26  to allow different types of mounting structures to be interchanged. The power bar  106 , in addition to providing power to the lockout device  22 ′, provides a mount point for the mounting structure  96 . 
         [0054]    In use, packaged items  20  are hung from the rod  38  and positioned between the windings so that rotation of the coil  42  by the rotation mechanism  46  moves the packaged items  20  along the rod  38  to be dispensed at the free end  40 . Thus, to remove a packaged item  20  from the dispenser  12 ′, the rotation mechanism  46  turns the coil  42  a certain direction (either clockwise or counter-clockwise) depending upon the arrangement of the coil  42 . As illustrated, the coil  42  needs to be turned clockwise to dispense a packaged item  20 . To load packaged items  20  onto the rod  38 , the rotation mechanism  46  turns the coil  42  the opposite direction used for dispensation. As illustrated the coil  42  needs to be turned counter-clockwise to load packaged items  20 . 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , another alternative embodiment of the dispenser system  10  is illustrated. The dispenser system  10  includes a plurality of dispensers  12 ″ mounted to a wall panel  14 , which can form part of a product display, as illustrated. The dispensers  12 ″ are typically as described in connection with the embodiment of the dispenser system  10  of  FIG. 1  or  8 . However, in contrast with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 8 , the rotation mechanism  46  of the dispensers  12 ″ is electro-mechanical. Each dispenser  12 ″ includes a user input device, such as a push button  116 , mounted to the outside of the housing  54  and an electric motor within the housing  54  to rotate the corresponding coil  42 . Using the user input device  116 , the user can rotate the coil  42  thus dispensing or vending merchandise. 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , an alternative embodiment of the block diagram of  FIG. 6  is provided. The block diagram describes the interconnection of a controller  72 , a transceiver  74 , an electro-mechanical lock  76 , an audio and/or visual device  78 , a power source  80  and a sensor  82  corresponding to like components of the dispensers  12 ″ of  FIG. 11 . In contrast with the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , however, the block diagram further includes an electric motor  118  and a user input device  120  corresponding to the like components of the dispensers  12 ″. 
         [0057]    The controller  72  operates in the same manner described in  FIG. 7 . Further, when the controller  72  detects that triggering of the user input device  120  (e.g., pushing of a button), the controller  72  engages the electric motor  118 . The controller  72  can engage the electric motor  118  for a predetermined period of time in response to triggering of the user input device  120  or only so long as the user input device  120  is triggering. The controller  72  suitably can be a microcontroller comprised of a processor  92  and a memory  94 . The memory  94  includes processor executable instructions embodying the flow chart, which are executed by the processor  92  to perform the functions described in the flow chart. Notwithstanding that the controller  72  suitably employs the processor  92  to carry out the functions described in the flow chart, the controller  72  can perform these functions without the use of the processor  92  using analog and/or digital circuitry. 
         [0058]    As discussed above, in some embodiments, the individual dispensers  12 ″ communicate to notify the other dispensers  12 ″ of a dispensing activity. Communications can be sent direct to each other dispenser  12 ″, broadcast to all the dispensers  12 ″, or provided to a central controller for distribution to the other dispensers  12 ″. Where a central controller is employed, the central controller can be located within the power bar  106  or otherwise mounted to the wall panel  14 . 
         [0059]    While the foregoing embodiments used the central controller as a relay for communications, in some embodiments, the central controller implements the intelligence of  FIG. 7 . In such embodiments, the controllers  72  of the individual dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″ operate according to instructions received from the central controller and report detected events, such as dispensation events, to the central controller. The central controller then centrally manages all the dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″. With reference to  FIG. 13 , a block diagram illustrates a central controller  122  managing N (N&gt;=1) dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″. Further,  FIG. 14  illustrates a flow chart describing the operation of the central controller  122 . 
         [0060]    The central controller  122  monitors  124  for one of the dispensers  12  to report a dispensation event. Upon detecting a dispensation event, the central controller  122  can instruct the triggering dispenser  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, a subset of dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″ (e.g., only dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″provisioned with package items  20  of the same type as the triggering dispenser  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″), or all dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, to generate  126  an audio and/or visual indication of the dispensation event. Further, the central controller  122  can instruct the triggering dispenser  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, a subset of dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, or all dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, to disable  128  further dispensing activity for a predetermined period of time, such as 60 seconds. Alternatively, the controller can instruct the triggering dispenser  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, a subset of dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, or all dispensers  12 ,  12 ′, and/or  12 ″, to disable dispensation for a predetermined period of time, such as 7-10 seconds, in response to the dispensation of a predetermined number of packaged items within a predetermined period of time. After completing the processing of an event, the central controller  122  continues waiting for an event. 
         [0061]    The central controller  122  is suitably a microcontroller comprised of a processor  130  and a memory  132 . The memory  132  includes processor executable instructions embodying the flow chart, which are executed by the processor  130  to perform the functions described in the flow chart. Notwithstanding that the central controller  122  suitably employs the processor  130  to carry out the functions described in the flow chart, the central controller  122  can perform these functions without the use of the processor  130  by using analog and/or digital circuitry. 
         [0062]    The instant disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the instant disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.