CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S Provisional Application No.

62/346,768 filed on June 7, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND

[0003] Retailers routinely display portable electronic items of merchandise, such as mobile (e.g. cellular) telephones, media players, handheld game consoles, personal data assistants (PDAs), global positioning satellite (GPS) devices, handheld digital cameras, video recorders, tablet computers, e- readers, and the like, for customers to examine before making a purchase. Retailers often desire that the customer can operate the merchandise to evaluate its operating features. At the same time, retailers do not want the item of merchandise to be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. Accordingly, retailers operably couple the electronic item of merchandise to a merchandise security device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security devices for mounting items of merchandise and protecting the items of merchandise from theft. According to one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, a surface plate configured to be attached to a fixed support surface, a mounting unit configured to be attached to the surface plate, a cable engaged with the sensing unit and the mounting unit, and a releasable connector configured to secure the mounting unit to the surface plate and to allow disengagement of the mounting unit from the surface plate in response to a predetermined force applied to the mounting unit and/or the cable.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method of displaying an item of merchandise and protecting the item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method comprises the steps of attaching the item of merchandise to a sensing unit, attaching a surface plate to a fixed support surface, and attaching a mounting unit to the surface plate with a releasable connector, a cable connected to each of the sensing unit and the mounting unit. The releasable connector is configured to allow disengagement of the mounting unit from the surface element in response to a predetermined force applied to the mounting unit and/or the cable. [0006] In one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, a surface plate configured to be attached to a fixed support surface, a mounting unit configured to be attached to the surface plate, and a cable engaged with the sensing unit and the mounting unit. The sensing unit, the mounting unit, and the cable are configured to be removed from the surface plate in response to a predetermined force applied to the mounting unit and/or the cable.

[0007] In one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, a surface plate configured to be attached to a fixed support surface, a mounting unit configured to be attached to the surface plate, and a cable engaged with the sensing unit and the mounting unit. A force required to disengage the mounting unit from the surface plate is less than a force required to disengage the cable from the sensing unit or mounting unit and/or to remove the sensing unit from the item of merchandise.

[0008] In one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, a surface plate configured to be attached to a fixed support surface, and a mounting unit configured to be attached to the surface plate. A force required to disengage the mounting unit from the surface plate is less than a force required to remove the sensing unit from the item of merchandise.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method comprises attaching the item of merchandise to a sensing unit, attaching a surface plate to a fixed support surface, and attaching a mounting unit to the surface plate. The sensing unit and the mounting unit are configured to be removed from the surface plate in response to a predetermined force applied to the mounting unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method comprises attaching the item of merchandise to a sensing unit, attaching a surface plate to a fixed support surface, and attaching a mounting unit to the surface plate, a cable connected to each of the sensing unit and the mounting unit. A force required to disengage the mounting unit from the surface plate is less than a force required to disengage the cable from the sensing unit or mounting unit and/or to remove the sensing unit from the item of merchandise.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method comprises attaching the item of merchandise to a sensing unit, attaching a surface plate to a fixed support surface, and attaching a mounting unit to the surface plate. A force required to disengage the mounting unit from the surface plate is less than a force required to remove the sensing unit from the item of merchandise.

[0012] In one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, a surface plate configured to be attached to a fixed support surface, a mounting unit configured to be attached to the surface plate, and a cable engaged with the sensing unit and the mounting unit. The sensing unit, the mounting unit, and the cable are configured to be removed from the surface plate without damage in response to a force applied to the mounting unit and/or the cable by a shoplifter.

[0013] In one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, a mounting unit configured to be attached to a fixed support surface, and a cable engaged with the sensing unit and the mounting unit. A force required to remove the mounting unit from the fixed support surface is less than a force required to disengage the cable from the sensing unit or mounting unit and/or to remove the sensing unit from the item of merchandise.

[0014] In one embodiment, a security device comprises a sensing unit configured to be attached to the item of merchandise and a mounting unit configured to be attached to a fixed support surface. A force required to remove the mounting unit from the fixed support surface is less than a force required to remove the sensing unit from the item of merchandise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a merchandise security device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the surface plate illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the mounting unit illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing internal components of the mounting unit illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the releasable connector illustrated in FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view showing the releasable connector engaged with the surface plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mounting unit connected to the surface plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the releasable connector engaged with tabs of the surface plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the middle curved section of the releasable connector engaged with the lip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a merchandise security device including a breakaway security feature. The merchandise security device is configured for displaying items of merchandise, including portable, electronic devices, such as, for example, a mobile (e.g. cellular) telephone, smart phone, media player, handheld game console, personal data assistant (PDA), global positioning satellite (GPS) device, handheld digital camera, video recorder, tablet computer, e-reader, and the like. In addition to being configured to display these items, the merchandise security devices may also be configured to protect the items from theft.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a merchandise security device 10, which is configured to display an item of merchandise M (shown in phantom) and to protect this item M from theft. As shown in FIG. 1, the merchandise security device 10 includes, among other things, a sensing unit 12, a mounting unit 14, a surface plate 16, and an anchor plate 18. The sensing unit 12 is configured to be attached to a portion of the item of merchandise M, such as a flat surface on a back side of the merchandise M. The sensing unit 12 and merchandise M may be attached using any suitable attachment elements, such as double-sided adhesive tape and/or mechanical brackets (not shown). The surface plate 16 is configured to be fixed to a top surface of a fixed support structure 33, as explained in further detail below.

[0026] In one embodiment, a power connector 22 is connected to the sensing unit 12 via a first cable 24. The first cable 24 includes one or more conductors for supplying power to the power connector 22, which in turn supplies power to a power port of the item of merchandise M for charging the item of merchandise. Also, the first cable 24 may include one or more conductors for completing a circuit or sense loop. The sense loop forms a circuit that conducts a signal when the circuit is closed.

However, failure of the sense loop to conduct a signal is an indication that the circuit has been interrupted or opened, which may further be an indication of tampering by a potential shoplifter. For example, the sense loop may become interrupted if the first cable 24 is cut or if the power connector 22 is removed from the power port of the item of merchandise M. In some embodiments, the cable 24 is removably connected to the sensing unit 12 so that different types of connectors 22 may be used for different power ports.

[0027] In some instances, the merchandise security device 10 further includes a second cable 28, which structurally and electrically connects the sensing unit 12 with the mounting unit 14. The second cable 28 may include a first connector 30 and a second connector 32. According to some embodiments, the second cable 28 may be hardwired at each end to the sensing unit 12 and the mounting unit 14, respectively. In other cases, the first connector 30 may be removably coupled with an electrical jack of the sensing unit 12 and the second connector 32 may be removably coupled with an electrical jack of the mounting unit 14. Thus, it is understood that the cable 28 may be hardwired or removably connected to the sensing unit 12 and/or mounting unit 14. Like the first cable 24, the second cable 28 may also include conductors for transmitting power and for forming a sense loop. In some embodiments, the second cable 28 may comprise a helical coil that can be extended and retracted to adjust the length of the cable 28 when the customer is handling the merchandise M.

Detection of the sense loop being interrupted can also be an indication that the second cable 28 has been cut or otherwise disconnected from the sensing unit 12 or mounting unit 14.

[0028] In one embodiment, the merchandise security device 10 may be secured to a fixed support structure 33. The fixed support structure 33 may be any suitable structure, such as, for instance, a countertop, table, shelf, or other stationary surface located within a store or shop where the merchandise is to be displayed. For example, the surface plate 16 may include an adhesive on its bottom surface for securing the surface plate to the fixed support structure 33. In other embodiments, a threaded rod 34 of the merchandise security device 10 is extended through a hole in the fixed support structure 33 and connected to the surface plate 16. A fastening element 36 (e.g., a nut) is threaded onto the threaded rod 34 to control a clamping force between the anchor plate 18 and the surface plate 16. The surface plate 16 is held against a top surface of the fixed support structure 33 while the anchor plate 18 is held against a bottom surface of the fixed support structure 33. The fastening element 36 presses the anchor plate 18 upward toward the surface plate 16, thereby clamping the surface plate 16 and anchor plate 18 about a portion of the fixed support structure 33. In this way, the merchandise security device 10 can be fixedly mounted to the fixed support structure 33.

[0029] As mentioned above, the sensing circuit may detect when a cable (e.g., the first cable 24 or the second cable 28) has been cut or disconnected, when the sensing unit 12 is removed from the item of merchandise M, and/or when a connector (e.g., the power connector 22, first connector 30, and/or second connector 32) has been disengaged from its respective port or jack. In addition to sensing a break in the sense loop and according to the teachings of the present disclosure, the sensing circuit may be configured to detect when the mounting unit 14 has been disconnected from the surface plate 16. In particular, according to the various embodiments of the present invention, the mounting unit 14 is connected to the surface plate 16 such that when a predetermined force in applied to the merchandise security device 10, the connection between the mounting unit 14 and the surface plate 16 may be considered the "weak link" that disconnects before damage can be caused to other elements of the merchandise security device 10 or item of merchandise M. When the mounting unit 14 is disconnected, the sensing circuit may be configured to generate an audible alarm and/or provide a visual alarm.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the surface plate 16 shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the surface plate 16 includes, among other things, a flat disk 40, an opening 42 in the disk 40, one or more engagement features (e.g., a first tab 44 and a second tab 46), and a switch opening 48. A power cord configured to communicate with cables 24 and 28 can be extended through the opening 42. The threaded rod 34 shown in FIG. 1 may be attached to a bottom section of the disk 40 or to another component fixed to the surface plate 16. The first and second tabs 44, 46 extend upward from a top surface of the disk 40 and are configured to connect the surface plate 16 with the mounting unit 14, as mentioned in more detail below.

[0031] The switch opening 48 may be optional in some embodiments. The switch opening 48 provides a channel through which an element of a switch of the mounting unit 14 can pass in order to contact the fixed support structure 33 or other surface on which the merchandise security device 10 is attached. In an alternative embodiment, the switch opening 48 can be omitted and the element of the switch of the mounting unit 14 can contact the top surface of the flat disk 40. Removal of the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16 can be detected by a change in the state of the switch.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the mounting unit 14 shown in FIG. 1. The mounting unit 14 includes a housing 54 having a bottom surface 56 that is configured to be supported on the surface plate 16 when the mounting unit 14 and surface plate 16 are connected together. The mounting unit 14 may further include one or more magnets 55 that are configured to align with corresponding magnets on a bottom surface of the sensing unit 12 for holding the item of merchandise M in a display orientation when the sensing unit 12 is mounted on the mounting unit 14. The magnets 55 may be arranged with the corresponding magnets of the sensing unit 12 to display the merchandise M in a desired orientation. The bottom surface 56 corresponds to a mounting base plate of the mounting unit 14 and is mentioned below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the mounting unit 14 inside the housing 54 shown in FIG. 3 which includes elements for a breakaway connection with the first and second tabs 44, 46 of the surface plate 16 shown in FIG. 2. The mounting unit 14, as shown in FIG. 4, further includes a mounting base plate 58 having one or more engagement features (e.g., a first opening 60 and a second opening 62 (unobstructed in FIG. 7)). The first opening 60 is configured to receive the first tab 44 of the surface plate 16 and the second opening 62 is configured to receive the second tab 46 of the surface plate 16.

[0034] The mounting base plate 58 may include a third opening 64. The third opening 64 is configured to allow a plunger 66 of a plunger switch 68 to pass therethrough. The third opening 64 is aligned with the switch opening 48 shown in FIG. 2, such that the plunger 66 may pass through the switch opening 48 as well as contact the fixed support structure 33. When the mounting unit 14 is in a secured position and connected to the surface plate 16, the third opening 64 is aligned with the switch opening 48 of the surface plate 16 and the plunger 66 is compressed by the fixed support structure 33 on which the merchandise security device 10 is supported. The compression of the plunger 66 thereby closes the plunger switch 68. The sense loop as mentioned above is able to sense when the mounting unit 14 is separated from the surface plate 16 by detecting an open circuit condition when the plunger 66 is no longer compressed but is extended to thereby open the plunger switch 68.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the internal components of the mounting unit 14 further include a breakaway connector or releasable connector 70 that is configured to secure the mounting unit 14 to the surface plate 16. The releasable connector 70 may be housed within the mounting unit 14 as shown in FIG. 4. In one example, the releasable connector 70 is configured to engage the tabs 44, 46 of the surface plate 16 when they are inserted through the first and second openings 60, 62, respectively. More specifically, the first and second openings 60, 62 of the mounting unit 14 are configured to align with the first and second tabs 44, 46 of the surface plate 16 when the mounting unit 14 is pressed down onto the surface plate 16 in a securing operation.

[0036] It is understood that various techniques may be used to facilitate engagement between the releasable connector 70 and the surface plate 16 and that the illustrated embodiments should not be considered limiting. For example, one or more tabs 44, 46 or engagement features on the surface plate 16 and corresponding openings 60, 62 or engagement features on the mounting plate 14 may be employed, and the tabs and openings could be reversed in some cases whereby the mounting unit includes one or more tabs and the surface plate includes one or more openings.

[0037] In one embodiment, the releasable connector 70 is configured to secure the mounting unit 14 to the surface plate 16 and to allow disengagement of the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16 in response to a predetermined force applied to the mounting unit 14. Thus, the entire housing 54, mounting base plate 58, and/or the other components of the mounting unit 14 may be configured to be released from the surface plate 16 in response to a predetermined force.

[0038] In some embodiments, the releasable connector 70 is a "clip". The releasable connector 70 may be formed of a flexible or resilient material that allows the clip to deform when a force is applied thereto and return to its initial state when the force is removed. If a large enough force is applied, the releasable connector 70 may be configured to break in order to allow the mounting unit 14 to be released from the surface plate 16. The releasable connector 70 is configured to release the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16 in response to the application of a predetermined force to the mounting unit. For example, a tensile force applied to the cable 28 may be transferred to the mounting unit 14 which may result in disengaging the releasable connector 70 from the surface plate 16. The predetermined force required to release the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16 may be selected such that it is less than any force required to remove the sensing unit 12 from the item of merchandise M, break or disconnect either cable 24 or 28 from the sensing unit 12, or remove the surface plate 16 from the fixed support surface 33. [0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the releasable connector 70 shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the releasable connector 70 is U-shaped, although other shapes may be used. The releasable connector 70 in this example includes a first leg 72, a second leg 74, a middle curved section 76, and ends 78 and 80. The releasable connector 70 may comprise a flexible metal material (e.g., spring steel) allowing the releasable connector 70 to flex in response to an applied force. The releasable connector 70 may be configured to flex outward when engaging with or disengaging from the tabs 44, 46. In one embodiment, the tabs 44, 46 may comprise a rigid material such that the releasable connector 70 flexes as needed to engage with and disengage from the tabs 44, 46.

According to another embodiment, the tabs 44, 46 may also comprise a flexible material to enable both the releasable connector 70 and tabs 44, 46 to flex appropriately to enable engagement and/or disengagement.

[0040] The releasable connector 70 may be secured to or otherwise carried by the mounting unit 14. Referring again to FIG. 4, the internal components of the mounting unit 14 further include a first cavity 84 configured to accept the end 78 of the first leg 72 of the releasable connector 70. A second cavity 86 is configured to accept the end 80 of the second leg 74 of the releasable connector 70. A retaining element 90 extends from a top surface of the mounting base plate 58 and is configured to retain the middle curved section 76 of the releasable connector 70. The retaining element 90 includes an overhang 92 and a lip 94 extending downward from the overhang 92. The overhang 92 provides an upper limit for the movement of the releasable connector 70 (see also FIG. 9). The lip 94 keeps the releasable connector 70 from moving in a direction away from the first and second cavities 84, 86 and keeps the ends 78, 80 of the legs 72, 74 of the releasable connector 70 from being removed from the cavities 84, 86.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a top view showing the releasable connector 70 engaged with the tabs 44, 46 of the surface plate 16. In the secured state shown in FIG. 6, a portion of the first tab 44 of the surface plate 16 may be configured to overhang or engage the first leg 72 of the releasable connector 70 and a portion of the second tab 46 of the surface plate 16 may be configured to overhang or engage the second leg 74 of the releasable connector 70. The overhanging portions may be at least partially curved as shown in FIG. 6.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of the tabs 44, 46 and releasable connector 70 when the mounting unit 14 is securely connected to the surface plate 16. The tabs 44, 46 each comprise, among other things, an upper sloped surface 100, a lower sloped surface 102, and an outer edge 104. When connecting the mounting unit 14 to the surface plate 16, the first leg 72 of the clip 70 contacts the upper sloped surface 100 of the first tab 44, forcing the first leg 72 outward beyond the outer edge 104. Once past the outer edge 104, the first leg 72 returns to its initial, non-flexed state and may be in contact with the lower sloped surface 102 of the first tab 44. Likewise, the second leg 74 is forced down against the upper sloped surface 100 of the second tab 46 and past the outer edge 104 of the second tab 46.

[0043] In a reverse operation, when a predetermined force is applied to the merchandise security device 10, which may be the result of a potential shoplifter attempting to remove the merchandise M from the merchandise security device 10, the mounting unit 14 is configured to disconnect from the surface plate 16 without damage to the other (more sensitive) components of the merchandise security device 10. The predetermined force may be applied to the mounting unit 14, such as by applying tension to the cable 28 or a direct force to the mounting unit. For example, the

predetermined force may be a force of about 10-25 pounds applied in any direction relative to the mounting unit 14. In some embodiments, the cable 28 may be configured to remain connected to the sensing unit 12 and the mounting unit 14 and the sensing unit may be configured to remain attached to the item of merchandise M when subjected to a force greater (e.g., about 25 lbs. or more) than the force needed to separate the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16.

[0044] From a structural point of view, applying a force on the first and second legs 72, 74 of the releasable connector 70 causes one or both of the legs 72, 74 to contact the lower sloped surface 102 of the respective tabs 44, 46. The flexible properties of the releasable connector 70 allow one or both of the legs 72, 74 to flex outward past the outer edges 104 of the tabs 44, 46, thereby freeing the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16.

[0045] It should be noted that the force required to separate the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16 can be based on a number of characteristics of the releasable connector 70 and surface plate 16, such as the material properties and configuration of the releasable connector and the surface plate. For example, the elasticity characteristics of the releasable connector 70 and/or tabs 44, 46 can be a factor of the material of these components and can determine the amount of force needed to flex the components to enable engagement and disengagement with each other. In addition, the angle of the lower sloped surface 102 of the tabs 44, 46 can also determine the required force for

disconnecting the mounting unit 14 from the surface plate 16. Also, the vertical overlap of the legs 72, 74 of the releasable connector 70 with respect to the tabs 44, 46 may determine the required displacement for forcing the legs 72, 74 past the outer edge 104 of the tabs 44, 46. This displacement is also a factor regarding the required force for separation.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the position of the releasable connector 70 with respect to the tabs 44, 46 when the mounting unit 14 is secured to the surface plate 16. It should be noted that the mounting base plate is omitted in this figure to more clearly show the details of the tabs 44, 46 and releasable connector 70. In the secured state as shown in FIG. 8, the lower sloped surface 102 of the first and second tabs 44, 46 may be configured to engage the releasable connector 70. The tabs 44, 46 overhang the legs of the releasable connector 70 by a predetermined distance to prevent the mounting unit 14 from being removed from the surface plate 16 when a force less than the predetermined removal force is applied to the mounting unit 14.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the lip 94 being engaged with the middle curved section 76 of the releasable connector 70. As discussed above, the lip 94 is configured to prevent the releasable connector 70 from moving in a lateral direction relative to the mounting base plate 58.

[0048] The foregoing describes various exemplary embodiments of a merchandise security device having a mounting unit that can be separated from a surface plate via a breakaway connector or releasable connector. As described in the present disclosure, the forces that may cause separation of the mounting unit from the surface plate may be the result of a potential shoplifter attempting to remove the merchandise from the merchandise security device. The force required to separate the mounting unit from the surface plate is significantly less than other forces required to disconnect other removably attached components of the merchandise security device from each other. For example, the force required to separate the sensing unit from the item of merchandise may be greater than about 25 lbs (e.g., about 35 to 50 lbs).

[0049] When separated, a sensing unit may produce an audible and/or visible alarm to call attention to the potential shoplifter. Advantageously, the sensing unit remains attached to the item of merchandise, such that in the event of an attempted theft, the sensing unit will be alarming while attached to the merchandise. One benefit of various embodiments of the present invention is that the mounting unit can be removed from and attached to the surface plate without damage to components of the merchandise security device. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention not only deter potential shoplifters, but also do so in a way that is non-destructive to the merchandise security device or to the merchandise itself.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments of a merchandise security device have been shown and described herein for the purpose 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.