Anti-theft device with retractable cables, particularly for self-service items

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 spaced cables (4) connecting the two parts, 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 moving from an assembled position, forming a single piece, to a disassembled position in two separate parts, and vice versa. In particular, the rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means (5) are magnetic. Abstract figure: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Anti-theft device with retractable cables, particularly for self-service items.

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

[0002] Such an anti-theft device is designed to combat theft, particularly shoplifting, in order to protect self-service items in a retail establishment, especially items packaged in boxes. This type of anti-theft device is known in the relevant field as a "spider wrap." This anti-theft device comprises two rigid parts: a primary locking part and a secondary part, separated from each other but connected by wires or cables of extendable and retractable length.In the position for use of the spider-shaped anti-theft device on a box-shaped package, the device is placed on the box by pressing 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, which retracts them and allows 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] Such a device is particularly convenient for attaching to boxes of varying sizes because the cable length adjusts instantly by winding to fit snugly around the box. When it comes time to remove the anti-theft device, usually at the store checkout, it is unlocked (via a standard detacher of the powerful magnetic type) to unwind the cables and allow them to return to their slack position, freeing the box from them. However, the cashier removing the anti-theft device does not have time to rewind the cables, as this is an awkward task. The staff then simply places the device in a box or basket. However, when multiple spider-shaped anti-theft devices are piled up, they become tangled and the cables become mixed up, resulting in wasted time for the staff when they have to untangle the devices for reuse..

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

[0005] The invention therefore aims to provide an improved anti-theft device which, when not in use, does not present the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] According to the invention, the anti-theft device, in particular an anti-theft device for self-service items, comprises a main part, a secondary part, and cables connecting the two parts at intervals. The length of the cables is adjustable by winding or unwinding them inside 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 piece, 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 the unwound state.

[0007] The term "monobloc part" means a part in one piece which, when suspended by holding only one of the parts, cannot separate the two parts by gravity.

[0008] Thus, when not in use, if the anti-theft device is detached from the box being protected, even if the cables have not been wound, the two parts can be immediately and quickly assembled to form a single, monolithic piece. This facilitates the retrieval of each device from among all the others in a box in which they would otherwise be piled. Once a device has been retrieved, it is very easy to reuse it, as it is simply a matter of disassembling the two parts, which can be done quickly thanks to the fast-coordinating assembly and disassembly means.

[0009] According to one feature, the main part includes a cable winding and locking system.

[0010] According to one feature, the means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly are preferably magnetic means (magnetic assembly). This preferred embodiment of the means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly allows for extremely rapid and automatic assembly and disassembly operations. Indeed, by bringing the main part and the secondary part together, they are immediately assembled by magnetism, and by a simple pulling motion on the two parts in opposite directions, they are immediately disassembled.

[0011] Alternatively, the means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly can be clipping means. However, magnetization is even faster in both assembly and disassembly actions.

[0012] In the following description, the qualifiers "upper", "lower", "top" and "bottom" of an element of the anti-theft device are used within the context of an installation normal of the device on a package or item of the box type to be protected which would be positioned vertically.

[0013] According to an example of an assembly embodiment by magnetization, the main part and the secondary part each comprise at least one magnet, the magnets of the two respective main and secondary parts being designed and arranged so as to attract each other.

[0014] According to another example of assembly embodiment by magnetization, the main part or the secondary part comprises at least one magnet, while the other part comprises at least one metallic element capable of cooperating magnetically with said at least one magnet in the assembled position of the two parts.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Thus, according to one feature, the main part and the secondary part each comprise, as means for rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly, at least one magnet, the magnets of the two respective main and secondary parts being arranged so as to attract each other (according to a first example of a magnetic assembly), or alternatively, the main part or the secondary part comprises at least one magnet, while the other part comprises 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). 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 comprises a metallic part, the metallic part is also suitable for achieving magnetization with the magnet.

[0017] According to one feature, 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 magnetization when the device is not in use (i.e. when the device is not applied to the object to be protected).

[0018] According to one feature, the main part and the secondary part have an outer body made of plastic material.

[0019] In particular, the anti-theft device comprising a triggering and anti-theft alarm system (electronic or magnetic) capable of triggering a remote alarm and using radio-frequency technology or acousto- Whether magnetic or RFID technology, magnetic means are designed to avoid interfering 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, particularly 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.

[0020] According to one feature, the main part comprises, within itself, a cable winding system including 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 having a locking and unlocking member that projects from an external face of the main part. The locking and unlocking member is intended to cooperate with an unlocking system commonly referred to as a "detacher".

[0021] According to one feature, the main part of the device has, projecting from a face called the 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.

[0022] According to one feature, the locking and unlocking member and the push member are externally connected to the device by a long, slender element with a curved profile. At its termination on the push member side, this element has a convex profile, and extending from the convex profile towards the locking and unlocking member, it has a concave profile, preferably ending flat at the locking and unlocking member. 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.Furthermore, the boss, via one of its lateral faces, provides additional support for one of the user's fingers, while another finger rests against the locking and unlocking mechanism, making it easier to grip the anti-theft device and allowing the winding mechanism to be turned, thus winding the cables more easily and quickly.

[0023] According to one feature, the protruding locking and unlocking member comprises a central part and a peripheral wall around the central part, The peripheral wall is rotatable (relative to the central part). Preferably, the peripheral wall of the locking and unlocking mechanism is connected to a long element extending along the cross-section (as viewed from above) of the main part (in diameter) to form a crank-like component. This facilitates gripping the device and rotating the locking and unlocking mechanism for winding the cables. In particular, the peripheral wall of the projecting locking and unlocking mechanism is connected diametrically opposite to the thrusting element via the long element. The assembly formed by the thrusting element, the long element, and the rotatable peripheral wall constitutes a crank-like component.

[0024] According to one feature, the main part includes (in particular on its upper face) a locating element for the direction of rotation of the winding of the cables.

[0025] 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.l] represents a perspective view from below of an example of an 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 of [Fig.1] in the assembled position of the two main and secondary parts. - [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of the device in [Fig.2]. - [Fig.4] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the upper end part of the main part of the anti-theft device, showing the locking and unlocking mechanism of the device. - [Fig.5] shows the unlocking operation of the anti-theft device affixed against a detacher. - [Fig.6] shows the operation of tightening the cables of the anti-theft device placed around a box to be protected.

[0026] The anti-theft device 1 of the invention illustrated in the figures is in particular intended to be used as an anti-theft device for self-service items in a store. It makes it possible to protect an item or packaging of the type box B ([Fig.6]).

[0027] 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 intervals. The cables are capable of being 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 abutted against the box B to be protected. The peripheral wall 23 has openings 24 for the passage of cables 4.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 visible in the cross-sectional view of [Fig. 4]. The cable winding and locking system includes, within the body 20, in particular the reel, a ratchet mechanism that 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 ([Fig. 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 in [Fig. 4]).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.

[0032] The body 20 of the main part 2 also houses an electronic theft detection system of the radio frequency or magneto-acoustic type, known per se. The sound of the electronic theft detection system is emitted through through-through passages 2' in the thickness of the upper face 21 of the body 20 of the main part 2 ([Fig.3]).

[0033] According to the invention, the main part 2 and the secondary part 3 comprise rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means 5 for assembly The main part 2 and the secondary part 3 form a single unit and also allow for their disassembly. The rapid-cooperation assembly and disassembly means 5 enable quick transition from an assembled position of the main part 2 with the secondary part 3 as a single unit ([Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3]), to a disassembled position in two separate parts ([Fig. 1]), and vice versa, regardless of the length of the cables 4, whether they are fully coiled ([Fig. 3]) or partially or fully extended ([Fig. 2]). Thus, the anti-theft device 1 can form a single unit when not in use, with the two main parts 2 and secondary part 3 not being 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 assembly of main part 2 and secondary part 3 remains a single unit, even when a user holds the assembly only by the main part 2, as the secondary part 3 cannot detach by its own weight (and therefore by gravity).

[0034] 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.

[0035] The rapid cooperation assembly and disassembly means 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.

[0036] By way of non-limiting example, the rapid cooperative assembly and disassembly means 5 comprise at least one metallic element 50 (schematically illustrated with dashed lines in [Fig. 1] as 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 with dashed lines in [Fig. 1] as it is invisible from the outside) housed in the body 30 of the secondary part 3 and opposite the upper face 31. By bringing the upper face 31 of the secondary part 3 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 only one tenant.To separate / disassemble the two parts 2 and 3, the user simply pulls 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 metal element(s) are adapted so that the two parts remain assembled despite gravity.

[0037] Regarding the projecting locking and unlocking member 7 of the first moving assembly 60 of the locking and unlocking mechanism, this member (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 projecting member 7 constitutes the portion of the anti-theft device 1 intended to cooperate with a detacher 10 ([Fig. 5]) for unlocking the anti-theft device. This projecting member 7 ([Fig. 4]) forms a cap for a moving part 70 which is equipped with a magnetic material and is coupled to a return spring 71.

[0038] Regarding the locking and unlocking thrust member 8 of the second moving assembly 61 of the locking and unlocking mechanism 6, this is arranged 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 ([Fig.4]) of the main part 2, a second moving part 80 equipped with a return spring 81, this second moving part 80 being able to be translated radially in the cylindrical body 20 to cooperate with the first moving part 70 of the projecting member 7. The second moving 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 ([Fig.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. .

[0039] In the unlocked position of the anti-theft device 1 because the protruding member 7 is pressed against the detacher 10 ([Fig.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 nipple 72 come out of the hole 83 (not illustrated) 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 outward 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 the push member 8 (in a direction parallel to the plane of the upper face 21 and radial).

[0040] Advantageously, the elongated element 82 has a curved profile with, at its termination on the side of the thrust 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, if the anti-theft devices of a brand While commercial detachers are designed by their shape and dimensions to be used with detachers of the same brand, the anti-theft device of the invention has the advantage of adapting to all types and sizes of detachers, particularly regardless of the width of the detacher's rim 11 ([Fig. 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 detacher's blind hole 12, thus guaranteeing unlocking. Indeed, for a prior art anti-theft device that does not have dimensions appropriate to the 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 even fail to do so.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.

[0041] Preferably, the distance D ([Fig. 4]) separating the wall 7' of the projecting member 7 from the beginning of the rising profile of the concave profile 82B towards the boss 82A is approximately 15 mm. Preferably, the distance D' ([Fig. 4]) separating the wall 7' of the projecting member 7 from the top of the boss 82A is approximately 25 mm.

[0042] 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 portion 7" ([Fig. 3], and [Fig. 4]); the wall 7' is rotatable relative to the central portion 7". Furthermore, 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 crank-like component, facilitating gripping the assembly and rotating the projecting member 7 for winding the cables.

[0043] Advantageously, the boss 82A allows, by means of one of its lateral faces 82' ([Fig.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 for turning the cable winding mechanism, housed in the main part 2, particularly for a small hand, rather than having to turn it solely via the protruding member 7. The user gains in speed of cable winding.

[0044] Finally, the body 20 of the main part has on the upper face 21 one or more locating elements 9 (such as arrows) for the direction of rotation of the cable winding mechanism.

Claims

Demands

1. Anti-theft device (1), in particular an anti-theft device for self-service sales items, comprising a main part (2), a secondary part (3) and cables (4) connecting the two parts spaced apart, the length of the cables being adapted by winding or unwinding the cables inside the main part, characterized in that the main part (2) and the secondary part (3) comprise means for rapid cooperation 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.

2. Anti-theft device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for rapid cooperation assembly and disassembly (5) are magnetic means.

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

4. Anti-theft device according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

5. Anti-theft device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the 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 together by magnetism when the device is not in use.

6. An anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main part (2) comprises 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 having a locking and unlocking member (7), which protrudes from an outer face (21) of the main part.

7. 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 the locking and unlocking member (7).

8. 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).

9. Anti-theft device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the protruding locking and unlocking member (7) comprises 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 by forming a part with the function of a crank.

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

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