Patent Application
20190295387
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security systems for protecting items of merchandise, such as consumer electronics products, from theft and/or unauthorized removal.
It is common practice for retailers to provide demonstration models of consumer electronics products, such as handheld devices, tablets, and laptop computers, so that a potential purchaser may examine the product more closely and test the operation of its features. A working demonstration model, however, increases the possibility that the demonstration model will be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. As a result, demonstration models of consumer electronics products are typically protected by a security system that permits a potential purchaser to examine and operate the product, while reducing the likelihood that the demonstration model will be stolen or removed from the display area.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be secured to the item of merchandise. The security system also includes a cable configured to be connected to the sensor and a swivel switch at one of the cable for operably engaging the item of merchandise. The item of merchandise may be configured to rotate relative to the swivel switch, and actuation of the swivel switch may be indicative of a security event.
In another embodiment, the security system may include a sensor and at least one bracket arm configured to be releasably secured to the sensor and the item of merchandise. The security system also includes a first cable configured to be secured to the sensor. The security system further includes a second cable configured to be secured to the sensor and to removably engage an input port on the item of merchandise. The bracket arm is configured to be removably attached to the sensor such that the sensor and the first and second cables are configured to be removed from the bracket arm while the bracket arm remains attached to the item of merchandise.
In one embodiment, the security system may include a sensor and at least one bracket arm configured to be releasably secured to the sensor and the item of merchandise. The security system also includes a cable configured to be secured to the sensor and to removably engage an input port on the item of merchandise. The bracket arm is configured to be removably attached to the sensor such that the sensor and the cable are configured to be removed from the bracket arm while the bracket arm remains attached to the item of merchandise.
In one embodiment, the security system may include at least one item of merchandise and at least one sensor configured to be secured to the item of merchandise. The security system also includes at least one cable configured to be connected to the sensor. The security system further includes a central controller configured to communicate directly with the item of merchandise for interacting with the item of merchandise.
Referring to the accompanying figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, the attached figures illustrate embodiments of security systems according to the present invention for protecting an item of merchandise against theft or unauthorized removal. The item of merchandise may be any item, including any number of consumer electronics products (e.g. hand-held device, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, camera, etc.). The security systems described herein are operable for securing the item of merchandise against theft or authorized removal, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to closely examine and operate the item of merchandise in a display area. The security system permits a potential purchaser to examine and test the item of merchandise, while reducing the likelihood that the item of merchandise will be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. The systems shown and described herein are suitable for securing an item of merchandise in a residential or commercial environment, as well as a retail environment, and furthermore, is not intended to be limited to use only as a security display device for protecting against theft and/or unauthorized removal.
According to one embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the security system 10 includes a sensor 12. The sensor 12 may be secured to the item of merchandise 14 using any desired technique, such as with an adhesive, one or more fasteners, and/or mechanical brackets. The sensor 12 may be configured to engage a swivel switch 47 as described in further detail below. As shown in
In one embodiment, the security system 10 includes a power adapter 16 with a connector 15 that is configured to electrically connect to an input jack of the item of merchandise 14 (see, e.g.,
The base 18 may be configured to be supported on a fixed support surface 44, such as a counter, shelf, fixture, or the like. Thus, the base 18 may be located entirely above the support surface 44. In other cases, the base 18 may be located below the support surface 44. In some instances, the base 18 may be configured to extend through an opening defined in the support surface 44. The base 18 may be secured to the support surface 44 using any desired technique such as an adhesive and/or fasteners. The base 18 may be operably engaged with a recoiler 22 as discussed above. As such, the cable 20 may be extended through the base 18 when the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 are lifted from the base, and the cable may be retracted through the base when the sensor and the item of merchandise are returned to the base. The recoiler 22 may be spring biased in some embodiments such that the cable 20 is automatically retracted through the base 18. The base 18 may be supported on the support surface 44, while the recoiler may be positioned below the support surface. Furthermore, the base 18 may include a PCB, circuitry, or the like that is in electrical communication with the electrical contacts for transferring power to the item of merchandise 14 as discussed above. In some embodiments, the cable 20 may include one or more electrical conductors extending along the length of the cable. In some cases, the cable 20 may include a pair of conductors for defining a sense loop or circuit and conducting an electrical signal. In other cases, the cable 20 may include a single conductor, such as an electrical conductor, or optical conductor for conducting an optical signal (e.g., a fiber optic cable).
An end of cable 20 may be secured to the sensor 12. In one example, the cable 20 may be attached to the sensor 12 with a swivel switch 47 or like connector to allow for rotational movement between the sensor and the cable. The swivel switch 47 may provide only a mechanical swivel for rotational movement. The swivel switch 47 could be permanently attached to the sensor 12 or could be removably attached if desired. Thus, the swivel switch 47 may include a quick-disconnect feature that allows the end of the cable 20 to be readily detached from the sensor 12.
In some embodiments, the end of the cable 20 includes a swivel switch 47, such as a pressure or plunger switch. The swivel switch 47 may be configured to engage the item of merchandise 14 directly to thereby detect the presence of the item of merchandise. For example,
It is understood that the cable 20 may be any suitable cord, tether, or the like. In addition, the cable 20 may include one or more electrical conductors for transmitting electrical, security, and/or communication signals. In addition, the cable 20 may be a single strand, multi-strand, or braided. The cable 20 may be flexible to facilitate extension and retraction relative to the base 18, and in some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. Furthermore, the cable 20 may have various cross sections, such as round or flat. In some embodiments, the security system 10 may not include a recoiler 22. Thus, the cable 20 could be a straight or coiled cable that is secured to the sensor 12 at one end and electrically connected to a base 18 or other device at an opposite end.
The cable 20 and/or recoiler 22 may be operably engaged with an alarm mechanism 34, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for generating an audible alarm in response to a security event (see, e.g.,
Various sensing techniques may be employed for determining whether the cable 20 has been cut or removed from the sensor 12 in an unauthorized manner. For example, the cable 20 may include a pair of electrical conductors that define a sense loop therethrough. Thus, should the sense loop be interrupted (e.g., by cutting or shorting the cable), the alarm mechanism 34 may detect the interruption and generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/or a visible alarm).
Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages. For example, the mechanical swivel switch eliminates the need for electrical contacts and complicated electrical swivels that necessitate slip rings or like electrical components. In addition, a mechanical swivel switch may provide for lower pull resistance in the cable and lower friction in the recoiler due to a reduced number of conductors in the cable.
According to one embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the sensor 12′ may be connected to an adapter cable 16′ having a connector 15′ that is configured to electrically connect to an input jack of the item of merchandise 14. In one embodiment, the adapter cable 16′ may be a portion at the end of the cable 20′ such that the cable is a continuous cable extending from the recoiler 22′ to the item of merchandise 14. In other embodiments, the adapter cable 16′ is a separate cable electrically connected to the cable 20′. The connector 15′ may be any suitable connector configured to engage a corresponding item of merchandise 14, such as a micro-USB connector or an Apple Lightning® connector. Thus, cable 20′ and the item of merchandise 14 may be electrically connected via the connector 15′. An end of cable 20′ may be secured to the sensor 12′.
As shown in
The base 18′ may be configured to be supported on a fixed support surface 44, such as a counter, shelf, fixture, or the like. Thus, the base 18′ may be located entirely above the support surface 44. In other cases, the base 18′ may be located below the support surface 44. In some instances, the base 18′ may be configured to extend through an opening defined in the support surface 44. The base 18′ may be secured to the support surface 44 using any desired technique such as an adhesive and/or fasteners. The base 18′ may be operably engaged with a recoiler 22′ as discussed above. As such, the cable 20′ may be extended through the base 18′ when the sensor 12′ and the item of merchandise 14 are lifted from the base, and the cable may be retracted through the base when the sensor and the item of merchandise are returned to the base. The recoiler 22′ may be spring biased in some embodiments such that the cable 20′ is automatically retracted through the base 18′. The base 18′ may be supported on the support surface 44, while the recoiler may be positioned below the support surface (see
It is understood that the cable 20′ may be any suitable cord, tether, or the like. In addition, the cable 20′ may include one or more electrical conductors for transmitting electrical, security, and/or communication signals. In addition, the cable 20′ may be a single strand, multi-strand, or braided. The cable 20′ may be flexible to facilitate extension and retraction relative to the base 18′, and in some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. Furthermore, the cable 20′ may have various cross sections, such as round or flat. In some embodiments, the security system 100 may not include a recoiler 22′. Thus, the cable 20′ could be a straight or coiled cable that is secured to the sensor 12′ at one end and electrically connected to a base 18′ or other device at an opposite end.
The base 18′ and/or recoiler 22′ may be electrically connected to a power source. The base 18′ and/or recoiler 22′ may be configured to facilitate power transfer from the external source of power to the cable 20′ and to item of merchandise 14, via the adapter cable 16′ and connector 15′. Therefore, the item of merchandise 14 may be powered by power transferred thereto and may be used to charge a battery associated with the item of merchandise.
The base 18′ may include one or more modular components as shown in
In one embodiment,
In some embodiments, the bracket arm 24′ may be configured to generate a security signal, such as an audible and/or a visible alarm. For example, the bracket arm 24′ may include an alarm mechanism, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for generating an audible alarm in response to a security event. The dimensions of the bracket arm 24′ may be modified accordingly to provide space for housing an alarm mechanism. Similarly, the sensor 12′ may house an alarm mechanism. Thus, the bracket arm 24′ and/or sensor 12′ may be configured to generate a security signal. In one example, the cap member 42 and sensor base 48 may house an alarm mechanism therein. In order to provide such functionality, the bracket arm 24′ and/or sensor 12′ may also include a power source and circuitry/printed circuit board in communication with the alarm mechanism. In some instances, the swivel 46 may include one or more electrical contacts that are electrically connected to one or more conductors in the cable 20′. Likewise, the bracket arm 24′ and/or sensor 12′ may include one or more electrical contacts that are configured to mate with and electrically connected to the contacts of the swivel 46. When in contact with one another, the electrical contacts allow for a sense loop to be formed with the bracket arm 24′ and/or sensor 12′. For instance, should the cable 20′ be cut or disconnected, the sensor 12′ removed from the swivel 46, or the bracket arm 24′ removed from the item of merchandise, an interruption in the sense loop may occur resulting in the bracket arm 24′ and/or the sensor 12′ generating a security signal.
The modularity of the sensor 12′ allows for convenient removal of the sensor and the item of merchandise 14 by authorized personnel for daily removal purposes or for relocating an item of merchandise to another display location. Moreover, the modularity of the sensor 12′ allows the sensor to be of smaller size, such as for fitting through an opening defined in the support surface 44. For instance, as shown in
In some cases, the length of the adapter cable 16′ may be adjustable for accommodating differently sized items of merchandise 14. For example,
The cable 20′ and/or recoiler 22′ may be operably engaged with an alarm mechanism 34, such as a piezoelectric transducer, for generating an audible alarm in response to a security event (see, e.g.,
Various sensing techniques may be employed for determining whether the cables 16′, 20′ have been cut or removed from the sensor 12′ in an unauthorized manner. For example, the cables 16′, 20′ may include a pair of electrical conductors that define a sense loop therethrough. Thus, should the sense loop be interrupted (e.g., by cutting or shorting the cable), the alarm mechanism 34 may detect the interruption and generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/or a visible alarm). In addition, should the item of merchandise 14 and bracket arm 24′ be removed without first disarming the alarm mechanism 34, the sensing device 52 may be activated to indicate a security event has occurred.
In one embodiment, the security system 10, 100 is configured to interact with the item of merchandise 14. In this regard, in some cases the item of merchandise 14 may be configured to receive and provide various types of information. For instance, one or more of items of merchandise may be configured to communicate with a central controller 54 which may be contained within the alarm mechanism 34 or otherwise in communication with the alarm mechanism (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, one or more items of merchandise 14 may be configured to communicate with the central controller 54 using other types of communications protocols, such as Wi-Fi or cellular communication. Where Wi-Fi communication is employed, various information regarding the item of merchandise 14 may be obtained, such as the type of operating system of the item of merchandise, the model of the item of merchandise, the identification of the item of merchandise, the operating status of the item of merchandise (e.g., a battery charge remaining on the item of merchandise), and whether the item of merchandise is moving (see, e.g.,
In other embodiments, the central controller 54 and one or more items of merchandise 14 may be configured to communicate via cellular communications. In this case, the central controller 54 may be configured to track the location of the item of merchandise 14 in response to a security event. For example, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/047,953, entitled Sensor Powered by Item of Merchandise for Retail Security and filed on Sep. 9, 2014, and International Application No. PCT/US2015/041451, entitled Sensor Powered by Item of Merchandise for Retail Security and filed on Jul. 22, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, includes examples of tracking an item of merchandise, which may be incorporated in embodiments of the present invention. The item of merchandise 14 may be tracked so that the appropriate authorities may be contacted for locating the item of merchandise and apprehending the thief.
In some embodiments, a beacon or like device may be employed to locate an item of merchandise 14 following a security event. For example, a radiofrequency beacon could be employed to communicate with the item of merchandise 14 and/or sensor 12, 12′ so that a more definitive location of the item of merchandise may be realized in close proximity. In other cases, Bluetooth or like communication could be used to pinpoint the location of the item of merchandise 14 following a security event, such as by identifying a specific identification number or MAC address of the item of merchandise.
In some embodiments, the central controller 54 is configured to communicate with any number of items of merchandise 14 secured by a variety of security systems 10, 100, such as one or more of the security systems described above.
The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/742,291, filed on Jul. 7, 2016, which is a 371 national stage entry of International Application No. PCT/US2016/041303, filed on Jul. 7, 2016, which claims the benefit to priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/190,092 filed on Jul. 8, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/190,098 filed on Jul. 8, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/190,110 filed on Jul. 8, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/197,888 filed on Jul. 28, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62190092 | Jul 2015 | US | |
| 62190098 | Jul 2015 | US | |
| 62190110 | Jul 2015 | US | |
| 62197888 | Jul 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15742291 | Jan 2018 | US |
| Child | 16440580 | US |
