Commodity security system

Abstract

A merchandise display system includes a slider guide rail defining a slider track extending along a first direction, and a plurality of sliders slidably engaged with the slider guide rail and configured to independently translate along the first direction, each of the plurality of slides includes a pair of support rails engaged with the slide rail, and each slide includes a slide bracket slidably engaged with the slide rail and a front slide panel extending transverse to the slide bracket, the front slide panel includes an aperture formed therethrough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to commodity safety systems. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] In self-service retail establishments such as pharmacies and grocery stores, goods are typically displayed on shelves for sale. These shelves consist of vertically spaced racks on which goods are arranged in rows. While goods in such retail environments are generally only accessible from the front, the shelving used previously allowed unobstructed access to the space in front of and above the goods supported on each rack. This allowed a person to retrieve large quantities of items very quickly and easily. It is well known that people "sweep" the racks with their arms, quickly collecting items into handbags, bags, or coats. Therefore, a person could retrieve large quantities of goods effortlessly with a low risk of being detected. Similar theft problems exist for goods displayed on hooks mounted on pegboards or similar structures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure provides a merchandise display system for a retail shelf. The system includes a tile guide rail defining a tile track extending along a first direction, and a plurality of tiles slidably engaged with the tile guide rail and configured to translate independently along the first direction. Each of the plurality of tiles includes a pair of support rails engaged with the tile track.

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, each slide includes a slide bracket slidably engaged with the slide guide rail and a front slide panel extending transversely to the slide bracket, the front slide panel including an opening formed therethrough.

[0006] In some embodiments, the width of the front sliding panel extends from a first side surface to an opposing second side surface, at least one of the side surfaces defining a recess.

[0007] In some configurations, the indentation is aligned with the opening along the width of the front sliding panel.

[0008] In some further embodiments, the indentation and the opening are disposed adjacent to the sliding plate bracket. In other further embodiments, the distance from the opening to the indentation is 50 mm to 100 mm, and the indentation includes multiple ribs. In other examples, each of the support rails has a defined width of 10 mm to 75 mm.

[0009] The system may include an audible feedback system configured to generate an audible feedback output as the slider translates along the guide rail. In some examples, the audible feedback system includes an audible feedback transmitter attached to the slider, the audible feedback transmitter including a transmitter device sensor configured to generate motion sensor data as the slider translates, and a speaker configured to generate an audible feedback output when the motion sensor data is generated.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a merchandise display system for a retail shelf. The system includes a slide rail defining a slide track extending along a first direction, and a plurality of slides slidably engaged with the slide rail and configured to translate independently along the first direction. Each slide includes a slide bracket slidably engaged with the slide rail and a front slide panel extending transversely to the slide bracket, the front slide panel including an opening formed therethrough.

[0011] Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the system includes each of the plurality of sliding plates, each sliding plate including a pair of T-shaped support rails that engage with the sliding plate track.

[0012] In some examples, each of the support rails has a defined width of 10 mm to 75 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the front sliding panel extends from a first side surface to an opposing second side surface, at least one of the side surfaces defining a recess. In some further embodiments, the recess is aligned with the opening along the width of the front sliding panel.

[0013] In some further embodiments, the indentation and the opening are disposed adjacent to the sliding plate bracket. In other further embodiments, the distance from the opening to the indentation is 50 mm to 100 mm. In still other further embodiments, the indentation comprises multiple ribs.

[0014] In other examples, the system includes an audible feedback system configured to generate an audible feedback output as the slider translates along the guide rail.

[0015] In some other further examples, the audible feedback system includes an audible feedback transmitter attached to the slider, the audible feedback transmitter including a transmitter device sensor configured to generate motion sensor data as the slider translates and a speaker configured to generate an audible feedback output as the motion sensor data is generated. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to illustrate all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a product display unit according to the principles of this disclosure, wherein the product display unit comprises a plurality of sliding pieces;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A 3D view of the merchandise shelf unit, with one of the sliding pieces from... Figure 1 The first position shown is moved to the second position;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of the merchandise storage unit, showing the path of a single safety component. Figure 1 The cross section taken from line 3-3;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A side elevation view of the merchandise display unit, showing the sliding piece engaging with the sliding piece guide rail;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A detailed view of the product display unit, showing the support rail that engages with the sliding plate guide rail;

[0022] Figure 6 An exploded view of the sliding plate and its guide rail;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the sliding piece;

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Front elevation view of the sliding plate;

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 6 Rear elevation view of the sliding plate;

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 6 Left elevation view of the sliding plate;

[0027] Figure 11 for Figure 6 Right elevation view of the sliding plate;

[0028] Figure 12 for Figure 6 Top view of the sliding plate;

[0029] Figure 13 for Figure 6 Bottom view of the sliding piece;

[0030] Figure 14 A perspective view of another example of a merchandise display unit according to the principles of this disclosure, wherein a transmitter device is incorporated into a sliding piece of the merchandise display unit;

[0031] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A 3D view of the merchandise shelf unit, with one of the sliding pieces from... Figure 14 The first position shown is moved to the second position;

[0032] Figure 16 for Figure 14 Along the merchandise shelf unit Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken from line 16-16;

[0033] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A side elevation view of the merchandise display unit, showing a transmitter device communicating with a controller; and

[0034] Figure 18 for Figure 14 The rear elevation view of the sliding panel of the product display unit, wherein the transmitter device is mounted on the rear side of the sliding panel.

[0035] In all the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided to make this disclosure exhaustive and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a detailed and complete understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the example configuration may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] refer to Figure 1-13The illustration generally shows an example of a merchandise display unit 10 incorporating the features of this disclosure. The merchandise display unit 10 includes a merchandise safety component 12 located between an upper shelf 14 and a lower shelf 26. The merchandise display unit 10 is an example of the installation location of the merchandise safety component 12 within a retail store where a customer purchases merchandise. The upper shelf 14 includes a top surface 16 and a bottom surface 18 disposed on opposite sides of the top surface 16. The depth of the upper shelf 14 extends from an upper front edge 20 configured to face a retail space (e.g., a store aisle) to an upper rear edge 22 configured to face the rear wall 42 of the merchandise display unit 10. The length of the upper shelf 14 extends between a pair of side edges 24 disposed at opposite ends of the upper shelf 14. Similarly, the lower shelf 26 includes a top surface 28 and a bottom surface 30 disposed on opposite sides of the top surface 28. The depth of the lower shelf 26 extends from its lower front edge 32, configured to face a retail space (e.g., a store aisle), to its lower rear edge 34, configured to face the rear wall 42 of the merchandise display unit 10. The length of the lower shelf 26 extends between a pair of side edges 36 located at opposite ends of the lower shelf 26. Optionally, the lower shelf 26 may include a lower shelf lip 38 extending from the top surface 28 at its lower front edge 32. In use, the lower shelf lip 38 serves as a front stop or retainer for holding the product 46 on the lower shelf 26. Although the merchandise display unit 10 is shown as having an upper shelf 14 and a lower shelf 26, it should be understood that any number of shelves 14, 26, and merchandise pushers 104 may be included in the merchandise display unit 10.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the product display unit 10 may include a pair of vertical supports 40 for supporting each of the upper shelf 14 and the lower shelf 26. However, the shelves 14, 26 may be implemented in other environments, such as directly on a building structure. The product display unit 10 may further include a retaining rear wall 42 extending between the supports 40 and retaining side walls 44 extending between the shelves 14, 26. When the retaining rear wall 42 is included, the upper rear edge 22 of the upper shelf 14 and the lower rear edge 34 of the lower shelf 26 are positioned adjacent to the retaining rear wall 42 of the display unit 10, thereby closing the space between the upper rear edge 22 and the lower rear edge 34 to prevent the product 46 from being pushed out from the lower rear edge 34 of the lower shelf 26. Similarly, the retaining side walls 44 extend between the upper shelf side 24 and the lower shelf side 36 to close or divide the length of the product display unit 10.

[0039] The product safety assembly 12 includes one or more sliding tabs 300 located at the front of the product safety assembly 12, closest to the customer. Each sliding tab 300 is positioned in front of a row of one or more products 46 between the upper shelf 14 and the lower shelf 26. The upper shelf mounting holes 50 are positioned to allow the product safety assembly 12 to be suspended below the upper shelf 14, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 Component 12 is shown as being within the merchandise display unit 10; however, a slider 300 has already moved in direction D1. The ability to slide the slider 300 is a fundamental feature of the merchandise security component 12, allowing customers to access different products 46 located in different product receiving areas. For example, if a customer wants to access a product 46 behind the slider 300, the customer will be able to interact with the slider 300 and slide it in direction D1 to access that row of products 46. This feature allows customers to access any product 46 they want within the merchandise security component 12 while keeping most of the products 46 behind the slider 300 to prevent shoplifters from "sweeping" through the store. The slider guide 200 is capable of accommodating one or more sliders at a time, depending on the size of the merchandise display unit 10. For the slider 300 to have sufficient space to slide along the slider guide 200, there must be at least one product receiving area A within a single component 12 that is not obstructed by the slider 300. The manner in which the slider 300 slides at the front of the merchandise security component 12 will be described in more detail below.

[0041] Refer again Figure 1-13 Each sliding piece 300 includes a sliding piece bracket 301 configured to slidably engage with a sliding piece guide rail 200. Specifically, the sliding piece bracket 301 includes a pair of support rails 302a, 302b, which are attached to the mounting portion 308 of the sliding piece 300 and slidably received within the support rail 202. (See below for reference.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The features of the support rails 302a and 302b are described in more detail. The sliding plate bracket 301 is defined by the upper bracket surface 312 and the lower bracket surface 314. (As follows...) Figure 10 and 11As best shown, the sliding plate bracket 301 can form an arm extending forward from a proximal end at the mounting portion 308 to a distal end spaced apart from the mounting portion 308. The sliding plate further includes a front sliding plate panel 311 extending from the distal end of the sliding plate bracket 301 to the bottom end 322 of the sliding plate 300. Typically, the height of the front sliding plate panel 311 extends along a direction from the distal end of the sliding plate bracket 301 to the bottom end 322 and transfers to the mounting portion 308. In other words, the front sliding plate panel 311 is configured to be offset relative to the mounting portion 308 in the forward direction.

[0042] refer to Figure 9 The width W of the sliding panel 311 311 Extending from the first side to the opposite second side 320. The width W of the sliding panel 311 311 The relatively large product receiving area A associated with a larger product 46 (such as laundry detergent) is configured to shield it. For example, the width W of the sliding panel 311. 311 The width can range from 150 mm to 300 mm, and more specifically from 175 mm to 250 mm. In the example illustrated, the width W of the sliding panel 311 is... 311 Approximately 203 mm (8 inches). Still for reference. Figure 9 The total width W of the sliding piece 300 300 It is measured along the width of bracket 301 and is greater than the width W of sliding panel 311. 311 .

[0043] refer to Figure 3 The product safety component 12 is shown along... Figure 1The cross-section is taken by line 3-3 in the figure. As shown, the cross-section is located at the center of the product receiving area A containing a single row of products 46. This view illustrates how products 46 are positioned at the front of the merchandise safety assembly 12, regardless of the number of products 46 in a single row. The product receiving areas A are separated from each other by product dividers 100, which can be fixed or configured to translate along the length of the merchandise display unit 10 to provide adjustability in the width of the product receiving areas A. When multiple product receiving areas A are present within a single assembly 12, the product dividers 100 keep the products neatly organized and aligned. Optionally, corresponding to each row within the merchandise safety assembly 12, a pair of roller tracks 102 and pusher tracks 106 can be mounted to the top surface 28 of the lower shelf 26. In this example, when products 46 are located in product receiving areas A within the merchandise safety assembly 12, products 46 are supported on the roller tracks 102. In other examples, products 46 may be directly supported on the lower shelf 26. Product pusher 104 can be coupled to pusher track 106 and pushes product 46 to the front of merchandise safety assembly 12. Product pusher 104 is biased against the rearmost product 46 present in product receiving area A. When a customer wants to remove product 46 from merchandise safety assembly 12, the customer slides slide tab 300 along direction D1 to approach a specific row of products 46, removes product 46 from merchandise safety assembly 12, and product pusher 104 moves along pusher track 106 to bias that row of products 46 along roller track 102 until the frontmost product 46 in a single row again abuts against the lower shelf lip 38. This function ensures that there is always one product 46 at the front of merchandise safety assembly 12, regardless of whether there are one or more products 46 in a single row, for customer convenience.

[0044] For example, the sliding plate 300 is slid manually by a customer or shop assistant. The customer places their thumb into an opening 324 formed through the front sliding plate panel 311, the opening 324 being centrally located between the two side surfaces 320 of the sliding plate 300. The opening 324 extends through the front wall 316 and rear wall 318 of the sliding plate 300, thus forming a hole. Aligned horizontally (i.e. along the width W311) with the opening 324 are a pair of finger indentations 326a, 326b. Each finger indentation 326a, 326b is positioned along the opposite side surface 320 of the sliding plate 300. The opening 324 and the finger indentations 326a, 326b cooperate to define a pair of grips 321 on opposite sides of the sliding plate panel 311. As shown, the grips 321 are vertically positioned adjacent to the sliding plate holder 301. Therefore, when a biasing force is applied to the gripper 321 to translate the slide plate 300, the torsional force applied to the slide plate bracket 301 is minimized to prevent the support rails 302a and 302b from getting stuck in the slide plate track 202. In this example, "adjacent" means that the gripper 321 is positioned within the upper quarter of the slide plate panel 311 between the slide plate bracket 301 and the bottom end 322.

[0045] Customers can place their fingers into one of the two finger recesses 326a and 326b while simultaneously placing their thumb into the opening 324, allowing them to grip the sliding plate with their thumb and fingers. Because finger recesses 326a and 326b are present on both side surfaces 320 of the sliding plate 300, customers can comfortably grip the sliding plate 300 with either their left or right hand. Furthermore, the presence of two finger recesses 326a and 326b on the two side surfaces 320 and the opening 324 in the center of the sliding plate 300 allows the sliding plate 300 to be designed to be larger to accommodate larger products, such as laundry detergent containers. While the average-sized hand of an average adult may not be able to simultaneously grasp both finger recesses 326a and 326b, it will be able to simultaneously grasp one of the two finger recesses 326a and 326b and the opening 324, thus allowing for single-handed movement of the sliding plate. After grasping the sliding plate 300, the customer can slide the sliding plate 300 left and right to expose one row of products 46, while using the repositioned sliding plate 300 to cover another row of products 46.

[0046] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sliding action of the sliding piece 300 is achieved by the sliding piece guide rail 200 integrated into the product safety component 12. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Side views of the sliding guide rail 200, the sliding piece 300, and a portion of the upper shelf 14 are provided. Figure 5A more detailed view is provided of the slide rail 200 that interacts with the upper shelf 14 and the slide piece 300. The slide piece 300 includes a pair of support rails 302a and 302b. When fully assembled, the support rails 302a and 302b are located within the slide rail track 202 of the slide rail 200. Each of the support rails 302a and 302b includes a flange 304 and a neck 306. The neck 306 provides a clearance between the mounting surface 308 of the slide piece 300 and the flange 304, thereby making the flange 304 the sole component supporting the slide piece 300 within the slide rail track 202. Additionally, when the flange 304 is received within the slide rail track 202, the neck 306 and the flange 304 cooperate to suspend the slide piece 300 on the slide rail 200. When the sliding plate 300 is suspended on the sliding plate guide rail 200, the neck 306 provides a gap between the mounting surface 308 and the flange 304, preventing interference (i.e., friction) between the mounting surface 308 and the sliding plate guide rail 200. Therefore, the mounting surface 308 is spaced apart from the lower front lip 222 of the sliding plate guide rail 200.

[0047] The flange 304 of each support rail 302a, 302b is disposed on the inner front bottom surface 210 and inner rear bottom surface 212 of the sliding plate track 202. Due to the spherical design of the flange 304, the flange 304 can slide within the sliding plate track 202 with reduced friction, thereby minimizing the force required for the customer to slide the sliding plate 300. The flange 304 includes a front flange portion 307a and a rear flange portion 307b. (Reference) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The rear flange portion 307b has a length L 307b It is located above the rear bottom surface 212 inside the sliding plate track 202. The front flange portion 307a has a length L. 307a It is located above the inner front bottom surface 212 of the sliding plate track. The length L of the rear flange portion 307b is... 307b Designed to be longer than the length L of the front flange portion 307a 307a This is done to match the design of the sliding plate track 202. The length L of the rear flange portion 307b 307b The length L of the front flange portion 307a 307a The sum of these constitutes the total length L of flange 304. 304 The length L of flange 304 304The space must not exceed the space specified in the sliding plate track 202. The flange 304 must be able to fit inside the sliding plate track 202 without contacting either the inner front wall 206 or the inner rear wall 208; otherwise, the friction of the sliding plate 300 during sliding will increase. Furthermore, when the front flange portion 307a is placed on the inner front bottom surface 210 and the rear flange portion 307b is placed on the inner rear bottom surface 212 of the sliding plate track 202, the flange 304 must not contact the inner lower top surface 204 of the sliding plate track 202. This space between the flange 304 and the inner lower top surface 204 is also necessary to prevent an increase in friction of the sliding plate 300 during sliding. The inner lower top surface 204, the inner front wall 206, and the inner rear wall 208 help maintain the correct position and orientation of the flange 304 within the sliding plate track 202.

[0048] The sliding plate guide rail 200 includes a mounting cavity 214. This mounting cavity 214 is designed to receive mounting devices, such as bolts or screws, which are fitted inside the mounting cavity 214 and pass through the upper shelf mounting hole 50. The mounting cavity 214 is located between the front top surface 216 and the rear top surface 218 of the sliding plate guide rail 200. In the installed state, the sliding plate guide rail 200 is suspended and the front top surface 216 and the rear top surface 218 abut against the lower side 30 of the upper shelf 14. The sliding plate guide rail 200 is secured to the lower side 30 of the upper shelf 14 such that when the flange 304 is inserted into the sliding plate track 202, the sliding plate 300 can be suspended on the sliding plate guide rail 200.

[0049] The rear wall 224 of the guide rail 200 provides additional structure for the sliding plate guide rail 200 and also helps support the rear top surface 218, thereby providing stability when the sliding plate guide rail is mounted to the lower side 30 of the upper shelf 14. Additionally, the lower front lip 222 of the sliding plate guide rail 200 helps maintain the position of the sliding plate 300. When the neck 306 provides space between the flange 304 of the sliding plate and the mounting surface 308, this provides a gap between the lower front lip 222 and the mounting surface 308. This gap should be large enough to prevent unnecessary increase in friction of the sliding plate 300 during sliding, while being small enough to keep the sliding plate correctly positioned below the sliding plate guide rail 200 and prevent unnecessary forward and backward rotation of the sliding plate 300.

[0050] refer to Figure 6 The pair of support rails 302a and 302b are positioned along the mounting surface 308 of the sliding piece 300. By including the pair of support rails 302a and 302b, the sliding piece 300 is configured to accommodate irregularities in the sliding piece guide rail 200. In particular, it has a relatively large width W.300 The sliding piece 300 has a relatively narrow width compared to W. 300 The sliding piece extends a longer length along the sliding piece guide 200. When the width W of the sliding piece 300... 300 As the length increases, minute variations in the straightness of the sliding plate guide rail 200 and the sliding plate track 202 (which are common due to manufacturing tolerances associated with molding and extrusion processes) are more likely to cause interference or jamming in configurations of sliding plates containing a single support guide rail. Therefore, by providing a width W along the sliding plate 300... 300 A pair of spaced-apart support rails 302a and 302b, when the sliding piece 300 translates along the sliding piece track 202, the shorter width W of the support rails 302a and 302b... 302a W 302b It is easier to accommodate manufacturing deviations in the sliding plate track 202. In other words, the shorter width W of the support guide rails 302a and 302b... 302a W 302b and spacing D 302 This allows the side of the sliding piece 300 associated with each support rail 302a, 302b to independently articulate along the sliding piece track 202 when the sliding piece 300 moves in direction D1.

[0051] refer to Figure 7 The front wall 316 of the slide plate 300 includes a pair of operation diagrams 328a and 328b, which provide instructions to the customer on how to grip the slide plate 300. The operation diagrams 328a and 328b show the left and right hands, and the gripping steps of placing the thumb and forefinger in the opening 324 and either finger recess 326a or 326b, respectively. The movement diagram 330 indicates to the customer that the slide plate 300 is intended to translate along the slide plate guide 200 in direction D1. A gripping portion 321 may be incorporated within the finger recesses 326a and 326b. While the gripping portion 321 may be integrally molded with the slide plate 300, in some examples, these gripping portions 321 contain a material that increases the friction between the finger recesses 326a and 326b and the fingers, thereby providing a comfortable and secure surface for the fingers to grip the slide plate 300. In addition, the grip portion 321 includes a series of finger recess ribs 327, which further securely hold the fingers against the finger recesses 326a, 326b.

[0052] As previously described, the sliding plate holder 301 includes an upper holder surface 312 and an opposing lower holder surface 314, which cooperate to extend the front wall 316 of the sliding plate 300 to the front of the merchandise safety assembly 12, while positioning the mounting surface 308 and support rails 302a, 302b further rearward within the merchandise safety assembly 12. This allows the sliding plate rail 200 to be mounted on the lower side 18 of the upper shelf 14 and the support rails 302a, 302b to be mounted in the sliding plate track 202, while keeping the front wall 316 of the sliding plate 300 in front of the upper front edge 20 of the upper shelf 14 and the lower front edge 32 of the lower shelf 26. Furthermore, the bottom 322 of the sliding plate 300 and the rear wall 318 of the sliding plate 300 are positioned in front of the lower shelf lip 38. Therefore, the sliding piece 300 is spaced apart from the front surface of the product 46, allowing the customer to approach and grasp the sliding piece 300, while the support rails 302a and 302b are mounted in the sliding piece track 202.

[0053] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The width W of the support guide rails 302a and 302b 302a W 302b They have equal dimensions and are wide enough to support the sliding movement and weight of the sliding piece 300, while being narrow enough to prevent excessive torsion and friction during sliding. Support rails 302a and 302b are spaced apart by a distance D. 302 Separately. The position and dimensions of certain features of the sliding piece 300 are implemented to provide a comfortable ergonomic experience for customers interacting with the sliding piece 300. The opening 324 has a height H 324 and width W 324 Height H 324 and width W 324 The dimensions are all no smaller than those required to accommodate the thumb of an average adult. For example, the opening 324 can have a width W of at least 25 mm. 324 and a height of at least 25 mm H 324 In the example illustrated, aperture 324 is configured as an elongated oval aperture with a total width W. 324 The width W corresponding to the sliding panel 311 311 To maintain a constant grip width D 321 Grip width D 321 The distance between the edge of the opening 324 and the nearest finger indentations 326a, 326b. This grip width D. 321 It is designed to be no larger than the distance between the thumb and forefinger of an average adult that allows for a comfortable grip on an object. For example, when the sliding panel 311 has a width of 200 mm (8 inches), the width W of the opening 324 is... 324It can be 50mm to maintain a grip width D that allows users to easily hold the grip. 321 For example, the gripping width is preferably 62 mm to 75 mm. Therefore, for a wider sliding panel 311, the opening width W... 324 The number will increase proportionally. Furthermore, the finger indentations 326a and 326b are circular to comfortably conform to the customer's fingers. The radius of curvature R of the finger indentation is determined based on the size of a typical adult's finger. 326 .

[0054] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 Optional mounting tab 310 extends beyond mounting surface 308 and is located at the center of distance D302 between support rails 302a, 302b. When mounting tab 310 is included, it can be configured to engage an audible feedback device associated with slide rail 200. For example, mounting tab 310 may include upwardly extending tabs or fingers that selectively engage a series of teeth or pawls formed along the bottom side of slide rail 200, thereby providing resistance and / or generating audible feedback when slide 300 translates along slide rail 200 in direction D1.

[0055] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 14-18 This provides another example of the merchandise display system 10. Optionally, the merchandise safety component 12 may, for example, include a motion notification system 400 configured to generate an audible signal whenever the slider 300 translates in direction D1. As described above, the motion notification system 400 may be a mechanical system including a mounting tab 310 that engages a corresponding guide rail to generate audible feedback as the slider 300 translates. In the illustrated example, the motion notification system includes a transmitter device 402 configured to generate electronic motion notifications, such as audible sounds from a speaker 408, as the slider 300 moves. Reference Figure 14-18 The transmitter device 402 is attached to the rear wall 318 of the sliding plate 300.

[0056] The transmitter device 402 includes a computing system 404, a transmitter device sensor 406, and a transmitter device speaker 408. When the slider 300 translates along the slider guide 200, the transmitter device sensor 406 collects motion sensor data. When the slider 300 translates in direction D1, the transmitter device sensor 406 detects the movement. For example, the transmitter device sensor 406 may include a motion sensor 406 such as an inertial sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, which detects the movement of the transmitter device 402 and generates a motion signal. When the transmitter device sensor 406 collects motion sensor data, the computing system 404 is configured to store, process, and / or transmit the sensor data within a retail environment. To perform computational tasks related to the sensor data, the computing system 404 of the transmitter device 402 includes data memory hardware 410 and data processing hardware 412. The data processing hardware 412 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory hardware 410 to perform computational tasks related to the operation and management of the transmitter device 402. Generally speaking, computing system 404 refers to one or more locations of data processing hardware 412 and / or memory hardware 410.

[0057] In some examples, computing system 404 is a local system located on transmitter device 402. When located on transmitter device 402, computing system 404 can be centralized (i.e., located in a single location / area on transmitter device, e.g., in a vehicle control unit), distributed (i.e., located at various locations around transmitter device 402), or a hybrid combination of both (e.g., most of the hardware is centralized, and a small portion is distributed). To illustrate some differences, distributed computing system 404 may allow processing at an active location (e.g., at transmitter device sensor 406), while centralized computing system 404 may allow the formation of a central processing hub that communicates with systems located at various locations on transmitter device (e.g., communicating with speaker 408).

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the computing system 404 includes computing resources remote from the transmitter device 402. For example, the computing system 404 may communicate with a remote computing system 404 (e.g., a remote computer / server or a cloud-based environment) via a network 414. Here, sensor data or other processed data (e.g., data processed locally by the computing system 404) may be stored in the remote computing system 404 and accessible by the local computing system 404.

[0059] In some examples, the transmitter device 402 is configured to operate as a stand-alone unit containing a local computing system 404. In such examples, the transmitter device 402 may not communicate with the outside. In other words, the sensor data generated by the transmitter device sensor 406 is processed at the computing system 404 on the transmitter device 402. When the local computing system 404 receives the sensor data, it evaluates the data to determine whether the measured motion exceeds a motion threshold. When the computing system 404 determines that the measured motion exceeds the motion threshold, it sends a notification signal to a notification device 408 (e.g., a speaker) to generate a notification output 416. For example, the speaker 408 may output a chirp or alarm sound when the measured motion exceeds the motion threshold. Notifying the administrator of the merchandise safety component 12 of the movement of the slider 300 via a notification signal provides an indication that someone may be interacting with the merchandise safety component 12, enabling the administrator to take appropriate action based on the specific circumstances.

[0060] In an example where the transmitter device 402 is integrated into a security ecosystem, the connection between the transmitter device 402 and the remote computing device 404 can be achieved by a network 414 (e.g., a local network or a cloud-based network) that allows users to monitor and configure the motion notification system 400 based on personal preferences.

[0061] Adding a motion notification system 400 to the rear wall 318 of the sliding plate 300 will allow the transmitter device 402 to be positioned in a manner that does not interfere with the normal physical operation of the product safety component 12. Because the rear wall 318 of the sliding plate 300 is positioned in front of the lower shelf lip 38 and the product 46 is positioned behind the lower shelf lip 38, there is a gap between the sliding plate 300 and the product 46. Therefore, there is sufficient space to place the transmitter device 402 on the rear wall 318 of the sliding plate 300 without physically contacting the row of products 46 positioned on the lower shelf 26.

[0062] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the articles “a” and “described” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as having to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless explicitly identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0063] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0064] In this document, the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless explicitly stated in the context. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed herein may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0065] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable and can be used in the selected configuration where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The foregoing can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A product display system, comprising: A sliding plate guide rail defines a sliding plate track extending along a first direction; as well as A plurality of sliding pieces, the plurality of sliding pieces being slidably engaged with the sliding piece guide rail and configured to translate independently along the first direction, each of the plurality of sliding pieces including a pair of support guide rails engaged with the sliding piece track.

2. The product display system according to claim 1, wherein, Each sliding piece includes a sliding piece bracket slidably engaged with the sliding piece guide rail and a front sliding piece panel extending transversely to the sliding piece bracket, the front sliding piece panel including an opening formed therethrough.

3. The product display system according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the front sliding panel extends from a first side surface to an opposite second side surface, and at least one of the first and second side surfaces defines a recess.

4. The product display system according to claim 3, wherein, The indentation is aligned with the opening along the width of the front sliding panel.

5. The product display system according to claim 4, wherein, The indentation and the opening are located adjacent to the sliding plate bracket.

6. The product display system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The distance from the opening to the indentation is 50 mm to 100 mm.

7. The product display system according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The indentation contains multiple ribs.

8. The product display system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, Each of the support rails has a defined width of 10 mm to 75 mm.

9. The product display system according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising an audible feedback system configured to generate an audible feedback output as the sliding piece translates along the guide rail.

10. The product display system according to claim 9, wherein, The audible feedback system includes an audible feedback transmitter attached to the slider, the audible feedback transmitter including a transmitter device sensor configured to generate motion sensor data as the slider translates and a speaker configured to generate the audible feedback output as the motion sensor data is generated.

11. A product display system, comprising: A sliding plate guide rail defines a sliding plate track extending along a first direction; as well as A plurality of sliding tabs are slidably engaged with the sliding tab guide and configured to translate independently along the first direction. Each sliding tab includes a sliding tab bracket slidably engaged with the sliding tab guide and a front sliding tab panel extending transversely to the sliding tab bracket, the front sliding tab panel including an opening formed therethrough.

12. The product display system according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the plurality of sliding plates includes a pair of T-shaped support rails that engage with the sliding plate track.

13. The product display system according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the support rails has a defined width of 10 mm to 75 mm.

14. The product display system according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein, The width of the front sliding panel extends from the side surface to the opposite second side surface, and at least one of the first and second side surfaces defines a recess.

15. The product display system according to claim 14, wherein, The indentation is aligned with the opening along the width of the front sliding panel.

16. The product display system according to claim 15, wherein, The indentation and the opening are located adjacent to the sliding plate bracket.

17. The product display system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The distance from the opening to the indentation is 50 mm to 100 mm.

18. The product display system according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The indentation contains multiple ribs.

19. The product display system according to any one of claims 11-18, further comprising an audible feedback system configured to generate an audible feedback output as the slider translates along the guide rail.

20. The product display system according to claim 19, wherein, The audible feedback system includes an audible feedback transmitter attached to the slider, the audible feedback transmitter including a transmitter device sensor configured to generate motion sensor data as the slider translates and a speaker configured to generate the audible feedback output as the motion sensor data is generated.

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