WO2015066134A1

WO2015066134A1 - Security bracket for an article of merchandise

Info

Publication number: WO2015066134A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/062827
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barry John GREEN
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2013-10-30
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

A security bracket for a camera having a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera is provided. In one example, the security bracket includes a base plate configured to be secured to a camera and a retaining arm extending from the base plate. The security bracket also includes a locking mechanism operably engaged with the retaining arm and a blocking member operably engaged with the locking mechanism and configured to be moved relative to the retaining arm. The blocking member is configured to be secured to the retaining arm in a first position via the locking mechanism to block access to the release mechanism and to be moved to a second position to unblock access to the release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera.

Description

SECURITY BRACKET FOR AN ARTICLE OF MERCHANDISE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit to priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/897,273 filed on October 30, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security brackets and methods for displaying and protecting portable electronic items of merchandise against theft, such as cameras.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to display relatively expensive items of merchandise on a merchandise display security device, such as an alarming display stand. The security device displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser can readily view and, in some instances, operate the item when making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item of merchandise is usually physically secured on the security device so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The merchandise display security device may also include an alarm that is activated to alert store personnel in the event that a shoplifter attempts to separate the item of merchandise from the security device.

[0004] Retailers especially like to display cameras and the like on a merchandise display security device since a potential purchaser will typically desire to experience physical characteristics and operating features of the merchandise such as size, weight, balance, tactile comfort and the quality of the image seen through the viewfinder. In some cases, a camera lens is more valuable than the camera itself. Camera lens sensors are utilized to protect the theft of the lens whereby a secondary sensor is attached to the exterior of the lens. However, the secondary sensor typically includes a wire and a sensor that engages the lens such that the user experience is hindered.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security brackets and methods for securing a camera from theft or unauthorized removal. In one embodiment, a security bracket for a camera having a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera is provided. In this example, the security bracket includes a base plate configured to be secured to a camera and a retaining arm extending from the base plate. The security bracket also includes a locking mechanism configured to operably engage the retaining arm and a blocking member configured to operably engage the locking mechanism and to be moved relative to the retaining arm. The blocking member is configured to be locked to the retaining arm in a first position via the locking mechanism to block access to the release mechanism and to be moved to a second position to unblock access to the release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera.

[0006] In another embodiment, a security bracket for a camera having a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera is provided. The security bracket comprises a base plate configured to be secured to a camera and a retaining arm extending from the base plate, wherein the base plate and the retaining arm are unitary and unable to be disassembled from one another. The security bracket also includes a blocking member configured to operably engage the retaining arm and to be moved relative to the retaining arm. The blocking member is further configured to be secured to the retaining arm in a first position to block access to the release mechanism and to be moved to a second position to unblock access to the release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method for securing a camera from theft or unauthorized removal is provided, wherein the camera includes a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera. The method comprises securing a base plate to the camera such that a retaining arm extending from the base plate conforms to a portion of the lens and moving a blocking member relative to the retaining arm to block access to the release mechanism. The method further includes securing the blocking member to the retaining arm such that the blocking member is unable to be moved relative to the retaining arm to unblock access to the release mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is front perspective view of a security bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 showing an access opening.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 showing a locking mechanism.

[0011] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 showing a blocking member and the access opening.

[0012] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 with the blocking member removed.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a disassembled perspective view of the blocking member and the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 attached to a camera and with the access opening blocked.

[0015] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 attached to the camera and with the access opening unblocked.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the security bracket shown in FIG. 1 attached to the camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [0017] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a security bracket for an item of merchandise are shown. According to embodiments of the present invention, the security bracket is configured for use for protecting a camera lens from theft or unauthorized removal, such as in a retail environment. In some cases, the security bracket is configured for use in conjunction with a merchandise display security device. Merchandise display security devices suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, alarm modules and alarming display stands, such as the Series 940, 1000, and 2000 PODs available from InVue Security Products Inc. of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. According to one embodiment, the security bracket is configured for use with a merchandise display security device similar to that disclosed in U.S. Application No. 13/632,469 entitled Camera Sensor Having a Reversible Sensor Housing and Reversible Adapter, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that security brackets for other types of merchandise constructed in accordance with the present invention are useable with other merchandise display security devices and merchandise display systems.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a security bracket 10 configured to be secured to a camera. According to various embodiments, the security bracket 10 is configured for use with various types of cameras and other portable electronic items of merchandise including a removable component, such as a camera lens or a battery. For example, the security bracket 10 may be suitable for use with cameras and video recorders, such as handheld cameras, tripod mount cameras, single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, camcorders, and point-and-shoot cameras. Although the following discussion is made in the context of a security bracket 10 for a camera, it is understood that the security bracket may be suitable for use with any number of portable electronic devices having a removable component, such as, for example, mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc.

[0019] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0043451, entitled Security Bracket, discloses a bracket that is configured to prevent theft of a camera lens, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '451 publication discloses that the bracket is configured to be attached to a mounting member for displaying a camera. The '451 publication also discloses that the bracket includes a base portion and a frontal portion, wherein the frontal portion is able to be detached from the base portion without removing the camera from the mounting member. Notably, the '451 publication requires disassembly of the bracket before the lens can be removed from the camera. Thus, the bracket requires detachable components that may be lost or misplaced, and the bracket does not continue to provide security for the lens when the frontal portion is removed.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide for a security bracket 10 that is easy to use while providing security from theft or unauthorized removal. In particular embodiments, the security bracket 10 is configured to secure a DSLR camera lens from theft or unauthorized removal. The bracket 10 may positioned between a sensor 17 and a DSLR camera 13 to protect a removable lens 15 and/or a removable battery, respectively (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-9). The security bracket 10 may include an opening 12 formed therein that is sized and shaped to be received on the sensor 17. The opening 12 may be configured to be positioned over an externally-threaded fastener of the sensor 17 that is operable for engaging an internally-threaded tripod mount provided on most cameras.

[0021] The security bracket 10 further comprises a base plate 14 and a retaining arm 16 that depends upwardly from the base plate to abut or engage the removable lens 15 of a DSLR camera 13 and/or the battery compartment door of a handheld camera. In one embodiment, the base plate 14 and the retaining arm 16 may be generally transverse to one another, wherein the base plate is configured to be positioned underneath the camera 13 and adjacent to a sensor 17. The retaining arm 16 includes a curved surface 19 that is configured to conform to the curvature of the lens 15. Thus, when installed on the camera 13 and the sensor 17, the retaining arm 16 prevents access to a release mechanism for the lens 15, such as a depressible button. However, the security bracket 10 does not interfere with the functionality of the camera 13 and lens 15 such that a customer is able to examine and operate the camera when deciding whether to make a purchase.

[0022] The base plate 14 and retaining arm 16 may be formed of a single piece of material, such as metal. Alternatively, the base plate 14 and retaining arm 16 may be formed separately and secured to one another (e.g., via welding). Particularly, the retaining arm 16 is unable to be disassembled from the base plate 14 without damaging or permanently deforming the retaining arm or the base plate. Thus, the base plate 14 and retaining arm 16 are a unitary one-piece construction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the security bracket 10 also includes a locking mechanism 20. The locking mechanism 20 may be secured to or operably engaged with the retaining arm 16. For example, FIGS. 3 and 5 show that the retaining arm 16 may include a slot 22 configured to receive a fastener 24 therethrough. The fastener 24 may be sized and configured so as to be able to slide relative to the retaining arm 16 within the slot 22. In this regard, the slot 22 may be sized so that the fastener 24 may slide within the slot (see, e.g., FIG. 3). For example, the width of the slot 22 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the fastener 24, while the length of the slot may be significantly larger than the diameter of the fastener. In some cases, the fastener 24 may include a proprietary head that is only configured to be engaged by a proprietary tool for tightening and loosening the fastener. For example, the fastener head and screw may be similar to those sold by InVue Security Products Inc. In other embodiments, the fastener head may be a standard off-the-shelf-configuration.

[0024] The opposite end of the fastener 24 may be secured to a blocking member 26 (see, e.g., FIG. 4). The blocking member 26 may be configured to be secured to an internal surface of the retaining arm 16. Thus, the blocking member 26 may be positioned between the retaining arm 16 and the camera 13 so as to be inaccessible. FIG. 6 shows that the blocking member 26 may include a fastener hole 27 defined therethrough that is configured to receive the fastener 24. In some embodiments, the fastener hole 27 is threaded for threadably engaging the fastener 24. As such, tightening of the fastener 24 relative to the blocking member 26 (e.g., via clockwise rotation of the fastener) secures the blocking member to the retaining arm 16, whereas loosening the fastener relative to the blocking member (e.g., via counterclockwise rotation of the fastener) allows the blocking member to move relative to, or removed from, the retaining arm. The blocking member 26 may be configured to slide relative to the retaining arm 16 in response to movement of the fastener 24 within the slot 22. Thus, the fastener 24 and blocking member 26 may be configured to slide as a unit relative to the retaining arm 16.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows that the retaining arm 16 may include an access opening 28 defined therethrough. The access opening 28 is sized and configured for receiving a removal tool for engaging a release mechanism (e.g., button) on the camera 13 for releasing the lens 15. For example, the removal tool may be an elongated member configured to be inserted through the access opening. As shown in FIG. 1, the blocking member 26 is configured to block the access opening 28 defined in the retaining arm 16 in one position, while FIG. 2 shows that the blocking member is configured to be moved to another position whereby the access opening in the retaining arm is unblocked. FIGS. 7 and 8 also show the blocking member 26 in a blocking position and an unblocking position, respectively, when the security bracket 10 is secured to a camera 13. FIGS. 4 and 6 show that the blocking member 26 may be L-shaped in some embodiments and that the retaining arm 16 may include a similar L-shaped portion. Thus, the blocking member 26 may be sized and configured to conform to an internal surface of the retaining arm 16. In some embodiments, the retaining arm 16 is L-shaped so as to include generally transverse surfaces, with the slot 22 defined in one surface and the access opening 28 defined in the other surface.

[0026] It is understood that the blocking member 26 and retaining arm 16 may be various sizes and configurations in alternative embodiments. For example, the retaining arm 16 may be different sizes and shapes to accommodate different lens manufacturers. In addition, the locking mechanism 20 may take alternative forms in other embodiments, as the locking mechanism may be any suitable mechanism configured to engage the blocking member 26. Thus, the fastener 24 is not intended to be limiting, as any mechanism or coupling may be employed for releasably engaging the blocking member 26. Likewise, the blocking member 26 may be configured to move in various ways relative to the retaining arm 16 to block and unblock access to the access opening 28 (e.g., sliding, rotation, etc.). In addition, the blocking member 26 may be configured to move between positions for blocking and unblocking the access opening 28. However, the blocking member 26 may be configured to move between any number of positions depending on the size and configuration of the retaining arm 16, slot 22, and/or access opening 28. In some cases, the locking mechanism 20 and/or blocking member 26 may be configured to be removed from the retaining arm 16 in order to unblock the access the access opening 28 or gain access to the release mechanism of the lens 15.

[0027] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention allow access to the release mechanism of the lens 13 only when the blocking member 26 is not blocking the access opening 28. Even when the blocking member 26 is not blocking the access opening 28, the lens 15 is secured in that the lens may only be removed with a small diameter tool that can be inserted through the access opening to engage the release mechanism of the lens. Thus, a potential thief will be unable to insert his or her finger through the access opening 28 since the access opening is small in diameter. In some embodiments, the access opening 28 is less than about 0.5 inches in diameter, and in other embodiments, the access opening is less than about 0.25 inches in diameter. In addition, the retailer is able to remove the lens 15 without significant disassembly since the base plate 14 remains attached to the sensor 17 and the retaining arm 16.

[0028] The foregoing has shown and described one or more embodiments of a security bracket for securing a camera lens from theft or unauthorized removal. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein and that variations of and modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as undisclosed embodiments within the ordinary skill of the art, are intended to be included within the content and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A security bracket for a camera having a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera, the security bracket comprising: a base plate configured to be secured to a camera; a retaining arm extending from the base plate; a locking mechanism configured to operably engage the retaining arm; and a blocking member configured to operably engage the locking mechanism and to be moved relative to the retaining arm, the blocking member further configured to be locked to the retaining arm in a first position via the locking mechanism to block access to the release mechanism and to be moved to a second position to unblock access to the release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera.

2. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a fastener configured to extend through the retaining arm.

3. The security bracket of Claim 2, wherein the retaining arm comprises at least one slot configured to receive the fastener therethrough, and wherein the fastener is configured to slide within the slot.

4. The security bracket of Claim 2, wherein the fastener is configured to threadably engage the blocking member.

5. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the retaining arm comprises an access opening defined therethrough, and wherein the blocking member is configured to block the access opening in the first position and to unblock the access opening in the second position.

6. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the blocking member is configured to slide between the first and second positions.

7. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the base plate and the retaining arm are unitary and unable to be disassembled from one another.

8. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises an opening for receiving a fastener therethrough for engaging the camera.

9. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the retaining arm comprises a curved surface configured to conform to a curvature of the lens.

10. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the retaining arm comprises an L-shaped portion, and wherein the blocking member is L-shaped and configured to conform to the reshaped portion of the retaining arm.

11. The security bracket of Claim 1, wherein the blocking member is disposed adjacent to an internal surface of the retaining arm such that the blocking member is configured to be positioned between the retaining arm and the camera.

12. A security bracket for a camera having a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera, the security bracket comprising: a base plate configured to be secured to a camera; a retaining arm extending from the base plate, wherein the base plate and the retaining arm are unitary and unable to be disassembled from one another; and a blocking member configured to operably engage the retaining arm and to be moved relative to the retaining arm, the blocking member further configured to be secured to the retaining arm in a first position to block access to the release mechanism and to be moved to a second position to unblock access to the release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera.

13. A method for securing a camera from theft or unauthorized removal, the camera having a removable lens and a release mechanism for removing the lens from the camera, the method comprising: securing a base plate to the camera such that a retaining arm extending from the base plate conforms to a portion of the lens; moving a blocking member relative to the retaining arm to block access to the release mechanism; and locking the blocking member to the retaining arm such that the blocking member is unable to be moved relative to the retaining arm to unblock access to the release mechanism.

14. The method of Claim 13, wherein moving the blocking member comprises sliding the blocking member relative to the retaining arm.

15. The method of Claim 13, wherein locking the blocking member comprises threadably engaging the blocking member with a fastener.

16. The method of Claim 13, further comprising releasing the blocking member and moving the blocking member relative to the retaining arm for accessing the release mechanism.

17. The method of Claim 16, further comprising inserting a tool through an access opening defined in the retaining arm for engaging the release mechanism.