GB2344811A

GB2344811A - Security display unit

Info

Publication number: GB2344811A
Application number: GB9828033A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Mcturk; Sune Eckerstrand
Original assignee: HOUSE OF PRINCE AB
Current assignee: HOUSE OF PRINCE AB
Priority date: 1998-12-18
Filing date: 1998-12-18
Publication date: 2000-06-21
Also published as: EP1020830A3; NO996298D0; EP1020830A2; DK1020830T3; DE69906678D1; EP1020830B1; ATE236558T1; GB9828033D0; NO996298L; NO316253B1; DE69906678T2

Abstract

A display unit for high value goods comprises a container 1 for visible display and security means for deterring unauthorised removal of the goods, characterised in that the container itself is relatively weak and unarmoured and in that the security means comprise one or more detectors arranged to detect tampering or other unauthorised actions applied to the container 1, and means for adulterating the goods by applying thereto an adulterating agent when triggered to do so by activation of a detector. Preferably the adulteration is by spraying the goods with a colouring agent. The unit may be wall mounted with internal racks 6 for goods each provided with a dedicated ink pack for spraying. A roller shutter may be provided to close the unit and a switch 5 may be acutated if the unit is removed from the wall. An audible and/or visible warning may be provided before adulteration is actuated.

Description

2344811 M&C Folio: 230P79608 Document k 315189 SECURITY DISPLAY UNIT This

invention concerns display units for use with relatively high value but easily damaged goods, and in particular to such a display unit which is protected by a mechanism which detects any unauthorised activity and causes devaluing damage to the goods.

There are many types of goods sold in shops which are relatively highly priced, but easily portable, thus making them very vulnerable to robbery. A particular example is cigarettes and other tobacco products, especially in countries where the taxation level is very high. Products of this type are generally sold in relatively small packages, which are generally wrapped in card or paperboard containers, generally with an outer clear plastic film, typically a cellulose ester.

When goods of this kind are stolen from shops, the loss to the shopkeeper is not merely the value of the stock, but includes, as a major part, damage to the premises and to the storage equipment. Conventional solutions to the problem include secure storage units for use when the shop is closed. This is inconvenient as the stock has to be transferred from the day time display unit into the secure store for the night and then set out on display again the following day.

An alternative solution to the problem involves the use of highly secure display devices themselves. Here, the essential idea is to protect the display unit from being broken into, by making it of a robust construction, e.g. tough sheet steel, and providing it with secure locks. This kind of system is very expensive and tends to be unsightly, or at least unattractive to the customer. The only other possibility has been to protect the shop or display premises by fitting burglar alarms, armoured doors, etc. However, these deterrents do not always deter and it is unfortunately possible to break into 2 premises (for example by ram-raiding with a motor vehicle), steal the goods and escape before a guard or the police arrive.

There is thus a need for a display unit for goods such as cigarettes which can be made attractive to the customer while at the same time deterring unauthorised activity. We have now found that the solution lies in a system which makes any attempt at theft counter-productive by making the goods unsaleable.

According to the invention there is provided a display unit for high value goods comprising a container for visible display and security means for deterring unauthorised removal of the goods, characterised in that the container itself is relatively weak and unannoured and in that the security means comprise one or more detectors arranged to detect tampering or other unauthorised actions applied to the container, and means for adulterating the goods by applying thereto an adulterating agent when triggered to do so by activation of a detector.

In particular, the display unit of the invention is for use with tobacco products, but is equally applicable to pharmaceutical products and other packaged high value goods. The preferred adulterating agent is some form of colouring or marking agent, typically a staining liquid or powder, which is capable of penetrating the packaging of the cigarettes etc., thus rendering them unsaleable through their obviously stolen appearance. Any appropriate marking agent can be used, provided it has the penetrating ability required for the packaging of the goods in question. Typically, fluorescent inks used in other security devices (for example bank note containers) can be used. A typical example is the security ink disclosed in SE-B-464132, although such inks need to undergo a minor modification to make them thinner and more penetrating. The marking agent does not need to be a complex, expensive chemical agent. a simple edible colouring agent such as caramel or a vegetable dye can be used, as once it has penetrated the folds of the cellulose film package, it is virtually impossible to remove without repackaging the goods.

3 Preferably, the display unit is further provided with clear warning means to deter a theft attempt.

The display unit can be constructed to have an attractive design and can be made from relatively weak materials such as plastic mouldings, aluminium alloy sheeting, etc., and can be provided with internally lit display signs. Inside the display unit, arranged at appropriate positions, there are provided one or more means for applying the adulterating agent typically, pressurised spray containers arranged to be activated electrically by the detector system. In a particularly preferred embodiment a canister of liquid ink is provided with a gas generator. When activated, the canister becomes pressurised and sprays a marking liquid over the goods, thus staining the packages.

The display unit is also provided with one or more detectors arranged to detect different types of unauthorised activity. For example, a light alloy roller screen could be tampered with by being cut and thus detector means are provided for that purpose. Other detectors could monitor the removal of goods from the display unit (typically IR beam-detection apparatus). The security means will be controlled by a microprocessor control unit linked to the detectors. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit will be arranged with logic so as to provide a first visible and/or audible warning before actuation of the adulterating step, in order to distinguish between authorised activity (for example, cleaning of the display unit) and an attempted theft.

A particular embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 represents a front view of the display unit in the closed position: Figure 2 is a front view of the inside of the unit; and Figure 3 represents a side view of the unit The unit comprises a generally rectangular enclosure 1 provided at the front with a roller shutter 2 at the bottom, the roller shutter 2 is provided with a lock mechanism 3 4 coupled with an optical control switch and light sensor. An optical door sensor with light sensor 4 is also provided. The unit is provided at the back with a wall switch 5 arranged to be actuated if the unit is removed from its fixing on the wall. Internally, the unit is provided with a series of racks 6 each provided with a dedicated ink pack 7, arranged to spray ink, when actuated, over the contents of the neighbouring rack 6. The various sensors and switches are powered by an electricity supply and logic circuit 8, including a mains transformer, a battery for independent power in the invent of a power cut or in the event of removal of the unit from the power supply, and a microprocessor unit to control the logic driving the system.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A display unit for high value goods comprising a container for visible display and security means for deterring unauthorised removal of the goods, characterised in that the container itself is relatively weak and unarmoured and in that the security means comprise one or more detectors arranged to detect tampering or other unauthorised actions applied to the container, and means for adulterating the goods by applying thereto an adulterating agent when triggered to do so by activation of a detector.

2. A display unit according to claim 1, in which the adulterating agent is a marking or staining liquid or powder.

3. A display unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, further provided with clear warning means to deter a theft attempt.

4. A display unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, which the means for adulterating the goods comprises a canister of liquid ink coupled to a gas generator.

5. A display unit according to any of claims 1 to 4. in which the high value goods are tobacco products.

5. A display unit according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which a control unit is provided to control the actuation of the adulteration step on input from one or more detectors.

6. A display unit according to claim 5, in which the control unit is arranged with logic so as to provide a first visible and/or audible warning before actuation of the adulterating step.

(0 Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS:

1. A display unit for high value goods comprising a container for visible display and security means for deterring-unauthonsed removal of the goods, the container itself being relatively weak and unarmoured, the security means comprising one or more detectors arranged to detect tampering or other unauthorised actions applied to the container, means for adulterating the goods by applying thereto an adulterating agent when triggered to do so by activation of a detector, and a control unit to control the actuation of the adulteration step on input from said one or more detectors, the control unit being arranged with logic so as to provide a first visible and/or audible warning before actuation of the adulteration step.

? A display unit according to claim 1, in which the adulterating agent is a marking or staining liquid or powder.

3. A display unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, further provided with clear warning means to deter a thefl attempt.

4. A display unit according to any of claims 1 to -33, in which the means for adulterating the goods comprises a canister of liquid ink coupled to a gas generator.