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WO2020142737A1 - Appareil et système de marchandisage - Google Patents

Appareil et système de marchandisage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020142737A1
WO2020142737A1 PCT/US2020/012255 US2020012255W WO2020142737A1 WO 2020142737 A1 WO2020142737 A1 WO 2020142737A1 US 2020012255 W US2020012255 W US 2020012255W WO 2020142737 A1 WO2020142737 A1 WO 2020142737A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
product display
belt
sensor
merchandising
product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2020/012255
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Carl Valiulis
Anthony Valiulis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Davinci Industries
Original Assignee
Davinci Industries
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Davinci Industries filed Critical Davinci Industries
Publication of WO2020142737A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020142737A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
    • A47F5/08—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features secured to the wall, ceiling, or the like; Wall-bracket display devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F10/00—Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for
    • A47F10/02—Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for self-service type systems, e.g. supermarkets
    • A47F2010/025—Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for self-service type systems, e.g. supermarkets using stock management systems

Definitions

  • the present inventions relate to the field of product display.
  • the present inventions more specifically relate to the field of product or merchandise display systems and devices for management of inventory.
  • a merchandising apparatus which is for use with a product display assembly and product display belt.
  • the apparatus disclosed herein uses a combination of mechanical and electronic components to wirelessly communicate, in real time, merchandise inventory level, which can be used to manage inventory level, monitor said level for security concerns, and gather and analyze data with respect to product inventory, among other uses and advantages.
  • the merchandising apparatus and system described herein comprise two general attributes, mechanical and electrical.
  • Mechanical motion is delivered by a consumer/user. Namely, when an item is pulled forward on the hook of the product display assembly, the belt pulls the remaining products forward, like a conveyor belt, front facing the inventory in one motion. The hook brings guidance for the belt along with supporting the products, reducing stress on the apparatus.
  • the electrical attribute provides security and inventory tracking, among other features. More specifically, the belt is constructed with conductive materials on or making up each segment for accurate inventory tracking capability.
  • the belt Directly above the belt is sensor spanning the entire length of the belt.
  • the sensor senses the motion of the belt segments’ conductive materials as they change positions. From this, the collected position data information is passed on to a wireless chip, which in return calculates the movement of the belt, sending it to one or more inventory systems, allowing the system to count/compute inventory in real time on the product display assembly.
  • the merchandising apparatus includes a product display assembly having a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material, and a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material. A position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor.
  • a merchandising system includes a plurality of merchandising apparatus having a product display assembly with a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material.
  • the system also includes a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material, wherein a position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor.
  • a communication device is provided in operable communication with each merchandising apparatus of the plurality of merchandising apparatus and is configured for transmitting the position change detected by the sensor.
  • a controller is also provided having a receiver in communication with the communication device for receipt of position change data and configured to calculate an inventory level based on the position change data.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a product display assembly according to one or more examples of embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a package for a product to be displayed on the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a product display rail of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a left side view of the product display rail of FIG. 5 A.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a product display belt of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a left side view of the product display belt of FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view, viewed from the back, of a flap for use with the product display belt of FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the product display rail and the product display belt for use with the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 9 depicts a left side view of the product display rail and the product display belt of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a cap of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a clip for use with the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 12 shows a top view of the clip of FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of the product display belt, a wheel and a wheel locking assembly of the product display assembly of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 14 depicts a transparent, left side view of the wheel locking assembly of FIG. 10
  • FIG. 15 depicts a schematic view of a product display belt and electronic circuit device for use with a merchandising apparatus and system.
  • FIG. 16 depicts a belt position sensor for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the bottom surface of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
  • FIG. 17 depicts a belt position sensor for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the top surface of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of FIG. 16, showing sliding contacts.
  • PCB Printed Circuit Board
  • FIG. 18 depicts a wireless digital circuit example for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the bottom surface of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
  • PCB Printed Circuit Board
  • FIG. 19 depicts a belt position sensor for use with the merchandising apparatus disclosed herein, showing the top surface of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of FIG. 19, showing sliding contacts.
  • PCB Printed Circuit Board
  • FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a merchandise system according to one or more example of embodiments.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating communication pathways according to one or more examples of embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates one or more examples of a merchandising apparatus and system.
  • FIG. 23 illustrates one or more examples of a remote display for use with the merchandising apparatus and system of FIG. 22.
  • a merchandising apparatus and system are disclosed which are for use with a product display assembly and product display belt.
  • the apparatus disclosed herein uses a combination of mechanical and electronic components to wirelessly communicate, in real time, merchandise inventory level, which can be used to manage inventory level, monitor said level for security concerns, and gather and analyze data with respect to product inventory, among other uses.
  • the merchandising apparatus and system disclosed herein may be used in retail and non-retail settings. Likewise, the merchandising apparatus and system may be used for a variety of products including, but not limited to, hanging merchandise and shelf holders for merchandise. [0036] In one example of embodiments, the merchandising apparatus and system are for use with a product display assembly and product display belt as described by United States Patent No. 10,426,278, entitled Product Display Belt and Assembly, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • a product display belt, a product display assembly which includes the belt, and a merchandise system which includes the belt and the assembly are provided for use with the merchandising apparatus and system described herein. While the device described herein is termed a“product display” assembly for purposes of discussion and illustration, the use of the assembly and various devices described herein is not limited to product display and, instead, may be used for any inventory management purpose.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an illustrative product display assembly 100.
  • the product display assembly 100 is configured to support a plurality of hanging products, e.g., retail products, in a linear array and to mount to a display panel, e.g., a perforated panel such as a pegboard.
  • the products to be displayed may be contained within a package configured to be hung on a hook, rod, bar, beam, etc., via an opening defined in the package.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a package 200 configured to contain a product for sale.
  • the package 200 includes a tab 202 which defines a hole 204 to receive a hook, rod, bar, beam, etc. for hanging the package 200 and its contents thereon.
  • the product display assembly 100 may include a body 102, a product display belt 104, and a product display rail 106.
  • the longitudinal axis 108 of the product display assembly 100 is also labeled.
  • movement towards the illustrated right hand arrow of the longitudinal axis 108 corresponds to forward translation (+) while movement towards the illustrated left hand arrow corresponds to backward translation (-) along the longitudinal axis 108.
  • the body 102 of the product display assembly 100 is configured to support and/or house various other components of the product display assembly 100.
  • the body 102 may include a top wall 300, a right side wall 302, a left side wall 304, and a back wall 306.
  • the body 102 may, optionally, be formed as two shells, e.g., a right shell and a left shell, configured to mount together.
  • the outer surfaces of the walls of the body 102 may take on a variety of shapes.
  • the top wall 300 may curve downward to form a hook or beak-like shape.
  • the walls of the body 102 need not be solid and continuous.
  • the right side wall 302 and left side wall 304 may define a plurality of apertures 322 distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the body 102, each which extends from an outer surface of the right side wall 302 through the body 102 to an outer surface of the left side wall 304.
  • Such apertures 322 may be useful for limiting the overall material in the body 102, and thus reducing its weight and cost.
  • wall material separating adjacent apertures is useful for imparting strength and rigidity to the body 102.
  • the number of apertures as well as their distribution and dimensions are not particularly limited, but may be selected to provide a desired balance between weight/cost and strength/rigidity.
  • the body 102 may include a projection 326 mounted to the top wall 300.
  • the projection 326 may be used to mount a label or a label holder for identifying information about the products being displayed.
  • the label holder may include an antenna configured to provide Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) of individual products mounted to the product display assembly 100. This is by contrast to including such antennae on the individual products themselves.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • the body 102 may be configured to mount to one or more panel mounting hooks 512, e.g., for releasably mounting the product display assembly 100 to the display panel.
  • panel mounting hooks 512, 514 may be provided by the product display rail 106.
  • the panel mounting hooks 512, 514 (and thus the product display rail 106) may be releasably mounted to the body 102 or mounted to the rail 106.
  • the panel mounting hooks 512, 514 need not be provided by the product display rail 106.
  • Other mechanisms i.e., besides hooks
  • the number of hooks as well as their dimensions and placement are not limited, but selected to provide a desired degree of security in the mountings.
  • the body 102 defines an interior in which a portion of the product display belt 104 belt is retained.
  • the product display belt 104 may be held approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 102 and translate forwards (+) and backwards (-).
  • the term "approximately parallel” is used throughout this disclosure in view of the fact that inherent limitations in manufacturing the components of the product display assembly 100 and mounting the components together may prevent a perfectly parallel orientation.
  • the product display belt 104 may be guided around a turning point within the interior of the body 102.
  • a wheel 1002 (see FIG. 13) is supported within the body.
  • the product display belt 104 may wrap around the wheel 1002 so that the wheel 1002 facilitates the translation of the product display belt 104 around a turning point (e.g., the axle of the wheel). While the wheel 1002 is disclosed for facilitating the translation of the product display belt 104 around the turning point, the wheel 1002 is not required.
  • the body 102 may also support an electronic circuit device 2000 (discussed below).
  • an additional track along which an electronic circuit device (or a RFID chip or the like) operatively coupled to the product display belt 104, may be mounted.
  • the electronic circuit device 2000 may be supported above the belt 104, although any location which accomplishes the purposes provided may be acceptable.
  • FIGS. 3-4 shows additional details of the product display rail 106.
  • the product display rail 106 is configured to support a linear array of products hanging thereon.
  • the product display rail 106 may include a hanging portion 500.
  • the product display rail 106 may be mounted to the body 102 such that the hanging portion 500 is positioned below the bottom surface of the body 102 and centered between the right and left side walls 302, 304. (See FIG. 1.)
  • the hanging portion 500 may extend from the back wall 306 to the front end 320 approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 108 of the body 102.
  • the hanging portion 500 is a rod having a circular cross-section, but this structure is not limiting.
  • the hanging portion 500 may be formed to have a bend 502 at a free end 504 from which products are removed, but neither the shape of the bend 502 nor its presence is required.
  • the hanging portion 500 is approximately the same length as the body 102.
  • the hanging portion 500 may be longer such that it (and the bend 502) projects beyond the front end 320. This is useful to make it easier for customers to replace removed individual products back onto the hanging portion 500.
  • the product display rail 106 and its hanging portion 500 is a distinct component separate from the product display belt 104.
  • the product display rail 106 has a function (support a plurality of hanging products) separate and distinct from the product display belt 104 (separate/divide the plurality of hanging products).
  • the product display rail 106 may include a mounting portion 506 configured to mount to the body 102 and, in one or more examples embodiments, also to mount to the display panel.
  • the mounting portion 506 may include a rod 508 extending upwardly, e.g., perpendicularly upwards, from an end opposite the free end 504 of the hanging portion 500.
  • the term "rod” is not meant to be limiting and other elongated structures having different cross-sectional shapes may be used.
  • the crossbar 510 connecting the panel mounting hooks 512, 514 may be mounted to an upper end of the rod 508. These panel mounting hooks 512, 514 may be releasably inserted into holes of a perforated panel to position the product display assembly 100 approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the perforated panel.
  • FIGS. 5-7 show additional details of the product display belt 104.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view.
  • FIG. 6 shows a left side view.
  • FIG. 7 shows an individual flap 616 of the product display belt 104.
  • the product display belt 104 is configured to facilitate the loading and unloading of products onto the product display rail 106.
  • loading unlike conventional product display assemblies, (e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,280 and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 20090212064) multiple products (e.g., 2, 10, 15, 20, etc.) can be loaded onto the product display rail 106 as a single unit instead of having to load the products individually, one at a time.
  • the product display belt is configured so that individual products are unloaded individually, one at a time.
  • the unloading of individual products may be accomplished by simply pulling the individual product in the forward direction (+) instead of also having to lift the individual product upwards.
  • the product display belt 104 may include a plurality of flaps (one individual flap 616 is labeled) mounted to the bottom surface 604 of the product display belt 104 and projecting downwardly away from the bottom surface 604.
  • the flaps of the plurality of flaps serve as separators or dividers between adjacent products hung on the product display rail 106.
  • the flaps may be spaced at regular intervals along the longitudinal dimension of the strip. The dimension of the spacings are not particularly limited, but rather may depend upon the dimensions of the products to be displayed.
  • the flaps also provide resistance against forward translation (+) of an individual product.
  • the dimensions of the flaps and the outer shape of the flaps is not particularly limited, the dimensions and outer shape are generally selected to provide a sufficient amount of overlapping surface area between the outer surfaces of an individual product and the front and back facing surfaces of the flaps in order to achieve these functions.
  • the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106 passes through the recesses of the flaps and the left and right prongs of the flaps extend along both sides of the hanging portion 500 to below a bottom surface of the hanging portion 500.
  • each product enclosure may contain an individual hanging product.
  • each flap may be mounted to the bottom surface 604 of the strip 600 via an associated hinge (one of which is labeled 1436).
  • Each hinge is configured to allow a relatively large range of motion with minimal resistance of the associated flap in the backwards direction (-) but a relatively small range of motion with greater resistance of the associated flap in the forward direction (+).
  • This hinge mounting configuration allows each flap to be pushed in the backwards direction (-) over a relatively large angular distance, including until an individual flap is approximately parallel to the strip 600. This greatly facilitates the loading of multiple products as a single unit as noted above.
  • multiple products in a linear array can be loaded as a single unit by placing the last product of the unit on the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106 and pushing the unit backwards (-) until all products are loaded.
  • each hinge allows each flap to be pushed backwards (-) with little resistance. After loading, gravity pulls the flaps downward to settle between the gaps between neighboring products.
  • this hinge mounting configuration allows each flap to be pulled in the forward direction (+) over a smaller angular distance.
  • flap 616 as an example, this is because the top surface of the flap 616 at its free end will make contact with the bottom surface 604 of the strip 600, thereby resisting and blocking any further movement of the flap 616. Instead, further forward translation pulls the entire product display belt 104 forward within the track of the body 102. Only as the flap 616 (and the strip 600 to which the flap 616 is mounted) turns around the turning point, does the forward translation allow the product to be released from the free end 504 of the product display rail 106.
  • each flap may include a foot formed from an additional bead (or ridge) of material mounted to the top surface of the flap to provide additional friction and resistance against forward translation and to further reduce the angular distance upon pulling in the forward direction.
  • the product display belt 104 may further include a guide flap 656 having a different configuration from the flaps of the plurality of flaps and configured to facilitate loading of the product display belt 104 onto the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106.
  • the outer shape of the guide flap 656 is not particularly limited, in the illustrative embodiment the guide flap 656 is a rectangular shaped loop defining an opening through which the hanging portion 500 of the product display rail 106 may be inserted.
  • the guide flap 656 may be positioned at or near the back end 603 of the strip 600.
  • the top surface 602 of the strip 600 may include a plurality of divots 657. These divots 657 may be configured (i.e., shape, position, dimensions) to mate with teeth 1006 on an outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 as further described below. (See FIG. 13.)
  • the bottom surface 604 of the strip 600 is corrugated, which is useful to impart flexibility to the strip 600. However, these configurations are neither necessary nor limiting.
  • the top surface 602 of the strip 600 as well as the outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 may be smooth.
  • a portion of the strip 600 at or near the back end 603 may be colored differently from the remaining portion of the strip 600.
  • the portion of the strip 600 near the back end 603 may be colored red, while the remaining portion of the strip 600 is clear or white.
  • the emergence of the colored portion at the front end 320 of the body 102 as the product display belt 104 is pulled forward may be useful to indicate that the product display belt 104 is near its end.
  • the product display assembly 100 may include additional components configured to provide security against unauthorized removal of products or of the entire product display assembly 100.
  • these additional components may include one or more security plates, and one or more panel mounting hooks.
  • a variety of configurations may be used for the security plates and associated panel mounting hooks.
  • a single security plate or cap may be used with or without associated panel mounting hooks mounted thereon.
  • the product display assembly 100 may include a cap 1220 and a clip 1222.
  • the cap 1220 is configured to fit over a back end of the body 102.
  • the front wall 1524 is shaped to define a recess to accommodate the body 102 of the product display assembly 100.
  • the shapes and dimensions of the walls of the cap 1220 are not particularly limited, although they are generally selected to cover the entire back end of the body 102 and to extend above the panel mounting hooks 1212, 1214 of the product display rail 1206. When mounted to a display panel, a back edge 1532 of the cap 1220 is flush with the display panel and prevents the entire product display assembly 100 from being removed from the display panel unless the cap 1220 is removed first.
  • the walls of the cap 1220 define an interior in which the clip 1222 and other components of the product display assembly (the back end of the body 102 and a back end of the product display rail 1206) are contained.
  • the product display assembly 100 may include a wheel locking assembly 1000.
  • FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the product display belt 104 of the product display assembly 100, the wheel 1002, and the wheel locking assembly 1000.
  • FIG. 14 shows a transparent, left side view of the wheel locking assembly 1000.
  • the wheel locking assembly 1000 is configured to lock the wheel 1002 against the top surface 602 of the strip 600 of the product display belt 104. In this way, the wheel locking assembly 1000 prevents translation of the product display belt 104 and thus, removal of product from the product display rail 106.
  • the wheel 1002 may be mounted on the body 102 and positioned in the interior of the body 102.
  • the outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 may include teeth 1006 which mate with divots 657 on the top surface 602 of the strip 600 of the product display belt 104.
  • the outer surface 1004 of the wheel 1002 may include one or more holes 1008 defined therein. The holes 1008 may receive an end 1102 of a piston 1100 of the wheel locking assembly 1000.
  • the wheel locking assembly 1000 may include the piston 1100, a spring 1104 and a sleeve 1106. As shown in FIG. 14, the piston 1100 may be mounted to the spring 1104 at an opposing end 1108 or within an interior of the piston 1100. The piston 1100 and the spring 1104 may be mounted in an interior 1110 of the sleeve 1106 such that only the end 1102 of the piston 1100 extends out of the sleeve 1106. The force of the spring 1104 pushes the end 1102 of the piston 1100 into one of the holes 1008 of the wheel 1002. This locks the wheel 1002, preventing its rotation about the axle provided by the right 352 and left wheel supports.
  • the wheel 1002 may be unlocked by retracting the spring 1104/piston 1100. This may be accomplished by forming the spring 1104 or piston 1100 or both out of a magnetic material and placing a security magnet at an appropriate location near the spring 1104/piston 1100.
  • the dimensions of the wheel 1002 and the dimensions of the wheel locking assembly 1000 and its outer shape are not particularly limited, but rather depend upon the dimensions of the product display belt 104 and the body 102. Other configurations may also be used for the wheel locking assembly 1000.
  • the product display assembly 100 may also include an electronic circuit device 2000 and may be included in a merchandise system as described above with respect to the product display assembly 100. As indicated, the product display assemblies and the merchandise systems may be used in a variety of settings, e.g., retail stores, stockrooms, manufacturing facilities, and the like. As described above, the product display assembly 100 may include the electronic circuit device 2000, e.g., mounted or retained within the body 102.
  • the electronic circuit device 2000 (such as a sensor 2002, an RFID chip, or the like) may be configured to provide electronic product identification and monitoring for the product display assembly 100.
  • the information comprises information about one or more of the following: the type of product being displayed, the maximum capacity of an individual product display assembly, location of the individual product display assembly, current inventory on the individual product display assembly, quantity of product needed to replenish the individual product display assembly, and the like.
  • the belt 104 includes on its surface or is constructed with conductive materials on each segment (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) for accurate inventory tracking capability.
  • the product display belt 104 may include a magnetic or ferromagnetic material or an electrical contact for position-dependent interaction with the electronic circuit device 2000 to achieve the electronic product identification and monitoring described herein.
  • a sensor 2002 which in some examples of embodiments, spans the entire length of the belt 104. While a sensor is described as extending the length of the belt and positioned directly above the belt, one of skill in the art will appreciate that variation thereon may be made without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.
  • the sensor 2002 may sense the motion (-) (+) of the conductive material segments (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) which make up the belt 104 as they change positions.
  • the collected position data information may be passed on to a communication system, such as for example a wireless chip, which communicates the data to a controller or process that in return calculates the movement of the belt, sending it to one or more inventory systems.
  • a communication system such as for example a wireless chip
  • each segment (105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f) carries a flap 616 separating inventory
  • movement of the belt 104 and segments allows the system to count/compute inventory in real time on the product display assembly 100.
  • the product display assembly 100 with an electronic circuit 2000 is a merchandising apparatus 2004 which comprises, among other things, a product display assembly 100 having a sensor 2002, such as a linear sensor, contained within or on the product display assembly 100.
  • a sensor 2002 such as a linear sensor
  • one or more sensor(s) 2002 are configured to detect movement within the product display assembly 100, namely movement of the product display belt 104.
  • a single sensor 2002 may be used and positioned within or on the product display assembly 100.
  • multiple sensors 2002 may be used and positioned on or within the product display assembly 100.
  • the sensor(s), according to one or more examples of embodiments, may be electronic sensors. However, alternative examples suitable for the purposes provided are contemplated.
  • a positive linear position sensor 2002 or a belt position sensor may be used with the merchandising apparatus 2004 described herein.
  • the belt position sensor 2002 may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) 2010 located in the body 102 of the product display assembly 100 or below a merchandise display apparatus, such as a product display assembly 100.
  • a PCB 2010 may be used to electrically connect and mechanically support one or more components using pads, conductive tracks and other features etched from copper laminated onto non- conductive substrates.
  • PCBs including but not limited to, single sided, double sided, and multilayer PCBs. It is contemplated that any one or more of said PCBs may be used with the system described herein.
  • FIGS. 16, 18 show a bottom surface 2012 of a PCB 2010 for use with the merchandising apparatus and system described herein.
  • FIGS. 17, 19 show a top surface PCB 2010 for use with the merchandising apparatus and system described herein, illustrating examples of a PCB top surface 2014 with a sliding contact 2016
  • the sliding contact 2016 may be embedded within a product display belt 104, within the product display body 102, a combination thereof, or within another device for use with a merchandise display.
  • a merchandise level sensor 2002 (e.g., PCB) may be provided which spans or extends the length of the internal merchandising apparatus belt 104 or product display belt 104, and specifically may comprise a length corresponding to the maximum position change of the belt.
  • the sliding contact 2016 is shown in one example position corresponding with an inventory value of 15 and a second example position, representing a sliding position change, with an inventory value of 8.
  • the numerical values are provided for purposes of example only and any number of suitable designations may be used for the purposes provided.
  • a merchandise level reading may be provided from the sensor associated with the product display device or merchandising apparatus.
  • sensors can be adapted to other merchandising physical units, such as, but not limited to pushers, rollers, and shelving.
  • custom sensors may be used, such as for POP displays, grocery carts & gaskets.
  • PCBA PCB Assembly
  • the PCBA may be, for example, a board obtained after printing of solder paste on the PCB and mounting of various components, like resistors, Integrated Circuits, Capacitors, and other components such as transformers, depending on the application and desired characteristics.
  • the PCBA may undergo reflow furnace heating to establish a mechanical connection between the PCB and the components.
  • the PCB 2010 is connected to a PCBA containing a transmitting device, such as a wireless transmitter, within the merchandising apparatus unit 2004.
  • the PCBA may include one or more deep sleep circuits which may instantly awake for wireless communication. In this regard, wireless communication may be achieved in milliseconds.
  • the PCBA unit may comprise a microcontroller or be linked to another computing device containing software configured to convert the detected belt position to an inventory value, namely correlating a belt position to a merchandise inventory percentage and/or other useful data.
  • the software executed by the microcontroller may be written in a manner which eliminates inaccurate readings when a readout mechanism is at a bit boundary.
  • Constant communication may occur from one or more, and in some examples of embodiments, a plurality of sensors 2002. These sensors 2002 may work in conjunction with one or more mechanical apparatuses, such as the product display assembly 100 and/or product display belt 104 as described hereinabove, which hold merchandise.
  • the sensors 2002 are configured to communicate via wireless transmitter(s) which pass along data and information, such as but not limited to, a sensor ID and/or a sensor value.
  • Information is passed from the wireless transmitter(s) to a receiving device, such as may be provided with a controller 2006.
  • the merchandising apparatus may be a part of a system that comprises one or more wireless devices which capture communicated or transmitted sensor values and/or sensor ID’s from sensors contained within or on the merchandising apparatus.
  • the product display assembly 100 having the electronic circuit device 2000, which collectively may form a merchandise apparatus 2004, may be included in a merchandise system (FIG. 20).
  • the merchandise system may be used in a variety of locations, examples of which include but are not limited to locations where it is desirable to monitor and track various inventory data, such as, for example a retail store or storage facility.
  • locations examples of which include but are not limited to locations where it is desirable to monitor and track various inventory data, such as, for example a retail store or storage facility.
  • the merchandise system may include a plurality of merchandise apparatus, e.g., product display assemblies 100 each having an electronic circuit device 2000 configured as described above, and a controller 2006.
  • the merchandise system may further include an antenna assembly along with one or more scanners (e.g., handheld scanners) or a central scanning unit and one or more power sources.
  • the controller 2006 may include an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, a computer-readable medium, a processor, a control application, and a database.
  • the merchandise system may be used to provide electronic product identification and monitoring for each of the product display assemblies in the merchandise system.
  • a linear sensor for use in association with the system
  • a mechanical shorting brush may be used that shorts traces to a ground trace on a gray-coded circuit board. This may be used to encode the track position and, consequently, the merchandise inventory percentage level.
  • an output connector or direct ribbon cable connection of gray code readings from a PCB connected to a wireless PCBA may be used.
  • wireless communication is contemplated.
  • a multitude of now known or future developed communication protocols may be used to facilitate and/or control the data flow and wireless communication between the merchandising apparatus 2004 and a gateway device or controller 2006, such as the nearest gateway device.
  • a gateway device or controller 2006 such as the nearest gateway device.
  • Zigbee, BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular communications, and their corresponding components are known and contemplated for use with the merchandising apparatus and system, and associated devices, either alone or in combination.
  • one or more communication protocols and corresponding components and circuitry may be integrated into the system(s) and/or device(s) described herein. Accordingly, the system may support a multitude of wireless technologies with a variety of ranges, such as but not limited to up 2,000 feet, and may support standard and custom wireless protocols.
  • a wireless module may be provided having 4-6 I/O inputs minimum for inventory readings.
  • a Zigbee microcontroller is used, along with an on-board antenna for transmission of information and data.
  • a variety of short and long range transmissions are contemplated, as well as combinations thereof.
  • a connection is made to a local gateway (e.g., a short/medium range of approximately 30 - 150 feet).
  • the local gateway in one or more examples of embodiment may be wired to an access point capable of transmitting long range (e.g., 1000 feet to 2500 feet).
  • An I/O value is reported through the final local or Internet gateway to software on a host computer.
  • a suitable gateway may be a Monnit 900 MHz USB or other serial gateway, or a custom built gateway. While specific examples are provided, variations thereon which accomplish the purposes provided may also be acceptable.
  • FIG. 22 A store display and merchandise system are shown in FIG. 22.
  • the store display includes one or more merchandising apparatus.
  • the gateway may be provided along with internet access, which creates a remote internet connection and may provide a real-time store- level inventory (see FIG. 23).
  • the system may also provide automatic notifications to a user, which may be delivered, for example, when a product is low or out of stock.
  • a visual representation may also be provided, such as for use by staff / management.
  • a camera or other video device may be associated with or directed toward a merchandising apparatus 2004 and be in
  • the gateway may also permit virtual intemet/in-store shopping by, for example, allowing a consumer with a mobile device to receive real-time information regarding store inventory and/or allowing consumers to locate stores with the desired merchandise in stock.
  • multiple merchandise apparatus 2004 are connected to the system and communicating simultaneously. These apparatus 2004 may communicate to a short/mid-range gateway.
  • the gateway may be further hard wired, such as via an Ethernet connection, to a host computer or router so as to create and maintain connections for the wireless PCBA’s of the merchandise apparatuses and to transfer data from wireless PCBAs to host computer through one or more long range gateways to an Ethernet connection.
  • such gateways may be maintained through wireless connections.
  • One or more power sources may also be provided, as needed, to power one or more devices of the merchandising apparatus and/or system, such as but not limited to providing power for initiated communications to/via a wireless gateway, and in one or more preferred examples of embodiments, the closest wireless gateway to the merchandising apparatus via the described mechanisms and protocols.
  • the system provides long battery life and may accommodate several battery sizes and styles.
  • power may be supplied by a 3V to a triple 3V battery (e.g., CR2032 or similar), placed within the merchandising apparatus housing.
  • the battery has a multi-year life and is sized to fit within the housing along with the PCB and PCBA components. While specific examples are provided, variations thereon which accomplish the purposes provided may also be acceptable.
  • the apparatus and system described herein allow a retailer or storage facility to capture every movement of merchandise within a product display assembly 100. In some examples of embodiments, this may be achieved by polling all merchandise apparatus 2004 in continual set time intervals, e.g., every sixty seconds, through wireless technology connecting said devices such as described herein. In other examples, immediate transmission of data is made each time a piece of merchandise is removed from the product display assembly 100.
  • store level merchandise monitoring would allow a retailer quicker replenishments of store front merchandise.
  • the merchandising apparatus 2004 are configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiving device.
  • the merchandising apparatus 2004 may communicate a variety of data and information, including but not limited to, a merchandise level or levels and correspond such level(s) to a relationship with a UPC or SKU associated with the displayed product. As indicated, one or more time sensitive markings may also be added.
  • the receiving device captures the communicated or transmitted information and data and may store such information and data in a repository.
  • the receiving device may comprise a storage system or database, or may be connected to a cloud storage system.
  • the repository may contain the communicated information and data from the merchandising apparatus, as well as other information and data obtained from other sources.
  • data may be collected in a database repository.
  • the repository may be provided within the local location (e.g. a retail store or storage facility), remotely, or both.
  • the data may be further filtered. Filtered data collected may be stored and made available for reporting and data analytics. This data could also be made available for vendors responsible for replenishing merchandise. Consequently, and advantageously, vendors would know more exactly what to bring in order to restock their merchandise.
  • a non-mechanical method which does not require moving contacts may be used to sense inventory level, including but not limited to LEDs with reflective pickup and/or reed switches triggered by magnetic movement(s).
  • a system without wireless communication may also be used.
  • the system may make sounds or light LEDs as merchandise is removed from the product display assembly.
  • an LED could display a message.
  • Sounds can also be played when merchandise is removed from the product display assembly. For example, advertisement of or broadcast of a location companion merchandise, or company advertising, may be delivered when a product is removed. Security sounds may also be made, as well as flashing LED’s, LED Display Alerts, and audio recordings when a theft or improper movement is detected.
  • the electronic circuit device may also be configured to trigger a security alarm upon unauthorized removal of a product (i.e., a defined unwanted movement of the belt or unexpected change in inventory level) or the entire product display assembly 100.
  • a security alarm upon unauthorized removal of a product (i.e., a defined unwanted movement of the belt or unexpected change in inventory level) or the entire product display assembly 100.
  • the merchandising apparatus and system described herein provides various advantages.
  • the system provides notifications and alerts on merchandise levels using dashboards, emails, texts, and barcode scanners. Every merchandise apparatus is pinpointed to its physical location within the store, storefront, back room, even going out the store door. Thus, the physical locations of merchandise apparatus units are known, within storefronts, back rooms, or going out the door.
  • the system provides high density levels of merchandise within full product display assemblies.
  • the system also provides electronic“anti-sweeping” or anti -theft technology. Vendors responsible for keeping storefronts stocked have access to filtered data and can will be notified what needs restocking, allowing them to be prepared with what to bring with them to the store ahead of time.
  • Remote access to storefront merchandise availability may be provided on mobile apps nationwide on every store having merchandise available in the storefront. Data from product display device movements may be correlated to other units with a relationship setup between them, even within different stores across the country within seconds.
  • corporate offices may perform an enterprise inventory on merchandise and locations within all stores, and such entities may be provided with enterprise dashboards, event monitoring, email, and texting alerts.
  • the merchandising apparatus includes a product display assembly having a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material, and a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material. A position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor.
  • a merchandising system includes a plurality of merchandising apparatus having a product display assembly with a product display belt comprised of a plurality of belt segments having a conductive material.
  • the system also includes a sensor carried by the product display assembly and configured to detect the conductive material, wherein a position change of at least one of the belt segments of the product display belt is detectable by the sensor.
  • a communication device is provided in operable communication with each merchandising apparatus of the plurality of merchandising apparatus and is configured for transmitting the position change detected by the sensor.
  • a controller is also provided having a receiver in communication with the communication device for receipt of position change data and configured to calculate an inventory level based on the position change data.
  • a sensor as described hereinabove is provided within a product display assembly, which is an AcutrackTM unit available from DaVinci Industries, Inc. (Rockton, IL).
  • the product display assembly is positioned on a wall or display shelf, and loaded with hanging product.
  • the sensor reads a value of corresponding to a position change of the product display belt and transmits the product display assembly’s identity and the sensor value over a wireless system to a receiving device.
  • This wireless system communicates with either another longer range gateway or directly to a local gateway and communicates the noted information to a receiving device, such as a computer or handheld device.
  • the information may also be stored in a repository.
  • the device may also signal a priority event, such as a theft, namely, the device detects a rapid change from a high level of inventory to a low level of inventory.
  • a priority event such as a theft
  • a merchandising apparatus which is for use with a product display assembly and product display belt.
  • the apparatus disclosed herein uses a combination of mechanical and electronic components to wirelessly communicate, in real time, merchandise inventory level, which can be used to manage inventory level, monitor said level for security concerns, and gather and analyze data with respect to product inventory, among other uses and advantages.
  • the merchandising apparatus and system described herein comprise two general attributes, mechanical and electrical.
  • Mechanical motion is delivered by a consumer/user. Namely, when an item is pulled forward on the hook, the belt pulls the rest of the products forward, like a conveyor belt, front facing the inventory in one motion.
  • the hook brings guidance for the belt along with supporting the products, reducing stress on the apparatus.
  • the electrical attribute provides security and inventory tracking, among other features.
  • the belt is constructed with conductive materials on each segment for accurate inventory tracking capabilities. Directly above the belt is sensor spanning the entire length of the belt, it senses the motion of the conductive materials changing positions-counting the inventory. From this, the information is passed on to a wireless chip, which in return calculates the movement of the belt, sending it to one or more inventory systems.
  • aspects of the method and system described herein are implemented via software system running on a computer system.
  • the methods and system may be implemented in, or in association with, a general-purpose software package or a specific purpose software package.
  • the device could be a battery tester in communication with a cloud storage database and/or mobile device.
  • the software system described herein may include a mixture of different source codes.
  • the system or method herein may be operated by computer-executable instructions, such as but not limited to, program modules, executable on a computer.
  • program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like which perform particular tasks or implement particular instructions.
  • the software system may also be operable for supporting the transfer of information within a network.
  • the computer system or portable electronic device can be an embedded system, a personal computer, notebook computer, server computer, mainframe, networked computer, workstation, handheld computer, as well as now known or future developed mobile devices, such as for example, a personal digital assistant, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, mobile scanning device, and the like.
  • Other computer system configurations are also contemplated for use with the
  • communication system including, but not limited to, multiprocessor systems,
  • the computing system chosen includes a processor suitable for efficient operation of one or more of the various systems or functions or attributes of the communication system described.
  • the system or portions thereof may also be linked to a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communication network(s).
  • the system may be configured or linked to multiple computers in a network including, but not limited to, a local area network, wide area network, wireless network, and the Internet. Therefore, information, content, and data may be transferred within the network or system by wireless means, by hardwire connection, or combinations thereof.
  • the devices described herein communicate according to now known or future developed pathways including, but not limited to, wired, wireless, and fiber-optic channels.
  • data may be stored remotely (and retrieved by the application) or may be stored locally on a user’s device in a suitable storage medium.
  • Data storage may be in volatile or non-volatile memory.
  • Data may be stored in appropriate computer-readable medium including read-only memory, random- access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tapes, flash drives, as well as other optical data storage devices.
  • Data may be stored and transmitted by and within the system in any suitable form. Any source code or other language suitable for
  • the computer or computers or portable electronic devices may be operatively or functionally connected to one or more mass storage devices, such as but not limited to, a hosted database or cloud-based storage.
  • the system may also include computer-readable media which may include any computer-readable media or medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code that may be accessed by a computer.
  • the invention can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium.
  • the computer- readable medium may be any data storage device that can store data.
  • the computer- readable medium can also be distributed over a network-coupled computer system so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
  • the term“coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.
  • the dimensions and shapes of the components of the product display assemblies are not particularly limited. The dimensions and shapes may be selected, in part, depending upon the number and configuration of the products to be displayed as well as the display panel to which the product display assemblies are to be mounted. Similarly, the materials used for the components are not particularly limited, but rather may be selected according to the intended function of the components.
  • the body, the product display rail, and the other components of the body may be formed from rigid polymers or metal or combinations thereof.
  • the product display belt (including the strip, flaps and hinges) may be formed from flexible polymers.
  • An illustrative flexible polymer is low density polyethylene (LDPE).
  • the term “mount” includes join, unite, connect, couple, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, glue, form over, form in, layer, mold, rest on, rest against, abut, and other like terms.
  • the phrases “mounted on”, “mounted to”, and equivalent phrases indicate any interior or exterior portion of the element referenced. These phrases also encompass direct mounting (in which the referenced elements are in direct contact) and indirect mounting (in which the referenced elements are not in direct contact, but are connected through an intermediate element).
  • Elements referenced as mounted to each other herein may further be integrally formed together, for example, using a molding or thermoforming process. As a result, elements described herein as being mounted to each other need not be discrete structural elements. The elements may be mounted
  • elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement).
  • the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.
  • Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.

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Abstract

Cette invention concerne un appareil et un système de marchandisage qui sont destinés à être utilisés avec un ensemble de présentation de produits et une bande de présentation de produits. L'appareil selon l'invention utilise une combinaison de composants mécaniques et électroniques pour communiquer sans fil, en temps réel, un niveau d'inventaire de marchandises, qui peut être utilisé pour gérer un niveau d'inventaire, surveiller ledit niveau pour des problèmes de sécurité, et rassembler et analyser des données concernant un inventaire de produits, entre autres utilisations.
PCT/US2020/012255 2019-01-04 2020-01-03 Appareil et système de marchandisage Ceased WO2020142737A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962788610P 2019-01-04 2019-01-04
US62/788,610 2019-01-04
US201962789843P 2019-01-08 2019-01-08
US62/789,843 2019-01-08

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Citations (6)

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US20100182001A1 (en) * 2007-07-18 2010-07-22 Bridgestone Corporation Monitoring system of conveyor belt
US20150041616A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2015-02-12 T-Ink, Inc. Automatic sensing methods and devices for inventory control
US20170249491A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2017-08-31 Digimarc Corporation Methods and arrangements for identifying objects
US20180012115A1 (en) * 2014-03-31 2018-01-11 Sato Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha Ic tag issuing apparatus and shield plate
US20180206657A1 (en) * 2015-10-19 2018-07-26 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Reception system for receiving objects
US20180296007A1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2018-10-18 Invue Security Products Inc. Merchandise display hook including anti-sweep mechanism

Patent Citations (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100182001A1 (en) * 2007-07-18 2010-07-22 Bridgestone Corporation Monitoring system of conveyor belt
US20170249491A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2017-08-31 Digimarc Corporation Methods and arrangements for identifying objects
US20150041616A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2015-02-12 T-Ink, Inc. Automatic sensing methods and devices for inventory control
US20180012115A1 (en) * 2014-03-31 2018-01-11 Sato Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha Ic tag issuing apparatus and shield plate
US20180206657A1 (en) * 2015-10-19 2018-07-26 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Reception system for receiving objects
US20180296007A1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2018-10-18 Invue Security Products Inc. Merchandise display hook including anti-sweep mechanism

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