Retail Theft-Deterrent Device and Method of Making
A mechanism for deterring theft of an article has a dagger 10 including a dagger base and an elongated member extending therefrom and a dagger receptacle 60 affixable in close proximity to the article adapted for selectively, removably receiving the dagger.
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The invention relates to devices and methods for deterring thefts of articles, and more particularly to devices and methods for deterring thefts of articles in a retail environment.
Manufactures and retailers desire to deter theft of articles sold in a retail environment to the greatest extent possible. Theft of relatively small but higher priced items is a particular problem. One known method of theft deterrence involves encasing retail articles in an outer covering that is too cumbersome for a thief to conceal and remove from the premises. So-called “clam-shell” cases or “keepers” are examples of such outer coverings. A problem with this method is that the encasing apparatus typically requires more shelf space than the article itself. Another problem with this method is that if the encasing devices are removable, they have to be stored and handled for re-use. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a means for deterring theft of articles in a retail environment, which means does not substantially increase the amount of space required to display the article. It can also be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a means for deterring theft of articles in a retail environment, which means is not in and of itself cumbersome to store and handle.
Another method of theft deterrence is to simply display the articles in a locked case. A drawback to this approach is that an employee must be available to give access to the article—unlocking the case, handling the article, and then relocking the case. A drawback to this method of deterrence is the need for an employee to provide access, thus increasing operating expenses for the business. A further drawback is that customers are often dissuaded from a purchase of this nature because of the time and effort in obtaining help from a store employee to view the article. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a means for deterring theft of articles that does not inhibit customers' access to the articles.
Manufactures and retailers desire to deter theft of multiples of an article in a single event in particular. So-called “shelf sweep” is a particular type of multiple-article theft that manufactures and retailers desire to deter. In shelf sweep, a thief engulfs a quantity of articles on a store shelf or similar display in a single motion, such as by sweeping his or her arm across a shelf, thereby sweeping the articles into a bag or similar container. In this type of theft, the thief may not be concerned about being detected but plans to rapidly escape. Articles taken in this manner are often sold through retail channels such as a regular retail outlet, flea markets and merchandising websites. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a means for deterring theft of articles in a retail environment, which means can readily identify an article as being stolen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a base attachable to an article to be sold. The base is adapted to receive a spear, or dagger, that can only be removed by a special apparatus. Such a spear/dagger is disclosed in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/416,767, which application is hereby incorporated by reference. The spear/dagger is configured and colored to be easily and readily perceived.
In accordance with another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the base is adapted for adherence to the bottom of an article or article package.
In accordance with a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the base is adapted to be secured within an article or packaging for the article.
In accordance with still an additional aspect of the preferred embodiment, the base is adapted to be adhered to more than one face of the article or packaging for the article.
In accordance with a second, broader, preferred embodiment of the invention, a receptacle for selectively, removably receiving a dagger is affixable to either an article or the primary packaging for an article.
Other advantages and objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or like features of the invention.
Referring first to
Referring now simultaneously to
Referring now simultaneously to
The dagger/spear 10 component of the invention is the same in all of the embodiments illustrated. The explanation of the operation of the locking mechanism is application to each preferred embodiment. The dagger/spear 10 seats and locks within each base's 20, 30, 40 seating and locking mechanism 22, 32, 42. The dagger/spear 10 interacts in the same manner with each seating and locking mechanism 22, 32, 42 as illustrated in
Referring now to
Once seated and locked in placed, the dagger/spear can be removed by causing the spring 16 to deflect away from the detent 24 together with retraction of the dagger/spear 10 from the base 20. Deflection of the spring 16 can be achieved by direct mechanical means such as insertion of a tool or by means of application of a magnetic filed as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/416,767.
The dagger/spear is made in a length and color suitable to be readily detected by a purchaser or other observer. The spear/dagger may also be imprinted with indicia indicating that its presence in the package is indicative of unlawful sale thereof. Because the base in each embodiment is made an integral part of the package, without use of an authorized removal device, the dagger/spear would typically have to be removed by removal of the base. Removal of the base in turn defaces the package. Because a defaced package is less salable, the invention operates as a deterrent to theft.
An electronic monitoring device such as a transponder or electronic article surveillance mechanism can be incorporated into the invention by placement of such mechanism upon or within the dagger/spear 10 or the base.
The dagger/spear 10 may contain an aperture for hanging the article package on a hook.
Referring now to
The invention enables products to be made accessible to customers while containing theft-deterrent features that are non-cumbersome and easily removable by lawful means only.
Modifications may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
The figures forming a part of this specification convey the best mode for carrying out the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing the patent application. The figures are further presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. After learning of the details of the invention as presented herein, including the figures, it is likely that alternative embodiments could be devised according to the invention, which have a much different appearance than the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying figures. The figures forming a part of the specification convey utilitarian aspects of the invention and the preferred embodiments, and also include ornamental features which are not necessary to the utilization of the invention.
Claims
1. A mechanism for deterring theft of an article, the mechanism comprising:
- a dagger including a dagger base and an elongated member extending therefrom; and
- a dagger receptacle affixable in close proximity to the article adapted for selectively, removably receiving the dagger.
2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the dagger receptacle is affixable directly to the article.
3. The invention of claim 1, wherein the dagger receptacle is affixable to primary packaging for the article.
4. A package including at least one surface, the package comprising:
- a dagger including a dagger base and an elongated member extending therefrom; and
- a dagger receptacle affixed to the at least one surface adapted for selectively, removably receiving the dagger.
5. The package of claim 4, wherein the at least one surface lies within an interior of the package.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 7, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 24, 2008
Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION (Stamford, CT)
Inventors: Kenny Freitag (Cheshire, MA), Ken Bertram (Hillsborough, NC), Ricky N. Williams (Pittsfield, MA), James Kostyun (Pittsfield, MA), Brian Hand (Fairfield, CT), Preston Vanessa (Sound Beach, NY)
Application Number: 10/570,713