WO2012069816A1

WO2012069816A1 - Electronic device display unit

Info

Publication number: WO2012069816A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/052285
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Seabrook; Ian Chamberlain
Original assignee: Sector Design & Marketing Limited
Priority date: 2010-11-22
Filing date: 2011-11-22
Publication date: 2012-05-31
Also published as: GB201019736D0

Abstract

A mobile electronic device display and security unit (500) is disclosed, together with a method of securely displaying a live electronic device using such a unit. The display and security unit includes a security module (530) comprising a retraction unit (540) and a display module (502) capable of holding a mobile electronic device (501). The retraction unit is operably connected to the display module and the display module is electrically connected to the security module at least in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module before and after the use of a mobile device received in the display module and is capable of being electrically connected to the mobile electronic device. In use, the display module which holds a mobile electronic device is withdrawn away from the security module against the action of the retraction unit. Following the use of the mobile device the retraction unit retracts the display module towards the security module.

Description

Electronic Device Display Unit

The present invention relates to an electronic device display and security unit. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a display and security unit for live mobile electronic devices, such as live mobile phones, i-pods, i-pads and hand-held computers.

Pressure to combat theft has led many mobile electronic device retail outlets to secure such live mobile and even non-mobile devices to a display unit. Take, for example, different types of such live mobile devices displayed for retail. Such mobile devices may be sub-divided into different types, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, portable media players, such as the iPod designed and marketed by Apple, tablet computers, such as the iPad, also designed and developed by Apple, and/or hand-held computers in general. All of them, however, share one characteristic: they have a small volume and weight, and it is relatively easy to steal them without detection. To combat such theft generally requires display units which can prevent unauthorised separation of such mobile devices from such display units and/or sound an alarm when theft or unauthorised separation of such devices from such display units occurs. As a result, in order to secure such devices effectively, it is known to attach, preferably to tether, the devices to a display unit.

There is a need for live mobile electronic devices that are attached to a display unit to be left on charge, so that they can be trialled by a customer. In the type of set up used hitherto, a conventional electrical feeder cable between the live mobile electronic device and the unit is used both to charge the device and to tether it to prevent unauthorised permanent separation of display unit.

Such a cable tether is easily severed or otherwise detached from the display unit, although it fulfils the need for live mobile electronic devices that are attached to a display unit to be left on charge, so that they can be trialled by a customer. Such a set up hence does not effectively prevent unauthorised permanent separation of a mobile electronic device from the unit, and requires an alarm that sounds when theft or unauthorised separation of such devices from such display units occurs. This represents a large cost. Cable tethers may desirably have means in the display unit to retract them into the unit for storage of the tether in the display unit when the mobile electronic device is replaced after trial use. It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above- mentioned problems.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a display and security unit for mobile electronic devices which overcomes these disadvantages.

Certain embodiments of the present invention overcome these disadvantages by avoiding the need for a separate discrete electrical feeder cable between the display unit and the mobile electronic device and/or providing a robust tether, thus avoiding the need for an alarm that sounds when theft or unauthorised separation of such devices from such display units occurs.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mobile electronic device display and security unit comprising

a security module comprising a retraction means, and

a display module capable of holding a mobile electronic device,

wherein the retraction means is operably connected to the display module and the display module is electrically connected to the security module and is capable of being electrically connected to the mobile electronic device,

whereby, in use of a mobile device received in the display module, the display module, holding a mobile electronic device, is withdrawn away from the security module against the action of the retraction means, and following the use of the mobile device, the retraction means retracts the display module towards the security module.

Aptly, the retraction means is operably connected to the display module by a robust tether or other link that is resistant to being severed or otherwise detached from the unit. Aptly, the display module is electrically connected to the security module by means other than a discrete electrical feeder cable. For example the display module may be electrically connected to the security module, at least in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by electrical contacts in or on the security module and co-operating contacts in or on the display module. Such electrical contacts are conveniently in positions on or in co-operating surfaces of a docking means of the display module and security module respectively that are register in the rest position of the display module.

Aptly, the display module may be electrically connected to the security module, even when not in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by a twin-core electrical feeder cable between the display unit and the security module, which is mounted in or on, or is integral with a tether or other link which operably connects the retraction means to the display means. A mobile electronic device display and security unit without a separate discrete electrical feeder cable to charge the device that is separate from a tether or other link between a security module and a display module holding a mobile electronic device has not been known hitherto. Because of the display holding a mobile electronic device and the retraction means being operably connected to the display module, for example being connected by a tether or other link between the display and security unit, the need for an alarm is avoided. This represents a large cost saving.

Aptly, the display module may hold a mobile electronic device, for example by attachment means for attaching a mobile electronic device type to the display module, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive or co-operating plastics hook-and- loop members (Velcro) which co-operate with one or more complementary strips on the mobile electronic device to be attached to the display module, for example on a device bearing member.

Aptly, however, the mobile device may be received, aptly slidably received, by, and sit in receiving means, such as a cradle, mounted in or on, or integral with a display module mounting pod, which forms part of the display module. Aptly, the retraction means of the unit may be operably connected to the display module by a tether or other link attached or fastened to the display module at one end remote from the security module, and attached or fastened to the retraction means at the other end in or on the security module.

It is desirable to keep a mobile electronic device that is received in the display module charged while the mobile electronic device is not in use, and therefore to have electrical connection of the mobile electronic device that is received in the display module to a power source, usually in the security module.

The display module may be electrically connected to the security module, at least in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by electrical contacts in or on the security module and co-operating contacts in or on the display module.

Alternatively, the display module may be electrically connected to the security module, even when not in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by a twin-core electrical feeder cable between the display unit and the security module, which electrical feeder cable is mounted in or on, or is integral with the tether or other link operably connecting the retraction means to the display means.

The display module may optionally be capable of being electrically connected to the mobile electronic device by way of a twin-core electrical input cable between a power outlet socket in a position in or on the display module and the power input socket of the mobile electronic device.

The tether or other link may suitably comprise a multistrand cable of a tough metal, such as stainless steel, typically of 1 .5 to 3, for example 2 to 2.5 mm constant cross-dimension, which is highly resistant to cutting, shearing or other severing methods. Optionally, the tether is sheathed in a plastics material, such as PVC.

The unauthorised permanent separation of display and security unit and device is greatly hindered by the components of the unit, in particular the tether or other link operably connecting the retraction means to the display means.

The security module is mounted on or in a security module display unit structure, e.g. of a plastics material, wood composite and/or metal, with a wall which provides a convenient mounting and display surface for the display and security unit. The security module suitably has a security module docking means, often mounted on the wall of and/or in the security module display unit. This docking means is so constructed and arranged that it may engage display module docking means mounted on or in, or integral with part of the display module, e.g. a display module mounting pod, which forms part of the display module, when the display module is in a rest position in contact with the security module before and after the use of a mobile device received in the display module. This facilitates contact and optionally electrical connection of the display module with the security module.

Aptly, in its rest position before or after the trial of a mobile device received in the display module, the display module is urged onto or into the security module by the action of the retraction means.

The display module docking means and security module docking means may have any construction or arrangement that permits the display module docking means and security module docking to engage with each other.

In one embodiment, the security module has female or male docking means mounted on the wall of or in the security module display unit.

In the same embodiment, the display module has corresponding male or female display module docking means mounted on or in, or integral with the display module, preferably mounted on or in, or integral with a display module mounting pod, which forms part of it.

Male docking means mounted on or in, or integral with either the display module or the security module will usually comprise an elongate member, e.g. in the form of a plug, shaft or shank. Female docking means mounted on or in, or integral with either the display module or the security module will usually comprise an elongate member, e.g. in the form of a socket, cavity or sheath. Female docking means mounted on or in, or integral with either module will usually conform internally at least in part with the outside of the male docking means mounted on or in, or integral with the other module. The outside of the male docking means will usually be slightly smaller than the inside of the female docking means, so that the former, and in particular its elongate member is slidable in and out of the latter, so that the male member may be snugly received in the female hollow member.

The display module docking means which aptly comprises an elongate male member, may be in the form of a plug, shaft or shank. The male member is slidable in and out of a security module docking means which comprises an elongate female member, aptly in the form of a co-operating socket, cavity or sheath, comprised in the security module docking means.

Aptly, the display module is held in its rest position before the trial use of a mobile electronic device received in the receiving means of the display module in one orientation that is compatible with user convenience. For example, mobile phones, portable media players, tablet computers, and/or hand-held computers in general, all share one characteristic: they have a display screen, and are used in a common conventional orientation that is compatible with viewing the screen of the mobile electronic device.

A device in the receiving means of the display module will usually be held in that orientation above the top face of the security module, aptly by means of the security module docking means, in particular where the latter is or comprises an elongate hollow female member, aptly in the form of a socket, cavity or sheath, co-operating with and snugly receiving an elongate male member, aptly in the form of a plug, shaft or shank in the display module docking means; or vice versa.

This orientation may be achieved by the security module docking means, such as an elongate female hollow member, and the display module docking means, such as an elongate male member, having a cross-dimension greater in a first direction, generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, than in a second direction, generally at right angles to the first. For example, both elongate members may have a cross-section about their longitudinal axes that is elliptical, oval, oblong, or diamond-shaped, preferably elliptical or oval. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate male member may have a cross- dimension greater in a first direction than in a second dimension by having a longitudinal lateral projection, such as a ridge or spline. Where the male member has a cross-section about its longitudinal axis that is elliptical, oval, oblong, or diamond-shaped, the projection, such as a ridge or spline, may project laterally along the direction of the greatest cross-dimension, e.g. in the direction of the major axis of an elliptical cross-section. The inside of the elongate female hollow member will then have a complementary longitudinal lateral depression, such as an indent or channel, which will also project laterally along the direction of the greatest cross-dimension, e.g. in the direction of the major axis of an elliptical cross-section. Aptly, an elongate hollow female member, aptly in the form of a socket, cavity or sheath, co-operates with and snugly receives an elongate male member, aptly in the form of a plug, shaft or shank. To aid this, each member may taper down towards the tip of the elongate male member, and towards the bottom of the elongate hollow female member, respectively.

The outside of the male member, mounted on or in, or integral with either module, and the inside of the female member, mounted on or in, or integral with the other module may each be defined by at least one continuous side wall, which is integral with at least one end wall.

Alternatively, either or both of the members may be an open framework, e.g. an enclosure with a cage-like structure formed by intersecting wall members.

Aptly, both of the members have a structure defined by at least one continuous side wall, which is integral with at least one end wall.

The security module docking means and display module docking means aptly comprise holding means, capable of holding the display module in its rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module. The holding means may have any construction or arrangement that assists the display module docking means and security module docking means once engaged to hold each other in contact or adjacency. The holding means may optionally comprise a magnetic catch. That is, at least one pair of permanent magnets, one magnet being mounted on or in the security module docking means in such position and orientation that it presents an end of a first magnetic polarity to the display module docking means, and the other magnet being mounted on or in the display module docking means in such position and orientation that it presents an end of a second, opposite magnetic polarity to the security module docking means, such that the pair of magnets is capable of holding the security module docking means and display module docking means together.

In one embodiment, the security module has female docking means mounted on or in, or integral with the security module, aptly a hollow member, e.g. in the form of a socket, cavity or sheath, and the display module has corresponding male display module docking means mounted on or in, or integral with the display module, aptly a member, e.g. in the form of a plug, shaft or shank.

In this embodiment, one magnet of a pair with an end of a first magnetic polarity is mounted on or in the security module docking means hollow member, e.g. in the form of a socket, cavity or sheath.

The display module has a display module docking means member, e.g. in the form of a plug, shaft or shank, on or in which the other magnet with an end with a second, opposite magnetic polarity is mounted, such that when the display module is in its rest position, the two magnets of the pair lie opposite and attract each other.

The security module comprises retraction means, which is operably connected to the display means. It is aptly operably connected by means of a tether or other link attached or fastened to the display module at one end remote from the security module, and attached or fastened to the retraction means at the other end in or on the security module.

The retraction means may suitably comprise a winding sub-module, aptly mounted on the wall of and/or in the security module display unit, and projecting from the face of the wall opposite that facing the display module and aptly adjacent to the security module docking means, where the latter is mounted on the same wall and/or in the display unit. The winding sub-module may suitably be in the form of a squat generally cuboidal box-shaped structure defined by at least one continuous wall. Alternatively, the winding sub-module may suitably be in the form of a squat generally cuboidal box-shaped open framework, e.g. an enclosure with a cage-like structure formed by intersecting wall members.

Either form of the winding sub-module may optionally have a planar and rectangular upper face and an opposed, parallel and coterminous, planar and rectangular lower face. The winding sub-module may aptly be mounted on the wall of and/or in the security module display unit, and projecting from the face of the wall opposite that facing the display module with a face abutting the face of the wall on which it is mounted, and is aptly adjacent to the security module docking means, where the latter is mounted on the same wall and/or within the display unit. The winding sub-module may suitably be a sealed unit, as it operates over a long life and is relatively easy to replace.

The winding sub-module may optionally comprise a winding means. The winding means may suitably comprise a cylindrical, preferably a right cylindrical, winding reel or spool, to which the end of the tether or other link remote from the display module, is attached or fastened.

The winding means may optionally be in the form of a planar, axially thin pulley wheel. It may be rotatably mounted within the winding sub-module on an axle, itself held by two recesses on or in opposing walls of the winding sub-module.

Where the winding means comprises a cylindrical, aptly a right cylindrical, winding reel or spool in the form of a planar, axially thin pulley wheel, the reel or spool may be rotatably mounted within the winding sub-module between and parallel to the coterminous, planar and rectangular upper and lower faces of a squat generally cuboidal box-shaped winding sub-module.

The tether or other link will run to the display module, to which it is attached or fastened at its end remote from the security module, through an aperture, such as a gap, hole, opening or slot, which conforms generally to the tether or other link, in a wall or wall member of the winding sub-module, which conforms generally to the tether or other link to the display module. The winding sub-module may be mounted on a wall of and/or in a security module display unit, projecting from the face of the wall opposite that facing the display module and with a face abutting the face of the wall on which it is mounted, and is aptly adjacent to the security module docking means, where the latter is mounted on the same wall and/or within the display unit. The tether or other link will aptly run to the display module through a round aperture, through the upper face abutting the underside of the top face of the security module, and through a round aperture, through the top face of the security module, which is registered with the aperture through the upper face of the winding sub-module.

As noted hereinbefore, the security module aptly has a security module docking means, mounted on or in, or integral with one of its faces, often its top face, that is so constructed and arranged that it may engage display module docking means mounted on or in, or integral with part of the display module, when the display module is in a rest position in contact with the security module before and after the use of a mobile device received in the display module.

In one embodiment, the security module has male or (preferably) female docking means mounted on or in, or integral with the security module, and the display module has corresponding female or (preferably) male display module docking means mounted on or in, or integral with the display module.

Male docking means mounted on or in, or integral with either the display module or the security module will usually comprise an elongate member, e.g. in the form of a squat plug, shaft or shank.

Aptly, female docking means mounted on or in, or integral with either the display module or the security module will usually comprise a co-operating elongate member, e.g. in the form of a squat socket, cavity or sheath.

The male docking means, and in particular its elongate member, is slidable in and out of the female docking means, and in particular its elongate hollow member. In such cases, the tether or other link to the display module may optionally run through an aperture, such as a gap, hole, opening or slot, preferably a round aperture which conforms generally to the tether or other link, in a wall or wall member of the security module docking means.

Such an aperture in a wall or wall member of an elongate member, e.g. in the form of an elliptical or oval cross-sectioned member, of such female or male docking means may suitably run through a round or elliptical, oval or circular, end wall of the elongate member, which extends in a direction generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, e.g. the central axis of an elliptical or oval tapering cylindrical member of such female or male docking means.

The tether or other link is attached or fastened to the display module at the end remote from the security module, thereby operably connecting the retraction means to the display means.

For the retraction means to act to retract the tether or other link into the security module, and hence to retract the display module towards the security module, the winding means is resiliently biased to exert a pull-in retractive force on the tether or other link.

It hence exerts a pull-in retractive force on the display module, towards its rest position in contact with the security module after the use of a mobile device received in the display module.

Where the winding means comprises a cylindrical, aptly a right cylindrical, winding reel or spool, to which the end of the tether or other link remote from the display module is attached or fastened, the resilient bias to exert a pull-in retractive force on the tether may suitably be in the form of a spring.

The spring is anchored to the winding means, aptly a cylindrical, aptly a right cylindrical, winding reel or spool, at one end, and at the other to the (optionally squat, generally cuboidal box-shaped) structure of the winding sub-module.

Such a spring is optionally anchored at one end to the winding means, and at the other to the winding sub-module which contains the winding means in such a sense that, when in use of a mobile device received in the display module, the display module, holding a mobile electronic device, is withdrawn away from the security module, that action tenses the spring retraction means. The spring then exerts a pull-in retractive force on the tether, and hence on the display module, and following the use of the mobile device, the retraction means retracts the display module towards the security module.

Such a spring may optionally be in the form of a spirally coiled clock spring, lying in a mutually parallel plane to that of a winding reel or spool, which is aptly in the form of a planar, axially thin pulley wheel, and directly or indirectly anchored at one end to the winding means, and at the other end to the squat generally cuboidal box-shaped structure of the winding sub-module which contains the winding means.

Aptly, the spring is anchored in such a sense that, when in use of a mobile device received in the display module, the display module, holding a mobile electronic device, is withdrawn away from the security module, that action tightens the coils of the clock spring, and tenses the spring, which then exerts a pull-in retractive force on the tether.

The use of a spirally coiled clock spring directly or indirectly anchored at one end to an axially thin pulley wheel in the winding means has the advantage that the spring and the axially thin pulley wheel may be mounted within a thin, compact winding sub-module.

Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile electronic device display and security unit comprising retraction means and a display module, wherein the retraction means is operably connected to the display module, and, following a trial of a mobile device received in the display module, the retraction means retracts the display module towards the security module, and the retraction means comprises a spirally coiled clock spring.

Aptly, embodiments of this unit and its components are as so described in relation to corresponding integers in relation to the general unit herein. The retraction means, in particular when it comprises a spring which is in the form of a spirally coiled clock spring (as described further below), may suitably exert a full retraction force on the display means in the range of 0.5 to 2.5, for example 1 to 2 kg.

Aptly, the spring may be in the form of a spirally coiled clock spring, lying in a mutually parallel plane to that of a winding reel or spool which is in the form of a planar, axially thin pulley wheel. In such a case, the margin of the axial face of the thin pulley wheel adjacent to the clock spring may extend in a direction generally along the axis of the thin pulley wheel as an annular flange to form a squat right cylindrical drum or barrel, which acts a container housing the spirally coiled clock spring. Aptly, the retraction means may be electrically powered, with control electronics and an initiation switch or button, the operation of which initiates retraction of the tether or other link to the security module.

The display module may optionally comprise a display module mounting pod, which forms the main body of the display module, and an elongate docking structure. Aptly, the mounting pod may be in the form of an elliptical or oval tapering cylindrical, member, e.g. in the form of a squat plug, shaft or shank. The bottom end of the mounting pod in use of the display module is nearest to the security module, and attached or fastened to the tether or other link to the security module.

The tether or other link to the security module may suitably run through an aperture, such as an opening or slot, aptly a round aperture which conforms generally to the tether or other link, in a wall or wall member of an elongate member, e.g. in the form of an elliptical or oval cross-sectioned member, and may suitably run through a round, elliptical, oval or circular, end wall of the elongate member, which extends in a direction generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, e.g. the central axis of an elliptical or oval tapering cylindrical member of such male docking means. The tether or other link is attached or fastened to the display module at the end remote from the security module, thereby operably connecting the retraction means to the display means. The tether or other link attached or fastened to the display module at the end remote from the security module may optionally run through a round end wall of the elongate member, which extends in a direction generally across the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

In such a case, the end of the tether or other link to the display module which has run through an aperture in a wall or wall member of the mounting pod may bulge laterally of the tether or other link, e.g. it may be bulbous or globular, e.g. spherical or toroidal. Alternatively, the lateral projection may suitably be in the form of a squat generally annular ferrule around the tether or other link. This end of the tether or other link has a cross-dimension smaller than that of the aperture in the wall or wall member of the mounting pod

The display module has receiving means, such a cradle, mounted in or on, or integral with, the display module mounting pod, usually at an end of the latter remote from the security module. A live mobile device may be received, aptly slidably and snugly received, in the receiving means. Aptly, the display module should be capable of receiving a range of different forms of live mobile devices, such as mobile phones, portable media players, tablet computers, and/or handheld computers, and different types of each such live mobile device.

Each mobile device type, such as each mobile phone has its own individual dimensions, requiring an individual receiving means matching those dimensions.

Aptly, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the display module is demountable from the tether, allowing interchange of display modules, each specific to any given live mobile device received in a display module. This may be achieved by means of a display module docking means, such as an elongate male member, where the tether or other link attached or fastened to the display module at the end remote from the security module runs through an end wall of the elongate member, and the end of the tether or other link to the display module which has run through an aperture in a wall or wall member of the mounting pod bulges laterally of the tether or other link, e.g. it may be bulbous or globular, e.g. spherical or toroidal. In such embodiments, a right cylindrical channel runs along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mounting pod from the aperture in the wall or wall member of the mounting pod where the tether or other link enters the display module mounting pod, to end in a chamber, part of which defines an upper rim of the channel, running in a transverse direction to that of the channel. The tether or other link runs through the channel. The channel has a cross-dimension greater than that of the end of the tether or other link in the display module mounting pod which bulges laterally of the tether or other link. A locking retaining means, such as a longitudinally split annular collar, in form resembling an elongate cylinder with a circular cross-section with a longitudinal split, houses the tether or other link within the display module mounting pod. The collar has an upper rim, forming a cup and extending transversely beyond the collar into an upper lip.

The bore of the collar in its rest position in the display module is smaller than the cross-dimension of the bulbous or spherical, aptly spherical, end of the tether or other link in the display module mounting pod, so that the bulbous or spherical end of the tether or other link in the display module mounting pod is received by the cup formed by the upper rim of the collar. The end of the tether or other link is pulled down into the cup by the retraction means acting on the tether or other link, so that the end or the tether tends to splay at least the upper end of the tether outwards. The channel which houses the tether or other link and the collar around it has an upper shoulder where it widens upwardly.

The upper lip of the collar, thus splayed outwards in its rest position is greater in cross-dimension than the upper rim of the channel around the collar, running in a transverse direction to that of the channel, so that the upper lip of the collar in its rest position engages the shoulder in the channel, so that the collar, and hence the tether or other link, is retained in the display module mounting pod.

Because of the longitudinal split, a co-operating key may be used to compress the upper rim at the upper end of the collar until the lip is less in cross-dimension than the bore of the channel, below the shoulder in the channel on which it sits, and lift the end of the tether or other link in the display module mounting pod. In this way, the collar, and hence the tether or other link, is no longer retained in the display module mounting pod.

A side wall of the elongate member and/or display module mounting pod is provided with at least one keyhole extending transversely through the side wall towards the collar in its rest position.

A key which fits the keyhole or keyholes may be slid into the keyhole or keyholes transversely through the side wall towards the collar in its rest position.

As the key is slid further in, it engages the lip of the longitudinally split annular collar, to narrow the split and hence to narrow the collar until the upper lip of the collar no longer engages the upper rim of the channel, and the collar, and hence the tether or other link, is no longer retained in the display module mounting pod.

The tether or other link is constantly urged towards the security module by the action of the retraction means, to which the end of the tether or other link remote from the display module is attached or fastened within the winding sub-module, mounted on or in, or integral with the security module, and on the release of the tether or other link, the tether or other link is reeled or spooled in and runs through the end wall of the male docking means elongate member and/or the mounting pod.

Aptly, the tether or other link has a limiter, in the form of a squat ferrule around the tether or other link which prevents the tether or other link being retracted completely into the security module.

To interchange display modules, the key is then removed, and the display module is removed by lifting it out of the security module docking means, where it sits, the key is then removed.

The end of the tether or other link to be attached or fastened to a different display module of the present invention is inserted into the different display module until the upper lip of the collar in its rest position engages the upper rim of the channel, and the collar, and hence the tether or other link, is retained in the display module mounting pod. The display and security unit according to certain aspects of the present invention is versatile in that not only different models of the same mobile electronic device type in the display module, such as mobile phones, may be readily interchanged, but different types of mobile electronic device in the display module, such as portable media players, tablet computers, and/or hand-held computers, may also be readily interchanged.

The display module comprises receiving means capable of receiving a range of different forms of mobile devices, such as mobile phones, portable media players, etc.

Aptly, the receiving means comprises a cradle, which is mounted on, or is integral with, the display module mounting pod, and usually extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the display module mounting pod and/or the elongate docking member (if present).

The cradle may optionally comprise at least one planar device bearing member, which is so constructed and arranged that it may engage the back of a mobile electronic device, and extends transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the display module mounting pod and/or the elongate docking member (if present).

The device bearing member or members may have any position, construction or arrangement that permits the or each device bearing member to fulfil its supporting role.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a device bearing member is a planar, rectangular framework with a central aperture, preferably a rectangular aperture which conforms to the overall rectangular shape of the framework. The display module mounting pod is optionally a cuboidal structure defined by at least one continuous wall, and is squat generally along the longitudinal axis of the display module mounting pod and/or the elongate docking member (if present). The device bearing member may be dimensioned and positioned such that it embraces and forms an enclosure for all the side walls of the display module mounting pod, at least towards their top edges (in a direction away from the security module).

Aptly, the device bearing member upper face is in register (i.e. flush) with the planar, rectangular upper face of the display module mounting pod in the direction transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the display module mounting pod and/or the elongate docking member (if present), so that both upper faces form a device bearing member. Aptly, the cradle is mounted on two opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod, and has an open-top and open-bottom generally cuboidal box-shaped structure, that is so constructed and arranged that it will engage and embrace all the side walls of the display module mounting pod and form an enclosure for the display module mounting pod.

Aptly, the enclosure upper face is in register (i.e. flush) with the planar, rectangular upper face of the display module mounting pod in the direction transverse to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the display module mounting pod and/or the elongate docking member (if present). In this way, both upper faces form a device bearing member. The device bearing member may extend from the side walls of the enclosure as lateral flanges.

Aptly, the cradle has at least one pair of opposing arms extending upwardly from opposing lateral edges of the device bearing member, with the at least one device bearing member disposed between the bases of the arms. The arms are means to retain a mobile electronic device in the cradle, and may have any position, construction or arrangement that is compatible with the retaining role. Aptly, the arms extend from lateral edges of the device bearing member that are opposed across the sides of a mobile electronic device received in the cradle ('sides' being with respect to the common conventional orientation that is compatible with viewing the screen of the mobile electronic device). They may extend in a direction from front to back or left to right of the display module mounting pod (when viewing the screen of the mobile electronic device) over most or all of the length of the or all of the device bearing members of the cradle. Each arm defines a generally C-shaped channel. Aptly, each arm defines a generally half-D-channel, with the straight arm of the half-D running in a generally horizontal direction from front to back of the cradle. The at least one device bearing member disposed between the base of the arms, and in particular the arms, are arranged and dimensioned and positioned such that they conform to the outside of, and can embrace and slidably but snugly receive, a mobile electronic device. The arms that extend from lateral edges of the device bearing member may optionally be integral with the at least one device bearing members.

The cradle may optionally have an open-top and open-bottom generally cuboidal box-shaped structure and is mounted on two opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod, such that it will engage and embrace all the side walls of the display module mounting pod and form an enclosure for the display module mounting pod. The cradle may then be formed by two, aptly mirror-image sections mounted on opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod, and abutting along a central line. As noted hereinbefore, the dimensions and positions of the components of the cradle that form an enclosure for a mobile electronic device received in the receiving means of the display module are usually specific to any given mobile device received in a display module, and adaptation for different forms of mobile devices, or different models of the same mobile electronic device type, is usually achieved by means of interchange of display modules, each specific to any given mobile device received in a display module.

In an alternative procedure, the cradle may be demountably mounted on the display device mounting pod, e.g. with bolts or screws, and the display module may be adapted for different forms of mobile devices, or different models of the same mobile electronic device type, by means of interchange of the display module cradle, whereby the need for the whole display module, which is specific to at best a few models of the one mobile electronic device type, to be detached from the tether. For example, the cradle may have an open-top and open-bottom generally cuboidal box-shaped structure and be formed by two, aptly mirror-image sections mounted on opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod. These sections may abut along a central line, and the sections may be demountably mounted on the display device mounting pod, e.g. with bolts or screws.

The cradle may be adapted for different forms of mobile devices, or different models of the same mobile electronic device type, by means of interchange of the display module cradle sections mounted on opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod, with other cradle sections specific to different models of the same mobile electronic device type or different types of mobile electronic device.

For additional security, and to combat theft and to hinder or prevent unauthorised permanent separation of a mobile electronic device in the display module from the unit, the cradle, and in particular the device bearing member or members may have attachment means for attaching a mobile electronic device to the display module.

Suitable examples of attachment means for attaching a mobile electronic device type to the display module include pressure-sensitive adhesive or co-operating plastics hook-and-loop members (Velcro).

Aptly, the edges of the rectangular upper face of a squat generally cuboidal box- shaped display module mounting pod are enclosed by and flush with the upper face of the upper edges of the device bearing member. The upper face of the display module mounting pod has a shallow rectangular depression or recess let into it. This depression or recess is adapted to receive attachment means for attaching a mobile electronic device to the display module, such as one or more strips of double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or strips of plastics hook- and-loop members (Velcro) which co-operate with one or more complementary strips on the mobile electronic device to be attached to the display module.

Aptly, it is desirable to keep a mobile electronic device that is received in the display module charged while the mobile electronic device is not in use, and therefore to have electrical connection of the mobile electronic device that is received in the display module to a power source, usually in the security module.

Aptly, the display module may be electrically connected to the security module, even when not in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by a twin-core electrical feeder cable between the display module and the security module, which electrical feeder cable is mounted in or on, or is integral with, the tether operably connecting the retraction means to the display module.

Aptly, the display module may be electrically connected to the security module, at least in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by electrical contacts in or on the security module and co-operating contacts in or on the display module. The electrical contacts may conveniently be in positions on or in co-operating surfaces of the docking means of the display module and security module respectively that are register in the rest position of the display module.

These may be, for example, at opposing points on or in a side wall on the outside of a male docking member, e.g. in the form of a plug, shaft or shank, comprised in either module's docking means, and mounted on or in, or integral with either module, and on or in a side wall on the inside of a female docking member, e.g. in the form of a socket, cavity or sheath, comprised in the other module's docking means, and mounted on or in, or integral with the other module.

The contacts may optionally be resiliently biased into contact with each other.

The contacts in or on the security module are connected to a conventional power supply that is compatible with the received mobile electronic device.

Optionally, the display module is electrically connected to the security module, even when not in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module, by a twin-core electrical feeder cable between the display unit and the security module, which is mounted in or on, or is integral with the tether operably connecting the retraction means to the display means. The electrical feeder cable may aptly comprise a twin-core cable of a highly conductive metal, such as copper, sheathed in a plastics material, such as PVC. The electrical feeder cable may be adhered, or aptly thermally bonded to the outside of the tether. Alternatively, the electrical feeder cable may be mounted in the tether or other link that operably connects the retraction means to the display module.

The cable may be mounted, for example inside the sheath of a plastics material, such as PVC, around the multistrand core of a tough metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the feeder cable may be mounted in the tether or other link coaxially inside a multistrand sheath of the tough metal, such as stainless steel of the tether or other link, itself coaxially inside the sheath of plastics material, such as PVC.

In either case, the feeder cable will run with the tether or other link into the retraction means, and usually onto the retraction means winding reel or spool, to which the end of the tether or other link remote from the display module, is attached or fastened.

The feeder cable may be connected to a conventional power supply that is compatible with the received mobile electronic device by, for example being connected to two annular collars of conductive metal, such as copper, on an insulative, e.g. plastics, axle held by two recesses on or in opposing walls of the winding sub-module, on which the winding reel or spool is mounted within the winding sub-module.

The two annular collars of conductive metal, such as copper, may then each be slidably contacted by a brush connected to a conventional power supply that is compatible with the received mobile electronic device. Aptly, the electrical connections between the security module and the conventional power supply that is compatible with the received mobile electronic device may run through a master switch which may be operated only by personnel authorised by the retailer. The switch may be in a position in or on the security module display unit, or preferably away from the unit.

Aptly, the display module is capable of being electrically connected to a mobile electronic device received in the display module, usually by way of a twin-core electrical input cable between a power outlet socket in a position in or on the display module and the power input socket of the mobile electronic device.

The power outlet socket is often in a position in the display device mounting pod communicating with a socket extension on a side of the display device mounting pod or a part of the cradle mounted on, and enclosing the pod.

The display device mounting pod will contain electrical connections between the power outlet socket in or on the display module and the electrical contacts in or on the display module which co-operate with contacts in or on the security module.

Before use of a mobile device received in the display module, the display module, holding a mobile electronic device, is in its rest position in contact with the security module, with its docking means docked, usually, in the docking means of the security module.

In use, the display module, with the mobile electronic device received in it, is picked up and withdrawn away from the security module towards the user, thereby pulling the tether or other link, above and optionally any electrical feeder cable thereon or therein, out from the security module towards the user against the action of the resiliently biased retraction means.

Following the use of the mobile device, the display module, with the mobile electronic device still received in it, returned by the user to its rest position in contact with the security module, with its docking means docked, usually, docked in the docking means of the security module.

Simultaneously, the retraction means retracts the tether or other link, and optionally any electrical feeder cable into the security module, and holds the display module, with the mobile electronic device in its rest position in contact with the security module, with its docking means, docked, usually, in the docking means of the security module. The display and security unit may serve as a stand-alone display and security unit for live mobile electronic devices, or a number of units may share a common display unit structure, as described hereinbefore, in respect of a single security module.

The present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures, in which:

Figures 1 a and 1 b show an exploded isometric view of the display module and security module respectively of a device display and security unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the tether omitted for clarity;

Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the retraction means and part of the tether of a device display and security unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows views of a security module docking means of a device display and security unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows views of the display module of a device display and security unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a mobile electronic device display and security unit holding a mobile electronic device, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a security module;

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a security module;

Figure 8 illustrates parts of a display module;

Figure 9 illustrates parts of a display module; and Figure 10 illustrates parts of a display module according a still further embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 a, 1 b and 2, a live mobile electronic device display and security unit 31 has a security module 32 (not shown in full) comprising a retraction means 33. The retraction means 33 comprise a winding sub-module 34, mounted on the underside of the top face 65 (not shown) of the security module 32, with its upper face 3 abutting the underside of the top face 65 of the security module 32.

The winding sub-module 34 houses a cylindrical winding reel or spool, comprising a squat right cylindrical drum 22, which forms an annular flange on an integral axially thin pulley wheel 35, and is rotatably mounted within the winding sub- module 34 on an axle 36. The drum 22 houses a spirally coiled clock spring 9, which is anchored at one end to the drum 22 and at the other end to the winding sub-module 34.

An end of a tether 15 is attached to the axially thin pulley wheel 35, and the tether 15 passes from within the winding sub-module 34 through a slot 37 in the top face 3 of the winding sub-module 34, and then through an aperture 38 through the top face 65 of the security module 32, which is register with the slot 37 in the top face 3 of the winding sub-module 34. The tether 15 is thus slidable in and out of the security module 32.

The coiled clock spring 9, is anchored in such a sense that, when the tether 15 is withdrawn away from the security module 32, that action tightens the coils of the clock spring, and tenses the spring 9, which then exerts a pull-in retractive force on the tether 15.

A display module 39 capable of receiving a live mobile electronic device 18 is attached to the other end of the tether 15. The display module 39 is thus operably connected to the retraction means 33 is the security module 32 by the tether 15.

The display module 39 is held in a rest position in contact with the security module 32 before and after the use of a live mobile device 18 received in the display module 39 by the retraction means 33, which urges display module 39 into the rest position. In use of a live mobile device 18 received in the display module 39, the display module 39, holding a mobile electronic device 18, is withdrawn away from the security module 32 against the action of the retraction means 33. Following the use of the mobile device 18, the retraction means 33 retracts the display module 39 towards the security module 32.

Referring also to Figures 3 and 4, in the display and security unit 31 , the security module 32 has docking means 42, here female docking means in the form of an elongate tapering cylindrical socket with an elliptical cross-section, and with a longitudinal lateral depression 43, here a channel, which runs laterally along the direction of the major axis of the elliptical cross-section.

The female docking means 42 is integral with a security means mounting pod 16, which is mounted within the top surface 65 of the security module 32 by means of an annular flange 40, a threaded cylindrical mounting shank 10, 13 with a circular cross-section, and a co-operating threaded circular washer 1 with a circular cross-section, whereby the top surface 65 of the security module 32 is sandwiched by the external flange 40 and the threaded washer 1 . The socket 42 is dimensioned and positioned such that it conform to the outside of, and can embrace and slidably but snugly receive, a co-operating male docking means 44 on the display module 39.

Here the co-operating male docking means 44 is in the form of a tapering cylindrical shank with an elliptical cross-section, and with a longitudinal lateral projection 45, here a spline, which runs laterally along the direction of the major axis of the elliptical cross-section.

The tether 15 runs into inside of the docking socket 42 though the aperture 38 through an end wall 46 of the socket 42 mounted in the top face 65 of the security module 32, and the display module 39 is attached to the other end of the tether 15.

The display module 39 is thus slidable in and out of the security module 32 on the end of the tether 15. In the display and security unit 31 , an end of the tether 15 runs into the male docking shank 44, which is integral with a display module mounting pod 4 which is part of the display module 39, through an aperture 48 through an end wall 49 of the shank 44.

A right cylindrical channel 53 runs along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the mounting pod 4 from the aperture 48 in the wall 49 of the mounting pod 4 where the tether 15 enters the display module mounting pod 4, to end in a chamber 54, part of which defines an upper rim 55 of the channel 53, running in a transverse direction to that of the channel 53. The tether 15 runs through the channel 53. The channel 53 has a cross-dimension greater than that of the end of the tether 15 in the display module mounting pod 4, which bulges laterally of the tether 15. A locking retaining means, here a longitudinally split annular collar 1 1 , in form resembling an elongate cylinder with a circular cross-section tapering towards its bottom end, has a longitudinal split 14, also tapering towards the bottom end of the collar 1 1 . The collar 1 1 houses the tether 15 within the display module mounting pod 4. The collar 1 1 has an upper rim 58, extending transversely into an upper lip 59. The bore of the collar 1 1 in its rest position is smaller than the cross-dimension of the end of the tether 15 or other link in the display module mounting pod 4. Hence the spherical (other shapes are of course possible) end 50 (not shown) of the tether 15 in the display module mounting pod 4 is retained on the upper rim 58 of the collar 1 1 .

The upper lip 59 of the collar 1 1 in its rest position is greater in cross-dimension than the upper rim 55 of the channel 53, running in a transverse direction to that of the channel 53, so that the upper lip 59 of the collar 1 1 in its rest position engages the upper rim 55 of the channel 53, and the collar 1 1 , and hence the tether 15 or other link, is retained in the display module mounting pod 4. Because of the longitudinal split 14, tapering towards the bottom end of the collar 1 1 , the upper lip 59 of the collar 1 1 may be compressed until it is less in cross- dimension than the upper rim 55 and the bore of the channel 53, running in a longitudinal direction to the aperture 48 in the wall 49 of the mounting pod 4 where the tether 15 or other link enters the display module mounting pod 4, so that the collar 1 1 , and hence the tether 15 or other link, is no longer retained in the display module mounting pod 4. A side wall 51 of the shank 44 and/or display module mounting pod 4 is provided with two keyholes 52 extending transversely through the side wall 51 towards the collar 1 1 in its rest position. A key 12 which fits the keyholes 52 may be slid into the keyholes 52 transversely through the side wall 51 towards the collar 1 1 in its rest position.

As the key 12 is slid in, it engages the upper lip 59 of the longitudinally split annular collar 1 1 to narrow the split 14 until the upper lip 59 of the collar 1 1 no longer engages the upper rim 55 of the channel 53, and the collar 1 1 , and hence the tether 15, is no longer retained in the display module mounting pod.

The tether 15 is constantly urged towards the security module 32 by the action of the retraction means 33, to which the end of the tether 15 from the display module 39 is attached or fastened within the winding sub-module 34. On the release of the spherical end 50 of the tether 15 and the collar 1 1 , the tether 15 is reeled or spooled in and runs through the end wall 48 of the male docking means elongate member 44 and/or the mounting pod 4.

Aptly, the tether 15 has a limiter (not shown), such as a squat ferrule around the tether 15, which prevents the tether 15 being retracted completely into the security module 32.

The display module 39 may be interchanged with another display module. To interchange display modules, once the display module 39 is detached from the tether 15, the key 12 is removed. The end of the tether 15 to be attached or fastened to a different display module of the present invention is inserted into the different display module until the upper lip 59 of the collar 1 1 engages the upper rim 55 of the channel 53, and the collar 1 1 , and hence the tether 15 is retained in the new display module mounting pod.

The display module 39 is capable of receiving a live mobile electronic device 18. Accordingly, the live mobile electronic device 18 display module 39 has receiving means, here a cradle 19 in two mirror-image sections 19a, 19b.These are mounted on opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod 4 by screws 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d (not shown) in corresponding sockets 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and abutting along a central line.

A live mobile device 18 may be received slidably and snugly in the cradle 19. The cradle 19 is so constructed and arranged that it may engage the back of a live mobile electronic device 18. The two sections 19a, 19b of the cradle 19 abut along a central line, and engage and embrace all the side walls of the display module mounting pod 4 and form an enclosure for the display module mounting pod 4. The planar, rectangular framework so formed with a central rectangular aperture which conforms to the overall rectangular shape of the framework is a device bearing member 7a. The device bearing member 7a upper face is flush with the planar, rectangular upper face 7b of the display module mounting pod 4 in the direction transversely to the direction of its longitudinal axis, so that both upper faces 7a, 7b form a device bearing member, which extends transversely to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shank 44.

The cradle 19 has a pair of opposing arms 56a, 56b, extending upwardly from, and integral with the device bearing member 7a, which is disposed between the bases of the arms 56a, 56b. Each arm 56a, 56b defines a half-D-channel, with the straight arm of the half-D running in a generally horizontal direction from front to back of the cradle 19. The device bearing members 7a, 7b disposed between the base of the arms 56a, 56b, are arranged and dimensioned such that they conform to the outside of, and can embrace and slidably but snugly receive, a live mobile electronic device 18.

The upper face of the display module mounting pod 4 has a shallow rectangular recess 47 let into it, which is adapted to receive attachment means, here a strip of double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, which can adhere to the received live mobile electronic device 18.

In an alternative procedure, the display module 39 may be adapted for different forms of live mobile devices, or different models of the same live mobile electronic device type, by means of interchange of the display module cradle sections 19a, 19b.

The cradle sections 19a, 19b are mounted on opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod 4 with other cradle sections 19a, 19b, mounted on opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod 4 with. They may be interchanged with other cradle sections adapted for different forms of mobile electronic devices, or different models of the same mobile electronic device type. In such interchange, the display module cradle sections 19a, 19b are demounted from the opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod 4 by removing the screws 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d from corresponding sockets 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and mounting other cradle sections adapted for different forms of mobile devices, or different models of the same mobile electronic device type on the same opposing side walls of the display module mounting pod 4 by means of the screws 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d in corresponding sockets 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d.

The display module 39 is held in a rest position in contact with the security module 32 before and after the use of a live mobile device 18 received in the display module 39 by holding means, here a magnetic catch, comprising two pairs of permanent magnets 5aa, 5ab, 5ba, 5bb, one magnet 5aa, 5ab of each pair being mounted in the security means mounting pod 16, which is mounted within the top surface 65 of the security module 32, and the other magnet 5ba, 5bb being mounted in the display module mounting pod 4. Each magnet 5aa, 5ab of each pair mounted in the security means mounting pod 16 is in register with each other magnet 5ba, 5bb of the pair mounted in the display module mounting pod 4, when the display module 39 is held in a rest position in contact with the security module 32 before and after the use of the received live mobile device 18. The ends of the magnets 5aa, 5ba and 5ab, 5bb in each pair that face each other have mutually opposite magnetic polarity.

The live mobile electronic device 18 that is received in the display module is charged while the live mobile electronic device 18 is not in use, and the unit 31 therefore provides electrical connection of the live mobile electronic device 18 to a power source the security module 32. The display module 39 is electrically connected to the live mobile electronic device 18 by way of a twin-core electrical input cable 57 between a power outlet socket in a position in or on the display module and the power input socket of the live mobile electronic device 18.

The display module 39 is electrically connected to the security module 32 in its rest position in contact with the security module 32 by electrical contacts 2aa, 2ab mounted at points in the bottom of a side wall on the inside of the socket 42. The contacts 2aa, 2ab are mutually opposed along the direction of the minor axis of the elliptical cross-section of the socket 42.

The socket 42 is dimensioned such that it conforms to the outside of the shank 44 of the display module mounting pod 4. Two electrical contacts 2ba, 2bb mounted at points in the bottom of a side wall on the outside of the shank 44 are mutually opposed along the direction of the minor axis of the elliptical cross-section of the shank 44, and are positioned such they are in register with and engage a contact of the pair mounted in the security module 32 when the display module 39 is in its rest position in contact with the security module 32.

The electrical contacts 2ba, 2bb mounted at points in the bottom of a side wall on the outside of the shank 44 are electrically connected by a circuit 3, 6 to the power outlet socket in on the display module, in turn connected to the power input socket of the live mobile electronic device 18 by way of a twin-core electrical input cable 57.

Before use of a live mobile device 18 received in the display module 39, the display module 39, holding a live mobile electronic device 18, is in its rest position in contact with the security module 32, with its docking means 44 docked in the docking means 42 of the security module 39. In use, the display module 39, with the live mobile electronic device 18 received in it, is picked up and withdrawn away from the security module 32 towards the user, thereby pulling the tether 15 out from the security module 32 towards the user against the action of the resiliently biased retraction means 33. Following the use of the live mobile device 18, the display module 39, with the live mobile electronic device 18 still received in it, is returned by the user to its rest position in contact with the security module 32, with its docking means 44 docked in the docking means 42 of the security module 32.

Simultaneously, the retraction means 33 retracts the tether 15 into the security module 32, and holds the display module 39, with the live mobile electronic device 18 in it, to its rest position in contact with the security module, with its docking means 44 docked in the docking means 42 of the security module 32.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 5 is an exploded view of a mobile electronic device display and security unit 500 in which a mobile device 501 such as a mobile phone or ipad or ipod or tablet computer or the like is held in a display module 502 which includes a male member 503. The male member 503 is secured to a tether 504 which extends through an aperture 505 in part of a display unit. For example, the aperture 505 may be formed in a display panel 506.

The male docking member 503 provides a region which in this embodiment includes a tapered outer surface 507 docks with a mating female region 508 in a female docking pod 509. The docking pod 509 is connected to a threaded plug 510 which includes an outwardly extending flange 51 1 . These sit on a washer 512 which has a central orifice which can be registered with the aperture 505 in the display panel 506.

An underside washer 515 is located on a further side of the panel 506 together with a rotating cup 516 which is securable to the washer 515 and which includes an inner sliding surface (not shown) in which a rotating collar 517 is located. The collar 517 has a substantially split circular body with L-shaped lugs extending therefrom on either side of a split. The L-shaped lugs 518 help locate a connecting wire in use. A security module 530 includes a split body with an upper body part 531 and a lower body part 532. These body parts form a housing for a retraction unit 540. The two parts of the housing are secured together by four screws or other such securing elements 541 . The retraction unit includes a pulley wheel 545 which rotates about a pulley axis 546. Alternatively, the pulley wheel may be fixed in place. In either a rotating mode or fixed mode the pulley assists the pulling out and retraction of the tether. The retraction unit also includes a squat cylindrical drum which itself houses a spirally coiled spring 550 which is anchored at one end to the drum housing and to the other end to the winding sub-module. The connection may be made to a central pin 560 which is secured to the two body parts of the module housing.

The rotatable collar helps the security module 530 to swivel about an effective pivot point. This helps reduce the risk that any wires will become twisted in use.

Figure 6 illustrates many of the parts shown in Figure 5 in more detail and further includes contact connectors 600 which are locatable in the female pod 509 and which are connected via a connecting wire 601 to an electrical connector 602. In use this may be connected to a further connector 603 and from there via a further connecting wire 604 to a plug 605 used to provide power.

Figure 6 also helps illustrate how the drum 610 houses the coiled spring 550 and includes an axially thin pulley wheel 61 1 . Figure 6 also illustrates how the top body part 531 of the housing includes a seat 620 which includes a riding surface 621 onto which the split collar 517 is located in use.

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate the security module parts shown in Figures 5 and 6 connected together ready for use. The two body parts 531 , 532 of the housing encompass the retraction mechanism and are connected to the two lower washers 515, 516. The uppermost of these lower washers 515 includes a channel to allow the connecting wire 601 to exit. The washers are spaced apart from an upper washer 512 by a distance x which corresponds to the thickness of the display panel 506. This distance may be set by screwing the thread 510 of the plug an appropriate distance. This separates an upper surface of the lower washer 515 from a lower surface of the upper washer 512. The connecting wire 601 can be seen in Figure 7a extending across the distance x and the aperture 505 in the display panel 506 is sized to accommodate this wire. The wire extends into the female pod 509 to the connectors 600 which act as contact connectors to make an electrical connection to corresponding connectors in the male part of the display unit when the display unit is retracted into the female docking region 508. The tether 504 together with a bulbous end 700 extends from within the housing through a central bore in the plug 510 and through a central through hole in the female pod 509. This extends to the display module where the end of the tether is secured. Figure 8 illustrates parts of the display module 800 in more detail. The display module includes a display body 801 which is inclined. That is to say, a lower surface 802 of the display module is in a plane which is substantially parallel with a planar surface of the display panel 506. An upper surface of the display module which is provided by an adhesive sheet 803 supported in a support plate 804 has a plane which is angled with respect to the plane of the display panel. In use this helps locate a live mobile terminal at an angle with respect to a display panel. This can be helpful for a user.

The male region 503 encompasses a longitudinally split annular collar 805 in a form resembling an elongate cylinder with a circular cross-section. The collar houses the bulbous end 700 of the tether 504. Two electrodes 806, 807 are connected into respective slots 808, so that in use when the male region is docked into the female region 508 of the female pod 509 these electrodes make electrical contact with a corresponding electrode 600. The electrodes are connected to a circuit board 810 which includes control circuitry so that any mobile device secured to the display module which is housed in a retracted mode of operation is recharged. This occurs regardless of which of the electrodes 806, 807 in the male region of the display unit connect with which electrode 600 in the female pod. Thus, the circuitry enables a change in polarity to occur so that charging occurs regardless of which way around the male part on the display module connects to the female part. The circuit board 810 which carries the circuitry components is supported by a display unit panel 81 1 which sits in an open mouth region 820 of the display unit body 801 . This is duly located by guides 821 on the body 801 guiding inset regions 822 on the panel.

Figure 8 also illustrates how an electrical connector 830 may be connected via a connecting plug 831 to a socket in the display module body 801 . A further plug 832 is of a type which can connect with and duly charge a specific device which is being displayed. Thus, the connector 830 is changed when different devices are to be displayed.

Figure 9 illustrates a slidable housing 900 which may be connected to the display unit shown in Figure 8. The display housing 900 includes two substantially C- shaped bodies 901 , 902 in which an inner surface of the larger C-shaped body is slidable against an outer surface of the smaller C-shaped body. An end 903 of each C-shaped body is connected to a respective jaw piece 904, 905 which includes a substantially L-shaped resilient support 906. In use the distance between the jaws may be set by sliding the C-shaped parts together an appropriate distance to clamp a particular mobile terminal therebetween. The jaws are then fixed in place by securing the unit to the display unit 800 shown in Figure 8 using securing screws 910. Figure 10 illustrates parts of a display module 1000 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The display module 1000 includes a display body 1001 which has a straight configuration. That is to say, a lower surface 1002 of the display module is in a plane which is substantially parallel with a planar surface of the display panel 506. An upper surface of the display module which is provided by an adhesive sheet 1003 supported in a support plate 1004 has a plane which is likewise substantially parallel with a planar surface of the display panel 506. In use this helps locate a live mobile terminal so that a screen of the terminal is substantially parallel with a display panel. This can be helpful to a user.

The male region 503 encompasses a longitudinally split annular collar 1005 in the form resembling an elongate cylinder with a circular cross-section. The collar houses the bulbous end 700 of the tether 504. Two electrodes 1006, 1007 are connected into respective slots 1008 so that in use when the male region is docked into the female region 508 of the female pod 509, these electrodes make electrical contact with a corresponding electrode 600. The electrodes are connected to a circuit board 1010 which includes control circuitry so that any mobile terminal secured to the display module which is housed in a retracted mode of operation can be recharged. This occurs regardless of which of the electrodes 1006, 1007 in the male region of the display unit connect with whichever electrode 600 in the female pod. Thus, the circuitry enables a change in polarity to occur so that charging occurs regardless of which way around the male part on the display module connects to the female part. The circuit board 1010 which carries the circuitry components is supported by a display unit panel 101 1 which sits in an open mouth region 1020 of the display unit body 1001 . This is duly located by guides 1021 on the body 1001 guiding inset regions 1022 on the panel. Figure 10 also illustrates how an electrical connecter 1030 may be connected via a connecting plug 1031 to a socket in the display module body 1001 . A further plug 1032 is of a type which can connect with and duly charge a specific device which is being displayed. Thus, the connector 1030 is changed when different devices are to be displayed. A key 1050 is utilised by a user to release the tether and thus enable the display module 1000 to be replaced. This might be desired when an angled display module is desired or when a mounting of the type shown in Figure 9 which is for a particular electronic device requires a specific display module.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to" and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1 . A mobile electronic device display and security unit comprising

a security module comprising a retraction unit, and

a display module capable of holding a mobile electronic device; wherein the retraction unit is operably connected to the display module and the display module is electrically connected to the security module at least in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module before and after the use of a mobile device received in the display module, and is capable of being electrically connected to the mobile electronic device; whereby, in use of a mobile device received in the display module, the display module, holding a mobile electronic device, is withdrawn away from the security module against the action of the retraction unit, and following the use of the mobile device, the retraction unit retracts the display module towards the security module.

2. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein the retraction unit is operably connected to the display module by a tether.

3. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein the display module is electrically connected to the security module by electrical contacts in or on the security module and co-operating contacts in or on the display module.

4. A unit according to claim 3, wherein, the electrical contacts are in positions on or in co-operating surfaces of a docking region of the display module and security module respectively that are registered together in the rest position of the display module.

5. A unit according to claim 2, wherein the display module is electrically connected to the security module by an electrical feeder cable between the display module and the security module, which is mounted in or on, or is integral with the tether which operably connects the retraction unit to the display module.

6. A unit according to claim 2, wherein the retraction unit is resiliently biased to exert a pull-in retractive force on the tether, and hence on the display module, towards a rest position in contact with the security module.

7. A unit according to claim 2, wherein the retraction means is resiliently biased to exert a pull-in retractive force on the tether, and hence on the display module, towards a rest position in contact with the security module.

8. A unit according to claim 7, wherein the resilient bias to exert a pull-in retractive force on the tether is a spring.

9. A unit according to claim 2, wherein the retraction unit comprises a reel, to which an end of the tether is attached.

10. A unit according to claim 9, wherein the reel comprises a planar, axially thin pulley wheel.

1 1 . A unit according to claim 2, wherein the retraction unit comprises a winding sub-module.

12. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein the security module is mounted on a wall of and/or within a security module display unit.

13. A unit according to claim 1 1 , wherein the winding sub-module is mounted on a wall of and/or in the security module display unit, projecting from the face of the wall opposite that facing the display module.

14. A unit according to claim 6, wherein the spring is a spirally coiled clock spring.

15. A unit according to claims 9 and 14, wherein the clock spring is mounted, and the reel is rotatably mounted, within the winding sub-module.

16. A unit according to claim 15, wherein the clock spring is anchored at one end to the reel and at the other end to the winding sub-module in such a sense that, when the display module is withdrawn away from the security module, that action tightens the coils of the clock spring, and tenses the spring, which then exerts a pull-in retractive force on the tether.

17. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein security module docking region, mounted on or in, or integral with part of the security module is so constructed and arranged that it may engage the display module docking region mounted on or in, or integral with part of the display module.

18. A unit according to claim 17, wherein the security module docking unit is mounted on or in, or integral with the top face of the security module display unit, and the display module docking region is mounted on or in, or integral with a display module mounting pod.

19. A unit according to claim 17, wherein the security module has a female or male docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the security module, and the display module has a corresponding male or female display module docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the display module.

20. A unit according to claim 17, wherein the security module has a female docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the security module, and the display module has a corresponding male display module docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the display module.

21 . A unit according to claim 17, wherein the male docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the display module is an elongate shank, and the female docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the security module comprises an elongate socket.

22. A unit according to claim 17, wherein the female docking region mounted on or in, or integral with either module conforms internally, at least in part, with the outside of the male docking region mounted on or in, or integral with the other module.

23. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein the security module docking region and display module docking region comprise at least one holding element, capable of holding the display module in a rest position in contact with or adjacent to the security module.

24. A unit according to claim 23, wherein the holding elements comprise a magnetic catch, comprising at least one pair of permanent magnets, a first magnet being mounted on or in the security module docking region in such position and orientation that it presents an end of a first magnetic polarity to the display module docking region, and a further magnet being mounted on or in the display module docking region in such position and orientation that it presents an end of a second, opposite magnetic polarity to the security module docking region, such that the pair of magnets is capable of holding the security module docking region and display module docking region together.

25. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein the display module has at least one attachment member for attaching a mobile electronic device type to the display module, on a device bearing member.

26. A unit according to claim 25, wherein the attachment member comprises pressure-sensitive adhesive, or co-operating plastics hook-and-loop members which co-operate with one or more complementary strips on the mobile electronic device to be attached to the display module,

27. A unit according to claim 1 , wherein the display module has at least one receiving element, mounted in or on, or integral with the display module, to receive a mobile electronic device in the display module.

28. A unit according to claim 27, wherein the receiving element comprises a cradle to slidably receive a mobile electronic device type in the display module.

29. A unit according to claim 2, wherein the display module is demountably mounted on the tether, allowing interchange of display modules.

30. A unit according to claim 29, wherein the display module is demountably mounted on the tether by a locking retaining element.

31 .A unit according to claim 30, wherein the locking retaining element comprises a longitudinally split annular collar which retains the tether in the display module and may be compressed to release of the tether from the display module.

32. A unit according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the receiving element is demountably mounted on the display module, allowing interchange of the receiving element.

33. A unit according to claim 1 which is locatable to swivel with respect to a display wall member.

34. A unit according to claim 1 comprising a pulley element located to guide a tether during a recoil mode of operation.