US20180296007A1 - Merchandise display hook including anti-sweep mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A merchandise display hook and method for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from a merchandise display hook and/or for loading one or more items of merchandise onto the display hook are provided. The display hook may include at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon. The display hook may also include a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod and/or an opposite loading direction for loading the one or more items of merchandise onto the rod.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/435,794, filed on Feb. 12, 2017 and claims the benefit to priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/298,745 filed on Feb. 23, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/335,267 filed on May 12, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/351,619 filed on Jun. 17, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates generally to a merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise on a display fixture.
BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART
• Merchandise display hooks are utilized extensively to display items of merchandise, for example, in a retail store. Typically, a plurality of display hooks are each individually mounted on a generally vertical display fixture, such as a conventional slat wall or slot wall, wire grid, bar rack or pegboard. The use of multiple display hooks on the display fixture provides an aesthetic and organized display area that allows potential purchasers to view the items of merchandise without assistance from sales personnel.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards merchandise display hooks and methods for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from a merchandise display hook and/or for loading one or more items of merchandise onto the display hook. In one embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon and a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod. The merchandise display hook further includes an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the helix and configured to rotate the helix in the dispensing direction in a first mode, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism is prevented from rotating the helix in the dispensing direction in a second mode.
• In another embodiment, a method includes securing a merchandise display hook to a display fixture. The merchandise display hook includes at least one rod and a helix disposed about at least a lengthwise portion of the rod, as well as an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the helix. The method also includes actuating the anti-sweep mechanism such that the anti-sweep mechanism rotates the helix in a dispensing direction to dispense at least one item of merchandise from the rod in a first mode, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism is prevented from rotating the helix in the dispensing direction in a second mode.
• In one embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod having a first end configured to be mounted to a display fixture and a second end opposite the first end and a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the second end of the rod and/or an opposite loading direction for loading the one or more items of merchandise onto the second end of the rod. The merchandise display hook also includes an anti-sweep mechanism configured to be linearly actuated for loading one or more items of merchandise onto the rod and/or for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod.
• In another embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon and a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. In addition, the merchandise display hook includes an anti-sweep mechanism comprising an actuator operably engaged with the helix, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism is configured to rotate the helix for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod in response to linear actuation of the actuator.
• In one embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon and a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The merchandise display hook also includes an anti-sweep mechanism comprising an actuator operably engaged with the helix and a time delay mechanism operably engaged with the actuator. The anti-sweep mechanism is configured to rotate the helix for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod in response to actuation of the actuator, and the time delay mechanism is configured to disable the actuator for a predetermined period time following actuation of the actuator.
• In another embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon and a base coupled to the rod and configured to be mounted to a display fixture. The merchandise display hook includes a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod, wherein the helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod and/or an opposite loading direction for loading the one or more items of merchandise onto the rod. Moreover, the merchandise display hook includes an anti-sweep mechanism at least partially housed within the base and operably engaged with the helix, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism is configured to dispense the one or more items of merchandise from the rod.
• In one embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon and a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The merchandise display hook also includes an anti-sweep mechanism comprising an actuator and a loading mechanism each operably engaged with the helix, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism is configured to dispense the one or more items of merchandise from the rod in response to actuation of the actuator and to load the one or more items of merchandise onto the rod in response to actuation of the loading mechanism.
• In another embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon, the rod having an upturn at its free end. The merchandise display hook includes a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod, wherein the helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod. The merchandise display hook also includes an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the helix and configured to dispense the one or more items of merchandise onto the free end whereby the one or more items of merchandise is configured to be supported on the free end.
• In one embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon and a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod. The merchandise display hook also includes an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the helix and configured to bias the helix for rotation in the dispensing direction.
• In one embodiment, a merchandise display hook includes a helix configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from the helix and an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the helix and configured to rotate the helix in the dispensing direction in a first mode. The anti-sweep mechanism is prevented from rotating the helix in the dispensing direction in a second mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display hook mounted to a display fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of the display hooks shown inFIG. 1 mounted to a display fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the display hook shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the display hook shown inFIG. 1 dispensing an item of merchandise according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a display hook having a plurality of removable helixes according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the display hook shown inFIG. 1 having a loading mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a package insert according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is side view of a display hook according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the display hook shown inFIG. 8.
• FIG. 10 is rear view of an anchor escapement according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a top view of the anchor escapement shown inFIG. 10.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a package insert according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a top view of the display hook shown inFIG. 12 with an actuator in a relaxed state.
• FIG. 14 is an enlarged top view of the display hook shown inFIG. 12 with the actuator in an actuated state.
• FIG. 15 is a rear view of a cable clutch mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a display hook according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is a side view of the display hook shown inFIG. 16.
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a display hook according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 19 is a top view of the display hook shown inFIG. 18.
• FIG. 20 is a side view of the display hook shown inFIG. 18.
• FIG. 21 is a rear view of a base of the display hook shown inFIG. 18.
• FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the base shown inFIG. 21.
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a display hook according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 24 is a top view of the display hook shown inFIG. 23.
• FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a loading mechanism of the display hook shown inFIG. 23.
• FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the loading mechanism shown inFIG. 25.
• FIG. 27 is a top view of the upper rod of the display hook shown inFIG. 23.
• FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of the loading mechanism shown inFIG. 25 in an actuated state.
• FIG. 29 is a rear view of a cable drive mechanism of the display hook shown inFIG. 23.
• FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of the cable drive mechanism shown inFIG. 29.
• FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a display hook according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 32 is a top view of the display hook shown inFIG. 31.
• FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of a cable drive mechanism of the display hook shown inFIG. 31.
• FIG. 34 is a rear view of a merchandise display hook according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• The accompany drawing figures illustrate one or more embodiments of amerchandise display hook20 for mounting on adisplay fixture10, such as a pegboard, slat wall or slot wall, wire grid or bar rack. For convenience, thedisplay fixture10 shown herein is a conventional pegboard type display fixture commonly referred to as “pegboard.” Thedisplay hook20 comprises ananti-sweep mechanism40 constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Theanti-sweep mechanism40 is operable for increasing the amount of time required to remove an item ofmerchandise12 from thedisplay hook20, while still permitting loading (commonly referred to as “stocking”) of the items of merchandise onto the display hook for being displayed within a display area of a retail store. Each item ofmerchandise12 is suspended from thedisplay hook20, or alternatively, is secured within a safer or box that is suspended from the display hook. As shown and described herein, themerchandise display hook20 may be a peg style display hook, also referred to as a “peg hook,” suitable for mounting on the pegboard. Pegboard is typically made of metal, plastic, cardboard or pressed board and has a plurality of regularly spacedapertures11 formed therethrough for receiving mounting structure of thedisplay hook20, as will be described. In some embodiments, a plurality of merchandise display hooks20 may be configured to be secured to the display fixture10 (see, e.g.,FIG. 2). Although adisplay hook20 is shown and described herein for purposes of illustration and explanation, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the broad concept of the invention is applicable to other types of merchandise display hooks configured with suitable mounting structure for mounting on a different type of display fixture, such as, for example, slat wall or slot wall, wire grid, or bar rack.
• FIG. 1 shows adisplay hook20 comprising ananti-sweep mechanism40 according to an embodiment of the invention with the display hook configured to be mounted onto adisplay fixture10, such as pegboard. In one embodiment,display hook20 comprises alower rod24 and anupper rod26 and ahelix42. It is understood that the use of the term “rod” is not intended to be limiting, as the lower24 and upper26 rods may be any desired structure configured to receive, support, and/or dispense items ofmerchandise12 and/or cooperate with theanti-sweep mechanism40. For example, theupper rod26 may be a structure or housing configured to house portions of theanti-sweep mechanism40. In some cases, theupper rod26 may be a structure or housing that comprises one or more components of theanti-sweep mechanism40, such as anactuator50 and/or aloading mechanism60.
• Moreover, in some embodiments, thelower rod24 may be omitted, as the items of merchandise may be supported directly on thehelix42. In other embodiments, thehelix42 may be positioned above thelower rod24. Or, thehelix42 may be omitted completely, and items ofmerchandise12 may be dispensed directly off of the lower24 or upper26 rods. For example, a gate may be positioned at the end of thelower rod24 or theupper rod26 that allows one item ofmerchandise12 to be removed at a time. In other cases, a cable, belt, or the like may be employed to move each item ofmerchandise12 in a dispensing or loading direction. For instance, the cable, belt, or the like may include hooks for holding each item ofmerchandise12, “teeth” for separating the items of merchandise from one another, or a high friction surface. In yet another embodiment, at least thehelix42 may be enclosed, such as in a box-like structure.
• The end of thelower rod24 may have afree end23 that is upturned slightly for retaining an item of merchandise on the lower rod against the influence of gravity. However, it is not essential that thefree end23 of thelower rod24 be upturned since theanti-sweep mechanism40 serves to retain the items of merchandise on thelower rod24, as will be described. In some embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-5, thefree end23 extends at an oblique angle from thelower rod24 such that items of merchandise may fall under the influence of gravity onto the free end as will be explained in further detail below.Display hook20 may further comprise mountingstructure25 including at least one, and preferably more than one, mountingpeg35 for engaging a correspondingaperture11 formed through thedisplay fixture10 to mount thedisplay hook20 to the pegboard that extends outwardly from and is generally perpendicular to the plane of the pegboard. For example,FIG. 34 shows an embodiment, wherein the mountingstructure25 includes a plurality of mountingpegs35 each configured to engage thedisplay fixture10. In this embodiment, a pair of mountingstructures25 may be used such that a first mounting structure is configured to be attached to thedisplay fixture10 and then subsequently the second mounting structure is attached to the display fixture and fixedly attached to the first mounting structure, e.g., with a fastener or locking mechanism, such that the merchandise display hook cannot be removed from the display fixture without first removing one of the mounting structures. Anoptional label holder46 may also be provided adjacent a front portion of theupper rod26 for displaying information, such as price, related to the items ofmerchandise12 supported on thedisplay hook20.
• Themerchandise display hook20 may further comprise abase30 for locking or otherwise securing the display hook to thedisplay fixture10. In some cases, thebase30 is fixed in position relative to the lower24 and upper26 rods. In one embodiment, the base30 (or a portion thereof) may be configured to slide in a lengthwise direction alongupper rod26 abovelower rod24 between an unlocked position distant from mounting peg(s) of the mounting structure28 and a locked position proximate the mounting peg(s) in which thedisplay fixture10 is firmly sandwiched between the base and the mounting peg(s). In other embodiments, thebase30 may lock to an adapter secured to the pegboard. Thus, thebase30 may be configured to be locked to and unlocked from the adapter. In this position, thedisplay hook20 cannot be angled upwardly and the mounting peg(s) retracted through the aperture(s)11 in thedisplay fixture10 to thereby remove thedisplay hook20 from the pegboard. The base30 may be configured to cooperate with a key (e.g., a magnetic key) to unlock the base and thereby permit thedisplay hook20 to be removed from the display fixture in the manner previously described. A base and key suitable for use with the invention is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,341,987, issued on Jan. 1, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
• As shown inFIGS. 3-4,anti-sweep mechanism40 comprises a length of ahelix42 or coil extending outward from thebase30 and extending lengthwise along at least a portion of thelower rod24. In some cases, the end of thehelix42 may be positioned adjacent to thefree end23 of thelower rod24. Rotation of thehelix42 in a first direction is configured to dispense items of merchandise from thelower rod24, while rotation of the helix in an opposite direction is configured to load items of merchandise onto the lower rod. It is understood that the pitch of thehelix42 may be modified depending on the number and size of items of merchandise desired to be supported on thelower rod24. Thehelix42 may be a conventional “coil spring” type helix having a substantially constant pitch. As used herein, the term “pitch” is intended to mean the axial distance between corresponding points on adjacent coils of thehelix42. However, a helix having a variable pitch may be used as desired to vary the distance an item ofmerchandise12 is moved along thelower rod24 in response to one full (i.e., about 360 degrees) rotation of the helix. In the embodiment shown and described herein, the pitch of thehelix42 is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the packaging for the item ofmerchandise12, or a safer containing the item of merchandise, which may limit a shoplifter's access to the opening of the packaging or safer that receives thelower rod24 of thedisplay hook20. In this manner, a shoplifter may have more limited access for cutting the packaging or keeper on either side of the opening and forcibly removing the item ofmerchandise12 from thelower rod24 between adjacent coils of thehelix42.
• In some embodiments, thehelix42 may be removably attached to therod24 and/orbase30. That is, thehelix42 may be removable from thebase30 without damaging themerchandise display hook20. For example,FIG. 5 shows that thehelix42 may be removably attached to thebase30. Thus, different sizes and configurations ofhelixes42 may be employed, such as for accommodating different sizes and configurations of items ofmerchandise12 or the packaging of the item of merchandise. Advantageously, eachhelix42 may be configured to be removed from and attached to the base30 while the base is attached to thedisplay fixture10. Eachhelix42 may be attached to the base30 using any desired technique such as via one or more fasteners and/or engagement features and/or may be locked to the base in some cases. For example,FIG. 16 shows that thehelix42 may be configured to inserted through thebase30. In this embodiment, a free end of thehelix42 may be configured to first be inserted through a rear surface of thebase30 and then through a front surface of the base until the opposite end of the helix is seated within the base. In this example, the end of the base30 may be keyed to receive a correspondingly shaped free end of thehelix42. When seated within thebase30, thehelix42 cannot be rotated relative to the base or removed without first removing the base from thedisplay fixture10.
• In one embodiment shown inFIG. 7, apackage insert52 may be configured to be secured to an item ofmerchandise12 or its packaging. In this way, thepackage insert52 is configured to be received onto thelower rod24 and to maintain a desired spacing between items ofmerchandise12. Thus, thepackage insert52 may allow for increase spacing between items of merchandise that may have thin packaging or a lower profile.
• In one embodiment, theanti-sweep mechanism40 further comprises anactuator50 mounted on theupper rod26. Theactuator50 is operable for actuating thehelix42 for rotation relative to thelower rod24 of thedisplay hook20 for dispensing items of merchandise. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator50 is a push button, although other mechanisms may be employed such as a rotatable handle, a lever, or a pull knob or like mechanism. However, manual rotation of thehelix42 may not be required. In some cases, actuation of theactuator50 results in one full rotation of thehelix42 for dispensing a single item of merchandise on thelower rod24.
• Theanti-sweep mechanism40 may further include aloading mechanism60 for loading items of merchandise onto thelower rod24. Theloading mechanism60 may be operable for actuating thehelix42 for rotation relative to thelower rod24 of thedisplay hook20 for loading items of merchandise. Thus, theloading mechanism60 may be configured to actuate thehelix42 for rotation in an direction that is opposite to a direction for dispensing items of merchandise. In the illustrated embodiment, theloading mechanism60 is a push button, although other mechanisms may be employed such as a rotatable handle. However, manual rotation of thehelix42 may not be required. In some cases, actuation of theloading mechanism60 results in one full rotation of thehelix42 for loading a single item of merchandise on thelower rod24.
• In one embodiment shown inFIGS. 8-11, theanti-sweep mechanism40 includes ananchor escapement70 that is operably engaged with theactuator50 and theloading mechanism60. In some cases, theanchor escapement70 is at least partially housed within thebase30. Thus, the drive mechanism for thehelix42 may be located in thebase30 rather than at afree end32 of thehelix42. Theanchor escapement70 may include agear mechanism72 and a biasing element74 (e.g., a coiled power spring) that are operably coupled to thehelix42. Thegear mechanism72 may include a plurality ofgears75, with at least one gear coupled to theloading mechanism60, and at least one gear coupled to theactuator50. In the illustrated example, fourgears75 are used, although any number may be used if desired. For example, one of thegears80 may be used for dampening thehelix42 when dispensing items ofmerchandise12 so that the helix does not rotate in a rapid manner. Theloading mechanism60 may be coupled to one or more gear(s)75 such that movement of the loading mechanism rotates the gear(s) and loads the biasingelement74. Theanchor escapement70 may be configured to cooperate with theloading mechanism60 for rotating thehelix42 in a loading direction. In this regard, actuating theloading mechanism60 may result in loading the biasingelement74 which may be subsequently used for dispensing an item of merchandise when theactuator50 is actuated. Each actuation of theloading mechanism60 may result in one full rotation of thehelix42. Thus, for each actuation of theloading mechanism60, the biasingelement74 may be loaded for subsequent dispensing. In some cases, theloading mechanism60 may be configured to be pulled forward (away from the display fixture10) for loading the biasingelement74, and the stored spring force may be subsequently used to rotate thehelix42 for dispensing an item of merchandise when theactuator50 is actuated. Theloading mechanism60 may be coupled to one of thegears82 via alinear drive mechanism78 such that linear movement of the linear drive mechanism rotates thegear82. In order to prevent the gear(s)75 from rotating in a dispensing direction and unwinding the biasingelement74, a clutch76 may be employed. Thus, once the biasingelement74 is loaded via actuating theloading mechanism60 one or more times, the biasing element remains loaded until theactuator50 is actuated. The biasingelement74 may be configured to store enough energy for each item ofmerchandise12 loaded onto thelower rod24. Thus, the spring energy may be sufficient to rotate thehelix42 for each item ofmerchandise12 loaded onto thelower rod24. Alternatively, the spring energy may be sufficient to dispense one item of merchandise. For instance, each actuation of theactuator50 orloading mechanism60 may load the spring and then rotate thehelix42 for dispensing the item ofmerchandise12.
• Thus, in some embodiments, loading a biasingelement74 may be used to store energy for rotating thehelix42. In other embodiments, actuation of theactuator50 may directly drive thehelix42 to dispense an item ofmerchandise12 such that the biasingelement74 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the power may be provided electronically, such as via a battery or a power wall outlet. In some cases, the power may be entirely generated using manual force with no stored energy used to rotate the helix. In yet other embodiments, a tension spring may be used, e.g., manual actuation ofactuator50 loads a tension spring that then causes thehelix42 to rotate in a loading direction, such that no stored energy is required to rotate the helix in the dispensing direction.
• Theactuator50 may be operably coupled to theanchor escapement70 for dispensing items ofmerchandise12. For example,FIG. 8 shows that thelower rod24 andhelix42 terminate in thebase30 and are operably engaged to theanchor escapement70, while theactuator50 is operably engaged with theupper rod26 and the anchor escapement. In one embodiment, actuation of theactuator50 results in linear movement of a lockingshuttle85 that is engaged with thehelix42, which in turn disengages the locking shuttle from the helix and allows the helix to rotate in a dispensing direction (opposite to the loading direction) due to the biasingelement74 being biased from its loaded state. Thus, linear or non-rotary actuation of theactuator50 may result in rotation of thehelix42. The axis of rotation of thehelix42 may be parallel to the axis of linear movement of theactuator50 in some embodiments. Thehelix42 may rotate one full revolution for dispensing an item ofmerchandise12. When theactuator50 returns to its initial position, such as via a spring, the lockingshuttle85 again engages thehelix42. Thus, theanchor escapement70 may be configured to limit rotation of thehelix42 to one full rotation, and only one item of merchandise may be dispensed for each actuation of theactuator50. Thus, holding down theactuator50 will not result in a plurality of items of merchandise being dispensed from thelower rod24.
• In some embodiments, theanti-sweep mechanism40 prevents serial actuation of the actuation without first waiting a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 5 seconds), sometimes referred to as a “time delay”. Thus, even if a customer pushes theactuator50 multiple times within the predetermined period of time, only one item of merchandise will be dispensed. Theanti-sweep device40 may include a manual stop that prevents actuation of theactuator50 within the predetermined period of time, or the actuator may be temporarily decoupled from the anchor escapement. In other cases discussed in further detail below, a damper mechanism may be employed (e.g., using fluid and/or friction). In some embodiments, time delay may be accomplished using an electronic circuit whereby a microprocessor controls the timing of the anti-sweep mechanism. In another embodiment, magnetic forces may be used to facilitate time delay, such as with eddy currents.
• Thus, in some embodiments, theanti-sweep mechanism40 facilitates different modes of operation, e.g., a first mode whereby items of merchandise may be dispensed (e.g., using the actuator50) and a second mode whereby the anti-sweep mechanism is disabled or otherwise prevented from dispensing additional items of merchandise (e.g., via time delay). In other embodiments, additional modes may be employed as discussed herein, such as a third mode whereby items of merchandise may be loaded using aloading mechanism60.
• Although manual actuation of theactuator50 has been discussed, it is understood that the actuator may be automatically actuated in some embodiments. For example, removal of the item ofmerchandise12 may automatically actuate theactuator50 orhelix42, which results in rotation of thehelix42 for advancing the remaining items of merchandise on thelower rod24. The automatic actuation may be accomplished using a switch or other mechanism that is activated in response to removing an item of merchandise from thelower rod24, or via anelectronic actuator50 that is configured to communicate each actuation to operate theanti-sweep mechanism40.
• In operation, thedisplay hook20 including theanti-sweep mechanism40 is first mounted onto thedisplay fixture10. In one embodiment, thedisplay hook20 is mounted to thedisplay fixture10, and the base30 may be locked to secure the display hook to thedisplay fixture10. A first item ofmerchandise12 is then positioned over thefree end23 of thelower rod24 and adjacent to afree end32 of thehelix42. Theloading mechanism60 is next actuated to load the first item ofmerchandise12 onto thelower rod24. For instance,FIG. 6 shows that theloading mechanism60 may be moved in a direction away from thedisplay fixture10 which causes thehelix42 to rotate in a direction that advances a first item ofmerchandise12 onto thelower rod24 and towards the display fixture. A second, or subsequent, item ofmerchandise12 may be positioned onto thefree end23 of the lower rod and adjacent to afree end32 of thehelix42 in place of the previous item of merchandise. The process of positioning an item ofmerchandise12 onto thelower rod24 may be repeated until all of the items are suspended from thelower rod24 between the base30 and thefree end32 of thehelix42. In this manner, theanti-sweep mechanism40 is operable to load or stock a desired number of items ofmerchandise12 onto thelower rod24 of thedisplay hook20.
• The items ofmerchandise12 can be dispensed individually from thelower rod24 of thedisplay hook20 by operating theanti-sweep mechanism40. In one embodiment shown inFIG. 4, theactuator50 is actuated (e.g., by pressing a button) which causes thehelix42 to rotate for advancing the items ofmerchandise12 along thelower rod24. The item ofmerchandise12 nearest thefree end32 of the helix is advanced by thehelix42 onto thefree end23 of thelower rod24. In some cases, the item ofmerchandise12 that is advanced by thehelix42 may slide along thelower rod24 onto thefree end23 under the influence of gravity. The item ofmerchandise12 may be supported on thefree end23 until a consumer removes the item of merchandise from the free end.
• FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, themerchandise display hook100 includes a time delay mechanism142 (thehelix42 andlower rod24 are not shown for purposes of illustration). Themerchandise display hook100 includes anactuator150, similar to theactuator50 described above, wherein the actuator may be configured to be depressed for dispensing one or more items of merchandise. Thetime delay mechanism142 may be configured to disable theactuator150 for a predetermined period of time whereby actuation of the actuator does not dispense additional items of merchandise. In this embodiment, thetime delay mechanism142 is housed within theupper rod126, although the time delay mechanism could be located at any other desired location, such as in thebase30.
• FIG. 13 shows theactuator150 in a relaxed or undepressed state, whileFIG. 14 shows theactuator150 in an actuated or depressed state. As shown, thetime delay mechanism142 includes a biasing mechanism102 (e.g., a constant force spring) and adamper mechanism104, each of which is operably coupled to amovable shuttle106 or sled. Thedamper mechanism104 is configured to cause a predetermined delay whereby theactuator150 is disabled or otherwise unable to be actuated for dispensing an item of merchandise. In this embodiment, thedamper mechanism104 includes a rack and pinion gear that allows themovable shuttle106 to move at a predetermined speed. For instance, the pinion may be configured to rotate at a desired rate of rotation which thereby determines the rate at which themovable shuttle106 is moved.
• Thetime delay mechanism142 also includes afirst engagement mechanism108 and asecond engagement mechanism110. Thefirst engagement mechanism108 is configured to engage themovable shuttle106 in the relaxed state. When theactuator150 is initially actuated, thefirst engagement mechanism108 moves along with themovable shuttle106. As shown inFIG. 14, when theactuator150 reaches its maximum throw or displacement when actuated, thefirst engagement mechanism108 engages astop member112 and disengages the movable shuttle106 (e.g., via camming action). In addition, thesecond engagement mechanism110 engages theactuator150 thereby preventing the actuator from returning to the relaxed state. Thebiasing mechanism102 then biases themovable shuttle106 towards thesecond engagement mechanism110. Themovable shuttle106 is configured to disengage thesecond engagement mechanism110 from the actuator150 (e.g., via camming action), which allows the actuator to return to the relaxed state. A biasing mechanism114 (e.g., a spring) may be employed to bias theactuator150 towards the relaxed state. Thus, when thesecond engagement mechanism110 disengages theactuator150, thebiasing mechanism114 biases the actuator to the relaxed state, while thedamper mechanism104 controls the rate at which themovable shuttle106 returns to its initial state.
• As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention may facilitate the conversion of linear motion to rotary motion or vice versa. For instance, linear actuation of theactuator50,150 and/orloading mechanism60 may result in rotation of thehelix42. Various mechanisms may be utilized to achieve this such as, for example, a lead screw, a rack and pinion gear, and a cable clutch or drive.FIG. 15 shows an example of a cableclutch mechanism160 which may be at least partially housed within thebase30. Thus, as before, the drive mechanism for thehelix42 may be located in thebase30 rather than at afree end32 of thehelix42. Thecable clutch mechanism160 may be operably engaged with thehelix42 such that tensioning acable162 may cause rotation of the helix. Thecable162 may be operably engaged with theactuator50,150 and/or theloading mechanism60 and may be any desired configuration. In one instance, tensioning thecable162 in a first direction may cause the cable to engage and rotate thehelix42 in a first direction (e.g., a loading direction).FIG. 15 demonstrates that the base30 may include arotatable member164 that is engaged with an end of thehelix42. Thus, tensioning of thecable162 may cause therotatable member164 andhelix42 to rotate in the first direction. Thecable162 may be smooth and engage a recess defined about the circumference of therotatable member164 or the cable may have features for engaging corresponding features on the outer circumference of the rotatable member to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member. Therotatable member164 may be operably engaged with a biasingelement74. As discussed above, rotation of thehelix42 in one direction may serve to load the biasingelement74 for subsequently dispensing items of merchandise. In the case of thecable clutch mechanism160, tensioning of thecable162 may rotate therotatable member164 and thereby load the biasingelement74. As discussed above, a clutch166 may be employed to allow therotatable member164 to rotate in only one direction until the clutch is disengaged. For instance, actuation of theactuator50,150 may facilitate disengagement of the clutch166 from therotatable member164 and allow the rotatable member to rotate in an opposite direction under the bias of the biasingelement74. Thecable162 may be any suitable component configured to facilitate engagement with the cable clutch mechanism, such as a cable, tether, chain, belt, or the like.
• FIGS. 16-17 illustrate another embodiment of amerchandise display hook200. Themerchandise display hook200 has similar features as the embodiments described above but further illustrates that theactuator50 andloading mechanism60 may take various different forms. For example, theloading mechanism60 may be formed as part of theupper rod26. Moreover, themerchandise display hook200 includes ahang tag202 for displaying a price or other information regarding the items of merchandise on display. In one embodiment, thehang tag202 may be configured to rotate relative to theupper rod26. For example, agroove204 or other guiding element or feature may be defined at least partially about the outer circumference of therod26, and thehang tag202 may be configured to rotate about the groove. Thehang tag202 may be configured to be fixed in place at any desired rotational position about theupper rod26, which may be a product of the preferences of a retailer or the particular item of merchandise on display.
• FIGS. 18-22 show another embodiment of amerchandise display hook300. Several components have been omitted for purposes of illustration, includingactuator50,lower rod24, andhelix42. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, thedisplay hook300 may include atime delay mechanism142′.FIGS. 21-22 show a rear view of the base30 that is configured to receive and engage acable162 as discussed above. In this embodiment, a clutch is not employed in order to facilitate loading and dispensing of thehelix42. InFIG. 22, it can be seen that therotatable member164 includes a plurality ofengagement members165 arranged at least partially about the outer circumference of the rotatable member for engaging acable162. In some cases, therotatable member164 may be a gear.
• FIGS. 23-30 show another embodiment of amerchandise display hook400. In this embodiment, aloading mechanism60 is configured to operate in conjunction with acable drive mechanism402. Thecable162 may be in the form of a beaded chain or the like as shown inFIG. 27. Theupper rod26 may define achannel404 or recess defined at least partially about its perimeter for receiving thecable162 therein. Thecable162 may be configured to slide within thechannel404. Theloading mechanism60 may include adrive member406 that is configured to engage thecable162 when the loading mechanism is actuated for loading an item of merchandise. Thedrive member406 is configured to pivot between engaged and disengaged positions relative to thecable162. In the illustrated embodiment, moving theloading mechanism60 away from thebase30 and towards the end of theupper rod26 causes the drive member to pivot or move from a disengaged position (see, e.g.,FIG. 25) to an engaged position with the cable162 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 26 and 28). When engaged with thecable162, moving theloading mechanism60 results in tensioning or movement of thecable162 in a direction that rotates therotatable member164. In some cases, theloading mechanism60 may be configured to move substantially the length of theupper rod26, which may allow for at least one full rotation of therotatable member164. Theloading mechanism60 may be biased towards its initial position by a biasingmember410, such as a power or clock spring.
• As discussed above, therotatable member164 may include one ormore engagement members165 configured to engage thecable162. Thus, movement of thecable162 in a loading direction causes rotation of therotatable member164, which in turn loads the biasing member74 (e.g., a power spring). Astop member408 may be employed to allow rotation of therotatable member164 in only one direction when theloading mechanism60 is actuated for loading items of merchandise onto thehelix42. Thestop member408 may be configured to move into and out of engagement with therotatable member164. For instance, thestop member408 may be configured to move out of engagement with therotatable member164 when the rotatable member rotates and return to engagement with the rotatable member when the rotatable member completes a full revolution or when the loading mechanism is otherwise no longer actuated. Thestop member408 may be biased (e.g., via a spring) into engagement with therotatable member164 such that the stop member automatically engages the rotatable member following rotation of the rotatable member in the dispensing direction. Rotation of therotatable member164 in a loading direction causes thehelix42 to turn for loading items of merchandise on the helix. Theactuator50 may be configured to disengage thestop member408 to allow therotatable member164 to rotate in an opposite direction via the biasingmember74, which in turn rotates thehelix42 in a dispensing direction. Disengagement of thestop member408 allows thecable162 to move in an opposite direction within thechannel404. In some cases, a dampingmechanism504 may be utilized similar to that described above so that therotatable member164 rotates at a desired rate of rotation when dispensing items of merchandise which thereby determines the rate at which thehelix42 rotates (see, e.g.,FIG. 33). It is understood that a variety of mechanisms may be employed to facilitate engagement and disengagement of therotatable member164 when theactuator50 is actuated.
• FIGS. 31-33 illustrate another embodiment of adisplay hook500 that is similar to the embodiments described above. In this embodiment, thedisplay hook500 includes atime delay mechanism542 and acable drive mechanism502. Thecable drive mechanism502 includes acable162 operably engaged with arotatable member164, while the rotatable member is operably engaged with a biasing element74 (e.g., a constant force spring), adampener504, and agear506. Theactuator550 ormovable shuttle106 may have, or be operably coupled to, anactuation mechanism508 configured to engage astop member408. Thestop member408 may be configured to prevent rotation of therotatable member164 in a dispensing direction, while theactuation mechanism508 may be configured to disengage thestop member408 to allow therotatable member164 to rotate in a dispensing direction via the biasingmember74, which in turn rotates thehelix42 in a dispensing direction. In this instance, adampener504 in conjunction with agear506 may control the rate of rotation of therotatable member164. In one embodiment, therotatable member164 may be a gear that is configured to rotatably engagegear506. When therotatable member164 rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thegear506 also rotates, and thedampener504 may be a one-way dampener that allows therotatable member164 to freely rotate in a loading direction, but limits or slows the rate of rotation of therotatable member164 in a dispensing direction.
• Thedisplay hook500 also includes atime delay mechanism542. In this embodiment, thetime delay mechanism542 may be located underneath at least a portion of theactuator550 and be configured to slide relative to one another. Both theactuator550 andmovable shuttle106 may be at least partially housed within or otherwise operably coupled to theupper rod26. Thetime delay mechanism542 may include afirst engagement mechanism520 and asecond engagement mechanism522. Thefirst engagement mechanism520 may be coupled to theactuator550, while thesecond engagement mechanism522 may be part of theupper rod26. Thesecond engagement mechanism522 may be fixed in some cases. Thefirst engagement mechanism520 is configured to move in response to actuation of the actuator550 (e.g., linear actuation) and to engage thesecond engagement mechanism522. Thefirst engagement mechanism520 may be flexible and configured to engage thesecond engagement mechanism522 via camming action. In addition, themovable shuttle106 andactuator550 may be initially coupled to one another and be configured to move with theactuator550 in response to actuation of theactuator550. Theactuation mechanism508 may be coupled to themovable shuttle106. When actuator550 is fully actuated, theactuation mechanism508 may be configured to disengagerotatable member164 thereby preventing further actuation of theactuator550 until the actuator andmovable shuttle106 return to their initial, relaxed position. Upon disengagement of thestop member408 from therotatable member164, theactuation mechanism508 may be configured to bias out of engagement with theactuator550 thereby allowing themovable shuttle106 to move independently of theactuator550. Upon returning towards its initial relaxed state, athird engagement feature524 of themovable shuttle106 is configured to engagefirst engagement member522 to disengage the first engagement member from the second engagement member (e.g., via camming action). A biasing mechanism514 (e.g., a spring) may be employed to bias theactuator550 towards its initial, relaxed state, while one or moreadditional biasing mechanisms516 may be configured to bias themovable shuttle106 to its initial, relaxed state. Thus, when thefirst engagement mechanism520 disengages thesecond engagement mechanism522, the second engagement mechanism engages thethird engagement mechanism524 thereby stopping themovable shuttle106 in its initial, relaxed state, while theactuator550 continues to move towards its initial state due to thebiasing mechanism514 biasing theactuator550 towards the relaxed state, while adamper mechanism104 controls the rate at which theactuator550 returns to its initial state. In some embodiments, thedamper mechanism104 is mounted to theupper rod26 and therefore fixed relative to themovable shuttle106 andactuator550.
• FIGS. 31-33 show another embodiment of aloading mechanism560 that is configured to operate in conjunction with acable drive mechanism502. In this example, theloading mechanism560 may be formed with, housed by, or otherwise integrated with theupper rod26 and be disposed between the end of theactuator50 and thebase30. Theloading mechanism560 may include adrive member406 that is configured to engage thecable162 when the loading mechanism is actuated for loading an item of merchandise. Thedrive member406 is configured to pivot between engaged and disengaged positions relative to thecable162. In the illustrated embodiment, manually moving theloading mechanism560 away from thebase30 and in a direction towards the end of theactuator550 causes thedrive member406 to pivot or move from a disengaged position to an engaged position with thecable162. When engaged with thecable162, moving theloading mechanism560 results in tensioning or movement of thecable162 in a direction that rotates therotatable member164 due to engagement between the cable and rotatable member in thebase30. In some cases, theloading mechanism560 may be configured to move a distance that allows for at least one full rotation of therotatable member164. Theloading mechanism60 may be biased towards its initial position by a biasingmember518, such as with an extension spring. Similar to the embodiments discussed above, linearly actuating theloading mechanism560 may result in loading the biasingelement74 which may be subsequently used for dispensing an item of merchandise when theactuator550 is actuated. In some embodiments, each actuation of theloading mechanism560 may result in one full rotation of thehelix42. Thus, for each actuation of theloading mechanism560, the biasingelement74 may be loaded for subsequent dispensing. In particular, theloading mechanism560 may be configured to be pulled forward (away from the pegboard) for loading the biasingelement74, and the stored spring force may be subsequently used to rotate thehelix42 for dispensing an item of merchandise when theactuator550 is actuated.
• The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise on a display fixture including an anti-sweep mechanism according to the invention. Embodiments of a display hook and anti-sweep mechanism have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

That which is claimed is:

1. A merchandise display hook comprising:

a support structure configured to be secured to a display fixture and to support one or more items of merchandise thereon; and

an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the support structure and comprising an actuator configured to be actuated for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the support structure in a first mode,

wherein the anti-sweep mechanism comprises a time delay mechanism configured to disable the actuator in a second mode such that the one or more items of merchandise are prevented from being dispensed from the support structure in the second mode.

2. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to be manually actuated for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from the support structure.

3. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to be actuated for dispensing a single item of merchandise at a time.

4. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to be linearly actuated for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from the support structure.

5. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism further comprises a loading mechanism for loading one or more items of merchandise onto the support structure in a third mode.

6. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 5, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to be actuated for storing energy to be used to dispense the one or more items of merchandise from the support structure.

7. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 6, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to load a spring in response to actuation thereof.

8. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 6, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to be linearly actuated.

9. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the time delay mechanism comprises a damper mechanism.

10. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a helix disposed about at least one rod, the helix extending at least partially along a length of the at least one rod, the helix configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the at least one rod in the first mode.

11. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 10, wherein the at least one rod comprises an upper rod and a lower rod, and wherein the helix is disposed only about the lower rod.

12. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 10, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism is configured to bias the helix for rotating in the dispensing direction.

13. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism further comprises a cable for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the support structure.

14. The merchandise display hook ofclaim 1, wherein the time delay mechanism is configured to disable the actuator for a predetermined period time following actuation of the actuator.

15. A method for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from a merchandise display hook, comprising:

securing a merchandise display hook to a display fixture, the merchandise display hook comprising a support structure and an anti-sweep mechanism operably engaged with the support structure; and

actuating an actuator of the anti-sweep mechanism such that the anti-sweep mechanism dispenses at least one item of merchandise from the support structure in a first mode, wherein the anti-sweep mechanism comprises a time delay mechanism configured to disable the actuator in a second mode such that the one or more items of merchandise are prevented from being dispensed from the support structure in the second mode.

16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein actuating the anti-sweep mechanism comprises manually actuating the actuator for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from the support structure.

17. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising actuating the anti-sweep mechanism for loading at least one item of merchandise onto the support structure in a third mode.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein actuating the anti-sweep mechanism in the third mode comprises actuating the anti-sweep mechanism for storing energy to be used to dispense the one or more items of merchandise from the support structure.

19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein actuating comprises actuating the actuator for rotating a helix.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein actuating comprises actuating the actuator such that the anti-sweep mechanism biases the helix for rotating in the first mode.

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