|
(11) | EP 4 095 338 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | ANTI-SHOPLIFTING DEVICE |
| (57) Anti-shoplifting device (1) comprising a main body (2), a movable body (3) rotationally
fixed to the main body (2) for rotating about an axis of rotation (100), the movable
body (3) comprising a first portion (4) protruding from the main body (2) and devoid
of cylindrical symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation (100), and a second portion
(5) integral with the first portion (4), a blocking element (9) movable between a
blocking position, in which it mechanically interferes with the second portion (5)
to prevent the rotation of the movable body (3), and an unblocking position, in which
it allows the rotation of the movable body (3), wherein the movable body (3) is structured
to assume, by rotation, a first position, in which the blocking element (9) assumes
the unblocking position, and a second position angularly distinct from the first position,
in which the blocking element (9) can assume the blocking position.
|
Technical field of the invention
State of the art
[0002] In commercial establishments, such as shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, it is known the use of anti-shoplifting devices attached to the products displayed for sale, in order to prevent the shoplifting of such products.
[0003] Typically, the anti-shoplifting devices cooperate together with (at least) a fixed structure arranged to create an exit gate through which customers must necessarily pass in order to exit the shop. This structure is designed to detect (e.g., by radiofrequency) the transit of an anti-shoplifting device at the gate (for example due to forgetfulness or in case of theft), and to signal, through a respective signal (e.g., acoustic and/or luminous), such transit (so that the personnel in charge can intervene).
[0004] Normally the anti-shoplifting device is typically removed from the product by an employee at the time of payment for the goods.
Summary of the invention
[0005] In the context of the prevention of theft of products from commercial establishments, the Applicant found that in shops, for example in the supermarkets, hypermarkets, large shopping centres, there are several categories of consumer products (e.g. razor blades, toothbrushes, toothpastes, soaps, batteries, tools such as screwdrivers, cutters, wrenches, etc.) of relatively low economic value that are not typically equipped with anti-shoplifting devices but which, due to their small size, are frequently subject to theft. Such products, if subtracted in large quantities and in systematic way, can also lead to a significant economic damage for the owner of the commercial activity, as well as contribute to feeding parallel markets, in particular when the product is stolen with the respective packaging left intact, so as to allow a later sale.
[0006] The Applicant has also observed that the known anti-shoplifting devices are not suitable for being applied to the above categories of products.
[0007] In fact, the known anti-shoplifting devices are too complex and/or expensive to produce, for example if compared to the value of the goods to which they are to be applied.
[0008] Furthermore, the known anti-shoplifting devices are complex to secure to, and/or to remove from, the respective product, requiring, in some cases, also a specific training for the personnel so that the application and/or the removal take place without damaging the product (e.g., the packaging). In the case of the aforesaid categories of consumer products, which include a wide number of products (both in terms of number of categories and, typically, also of the quantity of products displayed for each category), this involves a considerable time consumption during the application, and/or removal, of the device, making inefficient the use of the known anti-shoplifting devices.
[0009] For example, a solution that provides for each product to be enclosed in a rigid plastic case, typically unbreakable and transparent, which comprises the anti-shoplifting device, in addition to be expensive, is time-consuming, since for example each time the product is inserted in the case it is necessary to open the case, correctly positioning the product, closing the case and locking it in the closed position. Furthermore, the case requires a large quantity of plastic material to be able to enclose the whole volume of the product, going against the current trend of limiting the use of plastic materials as much as possible, in order to safeguard the environment, and/or occupying useful space on the display stands.
[0010] Furthermore, given the wide variability of the dimensions of the aforesaid categories of consumer products, the dimensions of the cases must be adapted to each product category or must take into account this variability, resulting oversized for the small-sized products, in order to adapt to the larger ones, further complicating the production and increasing the costs.
[0011] As further example, a solution that provides for clamping the product (e.g., an item of clothing) between two portions of the anti-shoplifting device, respectively shaped in a male-female way, results complex and/or expensive to realize, and/or difficult to apply to the product, with the risk of damaging the product itself.
[0012] The Applicant has therefore faced the problem of providing an anti-shoplifting device that is simple and cheap to make, that is easy to apply and/or remove from the respective product and that is suitable for products or packaging having respective dimensions that widely vary (e.g., without requiring changes as the size of the product varies and at the same time without being oversized for the products with the smallest dimensions). According to the Applicant, the above problem is solved by an anti-shoplifting device according to the attached claims and/or having one or more of the following features. According to an aspect the invention relates to an anti-shoplifting device comprising:
- a main body;
- a movable body rotationally fixed to said main body to rotate about an axis of rotation, said movable body comprising a first portion (externally) protruding from said main body and devoid of cylindrical symmetry with respect to said axis of rotation, and a second portion integral to said first portion and housed inside said main body,
- a blocking element movable between a blocking position, in which it mechanically interferes with said second portion of the movable body to prevent the rotation of said movable body, and an unblocking position, in which allows the rotation of said movable body,
[0013] According to an aspect the invention relates to an anti-shoplifting method of a product equipped with a through opening. The method comprises:
- providing said anti-shoplifting device according to the present invention;
- arranging said movable body in said first position;
- inserting said first portion into said through opening;
- arranging said movable body in said second position to preclude a free extraction of said first portion from said through opening to clamp said product between said first portion of the movable body and said main body.
[0014] According to an aspect the invention relates to an anti-shoplifting system comprising one or more anti-shoplifting devices according to the present invention and a detecting structure making a gate, said detecting structure being suitable for detecting a transit of at least one of said one or more anti-shoplifting devices along said gate and for signalling said transit.
[0015] Product means the actual product intended for the final use by the consumer, and/or the packaging for the transport and/or the display of the actual product.
[0016] According to the Applicant, the anti-shoplifting device comprising the main body, the movable body and the blocking element as described above results first of all structurally simple and cheap to be manufactured, since the number of functional components is kept limited.
[0017] Furthermore, thanks to the movable body having the first portion, the anti-shoplifting device is simple, quick and intuitive to be secured and removed from the respective product. In fact, to secure the device to a product, it is sufficient, with the movable body in the first position, to freely insert the first portion into a through opening of the product (typically present to hang it on a display unit) and then rotate the movable body (e.g., by manually gripping the first portion) to bring it to the second position.
[0018] In the second position, thanks to the absence of cylindrical symmetry of the first portion, the first portion is arranged so as to preclude a respective free extraction from the through opening, thus securing, together with the main body, the anti-shoplifting device to the product.
[0019] With the movable body in the second position, the blocking element in the blocking position precludes any further rotation of the movable body, thus preventing the movable body from returning to the first position.
[0020] To remove the anti-shoplifting device from the product, it is sufficient to arrange the blocking element in the unblocking position (e.g., by the employee at the moment of the payment of the product), rotate the movable body from the second position to the first position, and separate the product from the anti-shoplifting device by extracting the first portion from the through opening.
[0021] Furthermore, by housing the second portion, on which the blocking element acts when in the blocking position, inside the main body, the device is protected from any tampering.
[0022] Furthermore, thanks to the possibility of being able to exploit the through opening of the product (typically standardized in shape and size, such as the European opening) to secure the anti-shoplifting device, it is possible to use the same anti-shoplifting device for a plurality of different products, regardless of their size, without varying the size of the anti-shoplifting device (which therefore remain contained), and without necessarily enveloping the whole product in a case (limiting the use of plastics and the costs).
[0023] The present invention in one or more of the above aspects can have one or more of the following preferred features.
[0024] Preferably in said second position said movable body is rotated by an angle greater than or equal to 80°, and less than or equal to 100° (more preferably equal to about 90°) with respect to said first position. In this way the rotation excursion of the movable body is kept limited, improving the ease of use.
[0025] Preferably said first portion comprises a main development direction (substantially) perpendicular to said axis of rotation. In this way the absence of cylindrical symmetry of the first portion is achieved in a simple way (for example by adapting it to the elongated shape of the European opening). Furthermore, the rotation of 80-100° is sufficient to arrange the first portion with sufficient encumbrance compared to the shape of the opening along a direction of insertion/extraction of the product on/from the first portion, to prevent the mutual separation between device and product.
[0026] Preferably said first portion is centred in said axis of rotation. In this way it is simple to rotate.
[0027] Preferably said main body comprises a face with substantially planar development. Preferably said first portion protrudes from said main body in substantially central position of said face. In this way a support is easily provided to which approaching the product (e.g., by placing it on the face).
[0028] Preferably said axis of rotation is (substantially) perpendicular to said face of the main body. In this way it is comfortable to rotate the movable body.
[0029] Preferably said second portion comprises a seat devoid of cylindrical symmetry with respect to said axis of rotation. Preferably said blocking element in said blocking position engages said seat. In this way the mechanical interaction that blocks the rotation is achieved in a simple way.
[0030] Preferably said seat comprises a first and a second hole arranged diametrically opposite to each other with respect to said axis of rotation. Preferably said blocking element in said blocking position (arbitrary) engages only one of said first and second hole. Preferably, with the movable body in the first position, each angle centred in the axis of rotation and comprised between said blocking element and a centre of respectively said first and second hole is, on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, greater than or equal to 80°, and less than or equal to 100° (more preferably equal to 90°). In this way the second position is obtained with a rotation of 80°-100° regardless of the chosen direction of rotation. In this way the device is secured to the product further simply and quickly.
[0031] Preferably said seat develops in said second portion (substantially) parallelly to said axis of rotation. Preferably said blocking element is movable (substantially) parallelly to said axis of rotation. In this way the device remains constructively simple.
[0032] Preferably said device comprises an elastic element interposed between said blocking element and said main body to keep said blocking element in thrust against said second portion of the movable body. In this way, when following the rotation of the movable body, the seat (e.g., the first or the second hole) is at the blocking element, the blocking element automatically fits into the seat (blocking the rotation of the movable body). Preferably said blocking element is housed inside said main body. In this way the safety of the device is improved.
[0033] Preferably said blocking element comprises a, or is at least partially made of, ferromagnetic material. In this way, the blocking element can be returned to the unblocking position by a magnet, which acts on the blocking element overcoming the elastic force of the elastic element.
[0034] Preferably said method comprises a step of removing of said anti-shoplifting device from said product, said step of removing comprising:
- subjecting said blocking element to a magnetic field to exert on said blocking element a force greater than, and contrary to, an elastic force of said elastic element to arrange said blocking element in said unblocking position;
- rotating said movable body from said second position to said first position;
- extracting said first portion from said through opening.
[0035] Preferably said anti-shoplifting device comprises an anti-shoplifting unit structured to dialogue (e.g., in reception and/or transmission) with said detecting structure. For example, said anti-shoplifting unit comprises a radiofrequency, or magneto-acoustic, or electromagnetic technology. In this way the transit of the device along the gate can be detected.
[0036] In one embodiment, the device comprises an openable case, firmly fixed to said main body. In this way the whole product can be contained, improving the protection.
Brief description of the figures
[0037]
Figure 1 schematically shows an exploded view of the anti-shoplifting device according to the present invention;
figures 2 and 3 schematically show the anti-shoplifting device of figure 1 coupled to a product with the movable body in the first and second position respectively.
Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention
[0038] The features and the advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example of the present invention, with reference to the attached figures.
[0040] The device 1 exemplarily comprises a main body 2 formed by two parts 2a, 2b which can be coupled together to form the main body and which are shaped to delimit, once coupled, a cavity inside the main body. Exemplarily the main body is made of polymeric material.
[0041] In one (not shown) embodiment, the anti-shoplifting device can further comprise an openable case, firmly fixed to the main body to completely contain the product to which the anti-shoplifting device is secured. Preferably the case is made in such a way as to be substantially counter-shaped to an external shape of the product that it will contain, to limit the consumption of material (typically polymeric) and/or to reduce the space occupied on the shelves.
[0042] Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a movable body 3 rotationally fixed to the main body 2 to rotate about an axis of rotation 100. Exemplarily the movable body is made of polymeric material.
[0043] Exemplarily the movable body 3 comprises a first portion 4 protruding from the main body 2 (externally to the aforesaid cavity) and devoid of cylindrical symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation 100.
[0044] Exemplarily the first portion 4 comprises a main development direction 101 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 100 and it is centred in the axis of rotation 100.
[0045] Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises a face 6 with planar development, wherein the first portion 4 protrudes from the main body in substantially central position of the face 6. Exemplarily the axis of rotation 100 is perpendicular to the face 6 of the main body. Exemplarily the movable body 3 comprises a second portion 5, exemplarily disc-like shaped, housed inside the main body 2 and integral with the first portion 3, exemplarily by mechanical interlocking (to rotate together with the first portion about the axis of rotation 100).
[0046] Exemplarily the second portion 5 comprises a square-shaped opening 5a and the first portion 3 comprises an engagement portion 3a counter-shaped to the opening 5a, the engagement portion 3a exemplarily comprising a pair of snap tabs 3b (only one shown) and the second portion comprises a pair of seats 5b (only one shown) made at the opening 5a. Exemplarily the snap tabs 3b and the seats 5b are of known type, suitable for allowing a first insertion of the engagement portion into the opening 5a by elastic deformation of the tabs and to preclude a subsequent extraction, by returning of the tabs to their original position inside of the seats 5b (creating an undercut).
[0047] Exemplarily, to make the aforesaid mechanical joint between the first 4 and the second portion 5, the engagement portion 3a is inserted into the opening 5a crossing the face 6 of the main body 2 thanks to a through hole 6a made in the face 6, with the tabs 3b which engage the respective seats 5b.
[0048] Exemplarily the second portion 5 comprises a seat 8 devoid of cylindrical symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation 100 and which develops in the second portion parallelly to the axis of rotation 100. Exemplarily the seat 8 comprises a first 8a and a second hole 8b arranged diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the axis of rotation 100.
[0049] Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a blocking element 9 movable parallelly to the axis of rotation 100 between a blocking position and an unblocking position (described below). Exemplarily the blocking element 9 is housed inside the main body 2, the main body 2 comprising a respective seat 2' (only partially shown) shaped to guide the blocking element in the movement parallelly to the axis of rotation 100.
[0051] Exemplarily, with the movable body 3 in the first position (described below), each angle (not shown) centred in the axis of rotation 100 and comprised between the blocking element 9 and a centre of respectively the first 8a and the second hole 8b is equal to 90°, on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 100.
[0052] In one embodiment (not shown) the seat 8 can develop in the second portion along a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation 100, and the blocking element can be movable parallelly to this radial direction.
[0053] In one (not shown) embodiment, the second portion can comprise a pin protruding parallelly to the axis of rotation and eccentric with respect to said axis of rotation, and the blocking element can comprise a circular guide along which the pin can slide with contact and a pair of holes to make interlocking seats for the pin (e.g., in similar way to the first and second hole described above).
[0054] Exemplarily the device 1 comprises an elastic element 10 (e.g., a compression spring) interposed between the blocking element 9 and the main body 2 (e.g., housed in the seat 2' of the main body).
[0055] Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises, on the face 6, a pair of first projections 11 arranged diametrically opposite with respect to the axis of rotation 100 and at the first portion 4 of the movable body, externally to a maximum overall encumbrance of rotation of the first portion 4. Exemplarily the main body 2 also comprises, at the face 6, a second projection 12 shaped to form, together with the face 6, a groove 13.
[0056] Exemplarily the main body 2 comprises a respective through opening 14 (exemplarily having shape of a European opening).
[0057] For securing the device 1 to a product 50 equipped with a respective through opening 51, exemplary of European shape (figures 2 and 3), the movable body 3 is exemplarily arranged in the first position in which the blocking element 9 is in the unblocking position in which it allows a rotation of the movable body 3. Exemplarily, in the unblocking position, the blocking element 9 is kept pushed by the elastic element 10 against a face (not shown) of the second portion 5 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 100.
[0058] Exemplarily the first position of the movable body is that shown in figure 2 wherein the first portion 4 is arranged along a direction joining the two first projections 11.
[0059] Subsequently, it is exemplarily provided inserting the first portion 4, together with the two first projections 11, into the through opening 51 so that the product 50 is in contact with the face 6 of the main body and with a respective edge which engages the groove 13 (figure 2).
[0060] Subsequently, exemplarily by manually rotating the first portion 4 by 90°, it is exemplarily provided arranging the movable body 3 in the second position (figure 3). In the second position the first portion 4, together with the second projection 12 and the face 6 of the main body, blocks the product 50 in position, preventing a free extraction of the first portion 4 from the opening 51.
[0061] Exemplarily, when the movable body is in the second position, the blocking element 9 is located at one between the first 8a and the second hole 8b (depending on the direction of rotation of the movable body). In this way, pushed by the elastic element 10, the blocking element 9 engages one of the two holes to assume the blocking position in which it prevents any further rotation of the movable body. The device 1 together with the product 50 can therefore be hung on display by means of the through opening 14 of the main body 2.
[0062] In order to remove the device 1 from the product, it is exemplarily provided subjecting the blocking element 9 to a magnetic field (e.g., by means of a magnet, not shown) to exert on the blocking element a force greater than, and opposite to, an elastic force of the elastic element 10 to arrange the blocking element 9 in the unblocking position (i.e., to extract it from the hole).
[0063] Subsequently, it is exemplarily provided rotating the movable body 3 from the second to the first position and subsequently extracting the first portion 4 from the opening 51 of the product 50.
[0064] In one aspect the invention relates to an anti-shoplifting system (not shown) comprising one or more anti-shoplifting devices 1 and a detecting structure (not shown) which makes a gate, the detecting structure being suitable for detecting a transit of at least one of the anti-shoplifting devices along the gate and for signalling such transit.
[0065] Exemplarily (not shown) the anti-shoplifting device 1 comprises an anti-shoplifting unit structured to dialogue (e.g., in reception and/or transmission) with the detecting structure (for example using a radiofrequency, or magneto-acoustic, or electro-magnetic technology). These technologies are of known type and will not be further described.
1. Anti-shoplifting device (1) comprising:
- a main body (2);
- a movable body (3) rotationally fixed to said main body (2) to rotate about an axis of rotation (100), said movable body (3) comprising a first portion (4) protruding from said main body (2) and devoid of cylindrical symmetry with respect to said axis of rotation (100), and a second portion (5) integral to said first portion (4) and housed inside said main body (2),
- a blocking element (9) movable between a blocking position, in which it mechanically interferes with said second portion (5) of the movable body (3) to prevent the rotation of said movable body (3), and an unblocking position, in which allows the rotation of said movable body (3),
wherein said movable body (3) is structured to assume, by rotation about said axis of rotation (100), a first position, in which said blocking element (9) assumes the unblocking position, and a second position angularly distinct from said first position, in which said blocking element (9) can assume the blocking position.2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein in said second position said movable body
(3) is rotated by an angle greater than or equal to 80°, and less than or equal to
100° with respect to said first position, and wherein said first portion (4) comprises
a main development direction (101) substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation
(100).
3. Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first portion
(4) is centred in said axis of rotation (100), wherein said main body (2) comprises
a face (6) with substantially planar development, wherein said first portion (4) protrudes
from said main body (2) in substantially central position of said face (6), and wherein
said axis of rotation (100) is substantially perpendicular to said face (6) of the
main body.
4. Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said second portion
(5) comprises a seat (8) devoid of cylindrical symmetry with respect to said axis
of rotation (100), wherein said blocking element (9) in said blocking position engages
said seat (8), and wherein said device (1) comprises an elastic element (10) interposed
between said blocking element (9) and said main body (2) to keep said blocking element
(9) in thrust against said second portion (5) of the movable body (3).
5. Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein said seat (8) develops in said second portion
(5) substantially parallelly to said axis of rotation (100), wherein said blocking
element (9) is movable substantially parallelly to said axis of rotation (100), wherein
said seat (8) comprises a first (8a) and a second hole (8b) arranged diametrically
opposite to each other with respect to said axis of rotation (100), wherein said blocking
element (9) in said blocking position engages only one of said first (8a) and second
hole (8b), and wherein, with the movable body (3) in the first position, each angle
centred in the axis of rotation (100) and comprised between said blocking element
(9) and a centre of respectively said first (8a) and second hole (8b) is, on a plane
perpendicular to the axis of rotation (100), greater than or equal to 80°, and less
than or equal to 100°.
6. Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said blocking element
(9) is housed inside said main body (2), wherein said blocking element (9) comprises
a, or is at least partially made of, ferromagnetic material, and wherein said anti-shoplifting
device (1) comprises an anti-shoplifting unit structured to dialogue with a detecting
structure.
7. Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, comprising an openable case,
firmly fixed to said main body (2).
8. Anti-shoplifting system comprising one or more anti-shoplifting devices (1) according
to any one of the previous claims and a detecting structure making a gate, said detecting
structure being suitable for detecting a transit of at least one of said one or more
anti-shoplifting devices (1) along said gate and for signalling said transit.
9. Anti-shoplifting method of a product (50) equipped with a through opening (51), the
method comprising:
- providing said anti-shoplifting device (1) according to any one of claims from 1 to 7;
- arranging said movable body (3) in said first position;
- inserting said first portion (4) into said through opening (51);
- arranging said movable body (3) in said second position to preclude a free extraction of said first portion (4) from said through opening (51) to clamp said product (50) between said first portion (4) of the movable body (3) and said main body (2).
10. Method according to claim 9, comprising a step of removing of said anti-shoplifting
device (1) from said product (50), said step of removing comprising:
- subjecting said blocking element (9) to a magnetic field to exert on said blocking element (9) a force greater than, and contrary to, an elastic force of an elastic element (10), interposed between said blocking element (9) and said main body (2) to keep said blocking element (9) thrust against said second portion (5) of the movable body (3), to arrange said blocking element (9) in said unblocking position;
- rotating said movable body (3) from said second position to said first position;
- extracting said first portion (4) from said through opening (51).