Abstract
A merchandising system for a retail shelf, the merchandising system including a frame configured to attach to the retail shelf and including a hinge extending between a first end and a second end of the frame, a plurality of tiles each pivotally coupled to the hinge and operable to independently rotate about the hinge from a first position to a second position, and an actuator system coupled to the hinge and selectively engageable with the plurality of tiles to simultaneously move the plurality of tiles from the first position to the second position.
Claims
1. A merchandising system for a retail shelf, the merchandising system comprising: a frame configured to attach to the retail shelf and including a hinge extending between a first end and a second end of the frame; a plurality of tiles each pivotally coupled to the hinge and operable to independently rotate about the hinge from a first position to a second position; and an actuator system coupled to the hinge and selectively engageable with the plurality of tiles to simultaneously move the plurality of tiles from the first position to the second position.
2. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles is configured to rotate about the hinge via the actuator system and independent of the actuator system.
3. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein the actuator system includes a bracket coupled to the frame and an actuator rotatably coupled to the bracket along the hinge.
4. The merchandising system of claim 3, wherein the bracket includes a first opening and the actuator includes a second opening that is coaxial with the first opening when the actuator is arranged in a first position.
5. The merchandising system of claim 4, wherein a restraint mechanism is coupled to the bracket and extendable through the first opening and the second opening to prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the first position.
6. The merchandising system of claim 5, wherein the actuator is rotatable between the first position and a second position when the restraint mechanism is disengaged from the second opening.
7. The merchandising system of claim 6, wherein the restraint mechanism includes a magnetic actuator coupled to a plunger configured to extend and retract with respect to the bracket and the actuator.
8. The merchandising system of claim 7, wherein the restraint mechanism further includes a magnetic key selectively engageable with the magnetic actuator.
9. The merchandising system of claim 8, wherein when the magnetic key is decoupled from the magnetic actuator the magnetic actuator deploys the plunger to a deployed position and the plunger engages with the actuator to either (i) prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the first position or (ii) prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the second position.
10. The merchandising system of claim 9, when the magnetic key is coupled to the magnetic actuator the magnetic actuator retracts the plunger to a retracted position and allows the actuator to rotate about the hinge.
11. A merchandising system, comprising: a frame including a hinge extending between a first end and a second end of the frame; one or more tiles coupled to the hinge and configured to pivot independently from one another about the hinge; a first actuator system coupled to the first end of the frame; and an actuator rail connected to the first actuator system and selectively engageable with the one or more tiles.
12. The merchandising system of claim 11, wherein the one or more tiles are configured to rotate about the hinge via the first actuator system and the actuator rail.
13. The merchandising system of claim 12, wherein the first actuator system includes a first bracket and a first actuator.
14. The merchandising system of claim 13, wherein the first actuator is movably coupled to the first bracket along the hinge.
15. The merchandising system of claim 14, wherein the actuator rail is coupled to the first actuator.
16. The merchandising system of claim 15, wherein the first actuator system includes a restraint mechanism coupled to the first bracket and selectively engageable with the actuator.
17. The merchandising system of claim 16, wherein the restraint mechanism includes a magnetic actuator coupled to a plunger.
18. The merchandising system of claim 17, wherein the restraint mechanism further includes a magnetic key selectively engageable with the magnetic actuator.
19. The merchandising system of claim 18, wherein the magnetic actuator deploys the plunger to a deployed position when the magnetic key is decoupled from the magnetic actuator.
20. The merchandising system of claim 19, wherein the magnetic actuator retracts the plunger to a retracted position when the magnetic key is coupled to the magnetic actuator.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a merchandising system in a retail environment according to principles of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1, showing a tile in an open position;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1 in a restocking position;
[0010] FIG. 4A is a front view of a frame and one or more actuators that can be used with the merchandising system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4B is an end view of the frame of FIG. 4A;
[0012] FIG. 5A is a front view of a tile of the merchandising system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5B is a rear view of the tile of FIG. 5A;
[0014] FIG. 5C is a side view of the tile of FIG. 5A;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a first actuator of the frame of FIG. 4A;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a second actuator of the frame of FIG. 4A in a first position;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1 with one or more tiles removed;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1 in the restocking position;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another configuration of a merchandising system according to the principles of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view the merchandising system of FIG. 11 including a restraint mechanism and an actuator in a first position;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the actuator in a second position and the restraint mechanism in a retracted position; and
[0023] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the actuator in the second position and the restraint mechanism in a deployed position.
[0024] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0026] One aspect of the disclosure provides a merchandising system for a retail shelf. The merchandising system including a frame configured to attach to the retail shelf and including a hinge extending between a first end and a second end of the frame, a plurality of tiles each pivotally coupled to the hinge and operable to independently rotate about the hinge from a first position to a second position, and an actuator system coupled to the hinge and selectively engageable with the plurality of tiles to simultaneously move the plurality of tiles from the first position to the second position.
[0027] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, each tile of the plurality of the tiles may be configured to rotate about the hinge via the actuator system and independent of the actuator system.
[0028] In some examples, the actuator system may include a bracket coupled to the frame and an actuator rotatably coupled to the bracket along the hinge. In these examples, the bracket may include a first opening and the actuator includes a second opening that is coaxial with the first opening when the actuator is arranged in a first position. In these examples, a restraint mechanism may be coupled to the bracket and extendable through the first opening and the second opening to prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the first position. In these examples, the actuator may be rotatable between the first position and a second position when the restraint mechanism is disengaged from the second opening. In these examples, the restraint mechanism can be engageable with the actuator to prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the second position.
[0029] In some implementations, each tile of the plurality of the tiles can include a first side and a second side disposed on another side that is opposite of the first side. In these implementations, the actuator system can be configured to engage the second side of the tile and move the tile about the hinge. In these implementations, each tile of the plurality of the tiles can be movable about the hinge independent of the actuator system.
[0030] In some implementations, the restraint mechanism can include a magnetic actuator coupled to a plunger configured to extend and retract with respect to the bracket and the actuator. In these implementations, the restraint mechanism can further include a magnetic key selectively engageable with the magnetic actuator. In these implementations, when the magnetic key is decoupled from the magnetic actuator the magnetic actuator can deploy the plunger to a deployed position and the plunger engages with the actuator to either (i) prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the first position or (ii) prevent the actuator from rotating about the hinge and out of the second position. In these implementations, when the magnetic key is coupled to the magnetic actuator the magnetic actuator can retract the plunger to a retracted position and allow the actuator to rotate about the hinge.
[0031] Another implementation of the disclosure provides a merchandising system including a frame including a hinge extending between a first end and a second end of the frame, one or more tiles coupled to the hinge and configured to pivot independently from one another about the hinge, a first actuator system coupled to the first end of the frame, and an actuator rail connected to the first actuator system and selectively engageable with the one or more tiles.
[0032] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the one or more tiles can be configured to rotate about the hinge via the first actuator system and the actuator rail. In these examples, the first actuator system can include a first bracket and a first actuator. In these examples, the first actuator can be movably coupled to the first bracket along the hinge. In these examples, the actuator rail can be coupled to the first actuator.
[0033] In some implementations, the merchandising system further includes a second actuator system coupled to the second end of the frame. In these implementations, the second actuator system can include a second bracket and a second actuator. In these implementations, the second actuator can be movably coupled to the second bracket along the hinge. In these implementations, the actuator rail can be coupled to the second actuator. In these implementations, one of the first actuator system or the second actuator system include a restraint mechanism coupled to the bracket and selectively engageable with the actuator. In these implementations, the restraint mechanism can include a magnetic actuator coupled to a plunger. In these implementations, the restraint mechanism can further include a magnetic key selectively engageable with the magnetic actuator. In these implementations, the magnetic actuator can deploy the plunger to a deployed position when the magnetic key is decoupled from the magnetic actuator. In these implementations, the magnetic actuator can retract the plunger to a retracted position when the magnetic key is coupled to the magnetic actuator.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a merchandising system 10 is generally shown. The merchandising system 10 includes a first or left side 12 and a second or right side 14 spaced from the left side 12. The merchandising system 10 may be installed with respect to one or more shelves 16. The shelves 16 may be located in a store or other suitable location where consumers are able to purchase merchandise. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a length of each shelf 16 extends from a front edge 18 to an opposite rear edge 20. Generally, the front edge 18 is configured to face an aisle or customer area of a retail environment, while the rear edge 20 is configured to face towards a wall 22 or mounting portion of the merchandising system 10. As discussed throughout, the direction from the front edge 18 to the rear edge 20 defines a longitudinal direction while the direction parallel to the front edge 18 and the rear edge 20 defines a lateral direction of the shelf 16. In some implementations, the shelf 16 may include a shelf panel (not shown) including a plurality of apertures extending through a thickness of the shelf panel and arranged in series adjacent to each of the front edge 18 and/or the rear edge 20 of the shelf 16. The merchandising system 10 may be secured to a bottom side 24 of one of the shelves 16 in any suitable manner and suspend toward a top side 26 of another one of the shelves 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0035] The merchandising system 10 may be selectively detached from the shelf 16 and moved, for example, to another shelf or other surface. For instance, the shelves 16 can include a flange 28 that mates with a portion of merchandising system 10 and can receive one or more fasteners to secure the merchandising system 10 to one of the shelves 16. In at least some implementations, a label holder 30 is coupled to the flange 28 and configured to receive and present one or more labels (not shown) to an aisle or customer area.
[0036] The merchandising system 10 includes a frame 100, one or more tiles 200, and one or more actuators 300. With reference to FIG. 1, the merchandising system 10 is configured such that the one or more tiles 200 are arranged in a first or closed position that generally hinders access to a product receiving area A arranged between adjacent shelves 16. One or more consumers can approach the merchandising system 10 and independently manipulate the one or more of the one or more tiles 200 to a second or opened position to gain access to products in the product receiving area A, as shown in FIG. 2. As discussed in detail below, store associates can gain uninhibited access to the product receiving area A by moving the merchandising system 10 to a stocking position (FIG. 3) via the one or more actuators 300.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the frame 100 includes a first or left end 102 and a second or right end 104 spaced laterally from the left end 102. The frame 100 has broken lines to signify that the frame 100 can be any length between the left end 102 and the right end 104 and the principles of the present disclosure equally apply. The frame 100 includes a first or top side 106 and a second or bottom side 108 disposed on a side opposite of the first side 106. The cross-section of the frame 100 (FIG. 4B) can include one or more segments 110, 112, 114, 120 that are configured to correspond with the shelf 16 and stabilize the merchandising system 10 with respect to the shelf 16, for example. In other words, the frame 100 can be configured so that the merchandising system 10 can be easily installed on and/or removed from an existing shelf 16. According to at least some implementations, the frame 100 includes a first upper segment 110 that can be positioned against the bottom side 24 of the shelf 16. The frame 100 further includes a second segment 112 coupled to and arranged transverse (i.e., not parallel) to the first segment 110. A third segment 114 extends from an opposite end of second segment 112 from the first segment 110 and can include one or more threaded nuts 116 that are configured to receive fasteners 118 (FIG. 4A) for securing the frame 100 to the shelf 16. As shown, the third segment 114 may be generally parallel to the first segment 110 and/or transverse to the second segment 112. The frame 100 further includes a fourth segment 120 that includes a first end 120a coupled to an opposite end of the third segment 114 from the third segment 114. The fourth segment 120 depends from the third segment 114 to a second end 120b. The second end 120b includes a hinge 121 for pivotally attaching one or more of the tiles 200 to the frame 100. In the illustrated example, the hinge 121 is defined by a sleeve 122 extending between the left end 102 and the right end 104 that is configured to receive a rod 124 defining a rotational axis A.sub.124. The rod 124 extends beyond the left end 102 of the frame 100 to a first rod end 124a and beyond the right end 104 of the frame to a second rod end 124b. The sleeve 122 also includes one or more pairs of openings 126 so the one or more tiles 200 can be coupled to the frame 100 between the left end 102 and the right end 104 and, more particularly, to the rod 124 so that the one or more tiles 200 can freely rotate about the rotational axis A.sub.124. Other styles of hinges can be coupled to or arranged at the second end 120b of the fourth segment 120 instead of the sleeve 122 and rod 124 introduced above.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, the one or more tiles 200 include a first or left side 202 and a second or right side 204 spaced from the left side 202, a front side 206 and a rear side 208 that extend between the left side 202 and the right side 204, and a first or top end 210 and second or bottom end 212 spaced from the top end 210. The one or more tiles 200 include a flange 214 that extends from the top end 210 and offsets a portion of the tile 200 from the rotational axis A.sub.124. For instance, with reference to FIG. 5C, the flange includes a first flange segment 216 and a second flange segment 218. The first flange segment 216 includes a proximal end 216a coupled to the top end 210 and a distal end 216b spaced from the proximal end 216a. In the present illustrative example, the first flange segment 216 is arranged transverse to the top end 210. The second flange segment 218 includes a proximal end 218a coupled to the distal end 216b of the first flange segment 216 and a distal end 218b spaced from the proximal end 218a. The second flange segment 218 is arranged transverse to the first flange segment 216. In other words, the second flange segment 218 is offset from the rear side 208 and provides an engagement surface 220 that corresponds with a portion of the actuators 300, as shown in FIG. 8. One or more projections 222 are coupled to and extend from the top end 210 and/or the flange 214. The projections 222 include a pair of tabs that define apertures 224 that interface with the rod 124. The apertures 224 include a clearance fit and, thus, are configured to allow the rod 124 to pass through with minimal resistance while maintaining alignment with respect to the rotational axis A.sub.124. In at least some implementations, the projections 222 extend from the first flange segment 216 and the second flange segment 218 along a projection axis A.sub.222 and form and oblique angle with the second flange segment 218. The angle can be configured so that a portion of the actuators 300 engage the second flange segment 218 and the rotational axis A.sub.124 aligns with the apertures 224, for example. With reference again to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the bottom end 212 of the one or more tiles 200 can include an indent 226 that is ergonomically friendly and allows a customer or store associate to easily grip onto one of the tiles 200 using their digits. The indent 226 can have an arcuate profile to maintain an opening between the bottom end 212 and a shelf arranged adjacent the bottom end 212, for example. In other words, the indent 226 can be configured so that a user can engage the tile 200 and manipulate the tile 200 with respect to the rotational axis A.sub.124.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 6-10, the one or more actuators 300 are coupled to the frame 100. In the present illustrative example, the one or more actuators 300 include a first actuator system 302 coupled to the left end 102 of the frame 100 and a second actuator system 304 coupled to the right end 104 of the frame 100. The one or more actuators 300 also include an actuator rail 306 coupled to the first actuator system 302 at a first end 308 and the second actuator system 304 at a second end 310.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 6, the first actuator system 302 includes a first bracket 312 and a first actuator 314 movably coupled to the first bracket 312. The first bracket 312 includes an inner wall 316 and an outer wall 318 coupled to the inner wall 316. The inner wall 316 is coupled to the left end 102 of the frame 100. The outer wall 318 includes a through hole 320 that corresponds with the first end 124a of the rod 124. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the rod 124 can be laterally secured to the first bracket 312 with a fastener 321. The first actuator 314 includes a main body 322 that has an inner wall 324 and an outer wall 326 spaced laterally from the inner wall 324. The first end 308 of the actuator rail 306 is coupled to or otherwise attached to the inner wall 324 of the main body 322. The main body 322 includes through holes 328 that extend through the inner wall 324 and the outer wall 326 and corresponds with the first end 124a of the rod 124. The main body 322 is arranged between the inner wall 316 and the outer wall 318 of the first bracket 312 and is moveably coupled to the first bracket 312 along the rod 124. In other words, the main body 322 is configured to rotate about the rotational axis A.sub.124 and drive the actuator rail 306 in the longitudinal direction. Optionally, the first actuator 314 can include an actuator handle 330 coupled to the main body 322 that is configured to assist a store associate when actuating the first actuator 314.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 7, the second actuator system 304 can be arranged similar to the first actuator system 302 introduced above or as follows. The second actuator system 304 includes a second bracket 332 and a second actuator 334 movably coupled to the second bracket 332. The second bracket 332 includes an inner wall 336 and an outer wall 338 coupled to the inner wall 336. The inner wall 336 is coupled to the right end 104 of the frame 100. The outer wall 338 includes a first through hole 340 that corresponds with the second end 124b of the rod 124. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the rod 124 can be laterally secured to the second bracket 332 with a fastener 342. The inner wall 336 can include one or more openings that extend into a receptacle 344 that is arranged laterally between the inner wall 336 and the outer wall 338. The second actuator system 304 includes one or more restraint mechanisms coupled to the inner wall 336 that are configured to temporarily inhibit the second actuator 334 from moving away from a first position and, as will be discussed in more detail below, temporarily inhibit the second actuator 334 from moving from a second position (FIG. 10) to the first position (FIG. 8). In at least some implementations, a spring-loaded mechanism 346 is positioned on the inner wall 336 and is actuatable with respect to a first opening 348 that extends through a thickness of the inner wall 336. Additionally or alternatively, a keyed locking mechanism 350 can be positioned on the inner wall 336 and can be configured to actuate and retract with respect to the first opening 348 or a second opening 352 that extends through the thickness of the inner wall 336. Both of the spring-loaded mechanism 346 and the keyed locking mechanism 350 are configured to be easily engaged or disengaged by a store associate during a restocking event, for example.
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 7, the second actuator 334 includes a main body 354 that has an inner wall 356 and an outer wall 358 spaced laterally from the inner wall 356. The second end 310 of the actuator rail 306 is coupled to or otherwise attached to the inner wall 356 of the main body 354. The main body 354 includes through holes 360 that extend through the inner wall 356 and the outer wall 358 and corresponds with the second end 124b of the rod 124. The main body 354 can be arranged in the receptacle 344 of the first bracket 312 and is moveably coupled to the second bracket 332 along the rod 124. In other words, the main body 354 is configured to rotate about the rotational axis A.sub.124 and drive the actuator rail 306 in the longitudinal direction. The main body 354 can include one or more openings 362 that are coaxial with the one or more openings 348, 352 of the second bracket 332 when the second actuator 334 is arranged in the first position. The one or more openings 362 of the second handle 334 can be configured to receive a portion of the spring-loaded mechanism 346 and/or the keyed locking mechanism 350 to inhibit the second actuator 334 from moving away from the first position. The spring-loaded mechanism 346 and/or the keyed locking mechanism 350 can be configured to engage with a portion of the inner wall 336 such that the second actuator 334 is temporarily inhibited from returning to the first position. Optionally, the second actuator 334 can include a handle 364 coupled to the main body 322 that is configured to assist a store associate when actuating the second actuator 334.
[0043] In operation, with reference to FIGS. 8-10, the one or more tiles 200 are configured to rotate about the hinge 121 via the one or more actuators 300 and independent of the one or more actuators 300. For instance, with reference to FIG. 8, when the actuators 300 are in the first position (FIG. 8) a customer or store associate can approach the merchandising system 10 and manually open one or more of the tiles 200. More particularly, the customer or store associate can grip onto a portion of the one or more tiles 200, such as the bottom end 212, with digits and easily move a specific tile 200 about the hinge 121 to gain access to product receiving area A associated with the tile 200. In doing so, this allows the customer to retrieve a particular product arranged in the product receiving area A.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a store associate can access and control the one or more restraint mechanisms (i.e., the spring-loaded mechanism 346 and/or the keyed locking mechanism 350) so that the merchandising system 10 can be manipulated to the restocking position (FIG. 3). Stated differently, the store associate can disengage the one or more restraint mechanisms so that the actuators 300 can move between the first position (FIG. 8) and the second position (FIG. 10). A store associate can manually lift one of the tiles 200 near the second actuator system 304 to gain access to the product receiving area A. With use of a key (not shown), the store associate can retract the keyed locking mechanism 350 from the one or more openings 362 of the second actuator 334, as shown in FIG. 10. In at least some implementations, the second actuator system 304 does not include the keyed locking mechanism 350 and instead only includes the spring-loaded mechanism 346 which does not require a key to disengage from the inner wall 356 of the main body 354 or from the one or more openings 362 of the second actuator 334. Here, however, once the locking mechanism 350 is disengaged the store associate can grab a portion of the second actuator 334, such as the handle 364, and manipulate the second actuator 334, the actuator rail 306, and the first actuator system 302 to the second position (FIG. 10). During manipulation, the inner wall 356 of the main body 354 of the second actuator 334 slides past a portion of the spring-loaded mechanism 346 until the spring-loaded mechanism 346 is uninhibited by the inner wall 356, as shown in FIG. 10. A portion of the spring-loaded mechanism 346 is configured to resiliently engage with a portion of the second actuator 334 and to maintain a portion of the actuators 300 in the second position (FIG. 10). In other words, in the present illustrative example, the store associate will need to disengage the spring-loaded mechanism 346 so the actuators 300 can return to the first position (FIG. 8).
[0045] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate another example configuration of a merchandising system 10a. This configuration is similar in many respects to the configuration of FIGS. 1-10. Accordingly, the descriptions of the configurations are hereby incorporated into one another, and description of subject matter common to the configurations generally may not be repeated.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 11, a keyed locking mechanism 350a is positioned on the inner wall 336 and can be configured to actuate and retract with respect to the first opening 348 that extends through the thickness of the inner wall 336. According to one aspect, the keyed locking mechanism 350a includes a magnetic actuator 372 and a magnetic key 374 that corresponds with and controls the magnetic actuator 372.
[0047] The magnetic actuator 372 is attached to the inner wall 336 and includes a plunger 370 that extends through the first opening 348 and is operable between a deployed position (FIGS. 11, 12, and 14) and a retracted position (FIG. 13). The plunger 370 may include or be associated with a biasing element (e.g., a spring, not shown) that applies a continuous biasing force to move the plunger 370 to the deployed position. The magnetic actuator 372 further includes a first magnetic interface 376 disposed on an opposite side of the magnetic actuator 372 from the plunger 370. Optionally, the plunger 370 or a portion thereof may include a ferrous material that responds to a magnetic force applied at the first magnetic interface 376, whereby when a magnetic force is applied at the first magnetic interface 376 that is greater than the biasing force applied by the biasing element, the magnetic force overcomes the biasing force and causes the plunger 370 to move to the retracted position. The biasing element returns the plunger 370 to the deployed position (FIGS. 11, 12, and 14) upon removal of the magnetic key 374 from the first magnetic interface 376.
[0048] The magnetic key 374 includes a second magnetic interface 378 that is configured to cooperate with the first magnetic interface 376 to selectively retract the plunger 370 to the retracted position (FIG. 13) when the magnetic key 374 is coupled to or in proximity (e.g., within a centimeter) of the magnetic actuator 372. In other words, the second magnetic interface 378 includes a magnetic element that generates magnetic force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element. Optionally, the second magnetic interface 378 may include one or more mating features (e.g., pins) configured to interface with corresponding mating features (e.g., recesses) to properly align the second magnetic interface 378 with the first magnetic interface 376.
[0049] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the one or more openings 362 of the second actuator 334 are configured to receive a portion of the keyed locking mechanism 350a to inhibit the second actuator 334 from moving away from the first position (FIG. 11). With reference to FIG. 13, when the magnetic key 374 is coupled to keyed locking mechanism 350a such that the plunger 370 is retracted from the one or more openings 362, an associate can move the second actuator 334 with respect to the rotational axis A.sub.124. With reference to FIG. 14, once the second actuator 334 is in the second position, the store associate can remove the magnetic key 374 from the keyed locking mechanism 350a (i.e., the magnetic actuator 372) so that the plunger 370 deploys and engages with an upper end of the second actuator 334 to inhibit the second actuator 334 from moving away from the second position. Optionally, the keyed locking mechanism 350a may be incorporated in conjunction with the spring-loaded mechanism 346 discussed previously, whereby the spring-loaded mechanism 346 operates to retain the second actuator 334 in the second position while the magnetic key 374 remains coupled to the keyed locking mechanism 350a.
[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0051] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, directly attached to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0052] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.
[0053] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
