Security case
A security case for merchandise held on a shelf includes a first side wall positioned along a first side edge of an associated shelf. A first securing member is provided for securing the first side wall to a first associated support surface. A second side wall is positioned along a second side edge of the associated shelf. A second securing member is provided for securing the second side wall to a second associated support surface. At least one of the first and second securing members is movable in order to accommodate associated shelves of varying depths.
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The present invention pertains to security cases employed in point of sale merchandising.
In self-service retail establishments, such as drug stores, grocery stores and the like, articles are usually displayed for sale on racks consisting of vertically spaced shelves on which the articles are arranged in stacks. Alternatively, the articles are suspended from hooks which are mounted to peg boards. Although the merchandise in such retail environments is accessible substantially only from the front, the racks and peg board displays previously employed have permitted free access to the space above the merchandise held on each shelf, or to the entire hook. In this way, a person who wished to do so could very quickly and easily remove a large number of articles at one time. It is known for thieves to “sweep” a shelf with their arm, collecting the items into a purse, bag or coat very quickly and exit a store, without drawing attention to themselves. Similarly, it is known for thieves to empty all the items suspended from a hook into a suitable container and smuggle the removed articles out of a store. This is particularly a problem with high value goods, such as razor blades, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes and the like. A thief could steal as much as several hundred dollars worth of merchandise with very little effort and without great risk of being detected.
There have been some attempts at minimizing such shoplifting losses by the expedient of partially blocking access to display shelves to prevent a mass removal of articles from the shelves, but nevertheless, permitting removal of individual articles by a shopper.
This can be accomplished by installing a transparent panel in front of each stocked shelf, but blocking access to all but a few of the articles on the shelf. However, if the panel is securely fixed in place on the rack, the panel also prevents or impedes restocking of the shelves. Considering the value of a clerk's time, such a security system may cost more in terms of personnel time than the money it saves in reducing theft. On the other hand, if the panel is easily moved out of the way, or if the manipulations needed for moving the panel out of the way are readily apparent from inspection, then the panel has little value as a security device. Another important consideration is that the security device should be inexpensive and be capable of quick and easy installation.
One attempt to solve the theft problem has been the use of dispensing display cabinets which can be stocked through a lockable door at the rear of the cabinet. Such an arrangement, however, is unsuitable for the shelving commonly used in retail establishments, as well as for peg board displays similarly used in such establishments. Another attempt, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,779, employs a transparent front wall which leaves the bottom row of product exposed, together with a sliding door that has a pair of spaced access openings, each affording access to one row of product. While this is an adequate solution for the problem of theft, this design dictates that a separate size of display unit be manufactured for each size of goods meant to be displayed. For every type of unit having another shape or configuration, a different size of door and/or opening would be necessary.
Another design employs a hood or cover which can be mounted above a row of product, so as to impede a thief's ability to grab more than one product at a time from a row of products. However, with this design, a separate such member is necessary for each row of product on each shelf. Moreover, the member is only engageable with a particular type of display unit, in this case, one mounted on a rectangular bar. Such a design is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,304.
Still another design employs a pair of retaining walls, wherein a first retaining wall is shorter in height than is a second retaining wall. This design, illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0161420, is said to result in limiting access to product and inhibiting the removal of numerous products at one time. As with the previous design, however, this design necessitates the use of separate second barriers for each row of products.
A commercially known design of a sliding door kit includes a pair of side frames and a front closure that has one or two doors. However, this closure is only adapted for use on shelves of a given depth. Moreover, the prior art design does not include a door frame which can accommodate labels or a front fence, nor sliding doors which are stiffened in their closed position so as to resist forced entry. In addition, this known design does not have hinged side walls so as to allow a collapsed shipping condition of the sliding door kit. Nor is there a top cover that can be selectively mounted to the frame, so as to interengage therewith.
It would be desirable to have a security case which can be retrofitted to an existing shelf so as to inhibit access to the shelf in such a way as to retard the ability of a thief to “sweep” the shelf. At the same time, the shelf should be accessible to shoppers to allow the legitimate purchase of products. Also, the shelf needs to be accessible to store personnel to allow a restocking of merchandise in a prompt and efficient manner.
Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved security case which overcomes certain difficulties with prior art designs while providing better and more advantageous overall results.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, the present invention relates to a security case for merchandise held on a shelf. The security case includes a first side wall positioned along a first side edge of an associated shelf and a first means for securing the first side wall to a first associated support surface. A second side wall is positioned along a second side edge of the associated shelf and a second means is provided for securing the second side wall to a second associated support surface. At least one of the first and second means for securing is movable to accommodate associated shelves of varying depths.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a security case for merchandise held on a support surface includes a front closure assembly, including a channel for selectively accommodating an associated front fence. A first side wall is located on a first side of the front closure member and connected thereto and a second side wall is located on a second side of the front closure member and connected thereto. Respective first and second fastening members are provided for securing the first and second side walls to respective first and second associated support surfaces.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a security case is provided for merchandise. The security case comprises a front closure member comprising a frame and at least one door movably mounted in relation to the frame. A first side wall is mounted to a first side edge of the frame and a second side wall is mounted to a second side edge of the frame. A first securing member is mounted to the first side wall for securing the first side wall to an associated first support surface. A second securing member is mounted to a second side wall for securing the second side wall to an associated second support surface. A third securing member is mounted to the frame for securing the frame to an associated shelf.
The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
It should be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed, without departing from the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the various identified components of the security case designs discussed herein are merely terms of art, and that these may vary from one manufacturer to another. Such terms should not be deemed to limit the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings,
In this way, the length of the side panel can be adjusted to fit the depth of the shelf on which the security case A is positioned. The front panel 10 comprises a first door 40 and a second door 42. As is evident, these doors are slidable in a suitable track provided in the front panel, thereby allowing access to one or more shelves 44 once the doors are slid out of the way. In order to allow the contents to be visible, the doors can include a transparent panel, such as glass. One could, of course, also provide a lock (not shown) to prevent the doors 40, 42 from being opened without permission from an employee of the merchant.
With reference now to
While access is available to these shelves simply by opening one of the doors 40, 42, the presence of the security case will impede theft. Moreover, if the security case is locked, then no access can be had to those shelves, without permission from the merchant. In one embodiment, the height of the security case, depending on how many shelves are meant to be protected, can be anywhere from 12 inches to 36 inches. In the same embodiment, the width of the security case can be on the order of 48 inches if so desired. Obviously, wider and taller or narrower and shorter security cases are also contemplated. The security case A is secured to a set of shelves and fits directly in front of the shelf edges, as is evident from
With reference now to
With reference again to
In this design, a hinge 68 can be provided for connecting each side panel 52 and 54 to the front panel 50. Such a hinge is advantageous because it allows the security case to be collapsed for shipping and extended for mounting in place between a pair of shelves. The side panels 52 and 54 lock into the gondola upright slots (via teeth, see
With reference now to
With reference now to
With reference again to
The top edge of the window 138 is meant to be accommodated in the first track 120. Similarly, the bottom edge of the first window 138 is meant to be accommodated in a similar bottom track of the front panel. In other words, the mullions 126 and 140 do not extend the complete height of the window 138. Rather, the top and bottom edges of the window are free and can be accommodated in the tracks of the front panel. While the bottom track has not been separately discussed, it should be apparent that it can have the same structure as discussed above in connection with the top track or pivot track 80.
Also provided is a second door panel 158. The second door panel similarly comprises a center mullion 160, which includes a base 162 and first, second and third flanges 164,166 and 168. A first side edge of a window 170 is accommodated between the second and third flanges 166 and 168 of the center mullion 160 of the second door panel. Also provided is a side mullion 178. The side mullion similarly comprises a base 180 and first, second and third flanges 182, 184 and 186. As is evident from
With reference now to
It should be apparent that the top edge of the second window 170 is accommodated in the second groove 122 of the pivot track 80. In the same fashion, a bottom edge of the second window 170 is accommodated by a bottom track defined in the front panel 70. It should also be apparent that movement of the first and second door panels 124 and 158 is facilitated by the mullions 126 and 140 being so designed as to provide gripping surfaces to enable a gripping of the mullion and, hence, the door for movement thereof. As to the second door 158, the first flange 182 thereof can be gripped to allow a sliding of this door as well.
With reference now to
As shown in
With reference now to
In this design, the front panel further comprises a top channel 322. The top channel can be a conventional C-channel or the like which can accommodate either signs or suitable brackets. One such bracket is illustrated in
The security case can further comprise a bottom panel (not shown) and a top panel (not visible). As is evident, in this design, the security case is meant to be mounted over a peg board 340. With this embodiment, the security case D can enclose a desired section of an otherwise readily accessible peg board display. The peg board 340 can be positioned between a pair of gondolas 342 and 344. The security case D is mounted to the gondolas via a plurality of brackets 346. More specifically, each of the brackets contains a set of teeth 348 which engage in spaced slots 350 in the gondolas. The security case D is also supported by a shelf 352 which is mounted to the gondolas. As is evident from
Suitable shelves 360 can be mounted to the peg board to contain some items. As can be appreciated, the shelf 360 can be mounted to the peg board via conventional mounting structures 362. In addition, hooks 370 can be employed with the peg board to display yet other items 372 for sale by the merchant.
In this design, suitable conventional dividers 380, tracks 382 and pushers 384 can be located on the bottom shelf 352. The dividers and tracks can be mounted to a front rail 386. As is evident, the dividers and tracks can organize merchandise 388 into rows and push them forward on the bottom shelf 352 in order to provide a pleasing display for potential purchasers. It should be apparent that the merchandising display system discussed above can be provided on the shelf 360, if so desired. The front rail 386 can be mounted to its support surface, such as the bottom shelf 352 or the shelf 360 via conventional means.
With reference now to
With reference particularly to
Also provided for the security case is a bottom wall 430 which is supported by the respective lower channels 406 of the two side walls. The top wall (not visible) and the bottom wall can also be made of similar known transparent materials, if so desired. Alternatively, one or both can be opaque and made of a suitable known metal material, such as an aluminum or steel sheet material. Positioned on the bottom wall 430 can be a display assembly comprising dividers 380′, tracks 382′ and pushers 384′. The dividers and tracks can be mounted to a front rail 386′. If desired, suitable shelves 360′ can be mounted to the peg board to contain some items. Also, hooks 370′ can be employed to display yet other items of merchandise.
With reference now to
Also defined on the frame 510 in this embodiment is a channel 530 which is upwardly open so as to selectively accommodate an associated front fence 532 of a suitable known merchandise display system. The purpose for the front fence, which can be of any desired height, is to retard product being displayed on the shelf, and being merchandised on tracks separated by dividers, such as is shown, e.g., in
Moreover, the frame 510 also comprises a fastener channel 550. This is located below the first and second tracks. Extending longitudinally along a bottom face of the fastener channel 550 is a slot 552. A head 560 of a fastener 562 is accommodated in the fastener channel 550, while a stem 564 of the fastener extends through the slot 552. The fastener stem 564 may be threaded and may cooperate with an associated fastener element, such as a wing nut 568. In this way, the front closure member 500 can be selectively secured to the shelf 502. It should be appreciated that the upper end of the front closure member is similarly secured to a shelf located above the closure member via suitable conventional means, such as the structure illustrated, e.g., in
In addition, a merchandise display system track 570 can be defined in the frame 510. For example, the display system track can be located beneath the channel 530 for the front fence and rearwardly of the second track 514. In this way, suitably shaped tracks and dividers (such as dividers 380 and tracks 382 illustrated in
The present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A security case for merchandise held on a shelf comprising:
- a first side wall positioned along a first side edge of an associated shelf;
- a first means for securing said first side wall to a first associated support surface;
- a second side wall positioned along a second side edge of the associated shelf;
- a second means for securing said second side wall to a second associated support surface;
- wherein at least one of said first and second means for securing is movable to accommodate associated shelves of varying depths.
2. The security case of claim 1 further comprising a front closure member connected to said first and second side walls.
3. The security case of claim 2 wherein said front closure member comprises a pair of sliding doors.
4. The security case of claim 3 wherein each of said pair of sliding doors includes a side edge comprising a reinforcing member.
5. The security case of claim 4 wherein said respective reinforcing members cooperate to stiffen said front closure member, when said pair of sliding doors is in a closed position.
6. The security case of claim 3 wherein said front closure member comprises a frame in which said pair of sliding doors is mounted.
7. The security case of claim 6 wherein front closure member comprises at least one fastening element mounted to said frame for connecting said frame to the associated shelf.
8. A security case for merchandise held on a support surface comprising:
- a front closure assembly including a channel for selectively accommodating an associated front fence;
- a first side wall located on a first side of said front closure member and connected thereto;
- a second side wall located on a second side of said front closure member and connected thereto; and,
- respective first and second fastening members for securing said first and second side walls to respective first and second associated support surfaces.
9. The security case of claim 8 wherein at least one of said first and second side walls is hingedly mounted to said front closure member.
10. The security case of claim 8 wherein said front closure assembly comprises a frame and at least one door movably mounted to said frame.
11. The security case of claim 8 further comprising a top cover selectively mounted to said front closure member.
12. The security case of claim 8 wherein said front closure member comprises a pair of sliding doors.
13. The security case of claim 12 wherein each of said pair of sliding doors includes a side edge comprising a reinforcing member.
14. The security case of claim 13 wherein said respective reinforcing members cooperate to stiffen said front closure member, when said pair of sliding doors is in a closed position.
15. The security case of claim 12 wherein said front closure member comprises a frame in which said pair of sliding doors is mounted.
16. A security case for merchandise comprising:
- a front closure member, comprising: a frame, and at least one door movably mounted in relation to said frame;
- a first side wall mounted to a first side edge of said frame;
- a second side wall mounted to a second side edge of said frame;
- a first securing member mounted to said first side wall for securing said first side wall to an associated first support surface;
- a second securing member mounted to said second side wall for securing said second side wall to an associated second support surface; and,
- a third securing member mounted to said frame for securing said frame to an associated shelf.
17. The security case of claim 16 further comprising first and second hinges for hingedly connecting said first and second side walls to said frame.
18. The security case of claim 16 further comprising a top cover selectively mounted to said front closure member.
19. The security case of claim 18 wherein said top cover comprises a flange which interengages with said frame of said front closure member.
20. The security case of claim 16 wherein said frame comprises a groove into which an associated front fence can be selectively inserted.
21. The security case of claim 16 wherein said frame comprises a C-channel.
22. The security case of claim 16 wherein said frame comprises a fastener track for accommodating a portion of an associated fastener.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 3, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 11, 2007
Applicant:
Inventor: Robert Gray (Brookpark, OH)
Application Number: 11/732,269
International Classification: A47F 3/00 (20060101);