Abstract A pilfer-proof merchandise card holding device is disclosed which supports the cards by an opening formed thereon for that purpose. The device provides for preventing the removal of the cards until the merchandise is sold. In one embodiment of the device an elongated tubular hanger for the cards is provided with a retaining post on the outer end thereof. A spring loaded actuating rod extending from the rear of the hanger maintains the retaining post in a vertical position to prevent the removal of the cards. When the actuating rod is depressed the post is adapted to be pivoted to a position aligned with the hanger to enable the removal of the cards. The device is provided with a locking mechanism which prevents the actuating rod from being depressed until unlocked by a sales clerk. In another embodiment of the device a plurality of spaced vertical posts extend upwardly through a slot provided along the upper wall of the tubular hanger. A card is supported between each of the posts. The posts rest on a shelf within the hanger and are attached to a chain. When the actuating rod is depressed, the chain is adapted to be advanced causing the posts to be moved along the slot toward the front end of the hanger so that the forwardmost post is carried by the chain down into the hanger. The card that was being retained by that post can thus be removed from the hanger. The actuating rod is arranged to be depressed by the action of a lever which operates as a result of the insertion of a coin in a coin machine.
A pilfer-proof holding device for merchandise cards comprising: a horizontal tubular hanger on which merchandise cards are hung by an opening provided on each of the cards for that purpose; said tubular hanger having an opening near the front end thereof; a support for said tubular hanger located on the back end thereof; an actuating rod slidably movable within said tubular hanger, said actuating rod having a slot on the front end thereof and having its rear portion extending from the back of said support; a retaining post pivotally carried in the slot on said actuating rod and extending through the opening on said hanger; a spring on the rear portion of said actuating rod for normally holding it in a withdrawn position relative to said tubular hanger; said spring on said actuating rod operating to apply an axially directed force on said retaining post to hold it in an outward vertical position in which it is fitted up against the rear of said opening on said hanger and the inner wall of said hanger opposite said opening to thereby provide a barrier to removal of said cards off the front end of said hanger; and depressible means accessible from the rear end of said actuating rod and operable when manually depressed to advance said rod into said tubular hanger against the action of said spring and thereby force said retaining post upon contacting the front of said opening to be pivoted inwardly to a position substantially aligned with said hanger; whereby said merchandise cards can be freely removed off the front end of said hanger while said depressible means is being manually depressed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
274 words
A pilfer-proof holding device for merchandise cards comprising: a horizontal tubular hanger on which merchandise cards are hung by an opening provided on each of the cards for that purpose; said tubular hanger having an opening near the front end thereof; a support for said tubular hanger located on the back end thereof; an actuating rod slidably movable within said tubular hanger, said actuating rod having a slot on the front end thereof and having its rear portion extending from the back of said support; a retaining post pivotally carried in the slot on said actuating rod and extending through the opening on said hanger; a spring on the rear portion of said actuating rod for normally holding it in a withdrawn position relative to said tubular hanger; said spring on said actuating rod operating to apply an axially directed force on said retaining post to hold it in an outward vertical position in which it is fitted up against the rear of said opening on said hanger and the inner wall of said hanger opposite said opening to thereby provide a barrier to removal of said cards off the front end of said hanger; and depressible means accessible from the rear end of said actuating rod and operable when manually depressed to advance said rod into said tubular hanger against the action of said spring and thereby force said retaining post upon contacting the front of said opening to be pivoted inwardly to a position substantially aligned with said hanger; whereby said merchandise cards can be freely removed off the front end of said hanger while said depressible means is being manually depressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
111 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said retaining post when in its vertical position includes a stem having an extended vertical side facing the cards being retained on the hanger; a shorter vertical side opposite said extended side; an inner horizontal side resting on the inner wall of said hanger; and an outer inclined transverse stop disposed at an angle sloping forwardly and inwardly from said extended vertical side toward said shorter vertical side; whereby when said actuating rod is advanced by said depressible means into said tubular hanger said transverse stop is pivoted inwardly so as to be substantially aligned with the outer surface of said tubular hanger.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
The invention in accordance With claim 1 wherein said depressible means includes: a pusher plate; and brackets for pivotally supporting said pusher plate; whereby said pusher plate is moved to an outer position when said actuating rod is held in its withdrawn position by said spring; and whereby manual depressing of said pusher plate advances said actuating rod into said tubular hanger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
110 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 including: a lock having an arm rotatable in front of said pusher plate for holding it in its outer position when said lock is in its locked condition; said lock providing for rotating its arm away from the front of said pusher plate when in an unlocked condition; whereby said pusher plate can be moved to an inner position on said bracket to thereby depress said actuating rod into said tubular hanger against the action of said spring and permit the removal of said cards off the front end of the hanger while the pusher plate is being held in its inner position.