Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 60/441,097 filed Jan. 17, 2003; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention relates generally to merchandise display systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a merchandise display system that is lockable to prevent the merchandise from being removed. Specifically, the invention relates to such a system wherein merchandise can be handled and viewed by the consumer while remaining locked to thwart shoplifting. 
     2. Background Information 
     In seeking out products to buy, consumers have a natural desire to be able to handle and view the products for making their purchase. However, vendors naturally have a concern that products will be stolen. As a result, vendors desire merchandise displays which are lockable to prevent such theft. The problem that arises is that merchandise display assemblies do not generally allow the consumer to easily handle and view products without the merchandise assembly being unlocked first. 
     Thus, the art needs a merchandise assembly which is both lockable to prevent theft and also allows the consumer to easily handle and view the product without the need for the vendor to unlock the display assembly until the consumer has already made the decision to purchase the product. The merchandise display assembly of the present invention solves this problem by allowing merchandise to hang from a display rod by a hanging assembly which allows the merchandise to pivot and swivel freely such that the consumer can handle the product and see it from nearly every angle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,716 to Gregory discloses a stereo tape display holder which includes a lockable case to hold the tape, the case having openings in an end wall and side walls thereof through which printed data on the tape may be viewed. A swivel means includes a first annular link coaxially connected to a boss on the case by a bolt or rivet and a second annular link rotatably connected to the first link by a rivet. The second link encircles a rod of a wire display rack sitting atop a display cabinet. The swivel means allows rotation about an axis so that the lockable case is rotatable about said axis with respect to the second link. The rod is freely received by the second link so that the second link may easily slide along and rotate about the rod. This configuration allows the lockable case to be lifted upwardly from the display rack in pivoting relation to the rod and rotated about the axis to facilitate viewing by a consumer. 
     The configurations disclosed in the Gregory patent leave a variety of areas for improvement. First, the Gregory swivel means rotates about only one axis, so that the swivel means and case must rotate about the rod to allow rotation about a second axis. Applicants&#39; invention, by contrast, includes a swivel which itself allows rotation about first and second axes perpendicular to one another. Thus, Applicants&#39; swivel assembly enhances the ability to maneuver the display case as desired. 
     Further, the first link of Gregory&#39;s swivel means is connected to the display case by a bolt or rivet and the first and second links are attached by a rivet, thus making the case and swivel inseparable, whereas Applicants&#39; invention provides a variety of options whereby the use of a rivet and the like is eliminated and portions of the swivel assembly are separable from one another to allow removal of the display case from the rod assembly. Applicants&#39; ball and socket arrangement requires only two pieces and still provides the additional rotational capability in comparison to the four or more pieces of Gregory&#39;s swivel means. The ball and socket configuration provides this simplicity by connecting to the case by a snap fit engagement and linking the two pieces together by interference engagement, thus eliminating separate fasteners. The hinge pin embodiment provides multiple tasking by the hinge pin so that the swivel assembly connects to the case via the hinge pin, rotation about the hinge pin is coaxial with the second axis, and rotation of the display case lid and base occurs about the hinge pin to open and close the display case. Applicants&#39; embodiment using a hanging member, a swivel member and a lower member eliminates need for a boss on the display case, provides a simple snap fit engagement between the hanging and swivel members and provides a snap fit engagement between the swivel and lower members with the latter snap fit providing rotation about the second axis. The various snap fit engagements facilitate assembly of the swivel assembly and the connection to the display case. 
     As noted above, the Gregory swivel means is configured to be unremovable from the display case and does not permit the display case to be removed from the display rack. Applicants&#39; invention, by contrast, provides a swivel assembly with separable elements which permit the display case to be removed from the rod assembly without unlocking the rod assembly from the support structure, such as a peg board. Thus, after a customer has viewed the item of merchandise while still connected to the rod assembly, a store employee may then easily unlock the display case from the rod assembly to allow purchase of the item. One advantage of this configuration is that the item display case may be removed from the rod assembly without separating the rod assembly from the support structure. Another advantage is that the item may remain in the case until immediately prior to purchase at the cash register, thus providing at least a visual indicator to store or security personnel that the item has not yet been purchased. Additionally, an electronic article surveillance tag may be connected to the display case as opposed to the merchandise, so that an alarm may sound while the item is in the case, but not after it is removed from the lockable display case. 
     Because Gregory does not include the separable elements noted above, the Gregory device does not need a corresponding locking mechanism. Gregory does disclose locking mechanisms for locking the display case, namely a padlock and a lock with a slidable plunger, but these are standard locks operable with a standard key. Applicants&#39; locking mechanism for holding the separable elements together may be magnetically unlockable and invisible to the eye of a potential thief. The invisibility may prevent a thief from even recognizing that there are separable elements. In addition, the same key may be used for the lock used with the separable elements, the lock used to lock the rod assembly to the support structure and the lock used with the end assembly. 
     Further, the wire rack display and display cabinet of Gregory have several limitations. First, Gregory&#39;s wire display rack is bulky and cumbersome even if not attached to the display cabinet. When attached atop the boxlike display cabinet, the display support structure is particularly cumbersome if not stationary and certainly consumes a great deal of space. In addition, the wire rack is configured in a shelf-like fashion whereby the display cases rest upon one or more wires while attached via the swivel means to the rod. 
     By contrast, Applicants&#39; rod assemblies are simple and compact, and are thus easily manufactured at a relatively low cost and consume far less precious floor space. Applicants&#39; rod assemblies are easily attachable to support structures such as peg boards and are lockable to such structures to prevent the entire rod assembly and merchandise from being rapidly removed. Rod assemblies are provided which either attach at both ends to the support structure (including the U-shaped embodiment) or include an end assembly, each option configured to prevent unauthorized removal of merchandise from the rod assemblies while permitting easy loading of merchandise thereon. In addition, Applicants&#39; rod assemblies are easily movable and are removable from the support structure to allow reuse of the rod assemblies elsewhere and facilitate reorganization upon the support structure as needed. 
     Gregory&#39;s display case uses walls having openings therein to permit a consumer to view printed material on the merchandise stored therein. Gregory&#39;s case also provides a partition wall spaced from one of the walls, the partition wall intended to make the case fit a smaller item of merchandise and being removable in a breakaway fashion to allow the case to fit a larger item. Applicants&#39; display case fully encloses an item of merchandise, thus providing better protection from vandalism and accommodating a variety of sizes of items to be displayed therein without the need for such a partition wall. In addition, Applicants&#39; transparent case offers visibility from all sides without concern for creating wall openings, which must be particularly sized to securely retain the merchandise and simultaneously allow visibility of pertinent indicia on the merchandise. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally provides a system for securely displaying merchandise in a manner that allows customers to handle and view the merchandise without removing the merchandise from a display case. The invention provides different interchangeable display configurations that allow a customer to handle, pivot, and rotate a secured item of merchandise. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a merchandise display system that includes a display structure; a swivel assembly rotatable about a first axis and rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis; the swivel assembly adapted to be connected to the display structure; and a display case adapted to carry an item of merchandise; the display case being connected to the swivel assembly so that the display case is rotatable about the first and second axes. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a merchandise display system that includes a display structure; a first member and a swivel member rotatably connected to the first member about a first axis; the first member being adapted to be connected to the display structure; a display case having a pair of members selectively lockable to one another and being adapted to carry an item of merchandise; and at least one hinge pin having a longitudinal second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis and rotatably connecting the swivel member to the display case about the second axis so that the display case is rotatable about the first and second axes; the at least one hinge pin rotatably connecting the display case members to one another about the second axis whereby the display case members are rotatably movable between open and closed positions when unlocked. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a merchandise display system having a display structure; a first member, a swivel member and a U-shaped lower member having a pair of legs extending from an intervening base; the swivel member being rotatably connected to the first member about a first axis by a snap fit engagement; the first member being adapted to be connected to the display structure; a display case adapted to carry an item of merchandise; the display case defining a pair of spaced holes on one end thereof and being lockable to selectively retain or release the item of merchandise; and the lower member base being disposed within the display case and the lower member legs respectively extending through the holes in the display case so that the lower member supports the display case and the lower member legs rotatably connect the lower member to the swivel member by a snap fit engagement about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis so that the display case is rotatable about the first and second axes. 
     The invention also provides an embodiment wherein a display rod is locked at both of its ends to a display structure. The display rod is adapted to carry items of merchandise. 
     The invention also provides an embodiment wherein a connector is snap fit to a display case in a one-way snap fit connection. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of the first embodiment showing the merchandise display system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the first embodiment showing the various members of the hanging assembly and the display case. 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of the first embodiment of the hanging assembly and display case. 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary partial sectional view of the first embodiment of the hanging assembly and the display case. 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary perspective view of the first embodiment showing the display case and hanging assembly hanging from the lower rod in a display position. 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary perspective view of the first embodiment similar to  FIG. 5  with the hanging assembly and display case in a partially rotated position. 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view of the first embodiment similar to  FIGS. 5 and 6  showing the display case and hanging assembly in a further rotated position. 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the first embodiment showing the display case rotated upwardly from the display position (shown in phantom lines). 
         FIG. 9  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the first embodiment similar to  FIG. 8  showing the door of the display case being opened and the merchandise being removed from the display case. 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary exploded view of the second embodiment showing the hanging assembly and display case. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the second embodiment showing the hanging assembly and display case. 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary partial sectional view of the second embodiment showing the hanging assembly and the display case. 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the second embodiment showing a display case rotated upwardly from a display position (shown in phantom lines). 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the second embodiment showing the display case in an open position with the item of merchandise being removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmentary exploded view of the third embodiment showing the hanging assembly and display case. 
         FIG. 18  is a fragmentary perspective view of the third embodiment showing the hanging assembly and display case. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial sectional view showing the display case and hanging assembly including a locking device in a locked position. 
         FIG. 20  is a side elevational view of the third embodiment including an alternate rod assembly and one display case in a rotated position. 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the third embodiment as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a fragmentary partial sectional view of the third embodiment showing the rod assembly, display case and hanging assembly including a magnetic key and the locking device in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 23  is a fragmentary exploded partial sectional view of the third embodiment as shown in  FIG. 22  wherein the locking device is unlocked and in a released position. 
         FIG. 24  is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment showing the hanging assembly and display case. 
         FIG. 26  is a fragmentary partially exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment showing the hanging mechanism intact and showing how the locking tabs of the mechanism insert into the slots in the display case. 
         FIG. 27  is a partial sectional view of the fourth embodiment as viewed from the side showing the hanging assembly in a position prior to being inserted into the slots in the display case. 
         FIG. 28  is a view similar to  FIG. 27  with the hanging assembly connected to the display case. 
         FIG. 29  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 26  showing the hanging assembly connected to the display case. 
         FIG. 30  is a fragmentary partial sectional view of the fourth embodiment taken on line  30 — 30  of  FIG. 28 . 
     
    
    
     Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment of the merchandise display system of the present invention is indicated generally at  100  and is shown in  FIGS. 1–9 . Display system  100  includes a lockable rod assembly  102 , a hanging assembly  104  which hangs from rod assembly  102  and a lockable merchandise display case  106  which is connected to and hangs from hanging assembly  104 . Hanging assembly  104  is configured to allow display case  106  and merchandise  122  within to pivot and swivel in a manner such that the consumer can easily handle case  106  and view merchandise  122  within case  106 . 
     Lockable rod assembly  102  includes an inner end  108  which is lockable to a peg board  110  or the like. Inner end  108  may also be securely fixed to a wall or other type of display unit. Rod assembly  102  includes lockable base assembly  109  adjacent inner end  108 . Rod assembly  102  further includes an upper rod  112  and a lower rod  114  which are substantially parallel and extend outwardly and horizontally from inner end  108  to an outer end  116 . Inner rod assembly  102  further includes a locking mechanism  118  adjacent outer end  116 , the locking mechanism locking onto rod  114  to prevent removal of merchandise from lower rod  114 . One embodiment of a rod assembly that may be used is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,478 granted to Huehner et al. on Nov. 5, 2002, and said patent is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Display case  106  includes an interior chamber  120  in which is inserted an item of merchandise  122 . Display case  106  includes a front side  119 , a back side  121 , and a pair of lateral sides  123 . Display case  106  further includes an upper end  124  and a lower end  126 . A lockable door  128  is hingedly connected to case  106  by hinge  130  adjacent lower end  126 . Case  106  also includes an upper wall  132  adjacent upper end  124  in opposed relation to door  128 . Upper wall  132  defines a pair of slots  134  for receiving a portion of hanging assembly  104  as described below. Any of a variety of known lockable cases may be used as display case  106 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, hanging assembly  104  includes a hanging member  136 , a swivel member  138 , a U-shaped lower member  140  and a cap  142 . Hanging member  136  has an upper portion  144  which defines a hole  146  for receiving lower rod  114 . Hanging member  136  further includes a lower portion  148  which includes a pair of downwardly extending spaced prongs  150  each of which includes a neck  152 , a shoulder  154  extending outwardly from neck  152  and a surface  156  which tapers downwardly and inwardly from shoulder  154 . 
     Swivel member  138  defines a vertical hole  158  for receiving prongs  150  of hanging member  136 . Swivel member  158  further includes shoulders  160  ( FIG. 4 ) which separate a cylindrical upper chamber  162  and a cylindrical lower chamber  164  of hole  158 , the upper chamber having a smaller diameter than the lower chamber. Hole  158  is configured to receive prongs  150  of hanging member  136  such that shoulders  160  and shoulders  154  engage one another in a snap fit engagement which prevents removal of hanging member  136  from swivel member  138 . Tapered surfaces  156  facilitate in section of prongs  150  into hole  158 . Cap  142  covers lower chamber  164  of hole  158  and may do so by snap fit engagement or be secured in another manner known in the art. Swivel member  138  has ends  166 , from each of which extend downwardly an inner tab  168  and an outer tab  170  opposed to one another in spaced relation to define a slot  172 . Outer tab  170  defines a horizontal hole  173 . 
     U-shaped lower member  140  includes a substantially flat and rectangular base member  174  from which extend upwardly a pair of spaced tabs  176  in opposed relation to one another. Each tab  176  has an outer surface  178  from which extends a dome-shaped knob  180 . Base member  174  of lower member  140  is configured to be positioned in interior chamber  120  of display case  106  adjacent upper wall  132  to provide the connection of member  174  to case  106 . Tabs  176  of member  140  extend through slots  134  in upper wall  132  of display case  106  and into slots  172  of swivel member  138 . Knobs  180  slide into respective holes  173  in outer tabs  170  to form a snap fit engagement. An axis  182  extends vertically through hole  158  of swivel member  138  and also between prongs  150  of hanging member  136 . An axis  184  passes through knobs  180 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     In operation, hanging assembly  104  allows display case  106  to be maneuvered easily in a great variety of positions so that a consumer can easily view all sides of merchandise  122  encased therein.  FIGS. 5–9  indicate the various positions of the case and show its maneuverability and overall use. As seen in  FIG. 5 , hanging assembly  104  is in a display position as it ordinarily would be for display purposes as it hangs from lower rod  114  of rod assembly  102 . In this position, swivel member  138  and display case  106  are situated substantially normal to lower rod  114  as viewed from above.  FIG. 6  shows hanging assembly  104  along with display case  106  in a position rotated approximately 90° from the position shown in  FIG. 5  about axis  182 . In this position, swivel member  138  and display case  106  are situated substantially parallel to lower rod  114  as viewed from above. Swivel member  138  swivels about axis  182  as supported by shoulders  160  resting on shoulders  154  of prongs  150 . The diameter of upper chamber  162  of hole  158  is large enough to allow chamber  162  to rotate about neck  154  of prongs  150  while the diameter of lower chamber  164  likewise allows rotation about tapered surfaces  156  of prong  150 . Cap  142  functions to prevent tampering with prongs  150  by a shoplifter attempting to break prongs  150  or disengage them from within hole  158 . The display position of  FIG. 5  shows upper wall  132 , front side  119  and lateral sides  123 .  FIG. 6 , like  FIG. 5 , continues to show upper wall  132  and the same lateral side  123 , but in the 90° swivelled position also shows back side  121  of case  106 . 
       FIG. 7  shows hanging assembly  104  and display case  106  rotated approximately 180° from the display position shown in  FIG. 5 . Thus,  FIG. 7  shows back side  121  and upper wall  132  along with the other lateral side  123  of display case  106 . The rotational movement of swivel member  138  allows swivel member  138  and display case  106  to rotate 360° about axis  182 , thereby allowing all sides of display case  106  and merchandise  122  encased therein to be seen by consumers. Because a plurality of items of merchandise  122  are displayed within respective cases  106  hanging from lower rod  114 , ordinarily the simple rotational movement allowed by swivel member  138  may not be sufficient to allow a consumer to view all the sides easily due to interference of such movement by the other cases  106 . This difficulty is resolved by the additional ability of hanging assembly  104  to pivot upwardly as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     More particularly, lower member  140  is configured to rotate about axis  184  which passes through knobs  180 . Tabs  176  of lower member  140  move freely within slots  172  defined by swivel member  138  and knobs  180  move freely within respective holes  173 . However, the snap fit engagement of knobs  180  into holes  173  is sufficiently secure to prevent removal by a shoplifter or make such removal rather difficult. The rotational motion about axis  184  allows display case  106  to travel an arc of at least 180° in the direction between inner end  108  and outer end  116  of rod assembly  102 , limited only by interference with lower rod  114 , locking mechanism  118 , base assembly  109 , peg board  110 , or any other display cases  106  hanging from rod  114 . Referring back to the position shown in  FIG. 6 , the rotational motion indicated in  FIG. 8  from the position shown in  FIG. 6  would allow case  106  to be moved in a far broader arc approaching that of a full circle, limited only by the interference with upper rod  112  and other such members. The overall movement allowed by the rotation about axes  182  and  184  allows display case  106  to be maneuvered in nearly any position so that item of merchandise  122  can be easily viewed and relevant information read from all sides of said item. The overall movement of display case  106  is also facilitated and enhanced by the fact that hanging assembly  104  is able to rotate about lower rod  114 .  FIG. 9  shows display case  106  rotated upwardly towards outer end  116  of rod assembly  102 . Further, lockable door  128  is shown in an open position after rotating about hinge  130 . Finally, item of merchandise  122  is shown being removed from case  106 . 
     Thus, merchandise display system  100  provides a secure system by which items of merchandise  122  are encased in display cases  106  which have lockable doors  128  to prevent merchandise  122  from being removed without authorization. Further, system  100  prevents unauthorized removal from lower rod  114  of hanging assembly  104  and display case  106  hanging therefrom. System  100  also allows the consumer to maneuver display case  106  with item of merchandise  122  therein to easily view merchandise  122  without the need for removal from rod  114 . Thus, system  100  provides security for the seller as well as convenient review of merchandise  122  for the consumer. 
     A second embodiment of the merchandise display system of the present invention is indicated generally at  200  and is shown in  FIGS. 10–15 . Display system  200  includes a lockable rod assembly  202 , a hanging assembly  204  which hangs from rod assembly  202  and a lockable merchandise display case  206  which is connected to and hangs from hanging assembly  204 . Hanging assembly  204  is configured to allow display case  206  and merchandise  222  within to pivot and swivel in a manner such that the consumer can easily handle case  206  and view merchandise  222  within case  206 . 
     Lockable rod assembly  202  includes an inner end  208  which is lockable to a peg board  210  or the like. Rod assembly  202  includes lockable base assembly  209  adjacent inner end  208 . Rod assembly  202  further includes an upper rod  212  and a lower rod  214  which are substantially parallel and extend outwardly and horizontally from inner end  208  to an outer end  216 . Inner rod assembly  202  further includes a locking mechanism  218  adjacent outer end  216 , the locking mechanism locking onto rod  214  to prevent removal of merchandise from lower rod  214 . Rod assembly  202  is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,478, as noted above. 
     Display case  206  includes an interior chamber  220  in which is inserted an item of merchandise  222 . Display case  206  includes a front side  219 , a back side  221 , and a pair of lateral sides  223 . Display case  206  further includes an upper end  224  and a lower end  226 . Unlike display case  106 , display case  206  does not have a lockable door adjacent the lower end. Instead, display case  206  includes an inner shell  228  and an outer shell  229  which rotate about a pair of common hinge pins  230  ( FIG. 11 ) between a closed position ( FIG. 14 ) and an open position ( FIG. 15 ), the inner shell and outer shell being lockable in the closed position. 
     In accordance with the present invention, hanging assembly  204  includes a hanging member  236 , a swivel member  238 , hinge pins  230  and a cap  242 . Hanging member  236  has an upper portion  244  which defines a hole  246  for receiving lower rod  214 . Hanging member  236  further includes a lower portion  248  which includes a pair of downwardly extending prongs  250  each of which includes a neck  252 , a shoulder  254  extending outwardly from neck  252  and a surface  256  which tapers downwardly and inwardly from shoulder  254 . 
     Swivel member  238  defines a vertical hole  258  for receiving prongs  250  of hanging member  236 . Swivel member  258  further includes shoulders  260  ( FIG. 13 ) which separate a cylindrical upper chamber  262  and a cylindrical lower chamber  264  of hole  258 , the upper chamber having a smaller diameter than the lower chamber. Hole  258  is configured to receive prongs  250  of hanging member  236  such that shoulders  260  and shoulders  254  engage one another in a snap fit engagement which prevents removal of hanging member  236  from swivel member  238 . Tapered surface  256  facilitates in section of prongs  150  into hole  258 . Cap  242  covers lower chamber  264  of hole  258  and may do so by snap fit engagement or be secured in another manner known in the art. Swivel member  238  has ends  266  and a pair of arms  268  extending downwardly adjacent respective ends  166 . Arms  268  define a pair of respective horizontal holes  273  which are substantially in alignment with one another and also configured to align with hinge holes  231  formed in inner shell  228  and hinge holes  233  formed in outer shell  229  of display case  206 . Hinge pins  230  are inserted in hinge holes  231  and  233  and into hole  273  in arms  268 , thereby allowing for rotational movement about axis  235  ( FIG. 13 ), which extends through hinge pins  230 . This rotational movement may be accomplished, for example, by the diameters of hinge holes  233  of outer shell  229  forming a snug fit with hinge pins  230  while hinge holes  231  of inner shell  228  and holes  273  of arms  268  are large enough to permit a rotational movement of hinge pins  230 . 
     In operation, hanging assembly  204  allows display case  206  to be maneuvered easily in a great variety of positions so that a consumer can easily view all sides of merchandise  222  encased therein.  FIGS. 5–7  showing the first embodiment of the present invention are generally applicable as to the movement of the second embodiment as well, and in combination with FIGS.  14 – 15 , indicate the various positions of the case and show its maneuverability and overall use. Hanging assembly  204  functions in the same manner as hanging assembly  104  in regard to the rotational or swiveling properties as viewed from above, as described in regard to assembly  104  above. 
     Like assembly  104 , hanging assembly  204  pivots upwardly as shown in  FIG. 14 . While the same motion is allowed, assembly  204  utilizes a different configuration to achieve that effect. More particularly, with hinge pins  230  inserted into hinge holes  231  and  233  of display case  206  and holes  273  of arms  268 , display case  206  is able to rotate about axis  235  with respect to swivel member  238 . The maneuverability of display case  206  about axis  235  is essentially the same as display case  106  about axis  184 . Further, the overall maneuverability of display case  206  is substantially the same as that of case  106 , as described above. 
       FIG. 15  shows display case  206  rotated upwardly towards outer end  216  of rod assembly  202 .  FIG. 15  also shows display case  206  in an open position. Display case  206  differs from case  106  in that display case  206  includes an inner shell  228  and an outer shell  229  that pivot with respect to one another about axis  235  with the use of hinge pins  230 .  FIG. 15  further shows item of merchandise  222  being removed from case  206 . Inner shell  228  and outer shell  229  may be locked to one another in a closed position ( FIG. 14 ) to prevent unauthorized removal of merchandise  222 . 
     Thus, merchandise display system  200  provides a secure system by which items of merchandise  222  are encased in display cases  206  which have lockable inner and outer shells  228  and  229  to prevent merchandise  222  from being removed without authorization. Further, system  200  prevents unauthorized removal from lower rod  214  of hanging assembly  204  and display case  206  hanging therefrom. System  200  also allows the consumer to maneuver display case  206  with item of merchandise  222  therein to easily view merchandise  222  without the need for removal from rod  214 . Thus, system  200  provides security for the seller as well as convenient review of merchandise  222  for the consumer. 
     A third embodiment of the merchandise display system of the present invention is indicated generally at  300  and is shown in  FIGS. 16–23 . Display system  300  includes a lockable rod assembly  302 , a hanging assembly  304  which hangs from rod assembly  302  and a lockable merchandise display case  306  which is connected to and hangs from hanging assembly  304 . Hanging assembly  304  is configured to allow display case  306  and merchandise  322  within to pivot and swivel in a manner such that the consumer can easily handle case  306  and view merchandise  322  within case  306 . 
     Lockable rod assembly  302  includes an inner end  308  which is lockable to a peg board  310  or the like. Rod assembly  302  includes lockable base assembly  309  adjacent inner end  308 . Rod assembly  302  further includes an upper rod  312  and a lower rod  314  which are substantially parallel and extend outwardly and horizontally from inner end  308  to an outer end  316 . Inner rod assembly  302  further includes a locking mechanism  318  adjacent outer end  316 , the locking mechanism locking onto rod  314  to prevent removal of merchandise  322  from lower rod  314 . Rod assembly  302  is the same as assemblies  102  and  202 . 
     Display case  306  includes an interior chamber  320  in which is inserted an item of merchandise  322 . Display case  306  includes a front side  319 , a back side  321 , and a pair of lateral sides  323 . Display case  306  further includes an upper end  324  and a lower end  326 . A lockable door  328  is hingedly connected to case  306  by hinge  330 . Case  306  also includes an upper wall  332  adjacent upper end  324  in opposed relation to door  328 . Upper wall  332  defines a pair of slots  334  for receiving a portion of hanging assembly  304  as described below. 
     In accordance with the present invention, hanging assembly  304  includes a hanging member  336 , a swivel member  338 , a U-shaped lower member  340  and a cap  342 . Hanging assembly  304  allows case  306  to be removed from rod assembly  302  when a lock is unlocked. The key that unlocks this lock may be the same key that unlocks rod assembly  302 . Hanging member  336  includes an upper member  341  and a lower member  343 . Upper member  341  of hanging member  336  has an upper portion  344  which defines a hole  346  for receiving lower rod  314 . A cylinder  345  defining an interior chamber  347  ( FIG. 22 ) extends downwardly from upper portion  344  of upper member  341 . Cylinder  345  has a lower end  337  and defines an annular recessed area  339  adjacent lower end  337 . Recessed area  339  is part of interior chamber  347 . Lower member  343  includes a lower portion  348  and a generally cylindrical rod  349  extending upwardly therefrom. Rod  349  defines a notch  351  extending lengthwise on one side of rod  349 . An annular flange  357  complementary to recessed area  339  extends radially outward from rod  349  below notch  351 . A plate spring  353  is disposed within interior chamber  347  of cylinder  345  to one side of chamber  347 . In an assembled form, rod  349  of lower member  343  is disposed within interior chamber  347  of cylinder  345  with annular flange  357  disposed within recessed area  339  in a snap-fit engagement. In a locked position ( FIG. 19 ), plate spring  353  is partially disposed within notch  351  and engages an upper portion of rod  349 .  FIG. 22  shows hanging assembly  304  in an unlocked position wherein a magnetic key  355  attracts the portion of plate spring  353  which was disposed within notch  351  in the locked position so that plate spring  353  lies flat outside the bounds of notch  351 . 
     Swivel member  338 , cap  342  and U-shaped lower member  340  are identical to their counterparts in the first embodiment as described above. However, in accordance with the present invention,  FIGS. 20 and 21  show an alternate embodiment of a lockable rod assembly  303 . Rod assembly  303  includes a pair of ends  305  which may be fixed to a display or which can be locked in a lockable base assembly  307  connected to a peg board  309  or the like. At least one base assembly  307  is configured to allow upper portions  344  to be placed on the rod when assembly  307  is unlocked. 
     In operation, hanging assembly  304  functions in the same manner as hanging assembly  104  of the first embodiment, except for the removably connected upper and lower members  341  and  343  of hanging member  336  and the locking mechanism created by upper member  341 , lower member  343  and plate spring  353 . In addition, the maneuverability of display system  300  is altered somewhat by the use of the alternate U-shaped lockable rod assembly  303 , as described below. 
     When rod  349  is disposed in interior chamber  347  with flange  357  forming a snap-fit engagement with recessed area  339 , flange  357  supports the lower portions of hanging assembly  304  along with display case  306  and merchandise  322 . However, this snap-fit engagement still allows reasonably easy removal of rod  349  from interior chamber  347  when hanging assembly  304  is in the unlocked position. 
     The locking mechanism of hanging member  336  functions as follows. Rod  349  is inserted into interior chamber  347  of cylinder  345  so that the inwardly extending portion of plate spring  353  is depressed outwardly until notch  351  aligns with said portion of plate spring  353 , thereby allowing said portion of plate spring  353  to move inwardly into notch  351  and engage an upper portion of rod  349 , to prevent removal of rod  349  from interior chamber  347  of cylinder  345 . To unlock the locking mechanism, magnetic key  355  is placed against cylinder  345  adjacent plate spring  353  to attract the inwardly disposed portion of plate spring  353 , thus removing said portion of plate spring  353  from within notch  351 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . Rod  349  may be removed from interior chamber  347 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . This allows the lower portion of hanging assembly  304  to be removed along with display case  306  and item of merchandise  322  as desired. This gives an alternative method of removing display case  306  from rod  314  or rod assembly  303  without having to unlock the rod assembly itself. 
     As viewed from above, U-shaped lockable rod assembly  303  allows for similar movement as with rod assembly  302 , which as noted above, is the same as assemblies  102  and  202 . However, the maneuverability of display case  306  hanging from rod assembly  303  is not limited by an upper rod or a locking mechanism at the end of an upper and lower rod as is the case with rod assembly  302 . Similar to rod assembly  302 , assembly  303  would be limited by any additional display cases  306  hanging from rod assembly  303 . However, maneuverability would also be limited by a peg board  309  or the like. Nonetheless, display case  306  is able to rotate in a 360° arc as viewed from above and also may rotate about axis  384  such that it may travel an arc of at least 180° in a direction between a pair of ends  305  of rod assembly  303 . 
     Thus, merchandise display system  300  provides a secure system by which items of merchandise  322  are encased in display cases  306  which have lockable doors  328  to prevent merchandise  322  from being removed without authorization. Further, system  300  prevents unauthorized removal from lower rod  314  of hanging assembly  304  and display case  306  hanging therefrom. Assembly  300  also allows the consumer to maneuver display case  306  with item of merchandise  322  therein to easily view merchandise  322  without the need for removal from rod  314 . Thus, system  300  provides security for the seller as well as convenient review of merchandise  322  for the consumer. 
     A fourth embodiment of the merchandise display system of the present invention is indicated generally at  400  and is shown in  FIGS. 24–30 . Display system  400  includes a lockable rod assembly  402 , a hanging assembly  404  which hangs from rod assembly  402  and a lockable merchandise display case  406  which is connected to and hangs from hanging assembly  404 . Hanging assembly  404  is configured to allow display case  406  and merchandise  422  within to pivot and swivel in a manner such that the consumer can easily handle case  406  and view merchandise  422  within case  406 . 
     Lockable rod assembly  402  is the same as rod assembly  102  and functions in the same manner. In addition, display case  406  is similar to display case  106  except that upper wall  432 , instead of defining a pair of slots, defines a pair of holes  434 . As viewed from above, holes  434  are substantially shaped like a cross-section of a light bulb wherein there is a circular portion  433  with a U-shaped portion  435  extending outwardly therefrom. 
     In accordance with the present invention, hanging assembly  404  includes a hanging member  436  and a swivel member  438 . Hanging member  436  has an upper portion  444  which defines a hole  446  for receiving lower rod  414 . Upper portion  444  also includes a pair of ears  445  extending outwardly therefrom. Hanging member  436  further includes a lower portion  448  which includes a downwardly extending neck  452  from which extends downwardly a spherical member  450 . 
     Swivel member  438  defines a vertical cylindrical hole  458  for receiving spherical member  450  of hanging member  446 . Hole  458  is bounded by cylinder  447  having an upper end  449  and a lower end  451 . Hole  458  is narrowed adjacent upper end  449  of cylinder  447  by inwardly extending annular flange  453 . A pair of wings  455  extend horizontally outwardly from cylinder  447  adjacent lower end  451 . A pair of ribs  457  extend outwardly in a vertical plane from cylinder  447  and upwardly from respective wings  455 . A pair of spaced locking tabs  459  extend downwardly from respective wings  455 . As shown in  FIGS. 26–28 , each locking tab includes a neck  461  extending downwardly from respective wing  455  and a substantially circular foot  463  connected to neck  461  there below. In relation to neck  461 , foot  463  extends toward front side  419  of display case  406  when swivel member  438  is connected thereto, and foot  463  also extends laterally toward lateral sides  423  of case  406 . Each locking tab  459  also includes a finger which extends downwardly from respective wing  455  and outwardly from respective neck  461  away from the forward extension of foot  463  such that finger  465  extends toward back side  421  of display case  406  when swivel member  438  is installed thereon. 
     In assembling hanging assembly  404 , upper portion  444  of hanging member  436  is inserted upwardly through hole  458  of swivel member  438  so that upper portion  444  is disposed above cylinder  447  and spherical member  450  rests against annular flange  453 . The distance defined by the outermost portions of ears  445  is larger than the diameter defined by the innermost portion of annular flange  453 . Ears  455  nonetheless slide past flange  453  so that during assembly ears  445  prevent hanging member  436  from slipping back through hole  458  before hanging member  436  is hung on lower rod  414  of rod assembly  402 . The diameter of spherical member  450  is wide enough to prevent spherical member  450  from being pushed upwardly beyond annular flange  453 , but is small enough to allow easy movement within hole  458  of cylinder  447 . 
     Locking tabs  459  form a locking engagement with display case  406  when inserted properly into holes  434 .  FIGS. 26–28  indicate how locking tabs  459  are inserted into holes  434 . First, each foot  463  is aligned with and inserted into a respective circular portion  433  of hole  434 . Each foot  463  is then slid toward front side  419  of case  406  so that each neck  461  fits into a respective U-shaped portion  435 . Simultaneously, each finger  465  slides along upper wall  432  until it snaps downwardly into a respective circular portion  433  of hole  434 . Once in this configuration, as shown in  FIG. 28 , locking tabs  459  form a locking engagement with case  406 . 
     In operation, hanging assembly  404  allows display case  406  to be maneuvered easily in a great variety of positions so that a consumer can easily view all sides of merchandise  422  encased therein. Hanging assembly  104  functions somewhat similarly to the previous embodiments in that it allows for substantially the same type of movement. Particularly, assembly  404  and case  406  may be rotated 360° about vertical axis  482 . In addition, the ball and socket configuration of assembly  404  allows swivel member  438  and display case  406  to pivot upwardly in any direction from axis  482 . While this upward movement is multi-directional, it is more limited than in the previous embodiments. The limiting factor is an interference between annular flange  453  or upper end  449  of cylinder  447  and neck  452  of hanging member  436  as swivel member  438  and display case  406  are moved in an upward direction. Nonetheless, with the additional mobility provided by rotational movement of hanging member  436  about lower rod  414 , display case  406  may be maneuvered sufficiently to view any side of display case  406  without difficulty. 
     Thus, merchandise display system  400  provides a secure system by which items of merchandise  422  are encased in display cases  406  which have lockable doors  428  to prevent merchandise  422  from being removed without authorization. Further, system  400  prevents unauthorized removal from lower rod  414  of hanging assembly  404  and display case  406  hanging therefrom. System  400  also allows the consumer to maneuver display case  406  with item of merchandise  422  therein to easily view merchandise  422  without the need for removal from rod  414 . Thus, system  400  provides security for the seller as well as convenient review of merchandise  422  for the consumer. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Technology Category: 1