Merchandise display system

Abstract

The present invention provides a display system for displaying items for purchase comprising: a hook member comprising a pair of spaced apart members extending in a substantially parallel manner with at least one cross member traversing the spaced apart members in an orthogonal manner; and at least one tag member attachable to an item for purchase, the at least one tag member having an opening for receiving the pair of spaced apart members therein for sliding movement of the tag member along the pair of spaced apart members and a tongue member configured to be movable with respect to the tag member between a first position wherein the tongue member extends into the opening and a second position wherein the tongue member is retracted from the opening, the tongue member being biased into the first position by a biasing member; wherein, when the tongue member is in the first position the tag member is able to be loaded onto the hook member in a loading direction such that contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member causes the tongue member to move from the first position to the second position to facilitate loading of the tag member onto the hook member in the loading direction, and when the tag member is removed from the hook member by moving the tag member along the hook member in a removal direction, contact of the tongue member with the cross member retains the tongue member in the first position whereby the tag member is prevented from removal from the hook member by the tongue member contacting the at least one cross member of the hook member.

Description

[0001] MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023902547 filed on 10 August 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to merchandise display system for displaying merchandise in a retail environment, and in particular, to a merchandise display system having anti- sweep capabilities to minimise theft of merchandise on display.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is common in commercial and retail environments to have devices that display merchandise for sale in a manner which allows for easy inspection of the individual products and which is also readily accessible by a potential buyer.

[0008] A common means for presenting merchandise for display and purchase in a retail environment is by suspending the merchandise from display hooks. The display hooks may be mounted to a backing board to extend from the backing board to provide a rail or rod from which the merchandise is suspended. The merchandise may contain packaging having a recess or slot provided therein through which the rail portion of the hook passes. This enables the individual merchandise items to slide along the display hook to be removed from an open end thereof for purchase.

[0009] Such a display hook system enables retailers to present multiple items on a display hook for viewing and purchase by customers. This minimises the need to constantly restock the product after purchase as multiple items can be stored on each hook and to restock the items, the retailer can simply slide new items onto the end of the display hook as required. Such items are typically small and easy to handle for such restocking purposes.

[0010] A problem with such conventional display hook systems is that it is also easy to quickly remove items from the hook due to the sliding nature upon which the items are located thereon. As such, thieves can easily and quickly sweep multiple items from the hook in one action, which is difficult to detect and prevent. To address this, a variety of “anti-sweep” initiatives have been proposed to make such a sweeping action less effective in removing items from the hook. These initiatives include placing a series of bends in the hook that requires the individual to manipulate the item over the bends to remove the item from the hook. Further to this, locking means have been employed to close off the open end of the hook such that the individual must unlock the locking means from the end of the hook to remove the item. These initiatives have proven effective in preventing theft of items from the hook in a conventional sweeping motion, but can frustrate the customer seeking to remove an item for legitimate purchase, especially if they have to seek assistance in unlocking the hook from retail staff.

[0011] Thus, there is a need to provide a display hook system for presenting merchandise for purchase that prevents sweeping of items from the hook but enables simple restocking of the hook with items when necessary and an effective system for removing individual items for purchase by the consumer in a simple and effective manner.

[0012] The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

[0013] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0014] The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and / or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a display system for displaying items for purchase comprising: a hook member comprising a pair of spaced apart members extending in a substantially parallel manner with at least one cross member traversing the spaced apart members in an orthogonal manner; and at least one tag member attachable to an item for purchase, the at least one tag member having an opening for receiving the pair of spaced apart members therein for sliding movement of the tag member along the pair of spaced apart members and a tongue member configured to be movable with respect to the tag member between a first position wherein the tongue member extends into the opening and a second position wherein the tongue member is retracted from the opening, the tongue member being biased into the first position by a biasing member; wherein, when the tongue member is in the first position the tag member is able to be loaded onto the hook member in a loading direction such that contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member causes the tongue member to move from the first position to the second position to facilitate loading of the tag member onto the hook member in the loading direction, and when the tag member is removed from the hook member by moving the tag member along the hook member in a removal direction, contact of the tongue member with the cross member retains the tongue member in the first position whereby the tag member is prevented from removal from the hook member by the tongue member contacting the at least one cross member of the hook member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one tag member may comprises a main body portion having an opening formed adjacent an upper end thereof.

[0017] The opening formed adjacent the upper end thereof may be a slotted opening.

[0018] The slotted opening may have a width that extends at least partially across the upper end of the main body portion to snugly receive the hook member such that the tag member may be able to freely slide along the hook member when the tongue member is in the second position.

[0019] The tongue member may have a front face and a rear face such that when the tag member is loaded onto the hook member in the loading direction, the rear face of the tongue member may contact the cross member of the hook member and when the tag member is removed from the hook member in the removal direction, the front face of the tongue member may contact the cross member of the hook member.

[0020] The front face of the tongue member may extend substantially vertically with respect to the main body portion of the tag member to be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the slotted opening.

[0021] The rear face of the tongue member may extend angularly with respect to the axis of the slotted opening in a direction towards the front face such that when the rear face of the tongue member contacts the cross member of the hook member, the tongue member is caused to move from the first position to the second position. The at least one tag member may further comprise a slide member attachable to the tongue member.

[0022] The slide member may be located in a recess formed in a front surface of the main body portion of the tag member.

[0023] The slide member may be capable of moving vertically within the recess formed in the front surface of the main body portion such that vertical movement of the slide member within the recess causes the tongue member to move between the first position and the second position.

[0024] In one embodiment, the slide member may be formed integral with the tongue member. In another embodiment, the slide member may be formed separate to the tongue member and connected by way of a mechanical and / or adhesive fastener.

[0025] The slide member may be configured to be gripped by a user to apply a force to the slide member to slide the slide member against the bias force of the biasing member to move the tongue member into the second position for removal of the tag member from the hook member and upon release of the force, slide member and the tongue member will return to the first position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the at least one tag member may be attachable to the item for purchase by way of a hinge mount. The hinge mount may comprise an arm hingedly mounted to a rear face of the main body portion of the at least one tag member. The arm may have a projection located on an inside surface thereof that is shaped to be received through a slot provided in an upper region of a package containing the item such that when the projection passes through the slot provided in the package the arm securely retains the package in position against the tag member.

[0027] In another embodiment, the at least one tag member may be attachable to the item for purchase by way of a clamp mount. The clamp mount may comprise a first jaw member attached to a rear face of the main body portion of the at least one tag member and a second jaw member slidably mounted to the first jaw member. The second jaw member may be telescopically received within a portion of the first jaw member and the first jaw member and the second jaw member are configured to clamp around a slot provided in an upper region of a package containing the item to securely retain the package in position against the tag member. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a tag member for displaying items for purchase on a hook member having a pair of spaced apart members extending in a substantially parallel manner with at least one cross member traversing the spaced apart members in an orthogonal manner, the tag member comprising: a body portion having an opening for receiving the hook member therein for sliding movement of the body portion along the hook member; a tongue member configured to be movable with respect to the body portion between a first position wherein the tongue member extends into the opening and a second position wherein the tongue member is retracted from the opening, the tongue member being biased into the first position by a biasing member; and a mount for securely mounting the item for purchase to the body portion; wherein, when the tongue member is in the first position the body portion is able to be loaded onto the hook member in a loading direction such that contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member of the hook member causes the tongue member to move from the first position to the second position to facilitate loading of the body portion onto the hook member in the loading direction, and when the tag member is removed from the hook member by moving the body portion along the hook member in a removal direction, contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member retains the tongue member in the first position whereby the body portion is prevented from removal from the hook member by the tongue member contacting the at least one cross member of the hook member.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a front view of a tag member for use with the display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view showing the tag member of Fig. 1 attached to an item of merchandise to be displayed for purchase;

[0032] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the tag member of Fig. 1 ;

[0033] Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the tag member of Fig. 1 in an open position for receiving an item for display; Figs. 5 is a rear perspective view of the tag member of Fig. 1 in a closed / locked position secured to the item for display;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of the tag member of Fig. 1 with the tongue member in an extended / biased position;

[0035] Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the tag member of Fig. 1 with the tongue member in a retracted position;

[0036] Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of a partially removed section of the tag member of Fig.1;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a hook member for use with the display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

[0038] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of the display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.12 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tag member of the present invention in a closed position;

[0041] Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the tag member of Fig. 12 in an open position;

[0042] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a tag member in accordance with the present invention in use with a separate package for containing nonpackaged items with the separate package in an open position; and

[0043] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the tag member of Fig. 14 in use with a separate package for containing non-packaged items with the separate package in a closed position.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0046] The present invention will be described below in relation to the retail of individual packaged product presented on a hook for display and purchase. However, it will be appreciated that the device of the present invention could be employed for the retail of a variety of different types and sizes of merchandise, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 11, a display system 20 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The display system 20 is configured to display a plurality of merchandise items 5 for purchase by consumers. The items 5 may vary in form and content and generally comprise a package 6 that contains the item 5 therein.

[0048] The items 5 are arranged to be suspended from a hook member 30 via a tag member 10. The tag member 10 is arranged to slide along the hook member 30, which is mounted to a board or backing (not shown) in a conventional manner such that the hook member 30 projects substantially horizontally to receive the items 5, as shown in Fig. 11. The manner in which the hook member 30, tag member 10 and item 5 are configured for use may vary, however, one embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0049] Referring to Fig 1 - Fig. 8, the tag member 10 is shown in isolation. The tag member 10 generally comprises a main body portion 11 having a slotted opening 12 formed adjacent an upper end thereof. The slotted opening 12 has a width that extends across the upper end of the main body portion 11, the width of which is configured to snugly receive the hook member 30 such that the tag member 10 is able to slide along the hook member 30, as will be described in more detail below.

[0050] The main body portion 11 comprises a front face 13 and a rear face 14. The front face 13 is configured to face outwardly when positioned on the hook member 30 such that the rear face 14 is not substantially visible to the customer when displayed on the hook member 30. A slide member 15 is provided on the front face 13 to move vertically within a slotted recess 16 formed in the front face 13 of the main body portion 11. The slide member 15 extends through the slotted recess 16 to be connected to a tongue member 17 mounted within the main body portion 11. In a preferred form, the slide member 15 may be formed integral with the tongue member 17, although the slide member 15 and the tongue member 17 may also be formed separately and connected by way of a mechanical or adhesive fastening means.

[0051] As is shown more clearly in the partially assembled view of the tag member 10 in Fig. 8, the tongue member 17 is mounted within a central cavity 18 formed in the main body portion 11 such that it is free to move in a vertical manner within the cavity 18 under action of the slide member 15. A biasing member 19, such as a spring, is located in the cavity 18 and the tongue member 17 is seated on the biasing member 19 and has a central slotted region 17a formed therein to receive the biasing member 19. In this arrangement, the biasing member 19 functions to bias the tongue member 17 into an extended position wherein the upper end of the tongue member 17 projects into the slotted opening 12 that extends through the main body portion 11. This extended / biased position of the tongue member 17 is shown in Fig. 6.

[0052] Referring again to Fig. 8, the upper end of the tongue member 17 that projects into the slotted opening 12 has a front face 21 and a rear face 22. The front face

[0053] 21 extends vertically with respect to the main body portion to be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the slotted opening 12. The rear face 22 of the upper end of the tongue member 17 extends angularly with respect to the vertical axis of the slotted opening 12 in a direction towards the front face 21. The rear face

[0054] 22 is positioned to be closer to the front face at its apex and tapes outwardly to function as a downward sloping ramp, as shown in Fig. 8. The manner in which the front face 21 and the rear face 22 of the tongue member 17 interact with the hook member 30 will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The tongue member 17 is movable between a retracted position (as shown in Fig. 7) and the extended / biased position (as shown in Fig. 6) by vertical movement of the side member 15. A user can grip the slide member 15 with their thumb or the like and slide the slide member 15 in a downward manner against the bias of the biasing member 19 to move the tongue member 17 into the retracted position. Upon release of the slide member 15, the tongue member will return to the extended position.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 3 - 5, one embodiment depicting how the tag member 10 is configured to grip the package 6 containing the item 5 in a secure manner. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the tag member 10 may be configured with an arm 24 hingedly mounted to the rear face 14 of the main body portion 11. The arm 24 has a projection 25 located on an inside surface thereof adjacent the free end. The projection 25 extends substantially orthogonally with respect to the arm 24 and a groove 26 is provided on the rear face 14 of the main body portion 11 that is shaped to receive the end portion of the projection 25 when the arm 24 is brought into a locked position as shown in Fig. 5. In the locked position, the arm 24 extends substantially parallel to the rear face 12 of the main body portion 11. The arm 24 may be biased into the locked position (Fig. 5) by way of a spring or similar biasing means provided in the hinged mount. In this regard, the arm 24 will need to be manually moved into the open position to engage with the package 6 of the item 5 against the action of the biasing means. Alternatively, the arm 24 may automatically open and close on presentation of a magnet or the like. The projection 25 is shaped to be received through a slot 7 provided in an upper region of the package such that when the projection 25 passes through the slot 7 it securely retains the package 6 in position in a clamped manner. One or more locking members (not shown) may be provided to lock the arm 24 in the locked position once the package 6 is secured in place, to prevent the package from being removed from the tag member 10. In this regard, the locking members may be magnets that securely retain the arm 24 against the rear face of the main body portion 11, or a physical engagement may occur between the projection 25 and the groove 26 that locks the arm 24 into the locked position. In one embodiment, the arm 24 may also function as a security tag employing RFID, RF or AM technology to be used as part of an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system in a conventional manner. The security function of the arm 24 may link with a proximity alarm in the store to emit an alarm if the item 5 is removed from the store. In such an embodiment the customer will take the item 5 to a sales counter to release the arm 24 and remove the tag member 10 prior to leaving the store.

[0057] An alternative embodiment of how the tag member may interact with the package containing the merchandise 5 is shown in Figs 12 and Fig. 13. In this embodiment, the tag member 40 is depicted having a main body portion 11 configured substantially as described above in relation to tag member 10 of Figs. 1 - 8.

[0058] In the embodiment of the tag member 40 depicted in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, rather than a hinge system for connecting the tag member to the package, a slide system is provided.

[0059] The slide system comprises a first jaw member 42 attached to the rear face 14 of the main body portion 11 of the tag member 40. The first jaw member 42 has an upper portion 43 that projects outwardly from the rear face 14 of the main body portion 11 and has a hollow space formed therein. The first jaw member 42 has a lower portion 44 spaced below the upper portion 43 that also projects beyond the rear face 14 of the main body portion. The lower portion 44 terminates in a contact face 45 that is substantially vertical and has a recessed portion 46 formed therein. A second jaw member 48 is mounted to the first jaw member 42. The second jaw member 48 has a main body 50 comprising an upper portion 49 that comprises a projection 47 that is telescopically received within the hollow space provided in the upper portion 43 of the first jaw member 42. The second jaw member 48 also has a lower portion 52 that is vertically spaced below the projection 47 and projects from the main body 50 in the same direction as the projection 47. The lower portion 52 terminates in a contact face 53 having a lug 54 projecting therefrom.

[0060] As is shown more clearly in Fig. 13, the second jaw member is able to slidingly move away from / toward the stationary first jaw member 42 through the sliding telescopic movement of the projection 47 within the hollow space provided in the upper portion 43 of the first jaw member 42. When the first jaw member 42 and the second jaw member 48 are in a closed position, as shown in Fig. 12, the contact face 45 of the first jaw member 42 and the contact face 53 of the second jaw member 48 abut each other. In this position the lug 54 provided on the contact face 53 of the second jaw member 48 is received within the recessed portion 46 formed on the contact face 45 of the first jaw member 42. This ensures that the package of the item is captured between the respective lower portions 44, 42 of the first jaw member and the second jaw members. In such an arrangement the projection 47 is locked in position within the hollow recess of the upper portion of the first jaw member 42 to prevent the jaw members 42, 48 from being separated. As discussed above, the locking mechanism may comprise a mechanical lock or a magnetic lock to secure the projection 47 within the hollow recess of the upper portion of the first jaw member 42.

[0061] When the tag member 40 is in an unlocked state, the projection 47 is free to slide within the hollow recess of the upper portion 43 of the first jaw member 42. This sliding movement will enable the second jaw member 48 to move away from the first jaw member 42 so that a space is created between the respective contact faces 45, 53 to facilitate release of the packaged item contacted therebetween. The packaged item can be removed and / or replaced as required and the tag member 40 can then be configured such that the first jaw member 42 and the second jaw member 48 are moved together and locked in position with the packaged item captured between the contact faces 45, 53 of the respective jaw members.

[0062] Irrespective of the manner in which the tag member 10, 40 captures the packaged item, when the tag member 10, 40 is secured to the package 6 of the item 5, the item 5 is able to be suspended from a hook member 30 in the manner as shown in Figs. 10 - 11.

[0063] The hook member 30 is shown in isolation in Fig. 9 and comprises a pair of tubular members 32 arranged in a spaced apart manner as shown. In a preferred form, the tubular members 32 are formed from a continuous wire that is bent to shape as shown. The free ends 33 of the tubular members 32 are configured to engage with a board, wall or similar, to facilitate mounting in position in the store in any conventional manner. A plurality of cross members 34 extend between the tubular members 32 at regular intervals along the length of the hook member 30. The cross members 34 may be formed from the same material as the tubular members 32 and may be welded in position. The distal end 35 of the hook member 30 is also formed by a cross member 34.

[0064] The spacing between the outer walls of the tubular members 32 is slightly narrower than the width of the opening 12 formed in the main body portion 11 of the tag member 10, 40. This allows the tag member 10, 40 to slide along the hook member 30 in a snug manner. The spacing between the inner walls of the tubular members 32 is slightly wider than the width of the upper end of the tongue member 17 such that the tag member 10, 40 can slide along the hook member 30 with the tongue member 17 in the biased / extended position. In this regard, the tubular members 32 may have diameters of between 4 - 6 mm and may be spaced between 18 - 22 mm apart. Similarly, the opening 12 may have a width of between 26 - 35 mm to accommodate such a configuration. It will be appreciated that other dimensions of the hook member 30 are also envisaged, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0065] The tag members 10, 40 and attached items 5 are loaded onto the hook member 30 in the manner as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. To load the items 5 the tag member 10, 40 is aligned such that the distal end 35 of the hook member 30 is received in the opening 12 of the tag member 10, 40. By pushing the tag member 10, 40 in a loading direction against the cross member 34 provided at the distal end 35 of the hook member 30, the cross member 34 applies a force against the angled surface of the rear face 22 of the tongue member 17. Such a force causes the tongue member 17 to retract into the main body portion 11 of the tag member 10, 40, against the bias force applied by the biasing means 19. This causes the opening 12 to pass over the cross member 34 at the distal end 35 of the hook member 30 and allows the combined tag member 10, 40 and item 5 to be pushed onto the hook member 30 towards the rear of the hook member 30. As the tag member 10, 40 comes into contact with the other cross members 34 of the hook member 30, the pressure applied by the cross members 24 against the angled rear face 22 of the tongue member 17 allows the tongue member 17 to retract to pass over the cross member 34. Once the tongue member 17 passes over the cross member 34, the tongue member 17 returns to its extended / biased position where it is received snuggle between the tubular members 32. This is repeated for all items 5 until the hook member 30 is loaded with items 5 for display and purchase.

[0066] To remove an item 5 from the hook member 30, the customer must slide the tag member 10, 40 in a removal direction along the hook member 30 toward the distal end 35. As the tongue member 17 is in the extended / biased position, when the tongue member 17 meets the cross member 34, the vertical front face 21 of the tongue member 17 contacts the cross member and prevents any further movement of the tab member 10, 40 toward the distal end 35 of the hook member 30. To advance the item 5 toward the distal end 35 of the hook member 30, the customer must depress the slide member 15 in a downward direction against the bias force applied by the biasing means 19. This will cause the tongue member 17 to retract into the main body portion 11 and slide over the cross member 34. As a cross member 34 is provided at the distal end 35 of the hook member 30, to remove the item 5 from the hook member 30 the customer will need to depress the slide member 15 a final time to enable the item 5 to be taken to the service counter for purchase.

[0067] It will be appreciated that such a requirement to constantly depress the slide member 15 of the tag member 10, 40 to pass over the cross members 34 located in the hook member 30 prevents items from being quickly and easily swept off the hook member 30. Each tag member 10, 40 on each item 5 must be individually activated to be removed from the hook member 30, Such a need to perform a specific action requires dexterity to remove each item from the hook member which is a significant deterrent to thieves and minimises sweep theft.

[0068] Referring to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, it will be appreciated that for displaying items, the items may be contained in a separate package or casing 55. This separate package 55 may be in the form of a hinged case that is capable of securely receiving the items 5 therein, such that the hinged case is able to be held by tag member 10, 40 in the manner as described above. This enables the display system of the present invention to be simply adapted for use with any variety of items which may be loosely packaged, or packaged with eco-friendly packaging options, that may not be suitable for engaging with the tag member 10, 40. Such items can be simply placed inside the package 55 and the package 55 closed to secure the items therein. The package 55 can then be simply engaged via a conventional slot arrangement with the tag member for secure display on a hook member or the like.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the package or casing 55 may be formed integral with the tag member 10, 40 without the need for the tag member 10, 40 to engage with the slotted opening of the package 5. In this regard, the package 55 is able to be opened to receive items for display such that there is no need to open / close the tag member 10, 40 to remove the items each time.

[0070] Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A display system for displaying items for purchase comprising: a hook member comprising a pair of spaced apart members extending in a substantially parallel manner with at least one cross member traversing the spaced apart members in an orthogonal manner; and at least one tag member attachable to an item for purchase, the at least one tag member having an opening for receiving the pair of spaced apart members therein for sliding movement of the tag member along the pair of spaced apart members and a tongue member configured to be movable with respect to the tag member between a first position wherein the tongue member extends into the opening and a second position wherein the tongue member is retracted from the opening, the tongue member being biased into the first position by a biasing member; wherein, when the tongue member is in the first position the tag member is able to be loaded onto the hook member in a loading direction such that contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member causes the tongue member to move from the first position to the second position to facilitate loading of the tag member onto the hook member in the loading direction, and when the tag member is removed from the hook member by moving the tag member along the hook member in a removal direction, contact of the tongue member with the cross member retains the tongue member in the first position whereby the tag member is prevented from removal from the hook member by the tongue member contacting the at least one cross member of the hook member.

2. A display system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tag member comprises a main body portion having an opening formed adjacent an upper end thereof.

3. A display system according to claim 2, wherein the opening is a slotted opening.

4. A display system according to claim 3, wherein the slotted opening has a width that extends at least partially across the upper end of the main body portion to snugly receive the hook member such that the tag member is able to freely slide along the hook member when the tongue member is in the second position.

5. A display system according to claim 1, wherein the tongue member has afront face and a rear face such that when the tag member is loaded onto the hook member in the loading direction the rear face of the tongue member contacts the cross member of the hook member and when the tag member is removed from the hook member in the removal direction the front face of the tongue member contacts the cross member of the hook member.

6. A display system according to claim 5, wherein the front face of the tongue member extends substantially vertically with respect to the main body portion of the tag member to be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the slotted opening.

7. A display system according to claim 5, wherein the rear face of the tongue member extends angularly with respect to the axis of the slotted opening in a direction towards the front face such that when the rear face of the tongue member contacts the cross member of the hook member, the tongue member is caused to move from the first position to the second position.

8. A display system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one tag member further comprises a slide member attachable to the tongue member.

9. A display system according to claim 8, wherein the slide member is located in a recess formed in a front surface of the main body portion of the tag member.

10. A display system according to claim 9, wherein the slide member is capable of moving vertically within the recess formed in the front surface of the main body portion such that vertical movement of the slide member within the recess causes the tongue member to move between the first position and the second position.

11. A display system according to claim 10, the slide member is formed integral with the tongue member.

12. A display system according to claim 10, wherein the slide member is formed separate to the tongue member and connected by way of a mechanical and / or adhesive fastener.

13. A display system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the slide member is configured to be gripped by a user to apply a force to the slidemember to slide the slide member against the bias force of the biasing member to move the tongue member into the second position for removal of the tag member from the hook member and upon release of the force, slide member and the tongue member will return to the first position.

14. A display system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one tag member is attachable to the item for purchase by way of a hinge mount.

15. A display system according to claim 14, wherein the hinge mount comprises an arm hingedly mounted to a rear face of the main body portion of the at least one tag member.

16. A display system according to claim 15, wherein the arm has a projection located on an inside surface thereof that is shaped to be received through a slot provided in an upper region of a package containing the item such that when the projection passes through the slot provided in the package the arm securely retains the package in position against the tag member.

17. A display system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one tag member is attachable to the item for purchase by way of a clamp mount.

18. A display system according to claim 17, wherein the clamp mount comprises a first jaw member attached to a rear face of the main body portion of the at least one tag member and a second jaw member slidably mounted to the first jaw member.

19. A display system according to claim 18, wherein the second jaw member is telescopically received within a portion of the first jaw member and the first jaw member and the second jaw member are configured to clamp around a slot provided in an upper region of a package containing the item to securely retain the package in position against the tag member.

20. A tag member for displaying items for purchase on a hook member having a pair of spaced apart members extending in a substantially parallel manner with at least one cross member traversing the spaced apart members in an orthogonal manner, the tag member comprising: a body portion having an opening for receiving the hook member therein for sliding movement of the body portion along the hook member; a tongue member configured to be movable with respect to the body portion between a first position wherein the tonguemember extends into the opening and a second position wherein the tongue member is retracted from the opening, the tongue member being biased into the first position by a biasing member; and a mount for securely mounting the item for purchase to the body portion; wherein, when the tongue member is in the first position the body portion is able to be loaded onto the hook member in a loading direction such that contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member of the hook member causes the tongue member to move from the first position to the second position to facilitate loading of the body portion onto the hook member in the loading direction, and when the tag member is removed from the hook member by moving the body portion along the hook member in a removal direction, contact of the tongue member with the at least one cross member retains the tongue member in the first position whereby the body portion is prevented from removal from the hook member by the tongue member contacting the at least one cross member of the hook member.

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