System for presentation of self-service items

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of arrangements for the presentation and sale of self-service items, on pegs to be attached to a vertical wall of a retail display unit, often by a cantilevered fastening engaging a perforated or grooved panel, allowing the organisation of the retail display unit to be easily reconfigured.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of arrangements for the presentation and sale of self-service articles, on pins which are fixed to a vertical wall of a shelf, often by fixing by a cantilever which engages on a perforated or grooved panel, allowing the organization of the shelf to be easily reconfigured.

[0002] To make shoplifting more difficult, it is known to protect the items presented in anti-theft boxes which are difficult to open for someone without the appropriate unlocker, and which contain a detection marker, for example a tuned induction loop or a ferrite causing an alarm to be triggered if the item passes through a gate located in the passageway downstream from the checkouts.

[0003] New forms of shoplifting have emerged, more brutal and expeditious, designed in particular to feed parallel resale networks, consisting of snatching all the items from the rack and fleeing quickly without giving time to spot the thief. This type of theft is justified even if the unit value of each item is low, because the collection of stolen items is then resold individually on parallel distribution networks.

[0004] To combat this new practice, it was proposed to reinforce the anchoring of the spindles on the shelf and to slow down the removal of the item presented at the head of the spindle, to prevent the removal of the entire line of items, while preserving the unitary removal of an item. Solutions were implemented on special spindles requiring a mandatory action from the person wishing to remove products from the spindle. This action in its realization requires an extended product removal time. State of the art

[0005] Many pin display solutions are known in the prior art, fixed to a slatted or grooved wall, a metal grid, a bar support or a perforated panel. The use of a pin matrix on the display provides an aesthetically pleasing and organized display area that allows potential buyers to view the merchandise items without the assistance of sales personnel. Typically, the merchandise items are kept in a transparent package or transparent secure container ("blister") or in a transparent anti-theft case, configured to be suspended from a pin. For "high risk" items, it is known to provide a series of S-bends adjacent to the free end of the support rod to prevent a shoplifter from "sweeping" all the items in the display.It is also known to provide a mechanical time delay mechanism adjacent the free end of the support rod to increase the time required to dispense each merchandise item from the display hook. It is also known to provide the display hook with a locking device configured to be positioned on the support rod between the free end and at least one of the merchandise items.

[0006] Patent application WO2009051998 discloses a solution using two bars, one of which supports the articles and the other is intended for the articulation of two pivoting locks forming a stop to block the advancement of an article suspended from the lower bar. This solution uses a rod assembly and time-lock arms. The time-lock arms can be moved sequentially to allow a potential buyer to manipulate an article above the arms in order to detach the article from the display hook. The time-lock arms comprise a guide tube slidably arranged on the rod assembly, a first arm being rotatably mounted on the guide tube and a second arm spaced from the first arm, being fixedly mounted on the guide tube. The first arm is sufficiently spaced from the second arm to allow at least one of the articles to be placed between said arms.The first arm has a circumferentially extending groove and the guide tube has a key.

[0007] Patent application US2001013567 discloses a A locking hook assembly is provided for securely displaying merchandise on a vertical support. The locking hook assembly generally includes a mounting bracket structured for connection to the vertical support. A hook of generally circular cross-section has an inner end secured to the mounting bracket and projects outwardly therefrom to an outer end. The outer end of the hook has a reduced diameter portion of generally semicircular cross-section, and the reduced diameter portion includes a notch. To prevent removal of merchandise at the outer end, a lock has a semicircular opening formed to receive the reduced diameter portion and selectively engage the notch.

[0008] Another solution is described in US5676258 which includes an elongated support member with a structure for fixedly attaching the elongated support member to a base in a position. The elongated support member has an entry end that can be directed through an opening in an article to be displayed so as to allow the article to be placed and slid lengthwise along the elongated support member. A structure is provided on at least one of the elongated support member and a base to which the elongated support member is fixedly attached in the display position to limit the movement of an article to be displayed in a guiding manner along the length of the elongated support member in one direction.

[0009] US5624040 describes a security system for a display rack in which packaged merchandise is threaded through an opening in the package onto the free end of a hanging rod for display. The free end of the hanging rod is threaded, and a threaded cap is provided on the free end of the rod to prevent removal of the package. The cap has a pair of opposing grooves, and a special key is provided for removing the cap. Solution provided by the invention

[0010] In order to overcome the drawbacks of the solutions of the prior art, the invention relates, in its most general sense, to a system for presenting articles in self-service according to claim 1.

[0011] According to the invention, said rings are constituted by hollow bodies and in that said tooth is constituted by a flexible blade curved in the shape of an "L" with a fixed end extending longitudinally and a movable end whose edge is capable of engaging at rest between two notches of the notched zone of said pin.

[0012] According to a second variant, said movable end extends in a plane inclined relative to the transverse plane of said body, to come into abutment against the rear face of said notches when a force is exerted on the ring in the direction of the free end of the spindle onto which it is threaded, said actuating means being constituted by a movable member whose inner end separates said edge from the movable end when pressure is exerted on its outer part.

[0013] According to another variant, said rings are constituted by disengageable nuts and said pins by rods having a threaded free end section.

[0014] Preferably, said nuts contain an axially movable weight, pushed back at rest against the rear face of the ring and having a seat for fixing the fixed end of at least one flexible blade whose movable end extends in a transverse plane, the edge engaging at rest in the bottom of the thread, said nuts further comprising a release stop blocking the movable end of the blade when said weight is pushed back and a clearance releasing the movable end of the blade when said weight is pushed forward of said ring, the outer surface of said body constituting said actuating means, acting by rotation.

[0015] According to one variant, the movable blade is replaced by at least one ball engaging in the thread.

[0016] Advantageously, said notched or threaded section consists of a hollow part engaged on the end of a smooth spindle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of said notched or threaded section forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the rear part of said spindle.

[0018] According to another embodiment, said notched or threaded section is extended by a smooth section.

[0019] According to a first variant, said rings are integrated into an anti-theft box.

[0020] According to a second variant, said rings are integrated into the packaging of the article.

[0021] The invention also relates to an anti-theft box intended to equip a self-service article presentation system consisting of a network of pins intended to retain articles whose packaging has a hole for the passage of said pin and of which said pins are constituted by cylindrical rods having a notched free end section, characterized in that it has a hole for the passage of a pin, said hole being extended by a ring having at least one tooth disengageable by an external actuating means.

[0022] The invention also relates to a ring intended to equip a self-service article presentation system consisting of a network of pins intended to retain articles whose packaging has a hole for the passage of said pin and whose pins are constituted by cylindrical rods having a notched free end section, characterized in that said packaging has a hole for the passage of a pin, said hole being extended by a ring having at least one tooth disengageable by an external actuating means.

[0023] The invention relates to a pin intended for a self-service article presentation system intended for articles whose packaging has a hole for the passage of said pin and spacers formed by rings having at least one tooth disengageable by an external actuating means, said ring having an external section greater than the section of said hole, characterized in that said pin is constituted by a cylindrical rod having a notched free end section. Advantageously, the system comprises an anti-theft device comprising a ball lock, by means of a nail added or integrated into the system. This nail can be retractable.

[0024] It can also include a hanger via a housing designed to receive the system.

[0025] It can also include a lockable retaining means that is positioned on one of the wires of an adjustable cable lock known as a "spider" (trade name). This hook, which is part of the system, allows suspension on a pin.

[0026] According to a variant, said rings have a locking means complementary to an anti-theft badge.

[0027] According to one variant, said rings have a housing for the engagement of a hanger. According to one variant, said rings have a complementary locking means for an adjustable cable lock for the purpose of suspending products secured by said cable lock. Detailed description of non-limiting examples of implementation

[0028] The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, concerning non-limiting examples of embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where: [ FIG.1 ] there figure 1represents a front view of a spindle according to the invention [ FIG.2 ] there figure 2 represents an exploded view of the free end of a pin according to the invention [ FIG.3 ] there figure 3 represents a perspective view of an anti-theft box according to the invention [ FIG. 4 ] there figure 4 represents a perspective view of an anti-theft blister pack of the invention [ FIG.5 ] there Figure 5 represents a sectional view of a disengageable nut according to the invention, during the spindle loading phase [ FIG.6 ] there figure 6 represents a sectional view of a disengageable nut according to the invention, in the phase of removing an article from the spindle [ FIG.7 ] there figure 7 represents an exploded view of a disengageable nut according to the invention [ FIG.8 ] there figure 8 represents a perspective view of the weight of a disengageable nut according to the invention [ FIG.9 ] there figure 9 represents a schematic view of a ring according to a variant of the invention [ FIG.10 ] there figure 10 represents a schematic front view of a variant of the invention [ FIG.11 ] there figure 11 represents a schematic side view of a variant of the invention. FIG.12 ] there figure 12 represents a detailed view of a variant of the invention. FIG.12 ] there figure 13 represents a perspective view of another variant of the invention. General context of the invention

[0029] The delay function in the recovery of the article is obtained by the time required corresponding to the setting in motion by rotation of the button integrating the disengageable nut.

[0030] The release path of the article is obtained by a spiral-shaped path (thread) present on the pin supporting the articles. The movement of the button is achieved thanks to the interaction of a complementary thread present in it. This thread is presented for example in the variant described below in the form of three blades, in particular metallic, placed at 120°.

[0031] This configuration is not exhaustive: the number of blades can be different, for example a single blade or a larger set of blades, and the orientation can be different. Likewise, the blades can be made of a material other than metal.

[0032] To enable the button to perform the delay function and the clutch function, these blades have a degree of axial freedom equal to that of the spindle. To allow simultaneous movement of the 3 blades, they have been combined by means of an additional part called a weight. The blades are held in position in the weight by snap-fastening, for example.

[0033] In order to optimize the interaction of the blades with the spindle thread, an offset of the blade ends was made based on the pitch of the spindle thread.

[0034] This offset is also present in the positioning of the clutch stops in order to optimize the locking of the blades in retarder mode. In order to automatically switch from retarder mode to declutching mode, a spring has been associated with this function. This degree of freedom will allow the blades to move in 2 very distinct zones.

[0035] The internal release zone of the button will allow the blade to move freely in a dedicated housing when it slides (mounted) on the threads of the spindle. The movement of the weight in this zone is the result of the pressure exerted by the blades on the thread when the retarder button is inserted on the spindle. This movement is the result of the direction of movement of the button and the point of contact between the blades and the thread of the spindle.

[0036] The internal retarder zone of the button does not allow the blade to move freely. In fact, in this area the space has been removed and replaced by stops leaving only the functional clearance for the axial movement of the weight. The blades cannot therefore slide on the thread, the only way to move the blades forward is to make them follow the spiral path created by the thread. The movement of the weight in this area is the result of the action of the spring which pushes the weight backwards.

[0037] During a theft attempt, the thief will try to quickly remove the product from the spit without using the spiral path of the net. This action of pulling the system forward will help keep the weight in position in the retarder zone by putting pressure on the blades against the net (contact point).

[0038] The disengageable button can be operated by blades or balls or any other interaction solution.

[0039] The design of the spindle must take into account that a sufficient gap between the threaded spindle and the price label support rod (paper or electronic) is ensured in order to guarantee the readability of the instructions for using the delay button. The threaded area can be produced by machining the metal rod, by adding one or more complementary parts assembled at the end of the metal rod to adapt the desired delay time. The position and length of the threaded area will be adapted according to the customer's specifications.

[0040] A keying system ensures the perfect positioning of the weight equipped with blades or balls in the body of the button, in order to guarantee that each blade is associated with its clutch release bearing.

[0041] Each pin performs several functions; a) The pin serves as a support for the articles, the smooth part of the rod (100) allowing the packaging of the article thanks to a hole which allows it to be threaded onto the rod and suspended, with the possibility of longitudinal sliding to the withdrawal end by passing over the notched zone (102) b) The pin serves to block the articles by the interaction of its notched end with intermediate rings which blocks the article “upstream” the section of this ring being greater than that of the packaging hole c) Each article is separated by a ring (“an intermediate ring”) which requires the articles to be removed one after the other, with a certain latency time between two withdrawals, imposed by the passage of the ring over the notched zone.

[0042] It is therefore impossible to remove a series of items from the pin with a single movement. Description of the pin

[0043] The brooch shown in figure 1 is formed by a rod (100) of round section, for example, whose rear end (101) is curved and whose front end (102) is threaded over a length corresponding to the desired delay time. This delay time corresponds to the time required for the unscrewing necessary to remove the product from the spindle. To reduce or lengthen the delay time, the rod (100) or its threaded end (102) can be interchangeable by replacement by means of a snap-in or at the time of its manufacture or by the store manager.

[0044] Typically, a second rod (110) is placed parallel, to support at its front end a display support for the designation of the item and / or the price. The rear ends of the two rods (100, 110) are engaged in a hooking interface (120) having in the illustrated example two claws (121, 122) intended for snapping into a perforated or grooved panel.

[0045] There figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the spindle by assembling, at the free end of the rod (100), two threaded half-shells (103, 104), fixed by gluing, welding or snap-fastening. Packaging of items

[0046] The articles are arranged in an anti-theft retention system (10) associated with an anti-theft box shown in figure 3 or packaged with a blister (20) shown in figure 4The packaging (10, 20) has a hole (21) allowing storage on a pin (100), surrounded by a ring (200). A crimping part (22) ensures the securing of the ring (200) with the blister (21).

[0047] It is also possible to provide articles with packaging simply pierced to allow positioning on the pin (100), alternating them with rings (200). The ring (200) can also have a retractable nail (40) or an attached nail (41) in order to associate an anti-theft badge with a ball lock. Detail of the ring (200)

[0048] THE Figures 5 and 6 represent sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of a ring (200) respectively in the engagement phase on the spindle, where pressure is exerted on the front face of the articles in the direction of the arrow (1) and in the removal phase of an article, where the movement relative to the spindle is in the direction of the arrow (2).

[0049] The ring comprises a hollow body (210) made of plastic, of cylindrical shape, opening at the front by an opening (211) of section complementary to the section of the pin (100) and closed at the rear by a pierced cover (212).

[0050] It contains a tubular weight (220) pushed against the rear cover (212) by a spring (213) bearing against an annular stop (214) provided in the front part of the hollow body (210). The weight ensures the fixing of three flexible blades (230) having an “L” shape with a rear part (231, 241, 251) extending in a longitudinal plane and a front part (232, 242, 252) extending in a transverse plane. The transverse edge of the front parts (232, 242, 252) comes into contact with the surface of the spindle (100), and in particular of the threaded part (102) at the start of engagement of the article. A stop (205) limits the bending of the rear part (231) of the flexible blade.

[0051] When engaging a series of articles on the spindle, the pressure exerted in the direction of the arrow by the end (232, 242, 252) of the blades (230) coming into contact with the thread (102) pushes the weight (220) into the hollow body (210) by compressing the spring (213). In this position, the clearance (215) allows the blades (230) sufficient flexion to free the passage of the thread (102).

[0052] When removing an item, the pressure exerted in the direction of arrow 2 by the contact of the end (232, 242, 252) of the blades (230) with the thread (102), combined with the pressure of the spring (213), pushes the weight (220) against the pierced cover (212). In this position, the blades (230) do not have freedom of movement in the clearance (215). In fact, the stop (214) prevents any bending of the blades; preventing axial movement of the ring (200).

[0053] However, by turning the hollow body, an unscrewing is caused which allows the hollow body (200) and the weight (210), provided with a protuberance (218) serving as a position release for the weight (220), to be moved forward until it exceeds the threaded part (102). Implementation variant

[0054] There figure 9 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment where the pin (100) has a notched front end. The flexible blade (230) has a front part inclined relative to the transverse plane. This inclination ensures elastic deformation when the ring (200) is engaged on the pin (100) and pushed away from the free end (102), for bulk loading of the articles.

[0055] Removal requires pushing back the flexible blade (230) using a button (270), which requires the customer to operate only one item at a time, the last one placed before the notched area (102). Combining a timer with an anti-theft device

[0056] The invention can be added to any existing anti-theft device by means of an articulated zone.

[0057] For example, the figure 12 illustrates an embodiment where the anti-theft device actuates a hook (285) capable of hooking a strap (286) surrounding the protected item. This strap (286) can itself be secured by an anti-theft box of the “security spider” type.

[0058] For example, the figure 13 illustrates another embodiment where the anti-theft device actuates a hook (285) capable of hooking an anti-theft box (287) surrounding the protected article.

Claims

1. System for the presentation of self-service items consisting of at least one peg (100) intended to retain items, the packaging of said items having a hole for said peg (100) to pass therethrough, wherein said at least one peg (100) consists of a smooth rod with a cross-section less than or equal to the cross-section of said hole over the length for receiving said packaging, said rod (100) having a notched free end (102) section, the system further comprising spacers formed by rings (200) having: • a lumen with a cross-section complementary to that of the rod and greater than the cross-section of said notched free end (102), and • at least one tooth (230) that can be disengaged by an external actuating means (200, 270) to interact at rest with said notching, • said ring (200) having an outer cross-section which is greater than the cross-section of said packaging hole. and said system being characterized in that said rings consist of hollow bodies (200) and in that said tooth consists of a flexible blade (230) which is curved in the shape of an "L" with a fixed end (231, 241, 251) extending longitudinally and a movable end (232, 242, 252) the edge of which is capable of engaging at rest between two notches of the notched area of said peg (102).

2. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that said movable end (232, 242, 252) extends in a plane inclined relative to the transverse plane of said body (200), to abut the rear face of said notches (102) while a force is exerted on the ring in the direction of the free end of the peg (100) on which it is threaded, said actuating means consisting of a movable member (270), the inner end of which separates said edge from the movable end when pressure is exerted on the outer part thereof.

3. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that said rings (200) consist of disengageable nuts and said pegs (100) consist of rods having a threaded free end (102) section.

4. System for the presentation of self-service items according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said nuts contain an axially movable flyweight (220), which is pushed at rest against the rear face (212) of the ring (200) and having a seat for attaching the fixed end of at least one flexible blade (230), the movable end of which extends in a transverse plane, the edge of the movable end coming to engage at rest in the bottom of the thread, said nuts further comprising a release bearing (214) blocking the movable end of the blade when said flyweight is pushed backwards and a clearance (215) freeing the movable end of the blade when said flyweight is pushed forward from said ring, the outer surface of said body constituting said actuating means, acting by rotation.

5. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that said notched or threaded section consists of a hollow part engaged on the end of a smooth peg.

6. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of said notched or threaded section forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the rear part of said peg.

7. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that said notched or threaded section is extended by a smooth section.

8. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that said rings are integrated into an anti-theft box.

9. System for the presentation of self-service items according to claim 1, characterized in that said rings are integrated into the packaging of the item.

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