Security device for preventing rapid removal of merchandise

• US 20030029816A1
• Filed: 10/17/2002
• Published: 02/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Belden, Dennis D. Jr., Sedon, Nicholas M., Michael, Robert L., Jaeb, Michael, Christian, Todd H., Huehner, David
• Granted Patent: US 6,659,291 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 211/7
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/0861 Anti-theft means therefor

Abstract

A security device is adapted to be locked to a display board such as pegboard or slatboard. The security device allows multiple items of merchandise to be displayed for sale. The device is locked to the board so that a shoplifter cannot remove the entire device along with all of the merchandise. A shoplifter cannot remove all of the items in a single movement. The device may also include a locking end assembly that may pivot to an unlocked position to allow an employee to rapidly load the device.

Claims

1. A security device for displaying items of merchandise from a display board;

the security device comprising;

a first rod adapted to extend outwardly with respect to the display board;

the first rod adapted to carry the items of merchandise;

the first rod having an outer end over which the items of merchandise are able to be removed from the security device;

an end assembly associated with the outer end of the first rod;

the end assembly adapted to prevent the rapid removal of all of the items of merchandise from the first rod;

a base assembly adapted to mount the first rod to the display board;

the base assembly including an inner base member adapted to be connected to the display board and an outer base member that may be selectively locked to the inner base member;

the outer base member preventing the inner base member from being removed from the display board when the outer base member is locked to the inner base member; and

the outer base member being unlocked from the inner base member with a key.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the end assembly carries a lock mechanism that may be locked and unlocked;

the key that unlocks the outer base member also adapted to unlock the end assembly.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the lock mechanism is mechanically actuated.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the lock mechanism is magnetically actuated.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lock finger that selectively locks the outer base member to the inner base member.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the lock finger pivots.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer base member slides with respect to the inner base member when the outer base member is unlocked.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first rod has a longitudinal axis;

the outer base member sliding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first rod.

9. A security device for displaying items of merchandise from a display board;

the security device comprising;

a first rod adapted to extend outwardly with respect to the display board;

the first rod being adapted to carry the items of merchandise;

the first rod having an outer end over which the items of merchandise are able to be removed from the device;

a lock adapted to lock the first rod to the display board;

the lock being slidable with respect to the rod between unlocked and locked positions;

the lock including a lock finger that pivots between unlocked and locked positions; and

the locked position of the lock corresponding to the locked position of the locking finger wherein the first rod is locked to the display board.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first rod has a longitudinal axis;

the lock sliding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first rod.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the security device is configured to slow the removal of the items of merchandise over the outer end of the first rod.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a second rod that is adapted to slow the removal of the items of merchandise over the outer end of the first rod.

13. The device of claim 9, further comprising a key that may unlock the lock.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the lock further includes inner and outer base members that lock together.

15. The device of claim 9, further comprising:

a base assembly adapted to mount the first rod to the display board;

the base assembly including an inner base member adapted to be connected to the display board and an outer base member that may be selectively locked to the inner base member; and

the outer base member preventing the inner base member from being removed from the display board.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the first rod extends from the inner base member.

17. The device of claim 15, further comprising a pair of hooks connected to the inner base member;

the pair of hooks adapted to connect the inner base member to the display board.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the inner base member includes a pair of opposed flanges;

the outer base member having portions adapted to be disposed between the flanges and the display board when the outer base member is in the locked position.

19. A security device for displaying items of merchandise and a display board;

the combination comprising;

a display board having an outer surface;

a base adapted to be locked to the display board;

a lock that locks the base in a locked position with respect to the display board;

a key configured to unlock the lock;

a first rod extending outwardly with respect to the display board;

the first rod being adapted to carry the items of merchandise;

the first rod having an outer end over which the items of merchandise are able to be removed from the device; and

the base configured to prevent the rod from being removed from the display board without the lock device of the base being unlocked with the key.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the base includes a connector that extends into the display board to connect the base to the display board.

21. The combination of claim 20, wherein the connector is a hook.

22. The combination of claim 19, wherein the base abuts against the display board when the base is locked to the display board.

23. The combination of claim 19, wherein the base includes an inner base member adapted to be connected to the display board and an outer base member that may be selectively locked to the inner base member;

and

the outer base member preventing the inner base member from being removed from the display board.

24. The combination of claim 23, wherein the first rod extends from the inner base member.

25. The combination of claim 23, wherein the inner base member includes a pair of opposed flanges;

the outer base member having portions disposed between the flanges and the display board when the outer base member is in the locked position.

26. The combination of claim 19, wherein the lock includes a biased lock element that is movable between locked and unlocked positions.

27. The combination of claim 19, further comprising a second rod disposed adjacent the first rod.