WO2015183650A1

WO2015183650A1 - High security stand security cable

Info

Publication number: WO2015183650A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/031696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2014-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-20
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to be secured to a support surface and to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The security system also includes an anchor configured to secure the sensor relative to the support surface. The security system further includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the security cable when the sensor is supported on the base.

Description

HIGH SECURITY STAND SECURITY CABLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit to priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/004,374 filed on May 29, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security systems for protecting items of merchandise, such as consumer electronics products.

[0003] 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.

[0004] The security system displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser can readily view and, in some instances, operate the item when making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item of merchandise is usually physically secured on the security system so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The merchandise display security system may also include an alarm that is activated to alert store personnel in the event that a shoplifter attempts to separate the item of merchandise from the security system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems and methods for securing an item of merchandise against theft or authorized removal. In one embodiment, a security system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to be secured to a support surface and to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The security system also includes an anchor configured to secure the sensor relative to the support surface and a security cable secured to the anchor. The security system further includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the security cable when the sensor is supported on the base.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method includes coupling a sensor to the item of merchandise and securing a base to a support surface. The base is configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The method also includes positioning an anchor relative to the support surface, wherein a security cable is secured to the anchor. The method further includes locking a lock mechanism to lock the sensor to the security cable when the sensor is supported on the base.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a security system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to be secured to a support surface and to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The security system also includes an anchor configured to be secured to the support surface and a security cable secured to the anchor. In addition, the security system includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the base to the sensor when the sensor is supported on the base, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to operably engage the security cable and the sensor.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method is provided and includes coupling a sensor to the item of merchandise and securing a base to a support surface, wherein the base is configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The method further includes securing an anchor to the support surface and locking a lock mechanism to lock the base to the sensor such that the lock mechanism operably engages the security cable and the sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a security system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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, 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. According to various embodiments, FIG. 1 shows a security system for use with a handheld electronic device (e.g., a phone or tablet). 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the security system 10 generally comprises a sensor 12 configured to be secured to an item of merchandise 14. The sensor may be electrically connected to an adapter cable 16 with a connector 17 that is configured to electrically connect to an input jack of the item of merchandise. The security system 10 may also include a base 18 that is configured to removably support the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 thereon. In some embodiments, the base 18 and the sensor 12 include one or more contacts 28, 40 for facilitating contact charging when the sensor is supported on the base. In addition, the security system 10 also includes a cable 20 that is secured to the sensor 12 at one end and operably engaged with a recoiler 22 at an opposite end. As explained in further detail below, a sense circuit or loop may be defined through the cable 20. As such, the sense loop may be used to detect various security events associated with the cable 20, such as the cable being cut, shorted, and/or disconnected. A charging circuit may be provided in the sensor 12 and/or base 18 for the charging of the item of merchandise 14 and/or power source carried by the sensor. The sensor 12 and/or base 18 may detect security events associated with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise 14, such as the item of merchandise being removed from the sensor.

[0013] The sensor 12 may be secured to the item of merchandise 14 using any desired technique, such as an adhesive and/or mechanical brackets. In addition, the adapter cable 16 may be hardwired to the sensor 12 at one end, and the connector 17 at the opposite end may be configured to be removably inserted into the input jack of the item of merchandise 14. Thus, the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 may be electrically connected via the adapter cable 16 and connector 17. The sensor 12 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 24, circuitry, or the like. Moreover, the sensor 12 may include a battery or capacitor 26. As noted above, the sensor 12 may include one or more electrical contacts 28. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 28. The electrical contacts 28 may be in electrical communication with the PCB 24 and the adapter cable 16. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 28 may be electrically connected to only the adapter cable 16. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 may not include electrical contacts 28, and the item of merchandise 14 may be provided power via the cable 20 and the adapter cable 16, such that the power may be transferred from a remote power source 42, through the cables, and to the item of merchandise.

[0014] The sensor 12 may be configured to detect various security events. For example, a security event may occur when the sensor 12 is removed from the item of merchandise 14 in an unauthorized manner, or the adapter cable 16 is removed from the item of merchandise in an unauthorized manner. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 includes a switch 33 (e.g., a plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the sensor is removed from the item of merchandise 14 in an unauthorized manner.

[0015] The base 18 may be configured to be supported on a fixed support 19 or display surface, such as a counter, shelf, fixture, or the like. Thus, the base 18 may be located entirely above the support surface 19. The base 18 may be secured to the support surface 19 using any desired technique such as an adhesive and/or fasteners. The base 18 may include a recoiler 22 as discussed above. As such, the cable 20 may be extended from the base 18 when the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 are lifted from the base, and the cable may be retracted into 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 within the base 18. Furthermore, the base 18 may include a PCB 32, circuitry, or the like that is in electrical communication with the cable 20 and/or the sensor 12. In this regard, 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 optical conductor for conducting an optical signal (e.g., a fiber optic cable).

[0016] The base 18 may further include an alarm mechanism, such as a piezoelectric transducer 34, for generating an audible alarm in response to a security event. The base 18 may also include a battery 31 or power source that is in electrical communication with the PCB 32. The base 18 may include a port 36 that is configured to facilitate communication with a key 39. For example, the port 36 may facilitate wireless communication with a key 39 for arming or disarming the security system 10. In one embodiment, the key 39 is an infrared key configured to arm/disarm the security system lOwith a unique identifying code. In some embodiments, the key 39 is similar to the IR and IR2 keys manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc. The base 18 may include a switch 38 (e.g., a plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the base is removed from the support surface 19 in an unauthorized manner. As such, the security system 10 may be a "standalone" system that is configured to detect various security events and configured to be supported on a support surface 19. However, it is understood that in other embodiments, the base 18 may be employed to removably support the item of merchandise 14 and any sensing and alarming electronics or circuitry may be located remotely from the base, such as below the support surface 19.

[0017] As discussed above, the base 18 may include one or more electrical contacts 40. The contacts 28, 40 of the base 18 and the sensor 12 are configured to align with one another and contact one another when the sensor is supported on the base. Thus, base 18 and the sensor 12 are in electrical communication with one another when the sensor is supported on the base. The base 18 may be electrically connected to a power source 42 which is configured to provide power to the base and the one or more electrical contacts 40 in the base. The power source 42 may include a connector at a free end (e.g., a USB or like plug). The base 18 may also include charging circuitry 45 that is configured to facilitate power transfer from the external source of power and the electrical contacts 40. Thus, when the sensor 12 is supported on the base 18, power is able to be transferred between the contacts 28, 40 and to the sensor. The adapter cable 16 is electrically connected to the sensor contacts 28 as power is delivered such that power is provided to the item of merchandise 14. 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. In some embodiments, any voltage adaption occurs in the base 18. Voltage adaption may be needed in order to accommodate different items of merchandise 14 that require different operating voltages. Any voltage adaption may occur prior to power being provided to the contacts 28 on the sensor 12. Thus, the sensor 12 and adapter cable 16 do not provide any voltage adaption. In one embodiment, the adapter cable connector 17 may include an LED or visual indicator that is activated when the item of merchandise 14 is being charged. The LED may be deactivated when the sensor 12 is lifted from the base 18.

[0018] In some cases as noted above, the sensor 12 may not include electrical contacts 28. Likewise, the base 18 may not include electrical contacts 40 in some embodiments, such as where electrical power is transferred via cable 20 and adapter cable 16.

[0019] An end of cable 20 may be mechanically and/or electrically secured to the sensor 12. Thus, the cable 20 may be electrically connected to the sensor 12, and the conductors in the cable may be configured to transfer power to the sensor and the item of merchandise 14. In one example, the cable 20 may be attached to the sensor 12 with a swivel 44 or like connector to allow for rotational movement between the sensor and the cable. The swivel 44 could be permanently attached to the sensor 12 or could be removably attached if desired. Although the aforementioned embodiments describe that power may be transferred via contact charging, it is understood that other techniques could be used to transfer power to sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14. For example, inductive charging functionality could be employed for transferring power, or via one or more cables as discussed above. Moreover, the cable 20 may be only mechanically connected to the sensor 12 in some embodiments such that the sensor and the cable are electrically isolated from one another.

[0020] 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 with 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 base 18 at an opposite end.

[0021] In alternative embodiments, the cable 20 may be omitted, such as where a "wireless" system is employed. Thus, the sensor 12 and the base 18 may not be connected via a cable 20 and wireless security could be employed whereby the sensor and the base communicate wirelessly. Example of such wireless systems are disclosed in U.S. Application No. 13/474,862, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise from Theft, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/935,487, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise from Theft, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0022] 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 20), the PCB 32 in the base 18 may detect the interruption and generate an alarm signal. Likewise, the PCB 32 in the base 18 may also be configured to detect when the item of merchandise 14 is removed from the sensor 12 and/or the adapter cable 16 being removed or cut. The sensor 12 may communicate with the base 18 when such security events occur, or the base could be configured to detect the security events.

[0023] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a lock mechanism 50 may be disposed within the base 18 for locking the base to the sensor 12 to prevent the sensor and item of merchandise from being lifted from the base. Such a lock mechanism 50 may be employed after hours in a retail environment to prevent unauthorized removal and further security of the device, as the cable 20 will be inaccessible. In one example, the lock mechanism 50 includes a fastener 52 for securing the base 18 to the sensor 12. The fastener 52 may be a proprietary fastener such that only a corresponding proprietary tool may be used to engage the fastener. The base 18 may define an opening for receiving the fastener 52 and for accessing the fastener with a tool. In addition, a portion of the sensor 12 may be configured to be received within the base 18. When the sensor 12 is seated on the base 18, the fastener 52 may be configured to engage the sensor, such as via a threaded connection. It is also understood that the lock mechanism 50 could incorporate electro-mechanical means for locking the sensor 12 to the base 18. In one example, the lock mechanism 50 could be actuated in response to communication with a key 39.

[0024] Notably, the lock mechanism 50 may include a security cable 54 extending between the fastener 52 and an anchor 56. The base 18 may define an opening for receiving the security cable 54 therethrough. The security cable 54 may be a mechanical cable that is configured to anchor the sensor 12 to the base 18 and/or the support surface 19. In one embodiment, the anchor 56 is fixed to the support surface 19 and may be positioned below the support surface. The base 18 may be configured to be secured to one surface of the support surface 19, while the anchor 56 may be secured to an opposite surface of the support surface. One end of the security cable 54 may be fixed to the anchor 56, while an opposite end of the security cable may be configured to be secured to the fastener 52 and the sensor 12. The anchor 56 may be fixed to the support surface 19 using any desired means, such as with adhesives and/or fasteners. The anchor 56 may be sized such that the anchor is unable to be positioned through an opening 58 defined in the support surface 19. In the instance where the anchor 56 is positioned through an opening 58 in the support surface 19, the anchor may or may not be fixed to the support surface. But in either case, the anchor 56 may be configured to secure the sensor 12 relative to the support surface 19 via engagement of the lock mechanism 50. The anchor 52 may be any suitable device configured to be secured to the support surface 19 and may be various sizes and configurations depending on the level of security desired (e.g., a minimum pull force of the security cable 54). Thus, the sensor 12 may be anchored to the support surface 19 via the combination of the fastener 52, security cable 54, and anchor 56.

[0025] An end of the security cable 54 opposite the end attached to the anchor 56 may be configured to be locked or otherwise secured to the sensor 12 and/or the fastener 52. In one example, the end of the security cable 54 may include an engagement member 62 at an end thereof. The engagement member 62 may be configured to receive the fastener 52 therethrough such that the fastener may extend through the engagement member and engage the sensor 12 as described above. In some cases, the engagement member 62 may be secured to the fastener 52, such as in a permanent manner. In other cases, the engagement member 62 may be removably secured to the fastener 52, such as with a washer or the like. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 is locked or otherwise held on the base 18 via engagement between the security cable 54 and the sensor.

[0026] It is understood that the security cable 54 may be any suitable tether, cord, cable, or the like. In addition, the security cable 54 may be purely mechanical and not include any electrical conductors. The security cable 54 is separate and independent of the cable 20. Furthermore, the security cable 54 may be a single strand, multi-strand, or braided. The security cable 54 may be flexible, and in some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. The security cable 54 may have various cross sections, such as round or flat.

[0027] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages. For example, the lock mechanism 50 may facilitate more secure locking of the sensor 12 to the base 18. In this regard, anchoring the sensor 12 to the base 18 typically relies on the attachment between the base and the support surface 19. Unlike conventional methods, embodiments of the present invention secure the sensor 12 via a security cable 54 and an anchor 56 that are independent of the attachment between the base 18 and the support surface 19. As such, a much more secure locking force may be accomplished. For instance, a high gauge security cable 54 may be used (e.g., a higher gauge than cables connecting the base 18 and the sensor 12) and robust fasteners may be used to secure the anchor 56 to the support surface 19. Because the anchor 56 may be located below the support surface 19, the anchor may also provide more secure attachment since the anchor may be sized so as to be incapable of being pulled through the support surface without damaging the support surface.

[0028] 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.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising:

a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise;

a base configured to be secured to a support surface and to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon;

an anchor configured to secure the sensor relative to the support surface;

a security cable secured to the anchor; and

a lock mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the security cable when the sensor is supported on the base.

2. The security system of Claim 1 , wherein the base is configured to be secured to a first surface of the support surface, and wherein the anchor is configured to be secured to a second opposite surface of the support surface.

3. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a fastener.

4. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the security cable is secured to the anchor at a first end, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to engage a second end of the security cable.

5. The security system of Claim 4, further comprising an engagement member at the second end of the security cable, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to engage the engagement member.

6. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the security cable comprises a mechanical cable.

7. The security system of Claim 1, further comprising a second cable electrically connecting the sensor to the base, wherein the second cable is configured to define a sense loop therethrough.

8. The security system of Claim 7, further comprising an alarm operably engaged with the base and configured to generate an alarm signal when the item of merchandise is removed from the sensor or the sense loop is interrupted.

9. The security system of Claim 7, wherein the security cable is independent of the second cable.

10. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the security cable is configured to extend through an opening defined in the support surface, and wherein the anchor is unable to be positioned through the opening.

11. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the anchor is configured to be fixed to the support surface.

12. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is disposed within the base.

13. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be unlocked for removing the sensor from the base

14. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising:

coupling a sensor to the item of merchandise;

securing a base to a support surface, the base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon; positioning an anchor relative to the support surface, a security cable secured to the anchor; and

locking a lock mechanism to lock the sensor to the security cable when the sensor is supported on the base.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein securing the base comprises securing the base to a first surface of the support surface, and wherein positioning the anchor comprises securing the anchor to a second opposite surface of the support surface.

16. The method of Claim 14, wherein locking the lock mechanism comprises fastening a fastener to the sensor.

17. The method of Claim 14, wherein the security cable is secured to the anchor at a first end, and wherein locking the lock mechanism comprises engaging a second end of the security cable.

18. The method of Claim 14, further comprising extending the security cable through an opening defined in the support surface, wherein the anchor is unable to be positioned through the opening.

19. The method of Claim 14, wherein positioning the anchor comprises fixing the anchor to the support surface.