Modular shelf sweep detector

Abstract

Modular sweep detectors, systems, and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft and are provided. In one example, a modular sweep detector includes a housing configured to engage a pusher of a pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

1 . A modular sweep detector for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment, the modular sweep detector comprising:
 a housing configured to engage a pusher of the pusher device; and   a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device, the biasing member configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher,   wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.   
     
     
         2 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a rotary encoder. 
     
     
         3 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a resilient member configured to engage the biasing member. 
     
     
         4 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient member is configured to at least conform to a curvature of the biasing member. 
     
     
         5 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to directly contact the biasing member as the pusher is moved. 
     
     
         6 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to be inserted within the biasing member. 
     
     
         7 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to enclose the pusher. 
     
     
         8 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to be snap-fit to the pusher. 
     
     
         9 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 1 , further comprising wireless communications circuitry contained within the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The modular sweep detector of  claim 9 , further comprising a power source for providing power for operating the wireless communications circuitry. 
     
     
         11 . A system for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment, the system comprising:
 a modular sweep detector comprising:
 a housing configured to engage a pusher of the pusher device; and 
 a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device, the biasing member configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher; and 
   a monitoring device comprising an alarm for generating an alarm signal, the monitoring device configured to wirelessly communicate with the modular sweep detector,   wherein the monitoring device is configured to determine if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device based on a signal provided by the sensor, and   wherein the monitoring device is configured to generate an alarm signal if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the monitoring device is configured to determine a thickness of each item of merchandise based on the signal provided by the sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of modular sweep detectors, wherein the monitoring device is configured to communicate with each of the plurality of modular sweep detectors. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the modular sweep detector is configured to be paired with the monitoring device. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the biasing member comprises a clock spring. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor is configured to be inserted within the biasing member. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor is configured to conform to a curvature of the biasing member. 
     
     
         19 . A method for monitoring a pusher device in a retail environment, the method comprising:
 wireles sly communicating with a modular sweep detector, the modular sweep detector configured to engage a pusher of the pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device;   determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device based on a signal provided by the sensor; and   generating an alarm signal if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising determining a thickness of each item of merchandise based on the signal provided by the sensor. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising wirelessly communicating with a plurality of modular sweep detectors. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising the pusher device.