WO2018102403A1

WO2018102403A1 - Recoiling cable wrap

Info

Publication number: WO2018102403A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/063691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim Edwards; Jeffrey A. GRANT; David N. Berglund; Gary A. TAYLOR; Glen A. KRUSE
Original assignee: InVue Security Products Inc
Current assignee: InVue Security Products Inc
Priority date: 2016-11-30
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2018-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-30

Abstract

A security device for securing an item from theft is provided. The security device may include a housing operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item of merchandise. The security device may also include a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, wherein the retraction mechanism is configured to retract the cable into the housing. In addition, the security device may include a sensor configured to detect retraction of the cable into the housing.

Description

RECOILING CABLE WRAP

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit to priority of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/428,250 filed on November 30, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security systems and methods for protecting items from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to store and/or display items of merchandise on or within a merchandise security device, such as a security display (e.g. alarming stand), security fixture (e.g. locking hook, shelf, cabinet, etc.) or security packaging (e.g. merchandise keeper). Regardless, the merchandise security device stores and/or displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser may view, and in some instances, interact with the merchandise before making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item is secured on or within the merchandise security device so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The value of the item, however, may make it an attractive target for a shoplifter despite the presence of a merchandise security device. A determined shoplifter may attempt to detach the item from the security display, or to remove the item from the security fixture or from within the security packaging. Alternatively, the shoplifter may attempt to remove all or a portion of the merchandise security device from the display area along with the item of merchandise.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security devices and methods for protecting items from theft (e.g., items of merchandise). In one embodiment, a security device for securing an item from theft is provided. The security device includes a housing operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item. The security device also includes a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, wherein the retraction mechanism is configured to retract the cable into the housing. In addition, the security device includes a sensor operably coupled with the housing and configured to detect retraction of the cable into the housing.

[0005] In another embodiment, a security device includes a housing comprising a spool operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item. The security device includes a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, wherein the retraction mechanism is configured to retract the cable into the housing and onto the spool. Moreover, the security device includes a sensor operably coupled with the housing and configured to detect rotation of the spool.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for securing an item from theft is provided. The method includes positioning a housing adjacent to an item, the housing operably coupled with a cable configured to be extended and automatically retracted relative to the housing. The method further includes at least partially surrounding the item with the cable and securing the cable to the item such that a sensor operably coupled with the housing is configured to detect retraction of the cable into the housing.

[0007] In another embodiment, a security device includes a housing comprising a spool operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing. The security device also includes a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, the retraction mechanism configured to retract the cable into the housing and onto the spool. The security device further includes a sensor configured to detect unauthorized rotation of the spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the security device shown in FIG. 1

[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the security device shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is another side view of the security device shown in FIG. 1. [0012] FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of the security device shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a key comprising a magnet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electronic key according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a security device secured to an item according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a merchandise security system are shown. In some embodiments shown and described herein, the merchandise security device is employed for securing items of merchandise from theft. For example, the merchandise security device may be suitable for use with a variety of different items merchandise, including packages containing items of merchandise. The item of merchandise may be any desired shape, such as a box-like structure. It is understood that the discussion below should not be considered limiting with regards to securing items of merchandise, as it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that the security device may be used to secure any item from theft.

[0017] Turning now to example embodiments of the present invention, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of a merchandise security device 10 configured to cooperate with a key for locking and/or unlocking a lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the key is also or alternatively configured to arm and/or disarm an alarm circuit 24 contained within the merchandise security device 10. FIG. 1 shows that the merchandise security device 10 generally includes a housing 12 operably coupled with a cable 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the cable 14 is configured to extend at least partially about an item of merchandise M. In one example, where the item of merchandise M is a six-sided item (e.g., a box), the cable 14 is configured to extend about four sides of the item. The housing 12 is configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the sides of the item of merchandise M, such as on the top side of the item of merchandise. Thus, the housing 12 and cables 14 do not detract from the presentation of the item of merchandise M, which is unlike conventional cable wraps that require the security device to be positioned on all surfaces of the item of merchandise, which may hinder the visibility of relevant information, as well as hinder the ability to stack items of merchandise adjacent to one another in a compact manner. The housing 12 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the item of merchandise M and held in place under the tension of the cable 14. In some cases, the housing 12 may be secured to the item of merchandise, such as via an adhesive or a sled. For example, the housing 12 may be configured to removably engage a sled fixed to the item of merchandise and to be removed from the sled at the time of purchase whereby the sled remains with the item and may be disposable.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cable 14 is a cord or tether that provides mechanical security only, while in other embodiments, the cable 14 may include one or more conductors electrically connected to an alarm circuit 24. In other embodiments, the cable 14 may include both a cut resistant outer sheath and conductors, although only a cable having a cut-resistant outer sheath may be utilized if desired. The cable 14 may be flexible so as to be able to extend about and conform to the peripheral shape of the item of merchandise M. In some embodiments, the cable 14 includes at least one conductor for defining a sense loop therethrough. The housing 12 may contain an alarm circuit 24 in communication with the sense loop that is configured to detect when the cable 14 has been cut, severed or removed from the housing. The alarm circuit 24 may be configured to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm signal in response to interruption of the sense loop. Furthermore, the cable 14 may be a single continuous loop. In this regard, only one cable 14 is required to secure the housing 12 to the item of merchandise M. In some cases, each end of the cable 14 may be secured within the housing 12 to form a single loop. Thus, unlike conventional cable wraps, more than one cable 14 is not required, although it is possible that more than one cable could be used if desired.

[0019] Moreover, the housing 12 may include an EAS tag or other mechanism configured to provide a signal for generating an alarm signal or to cause a remote alarm signal to be generated. The housing 20 may also include a power source 22. n some embodiments, the housing 12 may include a motion sensor (e.g., a jiggle switch). For example, the motion sensor may be configured to detect motion of the housing 12 and thereby actuate the power source 22. The power source 22 may provide power to the alarm circuit 24, and in some embodiments provide power to an LED. Because the power source 22 may only be actuated when motion is detected, the life of the power source may be extended. The alarm circuit 24 and power source 22 may be located on a printed circuit board 42 (PCB) disposed within the housing 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In some cases, the PCB 42 is configured to rotate with a spool 20.

[0020] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a housing 12 of a merchandise security device 10. In this embodiment, the cable 14 is configured to be manually unwound from the housing 12 for extending the cable out of the housing, such as by applying tension to the cable, while the cable is configured to be automatically wound in the housing for retracting the cable within the housing. The housing 12 includes a spool 20 that is configured to rotate relative to the housing 12. The spool 20 is rotatably coupled to the housing 12 such that the spool may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the housing. Thus, the cable 14 may be configured to be tightened around an item of merchandise M for securing the housing 12 to the item of merchandise and to be loosened for removing the housing and cable from the item of merchandise. The spool 20 may be configured to receive the cable 14, wherein the cable may be wound and unwound from the spool. The housing 12 may define a plurality of openings 26 configured to receive the cable 14 therethrough. In one example, the housing 12 includes a pair of openings 26 that are disposed radially opposite one another. The cable 14 may be configured to be displaced through each of the openings 26 as the cable is tightened and loosened.

[0021] FIGS. 1-5 show the housing 12 of the merchandise security device 10 further includes a lock mechanism 30. The lock mechanism 30 may be configured to be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cable 14 may be locked relative to the housing 12 such that the cable is unable to be withdrawn out of the housing. In one example, the locking mechanism 30 may include at least one locking member 32 that is configured to be moved for limiting or preventing rotation of the spool 20. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of locking members 32 are employed. Each locking member 32 is configured to move at least one engagement member 34 axially towards the spool 20 for limiting rotation of the spool for unwinding the cable 14. In particular, the locking member 34 may be configured to engage the spool 20 when the spool is rotated in a direction that unwinds the cable 14 from the spool such that the cable is unable to be extended from the housing 12. However, the spool 20 is able to at least partially rotate in a direction that allows the cable 14 to be wound onto the spool. In one embodiment, the locking member 34 may allow less than one full revolution of the spool 20 when the locking mechanism 30 is in a locked position (e.g., about 180 degrees). In some instances, the locking member 34 may be configured to pivot between an unlocked position and a locked position. It is understood that the locking mechanism 30 may include other mechanisms such as a manually actuated push button configured to be moved outwardly to the unlocked position and inwardly within the housing 12 to the locked position. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 30 may include a sprag clutch that is configured to engage the spool 20 in a locked position. The sprag clutch may be moved between locked and unlocked positions via a locking member 32 and may include a latch in some cases for securing the sprag clutch in a locked position. Notably, the lock mechanism 30 does not require complicated assemblies, such as ratchet mechanisms, for winding, unwinding, or locking the cable 14.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing includes a retraction mechanism 40 for automatically winding or recoiling the cable 14 into the housing 12. The cable 14 is operable to unwind as tension is applied to the cable, while the retraction mechanism 40 may be configured to bias the spool 20 in a direction that automatically winds the cable 14 onto the spool when tension is removed. In some cases, the retraction mechanism 40 includes a coiled or clock spring for biasing the spool 12 in a winding direction. The spring is configured to wind as the cable 14 is withdrawn from the spool 20, such that the spring is configured to unwind and to bias the spool in an opposite winding direction to retract the cable onto the spool when tension is reduced or is no longer applied to the cable. In one example, the retraction mechanism 40 may include a recoiler for retracting the cable 14 within the housing 20.

[0023] Moreover, the housing 20 may include a sensor 44 that is configured to be activated upon unauthorized removal of the housing 12 from an item of merchandise and/or retraction of the cable 14 within the housing when the alarm circuit is in an armed state. Furthermore, the sensor 44 may be in electrical communication with the alarm circuit 24. Thus, the alarm circuit 24 may be configured to detect activation of the sensor 44 and to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm signal in response to the sensor being activated. In one example, the sensor 44 may be a pressure, limit, or plunger switch, which may be used to detect removal of the housing 12 from the item of merchandise or movement of the housing relative to the item. In some instances, the sensor 44 is configured to move in three dimensions (i.e., X-, Y-, and Z-directions) for detecting lateral and vertical movement of the housing 12 relative to the item of merchandise. The sensor 44 may be a ball, a wheel, a rotary encoder, an optical encoder or sensor, a Hall- effect sensor, or the like, for determining whether the housing 12 has traveled a particular distance or rotated through a particular angle or number of revolutions. In order to facilitate vertical displacement of the sensor 44, the sensor may be biased (e.g., spring loaded) outwardly from the housing 12 to maintain contact with the item of merchandise. In this instance, the sensor 44 may be configured to deflect vertically upward towards the housing 12 when engaged with the item of merchandise. In one embodiment, the sensor 44 is configured to not only translate in the X- and Y-directions to detect movement of the housing 12 along the surface of the item of merchandise, but to also move vertically in the Z-direction to detect lifting of the housing 12 off of the item of merchandise. It is understood that the sensor 44 may be single component or multiple components, or a plurality of sensors may be employed (e.g., a plunger switch and a rotatable member).

[0024] In one example embodiment, the sensor 44 may be configured to detect unauthorized rotation of the spool 20, which may also result in generation of an alarm signal. For instance, when the alarm circuit 24 is in an armed state, retraction of the cable 14 into the housing 12 via the retraction mechanism 40 may result in generation of an alarm signal. Retraction of the cable 14 into the housing 12 may be indicative of the housing being removed from the item of merchandise since the retraction mechanism 40 automatically retracts the cable into the housing. Thus, retraction of the cable 14 or rotation of the spool 20 may be detected rather than detecting tension in the cable. Various types of sensors 44 may be employed to detect rotation of the spool 20 in addition to those discussed above, such as a rotary encoder, mechanical switch(es), and Hall-effect sensor. For example, the PCB 42 may include one or more magnets that are configured to be detected by a Hall-effect sensor when in proximity thereto. Rotation of the PCB 42 may be indicative of unauthorized retraction of the cable 14 within the housing 12.

[0025] In one embodiment, a key 50 may be employed to lock and/or unlock the lock mechanism 30 and/or to arm and/or disarm the alarm circuit 24. In one embodiment, actuation of the locking mechanism 30 results in arming of the alarm circuit 24. Thus, in one embodiment, a key is not required to arm the alarm circuit 24. However, the key 50 may be used to disarm the alarm circuit 24 and/or to unlock the locking mechanism 30. The key 50 may utilize magnetic force to cooperate with the merchandise security device 10. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a key 50 comprising a magnet configured to cooperate with the merchandise security device 10, which may be used to unlock the locking mechanism 30 and/or to disarm the alarm circuit 24. The housing 20 may include one or more engagement features 54 configured to mate with corresponding engagement features 56 on the key 50 for aligning the magnet of the key 50 for cooperating with the merchandise security device 10. In one example, the key 50 may be configured to move the locking mechanism 30 from a locked position to an unlocked position using magnetic forces. In another embodiment, the alarm circuit 24 and/or a sensor 44 (e.g., a Hall-effect sensor) may be configured to detect a particular magnetic signature of the key 50. In this regard, the alarm circuit 24 and/or sensor 44 may be configured to detect a three-dimensional magnetic signature that is indicative of the magnetic field of the key 50. Thus, the specific magnetic signature of the key 50 may be differentiated from generic magnets that are used in an attempt to defeat the merchandise security device 10. By way of example and not limitation, the key 50 may be a type of magnetic key well known in the merchandise security art as an "S3" style key.

[0026] In another embodiment, the merchandise security device 10 may be configured to cooperate with an electronic key 50' (see, e.g., FIG. 7). The electronic key 50' may be useable with any merchandise security device 10 that utilizes power transferred from the key to operate a locking mechanism 30 and/or utilizes data (e.g., a security code) transferred from the key to authorize the operation of the locking mechanism and/or the alarm circuit 24. In other words, an electronic key 50' according to embodiments of the invention is useable with any merchandise security device 10 that requires power transferred from the key to the device and/or data transferred from the key to the device. The electronic key 50' may include a security code configured to unlock and/or disarm the merchandise security device 10 when the security code matches the security code of the merchandise security device. Alternatively or in addition, the electronic key 50' may be configured to transfer power to the merchandise security device 10 for operating the locking mechanism 30 and/or disarming the alarm circuit 24. In some cases, data may be configured to be transferred by the electronic key 50' when power is transferred to the merchandise security device 10. In some embodiments, data is transferred between the electronic key 50' and the merchandise security device 10 via magnetic induction through an inductive coil. The electronic key 50' may communicate with the merchandise security device using any suitable means, wired or wirelessly, including without limitation, via one or more electrical contacts, optics, acoustics, radiofrequency, inductance, etc., as desired.

[0027] Furthermore, it is understood that various combinations of functionality of the key 50 and electronic key 50' may be employed. For instance, the key 50 or 50' may be configured to include the functionality of both keys, such that either key may be used to both unlock the locking mechanism 30 and disarm the alarm circuit 24. In some cases, the key 50 or 50' may be configured to first disarm the alarm circuit 24 and then unlock the locking mechanism 30. Moreover, additional manual intervention may be used to lock, unlock, arm, and/or disarm, such as a manual actuation of the locking mechanism 30 to unlock the locking mechanism following disarming of the alarm circuit 24.

[0028] In some embodiments, the merchandise security device and the electronic key are similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0307417, entitled Wrap for an Item of Merchandise and filed November 13, 2014, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0049055, entitled Security Devices for Products and filed April 9, 2014, the disclosure of each is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the merchandise security device and the key are similar to those manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc., including the Q4, IR, IR2, and IR2-S Keys.

[0029] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a merchandise display security system for use with a key. Embodiments of a merchandise 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 security device for securing an item from theft, the security device comprising: a housing operably coupled with a cable, the cable configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item;

a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, the retraction mechanism configured to retract the cable into the housing; and

a sensor operably coupled with the housing and configured to detect retraction of the cable into the housing.

2. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the retraction mechanism is configured to automatically retract the cable into the housing.

3. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the cable is operably engaged with a spool disposed within the housing, and wherein the retraction mechanism is configured to bias the spool in a direction for winding the cable onto the spool.

4. The security device of Claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises a rotary encoder for detecting rotation of the spool.

5. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an alarm circuit, and wherein the cable comprises at least one conductor in electrical communication with the alarm circuit for forming a sense loop.

6. The security device of Claim 5, wherein the alarm circuit is configured to detect when the cable has been cut, severed, or removed from the housing.

7. The security device of Claim 5, wherein the alarm circuit is configured to detect unauthorized retraction of the cable into the housing.

8. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the cable is a single cable.

9. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing does not include a ratchet mechanism.

10. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect three- dimensional movement of the housing relative to the item.

11. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect removal of the housing from the item.

12. The security device of Claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism configured to lock the cable about the item of merchandise.

13. The security device of Claim 12, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to cooperate with a key for unlocking the lock mechanism so that the housing and the cable may be removed from the item of merchandise.

14. The security device of Claim 12, wherein the actuation of the locking mechanism to a locked position is configured to arm an alarm circuit.

15. The security device of Claim 12, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to lock the cable relative to the housing such that the cable is configured to be retracted within the housing but not extended out of the housing.

16. The security device of any of Claims 2-15, wherein the sensor comprises an encoder for detecting retraction of the cable into the housing.

17. A security device for securing an item from theft, the security device comprising: a housing comprising a spool operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item;

a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, the retraction mechanism configured to retract the cable into the housing and onto the spool; and a sensor operably coupled with the housing and configured to detect rotation of the spool.

18. The security device of Claim 17, wherein the sensor comprises a rotary encoder.

19. The security device of Claim 17, wherein the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized rotation of the spool.

20. The security device of Claim 19, further comprising an alarm circuit configured to generate an alarm signal in response to unauthorized rotation of the spool.

21. The security device of Claim 17, wherein the retraction mechanism comprises a recoiler.

22. The security device of any of Claims 18-21, wherein the sensor is configured to detect retraction of the cable into the housing.

23. A method for securing an item from theft, the method comprising:

positioning a housing adjacent to an item, the housing operably coupled with a cable configured to be extended and automatically retracted relative to the housing;

at least partially surrounding the item with the cable; and

securing the cable to the item such that a sensor operably coupled with the housing is configured to detect retraction of the cable into the housing.

24. A security device for securing an item from theft, the security device comprising: a housing comprising a spool operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing;

a retraction mechanism disposed within the housing and operably coupled to the cable, the retraction mechanism configured to retract the cable into the housing and onto the spool; and a sensor configured to detect unauthorized rotation of the spool.