Device and method for displaying merchandise

Abstract

Display devices, comprising a storage section for at least one package of merchandise; a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means for engaging the package and the transport means exerting a torque on the package when the transport means is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section. Also for dispensing a package of merchandise are described.

1 . A display device, comprising
 a storage section for at least one package of merchandise;   a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise,   a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section;   wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means for engaging the package and the transport means exerting a torque on the package when the transport means is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section.   
     
     
         2 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable transport means comprises a surface for frictionally engaging the one package. 
     
     
         3 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable transport means comprises a flat or rounded surface for engaging the one package. 
     
     
         4 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable package release device comprises a rotatable polygonal element, in particular a rotatable element with a quadratic cross-section, configured to engage the package with one of its sides. 
     
     
         5 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable transport means is positioned rotatably around the longitudinal axis of a rod, especially a toothed rod. 
     
     
         6 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable transport means is rotatable by a customer by operating a handle, a turnable knob or a button. 
     
     
         7 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotation of the rotatable transport means is controlled by a control mechanism for deliberately controlling the movement of the rotatable transport means to prevent the rapid release of more than one package of merchandise. 
     
     
         8 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotatable transport means is connected to the rod, so that it can be moved by a customer along the longitudinal axis of the rod. 
     
     
         9 . The display device of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop means for stopping the movement of further packages towards the dispensing section after one package has been moved from the storage section to the dispensing section. 
     
     
         10 . The display device of  claim 1 , with an adapter to exert a holding force on the front of packages in the storage section. 
     
     
         11 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the device and its parts are operable without external electricity. 
     
     
         12 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the device is operable with electric energy, in particular a battery or external electricity. 
     
     
         13 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the exerting of the torque on the package is coupled to a sound generator, in particular a mechanical ratchet. 
     
     
         14 . The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the storage section comprises pushers for the at least one package of merchandise. 
     
     
         15 . The display device of  claim 1 , with a detector for the rotational movement of the transport means which triggers a signal if the frequency of the rotational movement of the transport means exceeds a predetermined value. 
     
     
         16 . A display device, comprising
 a storage section for at least one package of merchandise usually not accessible for customers,   
       a dispensing section for the at least one package accessible to customers of the merchandise, 
       a package release device for releasing only one package at a time from the storage section to the dispensing section; 
       wherein the package release device comprises a rotatable polygonal element, in particular a rotatable element with a quadratic cross-section, configured to engage the package with one of its sides which exerts a torque on the package when the polygonal element is rotated, so that the package is released from the storage section to the dispensing section. 
     
     
         17 . A method for dispensing a package of merchandise from a storage section of a display device for at least one package of merchandise, wherein
 a) a package release device for releasing one package at a time from the storage section is engaging the package,   b) the package release device comprises a rotatable transport means which is rotated so that it exerts a torque on the package,   c) the torque effecting the release of the package from the storage section to a dispensing section of the display device.