Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SECURE DISPLAY CABINET
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a merchandise display
cabinet
for securely storing, displaying and/or dispensing one or more retail products
or items of merchandise on a display feature.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Theft of retail items in retail stores is a major concern
for most
retailers. In the case of higher cost merchandise items such as, for example,
analgesics, cough and/or cold medications, razors, razor blades, camera film,
batteries, videos, DVDs, smoking cessation products, infant formula and/or
the like, which products are often the targets of shoplifters, preventing
theft
of these retail items is often a priority for retailers and/or employees of
the
retailers.
[0003] Traditionally, higher cost retail items are often removed from
shelves and are often placed behind store counters and/or securely stored
under lock and key, only accessible by one or more employees of the
retailers. While this security approach is often effective in preventing theft
of
these retail items, such security approach often presents subsequent
problems associated with access and availability of these retail items to
customers desiring to purchase the retail items. For example, customers may
often be deterred by having to request access to the retail items that are
only stored over-the-counter by an employee. Storing higher cost retail items
behind the counter also limits opportunities for visual display of the retail
items to potential customers. Furthermore, relying on space behind store
counters for securely storing the higher cost retail items can be challenging
as the available space may be limited and/or non-existent and, as a result,
inventories of these retail articles may be at lower amounts than anticipated
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by customers which may undesirably lead to unavailability of the retail
articles in times of need.
[0004] In some instances, retailers provide shelving security
devices
and/or other security measures that sometimes deter theft of these retail
items and/or OTC products while still allowing the retail items, or OTC
products, to be displayed to potential customers. However, typical shelving
security devices often lack durability and can be easily defeated should the
security device or associated lock become compromised through tampering,
for example.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a secure display cabinet that
allows for the secure display of retail items that may address one or more of
the deficiencies or other shortcomings of known display solutions.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a merchandise display cabinet for storing items
of merchandise. The merchandise display cabinet includes a housing defining
an interior chamber for storing the items of merchandise. The housing
includes a door panel that is moveable relative to the housing and configured
for disposition in a closed position wherein the door panel is a barrier to
access to the interior chamber, and an open position wherein access to the
interior chamber is permitted. A lock assembly is operably coupled to the
door panel for controlling access, via the door panel, to the interior
chamber,
the lock assembly being operable between an unlocked condition and a
locked condition. A locking counterpart is operably coupled to the lock
assembly, the locking counterpart having a first portion and a second portion
and configured for disposition in a non-interfering position and an
interfering
position. A locking-counterpart receiver is disposed within the housing and
configured for receiving the first portion of the locking counterpart. A door
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panel-displacement blocker disposed within the housing and configured for
cooperating with the second portion of the locking-counterpart for impeding
displacement of the door panel. The lock assembly, the locking counterpart,
the locking counterpart receiver, and the door panel displacement blocker are
cooperatively configured such that, while the lock assembly is disposed in the
locked condition, the locking counterpart is disposed in the interfering
position such that the merchandise display cabinet defines: a first
interference condition wherein a first portion of the locking counterpart is
disposed within the locking-counterpart receiver such that displacement of
the door panel from the closed position to the open position is impeded by
interference between the first portion of the locking counterpart and the
locking-counterpart receiver; and a second interference condition wherein a
second portion of the locking counterpart is cooperatively configured with the
door panel-displacement blocker such that displacement of the door panel
from the closed position to the open position is impeded by interference
between the second portion of the locking counterpart and the door-panel-
displacement blocker; and while the door panel is disposed in the closed
condition and the lock assembly is disposed in the locked condition such that
the locking counterpart is disposed in the interfering position, disposition
of
the first portion of the locking counterpart in a defeated condition such that
it
does not interfere with the locking-counterpart receiver is such that the
second interference condition remains effected, such that displacement of the
door panel from the closed position to the open position is prevented.
[0007] In accordance with another example embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a merchandise display cabinet for storing items
of merchandise. The merchandise display cabinet includes a housing defining
an interior chamber for storing the items of merchandise. The housing
includes a door panel that is moveable relative to the housing and configured
for disposition in a closed position wherein the door panel is a barrier to
access to the interior chamber, and an open position wherein access to the
interior chamber is permitted. A lock assembly is operably coupled to the
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door panel for controlling access, via the door panel, to the interior
chamber,
the lock being operable between an unlocked condition and a locked
condition. The door panel is hingedly connected to a door-panel-housing
connector, the door-panel-housing connector configured for coupling with a
pair of door panel sliders for slidably connecting the door panel to the
housing. The housing includes a pair of door-panel slider-receiving slots,
wherein each door panel slider-receiving slot is configured for receiving a
corresponding one of the door panel sliders, and disposition of the door panel
in the open position is such that the door panel is disposed in: a first open
condition wherein the door panel is disposed co-planar, or substantially co-
planar with the door panel housing connector and external to the interior
chamber of the housing; and a second open condition wherein the door panel
is disposed within the interior chamber of the housing via rearward sliding of
the door panel relative to the housing via sliding of the door panel sliders
within the door panel-slider receiving slots.
[0008] In accordance with another example embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a kit for assembling a merchandise display
cabinet. The kit includes a housing panel including a top panel portion and
rear panel portion extending perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular
to, the top panel portion; a door panel including at least one lock assembly;
a pair of end panels; a plurality of fasteners for releasably securing the
pair
of end panels to the top panel portion and the rear panel portion such that
the end panels are oppositely disposed relative to one another to define a
housing portion wherein: the door panel includes a door panel housing
connector hingedly connected to the door panel. The kit further includes a
pair of door panel sliders, wherein each slider is configured for connecting
to
the door panel housing connector, wherein: each end panel includes a door
panel slider receiving slot configured for receiving one of the door panel
sliders; and at least one of the end panels includes a locking counterpart
receiver for cooperating with the at least one lock for controlling access to
an
interior chamber of the merchandise display cabinet.
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In accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a merchandise display cabinet for use with a shelf panel of
merchandise display feature, comprising: a housing having a door panel, a
rear panel, a top panel, and a pair of oppositely disposed end panels,
wherein the door panel, the rear panel, the top panel, and the pair of
oppositely disposed end panels are cooperatively configured to define an
interior chamber for storing items of merchandise; and a lock assembly
operably coupled to the door panel of the housing for controlling access to
the interior chamber, the lock being operable between an unlocked condition
and a locked condition; wherein: the housing is configured for disposition on
and releasable connection to the shelf panel of the merchandise display
feature, wherein the releasable connection of the housing to the shelf panel
is such that the shelf panel encloses the interior chamber; the door panel is
moveable relative to the top panel, the rear panel, and the pair of oppositely
disposed end panels of the housing and is configured for disposition in: a
closed position, wherein the door panel is a barrier to access to the interior
chamber; and an open position, wherein access to the interior chamber, is
permitted; and the lock assembly includes a locking counterpart configured
for disposition in a non-interfering position and an interfering position,
such
that: while the lock assembly is disposed in the unlocked condition, the
locking counterpart is disposed in the non-interfering position such that
interference to displacement of the door panel, from the closed position, into
the open position, by the locking counterpart, is defeated such that
displacement of the door panel from the closed position into the open
position is permitted; and while the lock assembly is disposed in the locked
condition, the locking counterpart is disposed in the interfering position
such
that interference to displacement of the door panel, from the closed position,
into the open position, by the locking counterpart, is effected such that
displacement of the door panel from the closed position into the open
position is prevented, the interfering position defining: a first interference
condition wherein a first portion of the locking counterpart is disposed
within
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a locking-counterpart receiver such that displacement of the door panel from
the closed position to the open position is impeded by interference between
the first portion of the locking counterpart and the locking-counterpart
receiver; and a second interference condition wherein a second portion of the
locking counterpart is cooperatively configured with a door-panel-
displacement blocker such that displacement of the door panel from the
closed position to the open position is impeded by interference between the
second portion of the locking counterpart and the door-panel-displacement
blocker; the locking counterpart, the locking counterpart receiver and the
door panel displacement blocker being cooperatively configured such that:
while the lock assembly is disposed in the locked condition, the second
interference condition remains effected such that displacement of the door
panel from the closed position to the open position is prevented should the
first interference condition be defeated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present
application, and in which:
[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective, exploded, assembly view of a
merchandise display cabinet according to an example embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2 is a front, perspective view of the assembled
merchandise display cabinet of Figure 1 disposed for installation on a
conventional shelf panel of a merchandise display feature;
[0012] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the assembled
merchandise display cabinet of Figure 2 installed on the display shelf and
mounted to a conventional merchandise display;
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[0013] Figure 4 is a detail view of the lock of the merchandise
display
cabinet in the locked condition;
[0014] Figure 5 is a detail view of the lock of the merchandise
display
cabinet in the unlocked condition; is a detail front perspective view of the
locking counterpart of the lock of Figure 4;
[0015] Figure 6 is a detail front perspective view of the locking
counterpart of the lock of Figures 4 and 5;
[0016] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the merchandise
display
cabinet fixed to the shelf panel of the merchandise display feature in the
closed and locked condition;
[0017] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the merchandise
display
cabinet of Figure 7 the first step in the opening of the display cabinet;
[0018] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the merchandise
display
cabinet of Figure 7 the fully open condition
[0019] Figure 10 is a right end elevation view of the merchandise
display cabinet of Figure 7;
[0020] Figure 11 is a right end elevation view of the merchandise
display cabinet of Figure 8;
[0021] Figure 12 is a right end elevation view of the merchandise
display cabinet of Figure 9;
[0022] Figure 13, is a front perspective view of the merchandise
display
cabinet of Figure 9 with the right end panel removed for ease of illustration;
[0023] Figure 14 is detail, partially exploded view of the assembly
of
the door panel to the merchandise display cabinet, with the end panel
removed for ease of illustration;
[0024] Figure 15 is a detail, front perspective view of the right
end of
the perspective view of the merchandise display cabinet with the door panel
in the closed position with the lock in the locked condition;
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[0025] Figure 16 is a detail, perspective view of the right end of
the
merchandise display cabinet with the door panel in the open position
illustrating the connection of the merchandise display cabinet to the shelf
panel;
[0026] Figure 17 is a detail view of an example embodiment of a
fastener for securing the housing panels of the merchandise display cabinet
together; and
[0027] Figure 18 is a detail view of another example embodiment of
a
fastener for securing the housing panels of the merchandise display cabinet
together.
[0028] Similar reference numerals may have been used in different
figures to denote similar components.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Referring now to Figures 1-16, there is shown an example
embodiment of a merchandise display cabinet 10 according to the present
disclosure.
[0030] As shown in Figures 1-3, the merchandise display cabinet 10
includes a housing 12 configured for disposition on and releasable connection
to a merchandise display feature 16. In some embodiments, for example, the
merchandise display cabinet 10 is includes a bottom panel that is a shelf
panel 14 configured for releasable connection to corresponding mounting
brackets 18 associated with the merchandise display feature 16. In some
embodiments, the merchandise display feature 16 includes a back panel 17
that extends between the corresponding mounting brackets 18, the shelf
panel 14 including brackets 15 having hook portions 13 for releasably
engaging with corresponding openings 19 provided in the mounting brackets
18 of the merchandise display feature 16. In some embodiments, for
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example, the merchandise display cabinet 10 includes a bottom panel, the
merchandise display cabinet 10 configured for mounting on and releasable
connect to a shelf panel 14 in the form of an underframe panel (as shown for
instance in Figure 2), the brackets 15 extend upwardly from the self-panel 14
and along a portion of the corresponding end walls of the merchandise
display cabinet 10, as shown for instance in Figures 2-3. In other
embodiments, for example, the brackets 15 may extend downwardly from
the end edges of the shelf panel 14 as shown, for instance in the example
embodiments of Figures 7-13, wherein the shelf panel 14 serves as the
bottom panel of the merchandise display cabinet 10. Therefore, it will be
understood that the merchandise display cabinet 10 can be configured for
use with various forms of shelves of shelf panels for use in the display of
retail items.
[0031] In some embodiments, for example, the housing 12 includes a
front panel or door panel 20, a rear panel 22, a top panel 24, and a pair of
oppositely disposed end panels 28. The door panel 20, the rear panel 22, the
top panel 24, and the pair of oppositely disposed end panels 28 are
cooperatively configured to define an interior chamber 30 for storing items of
merchandise (not shown). In some embodiments, for example, the door
panel 20, the rear panel 22, the top panel 24, and the pair of oppositely
disposed end panels 28 are cooperatively configured to define a housing or
housing portion 12 with an interior chamber 30. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the door panel 20, the rear panel 22, the top panel 24, and
the pair of oppositely disposed end panels 28 are cooperatively configured
such that the top panel 24 extends perpendicular to, or substantially
perpendicular to, the rear panel 22, and that the end panels 28 are disposed
such that they extend perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to, the
rear panel 22 and the top panel 24. The front or door panel 20 is configured
relative to the remaining portions of the housing 12 such that, while in the
closed position, it is disposed parallel, or substantially parallel to, and
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opposite to the rear panel 22 and serves as a barrier to access to the
interior
chamber 30. While the housing 12 is disposed on and releasably connected
to the shelf panel 14, the shelf panel 14 encloses the interior chamber 30 of
the housing 12 that would otherwise open at the bottom or base portion of
the housing 12. In other embodiment, the merchandise display cabinet 10
includes a bottom panel, the merchandise cabinet 10 being mounted on a
corresponding shelf panel or shelf panel underframe for mounting the
merchandise display cabinet 10 to a corresponding merchandise display
feature.
[0032] In some embodiments, the door panel 20, the rear panel 22, the
top panel 24, and the pair of oppositely disposed end panels 28 are made of
clear, durable plastic material that allows visual inspection of the items of
merchandise that may be stored within the merchandise display cabinet 10.
The material selected for the door panel 20, the rear panel 22, the top panel
24, and the pair of oppositely disposed end panels 28 is also generally rigid
that is not easily broken or shattered, as is known in the art. In some
embodiments, the bottom panel or shelf panel 14 is a metal shelf panel,
while in other embodiments, the merchandise display cabinet 10 includes a
bottom panel that is also made of durable plastic material, the cabinet 10
being mounted to an external metal shelf panel or metal underframe.
[0033] The door panel 20 of the housing 12 is configured such that
it is
moveable relative to the housing 12 such that the door panel 20 is
configured for disposition in a closed position 20', wherein access to the
interior chamber 30 via the front of the housing 12 is prevented or blocked
by the door panel 20, and an open position 20", wherein access to the
interior chamber 30, via the front of the housing 12, is permitted. The closed
position 20' of the door panel 20 is illustrated, for example, in Figures 2, 3
and 7, while the open position 20" is illustrated, for example, in Figures 8,
9
and 13.
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[0034] In order to control access to the interior chamber 30 of the
merchandise display cabinet 10 via the front or door panel 20, the
merchandise display cabinet 10 includes a lock assembly 32 operably coupled
to the door panel 20 of the housing 12 for controlling access to the interior
chamber 30. In some embodiments, for example, the lock assembly 32
includes a single lock 33 while in other embodiments, the lock assembly 32
include a pair of locks 33, with one lock 33 being disposed at each bottom
corner of the door panel 20.
[0035] The operation of the lock assembly 32 will now be described
in
further detail with reference to a single lock 33 although it will be
understood
that, for embodiments that include at least two locks 33, the description
applies to each one of the locks 33 incorporated in the lock assembly 32 of
the merchandise display cabinet 10.
[0036] The lock assembly 32 includes at least one lock 33 that is
operable between an unlocked condition 32', wherein displacement of the
door panel 20 from the closed position 20' to the open position 20" is
permitted, and a locked condition 32" wherein displacement of the door
panel 20 from the closed position 20' to the open position 20" is prevented.
In embodiments that incorporate two locks 33, e.g. one at each bottom
corner of the door panel 20, it will be understood that the door panel 20 is
configured for disposition into the open position 20" once both locks 33 are
disposed in the open condition 32". The lock (or locks) 33 allows items of
merchandise to be displayed within the cabinet 10, while remaining secure
such that theft of the particular items of merchandise is deterred and/or
prevented as access to the items/products is limited to only authorized
personnel or those with key access to the lock (or locks) 33.
[0037] The lock 33 includes a locking counterpart 34 that is
operably
coupled to the lock 33 and configured for disposition in a non-interfering
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position 34' and an interfering position 34". The lock 33 and the locking
counterpart 34 are cooperatively configured such that, while the lock is
disposed in the unlocked condition 32', the locking counterpart 34 is disposed
in the non-interfering position 34' wherein interference to displacement of
the door panel 20 from the closed position 20' into the open position 20", by
the locking counterpart 34, is defeated such that displacement of the door
panel 20 from the closed position 20' into the open position 20" is permitted.
The unlocked condition of the lock 33 and the non-interfering position of the
locking counterpart 34 are illustrated, for example, in Figures 5. While the
lock 33 is disposed in the locked condition 32", the locking counterpart 34 is
disposed in the interfering position 34" wherein interference to displacement
of the door panel 20 from the closed position 20' into the open position 20"
is
effected such that displacement of the door panel 20 from the closed position
20' into the open position 20" is prevented. The locked condition of one of
the locks 33 and the interfering position of the locking counterpart 34 are
illustrated, for example, in Figure 6.
[0038] In some embodiments, for example, the locking counterpart 34
is rotatably coupled to the lock assembly 32 such that the locking
counterpart 34 is disposed for rotation relative to the door panel 20 such
that
actuation of the lock assembly 32 between the unlocked condition 32' and
locked condition 32" (and vice versa), effects rotation of the locking
counterpart 34 between the corresponding non-interfering position 34' and
the interfering position 34' (and vice versa). In some embodiments, for
example, the locking counterpart 34 includes a cam profile as illustrated, for
example, in Figure 6.
[0039] Referring now to Figures 4-6, in some embodiments, for
example, the locking counterpart 34 includes a first portion 38 and a second
portion 40 and, while the locking counterpart 34 is disposed in the
interference position 34", the interference position 34" defines a first
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interference condition 42 and a second interference condition 44. The first
and second interference conditions 42, 44 are configured such that, provided
at least one of the first and second interference conditions 42, 44 is in
effect,
the locked condition 32" remains effective such that the door panel 20 is
prevented from being displaced from the closed position 20' into the open
position 20".
[0040] In some embodiments, for example, the first interference
condition 38 is such that the first portion 38 of locking counterpart 34 is
disposed within a locking-counterpart receiver 46 such that displacement of
the door panel 20 from the closed position 20' into the open position 20" is
impeded by interference between the first portion 38 of the locking
counterpart 34 and the locking counterpart receiver 46. The second
interference condition 40 is defined by interference between the second
portion 40 of the locking counterpart 34 and a door-panel displacement
blocker 48. The interference between the second portion 40 of the locking
counterpart 34 and the door panel displacement blocker 48 is such that
displacement of the door panel 20 from the closed position 20' into the open
condition 20" is impeded due to the second portion 40 of the locking
counterpart 34 impinging against the door panel displacement blocker 48.
=
[0041] In order to improve the overall security of the merchandise
display cabinet 10, the housing, the lock 33 and the locking counterpart 34
are cooperatively configured in an effort to provide a merchandise display
cabinet 10 that provides improved resistance to tampering. Accordingly, the
locking counterpart 34, the locking counterpart receiver 46 and the door
panel displacement blocker 48 are cooperatively configured such that while
the door panel 20 is disposed in the closed position 20' and the lock
assembly 32 is disposed in the locked condition 32" such that the locking
counterpart 34 is disposed in the interfering position 34" with the first and
second interference conditions 42, 44 in effect, in the event that the first
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interference condition 42 becomes defeated, for instance by tampering, the
second interference condition 44 remains in effect such that displacement of
the door panel 20 from the closed position 20' to the open position 20" is
prevented, even while the first interference condition 42 is defeated, thereby
ensuring that the locked condition 32" remains effective.
[0042] Referring now to Figure 4 and 16, there is shown a detail
view
of a lock 33 of the lock assembly 32 of the merchandise display cabinet 10
disposed in the locked condition 32". The lock 33 is configured to cooperate
with a corresponding one of the end panels of the pair of oppositely disposed
end panels 28. Accordingly, the corresponding one of the end panels 28 that
is configured for cooperating with the corresponding lock 33 is a lock-
cooperating panel 29. In example embodiments wherein the lock assembly
32 includes only one lock 33, only one panel of the housing 12 is a lock-
cooperating panel 29. In example embodiments wherein the lock assembly
includes two locks 33, the housing 12 includes at least two lock-cooperating
panels 29. In example embodiments wherein the lock assembly 32 includes
two locks 33 that are disposed at the bottom corners of the door panel 20,
the lock-cooperating panels 29 are the oppositely disposed end panels 28 of
the housing 12. Accordingly, in the subject example embodiment, for each
lock 33, independently, the lock-cooperating end panel 29 is the end panel
that is disposed most proximal to the end 21 of the door panel 20 that
includes the corresponding lock 33. However, it will be understood that the
present disclosure is not necessarily limited to merchandise display cabinets
wherein the lock assembly includes a pair of locks 33 that are disposed at the
bottom corners of the door or door panel 20 door panel.
[0043] In the subject example embodiment, the locking-counterpart
receiver 46 includes a slot 47 disposed within the corresponding lock-
cooperating panel 29. Accordingly, in the subject example embodiment, for
each lock 33, independently, the door panel 20, the lock-cooperating panel
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29 and the slot 47 are cooperatively configured such that, while the door
panel 20 is disposed in the closed position 20", disposition of the lock 32
into
the locked condition 32", such that the locking counterpart 34 is disposed in
the interfering position 34", is such that the first portion 38 of the locking
counterpart 34 extends through the slot 47 from the interior chamber 30 and
beyond the lock-cooperating panel 29 leaving a portion of the locking
counterpart 34 protruding out from the merchandise display cabinet 10, as
shown most clearly in Figures 4 and 16.
[0044] In some embodiments, for example, for each lock 33 of the
lock
assembly 32, independently, the door panel displacement blocker 48 is
disposed within the interior chamber 30 of the merchandise display cabinet
10 and is connected to the housing 12 such that while the door panel 20 is
disposed in the closed position 20 and the lock assembly 32 is disposed in
the locked condition 32" such that the locking counterpart 34 is disposed in
the interfering position, the second portion 40 of the locking counterpart is
disposed behind the door panel displacement blocker 48. In some
embodiments, for example, the door panel displacement blocker 48 includes
at least a portion that extends perpendicular to, or substantially
perpendicular to, the lock-cooperating end panel 29 such that, while the door
panel 20 is disposed in the closed position 20' and the lock 33 is disposed in
the closed condition 32", the second portion 40 of the locking counterpart 34
is disposed behind the door-panel displacement blocker 48. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, the locking counterpart 34, the lock assembly 32, the
door panel 20 and the door panel displacement blocker 48 are cooperatively
configured such that while the lock assembly 32 is disposed in the locked
condition such that the locking counterpart 34 is disposed in the interfering
position, a door panel-displacement blocker-receiving gap 51 is disposed
between an inner surface of the door panel 20 and the second portion 40 of
the locking counterpart 34. Therefore, in some embodiments, while the door
panel 20 is disposed in the closed position and the lock assembly is disposed
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in the locked condition, at least a portion of the door panel displacement
blocker is disposed within the door panel displacement blocker receiving gap
51.
[0045] Therefore, in the event that the first portion 38 of the
locking
counterpart 34, that protrudes from the merchandise display cabinet 10
when the lock 32 is disposed in the locked condition 32", is broken-off or
otherwise compromised such that it no longer interferes with locking
counterpart receiver 46 or slot 47, displacement of door panel 20 from the
closed position 20' to the open position 20" is prevented due to the second
portion 40 of the locking counterpart 34 impinging against the door panel
displacement blocker 48.
[0046] In some embodiments, for example, the door panel
displacement blocker 48 includes a bracket 49 having a first portion 50 fixed
to an inner surface 51 of the lock-cooperating end panel 29 and a second
portion 52 extending away from and generally perpendicular to the inner
surface 51 of the lock-cooperating end panel 29. Accordingly, while door
panel 20 is disposed in the closed position 20', the second portion 52 of the
door panel displacement blocker 48 is disposed parallel to, or substantially
parallel to the door panel 20.
[0047] In some embodiments, in use, the merchandise display cabinet
10 is affixed to the shelf panel 14 of a merchandise display feature, as
illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 15, to securely store and display items of
merchandise (not shown). In some embodiments, for example, the housing
12 is secured or otherwise fixed to the shelf panel 14 by threaded members
97, for instance screws that extend through aligned openings in portions of
the housing panels and in the shelf panel 14 as shown, for instance, in
Figures 15 that are secured in position with corresponding lock nuts 98 or
wing nuts, for example. The housing 12 may further be secured to the shelf
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panel 14 by way of externally mounted brackets 85 that have a first portion
86 fixed to the rear panel 22 of the housing 12 and a second portion 87 that
extends away from the housing 12 in overlapping arrangement with a portion
of the surface of the shelf panel 14, the second portion 87 of the bracket 85
have openings 88 that are intended for disposition in overlapping
arrangement or alignment with one or more openings provided in the shelf
panel 14, the bracket 85 being secured to the shelf panel 14 by threaded
members 97 with corresponding wing nuts or lock nuts 98, disposed on the
underside of the shelf panel 14 as shown, for instance, in Figure 16.
[0048] When access to the interior chamber 30 of the merchandise
display cabinet 10 is required, an authorized person actuates the lock
assembly 32 such that it becomes disposed in the unlocked condition 32'.
Accordingly, in embodiments that include only one lock 33, only one lock 33
requires actuation into the unlocked condition 32'. In embodiments that
include two or more locks 33, actuation of the lock assembly into the
unlocked condition 32' requires actuation of each lock 33 into the unlocked
condition 32'. A detail view of the unlocked condition 32' of a lock 33 of the
lock assembly 32 is shown, for example, in Figure 5.
[0049] For each lock 33 of the lock assembly 32, independently,
actuation of the lock 32 from the locked condition 32" to the unlocked
condition 32' effects rotation of the locking counterpart 34, in a counter-
clockwise direction, as illustrated by schematic directional arrow 54 in
Figure
5, such that first portion 38 of the locking counterpart 34 is rotated out of
engagement with the locking counterpart receiver 46 or slot 47.
Simultaneously, with the rotation of the locking counterpart 34, the second
portion 40 of the locking counterpart 34, is also rotated out of its
interference
condition with the door-panel displacement blocker 48. Once the locking
counterpart 34 has been rotated, relative to the door panel 20, out of
engagement with the locking counterpart receiver 46 and out of the way of
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the door-panel displacement blocker 48, for each of the locks 33 in the lock
assembly 32, the door panel 20 can be rotated about its connection relative
to the housing 12 such that the door panel 20 is disposed for displacement
out of its closed position and for disposition into its open position 20".
Disposition of the door panel 20 into its open position 20", includes a first
step wherein the door panel 20 is rotated relative to the top panel 24 such
that it becomes disposed in a plane parallel to, or substantially parallel to,
the plane of the top panel 24 and disposed slightly below the top panel 24 as
illustrated, for example, in Figure 8. Further rearward displacement of the
door panel 20, relative to the top panel 24 disposes the door panel 20 in its
fully open position 20' as illustrated in Figure 9.
[0050] In some embodiments, for example, the closed position 20' is
such that the door panel 20 is disposed perpendicular to, or substantially
perpendicular to, the top panel 24 and is disposed opposite to the rear panel
22 of the housing 12. In the open position 20", the door panel 20 is
disposed, relative to the housing 12, such that the door panel 20 is disposed
within, or substantially within, the interior chamber 30 if the housing 12
such
that the door panel 20 is disposed parallel to, or substantially parallel to
the
top panel 24.
[0051] In order to effect disposition of the door panel 20 into its open
condition 20", the door panel 20 is hingedly connected, relative to housing
12, such that the door panel 20 is configured for rotation about a hinge 58
that is disposed relative to the housing 12. In some embodiments, for
example, the door panel 20 is hingedly connected relative to the top panel 24
of the housing 12. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, the door
panel 20 is hingedly connected to a door-panel-housing connector 60 that is
configured for slidably and hingedly connecting the door panel to the housing
12.
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[0052] In some embodiments, for example, the door-panel-housing
connector 60 is configured for coupling with a pair of door panel sliders 62.
The door panel sliders 62 are each configured for extending through a
corresponding door panel sliding slot 64 disposed in the corresponding end
panel 28 of the housing 12, and for releasably coupling to the door panel
housing connector 60. In some embodiments, for example, each door panel
slider 62 includes a first portion 65 for extending through the door panel
sliding slot 64 and for releasably coupling to the door panel housing
connector 60, and a second portion 67 for retaining the door panel slider 62
within the door panel sliding slot 64. In the subject example embodiment,
the door panel slider 62 is configured such that the first portion 65 extends
through the door panel sliding slot 64 from the outside surface 31 of the end
panel 28 towards the inside surface 27 of the end panel 28 and into the
interior chamber 30 such that the first portion 65 is disposed parallel to, or
substantially parallel to, the door panel housing connector 60 and the top
panel 34 of the housing 12. The second portion 67 extends generally
perpendicular to the first portion 65 such that the second portion 67
downwardly depends from an end of the first portion 65 of the door panel
slider 62 for retaining the door panel slider 62 within the door panel sliding
slot 64. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for example, the door panel
slider 62 includes an L-bracket.
[0053] Referring, in particular to Figure 14, in some embodiments,
for
example, the door panel slider 62 is connected to the door panel housing
connector 60 by a fastener or threaded member 71 that releasably couples
the door panel slider 62 to the corresponding end of the door panel housing
connector 60. In some embodiments, for example, the door panel housing
connector 60 includes a metal profile that defines a receiving slot 70 for
receiving the first portion 65 of the door panel slider 62, the fastener or
threaded member 71, or any other suitable fastening means, coupling the
door panel slider 62 to the door panel housing connector 60 via the receiving
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slot 70 by way of a corresponding opening 73 or threaded opening in the
door panel housing connector 60. Accordingly, in some embodiments, for
example, the door panel 20 is suspended, relative to the housing 12, by its
connection to the door panel housing connector 60 and the connection
between the door panel sliders 62 and the housing 12 through the door panel
sliding slots 64, the door panel 20 rotating relative to the door panel
housing
connector 60 via hinge 58. Therefore, in order to effect disposition of the
door panel 20 into its open position 20", while the lock 32 is disposed in the
unlocked condition 32', the door panel 20 is rotated about its hinge 58 until
the door panel 20 becomes disposed co-planar or substantially co-planar with
the door panel housing connector 60, as illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 11
by directional arrow 61. Once the door panel 20 is disposed co-planar with,
or substantially co-planar with the door panel housing connector 60, the door
panel 20 can then be pushed or slid rearwardly into the interior chamber 30
of the housing 12, the door panel sliders 62 sliding along the corresponding
door panel sliding slots 64 as illustrated by directional arrow 63 in Figure 8
and 12. Accordingly, disposition of the door panel 20 in the open position 20"
is such that the door panel sliders 62 become disposed at the rearmost end
of the door panel sliding slots 64, as illustrated, for example in Figure 12.
[0054] In order to prevent the door panel 20 from rotating downwardly
about its hinge 58 once the door panel 20 is pushed rearwardly into the
interior chamber 30 of the housing 12, the door panel 20 includes a door
panel retainer 72 configured for releasably retaining the door panel 20 in its
open position 20 relative to the top panel 24. In some embodiments, for
example, the door panel retainer 72 includes a Z-bracket fixed at the bottom
edge 23 of the door panel 20 that serves to hook the bottom edge of the
door panel 20 to the front edge 25 of the top panel 25 as illustrated most
clearly in Figure 13. In some embodiments, the door panel retainer 72
includes a reinforcing portion 73 configured for receiving and overlapping a
bottom edge of the door panel for increasing rigidity of the bottom edge of
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the door panel 20. In some embodiments, for example, the front edge of the
top panel 24 includes a corresponding reinforcing panel for engaging with the
door panel retainer 72. Therefore, once the user releases their grip on the
door panel 20 once it has been disposed in the open position 20', the door
panel 20 will remain in the open position 20' until such time as it is
manually
closed by the user.
[0055] In some embodiments, for example, the merchandise display
cabinet 10 may be provided as a kit 100 for assembling a merchandise
display cabinet 10 that is configured for use with a shelf panel 14 of a
merchandise display feature. In some embodiments, the kit 100 includes the
front or door panel 20, the rear panel 22, the top panel 24 and the pair of
end panels 28. In some embodiments, the rear panel and the top panel 24
are of unitary one piece construction with the top panel 24 extending
perpendicular to, or substantially perpendicular to, the rear panel 22, as a
single unit piece. In some embodiments, for example, the rear panel 22 and
the top panel 24 are provided as separate panels for constructing or
assembling the housing 12.
[0056] In some embodiments, for example, each end panel 28 includes
mounting portions 80 extending from the top, rear and lower edges 82, 84,
86 of the end panel 28. Each of the mounting portions 80 provides an
interface surface 88 configured for juxtaposition or mating contact with a
corresponding portion of the inner surface of the top panel 24, the rear panel
22 and the shelf panel 14 of the merchandise display feature, when the
assembled housing 12 is disposed on and relasably connected to the shelf
panel 14. In embodiments wherein the top panel 24 is provided separately to
the rear panel 22, one of the top panel 24 and rear panel 22 may also be
provided with a mounting portion (not shown) for disposition in overlapping
relationship with a corresponding portion of either the top or rear panel 24,
22.
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[0057] In some embodiments, for example, the end panels 28 are
connected to the top and rear panels 24, 22 by fasteners 90 that are
disposed at regular intervals along the interface areas between the mounting
portions 80 of the end panels 28 and corresponding portion of the rear panel
22 and top panel 24. In some embodiments, the end panels 28 are
connected to the top panel 24 and the rear panel 22 using rivets, as shown
for instance in Figure 17. In other embodiments, the end panels 28 may be
connected to the top and rear panels 24, 22 by way of threaded fasteners,
for example screws with corresponding lock nuts, as shown in Figure 18, that
are used to secure the panels together through corresponding openings
provided in the panels and the corresponding mounting portions 80.
[0058] In some embodiments, the kit 100 includes a bottom panel 13
that may be integrally formed with the rear panel 22 or that may be provided
separate thereto and configured to releasable connection with the end panels
28 to define the housing 12, the kit further including an underframe 14
configured for releasable connection to the housing and for supporting the
assembled merchandise display cabinet on a corresponding merchandise
display feature.
[0059] As described above, the door panel 20 is connected to the
housing 12 by way of the door panel connector 60 and the corresponding
door panel sliders 62. Given that the sliding connection between the door
panel 20 and the housing 12 is provided through the interaction between the
door panel sliders 62 and corresponding door panel sliding slots 64 formed
within panels of the housing 12 and not via separate sliding and/or rail
mechanisms, assembly of the merchandise display cabinet 10 may be
facilitated. As well, by providing a merchandise display cabinet 10 that can
be assembled from individual components, packaging and shipping of the
product is also facilitated and may provide reduced costs since the
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merchandise display cabinet 10 can be shipped without having to be fully
assembled.
[0060] Accordingly, by providing the merchandise display cabinet
10
as a kit 100 including the separate panel components, the merchandise
display cabinet 10 can be sold and/or shipped to customers in a generally flat
condition may allow for easier packaging and shipping of the product.
[0061] In some embodiments, for example, the merchandise display
cabinet 10 includes additional security features for preventing and/or
deterring tampering with the display cabinet in an effort to gain unauthorized
access to the contents of the interior chamber 30. For example, in some
embodiments, the merchandise display cabinet includes blockers 90 that
extend into the interior chamber 30 of the housing from each of the end
panels 28. The blockers 90 extend generally perpendicular to the inner
surface of the corresponding end panel such that they are disposed within
the interior chamber 30 behind the door panel 20 while the door panel 20 is
disposed in the closed position 20'. Accordingly, in the event that an
individual attempts to forcefully push the door panel 20 rearwardly into the
housing 12, the door panel 20 will impinge against the one or more blockers
90 which interference serves to prevent, or substantially prevent, the
collapse of the door panel 20 into the interior chamber 30, the blockers 90,
thereby providing an additional degree of security. In some embodiments, for
example, the blockers 90 include a bolt with a lock nut that are secured
within corresponding openings provided in the corresponding end panel 28.
[0062] While various embodiments of the merchandise display cabinet
10 have been described, it will be understood that certain adaptations and
modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the
above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not
restrictive.
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