CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/381,825 filed on August 31, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandise security, including systems and methods for monitoring and protecting merchandise from theft in a retail environment.

[0003] Retailers display merchandise for consumers in a manner that allows consumers to decide whether to purchase the item while at the same time reducing the incidence of theft. Some merchandise is displayed in a manner that allows a consumer to take more than one product at a time for purchase. In some instances, removal of more than one item of merchandise at a time may be indicative of theft. Thus, retailers may benefit from techniques for detecting such theft while at the same time presenting the merchandise in a way that encourages a consumer to purchase the item. Retailers may further benefit from techniques for monitoring inventory of items of merchandise.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards modular sweep detectors, systems, and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft. In one example, a modular sweep detector includes a housing configured to engage a pusher of a pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment is provided. The system includes a modular sweep detector comprising a housing configured to engage a pusher of the pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The system also includes a monitoring device comprising an alarm for generating an alarm signal, wherein the monitoring device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the modular sweep detector. Moreover, the monitoring device is configured to determine if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device based on a signal provided by the sensor. The monitoring device is configured to generate an alarm signal if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

[0006] In another embodiment, a system for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment is provided. The system includes a pusher device comprising a pusher and a biasing member. The system further includes a modular sweep detector comprising a housing configured to engage a pusher of the pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The modular sweep detector also includes a monitoring device comprising an alarm for generating an alarm signal, wherein the monitoring device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the modular sweep detector. The monitoring device is configured to determine if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device, and the monitoring device is configured to generate an alarm signal if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment is provided. The method includes wirelessly communicating with a modular sweep detector, the modular sweep detector configured to engage a pusher of the pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The method also includes determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device based on a signal provided by the sensor. Moreover, the method includes generating an alarm signal if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device. [0008] In one embodiment, a modular sweep detector for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment is provided. The modular sweep detector comprises a housing configured to be coupled to a pusher of the pusher device and a sensor configured to be coupled to a biasing member of the pusher device, the biasing member configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for securing items of merchandise from theft and/or monitoring items of merchandise according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a modular sweep detector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a pusher device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a pusher and a biasing member shown in FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates the biasing member shown in FIG. 5 in a partially unwound position.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a modular sweep detector having a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates the housing of the modular sweep detector shown in FIG. 7 coupled to the pusher device shown in FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates the sensor shown in FIG. 7 coupled to the pusher device shown in FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates the sensor shown in FIG. 7 with a biasing member shown in FIG. 4 in a partially unwound position DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring to the accompanying figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, the illustrated embodiments of methods and systems according to the present invention are capable of not only protecting an item of merchandise against theft or unauthorized removal, but also for monitoring merchandise in a retail environment. The item of merchandise 12 may be any item, including any number of consumer products. The items of merchandise 12 may be packaged (or boxed) or non-packaged items. The system, indicated generally at 10, is operable for securing items of merchandise 12 from theft and/or monitoring items of merchandise (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Although described in relation for use in a retail environment, the system 10 shown and described herein is suitable for monitoring and securing an item of merchandise 12 in other settings, such as for example, a residential or commercial environment, and is not intended to be limited to use only as a system for protecting against theft and/or unauthorized removal in a retail environment.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the system 10 generally comprises a pusher device 14 (see, e.g., FIG. 4), a modular sweep detector 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), and a monitoring device 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the pusher device 14 is a conventional or off-the-shelf device, and the modular sweep detector 18 is configured to be adapted to the pusher device. Generally, the pusher device 14 includes a pusher 20 and a biasing member 22 whereby the pusher is configured to bias the pusher towards a particular position. The pusher device 14 may further include a rail member 24 and a stop member 26 in some applications. The pusher 20 is configured to abut one or more items of merchandise and move along the rail member 24, while the biasing member 22 is configured to bias the pusher towards the stop member 26 at an end of the rail member. The items of merchandise may thus be disposed between the pusher 20 and the stop member 26 in a relaxed state. As items of merchandise are removed, the pusher 20 is biased towards the stop member 26. The pusher device 14 may be located on a shelf in a retail environment, and the pusher 20 may be configured to move the items of merchandise under the force of the biasing member 22 for presenting the items of merchandise to consumers. For example, the biasing member 22 may be a clock spring, power spring, flat spiral spring, or the like. Thus, as merchandise is added to the pusher device 14, the clock spring is configured to unwind (see, e.g., FIG. 6), and as merchandise is removed to the pusher device, the clock spring is configured to wind (see, e.g., FIG. 5). It is understood that the modular sweep detector 16 may be configured for use with a variety of types of pusher devices, such as the pusher device described above. For instance, pusher devices may be utilized on shelves, display hooks, and the like for presenting merchandise to a consumer. In the case of a display hook, the pusher 20 may be configured to move along a rod under the bias of biasing member 22, and the end of the rod may include a bend or like stop member.

[0021] Advantageously, the modular sweep detector 16 is configured to be removably attached to the pusher device 14 in a manner that does not hinder the operation of the pusher device. In one example, the modular sweep detector 16 comprises a housing 28 that is configured to engage the pusher 20. For example, the housing 28 may be snap fitted to the pusher and/or secured with a fastener (e.g., an adhesive). The housing 28 may be configured to enclose the pusher 14. When attached to the pusher, the modular sweep detector 16 is configured to move with the pusher 20. The modular sweep detector 16 may include a sensor 30. The sensor 30 may be enclosed within the housing 28. The sensor 30 may be configured to detect movement of the pusher 20. In some instances, the sensor 30 may be configured to contact and directly engage the biasing member 22. Thus, as the biasing member 22 moves, the sensor 30 may likewise be configured to move and detect such movement. In one embodiment, the sensor 30 is a rotary encoder and is configured to rotate as the coil spring is wound and unwound (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-11). The sensor 30 may be configured to generate a signal in response to movement of the pusher 20 (e.g., an audible tone or visual indicator). For example, movement in one direction may generate a first signal while movement in an opposite direction may generate a second signal. These signals may be indicative of removing or loading the items of merchandise.

[0022] It is understood that other types of sensors 30 may be employed. For example, FIG. 12 shows a sensor 30' including a resilient member 32. The resilient member 32 may be configured to engage the biasing member 22 and move as the pusher 20 moves for generating one or more signals. The resilient member 32 may be configured to at least partially conform to an outer surface of the biasing member 22. For instance, the resilient member 32 may be configured to engage with and conform to a portion of an outer surface of the biasing member 22. Where a clock spring is utilized, the resilient member 32 may be configured to conform to the curvature of the clock spring. The resilient member 32 may be formed of a material (e.g., a rubber or elastomeric material) that facilitates friction with the biasing member 22 to maintain contact therebetween in response to movement of the pusher 20. The sensor 30' may include a series of rotatable pulleys 34 whereby rotation of one or more of the pulleys may be used to provide a signal as discussed above. As such, the resilient member 32 may be a closed loop in some cases and be configured to rotate each of the rotatable pulleys 34 in response to movement of the resilient member.

[0023] The modular sweep detector 16 and monitoring device 18 may include wireless communications circuitry for communicating with one another using any desired communications protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radiofrequency, etc.). The modular sweep detector 16 and monitoring device 18 may be located remotely from one another. For example, the monitoring device 18 may be located at some fixed location in proximity to one or more modular sweep detectors 16. In some embodiments, the signal(s) generated by the sensor 30, 30' may be configured to be transmitted to the monitoring device 18. These signals may be processed by the monitoring device 18 for determining whether a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been added or removed. For example, the signals may be used to determine a thickness of each item of merchandise when loading the items of merchandise on the pusher device 14. Thus, in a way, the monitoring device 18 may "learn" the thickness of the items of merchandise when loaded on the pusher device 14. As the sensor 30, 30' moves forwards and/or backwards as items of merchandise are loaded, the sensor is configured to generate one or more signals that can be used to determine a thickness of the item of merchandise. The signals generated by the sensor 30, 30' may be indicative of linear distance or full/partial rotation of the sensor. Once the items of merchandise are loaded on the pusher device 14, removal of a predetermined number of items may be indicative of a theft or "sweep". For instance, removal of a plurality of items of merchandise may be indicative of theft or sweep, while removal of one item of merchandise is not indicative of theft or sweep. The predetermined number of items of merchandise that is indicative of theft may be input by authorized personnel at the monitoring device 18 or may be preset by the manufacturer. The modular sweep detector 16 and/or the monitoring device 18 may have an alarm that is configured to generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/or visible signal) as a result of such removal. The modular sweep detector 16 and/or the monitoring device 18 may have a power source 36 for providing power for operating the wireless communications circuitry, as well as any other components requiring power. Furthermore, it is understood that the modular sweep detector 16 and monitoring device 18 may communicate via wired means if desired.

[0024] In some embodiments, a monitoring device 18 may be configured to be paired with one or more modular sweep detectors 16. For example, a plurality of modular sweep detectors 16 may be paired with one monitoring device 18. Thus, the monitoring device 18 may be configured to monitor a plurality of signals provided by the modular sweep detectors 16 and to determine if a theft event has occurred. In some instances, each modular sweep detector 16 may be wirelessly paired to a monitoring device 18, such as, for example, via Bluetooth communication. Pairing may include the exchange of a particular code or identifier that associates a modular sweep detector 16 with a monitoring device 18. An authorized user may initiate communication between a modular sweep detector 16 and a monitoring device 18 for pairing or unpairing with one another, such as by pressing an actuator on the modular sweep detector and/or the monitoring device. Therefore, any number of modular sweep detectors 16 may be added to or removed from the system 10, and likewise a plurality of monitoring devices 18 may be employed.

[0025] In another embodiment, the system 10 may be utilized for inventory control. For instance, the monitoring device 18 may be configured to monitor a number of items of merchandise on a pusher device 14 based on input from the sensor 30, 30' and alert authorized personnel should the inventory fall below a predetermined number. The monitoring device 18 may further be configured to facilitate communication with one or more remote devices for providing notification regarding inventory levels. Such communication could occur, for instance, over a cloud network. In other embodiments, the modular sweep detector 16 and/or the monitoring device 18 may be configured to generate an alarm signal should the inventory fall below a predetermined level. [0026] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of systems and methods for securing item of merchandises from theft or unauthorized removal. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.