Patent Application
20100301998
The present invention generally relates to a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method that may prevent and/or deter a theft and/or a removal of one or more articles from a display stand. The alarm apparatus may have a base, a main body and/or a head unit. The alarm apparatus may monitor an integrity of the attachment of the main body to the base with a separation sensor. The head unit may be tethered to and/or in communication with the base and/or the main body with a primary tether cable that may communicate power and/or data to and/or from the head unit.
Further, the head unit may be affixed to a first article, such as, for example, a portable electronic device and may secure the first article to the display. The system may have a peripheral tether and/or a peripheral sensor that may secure a second article, such as, for example, a portable electronic device to the base and/or the main body. The first article and/or the second article may be on display and/or may be used, manipulated, tested and/or transported by consumers in an environment, such as, for example, a retail store.
It is generally known that retailers of a variety of articles use all-in-one security systems to secure samples of the articles to displays. The security systems are self-contained devices that monitor the security of a single article tethered thereto and sound an alarm if the security of the single article becomes compromised. Consumers interact with the samples at or near the displays. Pricing information and product availability may be placed on or near the display. Retailers use known security systems to maintain an availability of the samples and/or to control a location of the samples to allow consumers to have exposure to the articles. The security systems are provided in all-in-one configurations to allow for ease in installation, operation, repair and replacement. Moreover, if additional samples are later designated for display, additional security systems may be installed and configured to meet the needs of the retailers.
The samples exist in a variety of shapes and sizes and have a variety of display requirements. For example, some samples require only a single mechanical tether to attach the samples to the display. Some samples have additional fixed and/or removable parts that also require tethering to the display. Some samples require a seating orientation with respect to the display to maintain the sample in an upright or a level configuration for viewing by the consumers. Many samples require power connections and/or data connections to allow an operational interaction between the consumer and the samples. Many samples require proprietary plugs for power connections.
As a result, known security systems are provided and/or are used by retailers to tether a sample to its display and/or to alert security personnel of theft, destruction and/or tampering of the sample. Typically, the known security systems have non-redundant technology with a sensor to detect a single attachment of the sample to the tether. Additionally, known security systems monitor an integrity of the tether itself. Therefore, if the tether is cut, removed and/or tampered with, the security systems may sound an alarm. Further, known security systems provide power to the articles through power cables. Additionally, known security systems provide pedestals attached to the display that house components of the security systems. The pedestals are attached to the display to seat the samples away from the display and any advertisements of pricing information and/or the product information. The pedestals act to draw consumers' attention to the samples on display.
However, space for advertising pricing information and/or product information in a retail environment may be limited depending on the number of samples on display in a given area. Known security systems provide no means for advertising pricing information and/or availability information from the pedestal. Therefore, additional advertising space is required on the display to situate the pricing information and/or availability information.
Further, known security systems fail to provide redundant sensors to reduce the risk that a thief may defeat the security system. Known security systems fail to monitor an integrity of the power connection to the sample to ensure that the sample is in place and remains operational for interaction with consumers. Moreover, known security systems are difficult to adapt to samples that vary in shape and size, that have multiple and/or removable parts and/or that have proprietary power connections. Further, known security systems are designed to secure a single sample to the display. As a result, a variety of known security systems are required in a single retail store to secure the variety of samples on display. The known security systems fail to provide universal adaptability to a variety of samples and fail to secure more than one sample to the display in an all-in-one configuration.
A need, therefore, exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles. Further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing two or more articles in a self-contained, all-in-one configuration. Still further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that vary in shape, size and/or number of components to be secured. Still further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles in a plurality of display configurations, including, but not limited to, varying a number and/or a type of mechanical tethers and/or electrical tethers, controlling seating orientations of the articles and/or varying a number and/or a type of power connections and/or data connections for the articles.
Still further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that provides a pedestal to seat the articles away from a display. Still further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that provides redundant sensors to reduce the risk of theft or compromise of the articles. Still further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that provide means for displaying pricing information and/or availability information. Still further, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that monitors an integrity of the power connections to the articles to ensure that the sample is in place and remains operational for interaction with consumers. Moreover, a need exists for a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that is easy to install, operate, repair and/or replace and that is universally adaptable to redundantly secure a wide variety of portable electronic devices.
The present invention generally relates to a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method that may prevent and/or deter a theft and/or a removal of one or more articles from a display stand. The alarm apparatus may have a base, a main body and/or a head unit. The base may be attached to the main body. The base together with the main body may be secured to the display stand. The alarm apparatus may monitor an integrity of the attachment of the main body to the base with a separation sensor.
The head unit may be tethered to and/or in communication with the base and/or the main body with a primary tether cable that may communicate power and/or data to and/or from the head unit. Further, the head unit may be affixed to a first article, such as, for example, a portable electronic device and may secure the first article to the display. The head unit may have a plunger to detect a secure attachment of the head unit to the first article. The head unit may have a redundant auxiliary cable and/or a redundant auxiliary sensor that may be attached to the first article to detect a secure attachment of the first article to the head unit. The alarm apparatus may provide power to the first article by way of a charging cable between the first article and the head unit. The alarm apparatus may monitor an integrity of an electrical connection over the charging cable between the head unit and the first article. The first article together with the head unit may be seated for display on the main body of the alarm apparatus.
The system may have a peripheral tether and/or a peripheral sensor that may secure a second article, such as, for example, a portable electronic device to the base and/or the main body. The first article and/or the second article may be on display and/or may be used, manipulated, tested and/or transported by consumers in an environment, such as, for example, a retail store. The alarm apparatus may have an audible indicator and/or a visible indicator that may indicate an alarm mode.
The alarm apparatus may be programmed to arm and/or to monitor the integrity of any combination of the primary tether cable, the plunger, the auxiliary redundant cable, the auxiliary redundant sensor, the charging cable, the separation sensor, the peripheral tether cable and/or the peripheral sensor. The alarm apparatus may be powered by an external power source and/or by a battery within the main body. The battery may serve as a backup redundant power supply in the event the external power source fails and/or becomes disconnected.
To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an alarm apparatus for securing a plurality of articles to a display with a plurality of sensors wherein each of the plurality of sensors has a plug is provided. The alarm apparatus has a base having a front side and a back side wherein the back side is positioned opposite to the front side wherein the base has a first end and a second end wherein the second end is positioned opposite to the first end wherein the base has a bottom end in a position adjacent to the front side, the back side, the first end and the second end wherein the front side, the back side, the first end and the second end are integrally formed with the bottom end wherein the front side, the back side, the first end, the second end and the bottom end form a perimeter of the base. Further, the alarm apparatus has a fastening means on the bottom end of the base to attach the base to the display. Still further, the alarm apparatus has a main body having a front end and a back end wherein the back end is positioned opposite to the front end wherein the main body is sized to sit within the perimeter of the base to form an interior compartment wherein the interior compartment is defined by the front side of the base, the back side of the base, first end of the base, the second end of the base, the bottom end of the base and the main body wherein the main body fastens to the base. Still further, the alarm apparatus has a faceplate integrally formed on the front end of the main body wherein the faceplate forms a pedestal having a surface area sized to display one of the plurality of articles. Still further, the alarm apparatus has a key slot in the front end of the main body sized to provide access to the interior compartment. Still further, the alarm apparatus has a release lever extending from the base within the interior compartment wherein the release lever deflects to unlock the main body from the base. Moreover, the alarm apparatus has a plurality of jacks in the main body to receive the plugs wherein the plurality of jacks are accessed from the interior compartment wherein the base prevents removal of the plugs from the plurality of jacks.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a lens cover sized for attachment to the main body to cover the faceplate wherein the lens cover is transparent. Further, the alarm apparatus has an insert having indicia wherein the insert is sized for insertion between the lens cover and the faceplate.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a head unit sized to house one of the plurality of sensors wherein the head unit attaches to one of the plurality of articles wherein the head unit has a convex surface. Further, the alarm apparatus has a concave surface on the faceplate to receive the convex surface of the head unit.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a key sized for insertion into the key slot to release the main body from the base.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a power connection in the main body to provide power to the main body wherein the power connection is accessed from the interior compartment.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a battery within the main body wherein the battery powers the main body.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a plunger sensor extending from the main body wherein the plunger sensor detects an attachment of the main body to the base.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has an LED visible from the main body to provide a visual indication of an alarm state.
In an embodiment, the alarm apparatus has a speaker within the main body to provide an audible indication of an alarm state.
In another embodiment, a system for redundantly monitoring an attachment of an article to a display stand wherein the article has a power jack to provide power to the article is provided. The system has an alarm housing that attaches to the display stand. Further, the system has a printed circuit board within the alarm housing. Still further, the system has a head unit in communication with the printed circuit board and the alarm housing wherein the head unit is sized to attach to the article. Still further, the system has a tether cable that electrically connects the head unit to the printed circuit board wherein the tether cable connects the head unit to the alarm housing. Still further, the system has a plunger extending from the head unit to detect an attachment of the head unit to the article wherein the printed circuit board is programmed to monitor an attachment of the head unit to the article with the plunger. Still further, the system has an electrical jack recessed into the head unit wherein the printed circuit board is programmed to provide power to the electrical jack. Moreover, the system has a charging cable having a first end and a second end wherein the second end is positioned opposite to the first end wherein the first end of the charging cable is connected to the electrical jack of the head unit wherein the second end of the charging cable is connected to the power jack of the article wherein the printed circuit board is programmed to monitor the electrical connection between the article and the head unit.
In an embodiment, the system has an auxiliary sensor jack recessed into the head unit wherein the auxiliary sensor jack is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. Further, the system has an auxiliary sensor connected to the auxiliary sensor jack wherein the auxiliary sensor attaches to the article wherein the printed circuit board is programmed to monitor an attachment of the auxiliary sensor to the article.
In an embodiment, the system has a key having a computer chip wherein the key inserts into the alarm housing.
In embodiment, the system has a button extending from the alarm housing wherein the printed circuit board is electrically connected to the button and further wherein the printed circuit board is programmed to accept an input from the button.
In an embodiment, the system has a sensor extending from the alarm housing wherein the sensor is electrically connected to the printed circuit board wherein the printed circuit board is programmed to detect an attachment of the alarm housing to the display stand.
In an embodiment, the system has an adhesive strip on the head unit to attach the head unit to the article.
In an embodiment, the system has an external power source electrically connected to the printed circuit board.
In another embodiment, a method for operating an alarm for securing articles to a display stand with a plurality of sensors wherein the alarm is configured to receive a first key and a second key wherein each of the first key and the second key has a computer chip having a unique serial identity wherein the alarm is programmed to recognize the serial identity of the chip of the first key wherein the alarm is not programmed to recognize the serial identity of the chip of the second key and further wherein the alarm has a button to train the alarm wherein the button is accessed from a surface of the alarm wherein the button is used to program the alarm is provided. The method has the step of inserting the first key into the alarm. Still further, the method has the step of installing the plurality of sensors between the articles and the alarm. Still further, the method has the step of depressing the button wherein the alarm detects the plurality of sensors. Moreover, the method has the step of removing the first key from the alarm wherein the alarm is activated to monitor the plurality of sensors.
In an embodiment, the method has the step of inserting the first key into the alarm to de-activate the alarm.
In an embodiment, the method has the step of inserting the second key into the alarm to program the alarm to recognize the second key.
In an embodiment, the method has the step of depressing the button. Further, the method has the step of inserting the second key into the alarm to program the alarm to recognize the second key.
It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles in a self-contained, all-in-one configuration.
And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that vary in shape, size and/or number of components to be secured.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles in a plurality of display configurations.
A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may allow a user to vary a number and/or a type of mechanical tethers and/or electrical tethers.
Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method f-or securing articles that may allow a user to control seating orientations of the articles.
And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may allow a user to vary a number and/or a type of power connections and/or data connections for the articles.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may have a pedestal to seat the articles.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may have a plurality of redundant sensors to reduce the risk of theft or compromise of the articles.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may have means for displaying pricing information and/or availability information.
A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may monitor an integrity of the power connections to the articles to ensure that the articles are in place and/or remain operational for interaction with consumers.
Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may be easy to install, operate, repair and/or replace.
And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may be universally adaptable to redundantly secure a wide variety of portable electronic devices.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may monitor an integrity of an attachment of a main body to a base with a separation sensor.
Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may have a peripheral tether and/or a peripheral sensor that may secure a second article, such as, for example, a portable electronic device to the base and/or the main body.
And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may have a redundant auxiliary cable and/or a redundant auxiliary sensor that may be attached to a first article to detect a secure attachment of the first article to a head unit.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may monitor an integrity of an electrical connection over a charging cable between a head unit and a first article.
And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may power cycle a battery of the articles to prolong an operating life of the battery.
Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles that may be programmed to arm any combination of the sensors that are desired to secure the articles.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.
The present invention generally relates to a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method for securing articles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sensor alarm apparatus, a system and/or a method that may prevent and/or deter a theft and/or a removal of one or more articles from a display stand.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In an embodiment, the redundant auxiliary cable 48 may be removable and may not be used with the system 4 to secure the second portion 10 of the article 6. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the redundant auxiliary cable 48, the redundant auxiliary sensor 54 and/or the network plug. The redundant auxiliary cable 48, the redundant auxiliary sensor 54 and/or the network plug may be any cable, sensor and/or plug that may be capable of mechanically and/or electronically securing the second portion 10 of the article 6 to the head unit 32 as known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in
In an embodiment, the system 4, the PCB 202 and/or a PCB 200 (described herein below) may be programmed to power cycle the battery of the article 6 to prolong an operating life of the battery of the article. The system 4, the PCB 202 and/or the PCB 200 may be programmed to charge the battery of the article 6 over the charging cable 16 for a first length of time, such as, for example, for two hours. The first length of time during which the battery of the article 6 may be charged may be referred to as the charging phase below. After the battery of the article 6 has been charged for the first length of time, the system 4, the PCB 202 and/or the PCB 200 may be programmed to cease charging the battery of the article 6 for a second length of time, such as, for example, for one hour. The second length of time during which the battery of the article 6 may not be charged may be referred to as the non-charging phase. The system 4, the PCB 202 and/or the PCB 200 may be programmed to cycle the charging phase and/or the non-charging phase to prolong the operating life of the battery of the article 6 and/or to maintain the charge of battery of the article 6. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to a specific duration for the first length of time, the second length of time and/or cycling instructions programmed into the system 4, the PCB 202 and/or the PCB 200. The first length of time, the second length of time and/or the cycling instructions may be varied as needed and depending upon a type of the battery of the article 6 and/or a desire of a user of the system 4, the PCB 202 and/or the PCB 200. The first length of time of the charging phase, the second length of time of the non-charging phase and/or the cycling instructions may be any length of time and/or programming instructions as known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
The alarm apparatus 2 and/or the system 4 may detect an electrical connection between the head unit 32 and the article 6 via the charging cable 16. In an embodiment, the apparatus 2 and/or the system 4 may detect an electrical load over the charging cable 16 to determine if the charging cable 16 is connected between the head unit 32 and the article 6. In an embodiment, the apparatus 2 and/or the system 4 may detect the effect of a capacitor within the article 6 on a current of electricity flowing over the charging cable 16 to determine if the charging cable 16 is connected between the head unit 32 and the article 6. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to a specific embodiment of the recessed charging jack 98, the charging cable 16, the power connector 29, the power connector 31 and/or the method of detecting the electrical connection between the head unit 32 and the article 6. The recessed charging jack 98, the charging cable 16, the power connector 29, the power connector 31 and/or the method of detecting the electrical connection between the head unit 32 and the article 6 may be any jack, cable, power connector and/or method, respectively, as known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Referring now to
The base 42 may have a cutout 100 on the back side 46 of the base 42. The cutout 100 may be sized to allow the power cable 56, the primary tether cable 14 and/or the peripheral tether cable 18 to pass through the base 42 for attachment to the main body 36 between the main body 36 and the base 42. The cutout 100 may be sized to prevent removal of the power cable 56, the primary tether cable 14 and/or the peripheral tether cable 18 from the main body 36 while the main body 36 is seated within the base 42. In an embodiment, the cutout 100 may be sized to prevent removal of the network plugs of the primary tether cable 14 and/or the peripheral tether cable 18, respectively, from the main body 36 while the main body 36 is seated within the base 42. The cutout 100 may be sized to prevent removal of the power cable 56 from the main body 36. A size and/or a shape of the cutout 100 may prevent tampering with the network plugs and the power cable 56 while the main body 36 is attached to the base 42. However, when the main body 36 is separated from the base 42, the network plugs of the primary tether cable 14 and/or the peripheral tether cable 18 and/or a plug of the power cable 56 may be removed from and/or inserted into the main body 36.
The alarm apparatus 2 may be connected to an exterior power source 206 with the power cable 56. Referring now to
As shown in
As illustrated in
For example, the user may require the plunger 64 and head unit 32 with the primary tether cable 14 to secure the article 6. In another embodiment, the user may require the plunger 64, the head unit 32 with the primary tether cable 14, the redundant auxiliary sensor 54 and/or the redundant auxiliary cable 48. In another embodiment, the user may require the plunger 64, the head unit 32 with the primary tether cable 14 and/or the charging cable 16. In another embodiment, the user may require the peripheral sensor 20 and the peripheral tether cable 18. The present invention should not be deemed as limited to a specific combination of the components. The combination of components may be any combination as known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
As such, the alarm apparatus may be programmed to arm and/or to monitor the integrity of any combination of the components that may be selected by the user for securing the article 6 and/or the article 12. Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The PCB 200 may be programmed to provide a pre-set time period, such as, for example, five seconds wherein the user may proceed to insert another key 58 having another serial identity into the key slot 76 as shown at step 504. The PCB 200 may be programmed to activate a visual indicator, such as, for example, a blinking light from the LED 74 during the pre-set time period to indicate to the user that an additional key 58 may be inserted for programming. If no additional key 58 is inserted within the pre-set time period, the PCB 200 may be programmed to close the programming sequence and/or may store the known keys at step 508. It should be understood that the preset number of times may be any number as programmed into the PCB 200 to enter the programming mode. Further, it should be understood that the pre-set time period may be any length of time as programmed into the PCB 200 to insert additional keys 58.
Referring now to
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
