Anti-theft merchandise hook

Abstract

A theft deterrent merchandise hook includes a top wire connected to a housing at a first end of the top wire and connected to a mounting portion at a second end of the top wire opposite the first end, the mounting portion for mounting the theft deterrent merchandise hook to a stationary surface. A bottom wire is attached to and extends from the mounting portion toward the housing. The bottom wire is configured to hold a retail merchandise. A hanger is disposed at least partially within the housing. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position in which the hanger abuts the bottom wire and an open position in which the hanger is spaced a distance from the bottom wire. A motor is configured to drive a rotating shaft so as to move the hanger between the closed position and the open position.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 545,469, filed December 8, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 123,299, filed December 9, 2020, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to retail systems, and more specifically, to theft detection systems used in retail environments. Background Technology

[0004] Loss prevention is an ongoing issue in the retail industry. Retailers are constantly seeking better ways to prevent losses due to theft. As a result, various types of anti-theft systems have been introduced in many retail environments. Some current anti-theft systems involve locking merchandise behind counters, typically away from the relevant items, or locking merchandise in secure cabinets, closer to where the relevant items are usually stored.

[0005] Each of these methods has its drawbacks. When goods are stored in a secure location far from the relevant item storage point, sales of secure items decrease because consumers are less likely to specifically seek out a sales assistant to retrieve the item. When goods are stored in secure cabinets near the relevant item storage point, sales of related items that should be close to secure items also decrease because consumers are not drawn to their location.

[0006] Therefore, while common anti-theft systems may be effective in preventing losses, they can also have a significant negative impact on sales. Furthermore, deploying multiple secure storage devices in a retail environment can be costly and take up space that could be used for other merchandise.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an anti-theft system for retail stores that can prevent theft without hindering the sale of merchandise and related items. Furthermore, there is a need for an anti-theft system that can be retrofitted into existing retail displays to minimize installation costs and shelf downtime required for installation.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide such an anti-theft system. This advantage, along with other advantages and additional inventive features, will become apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an anti-theft hook having a top guide wire connected at one end to a housing portion and at the other end opposite to that end to a mounting portion. The mounting portion is used to mount the anti-theft hook to a stationary surface. A bottom guide wire is attached to the mounting portion, extends from the mounting portion to the housing portion, and is configured to hold retail merchandise. A movable hanger is at least partially disposed within the housing portion. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position and an open position, in which the hanger abuts against the bottom guide wire and in the open position, the hanger is spaced apart from the bottom guide wire.

[0010] In a particular embodiment, the end of the hanger that abuts against the bottom wire is concave, and the end of the bottom wire that abuts against the hanger is convex. In other embodiments, both the hanger and the bottom wire comprise conductive material, which forms electrical contact when the bottom wire abuts against the hanger, and the electronic circuitry of the anti-theft hook is configured to detect this electrical contact.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hanger includes a notch, and the hanger is configured to be manually moved to a locked position by a user, and the hanger is locked to a closed position when a plunger disposed within the housing portion is positioned in the notch. In a particular embodiment, the plunger is configured to move back and forth in a first direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the hanger is configured to move back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In another embodiment, the plunger moves back and forth linearly, and the movement of the plunger is achieved by a motor disposed within the housing portion. The motor may be configured such that it is activated by a radio frequency identification (RFID) compliant device placed near the housing portion. In some embodiments, the motor is an electric stepper motor.

[0012] The anti-theft hook may include electronic circuitry disposed within the housing portion, the electronic circuitry including a transmitter configured to emit at least one of audible, visible, and radio alarm signals. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention include a limit switch for tracking the amount of time the hook is in the open position, and triggering an alarm signal if the hook remains open for more than a threshold time period.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting portion includes a mounting surface with means for locking the anti-theft hook in the mounting position. The mounting portion may further include a mounting surface plunger that is pressed down when the mounting portion is mounted flush with a stationary surface and triggers an alarm when the mounting surface plunger is released.

[0014] In another embodiment, the top and / or bottom wires are electrically coupled to electronic circuitry, such that the top and / or bottom wires function as antennas for transmitting radio alarm signals. The anti-theft hook may also include an alarm box located at a distance from the anti-theft hook and configured to receive radio alarm signals from a transmitter and issue a second alarm, and / or relay the radio alarm signals to another location.

[0015] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an anti-theft hook comprising a top guide wire connected at a first end to a housing and at a second end opposite the first end to a mounting portion for mounting the anti-theft hook to a stationary surface. A bottom guide wire is attached to the mounting portion and extends from the mounting portion toward the housing. The bottom guide wire is configured to hold retail merchandise. A hanger is at least partially disposed within the housing. The hanger is configured to move linearly between a closed position, in which the hanger abuts against the bottom guide wire, and in the open position, the hanger is spaced apart from the bottom guide wire. A motor is configured to drive a rotating shaft to move the hanger between the closed and open positions.

[0016] In one particular embodiment, the hanger includes an attached positioning guide having a threaded opening configured to receive a threaded rotating shaft. In some embodiments, the positioning guide extends laterally from the outer surface of the hanger. In a more specific embodiment, rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction causes the positioning guide to move linearly along the rotational axis in a first linear direction, and rotation of the shaft in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction causes the positioning guide to move linearly along the rotational axis in a second linear direction opposite to the first linear direction. In a particular embodiment, movement of the hanger between a closed position and an open position is linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the hanger.

[0017] The hanger can be cylindrical. Furthermore, the motor and rotating shaft can be housed within the housing. In some embodiments, the hanger has a slot extending longitudinally along its length, with a guide post attached to the housing extending through the slot. The motor can be a stepper motor. Additionally, the motor can be battery-powered. In another embodiment, a pivot latch extends from the housing to the end of the bottom guide. The pivot latch is configured to prevent the item from accidentally falling off the bottom guide. The pivot latch can be spring-biased such that the end of the pivot latch contacts the end of the bottom guide.

[0018] The anti-theft hook may also include a controller with an RFID reader, wherein the controller is housed within the housing. The controller may be configured to operate the motor when an operator RFID card is placed in its vicinity. In other embodiments, when an operator RFID card is placed in its vicinity, the controller moves the hook from a closed position to an open position, or from an open position to a closed position. The controller may be further configured to identify one or more specific operator RFID cards, such that the controller operates the motor only when one or more specific operator RFID cards are placed in its vicinity. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to initiate operation of the anti-theft hook when a write RFID card is placed in its vicinity. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller is configured to enable or disable the operator RFID card after a predetermined length of time has been placed in its vicinity.

[0019] The anti-theft hook may also include a reset button that resets the hook when pressed for a threshold time period. In other embodiments, the anti-theft hook has an audio transmitter and / or indicator light, and the controller operates the audio transmitter and / or indicator light to indicate the status of the anti-theft hook. Furthermore, the audio transmitter or indicator light may be used to indicate at least one of the following: battery power status, movement of the hook between an open and closed position, reset status, or goods placed on or removed from the bottom cable.

[0020] Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent when the following detailed description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with this description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an anti-theft product hook constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention in the open position;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the anti-theft product hook constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention in the open position;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of an anti-theft product hook constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a rear perspective view of the anti-theft product hook constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position;

[0026] Figure 5A and Figure 5BThis is a close-up perspective view of the hanger and bottom guide wire according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a hanger disposed in the outer casing of an anti-theft goods hook according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an installation device for an anti-theft goods hook according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the anti-theft hook, wherein the outer casing is partially removed and the hanger is shown in the closed position; and

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A side view of an alternative embodiment, in which the housing is partially removed and the hanger is shown in the open position.

[0031] While the invention will be described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit it to these embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover all changes, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the anti-theft hook 100 in the open position are provided. The anti-theft hook 100 is constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Front and rear perspective views of an anti-theft hook 100 in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided. In some embodiments, the anti-theft hook 100 is an RFID-activated hook having a top guide 102 and a bottom guide 104, with the item held on the bottom guide 104, wherein the length of the bottom guide 104 is shorter than that of the top guide 102.

[0033] The anti-theft hook 100 also includes a spring-biased bracket 106 that is laterally movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the bracket 106 is securely abutted against one end of the bottom guide wire 104. In the open position, the bracket 106 is disengaged from the end of the bottom guide wire 104. In the open position, the space between the bracket 106 and the bottom guide wire 104 allows goods to be removed from the hook 100. In the closed position, no goods can be removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 106 is substantially cylindrical, although in alternative embodiments the bracket 106 may be prismatic, curved, spiral, or some other suitable shape.

[0034] Including Figures 1 to 4 In a particular embodiment of the invention shown with the hook 100, the hanger 106 is at least partially disposed within the housing 108 of the anti-theft hook 100. For example... Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in the embodiments, the hanger 106 may have a concave or cup-shaped end 110 configured to securely abut against the end 105 of the bottom guide 104 when the anti-theft hook 100 is in the closed position. The end 105 of the bottom guide 104 may be convex or rounded to facilitate the engagement between the concave cup-shaped end 110 and the end 105 of the bottom guide 104. Thus, when abutting against the corresponding concave end of the hanger 106, the convex end of the bottom guide 104 provides a secure attachment between the two components, ensuring that no item can be removed from the bottom guide 104.

[0035] In a more specific embodiment, electronic circuitry 140 disposed within housing 108 is capable of detecting when hanger 106 contacts bottom wire 104, and thus determining when anti-theft hook 100 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry 140 of anti-theft hook 100 is powered by a battery. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which electronic circuitry 140 is powered by a device other than a battery, such as a solar cell, hardwired to building power, etc.

[0036] The bottom conductor 104 may be made of metal or some similar conductive material, and some portions of the hanger 106, including the portion that abuts against the bottom conductor 104, may also be made of metal or some similar conductive material, such that a circuit is formed when the bottom conductor 104 and the hanger 106 come into contact with each other. The electronic circuit 140 of the anti-theft hook 100 is able to detect when the bottom conductor 104 and the hanger 106 come into contact with each other based on the formation of this circuit.

[0037] exist Figure 6 In this embodiment, spring 112 is assembled to hanger 106 within housing 108. Spring 112 abuts against the surface of housing 108 within housing 108, such that spring 112 biases hanger 106 in an open position. A second end of hanger 106, opposite the cup-shaped end 110, protrudes from housing 108. The user pushes this second end of hanger 106 against the force of spring 112 to bring hanger 106 into contact with bottom guide wire 104, thereby closing the anti-theft hook 100.

[0038] The hanger 106 can then be locked in the closed position by the plunger 114 inside the housing 108. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 114 is substantially cylindrical and arranged perpendicular to the hanger 106 (in this case, perpendicular to a horizontally arranged hanger 106), and positioned within a cutout 116 that cuts into the middle portion of the hanger 106 to lock the hanger 106 in place and prevent it from moving back to the open position. In an alternative embodiment, the plunger 114 may have a different shape, such as a prism, which engages the cutout 116 to lock the hanger 106 in the closed position.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, plunger 114 is moved back and forth by a small motor 122 disposed within housing 108. Motor 122 may be an electric stepper motor. Electronic circuitry 140 within housing 108 operates motor 122 in response to the placement of an RFID-enabled device (e.g., an RFID card or RFID key (not shown)) or other suitable device near housing 108. For example, it is conceivable that devices other than RFID-enabled devices (e.g., magnetic, electromagnetic, etc.) could be used to operate motor 122 and plunger 114. In a particular example, when a user pushes hanger 106 into contact with bottom wire 104, snapping the RFID clip onto housing 108 may position plunger 114 in a cutout 116 of hanger 106. Subsequently, snapping the RFID clip onto housing 108 may disengage plunger 114 from cutout 116 to open anti-theft hook 100.

[0040] In one particular embodiment of the invention, a limit switch 126 is disposed in the housing 108 and configured to track the time the anti-theft hook 100 is in the open position and to issue an alarm if the anti-theft hook 100 remains in the open position for an extended period of time beyond a threshold time. For example, the limit switch 126 may be configured to issue an audible alarm and / or a wireless alarm signal if the anti-theft hook 100 remains in the open position for more than 15 seconds, or even more than 30 seconds. However, threshold times greater than 30 seconds and less than 15 seconds are conceivable. In some embodiments of the invention, the user can adjust the threshold time limit before the limit switch 126 triggers an alarm.

[0041] In another embodiment, the aforementioned RFID-enabled device activates motor 122 when fastened to or placed near housing 108. Motor 122 pushes plunger 114 out of cutout 116, causing spring 112 to remove hanger 106 from bottom guide 104, thereby allowing removal of the item from bottom guide 104. The lifting of plunger 114 depresses and activates limit switch 126, which starts a timer. After a threshold time period, if hanger 106 remains detached from bottom guide 104, limit switch 126 can cause anti-theft hook 100 to sound an alarm. The alarm may sound for a specified time, or it may continue until hanger 106 is pushed into contact with end 105 of bottom guide 104 and plunger 114 descends into cutout 116 to lock hanger 106 in place.

[0042] The electronic circuitry 140 within housing 108 may include a transmitter 142 capable of transmitting audible, visible, and radio alarm signals. Furthermore, top conductor 102 and / or bottom conductor 104 may be electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry 140, such that the conductors function as antennas for transmitting signals to the radio alarm signals. In some embodiments, the radio alarm signals transmitted by the electronic circuitry 140 of the anti-theft hook 100 are configured to be sent to alarm box 128 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0043] In certain embodiments, the alarm box 128 includes a receiver configured to receive wireless signals from one or more signal transmitting retail display devices. In some embodiments, the alarm box 128 further includes an alarm box transmitter 130 and one or more terminals 132, the alarm box transmitter 130 being configured to transmit an audible signal indicating the wireless signals received from one or more signal transmitting retail display devices, and the one or more terminals 132 for connecting the alarm box 128 to an output receiving device. In some embodiments, the alarm box transmitter 130 is also configured to transmit a visible signal indicating the wireless signals received from one or more signal transmitting retail display devices. In this case, the alarm box 128 may include one or more LEDs or other light-emitting devices capable of indicating various types of alarm conditions or indicating a specific state of one or more anti-theft hooks 100. Furthermore, the alarm box 128 may also include an antenna 134 for transmitting wireless signals indicating alarm conditions. The wireless signals may be transmitted to an output receiving device capable of receiving wireless transmissions or to some remotely located receiving station.

[0044] Figure 7A perspective view of a mounting device 120 for an anti-theft hook 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The mounting device 120 is used to mount or attach the mounting device 120 to a fixed or stationary surface to secure the position of the anti-theft hook 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting device 120 includes one or more openings 121 in which a mechanically mounted lock 124 is arranged.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting device 120 includes two mounting protrusions 123 for securing the anti-theft hook 100 to a nail plate. In a particular embodiment, the mounting device 120 includes a mounting face plunger 118, which is pressed down when the mounting device 120 is flush-mounted to a stationary surface, such that when the anti-theft hook 100 is removed from its flush-mounted position with the stationary surface, the mounting face plunger 118 is released, thereby triggering an alarm.

[0046] Another implementation of the anti-theft hook 200 is as follows: Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. Figure 8 This is a side view of the anti-theft hook 200, with the outer casing 108 partially removed and the hanger 206 shown in the closed position. Figure 9 This is a side view of the anti-theft hook 200, with the outer casing 108 partially removed and the hanger 206 in the open position shown.

[0047] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment, the hanger 206 is actuated by a stepper motor 202, which drives a rotating shaft 204. In some embodiments of the invention, the stepper motor 202 and the rotating shaft 204 are housed in a housing 108. The stepper motor 202 may be powered by a battery also housed in the housing 108. The hanger 206 has an attached positioning guide 208 with a threaded opening configured to receive the rotating shaft 204, the outer surface of which is also threaded. The rotating shaft 204 is threaded into the threaded opening of the positioning guide 208. In operation, the stepper motor 202 rotates the rotating shaft 204 (e.g., clockwise), causing the positioning guide 208 to move linearly along the rotating shaft 204 in a first direction. When the stepper motor 202 rotates the rotating shaft 204 in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the positioning guide 208 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The hanger 206 moves linearly along the rotation axis 204 together with the positioning guide 208.

[0048] The rotating shaft 204 may be fitted with a plate or stop at its distal end (farthest from the stepper motor 202) to prevent the positioning guide 208 from detaching from the rotating shaft 204. It is conceivable that some embodiments may not include the threaded rotating shaft 204. In certain embodiments, a gear mechanism may be used to achieve movement of the hanger 206. It should also be noted that the hanger 206 may be made of different... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The stepper motor 202 shown is actuated by a motor type. In various alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the motor may be a servo motor, a linear motor, a direct drive motor, a brushed DC motor, or a brushless DC motor, etc.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning guide 208 is connected toward the central portion of the hanger 206. In this case, the central portion is the part of the hanger 206 that is not near either end of the hanger 206, for example, the middle third of the hanger 206 taken longitudinally. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The embodiment illustrates a positioning guide extending laterally from the surface of the hanger 206 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 207 of the hanger 206, wherein the hanger 206 is cylindrical, and the longitudinal axis 207 extends from one end through the hanger 206 to the opposite end. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the hanger 206, the positioning guide 208 may be attached closer to either end of the hanger 206 and may not extend laterally to the longitudinal axis 207 of the hanger. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the hanger 206 may be prismatic rather than cylindrical.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger 206 has two slots 210 extending longitudinally along the length of the hanger 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 210 define openings extending through the entire body portion of the hanger 206. The slots 210 are detachably assembled to guide posts 212 attached to the interior of the housing 108. It should be understood that alternative embodiments of the hanger 206 may have fewer or more than two slots 210. Two guide posts 212 extend through each of the two slots 210. The slots 210 define the linear range of motion of the hanger 206 because the movement of the hanger 206 stops when the end of the slot 210 contacts the guide post 212. The width of the slot 210 is only slightly larger than the diameter of the guide post 212, thereby ensuring that the hanger 206 can only move linearly within the housing 108. In such an embodiment, the movement of the hanger 206 between the closed and open positions is a linear movement along the longitudinal axis 207 of the hanger 206.

[0051] like Figure 8As shown, since the stepper motor 202 has already driven the rotating shaft 204 in the first rotational direction to move the positioning guide 208 to the far end of the rotating shaft 204 (farthest from the stepper motor 202), the hanger 206 is in the closed position because the hanger 206 is in contact with the end 105 of the bottom wire 104. Figure 9 It is shown that since the stepper motor 202 has already driven the rotating shaft 204 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction to move the positioning guide 208 to the proximal end of the rotating shaft 204 (closest to the stepper motor 202), the hanger 206 is spaced a certain distance from the bottom wire 104, so that the hanger 206 is in the open position.

[0052] Embodiments of the anti-theft hook 100 also include a controller 220 coupled to an RFID reader 222, wherein the controller 220 and the RFID reader 222 are disposed within a housing 108. The controller 220 may be configured to operate a motor 202 when an operator RFID card (not shown) is placed in the vicinity of the controller 220. In other embodiments, when an operator RFID card is placed in the vicinity of the controller 220, the controller 220 moves the hook 206 from a closed position to an open position, or from an open position to a closed position. In one particular embodiment of the invention, as used herein, the term “vicinity” to the controller 220 means within 12 inches of the controller 220. In another embodiment, as used herein, the term “vicinity” to the controller 220 means within six inches of the controller 220. In yet another embodiment, as used herein, the term “vicinity” to the controller 220 means within three inches of the controller 220.

[0053] The controller 220 can be further configured to identify one or more specific operator RFID cards, such that the controller 220 operates the motor 202 only when one or more identified specific operator RFID cards are placed in the vicinity of the controller 220. Furthermore, the controller 220 can be configured to initiate the operation of the anti-theft hook 100 when a write RFID card (not shown) is placed in the vicinity of the controller 220. Additionally, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments of the invention, the controller 220 is configured to enable or disable the operator RFID card when the write RFID card is placed in the vicinity of the controller 220 for a predetermined period of time.

[0054] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment, a pivot latch 214 extends from within the housing 108 to the end 105 of the bottom guide 104. When the hanger 206 is in the open position, the pivot latch 214 prevents goods from accidentally falling off the bottom guide 104. A user can remove an item by pulling it out of the anti-theft hook 100, causing the pivot latch 214 to rotate away from the end 105 of the bottom guide 104. After removal of the item, in some embodiments, the pivot latch 214 is spring-biased to pivot back, such that the end of the latch 214 returns to the end 105 of the bottom guide 104. Other embodiments of the anti-theft hook 100 may not include the pivot latch 214.

[0055] In one particular embodiment, the pivot latch 214 is configured to pivot upwards when an item is loaded onto the bottom guide 104 and downwards when an item is removed from the bottom guide 104. A conductive pointer 215 is attached to the rotating end of the pivot latch 214, which is attached within the housing 108. When the pivot latch 214 pivots upwards, the conductive pointer 215 rotates downwards and contacts the first electrical contact 226. In some embodiments, each time the conductive pointer 215 contacts the first electrical contact 226, a signal is sent to the controller 220, causing the controller 220 to increment a count of the number of items on the bottom guide 104 of the anti-theft hook 100.

[0056] Similarly, when the pivot latch 214 pivots downward, the conductive pointer 215 rotates upward and contacts the second electrical contact 228. Each time the conductive pointer 215 contacts the second electrical contact 228, a signal is sent to the controller 220, causing the controller 220 to decrement the count of items on the bottom wire 104 of the anti-theft hook 100 by one. In this way, the controller 220 maintains a continuous and real-time record of the number of items on any given anti-theft hook 100.

[0057] In other embodiments, the anti-theft hook 100 has an audio transmitter 216 and / or an indicator light 224, which may be one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed in the housing 108. The controller 220 operates the audio transmitter 216 and / or the indicator light 224 to indicate a specific state of the anti-theft hook 100. Furthermore, the audio transmitter 216 or the indicator light 224 may be used to indicate at least one of the following: battery power status, movement of the hook 206 between an open and closed position, a reset state, or goods being placed on or removed from the bottom guide wire 104.

[0058] Adding or removing items from the bottom wire 104 may be accompanied by a specific beep or beep pattern from the audio transmitter 216, or a unique flashing pattern from the indicator light 224.

[0059] Below is an example of how to use the anti-theft hook 100 in operation. After attaching the anti-theft hook 100 to a wall or retail display case, place a written RFID card near the controller 220. The transmitter 216 will emit a series of beeps, or the indicator light 224 will flash in a specific pattern to indicate that the anti-theft hook 100 is ready for operation.

[0060] In one example, when an item is to be added to the anti-theft hook 100 and the hanger 206 is in the closed position, the hanger 206 can be moved to the open position by placing an operator RFID card near the controller 220, allowing the item to be loaded onto the bottom guide 104 of the anti-theft hook 100. As described above, these movements, and any other movements of the hanger 206 described below, may be accompanied by a unique sound pattern from the transmitter 216 or a unique flashing pattern from the indicator light 224. When loading of the item is complete, the operator RFID card is again placed near the controller 220, causing the hanger 206 to move to the closed position. In a particular embodiment, the hanger 206 will remain in the open position when an item is loaded onto the bottom guide 104. However, the controller 220 may be programmed to automatically move the hanger 206 to the closed position if no loading occurs within a threshold time period.

[0061] Similarly, when an item is to be removed from the anti-theft hook 100 and the hanger 206 is in the closed position, the hanger 206 can be moved to the open position by placing the operator's RFID card near the controller 220, allowing the item to be removed from the bottom guide 104 of the anti-theft hook 100. Once the removal of the item is complete, the operator's RFID card is again placed near the controller 220, causing the hanger 206 to move to the closed position. In a particular embodiment, the hanger 206 will remain in the open position during the removal of the item from the bottom guide 104. However, the controller 220 can be programmed to automatically move the hanger 206 to the closed position if no item is removed within a threshold time period. Furthermore, the controller 220 can be programmed to issue an alarm if too many items are removed within a predetermined time period.

[0062] The write RFID card used to initialize the operation of the anti-theft hook 100 can also be used to enable or disable the use of operator RFID cards. In a specific example, when the write RFID card is placed near the controller 220, one or more operator RFID cards can be linked to the anti-theft hook 100 until the audio transmitter 216 or indicator light 224 displays a first unique mode indicating that the operator RFID card is ready to be enabled, or a second unique mode different from the first unique mode indicating that the operator RFID card is ready to be disabled or erased from the system (i.e., the memory of the controller 220). Once enabled, the operator RFID card is recognized by the controller 220 and can be used to open or close the hanger 206 of the anti-theft hook 100. A disabled operator RFID card is no longer recognized by the controller 220 and therefore cannot be used to open or close the hanger 206.

[0063] The anti-theft hook 100 may also include a reset button 218, which resets the anti-theft hook 100 when pressed for a threshold time. In reset mode, the anti-theft hook 100 is not ready to operate and must be initialized using a write-to-RFID card. When the anti-theft hook 100 is reset, an audio transmitter 216 or an indicator light 224 can provide a unique sound or flashing pattern to indicate the reset status.

[0064] All references cited in this article, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that each reference is individually and explicitly stated to be incorporated by reference and elaborated in the whole article.

[0065] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the following claims), unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, the use of the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and similar references, should be interpreted as including both the singular and the plural. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). Unless otherwise stated herein, statements of numerical ranges herein are intended only as a shorthand method of individually referring to each individual numerical value falling within that range, and each individual numerical value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually stated herein. Unless otherwise indicated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “for example”) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise required. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for the practice of the invention.

[0066] This document describes preferred embodiments of the invention, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these preferred embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled personnel to adopt such variations where appropriate, and the inventors intend to practice the invention in ways different from those specifically described herein. Therefore, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein or the context clearly contradicts, the invention includes any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations.

Claims

1. A product hook for preventing theft, comprising: A top guide wire is connected to the housing at a first end and to a mounting portion at a second end opposite to the first end, the mounting portion being used to mount the anti-theft hook to a stationary surface; A bottom guide wire, which is attached to the mounting portion and extends from the mounting portion toward the housing, is configured to hold retail merchandise; A hanger, at least partially disposed within the housing, is configured to move linearly between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the hanger abuts against the bottom guide wire, and in the open position the hanger is spaced apart from the bottom guide wire by a certain distance; A motor is configured to drive a rotating shaft to move the hanger between the closed position and the open position; and A pivot latch extending from the housing to the end of the bottom guide wire, the pivot latch being configured to prevent the item from unintentionally falling off the bottom guide wire; A conductive pointer, attached to the rotating end of the pivot latch, rotates downwards and contacts the first electrical contact when the pivot latch pivots upwards. Each time the conductive pointer contacts the first electrical contact, a signal is sent to the controller, causing the controller to increment the count of items on the bottom wire of the anti-theft hook by one. When the pivot latch pivots downwards, the conductive pointer rotates upwards and contacts the second electrical contact. Each time the conductive pointer contacts the second electrical contact, a signal is sent to the controller, causing the controller to decrement the count of items on the bottom wire of the anti-theft hook by one.

2. The anti-theft product hook according to claim 1, wherein, The hanger includes an attached positioning guide having a threaded opening configured to receive a threaded rotating shaft.

3. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 2, wherein, The positioning guide extends laterally from the outer surface of the hanger.

4. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 2, wherein, Rotation of the shaft in a first rotational direction causes the positioning guide to move linearly along the rotational axis in a first linear direction, and rotation of the shaft in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction causes the positioning guide to move linearly along the rotational axis in a second linear direction opposite to the first linear direction.

5. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The hanger is cylindrical.

6. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The motor and the rotating shaft are housed within the housing.

7. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The hanger has a slot extending longitudinally along the length of the hanger, and wherein a guide post attached to the housing extends through the slot.

8. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The motor is a stepper motor.

9. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The pivot latch is spring-biased such that one end of the pivot latch contacts the end of the bottom wire.

10. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The motor is powered by a storage battery.

11. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 1, wherein, The movement of the hanger between the closed position and the open position is a linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the hanger.

12. The anti-theft hook according to claim 1 further includes a controller with an RFID reader, the controller being disposed within the housing.

13. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 12, wherein, The controller is configured to operate the motor when an operator's RFID card is placed near the controller.

14. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 13, wherein, When the operator's RFID card is placed near the controller, the controller moves the hanger from the closed position to the open position, or moves the hanger from the open position to the closed position.

15. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 12, wherein, The controller is configured to identify one or more specific operator RFID cards, such that the controller operates the motor only when one or more specific operator RFID cards are placed in the vicinity of the controller.

16. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 12, wherein, The controller is configured to initialize the operation of the anti-theft hook when an RFID card is placed near the controller.

17. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 16, wherein, The controller is configured to enable or disable the operator RFID card when the write RFID card is placed near the controller for a predetermined length of time.

18. The anti-theft product hook according to claim 1 further includes a reset button, wherein the reset button resets the anti-theft product hook when it is pressed for a threshold time period.

19. The anti-theft hook according to claim 1, further comprising an audio transmitter and / or an indicator light, wherein, The controller operates the audio transmitter and / or indicator light to indicate the status of the anti-theft item hook.

20. The anti-theft goods hook according to claim 19, wherein, The audio transmitter or indicator light is used to indicate at least one of the following: battery power status, movement of the hanger between the open and closed positions, reset status, and whether the goods are placed on or removed from the bottom guide.

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