[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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 premises (for example by ram-raiding with a motor vehicle), steal the goods
and escape before a guard or the police arrive.
[0005] Security means for valuable goods such as banknotes, credit cards and documents,
wherein the goods are defaced or marked with a dye or the like in the event of attempted
thefts, are known in the art. Examples of such security devices are described in US
5 156 272, US 4 722 435, US 3 730 110, GB 1 446 711, GB 1 138 104 and WO 90/09504.
However, none of these documents teaches the application of such technology to a display
unit for such goods such as that described in the present application. Further, the
goods may easily be accidentally damaged due to a false alarm.
[0006] EP-A-629984 discloses an anti-theft system for jewellery comprising a removal detection
means and a field detection means. The system may release smoke, tear gas, dye and/or
an audible alarm in the event of an attempted theft.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a display unit for
goods such as cigarettes which is capable of deterring unauthorised activity, while
being attractive to the customer and available at lower cost.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a display unit capable
of distinguishing between authorised activity and attempted theft.
[0009] 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, the container itself being relatively weak and unarmoured and
the security means comprising a plurality of detectors arranged to detect different
types of 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 unit to control the actuation of the adulteration step on input
from one or more of the detectors, characterised by means being capable of providing
a warning signal in the event of an accidental disturbance (for example, cleaning
of the display unit or its immediate environment), in order to avoid further accidental
disturbance resulting in actuation of the adulterating step.
[0010] 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.
[0011] The adulterating agent may take any form known in the art, provided it is capable
of adulterating the goods sufficiently so as to render them unsaleable through their
obviously stolen appearance. For example, the goods may be adulterated by applying
a colouring or marking agent, a highly viscous substance which sticks to the goods,
or a substance with an unpleasant odour. Preferably the 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 goods, for example the outer plastic film
and cardboard packaging of cigarette packages. 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. Preferably, an additive is added to the adulterating
agent. Such an additive may typically be invisible to the naked eye but visible to
tracing means, e.g. an ultraviolet lamp. A typical example is the security ink disclosed
in SE-B-464 132, although such inks need to undergo a minor modification to make them
thinner and more penetrating. Such a security ink adheres strongly to the skin and
makes it much easier for the police to identify the thief.
[0012] 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.
[0013] Preferably, the display unit is further provided with clear warning means to deter
a theft attempt.
[0014] The display unit can be constructed to have an attractive design and can be made
from relatively weak materials. The container for visible display is relatively weak
and unarmoured; in other words, if the container was made of such materials and was
not equipped with security means, it would be insufficient to protect the goods from
theft. Examples of possible materials include plastic, aluminium, copper and steel.
The display unit may be made by any suitable means known in the art, such as moulding
and extruding, provided that the unit so produced meets the requirements set out above.
The display unit may further be provided with internally lit display signs.
[0015] Inside the display unit, arranged at appropriate positions, there are provided one
or more means for applying the adulterating agent. Such means may take any form known
in the art. Typically, the means for applying the adulterating agent take the form
of pressurised spray containers arranged to be activated electrically or mechanically
by the detector system. For example, a pressurised container may be punctured, releasing
the adulterating agent contained therein. Alternatively, an aerosol container activated
by the release of a compressed spring, such as that disclosed in US 3 730 110, could
be used. Further possibilities include the use of an explosive device, detonation
of which releases the adulterating agent.
[0016] 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. Examples of such canisters are
disclosed in international patent publications WO 83/02975 and WO 92/07159 to Stenild.
[0017] The display unit is also provided with one or more detectors arranged to detect different
types of unauthorised activity. Various types of detectors may be used.
[0018] In one embodiment, detectors may be provided to detect tampering with the device
by cutting or drilling. Preferably, this may be done by providing with a plurality
of detectors at different locations on the display unit, in order to detect unauthorised
activity at different locations thereon. For example, when the unit is closed on its
front face by a shutter, detectors may be provided in both the upper and the lower
half thereof, or alternatively in both the left-hand and the right-hand half. The
detectors would sense movement of both halves of the shutter and send an input to
the control unit to actuate the adulterating means.
[0019] In another embodiment, the display unit is wall-mounted and means may be provided
to detect any attempted removal of the unit from its mounting. Such detectors may
be, for example, optical beam-detection apparatus, magnetic contacts or microswitches.
[0020] In a further embodiment, detectors could monitor the removal of goods from the display
unit (typically passive IR beam-detection apparatus).
[0021] In a still further embodiment, the device may further be fitted with a lock and a
detector may sense any attempt to break or otherwise weaken the locking mechanism.
[0022] In a yet further embodiment, means may be provided to sense the breaking of glass.
A plurality of glass sheets may be provided, each equipped with a glass break detector
capable of providing an input to the control unit. Preferably, the sheets are made
of tempered glass. Examples of suitable glass break detectors are those available
from Alarmtech AB, Sweden.
[0023] In a still further embodiment, means may be provided to detect tampering with the
internal circuitry of the display unit (in an attempt to deactivate the adulterating
means). Typically, when a plurality of means for applying the adulterating agent are
provided, each is connected independently to the control unit, and a current flows
through the circuit. Means may be provided to sense the breaking of this current;
in the event of this occurring, the control unit will send an output to the remaining
means to apply the adulterating agent.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, one or more detectors may be provided to sense vibrations
such as drilling, mechanical shock or explosions. The vibration detectors may be adapted
to detect vibrations of different frequency, amplitude and duration. Preferably, a
signal from a single vibration sensor may be detected by several channels so that
vibrations within differing ranges of frequency, amplitude and duration (hereinafter
'signature vibrations') may be detected in a single detector.
[0025] It should be noted for the sake of clarity that the term 'vibration sensor' refers
to the actual means for sensing vibration. Any device capable of generating an electrical
signal when displaced by mechanical vibrations may be used as the vibration sensor.
Examples of suitable materials include a piezoceramic crystal, a microphone, optionally
in conjunction with a speaker, a geophone (consisting of a weight moving in a coil),
a hydrophone, or an arrangement of optical fibres in conjunction with one or more
lasers, controlled by processing means. A piezoceramic crystal is preferred. The term
'vibration detector' refers to the whole detector, including the sensor and any processing
means/ circuitry to which it is connected.
[0026] By 'channel' is meant means for detecting a specific range of frequency, amplitude
and duration levels (signature ranges), so that only such signature ranges will be
detected and further processed by the detector. The range of signatures with respect
to frequency and/or amplitude levels capable of being detected by each channel may
or may not overlap.
[0027] The frequency, amplitude and duration of the signature capable of being detected
by each channel may vary depending on the likely means by which theft is attempted
and the surrounding conditions.
[0028] For example, the unit may be equipped to detect drilling, in which case the channel
may be adapted to detect vibrations of relatively high frequency and long duration,
but low amplitude. Typically the signature vibration detectable by such a channel
is of amplitude corresponding to an acceleration of 0.001
g to 0.5
g, preferably 0.005g to 0.1
g, and of frequency of 1 kHz to 20 kHz, preferably 3 kHz to 10 kHz.
[0029] Alternatively, the detector may be capable of detecting mechanical shocks. In order
to do this, the channel may detect vibrations of intermediate amplitude, but relatively
low frequency and short duration. Typically the signature vibration detectable by
such a channel is of frequency of from 0.1 kHz to 10 kHz, preferably from 0.3 kHz
to 8 kHz, and amplitude corresponding to an acceleration of between 2g and 50g, preferably
5g to 20g.
[0030] As a further alternative, the detector may detect more powerful mechanical shocks,
such as explosions, in which case the channel may detect low-frequency and very high
amplitude vibrations. Typically such a detector would detect signature vibrations
of amplitude corresponding to an acceleration of over 200g, preferably over 600g,
and of a frequency of from 0.1 kHz to 10 kHz, preferably from 0.3 kHz to 8 kHz.
[0031] The vibration detector may be further provided with means to control its sensitivity,
so that environmental noise will be ignored and will not actuate the adulterating
step. Typically, the sensitivity of the unit may be set by testing the unit at differing
levels of background noise and ascertaining whether such a level is sufficient to
trigger the vibration detector.
[0032] In an especially preferred embodiment, the vibration detector may be capable of transmitting
at least three different types of signal to the control unit, said signals hereinafter
described as a pulse signal, a warning signal and an alarm signal. The three types
of signal may be differentiated from one another by any means known in the art, for
example by voltage, current or duration. For example, a pulse signal may have a duration
of less than 30 ms, a warning signal from 30 to 700 ms, and an alarm signal over 700
ms.
[0033] The control unit may be equipped with means to read and differentiate such signals
and take the necessary action, the means for doing so being readily apparent to those
skilled in the art.
[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vibration detectors may be provided with
memory; incoming signals into the detectors may be stored/integrated in the memory.
When the signal stored in the memory reaches a pre-programmed value, the vibration
detector sends an alarm signal to the control unit to actuate the adulteration step.
In this way, a continuous low-amplitude vibration such as drilling, or repeated mechanical
shocks over a short space of time, may be detected and the adulteration step actuated
accordingly.
[0035] Typically, the signal stored in the memory will decay with time once the vibrations
have ceased, so that repeated minor shocks or vibrations over the course of a long
interval will not actuate the adulterating step. In addition, means may further be
provided to reset the signal stored in the memory to zero. The time duration necessary
for the signal to decay to zero will vary depending on the channel detecting the vibrations
and the environmental conditions. For example, a signal from the drilling detector
may take from 10 seconds to 2 minutes, preferably 20 to 40 seconds, to decay.
[0036] In the event of a more powerful mechanical shock, such as an explosion, the detector
tuned to detect vibrations of such a frequency and amplitude may automatically send
an alarm signal to the control unit to actuate the adulterating step.
[0037] The vibration detector may further be programmed to provide a warning signal to the
control unit when the signal stored in the memory reaches a preset value, typically
a value different to that necessary to actuate the adulterating step. On input from
such a signal, the display unit issues a warning signal, for example a flash or beep.
In this way the display unit may provide a warning signal before actuating the adulterating
step.
[0038] When repeated mechanical shocks are applied to the system within a certain time period,
the detector will send an alarm signal to the control unit, so that the control unit
will activate the adulterating step. The display unit may be programmed so as to vary
the time period, force and number of mechanical shocks necessary to actuate the adulterating
step.
[0039] In a further embodiment, the device is provided with means for inhibiting the adulteration
step in the event of a fault. Typically, this may be done by the control unit, which
senses a fault in the device and may further provide a visible and/or audible warning
when the user attempts to arm the device. For example, when the device is closed by
shutters, the control unit senses a fault when the shutter is pulled down. If no fault
is present, the user is informed by an audible signal and the system is armed. If,
however, a fault is present, a different signal is issued and the control unit will
not actuate the adulterating step. The control unit may typically test for faults
several times per second.
[0040] The control unit may be further provided with memory so that each event experienced
by the display unit (for example, attempted thefts, services, accidental disturbances,
faults) may be recorded. The memory is preferably able to record events for a typical
time interval between services (about a year). The control unit may further be connected
to output means such as a screen or printer, so that a service engineer or the like
may easily be able to obtain a statement of all events that have taken place.
[0041] The display unit may further be provided with means to detect tampering with the
power supply.
[0042] 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;
Figure 3 represents a side view of the unit;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the vibration detector in more detail; and
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the control unit in more detail.
[0043] Referring first to Fig. 1, the unit 10 comprises a generally rectangular enclosure
provided at the front with a roller shutter 12 at the bottom; the roller shutter 12
is provided with a lock mechanism 14 coupled with a magnetic control switch and/or
light sensor. A door sensor 16 is also provided. The unit is provided at the back
with a wall switch 18 (see Fig. 3) arranged to be actuated if the unit is removed
from its fixing on the wall.
[0044] Internally, the unit is provided with a series of racks 20 each provided with a dedicated
ink pack 22, arranged to spray ink, when actuated, over the contents of the neighbouring
rack 20. A vibration detector 30 is also provided. The various sensors and switches
are powered by power supply included in control unit 24, described in more detail
below in relation to Fig. 5.
[0045] Fig. 4 illustrates the vibration detector 30 in more detail. A piezoceramic crystal
32 is connected to an amplifier 34, which in turn is connected to a potentiometer
36 and a band pass filter 38.
[0046] The band pass filter is further connected to a channel 40 for detecting drilling,
channel 42 for detecting mechanical shocks, and channel 44 for detecting explosions,
the channels 40, 42, 44 in parallel with one another. Channels 40 and 42 are provided
with memory. The channels are further connected to a driver 46 capable of providing
an output to LED 48 and terminal 50, which is capable of providing an output to the
control unit.
[0047] The vibration detector will now be described in use, with reference to the following,
non-limiting example.
[0048] Vibrations are received by crystal 32 and converted therein to electrical signals,
which are amplified by amplifier 34. Potentiometer 36 ensures that only signals of
sufficient amplitude pass through to band pass filter 38, so that environmental noise
does not trigger the detectors. Band pass filter 38 filters out unwanted frequencies
so that only signals corresponding to vibrations detectable by detector channels 40,
42, 44 will reach said channels. Further filters may be provided in channels 40, 42,
44.
[0049] In the event of tampering with the display unit by drilling, vibrations meeting the
necessary signature credentials (typically frequency 3 kHz to 10 kHz and amplitude
corresponding to an acceleration of 0.005
g to 0.1
g) pass through band pass filter 38 and are transmitted to channel 40. Signals meeting
the signature credentials are stored in memory which stores a certain number of samples
by means of a shift register or the like. Each time an incoming signal is stored,
a pulse signal is issued by channel 40. The control unit recognises this signal but
takes no action until a pre-set value is reached.
[0050] When the vibration received has continued for sufficient duration so that the signal
in the memory reaches a value pre-set by the user, channel 40 sends an alarm signal
via driver 46 and terminal 50 to the control unit. The control unit reads this signal
and sends a signal to the adulterating means to actuate the adulterating step.
[0051] Mechanical shock vibrations meeting the "shock" signature criteria (a typical frequency
of 0.3 kHz to 8 kHz and of amplitude corresponding to an acceleration of 2g to 50g)
also pass through band pass filter 38 and are transmitted to channel 42. A signal
meeting the shock signature criteria is stored in memory similar to that described
above in relation to channel 40, and a warning signal is sent via driver 46 and terminal
50 to the control unit, which recognises this signal and actuates audible and/or visible
means to provide a warning.
[0052] Memory allows the time interval between mechanical shocks to be recorded. In the
event of several shocks in a short space of time, an alarm signal is sent via driver
46 and terminal 50 to the control unit, which reads such a signal and actuates the
adulterating step.
[0053] In the event of an explosion, vibrations of very high amplitude (typically corresponding
to an acceleration of over 600g), and of a typical frequency from 0.3 kHz to 8 kHz,
pass through band pass filter 40 and are transmitted to channel 44. This issues an
alarm signal via driver 46 and terminal 50 to the control unit, directing it to actuate
the adulterating step.
[0054] Fig. 5 illustrates the control unit 24 in more detail. Central control unit 70 is
connected to lock 14, door sensor 16 and wall sensor 18.
[0055] Vibration detector 30 is also connected to central control unit 70 via timing control
72 which measures the duration of the signal emitted by vibration detector 72 and
sends an appropriate signal to central control unit 70.
[0056] Central control unit 70 is further connected to adulteration control unit 74, which
is independently connected to means 76a to 76e for applying the adulterating agent.
On receipt of an alarm signal from the central control unit 70, adulteration control
unit 74 sends a high-current signal to any or all of means 76a to 76e to apply the
agent and adulterate the goods. A low-current signal (insufficient to actuate the
adulterating means) passes between unit 74 and means 76a to 76e; in the event of tampering
with any of means 76a to 76e or their connection with the adulteration control unit
74, the current is broken, a high-current signal is sent to the other means for applying
the adulterating agent.
[0057] Central control unit 70 is further connected to power control unit 78 which receives
electrical power from mains power supply 80 and/or back-up battery 82. In the event
of tampering with the power supply 80 and/or its connection with power control unit
78, a signal may be sent to the central control unit 70, which issues warning and/or
alarm signals as the user deems appropriate; until mains power is restored, battery
82 provides back-up.
[0058] The unit is further provided with output control 84, which is connected to warning
buzzer 86, alarm buzzer 88, and display 90. Also provided is event memory 92 which
is capable of recording each event experienced by the display unit (for example, attempted
thefts, services, accidental disturbances, or faults). This may further be connected
to event printer 94, so that a service engineer or the like may easily be able to
obtain a statement of all events that have taken place.
1. A display unit (10) for high value goods comprising a container for visible display
and security means for deterring unauthorised removal of the goods, the container
itself being relatively weak and unarmoured and the security means comprising a plurality
of detectors (14, 16, 18, 30) arranged to detect different types of unauthorised actions
applied to the container, means (22) for adulterating the goods by applying thereto
an adulterating agent when triggered to do so by activation of a detector, and a unit
(24) to control the actuation of the adulteration step on input from one or more of
the detectors, characterised by means being capable of providing a warning signal in the event of an accidental disturbance.
2. A display unit according to claim 1, provided with means (30) for detecting vibration.
3. A display unit according to claim 2, wherein the vibration detector (30) is adapted
to detect vibrations of different amplitude, frequency and duration.
4. A display unit according to claim 3, wherein a signal from a single vibration sensor
(32) may be detected by several channels (40, 42,44) so that vibrations within differing
ranges of frequency, amplitude and duration may be detected in a single vibration
detector.
5. A display unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vibration detector
(30) is provided with memory.
6. A display unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the vibration detector
(30) is capable of providing at least a pulse signal, a warning signal and an alarm
signal to the control unit.
7. A display unit according to claim 6, wherein the vibration detector (30) provides
an alarm signal when the signal in the memory reaches a pre-set value.
8. A display unit according to claim 7, wherein the vibration detector (30) provides
a warning signal when the signal in the memory reaches a pre-set value.
9. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with a plurality
of glass sheets, each sheet being provided with a glass break detector capable of
providing an input to the control unit.
10. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detectors
(14, 16, 18, 30) are positioned at different locations thereon in order to detect
unauthorised entry at different locations.
11. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the adulterating
agent is a marking or staining liquid or powder.
12. A display unit according to claim 11, in which an additive is added to the adulterating
agent, said additive being invisible to the naked eye but visible to tracing means.
13. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the means (22)
for adulterating the goods comprises a canister of liquid ink coupled to one or more
gas generators.
14. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further provided with
means for informing the user and inhibiting the adulteration step in the event of
a fault when the user attempts to arm the unit.
15. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with means to
detect tampering with the internal circuitry thereof.
16. A display unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the high value
goods are tobacco products.
1. Schaugestell (10) für Güter mit einem hohen Wert, das als Elemente enthält; einen
Behälter zum sichtbaren Ausstellen und eine Sicherheitsvorrichtung zur Abschreckung
einer nicht autorisierten Entfernung der Güter, wobei der Behälter selbst relativ
schwach gebaut und ungepanzert ist und die Sicherheitsvorrichtung eine große Anzahl
von Detektoren (14, 16,18, 30) umfasst, die so angeordnet sind, dass sie verschiedene
Arten von nicht autorisierten Handlungen feststellen können, welche an dem Behälter
vorgenommen werden; ein Mittel (22) zum Verfälschen der Güter, durch Aufbringung eines
Verfälschungsmittels auf dieselben, wenn der Anstoß (Trigger) dies zu tun durch die
Aktivierung eines Detektors erfolgt, und eine Einheit (24) zur Steuerung der Betätigung
des Verfälschungsschrittes als Folge der von einem oder von mehreren Detektoren ausgehenden
Eingabe, gekennzeichnet durch ein Mittel, das in der Lage ist in dem Fall einer zufälligen Störung ein Warnsignal
zu liefern.
2. Schaugestell gemäss Anspruch 1, das ausgestattet ist mit einem Mittel (30) für die
Erfassung einer Schwingung.
3. Schaugestell gemäss Anspruch 2, bei dem der Schwingungsdetektor (30) so angepasst
ist, dass er Schwingungen mit unterschiedlicher Amplitude, Frequenz und Dauer erfasst.
4. Schaugestell gemäss Anspruch 3, bei dem ein Signal von einem einzelnen Schwingungssensor
(32) durch mehrere Kanäle (40, 42, 44) erfasst werden kann, so dass Schwingungen innerhalb
verschiedener Bereiche der Frequenz, der Amplitude und der Dauer von einem einzelnen
Schwingungsdetektor erfasst werden können.
5. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, bei dem der Schwingungsdetektor
(30) mit einem Gedächtnis ausgestattet ist.
6. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der Ansprüche 2 bis 5, bei dem der Schwingungsdetektor
(30) in der Lage ist, mindestens ein Pulssignal, ein Warnsignal und ein Alarmsignal
an die Steuereinheit zu liefern.
7. Schaugestell gemäss Anspruch 6, bei dem der Schwingungsdetektor (30) ein Alarmsignal
liefert, wenn das Signal in dem Gedächtnis einen vorher eingestellten Wert erreicht.
8. Schaugestell gemäss Anspruch 7, bei dem der Schwingungsdetektor (30) ein Warnsignal
liefert, wenn das Signal in dem Gedächtnis einen vorher eingestellten Wert erreicht.
9. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das ausgestattet ist
mit einer großen Anzahl von Glasschichten, von denen eine jede Schicht versehen ist
mit einem Glasbruchdetektor, der in der Lage ist, ein Eingangssignal an die Steuereinheit
zu liefern.
10. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Detektoren
(14, 16, 18, 30) an verschiedenen Stellen auf demselben positioniert sind, um einen
nicht autorisierten Zugang an verschiedenen Stellen zu erfassen.
11. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, in dem das Verfälschungsmittel
eine Flüssigkeit oder ein Pulver ist, welche eine Markierung oder eine Färbung verursachen.
12. Schaugestell gemäss Anspruch 11, in dem ein Additiv zu dem Verfälschungsmittel hinzugefügt
wird, wobei dieses Additiv für das bloße Auge unsichtbar ist, aber für Abtastungsmittel
sichtbar ist.
13. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, in dem das Mittel (22)
für das Verfälschen der Güter einen Kanister mit flüssiger Tinte aufweist, der mit
einem oder mit mehreren Gasgeneratoren gekoppelt ist.
14. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das weiterhin ausgestattet
ist mit einem Mittel, um den Benutzer zu informieren und um den Verfälschungsschritt
in dem Falle zu verhindern, wo ein Fehler unterläuft wenn der Benutzer versucht die
Einheit zu armieren.
15. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das ausgestattet ist
mit einem Mittel, um mit Hilfe einer in demselben enthaltenen internen Schaltung einen
unbefugten Eingriff zu erfassen.
16. Schaugestell gemäss irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, in dem die Güter mit
einem hohen Wert Tabakprodukte sind.
1. Présentoir (10) pour des produits de grande valeur comprenant un récipient destiné
à un étalage visible et un moyen de sécurité pour empêcher un retrait non autorisé
des produits, le récipient même étant relativement faible et non blindé et le moyen
de sécurité comprenant plusieurs détecteurs (14, 16, 18, 30) destinés à détecter différents
types d'actions non autorisées appliquées au récipient, un moyen (22) pour dénaturer
les produits en y appliquant un agent de dénaturation lors de son entraînement par
suite de l'actionnement d'un détecteur, et une unité (24) destinée à assurer la commande
de l'actionnement de l'étape de dénaturation à l'entrée d'un ou de plusieurs détecteurs,
caractérisé par un moyen capable d'émettre un signal d'avertissement en cas d'une perturbation accidentelle.
2. Présentoir selon la revendication 1, comportant un moyen (30) pour détecter des vibrations.
3. Présentoir selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le détecteur de vibrations (30) est
destiné à détecter des vibrations ayant une amplitude, une fréquence et une durée
différentes.
4. Présentoir selon la revendication 3, dans lequel un signal émis par un seul capteur
de vibrations (32) peut être détecté par plusieurs canaux (40, 42, 44), de sorte que
les vibrations comprises dans différents intervalles de fréquence, d'amplitude et
de durée peuvent être détectées par un seul détecteur de vibrations.
5. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, dans lequel le détecteur
de vibrations (30) comporte une mémoire.
6. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 5, dans lequel le détecteur
de vibrations (30) est capable de transmettre au moins un signal d'impulsion, un signal
d'avertissement et un signal d'alarme à l'unité de commande.
7. Présentoir selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le détecteur de vibrations (30) émet
un signal d'alarme lorsque le signal dans la mémoire atteint une valeur préréglée.
8. Présentoir selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le détecteur de vibrations (30) émet
un signal d'avertissement lorsque le signal dans la mémoire atteint une valeur préréglée.
9. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant plusieurs
feuilles de verre, chaque feuille comportant un détecteur de bris de verre capable
de transmettre un signal d'entrée à l'unité de commande.
10. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les
détecteurs (14, 16, 18, 30) sont positionnés au niveau d'emplacements différents pour
détecter une entrée non autorisée au niveau de différents emplacements.
11. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'agent
de dénaturation est constitué par un liquide ou une poudre de marquage ou de coloration.
12. Présentoir selon la revendication 11, dans lequel un additif est ajouté à l'agent
de dénaturation, ledit additif étant invisible à l'oeil nu mais visible par un moyen
de repérage.
13. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le moyen
(22) destiné à dénaturer les produits comprend un réservoir d'encre liquide couplé
à un ou plusieurs générateurs de gaz.
14. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant en outre
un moyen pour informer l'utilisateur et pour empêcher l'étape de dénaturation en cas
d'une erreur lorsque l'utilisateur essaie d'armer l'unité.
15. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant un moyen
destiné à détecter une effraction par l'intermédiaire des circuits internes correspondants.
16. Présentoir selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les
produits de grande valeur sont des produits de tabac