Anti-theft device with retractable cables, in particular for self-service articles of sale

Abstract

An anti-theft device (1), in particular an anti-theft device for self-service items, comprising a main part (2), a secondary part (3), and cables (4) connecting the two parts at intervals, the cable length being adjustable by winding or unwinding the cables inside the main part, characterized in that the main part (2) and the secondary part (3) comprise rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means (5) for transitioning from an assembled position, forming a single piece, to a disassembled position, forming two separate parts, and vice versa. In particular, the rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means (5) are magnetic.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an anti-theft device of the retractable cable type and equipped with an electronic protection system to trigger a remote alarm, in particular for self-service items.

[0002] Such an anti-theft device aims to combat theft, particularly shoplifting, by protecting self-service items in a retail establishment, especially items packaged in boxes. This type of anti-theft device is known in the industry as a "spider wrap." It consists of two rigid parts: a primary locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism, separated by wires or cables of adjustable length.When using the spider-shaped anti-theft device on a box-shaped package, the device is placed on the box by positioning the main part against one side of the box and the secondary part against the opposite side, while the cables connecting the two parts are loosely positioned around the sides of the box. Then, by rotating the main part, the cables are wound inside it, retracting them and allowing them to be tightened and pressed against the sides and vertical faces of the box. The anti-theft device then completely encloses the box and is secured to it. The anti-theft device houses, in a known manner, an electronic anti-theft detection system within the main part.

[0003] This type of device is particularly convenient for attaching to boxes of varying sizes because the cable length adjusts instantly by winding it around the box. When it's time to remove the security device, usually at the checkout, it's unlocked (using a standard detacher such as a powerful magnet) to unwind the cables and allow them to return to their slack position, freeing the box from them. However, the cashier removing the device doesn't have time to rewind the cables, as this is an awkward task. They simply place the device in a box or basket. When multiple spider-style security devices are piled up, they become tangled and the cables become mixed up, resulting in wasted time for staff to untangle the devices for reuse.Such a device is for example known from patent application WO2014199153.

[0004] Furthermore, current spider-type devices are not always practical and quick for winding cables.

[0005] However, a device described in patent application WO2009103179 is known. It features two interlocking parts and a spring-loaded mechanism to wind the cable, so that when not in use, there is no dangling cable and the two parts are joined. However, the two parts must be unlocked with a special tool specifically designed for this security device. The store must therefore acquire several unlocking tools dedicated to this particular device, which does not help reduce the costs associated with theft prevention.

[0006] The invention therefore aims to provide an improved anti-theft device which, when not in use, does not present the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0007] According to the invention, the anti-theft device, in particular an anti-theft device for self-service sales items, conforms to claim 1.

[0008] In particular, the anti-theft device comprises a main part, a secondary part, and cables connecting the two parts at intervals. The cable length is adjustable by winding or unwinding the cables within the main part. The anti-theft device is characterized in that the main and secondary parts have means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly to move from an assembled position, forming a single unit, to a disassembled position, forming two separate parts, and vice versa. In particular, the assembled position is such that the cables are, or can be, in an unwound state.

[0009] The term "monobloc piece" refers to a piece that is a single unit and, when suspended by holding only one of the parts, the two parts cannot separate by gravity.

[0010] Thus, when not in use, if the anti-theft device is detached from the box being protected, even if the cables haven't been coiled, the two parts can be quickly and easily reassembled into a single unit. This facilitates the retrieval of each device from among all the others in a box where they might otherwise be piled up. Once a device is retrieved, it is very easy to reuse it, as it simply requires disassembling the two parts in a single, quick action thanks to the rapid assembly and disassembly mechanisms.

[0011] According to one feature, the main part includes a cable winding and locking system.

[0012] According to one characteristic, rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means are preferably magnetic (magnetic assembly). This preferred embodiment of rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means allows for extremely fast and automatic assembly and disassembly operations. Indeed, by bringing the primary and secondary parts together, they are immediately assembled magnetically, and by a simple pulling motion on the two parts in opposite directions, they are immediately disassembled.

[0013] It should be noted that the means of rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly could have been clipping mechanisms. However, magnetism is even faster for both assembly and disassembly.

[0014] In the following description, the qualifiers "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" of an element of the anti-theft device are used in the context of a normal installation of the device on a package or item of the type of box to be protected which would be positioned vertically.

[0015] According to an example of assembly realization by magnetization, the main part and the secondary part each have at least one magnet, the magnets of the two respective main and secondary parts being designed and arranged so as to attract each other.

[0016] According to another example of assembly realization by magnetization, the main part or the secondary part includes at least one magnet, while the other part includes at least one metallic element capable of cooperating magnetically with said at least one magnet in the assembled position of the two parts.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the main part comprises at least one metallic element while the secondary part comprises at least one magnet such as a ferrite magnet.

[0018] Thus, according to one characteristic, the main part and the secondary part each include, as means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly, at least one magnet, the magnets of the two respective main and secondary parts being arranged to attract each other (according to a first example of a magnetic assembly embodiment), or alternatively, the main part or the secondary part includes at least one magnet, while the other part includes at least one or more metallic elements capable of cooperating magnetically with said at least one magnet in the assembled position of the two parts (according to a second example of a magnetic assembly embodiment). The attractive force of the magnet(s) is adapted to the mass of the secondary part that is to be held assembled to the main part.When one part contains a magnet while the other includes a metallic part, the metallic part is also suitable to ensure magnetization with the magnet.

[0019] According to one characteristic, the main part comprises a body having a so-called lower face intended to be applied to a face of an object to be protected in the position of use, and the secondary part comprises a body having a so-called upper face intended to be applied to a face of the object opposite the main part, the lower face of the body of the main part and the upper face of the body of the secondary part being joined by magnetism when not in use of the device (i.e. when the device is not applied to the object to be protected).

[0020] According to one characteristic, the main part and the secondary part have an outer body made of plastic material.

[0021] In particular, for anti-theft devices incorporating a triggering and alarm system (electronic or magnetic) capable of remotely triggering an alarm and using radio frequency, acousto-magnetic, or RFID technology, magnetic means are designed not to interfere with the operation of the triggering system. The magnet(s) of the anti-theft device, used to magnetically attach the two main and secondary parts together, are adapted to also ensure the operation of the anti-theft device's triggering and alarm system, especially when one of the magnets, such as a ferrite magnet, is also used as part of the anti-theft device's triggering system. In an example of an anti-theft device, the main part contains the alarm system, and the secondary part contains the triggering element, such as a ferrite magnet.

[0022] According to one characteristic, the main part includes, within itself, a cable winding system comprising a reel and a locking and unlocking mechanism for the winding system (and thus a locking and unlocking mechanism for the anti-theft device). The locking and unlocking mechanism includes a locking and unlocking member that projects from an external face of the main part. The locking and unlocking member is designed to cooperate with an unlocking system commonly referred to as a "detacher".

[0023] According to one characteristic, the main part of the device has, projecting from a so-called outer face of said main part, a locking and unlocking member which is intended to cooperate with a detacher for unlocking, and a push member which engages (inside the main part) the locking of the anti-theft device and prevents the cables from being unwound, the push member being arranged diametrically opposite to the locking and unlocking member.

[0024] According to one characteristic, the locking / unlocking mechanism and the push mechanism are externally connected to the device by a long, curved element with a convex profile at its end on the push mechanism side. Extending from the convex profile towards the locking / unlocking mechanism, the element has a concave profile, preferably ending flat at the locking / unlocking mechanism. This design has the advantage that the anti-theft device adapts to all types and sizes of detachers, particularly regardless of the width of the detacher's rim.In addition, the boss allows, via one of its lateral faces, to provide additional support for one of the user's fingers, while another finger rests against the locking and unlocking mechanism, which facilitates gripping the anti-theft device and allows the winding mechanism to be turned, thus winding the cables more easily and quickly.

[0025] According to one feature, the protruding locking and unlocking member comprises a central portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the central portion, the peripheral wall being rotatable (relative to the central portion). Preferably, the peripheral wall of the locking and unlocking member is connected to a long element extending along the cross-section (as viewed from above) of the main portion (in diameter) to form a crank-like component, thus facilitating gripping the device and rotating the locking and unlocking member for cable winding. In particular, the peripheral wall of the protruding locking and unlocking member is connected diametrically opposite to the thrust member via the long element, the assembly formed by the thrust member, the long element, and the rotatable peripheral wall constituting a crank-like component.

[0026] According to one characteristic, the main part includes (in particular on its upper face) a marker for the direction of rotation of the cable winding.

[0027] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] represents a perspective view from below of an example embodiment of an anti-theft device according to the invention, in the disassembled position of the main part relative to the secondary part. ] Fig. 2 ] represents a side perspective view of the device fi-gure 1 in the assembled position of the two main and secondary parts. Fig. 3 ] is a top perspective view of the device of the figure 2 . [ Fig. 4 [ ] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the upper end portion of the main part of the anti-theft device, showing the device's locking and unlocking mechanism. Fig. 5 [ ] shows the unlocking operation of the anti-theft device attached to a detacher. ] Fig. 6 ] shows the operation of tightening the cables of the anti-theft device placed around a box to be protected.

[0028] The anti-theft device 1 of the invention illustrated in the figures is particularly intended for use as an anti-theft device for self-service items in a store. It allows the protection of an item or packaging of type box B ( figure 6 ).

[0029] The anti-theft device 1 comprises a main part 2, a secondary part 3, and cables 4 connecting the two parts 2 and 3 at spaced intervals. The cables can be wound or unwound from the main part 2 to adjust their length. The anti-theft device 1 is designed to minimize, or even prevent, tangling of the cables between several anti-theft devices when they are stored together.

[0030] The main part 2 comprises a cylindrical body 20, preferably with a circular cross-section. The body 20 of the main part 2 has an upper face 21, a lower face 22, and a cylindrical wall 23 connecting the two upper faces 21 and lower face 22.

[0031] The upper face 21 of the main part 2 is the face intended to be facing the user and opposite the box to be protected. The lower face 22 of the main part 2 is the face intended to be flush against the box B to be protected. The peripheral wall 23 has openings 24 for the passage of cables 4.

[0032] The secondary part 3 comprises a body 30 having an upper face 31 and an opposite lower face 32. The body 30 has passage holes 33 for the cables 4. The upper face 31 is intended to bear against the box B to be protected, opposite the main part 2.

[0033] The body 20 of the main part 2 internally houses a cable winding and locking system around a reel. The cable winding and locking system is known in principle, and only a part of it is shown in the cross-sectional view of the figure 4 is visible. The cable winding and locking system includes, inside the body 20, in particular the reel, a ratchet mechanism which allows rotation in one direction only to wind the cables but prevents rotation in the opposite direction to unwind them, and a locking and unlocking mechanism 6 for the ratchet mechanism ( figure 4 ). The locking and unlocking mechanism 6 of the ratchet mechanism, and therefore the locking and unlocking mechanism of the anti-theft device, adopts two positions, a locked position (that illustrated on the figure 4 ) which implements the ratchet mechanism and an unlocked position that releases the ratchet mechanism, allowing the cables to be unwound (in the opposite direction to winding). The locking and unlocking mechanism 6 comprises at least two elastic moving assemblies 60 and 61, two elements of which are externally visible: a projecting locking and unlocking member 7, hereafter referred to as the projecting member, and a thrust member 8, members 7 and 8 being described later. The projecting member 7 also constitutes (as seen later) an actuating member for the cable winding system. The projecting member 7 allows the upper face 21 of the device, which is connected inside the body 20 to the internal part of the cable winding and locking system, to be rotated.

[0034] The body 20 of the main part 2 also houses an electronic flight detection system of the radio frequency or magneto-acoustic type, known per se. The sound of the electronic flight detection system is emitted through through-passages 2' in the thickness of the upper face 21 of the body 20 of the main part 2 ( figure 3 ).

[0035] According to the invention, the main part 2 and the secondary part 3 comprise rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means 5 for assembling the main part 2 and the secondary part 3 into a single piece and also for disassembling them. The rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means 5 allow for a quick transition from an assembled position of the main part 2 with the secondary part 3 as a single piece ( figure 2 And figure 3 ), to a position disassembled into two distinct parts ( figure 1 ), and conversely, and this regardless of the length of the cables 4, whether they are completely coiled ( figure 3 ) or partially or fully deployed ( figure 2 Thus, the anti-theft device 1 can form a single unit when not in use, as the two main parts 2 and secondary parts 3 are not separated. This configuration allows for easy retrieval of an anti-theft device 1 independently of other anti-theft devices that might be stored loose, even when the cables 4 of all these devices are uncoiled. The main part 2 and secondary part 3 remain together, even when a user holds the assembly only by the main part 2, as the secondary part 3 cannot detach under its own weight (and therefore by gravity).

[0036] The rapid cooperation assembly and disassembly means 5 provide mutual cooperation of the lower face 22 of the main part 2 with the upper face 31 of the secondary part 3.

[0037] The means for rapid cooperation assembly and disassembly 5 are in the preferred example magnetic; they are then invisible from outside the anti-theft device and are arranged inside each of the two main parts 2 and secondary parts 3.

[0038] By way of non-limiting example, the means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly 5 include at least one metallic element 50 (schematically illustrated in dotted lines on the figure 1 because it is invisible from the outside) which is housed in the body 20 of the main part 2 and opposite the lower face 22, and at least one magnet 51, for example made of ferrite, (schematically illustrated in dotted lines on the figure 1 (because it is invisible from the outside) housed in the body 30 of the secondary part 3 and opposite the upper face 31. When the upper face 31 of the secondary part 3 is brought towards the lower face 22 of the main part 2, said upper face 31, via the magnet(s) 51, is directly attracted to the metallic lower face 22, leading to a magnetic joining of the two parts 2 and 3, the anti-theft device 1 then being a single unit. To separate / disassemble the two parts 2 and 3, the user simply has to pull on the parts in two opposite directions to counteract the magnetic force; this action is extremely quick and automatic. The attractive power of the magnet(s) 51 and the configuration of the metallic element(s) are adapted so that the two parts remain joined despite gravity.

[0039] Regarding the protruding locking and unlocking member 7 of the first moving assembly 60 of the locking and unlocking mechanism, this ( figures 3 And 4 ) is located on the upper face 21 of the main part 2 and near the periphery of the cylindrical body. The protruding member 7 constitutes the portion of the anti-theft device 1 intended to cooperate with a detacher 10 ( figure 5 ) for unlocking the anti-theft device. This protruding part 7 ( figure 4 ) forms a cap for a movable part 70 which is furnished with a magnetic material and is coupled to a return spring 71.

[0040] Regarding the locking and unlocking thrust member 8 of the second moving assembly 61 of the locking and unlocking mechanism 6, it is located on the edge of the periphery of the cylindrical body 20 and is diametrically opposite to the projecting member 7. The second moving assembly 61 forms inside the body 20 ( figure 4 ) of the main part 2, a second movable part 80 equipped with a return spring 81, this second movable part 80 being able to be translated radially within the cylindrical body 20 to cooperate with the first movable part 70 of the projecting member 7. The second movable part 80 is externally covered by a long element 82 (also forming a cover) which extends radially between the projecting member 7 and the thrust member 8. When the projecting member 7 is in its locked position ( figure 4 ), it blocks in translation the second moving part 80 of the second moving assembly 61, the protruding member 7 having at its lower end a nipple 72 which is engaged in a hole 83 of the second moving part 80.

[0041] In the unlocked position of the anti-theft device 1, due to the protruding part 7 being pressed against the detacher 10 ( figure 5 ), the first moving part 70 is translated by the attraction of the magnetic material towards the detacher 10 which is a powerful magnet, which makes the pin 72 come out of the hole 83 (not shown) and the second moving part 80 is then translated by elastic return, backwards relative to the protruding member 7 thanks to the return spring 81; the push member 8 has also been translated slightly protruding from the peripheral wall 23 of the body 20 and the ratchet mechanism has been unlocked which allows the cables to be unwound which, no longer constricting the box to be protected, allows the removal of the anti-theft device 1. To re-engage the ratchet mechanism, the user only has to press on the push member 8 (in a direction parallel to the plane of the upper face 21 and radial).

[0042] Advantageously, the elongated element 82 has a curved profile with, at its termination on the side of the pushing member 8, a boss 82A, thus having a convex profile, and extending from the boss towards the protruding member 7, a concave profile 82B, preferably ending flat at the protruding member 7. The concave profile 82B of the elongated element 82 allows it to adapt to all detachers on the market. Indeed, while the anti-theft devices of a commercial brand are dedicated by their shape and dimensions to detachers of the same commercial brand, the anti-theft device of the invention has the advantage of adapting to all types and sizes of detachers, in particular regardless of the width of the rim 11 of the detacher ( figure 5 ) relative to its blind mounting hole 12. Furthermore, the concave shape 82A allows, regardless of the detacher, the protruding unlocking element 7 of the anti-theft device to be systematically positioned perfectly perpendicular to the bottom of the blind hole 12 of the detacher, thus guaranteeing unlocking. Indeed, for a prior art anti-theft device that does not have appropriate dimensions relative to an available detacher, the operator, even when presenting the anti-theft device at an angle to attempt unlocking it, will necessarily have difficulty unlocking said anti-theft device, or may not succeed at all. On the contrary, for the anti-theft device of the invention, the curved shape of the elongated element will easily allow effective cooperation with any detacher.

[0043] Preferably, the distance D ( figure 4 ) separating the wall 7' of the projecting element 7 from the beginning of the rising profile of the concave profile 82B towards the boss 82A, is on the order of 15 mm. Preferably, the distance D' ( figure 4 ) separating the wall 7' of the projecting organ 7 from the top of the boss 82A, is on the order of 25 mm.

[0044] Advantageously, the projecting member 7 also serves as an actuating member for rotating the internal cable winding mechanism. The projecting member 7 comprises the peripheral wall 7' and a central part 7" ( figure 3 , And figure 4 ); the wall 7' is rotatable relative to the central part 7". In addition, the projecting member 7 is connected diametrically opposite to the thrust member 8 via the longitudinal element 82. The assembly formed by the thrust member 8, the longitudinal element 82 and the projecting member 7, via its rotating peripheral wall 7', constitutes a part with the function of a crank, facilitating the gripping of the assembly and the rotation of the projecting member 7 for winding the cables.

[0045] Advantageously, the boss 82A allows, through one of its lateral faces 82' ( figure 6) to provide additional support for one of the user's fingers, in particular for the thumb, while another finger rests against the protruding member 7, in particular against the rotating peripheral wall of the protruding member 7. The entire boss 82A and the protruding member 7 make it much easier to grasp the anti-theft device to turn the cable winding mechanism, housed in the main part 2, particularly for a small hand, rather than having to turn via only the protruding member 7. The user gains in speed of winding the cables.

[0046] Finally, the body 20 of the main part has on the upper face 21 one or more marking elements 9 (such as arrows) for the direction of rotation of the cable winding mechanism.

Claims

1. Anti-theft device (1), in particular an anti-theft device for self-service items, comprising a main part (2), a secondary part (3) and cables (4) connecting the two parts at intervals, the length of the cables being adjustable by winding or unwinding the cables inside the main part, characterized in that the main part (2) and the secondary part (3) include means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly (5; 50, 51) to move from an assembled position forming a single piece, to a disassembled position in two separate parts, and vice versa, and in that Rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly methods are magnetic means.

2. Anti-theft device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe main part (2) and the secondary part (3) each have at least one magnet, the magnets of the two respective main and secondary parts being designed and arranged so as to attract each other.

3. Anti-theft device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main part (2) or the secondary part (3) comprises at least one magnet (51), while the other part comprises at least one metallic element (50) capable of cooperating magnetically with said at least one magnet in the assembled position of the two parts, preferably the main part (2) comprises at least one metallic element (50) while the secondary part (3) comprises at least one magnet (51) such as a ferrite magnet.

4. Anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe main part (2) comprises a body (20) having a so-called lower face (22) intended to be applied to a face of an object to be protected in the position of use, and the secondary part (3) comprises a body (30) having a so-called upper face (31) intended to be applied to a face of the object opposite the main part, the lower face of the body of the main part and the upper face of the body of the secondary part being joined by magnetization when the device is not in use.

5. Anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe main part (2) includes within the main part, a cable winding system which includes a reel and a locking and unlocking mechanism for the winding system, the locking and unlocking mechanism including a locking and unlocking member (7), which projects outward from an outer face (21) of the main part.

6. Anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main part (2) has projecting from an outer face (21) of said main part, a locking and unlocking member (7) which is intended to cooperate with a detacher, and a push member (8) which engages the locking of the anti-theft device and prevents the cables from being unwound, the push member (8) being arranged diametrically opposite to the locking and unlocking member (7).

7. Anti-theft device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The locking and unlocking member (7) and the push member (8) are externally connected to the device by a long-lined element (82) which has a curved profile with, at its termination on the side of the push member (8), a boss (82A), and from the boss (82A) towards the locking and unlocking member (7), a concave profile (82B), preferably ending flat at the level of the locking and unlocking member (7).

8. Anti-theft device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in thatthe projecting locking and unlocking member (7) has a central part (7") and a peripheral wall (7') around the central part, the peripheral wall (7') being rotatable, preferably the peripheral wall (7') of the locking and unlocking member being connected to a long element (82) extending along the section of the main part, forming a part with the function of a crank.

9. Anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main part (2) includes a locating element (9) for the direction of rotation of the winding of the cables.

10. Anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main part (2) and the secondary part (3) have an outer body made of plastic material.

11. Anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatIt includes a theft alarm and triggering system capable of remotely triggering an alarm.

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