MX2008011744A

MX2008011744A - Product securement and management system.

Info

Publication number: MX2008011744A
Application number: MX2008011744A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Stephen N Hardy; Adam Gold; John Ward; John W Swafford; Max E Syvuk; David J Henke
Original assignee: Rtc Ind Inc
Priority date: 2006-03-13
Filing date: 2007-03-13
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Also published as: EP1993408A2; EP1993408B1; EP1993408A4; WO2007106822A3; WO2007106822A2; PL1993408T3

Abstract

A modular shelving system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a box shelf is provided that may be supported by vertical rails of a shelf upright. The box shelf may be supported by shelf supports that engage the vertical rails. The box shelf may include a slideable shelf mounted on a rail and held in position by a biased hinge plate. The slideable shelf may include a divider to separate the shelf into one or more regions and to interfere with the rapid removal of products from the shelf. The box shelf may further include a door that in an embodiment may be required to be opened before products can be removed from slideable shelf.

Description

SYSTEM. SECURITY AND PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, generally, with shelf assemblies for use in marketable products and, more particularly, with shelf assemblies that improve the safety and administration of marketed products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as pharmacies, miscellanies, discount stores, toy stores, and the like, require and use a large number of shelves both to store product and to display the product to consumers. In the exhibition of products to consumers to promote and improve the sales of the store or store, these stores or warehouses locate or place the product towards the front of the shelf, so that the product is visible and easily accessible to consumers. This desirable placement has certain disadvantages. For example, with this desirable "orientation to the front" of the product, stores are finding that relatively small, high-value products or packages can be the target of theft. Certain products can represent a high value to potential thieves who can resell the products or use them for other illegitimate purposes, as in the case of certain pharmaceutical products. This theft is increasing and is now a significant cost to the retailer because the thieves prefer to steal many products at once in as short a period of time as possible. To do this, for example, thieves "sweep" the shelf with their arm collecting the products in a bag, bag or coat very quickly and leaving the store without attracting attention. Theft can be the result of actions by both consumers and employees and has been difficult to eliminate. Attempts to discourage and prevent theft have proven to be only partially effective. For example, cameras in stores or warehouses often do not observe clearly enough the theft to capture or chase the thief. In addition, security personnel in the store or warehouse are rarely in the correct position to actually observe a thief in action. As a result, theft continues to be a significant problem and cost in the administration of the product inventory. The present invention is directed to overcome these and other known disadvantages and problems with existing shelf systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by addressing the security and administration of products in a retail setting. As will be apparent below, the invention has the ability to inhibit the "sweeping" of products by a thief and limit the removal of large quantities of product from a shelf in a short period of time. Using one or more methods such as placing the shelves closer, using product dividers that extend from the front edge of the shelf and between the shelves, and placing front walls that have a specific height that results in a smaller opening to limit access to the product, the present invention will inhibit the sweep of product and the removal of numerous products at the same time. The present invention also has the ability to alert shop personnel or security and security cameras of a potential theft situation, while minimizing the impact on access to the product by illegitimate buyers. By incorporating an alert device that detects the movement of a mobile barrier installed over the smaller opening above the front wall, the present invention will provide a warning signal indicative of the potential theft of numerous products from the shelf. In one embodiment, a shelf can be provided of cash that is easily installed in a retail location. The box shelf allows the modular provision of desirable features and can be configured to be compatible with existing shelves. The box shelf may include a slidable shelf that can be locked in a first position during normal use and moved to a second position for better access and to facilitate rearrangement of the slidable shelf. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description., the claims and figures in which similar numbers were used to designate similar characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 describes a front elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a security and product management system of the present invention. Figure 2 depicts a partial side elevation view of the exemplary security and administration system of Figure 1. Figure 3 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a removable shelf that can be used with the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the security and product administration system of the invention that incorporates the removable shelf. Figure 5 depicts a side elevational view of an exemplary removable shelf illustrating the product dividers and relocating the product on the shelf. Figure 6 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary mounting of a front retaining wall and a retaining wall secondary to the shelf in addition to an exemplary pushing mechanism. Figure 7 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a front retaining wall and a secondary retaining wall. Figure 8 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a front retaining wall and a secondary retaining wall with product displayed on the shelf. Figure 9 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary alerting device mounted to the exemplary security and management system of Figure 1. Figure 10 describes an exemplary locking mechanism that can be used with the present invention. Figure 11 describes an exemplary mode of a mobile barrier and a barrier extension that can be used with the present invention. Figure 12 describes an amplified view of the movable barrier and the barrier extension of Figure 11. Figure 13 depicts an amplified view of an exemplary handle that can be used with the movable barrier or barrier extension of Figure 11. Figure 14 depicts an amplified view of the movable barrier and barrier extension of Figure 11 describing an opening and the mounting structure for receiving the locking mechanism of Figure 10. Figure 15 depicts a partial front elevation view of the exemplary security and administration system of Figure 1 which includes the use of a security camera. Figure 16 depicts a partial front elevation view of the exemplary security and administration system of Figure 1 including the use of a video monitor. Figure 17 depicts a diagram of an exemplary change operation between a camera image and an image of a video player on the monitor of Figure 16. Figure 18 describes another exemplary blocking mechanism that can be used with the present invention .

Figure 19 describes another view of the exemplary locking mechanism of Figure 18. Figure 20 describes a rear view of the exemplary locking mechanism of Figure 18. Figure 21 describes another exemplary locking mechanism that can be used with the present invention. invention. Figure 22 describes another view of the exemplary locking mechanism of Figure 21. Figure 23 describes an enlarged view of the locking plate of the exemplary locking mechanism of Figure 21. Figure 24 describes another view of the locking plate of Figure 23. Figure 25 describes an exemplary embodiment that includes the use of a clip that can be used to better secure a side wall to the shelf. Figure 26 describes an isometric view of the clamp of Figure 25. Figure 27 describes an amplified view of the mounted clamp of Figure 25. Figure 28 describes an exemplary electric power bar that can be used with the invention. Figure 29 describes another view of the energy bar of Figure 28. Figure 30 describes an exemplary embodiment that includes a side wall that can be used to provide additional security for the product on a shelf or a portion of a shelf. Figure 31 describes another view of the wall of Figure 30. Figure 32 describes an isometric view of a clip that can be used to further secure a side wall to the shelf. Figure 33 depicts another view of the clamp of Figure 32. Figure 34 illustrates an isometric view of a modality of a box shelf according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a box shelf with a slidable shelf in a second position according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modality of a box shelf with a slidable shelf in a first position according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figures 37a-37b describe cross sections of an embodiment of an articulated plate that engages a locking lip according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Figure 38 describes an embodiment of two box sheds stacked one on top of another in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 39 illustrates a partial exploded view of a mode of a box shelf according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 40 illustrates various views of a mode of a housing according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 41 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a housing and a door according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figures 42-45 illustrate views of one embodiment of a box shelf with several features omitted to provide additional details in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 46 illustrates a cross section of a slidable shelf with a divider according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 47 illustrates a partial exploded list of a slidable shelf according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 48 illustrates various views of an embodiment of a sliding shelf support surface according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Figures 49 and 50 describe cross sections of a portion of an embodiment of the support surface of a slidable shelf according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 51 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a slidable shelf according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 52 illustrates an isometric view, of the partial exploded view of an embodiment of an articulated plate and construction according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 53 illustrates a number of views of an embodiment of an articulated plate according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 54 illustrates a number of views of an embodiment of an articulated base configured to engage an articulated plate of Figure 53 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. Figure 55 illustrates a number of views of a mode of a shelf support according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figures 56a and 56b illustrate cross sections of portions of a shelf support configured to be coupled to vertical rails according to one or more aspects of the present invention.

Figure 57 illustrates a cross section of a one-lane mode according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figures 58a-58f illustrate various views of one embodiment of a housing of a box shelf according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Figures 59a-59d illustrate various views of a slidable shelf embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention. Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of its components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. In addition, the phrases and terms used here give their interpretation and broader meaning. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof means that it encompasses the elements listed hereinafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional and equivalent elements thereof. The use of the terms "assembled", "connected", "coupled", "placed", "spliced" and similar terms, means that it includes the assembly, connection, coupling, fitting and splicing both direct and indirect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to security, administration and distribution of products in scenarios such as retail scenarios and includes numerous modalities. One embodiment involves a shelf management and display system that resides either on a standard or existing "distributor" shelf typically found in a store or retail store or on a shelf designed with certain advantages in product safety and to discourage theft . The modality can include poles of a pre-existing shelf system or can be an independent or autonomous unit. The display system includes front orientation systems, which force the product towards the front of a shelf. These systems can use various methods, such as gravity, friction, magnetism or spring-loaded impellers to bring the product to the front of a shelf near the aisle. There are many examples of spring-loaded systems that orient products towards the front of a shelf and include the systems described in US Pat. No. 6,041,720.

Hardy, U.S. Patent No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application No. PCT / US02 / 15760 and the corresponding International Publication No. O 02/091885 to Hardy, which are incorporated herein by reference. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, a shelf management and display system 100 includes vertical posts 102 and product shelves 104 removably mounted to the posts. The shelves 104 may be mounted in various positions along the posts 102 depending on the desired positioning and separation on the shelves 104. Similarly, the shelves 104 may be moved or relocated to different positions along the posts 102. when necessary. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shelves 104 can be pull-out shelves that pull away from the posts 102 as drawers. As illustrated by Figure 3, the shelf 104 may incorporate a locking device 117 which involves cooperating with detents that come into contact with each other in the locked position and substantially release this contact in the unlocked position and which when released allow that the shelf 104 is pulled out and away from the posts. The shelves or poles may include other locking devices such as magnets, pins, slits, fasteners, tension or the like.

Once pulled out, the store or warehouse personnel can replenish the shelf with product and then slide the shelf 104 back to its original position and lock the shelf again. A back wall 1 * 06 can be mounted to the posts 102 through known mounting techniques to assist in product containment and prevent access to the products from the back of the display system 100. A box with key 108 can to be mounted to the posts 102 also through known assembly techniques. The keyed box 108 can be used to store and close additional product and shelf components for quick recovery by store or warehouse personnel. The key case 108 can be placed in any position on the posts 102, including the positions described on or near the top of the display system 100. In an alternative embodiment, the key box 108 can be secured to a shelf 104 as opposed to the posts 102. With each mounting location, the additional product and components of the shelves are located in the display system 100 and can therefore be easily retrieved by store or warehouse personnel. An exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a series of walls or dividers 110 that are placed between rows, lanes or orientators of the product and at the ends of the counselors, to discourage the "sweep" of product by a thief. Those walls 110 are sometimes referred to as "dividers" of product. As used herein, the terms "vertical walls," "product dividers," and "dividers" mean that it includes any wall (including vertical and non-vertical), divider, barrier, or separator that can be used between rows, lanes, or product counselors. The product dividers 110, when placed separately on the display system 100, form product lanes 112 for locating and separating the product to be marketed. The product dividers 110 or the side walls are also placed on the sides of the product orientation to prevent access to the product from the side of the display system 100. In one embodiment, those dividers or side walls may include telescopic features that allow to extend vertically or horizontally to provide additional security to the product. Significantly, these dividers or side walls can be used in numerous applications since the size and extension of those can be adjusted to be placed on most shelves, shelf and display systems, or applications.

An impeller 126 can be used to push the product forward. This impeller can incorporate a helical spring to help push the product forward. Divider 110 in some embodiments may include a base or floor. In some embodiments this floor includes a drive rail 128. Figure 6 shows a floor on one side of the dividing wall. A second floor can be found on the opposite side of the dividing wall. With floors on both sides of the vertical dividing wall, the product can rest on those floors. In one of these modalities, a product can rest on a floor of a divider and a second floor of a second divider. The product dividers 110 define a height, shape and configuration that discourages product removal on the product dividers 110. The dividers 110 extend in a vertical or non-vertical manner between the shelves 104 and the front of the shelf 104 a the rear wall 106. The dividers 110 have a generally rectangular shape; however, other shapes and configurations of the dividers may be used, such as non-rectangular, oval, repeated patterns or the like with the invention. Depending on the product to be marketed and the desired degree of access to the products, the leading edge 114 of the product dividers 110 may extend vertically between the shelves 104, or may extend not vertically to make the products more accessible to the consumer and easier to remove from the shelf. In one embodiment, the divider 110 defines a front edge 111 that includes a front edge portion 113 that projects outwardly from the front edge 111 as shown in Figure 5. The portion projecting from the front edge will help contain the retaining wall or tab 122 to prevent sliding movement of retaining wall or tab 122 as described below. The product dividers 110 can be mounted to the display system 100 using numerous techniques. As an example, the dividers 110 can be inserted into rails formed in the shelf 104 or rails formed in a base that is attached to the shelf 104. Similarly, the dividers 110 can be formed integral or as a unitary unit with a base that Mounts to the shelf Also, dividers 110 can be mounted to a rail, channel or slot as understood by those skilled in the art. The dividers 110 should be rigid enough to retain the product within the rails. Examples of divisors that can be used with the invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, U.S. Patent No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application No. PCT / US02 / 15760 and the Relevant International Publication No. O 02/091885 Al de Hardy, which are incorporated herein by reference. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other dividers and techniques are known to mount the dividers to the shelves and that they can be used with the teachings of the invention. In one embodiment, the dividers 110 may have a step or slope near its trailing edge, or a decrease in the height of the wall, to allow the wall 110 to be lifted and uncoupled from the rail on which it was mounted. With this configuration, dividers 110 can be moved laterally without interfering with the shelf on top of them. In one embodiment, the vertical wall or divider 110 has a step that is about 2/3 of the length of the wall of its front edge. In one embodiment, it may be desired to provide greater security for products on a portion of a shelf. These products can be located in the center of the shelf or on one side of the shelf. The security elements, referred to here, can be added to only a portion of the shelf, while the rest of the shelf contains few or none of the security features. Where high security elements are placed in the center of a shelf, these elements can be segregated of the rest of the shelf through the use of walls. Those walls can provide the side barriers for the high security portion of the shelf. These walls can be made of strong metal construction and can extend from the floor of a shelf to an almost superior distance from the shelf. These walls can also be attached to the shelf as well as other security elements to limit the possibility of walls bending or being folded or removed or destroyed or otherwise to help limit access to products that are marketed over the shelf Referring to Figures 25, 30 and 31, walls 340 and 350 are used to segregate a shelf in a more secure area and a less secure area. Walls 340 and 350 can be made of steel and can extend from or near the shelf floor to an area at or near the roof of the shelf. The walls can also be adjustable. In one embodiment the walls may be comprised of an upper section 344 and a lower section 346. As shown in Figure 31, these two sections may be superimposed to provide a continuous barrier. The upper section 344 of the wall 340 and the lower section 346 of the wall 340 may include openings that align the two walls. A fastener 348 such as a screw, pin, bolt, rod or other Fasteners can be used to join the two walls at a particular height. The walls may also comprise a floor 342 which includes openings and may be connected to the floor of the shelf through a fastener 349 such as a screw, pin, bolt, rod or other fastener. Referring to Figures 25-27, 30-33 a clamp or a clamp member 320 or 360 can be used to further secure the wall 340, 350 to the shelf 104 and in particular the walls separating safe products from unsafe products. . The clamp 320, 360 can also be used to secure the divider 110 to a shelf 104 (mode not shown). The clamp 320, 360 can be used to reinforce the wall 340, 350 to prevent bending or movement of the wall. With the use of the clamp 320, 360, the wall 340, 350 can be made of thinner, less expensive material, because the clamp 320, 360 will avoid potential bending or twisting to the wall to access the product on the wall. shelf. The walls 140, 150 are also known as side walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamp 320, 360 is configured at one end to engage an articulated rail 322, which is used to articulate the barrier 140, discussed below, to the ledge 104. The articular rail 322 is mounted to a shelf. The clamp 320, 360 is it mounts to the shelf through its interaction with the articulated rail 322. The clip 320, 360 is further configured at the opposite end to be coupled to the wall 340, 350. More particularly, the clip 320 includes a blade portion 324. which is configured to engage the articulated rail 322, and in any of the multiple positions along the articulated rail 322, thereby providing flexibility in the positioning of the gripper 320. The blade portion 324 can take numerous shapes and configurations and can be connected to or joined with a clamp body 328. The clamp body 328 is further connected or joined with the opposite wall mounting members 330. The wall mounting members 330 are configured to be placed on the sides opposite of a wall 340 with the wall passing between the mounting members 330. The wall mounting members 330 further define aligned holes 332 for receiving a mounting fastener 334 which can be used to secure the mounting members 330 to the wall 340, as described in Figure 27. The aligned holes 332 can be through holes or threaded holes. As can be appreciated, any type of fastener or security technique can be used to secure the clip 320 to the wall 340. Where the wall 340 or 350 is placed in the wall.

Lateral end of the shelf, a clamp 360 may be used to better secure the wall 340, 350 to the shelf 104. At the edge of the shelf, the articulated rail ceases (not shown). The clip 360 includes a blade portion 362 that extends only in one direction from the clip body 364. The blade portion 362 is configured to engage the articulated rail 322. In one embodiment, the blade portion engages only an articulated individual piece or hinge of the articulated rail. For example, in Figure 27, an individual hinged piece is designated 323. The knife portion 362 includes a first blade portion 363 and a second portion 366 that can be at an angle to the first portion 363. The second portion portion 366 can be configured to interact with side 324 of hinge 323. Blade 362 can take numerous shapes and configurations and can be connected to or attached to a clip body 364. Clip body 364 is connected to or further connects to opposing wall mounting members 368. The wall mounting members 368 are configured to be placed on opposite sides of a wall 350 with the wall passing between the mounting members 368. The wall mounting members 368 further define aligned holes 370 to receive a mounting fastener (not shown) that can be used to secure the mounting members 368 to the wall 350. The aligned holes 370 may be through holes or threaded holes. As can be appreciated, any type of fastener or security technique can be used to secure the clip 360 to the wall 340 or 350. A front retainer wall 116 can be placed along the front edge of the shelf 104. The wall front retention 116 can serve as a "fence" to restrict the product in the product rails 112 and help prevent the product from falling off the front part of the shelf 104. The retaining wall 116 stops the forward movement of the product which is caused by the thrust of the impellers , described later. As exemplified by FIG. 6, the retaining wall 116 can be mounted to a channel or track 118 that extends along the front edge 119 of the shelf 104. The channel or track 118 can be mounted to existing holes in a standard dispenser shelf, or secured by any other known way to the shelf 104. The retaining wall 116 can be mounted to or on the channel or rail 118. The front retainer wall 116 can be made of a clear plastic to allow visualization of the product on the shelf and provide a more aesthetically pleasing organization to the marketed product. The front retaining wall 116 can also be created from opaque or semitransparent material, or wire, and can be adaptable to display graphics. The front retention wall 116 may have a variety of configurations, such as rectangular, oblong, repeated patterns or the like. As shown more clearly in Figure 7, the front retaining wall 116 may also include holes or openings 120 extending therethrough which are spaced along the wall 116. The holes 120 allow the consumer and personnel of the store or store pushing the product back and away from the retaining wall 116 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the product. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the retaining wall 116 can have a height that allows the removal of only one product at a time, depending on the desired level of security, a couple of products or a few products at a time. In other words, the height of the retaining wall 116 may allow limited access to and removal of the product from the display system 100. In other words, the retaining wall 116 is not so high as to prohibit access to the product, but is a size to allow the consumer or store or store personnel to access and lift a limited number of products on the retaining wall 116 to the time. This limited removal of products is achieved through the use of the retaining wall 116 and the proximity of the shelf 104 placed on top of the product. That is, in one embodiment, the shelf 104 located above the product will be placed near the upper edge of the product or the upper edge of the product divider 110, which is higher. The shelf 104 located above the product, the product dividers 110, and the retaining wall 116 will form an opening or window 131 through which only one, two or possibly a few products can be removed at the same time or in a single movement. This configuration also discourages the product "sweep" of the shelf 104. The size of the window 131 can be adjusted by adjusting the location of the shelf 104 on top of the product, the dividers 110, and / or the retaining wall 116, or through the use of a second retaining wall 122, barrier 130, and / or barrier 140, described below. This adjustment of the window 131 allows flexibility for the system and allows the store or store to adjust the size of the window 131 depending on the size of the product and how many products it wants to be allowed to remove the consumer at the same time. In an exemplary embodiment, if higher products are marketed on the shelves 104, or if a smaller window 131 is desired, a second one may be placed. retaining wall 122 behind or possibly in front of retaining wall 116 to serve as a retainer for the product. As used herein, the second retaining wall 122 can be referred to as a tab and can include any retaining structure or "fence" that can be selectively configured or mounted to the shelves 104 to provide selective prevention of theft of products. specific, such as high theft products. Accordingly, the second retaining wall or tab 122 can have many configurations, shapes and designs, and can be used in front or individual rows of products or groups of product rows. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second retaining wall or tab 122 can be mounted on or on a second channel or rail 124 extending parallel to the channel or rail 118. The retaining tab wall 122 can be slidable in relation to the shelf 104 or lane 124, or it can be fixed relative to the shelf 104 or the rail 124. The tongue 122 can be placed between adjacent dividers 110 and held in position between the dividers 110. In other words, the tongue 122 it may not be allowed much slidable movement in or on the channel or lane 124 because the dividers 110 will prevent that slidable movement. In some modality, the dividers 110 contain a portion that serves as a stop to prevent the tongue or first retaining wall from moving laterally. This configuration also prevents the theft of the product since potential thieves will not be allowed to simply slide the tab 122 to the side or remove numerous products at the same time. The second retaining wall or tab 122 will have a height that allows access to and removal of a limited number of products. If desired, the tongue 122 may have a height that allows the removal of only one product at a time. With the use of tabs 122, the display system 100 will have flexibility since tabs 122 of different height may be placed on the front of the product rails 112 to accommodate products of different sizes. That is, if a row of product has a product height that is different from that of a product in an adjacent row, tongues 122 of different height may be used to provide the appropriate level of safety and access to the product. In one embodiment, the tabs 122 can be sized to extend through a product rail 112 or in the front of a single product row. In an alternative embodiment, the tongue 122 can be sized and formed to extend through multiple product lanes 112. In this embodiment, the tabs 122 could include slots or channels to allow the tabs to "mount" the dividers 110 and thus extend through multiple product lanes. In addition, the dividers 110 could extend through the slots or channels and thereby inhibit the sliding movement of the tabs 122. The second retaining wall or tab 122 can also be used in place of the retaining wall 116. In other words, the front "fence" on a product orienter can be the tabs 122 of different height, length and width, or of the same dimensions. In this configuration, the channel or track 118 can be used to mount the distributor shelf accessories, such as fastener signs, price tag holders, and the like. The tongue 122 can also be attached to the divider 110 or it can be formed so that the tongue 122 and the divider 110 are integral. There may be a partial wall or wall structure such as the tongue 122 on the front of the divider 110 or it may extend to the left or right or both to the left and right of the divider. This partial wall or wall can be used with or without a front retaining wall 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the tabs 122 can include holes or openings 125 through the tab 122, similar to holes or openings 120 in retaining wall 116, to allow the consumer and store or warehouse personnel to push the product back and away from retaining wall 116 and tab 122 to facilitate insertion and removal of the product. In other words, the holes or openings 126 allow the product to be repositioned by a consumer who removes the product and does not wish to purchase the product. Up to this point, the holes or openings 120, 125 are constructed to allow access of the fingers therethrough to push back the row of product. Once the products are pushed back, the consumer or store or warehouse personnel can reposition the products removed in the counselor. It should be understood that the tabs 122 may also be used so as not to include the holes or openings 125. In an exemplary embodiment, the tongue 122 may provide security for a single row of a product sizer. That is, it may be desirable to provide additional anti-theft deterrence to an individual row of product. In this configuration, the tab 122 having the desired dimensions can be placed on the front of a row of desired product to provide additional security only to that row of product. This modality will provide the stores or stores additional flexibility with their planeograms and product guides since these individual tabs 122 of different dimensions can be placed in different places through the orienter to improve the safety of particular products. In one embodiment, the retention tabs 122 can be used on an individual orienter based on specific products. If a shelf is marketed with product packages of variable height, the retaining wall 116 must be of a height that allows the shorter product package to be lifted from it. If a shelf 104, barrier 130, or barrier 140 is used on top of the product, then the shelf 104 or barriers 130, 140 should be located at a height greater than that of the product to allow placement of the higher product below them. This can allow a thief to have easy access to a higher product so that he can easily lift the highest product in quantity over the relatively short retaining wall 116. It may be desirable, then, to increase the height of a front barrier only in the front of the product higher. The second retaining wall or tab 122 may be of a height greater than the retaining wall 116 and may be generally higher than required for the small product packages. The wall or tongue of Retention 122 can therefore be constructed and used to limit access to the highest product and the removal of several higher products at the same time or in one movement, further securing the product and discouraging theft. Similarly, retaining wall or tab 122 can be constructed and used to limit access to smaller but deeper products and to limit the removal of several smaller but deeper products at the same time or in one movement. The retaining tab 122 thus allows the flexible positioning of the product on a shelf by a retailer and manufacturer, regardless of the size, shape and configuration of the product. The retaining wall 116 and the tongue 122 can be mounted, directly or indirectly, to the shelf 104 using numerous techniques. The retaining wall 116 and the tongue 122 can be slidably mounted to or received in the channels or rails 118, 124, which are secured to the front edge of the shelf through fasteners, adhesives, friction, tension, magnetism or other retention techniques and methods. The retaining wall 116 and the tongue 122 can also be mounted or connected directly to the shelf 104 and also through the use of fasteners, adhesives, friction, tension, magnetism, or other restriction techniques and methods. The retaining wall 116 and the tongue 122 can be fixed to the shelf 104 or removably mounted to the shelf 104 to allow additional flexibility in the design and security level of the system. The impellers 126 can be placed behind the product between the rear wall 106 and the front edge of the shelf 104 to push the product forward, so that it can be removed from the front of the shelf. The retaining wall 116 and tabs 122 if used, in some embodiments can stop the forward movement of product that is caused by a thrust of the impellers. The impellers known with the invention can be used, including the impellers and drive systems described in U.S. Patent No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, U.S. Patent No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application No. PCT / US02 / 15760 and the corresponding International Publication No. O 02/091885 Al de Hardy, all of which are incorporated here as a reference. The impellers 126 may be spring-loaded impellers that move along a rail 128 to push product toward the front edge of the shelf 104 as shown in Figure 6. The rail 128 may form the floor on one side of the divider . A second floor, with or without a lane, can be located on the other side of the divider.

In one embodiment, the impellers 126 may have a face or drive blade 129 that can extend laterally to increase the thrust surface of the impeller to thereby push the wider product more effectively. In other words, the impeller 126 may have an extendable drive face for pushing narrow product or wide product. The driving face or blade 129 may extend from a retracted position to one of several extended positions. The extended thrust face positions the product's pushing surface behind the center or near the wider product center, thereby greatly increasing the thrust leverage on the wider product. Numerous other types of impellers and drive faces may be used with the invention, including the systems and impellers described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 772,134 to Hardy, which is incorporated herein by reference. The impellers 126 may be independent units that are mounted to the shelf 104 using any known technique, including the channel assembly technique described in the figures. That is, in one embodiment, the impeller 126 can be mounted to a front rail or channel 133, as shown in Figure 6, and can be adjustable by sliding within or onto that rail or channel. Alternatively, the drivers 126 may be used in conjunction with the dividers 110 and may be operatively mounted to the dividers 110, as described in the patents and applications referred to above, or as is known in the art. In another embodiment, the impellers 126 may incorporate spring mechanisms, such as coil springs, that include a strip of indications. The indication strip is provided on the spring mechanism and contains data related to the position of the impeller 126. A detector assembly can scan the indication strip and transmit data representative of the product and the position of the impeller to the display system to a computer the store or warehouse or some other suitable device, such as a laptop or controller. The transmitted data can be used to determine inventory levels and can be done in real time. With this modality, the amount of product removed from a particular place in the store or warehouse must be determined. This information can be used to determine the effectiveness of product placement and promotional displays, particularly when a product can be obtained from various locations within the store or retail store. And with respect to the discouragement of theft, a deviation in the typical shopping habits to the consumer can trigger an alarm. That is, that the The alarm can be used to alert security personnel to the fact that too much product has been removed from the shelf at the same time and thus potential theft has occurred. The location of the incident can also be used to alert a security camera to focus the camera in the direction of potential theft, as discussed below. With this embodiment, numerous types of detectors and detection techniques may be used to verify the relative position and movement of the impeller 126. For example, in one embodiment, the indication strip may contain numerous types of patterns that may be optically readable or may be be read using several different types of detection methods, such as passive variable capacitance, inductance, resistance, magnetism, or active signal detection. Numerous other types of detectors or detection techniques are possible to detect unusual movement of the impeller 126 that may be indicative of a potential theft situation, including the systems and techniques disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 772,010 of Swafford et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. In other exemplary embodiments, the marketed product may be pushed to the front of the shelf 104 through other techniques including the friction, gravity and / or magnetism. Each of these techniques can be used with a display system 100 and the teachings of the present invention. Those techniques can be used with or without dividers 110 depending on the desired application. In one embodiment, the shelf is not completely horizontal but has a slope or slope from back to front. In another embodiment, the marketed product may be pushed towards the front of the shelf 104 through vibration or rapid movements which orient the products in a particular direction on the shelf 104. The vibration may cause the products to move forward on the shelf 104 and prevent them from moving backwards, so that the product is facing forward. This vibration can be applied through structures or mechanical, electrical or other designs. In one embodiment, the directed vibration moves the product toward the front of the shelf. Directed vibration causes the product to move in particular directions or in one direction and not move in other directions. Through this vibration, which is instituted through the shelf 104, the post 102, the floor, the wall, the roof or another structure, or through an impulse or vibratory signal that travels through the air, the product moves in a particular direction, as forward. In another embodiment of the vibration technique for pushing the product forward on e-1 shelf 104, general non-directed vibration is applied to the system. The vibration can be applied through the shelf 104, the post 102, the floor, the wall, the roof, or another structure or through vibration or a signal that moves through the air. The directors, like small joggers, edges, flanges, fingers or similar make the product move in a particular direction depending on its configuration, shape and orientation. These directors can channel non-specific vibration energy and force the product in a particular direction as forward. The directors can be placed on the shelf 104, divider 110, floors, walls or ceilings of the system and can be incorporated into the product itself. In one embodiment of the vibration technique, the product sits on the floor and the friction moves the product towards the front of the shelf. In one embodiment, the floor may be a flat surface panel operatively coupled to a device that provides movement. In use, the product is placed on the flat surface panel and a combination of gravity and friction holds the product in place on the flat surface panel. The device that provides movement then slowly moves the flat surface panel towards the retaining wall 116 located at the front of the shelf 104. After a pre-set amount of time, or through product position detection techniques, the device provides rapid movement, in a trepidatory movement, pulls the flat surface panel in the opposite direction or, in other words towards the back of the shelf. By doing so, the rapid movement of the flat surface panel destroys the frictional bond between the product and the flat surface panel causing the flat surface panel to slide relative to the product and the product to remain in place. The movement providing device will then repeat the previously described process and begin by slowly moving the flat surface panel towards the retaining wall 116. Examples of those vibration techniques for pushing product forward onto a shelf are described in the US patent application. Serial No. 60 / 541,859 of Hardy, which is incorporated herein by reference. As indicated above, the dividers 110, the retaining wall 116 and the tabs 122 help prevent a thief from striking a number of products towards his coat or bag or taking several products in the same orienteer. To further limit access to the product, in In another exemplary embodiment, a horizontal barrier 130 (FIG. 2) may be included above the product packages and secured to the front edge of the shelf 104 placed on top of the product. The barrier 130 can be fixed to the front edge of the shelf 104 or it can be fixed to the posts 102. The barrier 130 further discourages unobstructed access to the product in the product orienter by reducing the area, window or opening through which The product could be removed from the shelf. The barrier 130 can be constructed sepely from the shelf and can be integrated into the shelf. The barrier 130 may encompass a row of product on an orienter, or may encompass multiple rows of product, depending on the desired level of security. Alternatively, the barrier 130 may comprise another shelf 104 placed just above the product. In this embodiment, the shelf 104 on top of the product is placed very close to the product. The barrier 130 restricts access from the front of the shelf 104 only to one or a few products placed behind the front product in the orientation row to allow the removal of only a few products from a shelf, or a product impeller to the time or in a movement. The retaining walls 116 and the tabs 122 can be used in conjunction with the barrier 130 to prevent the product from being easily removed from the shelf 104. In other words, the present invention contemplates the use of one, two or multiple barriers or walls to prevent several products from being removed from the shelf at the same time or in motion. The barrier 130 can be made of various materials and can be secured to the front part of the shelf 104 through any known technique. A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a barrier 140 that spans through one or two, some, or all or most of the upper part of the product on the shelf 104. The barrier 140 functions in a similar manner to a door as it can to be articulated or movably mounted to the edge of the shelf 104 or the barrier 130, just above the product to be protected. As used herein, the term "barrier" includes in its meaning any structure that prevents, inhibits or obstructs access to the product on the shelf 104. The barrier may incorporate numerous shapes and configurations. The barrier 140 can be mounted to the shelf 104 using the existing mounting holes on the shelf. The barrier 140 can also be mounted on the front edge of a front rail of the shelf above it. The front edge of the shelf may have hooks or "j" shapes on its underside. The barrier 140 may have openings which are placed within the hooks or "j" shapes. The barrier 140 defines a lip or lower edge that can meeting or overlapping the upper edge of the retaining wall 116 or the tongue 122. That meeting or overlap further closes access to the product except with deliberate action. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the barrier 140 may include a handle 202 to assist in moving the barrier 140 from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. The handle can be molded with the barrier 140 along the edge of the barrier as exemplified by Figure 13, or the handle can be a separate component attached, mounted, secured, or adhered to the barrier 140 using any known technique. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited by a particular shape or configuration of the handle and that the handle can define numerous shapes or configurations. In addition, the barrier 140 can be configured with a reinforcing rim that extends along the edge of the barrier 140. The reinforcing ridge provides additional structural integrity and rigidity to the barrier 140. The reinforcement rim can also be equipped or configured with a handle. If the barrier 140 is configured with a locking mechanism as described herein, the reinforcement rim will help prevent potential theft by bending or breaking the barrier 140 and thereby giving the thief access to the product that is intended to be blocked or closed and secured on the shelf.

A hole or aperture 204 can be located in the barrier 140 through which a cable locking mechanism or similar lock can be mounted, as discussed below. In an alternative mode, the product display system includes inverted features or elements. The aspects of the invention that are placed on the floor or a shelf and that extend upwards can be placed on a roof or extended downwards or vice versa. For example, the barrier 140 and the retaining wall 116, the dividers 110, the tabs 122 can be inverted. It was contemplated that in some embodiments the retaining wall 116, the dividers 110, and / or tabs 122 may be configured on top of the barrier 140 which would extend upwardly from shelf 104. The retaining wall 116, the dividers 110 and / or the tongues 122 can be placed on the underside of the shelf on top of the product and extend downwards. The impellers 126 and / or rails 128 can be secured to the underside of a shelf, so that the impellers extend downward and the springs of the impeller are located near or behind the portion of the impeller that is near the underside of the shelf. . In some embodiments, to access the product behind the barrier 140, the barrier 140 must be moved or raised, which requires a deliberate movement and the use of a hand to hold the barrier 140 in place. Even if barrier 140 is lifted or removed, the product can be removed. A consumer or store or warehouse employee who uses one hand to hold the barrier 140 in place will need to use the other hand to remove the product from the display system 100. This mode was constructed to inhibit a consumer's ability to have Access to the product with both hands at the same time. Although the product is accessible to the consumer or store or warehouse personnel, the removal of large quantities of product in a short period of time is prevented. The barrier 140 may be created of a clear, opaque or semi-transparent material and may be hinged or slidable in a variety of common ways. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, an adjustable and removable barrier extension 206 can be configured with barrier 140. Barrier extension 206 can be used to provide additional security to the product by creating a larger barrier to prevent or limit access to the barrier. product on the shelf. The barrier extension 206 can be selectively mounted to the barrier 140 through the use of mounting holes 208 and fasteners 210. As shown in the figures, several mounting holes 208 can be located either in the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 or both. These mounting holes can be aligned vertically or not vertically. Several mounting holes 208 allow the barrier extension 206 to be adjusted relative to the barrier 140 to allow the barrier extension 206 to extend to a desired distance, depending on the application, the desired level of security or placement of the barriers. shelves. Other techniques for assembling or joining the barrier extension 206 to the barrier 140 are possible with the invention, including techniques using other types of fasteners or adhesives. The barrier extension 206 can define numerous shapes and configurations depending on the desired application and the level of product safety. For example, the barrier extension 206 may be configured to extend through a row of product, one orientation or more than one row or orientation. The barrier extension 206 may also be made of a clear, transparent or semi-transparent material to allow or prevent the product on the shelf from being visible to a consumer or supply person. The barrier extension 206 may also include a handle similar to the handle 202 described above. Barrier extension 206 may include a reinforcement flange 212 that provides integrity and additional structural rigidity to the barrier extension 206 to further provide additional security to the product. The reinforcement rim 212 can also be equipped or configured with a handle 214. If the barrier extension 206 is configured with a locking mechanism as described herein, or configured to be in a locked or locked position, the reinforcement rim 212 it will help to prevent a potential thief, double or break the barrier extension 206 and thereby access the thief to the product that is intended to be blocked and secured on the shelf. An additional locking mechanism may be added to the barrier 140 to prevent or further prevent access to the product on the shelf. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, a cylinder lock 200 may be used to secure and close and lock the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 in a closed position to prevent access to the product. The lock 200 can be mounted to the barrier 140 and the barrier extension 206, through an opening or hole 216 (Fig. 14), and can be configured to move through the openings 120 in the retaining wall 116. In one embodiment, the lock 200 may be coupled to an arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 configured in or formed with the retaining wall 116. The arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock 200 to the retaining wall 116 allowing the locking tab of the cylindrical lock 200 and more securely, on or be held in place relative to the retaining wall 116. With the use of a lock, such as the lock 200, a customer or store or warehouse personnel will need to use a key, special tool or access card to open the lock before moving or lifting the barrier 140. In one embodiment, the lock 200 can be attached to a wall portion of arcuate shape 117 configured in or formed with the retaining wall 116. The arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock 200 to the retaining wall 116 allowing the locking tab of the cylinder lock 200 to center around more securely on, or hold in place in relation to retaining wall 116. With the use of a lock, such as lock 200, a consumer or warehouse store personnel ne it will be necessary to use a key, special tool, or access card to open the lock before moving or lifting the barrier 140. Referring to Figures 18-20 another locking mechanism or exemplary lock is described. A lock 280 can be an oval-shaped lock that turns closed with the key. The lock 280 is secured to the retaining wall 116 through a hole 282 formed in the retaining wall 116. More specifically, with reference to Figure 20, the lock 280 includes an anchor bolt defining a bolt head 284. The bolt head 284 and the washer, if used, will secure the lock 280 to the retaining wall 116. As can be seen in Figure 20, numerous holes 282 can be placed along the retaining wall 116 to provide flexibility in the location and placement of the lock 280, as well as providing the use of numerous locks 280. Lock 280 may also include flanges 290, 292 interacting with retaining wall 116. Referring to Figures 18 and 19, barrier 140, or barrier extension 206, if used, defines an opening oval shaped 286. Similar to the flexibility provided by the numerous holes 282, numerous openings 286 may be placed along the barrier 140 or the barrier extension 206 to provide the same. to flexibility. As shown in Figure 18, when the lock 280 is in the locked or closed position, the opening 286 prevents the lock 280 from passing through the opening 286. As illustrated by Figure 19, when the lock 280 is moved in an unlocked or unlocked position through the use of a key 288, the oval-shaped lock 280 will pass through the oval-shaped opening 286 thus allowing the opening of the barrier 140 or extension of the barrier 206. With the use of the lock 280 and its mounting to the retaining wall 116, as opposed to a lock mounted on the barrier 140 or Barrier extension 206 and extending to the shelf, there will be no interference with the product on the shelf, as often occurs with the locks mounted on the barrier. In addition, the lock 280 can, but does not need to interact with the channels or rails 118, 124 and can leave those rails or channels substantially free to receive other objects such as a retaining wall or tab 122. As can be appreciated, the invention is not it limits to the oval-shaped lock described 280 and the opening 286 as well as to the illustrated placement of the lock and opening; instead, several keyed or unlocked locks of various shapes can be used with similarly formed openings in the barrier or barrier extension and placed in numerous places and still achieve the benefits of the invention. Alternatively, Figures 21-24 describe an additional locking mechanism. A locking plate 302 can extend through an opening or slot 304 formed in the retaining wall 116 and through an opening 306 forming a barrier 140 or extension of barrier 206. Lock plate 302 is configured to receive lock 300. One or more of openings or slots 304 may be formed in retaining wall 116 in various positions along the retaining wall including the positions described between holes or openings 120 in retaining wall 116. Openings or slots 304 are configured to receive blocking plate 302 and secure locking plate 302 on retaining wall 116, as described below. Although the openings or slots 304 are described as vertical slots, other shapes and configurations of the openings or slots 304 with the invention are possible. The padlock 300 can be used to secure and close or lock the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 in a closed position to prevent access to the product. The lock 300 can be any known keyless or keyless lock and can be mounted on the barrier 140 by the barrier extension 206 through the use of a movable lock plate 302. As can be appreciated, depending on the desired level of security , one or more locking plates 302 could be used to secure and close or lock the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 in a closed position to prevent access to the product. The blocking plates 302 are moved so that they can be placed within any of the openings or slots 304 along the retaining wall 116. Being movable it is also allowed for the barrier 140 or the barrier extension 206 to be made of several widths to protect only those products on the shelf that must be protected. In addition, the blocking plate 302 does not need to interact with the channels or rails 118, 124 and can leave those channels or rails completely free to receive other objects such as a retaining wall or tab 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the blocking plate 302 it can be made of any suitable metal or plastic material and can define a tip 310 that extends through retaining wall 116 and barrier 140 or barrier extension 206, if used. The nose 310 further defines an opening or hole 312 for receiving the padlock 300, as illustrated by FIG. 21. The tip 310 also defines a slit or cut 314 which, when mounted, sits on the lower edge of the opening or slot. 304, as shown in Figure 24. Once in this position, the slit or cut 314 will prevent the locking plate 302 from being slid or pushed back out of the slot 304 and behind the retaining wall 116. The tip 310 is connected to or formed with a back plate 316. The back plate 316 includes legs or retaining members 318 which, when assembled, will be placed behind the retaining wall 116 and will help to hold the locking plate 302 on the retaining wall 116. The back plate 316 and the retaining members 318 can take numerous configurations that help maintain the blocking plate 302 in the retaining wall 116. The blocking plate 302 can be configured not only by extending through the retaining wall 116 and the barrier 140 or the barrier extension 206, it can also be extended to Through and be used with the tongue 122. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any locking mechanism known by the invention can be used including a cable pin that can be mounted with the hole 204 (Figure 13), and any means of key, special tool, access card, electronic, magnetic or known wireless (for locking mechanisms and keys) to open the locking mechanism or lock . As described in Figure 8, an exemplary embodiment of the invention incorporates a system that produces an alert to store or warehouse personnel or security that a potential theft situation exists. In one embodiment, the elevation or movement of the barrier 140 activates a mechanical or electronic warning device 142, generally described in the figures, which provides a signal as an audible, inaudible, infrared, radio frequency, cellular, ultrasonic or electronic signal (including digital and analog signals), or a combination of those signals. This warning signal may be a sound, tone or voice announcement alerting warehouse or store personnel or security that barrier 140 has been opened or has been opened for an unusually long period of time and potentially represents a theft situation. The alert device 142 may also send an electronic or other signal to reproduce a voice message via the paging system of the store or store to activate a local or remote strobe or annunciator light, or to send a signal to a receiver, such as a store or store computer, a pager, a cellular device or other portable device carried by store personnel or security. The alert device 142 can also activate a video camera to verify the particular area or neighborhood, or activate a monitor that is placed in the area or neighborhood that would show the camera image to consumers and the potential thief, or transmit the camera image to the security administration or store or store a network connection, cell phone personal data assistant, or any other device that receives signals.

The alert device 142 may also activate a warning, informational announcement or other statement or display that is provided through voice, video or video and voice. This notice, announcement or statement may be directed to the particular product or type of product associated with the product behind the barrier that triggers the alert device. The warning device can be located so that barriers of a width no greater than that of the oriented product activate the warning device when it is lifted. As used herein, the term "alert device" means that it includes any device or component that can provide an alert, warning and / or signal related to a condition, situation, and / or circumstance. The warning device 142 may be connected to the security system of the store or warehouse or may be a wireless system. Wireless systems, if used, provide greater flexibility to the installation and can be easily installed on existing shelves without the need to install wires for power or communication. In addition, the use of a wireless system allows the gradual installation of a system. For example, high-value products (and therefore those that are more likely to be stolen) or products that tend to have significant variations in The customers' demand can be verified first. With a wireless system, the alert signal can be sent not only to the security system or computer of the store or store, but also to any portable device or receiver, such as a controller, personal data assistant, pager or cell phone that can be carried by the store or warehouse personnel or security. Also with the wireless or wired system, the warehouse computer can also process the alert signal to determine if a theft situation exists and can generate reports that can be analyzed to fine-tune product placement, camera placement, alert devices, detectors and so on, thus, the refinement of delays and actions initiated by situations of potential theft. As understood by those skilled in the art the store or store computer can be configured with the network server and can be remotely accessed through the worldwide network or other network, and can be controlled remotely through the network world or another network. In an exemplary embodiment, the warning device 142 is placed on the shelf 104, either below, as described in Figure 8, or on the top of the shelf. The existing mounting holes on the shelf of the standard distributor can be used for Secure the shelf warning device. The warning device 142 can be placed near or adjacent the barrier 140. The warning device 142 can be operatively placed to the barrier 140 through numerous techniques. In one embodiment, the alert device 142 includes a switch 144, such as a push button switch, which will be activated when the barrier 140 is moved or opened. That is, when the barrier 140 moves and comes into contact with the switch 144, either directly or through the use of an activator plate 145, the switch 144 is activated. Alternatively, in a closed barrier position, the switch 144 is pressed, when the barrier 140 moves the barrier 140 to an open position away from the switch 144, thereby releasing the switch 144 and thereby activating the warning device. 142. The warning device 142 can be operatively connected or coupled to the barrier to detect the movement of the barrier through other methods or techniques. For example, a motion detector or similar detection devices, such as a light emitting diode detector assembly, may be used to detect the movement of the barrier and communicate that information to the warning device 142. The detector may be mounted in a variety of places including on the barrier itself or near the barrier to detect movement- of the barrier. Alternatively, a magnetic switch can be incorporated to detect the movement of the barrier. The alert device 142 may include detection components and time delay characteristics that calculate how much the barrier 140 has been moved or opened. After reaching a predetermined period of time, in other words, when the barrier 140 has been moved or opened for a certain duration, the warning device 142 will send a signal, like the signals mentioned above, to alert store personnel, security and / or the consumer that the barrier 140 has been opened or moved for a prolonged period of time, indicating therefore a situation of potential theft. In an exemplary embodiment, after the passage of a predetermined period of time, the alert device 142 may send an audio alert signal, including a signal other than a previous audio alert signal, which would draw attention to the neighborhood. The alert device 142 can therefore be designed to provide its alert for a fixed period of time before entering into silence. In another embodiment of the alert device 142, the audio alert signal is adjustable to provide a variety of alert tones of different frequencies, or to announce that the barrier 140 has been opened or moved for a prolonged period and that the consumer needs to close the barrier 140, or send the silent alarm to the warehouse and / or security personnel. Different signals or frequencies can be used as long as the period of time that the barrier has been opened or moved is increased. Numerous combinations of alert signals are possible with the alert device 142 depending on the desirable level of security. The warning signal is adjustable and numerous combinations of signals can be used to provide the desired signal level and thus the level of security, while still preventing legitimate consumers from selecting and purchasing the product. That is, for example, the warning device 142 can be programmed to provide a warning signal that will draw the attention of the surrounding shoppers or store / security personnel, short enough to limit the inconvenience to legitimate consumers or refueling personnel. . Also, in another modality, a bi-linked response must be implemented. For example, if the barrier 140 is moved, a signal could be transmitted directly to the security camera, or via the store or store computer or both. In addition, a inaudible notification directly to security personnel. If the barrier 140 remains open or moved for a period of time, more clearly indicating a potential noise, an additional audible alarm and strobe lights could also be activated, or any other alarm. In this way, the answer could be configured to more carefully compare the situation. Referring to Figure 15, in an exemplary embodiment, a security video camera 260 may be placed in the vicinity of products that are products with a high risk of theft, or another product of concern. As shown in Figure 16, a monitor 262 can also be placed in the vicinity of the product with a high risk. The monitor 262 can be used to display the image of the security camera to consumers and any potential thief. In this way, a potential consumer or thief who removes product from the shelf 104 of the display system 100 may understand that his actions are being observed by a camera and potentially recorded. As can be appreciated, the position of the potential thief in relation to the security camera 260 would be beneficial to provide an instruction in the security camera to focus on a particular position. This position information could be generated by a number of methods, including providing a store or store computer with the coordinated system of the security camera for the security camera. The location of the warning device 142 relative to the security camera could be determined during the installation and during a potential theft situation; the location of the alert device 142 could be used to direct the focus of the security camera. Alternatively, the security camera could be configured to focus on several positions, such as three positions along a corridor, and the store or store computer could indicate which position was most appropriate for the particular situation. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the described methods are illustrative because there are numerous methods of controlling the security camera. In addition to the value of that system in the prevention of losses, the monitor can show the video in the form of advertisement or information to the consumer. As illustrated by Figure 17, the monitor 262 can switch between a message or information to the consumer and the image of the camera through the use of a video switch 264. This switching activity can occur on a periodic basis, such as each 30 seconds, or it may occur when predetermined conditions are met, such as lifting the barrier 140, the removal of product, the movement of an impeller, or entrance of a proximity detector that a consumer has entered or approaches the area. By production of the video segment, the device not only reduces losses, but also becomes a source of profit when advertisers are charged for placing their message in the system. A secondary video source for the monitor on which the advertisement, consumer information or other content is displayed may be a video player 266 as a recording device of a video cassette, compact disc video player, video player digital in solid state, direct video, audio feed or other video sources. With respect to the switch 264, the switching action between the image of the camera and the warning or other content can be effected by a device timer or a small microcontroller. In one embodiment, the secondary video source may contain a multitude of short video segments which are randomly or non-randomly selected by timer or microcontroller. The camera 260 may be a small, autonomous type, not connected to any part of an existing security system, or it may be any typical store or store security camera that exists in the security network of the store or warehouse. The monitor 262 can be a flat, color monitor, small LCD type and can be placed in numerous places on or near shelf 104. For example, the monitor can be placed on top of the advertisement of the marketed product or it can be attached to shelf edge 104. In some applications, a larger monitor, such as a CRT, plasma, LCD or projection monitor, may be used. A preferred solid state digital video player may comprise the secondary video source. The source can be housed in the same room that the monitor can be located away from the monitor. Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, in another exemplary embodiment, the shelf 104 on which the product rests may be a "removable" shelf. The "removable" shelf allows associates or store or warehouse personnel to have access to the product to replenish the shelf but prevents a thief from having that access. The removable shelf allows easy access to all products on the shelf. This function, however, requires that the shelf is not moved by the consumer or thief and therefore the extraction function must be protected by a padlock or key, special tool, or other locking or locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the product dividers 110 can be designed to be at least equal in height to the package of highest product on the shelf. When the shelf 104 is pulled out, the product rail or dividers can cause the barrier 140 to rise. If the height of the dividers 110 is less than the highest product package, pushing the shelf back can cause the barrier 140 to be captured on the product packages and make it more difficult to return to its closed position. Additionally, pulling out the shelf 104 will raise the barrier 140 which may activate an annunciator or signal generator, as explained above. Referring to Figure 9, in an exemplary embodiment, a barrier placed on a more upper shelf 104 may include a keyed box 108 that can be used to store excess product or additional display system components 100. In a mode in which the uppermost shelf 104 is of the removable type, the shelf 104 will be removed while the horizontal barrier on top of it remains in place, allowing the product to be easily accessible. As indicated above, the keyed box 108 can also be mounted to the vertical posts 102, through known assembly techniques, and can be mounted anywhere on the display system 100. The keyed box 108 can use any mechanism lock or lock known to allow entry with a key or without key to the keyed box 108. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other security components can be mounted to the keyed box 108 including the security camera, monitor, and warning device 142, for example. name a few. In one embodiment, a stationary cover 180 may be placed toward the top of the product display system 100. The cover 108 provides security and graphic placement, and the product must be stored within it. The cover 180 provides security since it functions as a wall or upper barrier that prevents access to the product from a point above the product. The cover 180 can be mounted on or to an existing shelf. The cover 180 can be fixed or adjustable. With an adjustable cover, the cover can be placed in numerous places on the product display system. In addition, the cover 180 may be a removable cover that functions in a manner similar to the exemplary removable shelf 104 described above. In addition, the cover 180 can serve as a shelf for contain product. In other words, the system of Product display 100 could include multiple covers 180 that work as shelves to contain or display product. Also, the cover can be configured to mount the barriers 130, 140 through numerous known assembly techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the keyed box 108 having a lockable door 109, as shown in Figure 9, can be placed on the cover 180 for additional storage of the product and placement of graphics. The product display system 100 of the invention offers several levels of security and protection against theft. Each level described here can be used separately and several or all levels can be used in conjunction with each other. Each level can also be added to or adapted with existing shelf systems or be provided as an autonomous system. The divider or retaining walls 110 provides security. The front retention wall 116 or "valley" provides security, with or without the retaining tabs 120. The barriers and access doors 130, 140 on the upper part of the retaining wall 116 provide security. The closed position of the shelf 104 on the product located on the shelf below provides security. An audible or other signal is generated by the alert device 142 when the barrier 140 has been opened for a fixed period of time provides security. The camera and video and security playback devices provides security. Each of these separable aspects of one embodiment of the invention can be used by itself in a retail scenario, or it can be used in conjunction with other aspects of the modality. Each separable aspect can be added to existing rack or display systems to reconvert and add one or more levels of security effectively to those existing systems. One embodiment of the invention has several levels of theft deterrence. One level helps to avoid sweeping products. The impellers 126, dividers 110, and retaining walls 116 are coupled with a shelf 104 or barrier 130 or both, on top of the product to provide security to the product. The impellers, dividers, retaining walls, shelf and barrier allow approximately one, two or three packages to be removed through an opening at the same time of an orientation of the display system. The second retaining walls or tabs 122 can be used to provide individual security for specific rows of the product. The front wall 116 and the tongue 122 may include holes or openings extending therethrough will require the consumer to push through the product of the holes or openings to remove the product from the shelf. A second level of security incorporates all the first level features with the addition of a barrier 140 or access door. To have access to the product, the consumer must use two hands, one for lift or slide the barrier 140 and the other to remove the product, thereby adding a second layer of deterrence to the system. A third level of security is built on the characteristics of the first and second levels with the addition of a theft warning notification device, as an alert device 142, or another signal transmission device. Alert notification or signal transmission is activated if the barrier 140 or access door is opened for a predetermined period of time. This delay can be adjusted to any duration or eliminated. The notification provides an audible, inaudible, infrared, radio frequency, electronic or cellular signal notifying consumers and / or store or warehouse personnel or security that the barrier 140 has been opened for a particular period of time. The signal transmission can send a signal to a store or store computer, store or warehouse personnel or a security camera or monitor. The signal can alert the computer or store or store personnel that the barrier 140 or access door has been opened for a particular period of time and can activate the security camera and monitor to show the thief an image of himself in the front of the product. This image can be registered. The Notifications or transmissions of additional warning signals can be activated when the amount of time that the barrier or open access door is increased. An additional level of deterrence to theft by consumers or store or warehouse personnel makes use of the lock mechanism on the shelf 104 to limit unauthorized personnel from removing the shelf. The system may require the use of a key or an instrument of uncommon or common form that is inserted into a hidden access slot in the front or bottom of the shelf. This method is designed to require that someone with a specific knowledge of the operation of the shelf decouple the blockade. In one embodiment, the barrier 140 or access door on the shelf 104 can be automatically lifted for resupply purposes when the shelf is removed, then once the shelf has been fitted it has been returned to the closed position. In this application, an audio technique can be incorporated that indicates that the shelf is being replenished with product. In addition, in one embodiment, a stationary cover 180 may be placed toward the top of the product display and administration system. The cover provides security by inhibiting access to product from above the product. A lockable box can also be placed anywhere on the system to store additional product that will be secured by a lock with a key or other locking or locking mechanism. In one embodiment of the present invention, various aspects of the invention are added to portions of existing shelves. In some environments, there is only one, two or a few products of high potential theft among a display of many products. The aspects of the present invention can be added only to the portion of a shelf administration and display system with respect to those high stolen products. For example, a barrier 140 could only be placed on those products. In addition, side walls could be placed to cover one or more of the sides of the products to further deter sweep or other theft. A front barrier as a locking mechanism or other aspects of the invention described herein could be used only with high theft products or other highly relevant products in a display and not used with other products in the same display. In one embodiment, a particular set of relevant products can be effectively segregated from other products within the same merchandiser. This particular set of products relevant may be subject to additional security aspects described here that are not used with the remaining products in the display. Referring to Figures 28-29, there is dosed an adjustable energy bar 400 that can be selectively mounted to the rear wall 106. The energy bar 400 will provide electrical power to various components mounted to the shelves including any video monitors , security cameras, lighting, illuminated signs, headlamp lights, radios, stereos or any other component that can be mounted on a shelf and any product display that requires electrical power. As illustrated by the figures, the energy bar 400 is selectively adjustable between several positions to accommodate changes or height adjustments of the shelf without causing obstruction with the mounting or adjustment of the shelf. Conventionally, energy outputs are mounted to the shelf and where they do not move easily. In effect, significant force is required to unlock the energy outputs of the rail on which they were mounted to then move the energy outputs. In other known applications, the power outputs were mounted to conductive lanes, similar to lane lighting lanes included power lanes included. With those systems of the rail type, the energy outputs need to be placed in the correct places and placed in position. Once installed, the power outputs were not slidable. The energy bar 400 of the invention solves those problems and other known problems by providing an energy source to the product display that is easily mountable to the merchandiser, such as the rear wall 106, and is easily adjustable to accommodate changes made to the position of the merchandise. shelves. The energy bar 400 includes an elongate body 402 that can be attached to the rear wall 106 of the merchandiser. As illustrated, the energy bar 400 can be mounted in a vertical fashion and the elongated body 402 can be extended to the top of the product display or alternatively less than the total height of the product display. The energy bar 400 can be moved by sliding (as indicated by the direction arrow 401) at a distance sufficient to avoid interference with the product shelf that can be placed at approximately the same vertical height, or with the placement of the shelf of mounted product. The energy bar 400 includes one or more energy outlets 404 that can be configured in numerous positions on the energy bar 400. Once in the desired position, a fastener, not shown, can to be positioned through an adjustment slot 406 to secure the energy bar 400 to the rear wall 106 at the desired height. The adjustment slot 406 is elongated to allow additional adjustment of the energy bar 400. The elongate body 402 defines an elongated hollow cavity 408 through which conductive wires 410 can be passed which are used to supply the power to the outputs of the energy bar 404. The elongate body 402 may also include a recessed channel 412 formed in the body 402 and along each side of the body 402. The channel 412 may be used as a receiver to receive and align the energy bar 400 on the body 402. The energy bar 400 can be placed on or within the channel 412 in a tongue and groove shape, or any other suitable mounting connection that allows sliding movement of one component relative to another. Once installed, the energy bar 400 will slide relative to the body 402 in or on the channel 412. Figures 34-59 illustrate one embodiment of a box shelf that can be secured directly to a post. Thus, as described, the box shelf can be provided as a complete unit that provides theft prevention benefits as discussed above, while allowing a easier installation in a retail location. As can be appreciated, in one embodiment the box shelf can be configured to be autonomous or independent to eliminate the need for a support shelf. Looking first at Figures 34-36, a box shelf 3405 includes an upper portion 3420 and two sides 3422 that can be connected together to form part of a housing 3408. A recessed portion 3421 is provided so that in the event that the box shelf 3405 is mounted under a shelf, the recessed portion 3421 will help ensure that there is no interference with the brackets supporting the shelf or other structure that may extend down (not shown). One or more shelf supports 3430 are mounted to the box shelf 3405 to allow the box shelf 3405 to be mounted to a vertical support (not shown) in a traditional manner. A slide shelf 3410 is mounted on one or more rails 3416, which can be supported at least in part by the sides 3422. As described, the slide shelf 3410 can include a support surface 3412 that supports a divider 3418 (which it can be a simple impeller or divider) and includes a rail 3445 mounted on the front of the shelf 3410. The rail in turn supports a retainer 3414. As described, a door 3424 with one or more handles 3426 can be mounted to top 3420 via a hinge or hinge system 4010 and is coupled to a control unit 3515 that can be configured to produce an audible tone (immediately or after some predetermined delay) when the door is opened and may also be configured to provide a signal to a remote device to activate video capture or security personnel. The slide shelf 3410 is moved via a rail 3416 when the lock feature 3525 is actuated. As can be appreciated, to move the slide shelf 3410, the door 3424 needs to be opened and in a manner, as described, the door can be opened. open up to 90 degrees. As can be appreciated, the rail 3445 can also be mounted on the upper portion 3420 of the box shelf 3405. The details as discussed above with respect to Figures 1-33 can also be incorporated into the embodiment described in the figures. 34-59, where appropriate. Thus, where desirable and / or convenient, the above details can be incorporated. Figures 37a-37b show the locking features 3525 in a locked or locked position and an open and unlocked position. In one modality, one opening in the lip 3547 allows a key to be inserted to move the locking or closing element 3525 from the closed to open position. Thus, as can be appreciated now, the locking or locking element 3525 is shown in both blocked and open positions in a number of figures. As described in Figure 38, one or more case shelves 34-5 can be mounted on top of another. In that configuration, a path 3810 can allow the insertion of a key (not shown) to operate the locking element by lock 3525. As can be appreciated from Figure 39, the door 3424 can be rotatably mounted to the bracket 3925. In addition, a channel may be provided in a capital case 3915 for additional reinforcement and rigidity of the case shelf 3405. The upper case channel 3915 may also be used to support the locking or closing element 3525 and / or one or more 3416 lanes. As described, two shelf supports 3430 (sometimes referred to as clamps), are mounted to the rear panel 3940 and include slots to allow the box shelf to be mounted to vertical supports in an adjustable form even if the position of the supports verticals includes some degree of stacking tolerance. The 3430 shelf supports can be connected to one or more vertical rails (not shown) of a shelf structure. Figures 40-47 illustrate additional details of the described embodiment of the box shelf. It should be noted that the box shelf can be constructed of known materials, such as 18 gauge steel coated with powder or some other suitable material. Figure 48 illustrates an embodiment of the support surface 3412 and includes reference to cross sections J-J and P-P. As can be appreciated in Figures 49-51, the lip 3547 may include a locking lip 4910 in the center of the shelf (or some other location aligned with the locking or locking element 3525) but the locking area may not be required elsewhere, thereby allowing (but not required) a reduction in the amount of material used to make the support surface 3412. Figures 52-54 illustrate details of one embodiment of the locking or locking element 3525. Figure 52 shows the hinged plate 5215 both in a partially exploded view - as in an installed position. As described, the hinge plate 5215 is mounted to an articulated base plate 5225 by means of a fastener 5230 which engages a nut 5240. A biasing member 5235 directs the hinge plate 5215 to a first locked position or position. In this way, the articulated plate 5215a locks in place and the plate articulated 5215b is in an open position. As can be appreciated, however, numerous other methods of assembling the hinged plate 5215 to the hinged base plate 5235 are possible. Figures 54-59 illustrate further details with respect to embodiments of the blocking element 3525, shelf support 3430 and other potential elements of the box shelf 3405. In addition, Figure 59 describes the section HH, from which Figure 46 was taken. It should be noted that any dimensional references are merely exemplary and are not intended to reflect any limitation to the present invention unless make yourself notice something else. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention described and defined herein extends to individual characteristics and all alternative combinations of two or more of two mentioned or obvious individual characteristics of the text and / or the drawings. All of those different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best known modes for practicing the invention and will allow other persons skilled in the art to use the invention.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A system of modular shelves for mounting to vertical rails of a pole, characterized in that it comprises: a housing comprising a front part and a rear part, the front part of the housing including an opening; ^ a sliding shelf including a divider, the sliding shelf mounted within the housing and movable between a first and a second position, the first position being substantially positioned within the housing and extending to the second position outside the opening in the housing; a door supported by the housing and displaceable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the door at least partially obstructs access to the slidable shelf when in the closed position; at least two shelf supports extending from the back of the housing and configured to be coupled to the vertical rails of the pole for support the accommodation; an articulated plate. movable between an unlocked and locked position, where the hinged plate is configured to retain the slidable shelf in the first position when in the locked position. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing includes an access opening, the access opening aligned with the hinged plate to allow movement of the hinged plate from the unlocked position to the locked position. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a detector configured to detect the movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a control unit configured to transmit a signal in response to the detector. 5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding shelf includes a locking lip configured to be coupled with the articulated plate when the sliding shelf is in the first position, so that the sliding shelf resists movement to the second position once the locking lip is engaged by the articulated plate until the articulated plate is moved to the non-locked position. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing includes an upper wall, a lower wall, a right wall, a left wall and a rear wall and the walls are connected to provide together a suitable structure for supporting products 'on the shelf, while only one is supported by at least two shelf supports. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf includes at least two impellers, at least two impellers separated by a divider. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing includes a recess portion configured to allow the housing to be mounted under a shelf mounted to the post without interfering with the shelf mounting equipment. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is configured to allow two of its housings to be mounted on top of each other. 10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the housing is configured to allow two of its housings to be mounted one on top of another substantially without space between two housings. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the door includes two handles, each of the two handles placed on opposite sides of the divider. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a deflected element configured to push the articulated plate towards the locked position. 13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the slidable shelf is mounted on a rail, the rail configured to control the sliding of the slidable shelf and further configured to support the slidable shelf in the second position. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf supports are configured to be adjustably mounted to the top of the housing to allow for adjustable mounting of the vertical rails, whereby variations in alignment can be compensated for. of vertical lanes.