WO2015053913A1

WO2015053913A1 - Merchandise display security device with antenna

Info

Publication number: WO2015053913A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/056227
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary A. TAYLOR; David N. Berglund
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2013-10-08
Filing date: 2014-09-18
Publication date: 2015-04-16

Abstract

In one embodiment, a merchandise display security device for an article of merchandise is provided. The security device includes a controller for monitoring the status of a cable and a radio receiver in electrical communication with the controller. The radio receiver is configured to cooperate with the cable to provide an antenna for detecting one or more signals. The controller is configured to activate an alarm based on one or more signals detected by the antenna.

Description

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SECURITY

DEVICE WITH ANTENNA

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/888,104, filed on October 8, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of invention relate generally to merchandise display systems for displaying and protecting articles of merchandise from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Retailers routinely display relatively expensive electronic articles of merchandise, including media players and headphones, for a potential purchaser to examine before making a purchase. Retailers often desire the electronic articles of merchandise to be displayed in an operational mode so that the potential purchaser can evaluate (e.g. test) the features and function of the merchandise as well. For example, the retailer might desire to permit a potential purchaser to experience the sound quality of audio equipment and components, such as MP3 players and headphones. At the same time, the retailer does not want the articles of merchandise being displayed to be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. Accordingly, the articles of merchandise are oftentimes physically attached and/or electrically connected to a merchandise display security device that monitors and protects the article from the theft or removal. Such merchandise display security devices typically include a security sensor attached to the article of merchandise that houses a sensor for monitoring whether the article remains securely attached to the security sensor. In the event that the article of merchandise is detached from the security sensor, an audible and/or visible alarm is activated to alert store personnel of a possible theft or removal.

[0004] Most audio players are of a sufficient size and have a suitable surface for attaching a security sensor to the display article of merchandise without the security sensor interfering with the manipulation and operation of the audio player by the potential purchaser. In addition, a relatively short power cord can be provided between the audio player and the security sensor that does not become entangled with an electrical sense cord of the merchandise display security device. Headphones, on the other hand, oftentimes have little or no surface geometry suitable for attaching a security sensor, such as a relatively flat surface large enough to securely attach the mounting surface of the security sensor and rigid enough to prevent the introduction of an unauthorized removal tool. Headphones also typically have a relatively long audio cord that electrically connects the headphones to an audio player. The audio cord can easily become entangled with the sense cord that extends between the security sensor and a base, or display stand, of the merchandise display security device. Furthermore, the presence of a sense cord from the merchandise display security device in addition to the audio cord results in a significantly greater number of electrical cables that detracts from the visual aesthetics of the display area. However, if only the audio player is attached to a security sensor electrically connected to the merchandise display security device, the audio cord of the headphones can simply be unplugged from the audio player and the headphones stolen or removed from the display area without activating an alarm of the security device. Moreover, attempting to use a conventional sense signal through the headphones may compromise the audio signals.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise display security devices and methods for articles of merchandise. In one embodiment, the merchandise display security device includes a cable and a controller for monitoring the status of the cable. The security device also includes a radio receiver in electrical communication with the controller. The radio receiver is configured to cooperate with the cable to provide an antenna for detecting one or more signals, and the controller is configured to activate an alarm based on one or more signals detected by the antenna.

[0006] In another embodiment, a merchandise display security device includes a cable configured to conduct at least one radio signal and a controller for monitoring the status of the cable. The security device also includes a radio receiver in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the radio receiver is configured to cooperate with the cable to provide an antenna for detecting one or more radio signals. The controller is configured to activate an alarm based on one or more radio signals detected by the antenna.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for securing an article of merchandise from theft is provided. The method comprises detecting one or more radio signals with an antenna operably engaged with a cable and storing the one or more radio signals. The method also includes detecting one or more current radio signals and comparing the one or more current radio signals to the one or more stored radio signals. The method further includes activating an alarm when a strength of the one or more of the current radio signals is less than the one or more stored signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise display security device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the merchandise display security device shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a merchandise display security device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a merchandise display security device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a merchandise security device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, embodiments of merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise are shown. More particularly, some embodiments are provided for a merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting headphones, indicated generally by reference character H, from theft or removal. In some embodiments, the merchandise display security device is configured to activate an audible and/or visible alarm in the event that the headphones are separated from the security device. For example, the alarm may be activated when the audio cord of the headphones is unplugged or severed. In one embodiment, the merchandise display is configured to also detect the unauthorized removal or theft of a media device, indicated generally by reference character 40, for example, an audio or media player, a mobile phone, or any electronic device configured to output an audio signal. In addition, the merchandise display security device may be configured to display and protect the headphones H, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to evaluate the operation of the headphones H with various media devices 40, including the customer's own audio player. Although the following description is discussed in conjunction with headphones, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention are applicable to a variety of different types of articles of merchandise (e.g., cellular phones, tablets, computers, cameras, etc.).

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a merchandise display security device 220 for displaying and protecting headphones H from theft or removal by an unauthorized person from a display area of a retail store. The headphones H may be any conventional type, model or style having an audio cord 30 for electrically connecting the headphones to a media player 40 configured to produce an audio signal. Furthermore, headphones H may be supported on an optional display stand 260 in a desired orientation for display in a retail store.

[0015] As shown and described herein, the media player 40 is an audio player and the audio cord 30 is a conventional electrical cable comprising at least a pair of conductors for conducting an electrical audio signal from the audio player to the headphones H. In a conventional manner, the headphones H comprise a pair of earpieces 32, 33 (e.g. left and right), and a first conductor of the pair of conductors of the audio cord 30 is routed to a speaker disposed within one earpiece 32, while a second conductor of the pair of conductors of the audio cord 30 is routed to the other earpiece 33. Alternatively, the first conductor and the second conductor of the audio cord 30 may both be routed to a first earpiece 32 and the second earpiece 33 may be electrically connected to the first earpiece through the headphones H via one or more additional conductors. Furthermore, the audio cord 30 may comprise a connector, such as an audio plug (not shown), for engaging a corresponding connector, such as an audio jack (not shown), provided on the headphones H. As shown herein, the audio cord 30 is hard-wired to the headphones H, and more particularly, to the earpieces 32, 33.

[0016] In one embodiment, the merchandise display security device 220 comprises an alarming base 250 and a display stand 260 attached to, or alternatively, removably supported on the alarming base. It is understood that the alarming base 250 and stand 260 may be a single component in some embodiments. Notably, the security device 220 does not comprise a security sensor attached to the headphones or the media player 40. Furthermore, the alarming base 250 is not mechanically or electrically connected to a security sensor or to a display stand. As a result, the need for a sense cord may be eliminated and the headphones are instead mechanically and electrically connected directly to the alarming base and the media player through the audio cord 30. In addition, the headphones H may be evaluated with different types, styles and models of media players 40, and more particularly, with various audio players, including an audio player provided by a potential purchaser of the headphones.

[0017] The alarming base 250 comprises an internal electrical control circuit, also referred to herein as power electronics and/or sensor electronics. The sensor electronics in the alarming base 250 may monitor the state of one or more sensors in a known manner. For example, the sensor electronics may monitor whether the headphones have become detached from the media device 40. The merchandise display security device 220 may include an audible and/or visible alarm in electrical communication with the electrical control circuit disposed within the alarming base 250 that is activated in response to a security event. The electronics disposed within the alarming base 250 monitor the status of the audio cord 30 and activate the alarm if the audio cord is severed (e.g. electrical continuity along the conductors of the audio cord is interrupted), or if the audio cord is unplugged at the media player.

[0018] Accordingly, the control electronics and the sensor electronics may be disposed within the alarming base 250 of the security device. As such, the audio cord 30 electrically connects the headphones H directly to the control electronics and the sensor electronics disposed within the alarming base 250, as well as the media player 40. An excess length of the audio cord 30 may be coiled around and stored on a collecting spool 170. Furthermore, a cradle 262 may be formed on the display stand 260 opposite alarming base 250 to support the headphones H in a manageable and more aesthetically pleasing display.

[0019] In one embodiment, the audio player 40 comprises a conventional power input jack and a conventional audio output jack. The free end the audio cord 30 may include a connector, and in particular an audio plug 34 or 46, configured to engage a corresponding audio connector, and in particular an audio jack, of the media device 40. A portion 47 of the audio connector cord 30 may have a suitable connector 46, such as a conventional audio plug, at one end for engaging the audio output jack of the audio player 40. Thus, a portion of the audio connector cord 30 may be configured to be routed through the display stand 260, as explained in further detail below. In other embodiments, the free end of the audio cord 30 comprises a connector, and in particular an audio plug 34, configured to engage a corresponding audio connector, and in particular an audio jack 266 provided on the alarming base (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

[0020] If desired, the display stand may include an AC/DC transformer and a regulator for converting the power input voltage to the appropriate power operating voltage for the audio player 40. Accordingly, the alarming base 50 of the merchandise display security device 220 may comprise an internal power source, or alternatively, may be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown).

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a merchandise display security device 10. In this embodiment, a base 12, such as an alarming base discussed above, comprises a radio receiver 14. The base 12 is configured to operably engage an audio cord 30 similar to that described above. The audio cord 30 may be configured to operably engage the base via a connector 34. In this regard, base 12 may include a corresponding connector 16 configured to releasably engage the connector 34. A portion 47 of the audio connector cord 30 extending from the connector 16 may have a suitable connector 46 at its end for releasably engaging an audio player 40. It is understood that the audio cord may extend through the base 12 such that the connector 34 is configured to plug directly into an audio player 40 and such that connector 46 is unnecessary (see, e.g., FIG. 4). For example, the base 12 may be configured to receive a portion of audio cord 30 therein such that the cord is unable to be removed from the base 12 in an unauthorized manner. The base 12 could lock the audio cord 30 in any suitable manner, such as using a hinged connection that traps the cord within the base. Namely, the base 12 may define an opening having a diameter that closely matches the diameter of the audio cord 30 but having a smaller diameter than the connector 34. Thus, when positioned within the base 12, the connector 34 may not be displaced through the opening in the base.

[0022] As discussed above, audio cord 30 may include a pair of conductors 24 for transmitting audio signals. In one embodiment, the audio cord 30 includes a conductive outer sheath 18 or ground. The radio receiver 14 may be operably engaged with a controller 22. For example, the radio receiver 14 may include a radio receiver circuit, and the controller 22 may include an electrical control circuit that is in electrical communication with the radio receiver circuit. In addition, the radio receiver 14 may include an antenna circuit 20 that is operably engaged with the outer sheath 18. Thus, the radio receiver 14 may utilize the outer sheath 18 in conjunction with its antenna circuit 20 to provide an antenna. The radio receiver 14 may be configured to detect one or more signals utilizing the outer sheath 18 as an antenna. For example, the radio receiver 14 could monitor for a plurality of radio signals or radio waves (e.g., AM and/or FM signals) and store one or more radio signals into memory. Alternatively, the base 12 may include a memory that is separate from the radio receiver 14 for storing the radio signals. The stored radio signals could be a predetermined number of signals having the strongest detected frequency (e.g., 5-10 signals). Once the radio signals have been stored, the controller 22 may be configured to communicate with the radio receiver 14 to determine if one or more signals have weakened or been lost. A lost or weakened signal may be indicative of a security event (e.g., the audio cord 30 has been cut or disconnected). For example, the controller 22 may be configured to interrogate the radio receiver 14 to obtain a current signal strength of the stored radio signals. The controller 22 may interrogate the radio receiver 14 in predetermined increments of time (e.g., every 1 second). Alternatively, the radio receiver 14 may be configured to automatically detect the current radio signal(s) in predetermined increments of time and communicate the same to the controller 22. Should the current signal strength be less than the stored signal strength, the controller 22 may be configured to generate an audio and/or visible alarm. Where a plurality of radio signals are stored in memory, the weakening or loss of only one signal may not result in generation of a security signal. However, where all or a majority of the plurality of radio signals are weakened or lost, the controller 22 may recognize this occurrence as a security event.

[0023] By utilizing the outer sheath 18 rather than the conductors 24 for the antenna, the radio receiver 14 does not jeopardize the audio quality of the headphones. In addition, the radio receiver 14 is not utilizing or generating "sound" for detecting security events but, rather, the status of the signal(s) detected by the antenna. It is understood that the radio receiver 14 may detect signals other than or addition to radio signals. For example, the radio receiver 14 may detect, for example, the signal strength, stereo strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and/or any other signals made available by the radio receiver. Thus, any desired signal(s) may be used to determine if the headphones H are present, or if the audio cord 30 has been severed, and thereby activate an audible and/or visible alarm.

[0024] In some cases, the radio receiver 14 may be unable to detect radio signals. For example, the radio receiver 14 may be positioned in a location that has poor radio reception. Where the radio receiver 14 is unable to detect radio signals, the merchandise display security system may include a transmitter 49 for transmitting detectable radio signals (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Thus, the transmitter 49, such as a low power transmitter, may be used to generate one or more signals that are detectable by the antenna. The merchandise display security device may be configured to receive radio signals from the transmitter 49 and function in a similar manner as discussed above. [0025] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a merchandise display security device. In this embodiment, the security device 50 may include a mounting member 52 operably engaged with a cable 54. The mounting member 52 is configured to be attached to an article of merchandise 55, and in some embodiments, the mounting member is configured to be removably seated on an alarming base 58 and/or stand. Thus, a customer is able to lift the article of merchandise 55 and the mounting member 52 off of the base 58 for inspection. In some cases, the cable 54 is coupled to a recoiler configured to extend and retract the cable, although the cable may be elastically extendable or non- elastic in other embodiments. The cable 54 may include one or more conductors 24 as discussed above, although the cable may also or alternatively be a mechanical cable configured to transmit one or more radio signals. The cable 54 may include one or more conductors for transmitting power and/or security signals between the base 58 and the mounting member 52 and/or article of merchandise 55.

[0026] Similar to the embodiments discussed above, the cable 54 is operably engaged with a controller 60. The mounting member 52 and/or the base 58 may include the controller 60. In addition, the mounting member 52 and/or the base 58 may include a radio receiver 56, wherein the radio receiver may be similar to that described in the embodiments above. The radio receiver 56 may be operably engaged with the cable 54. Thus, the radio receiver 56 may utilize the cable 54 to provide an antenna as discussed above. For example, the radio receiver 56 may be operably engaged with one or more conductors in the cable 54 for providing an antenna. Alternatively, the cable 54 may be a mechanical cable formed of a conductive material or may include a conductive outer sheath for providing an antenna. The radio receiver 56 may be configured to detect one or more signals utilizing the cable 54 as an antenna, such as one or more radio waves as discussed above. Should the cable 54 be tampered with in any manner (e.g., cutting or disconnection), the controller 60 is configured to detect changes in the strength of the radio waves and to generate an audible and/or visible alarm in response to any changes that are indicative of a security event.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller 60 may be configured to determine a difference in signal strength based on the position of the mounting member 52 relative to the base 58. For instance, a change in length of the cable 54 and corresponding antenna may result in a change in the corresponding radio signal strength. Thus, the controller 60 may be configured to detect different signal strengths depending on whether the cable 54 is fully extended relative to the base 58, the mounting member 52 is resting on the base, or the cable 54 has been tampered with (e.g., cut). Therefore, the controller 60 may be configured to differentiate between different signal strengths to determine when a security event occurs (e.g., the cable 54 being cut).

[0028] Embodiments of a merchandise display security device have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A merchandise display security device for an article of merchandise, the device comprising:

a cable;

a controller for monitoring the status of the cable; and

a radio receiver in electrical communication with the controller, the radio receiver configured to cooperate with the cable to provide an antenna for detecting one or more signals,

wherein the controller is configured to activate an alarm based on one or more signals detected by the antenna.

2. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to detect at least one radio signal.

3. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to detect a plurality of radio signals.

4. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the radio receiver is configured to store at least one signal, and wherein the controller is configured to activate an alarm based on a current signal being less than a stored signal.

5. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 4, wherein the radio receiver is configured to store a plurality of signals, and wherein the controller is configured to activate an alarm based on one or more current signals being less than one or more of the stored signals.

6. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate an alarm in response to the cable being severed.

7. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the cable comprises an audio cord.

8. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 7, wherein the audio cord comprises an audio plug for engaging an audio jack, and wherein the controller is configured to activate an alarm in response to the audio cord being unplugged from the audio jack.

9. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 7, wherein the audio cord is adapted for receiving an audio signal from a media player.

10. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 9, wherein the article of merchandise is headphones having at least one earpiece and wherein the audio cord is electrically connected to the at least one earpiece for providing an audio signal from the media player to the headphones.

11. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the radio receiver comprises an antenna circuit.

12. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 11, wherein the cable comprises a conductive outer sheath, and wherein the conductive outer sheath is electrically coupled to the antenna circuit to provide the antenna.

13. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, further comprising a base configured to activate the alarm, wherein the cable is operably engaged with the base, and wherein the base is configured to removably support the article of merchandise thereon.

14. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 1, wherein the cable comprises at least one conductor, and wherein the at least one conductor is the antenna.

15. A merchandise display security device for an article of merchandise, the device comprising:

a cable configured to conduct at least one radio signal; and

a controller for monitoring the status of the cable; and

a radio receiver in electrical communication with the controller, the radio receiver configured to cooperate with the cable to provide an antenna for detecting one or more radio signals, wherein the controller is configured to activate an alarm based on one or more radio signals detected by the antenna.

16. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 15, wherein the radio receiver comprises an antenna circuit.

17. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 16, wherein the cable comprises a conductive outer sheath, and wherein the conductive outer sheath is electrically coupled to the antenna circuit to provide the antenna.

18. The merchandise display security device according to Claim 14, wherein the radio receiver is configured to detect a plurality radio signals and to store the plurality of detected radio signals.

19. A method for securing an article of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:

detecting one or more radio signals with an antenna operably engaged with a cable;

storing the one or more radio signals;

detecting one or more current radio signals;

comparing the one or more current radio signals to the one or more stored radio signals; and

activating an alarm when a strength of the one or more of the current radio signals is less than the one or more stored signals.

20. The method of Claim 18, wherein storing comprises storing a plurality of radio signals, and wherein activating comprises activating an alarm based on one or more current radio signals being less than one or more of the stored radio signals.