SECURITY SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to security systems for electronic device retailing. Background

In the retail environment, it is known to secure electronics devices such as cellular phones, tablets, cameras or the like, with a system comprised of grips, receivers and tethers.

A known grip includes a pad, a threaded post, a sensor, a yoke, arms and a threaded security nut. The pad has a planar surface. The sensor is positioned to sense when a device is placed upon the surface. The post is mounted to the pad opposite to the surface and is mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism, to normally rotate in only one direction. The post is hollow. An electrical contact is mounted for reciprocation interiorly of the hollow. A spring urges the contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow and connects the contact to the sensor. The yoke has a threaded aperture to receive the threaded post. The arms are mounted to the yoke for pivotal movement and earn terminate in a hooked end. The security nut is internally threaded to receive the threaded post.

The receiver is mountable to a substrate, such as a table, has an aperture for throughpassing receipt of a tether and a recess for receipt of a yoke.

The tether has a cable mounted to a sprung-spool, such that the cable can be drawn from the spool and automatically returns to the spool via the spring. The cable has two paths for electricity extending throughout its length and terminates in a fitting that has a central portion that is smaller than the bore in the threaded post and an annular portion that is larger than the bore in the threaded post. l An initial step associated with use of the system involves securement of a grip to a device. To do so:

• the yoke is engaged to the threaded post

• the planar surface is placed against and secured to the back of a device to be secured by two-sided tape

• the arms are engaged about the device and the threaded post is turned, to draw the yoke away from the device, tighten the arms around the device and activate the sensor/ switch

• the security nut is tightened around the post, to lock the assembly together.

The security nut is adapted for manipulation only via a custom tool, so as to hinder the ability of persons to disassemble the system.

For the use of the system to secure a gripped device to a surface;

• a hole is drilled through the surface, if not already present, for throughpassing receipt of the cable;

• the receiver is secured to the surface in a conventional manner, such as by screws or tape, such that the apertures in the surface and receiver are aligned;

• the tether is mounted to the underside of the surface to permit passage of the cable through the aligned holes;

• the cable is secured to the threaded post of the clamped device by an internally threaded sleeve such that an electrical circuit is created through the cable and switch; and

• an alarm circuit is coupled to the tether such that an alarm is triggered if the electrical circuit is broken, i.e. if the device were removed from the grip or the cable was severed SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Forming one aspect of the invention is apparatus for use with an electronic device to be secured, a grip adapted to be clamped to the device and including a sensor adapted to provide an indication when in receipt of the device and a tether having a cable which, in use, is coupled to the grip to define part of an alarm circuit including the sensor,

This apparatus comprises: a receiver adapted to be mounted to a substrate and having electrical contacts; a cap having electrical contacts and further having a charge position wherein the cap is received by the receiver; means for electrically coupling the device to the cap; and means for electrically coupling the electrical contacts in the receiver to a charging circuit, wherein the electrical contacts in the receiver and the cap are arranged such that, when the cap is in the charging position, the receiver and cap are coupled together for electrical communication.

According to another aspect of the invention, the means for electrically coupling the device to the cap can comprises a socket defined in the cap and operatively coupled to the contacts in the cap. According to another aspect of the invention, the means for electrically coupling the device to the cap can comprise a charging wire having a plug adapted to engage the device at one end and a plug adapted to engage the socket at the other end.

According to another aspect of the invention, the receiver can have a recess, the cap can have a protuberance and the electrical contacts can be duplicated in each and arranged such that the cap has four charging positions, 90° apart from one another with reference to an axis extending through the central bore.

According to another aspect of the invention, magnets can be associated with the receiver and the cap to urge the receiver and the cap towards one another.

According to another aspect of the invention: the receiver can have a threaded shaft that, when the receiver is operatively mounted to the substrate, protrudes through the substrate; the receiver can be mounted to the substrate by a threaded object which receives the threaded shaft in use such that the substrate is at least operatively captured between the receiver and the object; and the threaded shaft can be mounted to the receiver by a ratchet mechanism so as to be rotatable by the receiver, at least when the ratchet mechanism is caused to function, only in the direction which draws the threaded object and receiver closer together.

According to another aspect of the invention, the means for coupling the electrical contacts in the receiver to a charging circuit can comprise a wire coupled to the electrical contacts in the receiver.

According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus can further comprise a spacer plate having a groove defined therein, the spacer plate being adapted to be disposed against the substrate, with the groove in receipt of the wire, to provide a path for the wire through the aperture in the substrate to the charging circuit. Forming another aspect of the invention is improved grip of the type including: a pad having a generally planar surface; a sensor adapted to sense the presence of a device against the surface; a hollow post extending from the pad opposite to the surface; an electrical contact mounted for reciprocation interiorly of the post; a spring urging the electrical contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow and connecting the contact to the sensor; and arms operatively mounted to the pad and each terminating in a hooked end. The improvement comprises: each arm being releasably operatively mounted to the pad at one end and having pivotally operatively connected at the other end thereof, a pair of claws.

According to another aspect of the invention: this grip can further comprise a yoke having a threaded aperture for receipt of the threaded post; the threaded hollow post can be mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism, to rotate in only one direction, at least when the internal ratchet mechanism is caused to function; and the arms can be releasably mounted to the yoke.

According to another aspect of the invention, each arm can be releasably connected at the one end thereof, at least in part, by a pin that passes through the arm into a channel defined in the yoke.

According to another aspect of the invention, each arm can be releasably connected at the one end thereof, at least in part, by a pin that projects from the yoke through an aperture in the arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, each arm can be releasably connected at the one end thereof, at least in part, by a hooked end of the arm that engages a channel defined in the yoke.

According to another aspect of the invention, each arm can be releasably connected at the one end thereof, at least in part, by a pair of pins that project from the yoke through notches in the sides of the arm. According to another aspect of the invention, the claws can be operatively pivotally connected to the other end of the arm by rivets each respectively capturing a claw to an arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, the pair of claws can be operatively pivotally connected to the other end of the arm by an intermediate connector and a pair or rivets each respectively capturing a claw to the connector.

According to another aspect of the invention: the arm can be a strip of metal of uniform width; the connector can have a throughpassing channel and a locking mechanism; and the locking mechanism can allow movement of the strip through the channel in only one direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connector can be connected to the arm, at least in part, by a pair of pins that project from the connector through notches in the sides of the arm.

According to another aspect of the invention, each arm can be releasably connected at the one end thereof, at least in part, by a nut that engages the threaded post and urges the cap towards the yoke.

Forming another aspect of the invention is an improved cellular phone grip of the type including a pad having a generally planar surface a sensor adapted to sense the presence of a device against the surface a threaded hollow post extending from the pad opposite to the surface and mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism, to rotate in only one direction, at least when the internal ratchet mechanism is caused to function an electrical contact mounted for reciprocation interiorly of the post a spring urging the electrical contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow and connecting the contact to the sensor a yoke having a threaded aperture for receipt of the threaded post a pair of arms mounted to the yoke for pivotal movement and each terminating in a hooked end

In this grip, the improvement comprises: a plurality of sockets defined in the yoke for each arm to permit the grip to operatively capture devices of differing sizes; a security nut adapted for receipt of the threaded hollow post; and the arms being shaped such that, when the security nut is tightly engaged, the ends of the arms cannot be drawn apart. According to another aspect of the invention, the security nut can urge the cap towards the yoke and the cap can be adapted to engage the arms such that the ends of the arms cannot be drawn apart.

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is apparatus comprising: a planar substrate having opposed adhesive surfaces; a first release layer applied to one of the opposed surfaces; and a second release layer applied to the other of the opposed surfaces, the other release layer having an elongate tab sized and dimensioned such that, when folded upon itself, it protrudes beyond the planar substrate.

An improved tether forms yet another aspect of the invention. The tether is of the type including a cable, a spool and a winder. The cable has at least two paths for electricity extending throughout its length and terminating in a fitting that has a central portion that is smaller than the bore in the threaded post and an annular portion that is larger than the bore in the threaded post. The spool is for receiving the cable. The winder mechanism is for allowing the cable to be drawn from the spool and automatically retracting the cable when tension is removed from the cable. The improvement comprises: a mounting plate; a housing for receiving the spool, cable and winder mechanism; and inter-engaging lips on the housing and the mounting plate which, in use, pivotably mount to the housing to the mounting plate, and which resiliently deform to allow for connection and disconnection of the housing and plate

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is apparatus for use with a sensor arrangement and a tether.

The sensor arrangement includes: a pad having a generally planar surface; a sensor adapted to the presence of a device against the surface; a threaded hollow post extending from the pad opposite to the surface and mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism, to rotate in only one direction; an electrical contact mounted for

reciprocation interiorly of the post; a spring urging the electrical contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow and connecting the contact to the sensor. The tether is of the type including a cable having at least two paths for electricity extending throughout its length and terminating in a fitting that has a central portion that is smaller than the bore in the threaded post and an annular portion that is larger than the bore in the threaded post.

This apparatus comprises: a housing having a first end, a second end and a through passing bore; an insert disposed mounted for reciprocation in the bore between the first and second ends, the insert having one or more spring tabs, the one or more spring tabs: having a rest configuration whereat the one or more tabs define at least part of a passage smaller than the annular portion of the fitting; and being resiliently deformable to a clearance configuration, whereat the one or more tabs define at least part of a passage larger than the annular portion of the fitting; a spring mounted interiorly of the bore and adapted to urge the insert towards the second end; and a security nut threaded for engagement with the threaded post and rotatably mounted to the first end of the housing via a ratchet mechanism.

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is a controller comprising a plurality of sockets, each communicating with a charging circuit, and adapted for releasable receipt of a wires.

Other features and advantages of the present invention are described hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the receiver

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the cap;

Figure 3 is a view of the structure of Figure 1 in use with the structure of Figure 3

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a structure employing a variant of the receiver;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the tablet grip in use with a tablet;

Figure 5A is a rear view of the grip of Figure 5 in another configuration;

Figure 5B is a rear view of the grip of Figure 5 in another configuration;

Figure 5C is a rear view of the grip of Figure 5 in another configuration;

Figure 5D is a rear view of the grip of Figure 5 in another configuration;

Figure 5E is a rear view of the grip of Figure 5 in another configuration;

Figure 5F is a rear view of the grip of Figure 5 in another configuration;

Figure 6 is a side view of the structure of Figure 5

Figure 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the tablet grip;

Figure 8A is a view of the underside of the structure in encircled area 8A of Figure 7; Figure 8B is a view of the underside of the structure in encircled area 8B of Figure 7;

Figure 9A is an enlarged view of the structure in encircled area 9A of Figure 7;

Figure 9B is a view similar to Figure 9A and showing a variant thereof;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a cellular phone grip according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention clamped to a cellular phone;

Figure 11 is a side view of the structure of Figure 10;

Figure 11A is an enlarged view of structure 106 of Figure 10;

Figure 12A is a perspective view of the structure indicated by arrow 12A in Figure 11 ;

Figure 12B is a side view of the structure of Figure 12A;

Figure 12C is a top view of the structure of Figure 12A;

Figure 12D is a bottom view of the structure of Figure 12A;

Figure 13A is a perspective view of the structure indicated by arrow 13A in Figure 11 ;

Figure 13B is a side view of the structure of Figure 13A;

Figure 13C is a top view of the structure of Figure 13A;

Figure 14 is a view of the structure of Figure 11 in use with the structures of Figure 1 and Figure 2 Figure 15 is a perspective view of installation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment

Figure 16A is a cross-section of a portion of a tether including the end fitting

Figure 16B is a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the quick release

coupling;

Figure 16C is a cross-section of a portion of a grip;

Figure 17 shows the structure of Figure 16B installed upon the structure of Figure

16C and the structure of Figure 16A about to be inserted into the structure of Figure 16B

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17 showing the structure of Figure 16A partially inserted into the structure of Figure 16B, the tabs in the rest configuration

Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 but showing the tabs in the clearance

configuration;

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 but showing the structure of Figure 16A fully inserted into the structure of Figure 16B and the tabs in the rest configuration;

Figure 20A is a view showing the structure of Figure 16B in use with the structure of

Figure 2;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the quick release tool;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the controller; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the improved tether; and

Figure 24 is an exploded side view of the structure of Figure 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to drawings which show the features of the present invention in detail.

Charge Cap and Receiver

As an initial matter, the invention will be understood to relate to the field of security systems for electronic devices of the type which includes, for each device to be secured, a grip and a tether.

The grip is adapted to be clamped to the device and includes sensor means for sensing when the grip is in receipt of the device. The tether has a cable which, in use, is coupled to the grip to define part of an alarm circuit including the sensor means. Although not shown, systems of this general type have been sold for many years, including a system sold by RTF Global wherein the conductors associated with the tether cable were utilized both for charging the device and the alarm circuitry.

As one aspect of the present invention, the functions of device charging and device alarming can be separated, by the use of a receiver 20 and a charge cap 22, as shown by way of examples in Figures 1 and 2 respectively.

The illustrated receiver 20 is adapted to be mounted to a substrate by way of screws that are driven through bores 24, but the receiver 20 can be mounted in any conventional manner. The illustrated receiver will also be seen to have a cruciform recess 26, a central bore 28, and two pairs of electrical contacts 30. Although not visible, it will be understood that the receiver 20 has one or more internal magnets.

A wire 32, terminating in a micro-USB connector 34, will be understood to be electrically connected to the pairs of electrical contacts such that, when the micro-USB 34 is operatively coupled to a charging circuit (not shown), the pairs of electrical contacts 30,30 are similarly coupled to the charging circuit.

The charge cap 22 will be seen to have a cruciform protuberance 36 on its underside, two pairs of electrical contacts 38 and a socket 40. Although not visible, it will be understood that the charge cap 22 has one or more internal magnets and that the socket 40 is electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 38 in the cap 22.

Figure 3 shows the charge cap 22 in one of four available charge positions, wherein the cap 22 is received by the receiver 20. The other of the charge positions will be understood to be 90° apart from one another, as a result of the cruciform recess 26 and protuberance 36 and the duplicated electrical contacts 30,38. The electrical contacts in the receiver 30 and the cap 38 are arranged such that, when the cap 22 is in any of the charging positions, the receiver 20 and cap 22 are coupled together for electrical communication and provide a stable mounting platform. The magnets in the charge cap 22 and receiver 20 will be understood to urge the same together, to facilitate said electrical communication. Also shown in Figure 3 is one exemplary means for electrically coupling the device to the cap, namely, a charging wire 42 having a plug 44 adapted to engage the device at one end and a plug 46 adapted to engage the socket 40 at the other end. The plug 46 is advantageously a non-standard plug, which will minimize the likelihood that visitors to the retail establishment will remove the plug 46 and attempt to use the socket for charging purposes.

Persons of ordinary skill will appreciate that the above described assembly can be utilized in conventional security systems as a substitute for known mounts such as the RTF GLOBAL duckbill mount. So deployed, the existing tether arrangement can be used for alarming the device, i.e. a tether can be mounted underneath the substrate to which the receiver is mounted, and secured to a device by a conventional grip; the device can be charged using the charging wire shown in Figure 3. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the separation of alarm and charge functions has advantage in that modern cellular phone and similar devices use relatively large quantities of power and the electrical charge capacity of conventional tethers is relatively limited as a result of relatively high resistance in the conventional tether conductors.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an assembly including a useful variation of the above. In this embodiment, the receiver 20 has a threaded shaft 48 that, when the receiver 20 is operatively positioned on the surface of a substrate (not shown), protrudes through the substrate, and is mounted to the substrate by a threaded object that engages the shaft, in this case, a bracket 50 for a tether 52, such that the substrate is at least operatively captured between the receiver 20 and the object 50. Although not shown, it will be understood that the threaded shaft 48 is mounted to the receiver 20 by a ratchet mechanism so as to normally be rotatable by the receiver only in the direction which draws the threaded object and receiver closer together.

Persons of ordinary skill are familiar with the ratchet mechanism and accordingly, further detail of this connection are neither provided nor required. This threaded post embodiment has advantage in situations wherein holes are not easily provided in the substrate, for example, metal or glass. Although not shown, it should be understood that in this embodiment, the ratchet mechanism can be disengaged by a clockwise rotation of bracket 50 below the substrate.

Figure 4 also shows a spacer plate 54 having a groove 56 defined therein. In use, the spacer plate 54 is disposed against the substrate, with the groove 56 in receipt of the charging wire 32, to provide a path for the wire through the aperture in the substrate to the charging circuit. That is, as shown, as the bracket 50 is threaded upon the post 48, the spacer plate 54 ensures that the wire 32 is not pinched or severed. The charging circuit can, for example, be defined by the charger that accompanies the device when sold (not shown).

Tablet Grip

Figures 5 and 6 show a tablet grip 58 that forms another aspect of the invention in use with a tablet 60. Figures 5A-5E show the tablet grip 58 in a variety of other configurations illustrating the flexibility of the grip 58 in use: the grip will secure flat areas and corners of any tablet regardless of size, shape, or thickness as they are free moving and will configure to the surface it is applied. The curved profile of the claw tips allow the grip to adjust for thickness.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a portion 62 of a grip similar to that shown in Figures 5-6 but, inter alia, having an oval, rather than round, configuration.

These grips have some similarity to the prior art, in that each includes

• a pad 64 having a generally planar surface 66

• a sensor 68 adapted to sense pressure applied to the surface

• a threaded hollow post 70 extending from the pad opposite to the surface 66 and mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism (not shown), to rotate in only one direction [unless disengaged by a pin]

• an electrical contact (not shown) mounted for reciprocation interiorly of the post

• a spring (not shown) urging the electrical contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow and connecting the contact to the sensor

• a yoke 72 having a threaded aperture for receipt of the threaded post; and

• arms 74 mounted to the yoke and each terminating in a hooked end 76

However, the devices of Figures 5-6 differ notably from the prior art in that: • the yoke 72 is a two-part structure which defines an series of interior channels 76 when assembled

• each arm 74 is releasably pivotably connected at one end thereof to the yoke 72

• each arm 74 is pivotally operatively connected at the other end thereof, to a pair of claws 78

• the arms 74, in use, extend in generally coplanar relation to the tablet 60;

• the claws define a jaw 80 that, in use, is orientated towards the junction of the arm to which it is connected and the yoke, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 6

The releasable connectivity of the arms 74 allows for inexpensive replacement of the arms, thereby to allow the grip to be used repeatedly, with tablets of differing sizes, while maintaining the above geometry, which is believed to be advantageous in that it securely grasps the tablet with relatively minimum bending moment applied thereto. That said, there is also considerable adjustment available with any given set of arms, via repositioning the arms relative to the yoke by selecting, for example, another channel.

In the device shown in Figure 7, a version 22' of the previously described charge cap forms one half of the yoke 72 and a security nut 82 is used, such that

• each arm is releasably connected at the one end thereof by a pin 84 that that passes through the arm 74 into a channel 76 defined in the yoke and by the security nut 82 that engages the threaded post 70 and urges the parts of the yoke 72 together

• the claws 78 are operatively pivotally connected to the other end of the arm by an intermediate connector 86 and a pair of rivets 88 each respectively capturing a claw 80 to the connector 86.

As will also be evident, in the devices of Figures 5-7, each arm is a strip of metal of uniform width; the connector 86 has a throughpassing channel 90 and a locking mechanism 92; and the locking mechanism 92 allows movement of the strip 74 through the channel in only one direction.

However, the arms can be connected to the yoke and the claws in a variety of manners.

For example, as shown in Figure 9, the connector can be connected to the arm, at least in part, by a pair of pins 94 that project from the connector through notches 96 in the sides of the arm; a similar construction could be employed to connect the arm to the yoke. As another variation, rather than notches being provided in the arm, the arm could terminate in a T-shaped end or ends, and pins or tabs could protrude from the yoke or connector to capture the T-shaped end in an analogous manner.

Similarly, each arm could be releasably connected at the one end thereof, at least in part: by a pin that projects from the yoke through an aperture in the arm; or by a hooked end of the arm that engages a channel defined in the yoke (neither shown)

Of course, the claws could be riveted directly to or formed integrally with the arms (also not shown), although this would minimize the extent to which the arms could be used with differing devices. Similarly, connectors other than rivets could be utilized.

Cellular phone Grip

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is a cellular phone grip 100, shown in use in Figure 10 and Figure 11 with a phone 102. This grip 100, again, bears some similarity to the prior art in that includes:

• a pad 64 having a generally planar surface 66

• a sensor adapted to sense pressure applied to the surface 66

• a threaded hollow post 70 extending from the pad 64 opposite to the surface and mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism (not shown), to rotate in only one direction, except when released • an electrical contact (not shown) mounted for reciprocation interiorly of the post

• a spring (not shown) urging the electrical contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow post and connecting the contact to the sensor

• a yoke 72 having a threaded aperture for receipt of the threaded post

• a pair of arms 106 mounted to the yoke for pivotal movement and each terminating in a hooked end

However, this grip notably differs in that it includes:

• a plurality of sockets 104 defined in the yoke for each arm to permit the grip to operatively capture devices of differing sizes;

• a backer plate 105; and

• arms 106 which are shaped such that, when the backer plate 105 is tightly engaged against the yoke 72, the distal ends of the arms 106 cannot be drawn apart.

The sockets 104 are shown in the yoke shown in Figures 12A-12D; these will be seen to be arranged in rows to receive pins 108 that protrude from opposite sides of the arms, as best seen in Figure 10. Figure 11A shows the arm 106 removed from the yoke 72. As will be seen upon reference to Figure 12D, this yoke is provided with a pair of opposed slots 111 to receive the pins 108 of the arms and allow egress to the sockets. This facilitates replacement of arms, and further enhances the ability of this embodiment to be used with cellular phones of differing sizes.

The backer plate 105 is shown in isolation in Figures 13A-13C and will be seen to include raised ridges 110 that engage the surfaces of the arms 106 to arrest rotation.

It will be evident that this grip 100 is well adapted for use with the charge cap 22 and receiver 20, as shown in Figure 14. In this application, the security nut (not shown) will urge the charge cap 22 against the backer plate 105, thereby to urge the backer plate 105 against the yoke 72, but it will be appreciated that this is not necessary. Installation Apparatus

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is apparatus 112 used during installation of the system, as shown in Figure 15

The apparatus comprises: a planar substrate 114 having opposed adhesive surfaces 116,116; a first release layer 118 applied to one of the opposed surfaces; and a second release layer 120 applied to the other of the oppose surfaces, the other release layer having an elongate tab 122 sized and dimensioned such that, when folded upon itself, it protrudes beyond the planar substrate 114.

To use the apparatus 112, the first release layer 118 is removed from the one of the surfaces and the so-revealed adhesive is applied to the back panel of the sensor pad [howsoever embodied].

Thereafter, the cellular phone is positioned in the grip in a conventional manner and clamped loosely in place.

Once the phone is positioned properly, the elongate tab 122 is grasped and pulled, to reveal the other adhesive surface. Thereafter, the grip is tightened fully.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this apparatus facilitates and expedites installation.

Combination Quick Release /Security Nut and Tool

Forming another aspect of the invention is a coupling 124 shown in Figure 16B.

This coupling 124 is used with a sensor arrangement of the type employed herein throughout, to wit, including: • a pad having a generally planar surface;

• a sensor adapted to sense pressure applied to the surface;

• a threaded hollow post extending from the pad opposite to the surface and

mounted, via an internal ratchet mechanism, to rotate in only one direction;

• an electrical contact mounted for reciprocation interiorly of the post; and

• a spring urging the electrical contact for movement towards the terminus of the hollow and connecting the contact to the sensor, and is also used with

• a tether of the type including a cable having at least two paths for electricity

extending throughout its length and terminating in a fitting that has a central portion that is smaller than the bore in the threaded post and an annular portion that is larger than the bore in the threaded post.

A portion of the arrangement with which the coupling is used is shown in FIG. 16C, illustrating the threaded hollow post 126, electrical contact 128 and spring 130, and also shown in Figure 16A is a portion of the tether, showing the central portion 132 of the fitting, the annular portion 134 of the fitting and the cable 136.

Turning now to the coupling, same will be seen to include a housing 140, an insert 142, a spring 144 and a security nut 146.

The housing 140 has a first end 150 and a second end 148 and has a central bore extending therebetween.

The insert 142 is disposed interiorly of the central bore, is mounted for reciprocation therein between the first 150 and second 148 ends and has one or more spring tabs 152 disposed interiorly of the bore. The one or more spring tabs 152 have a rest configuration, as shown in Figure 16B, wherein the one or more tabs 152 define at least part of a passage smaller than the annular portion 134 of the fitting; and are resiliently deformable to a clearance configuration, whereat the one or more tabs 152 define at least part of a passage larger than the annular portion 134 of the fitting.

The spring 144 is mounted interiorly of the bore and is adapted to urge the insert 142 towards the second end 148.

The security nut 146 is interiorly threaded for engagement with the threaded post 126 and rotatably mounted to the first end 150 of the housing via a ratchet mechanism (not shown).

In an exemplary use, the security nut portion 146 of this apparatus can be engaged upon the threaded post 126, as shown in Figure 17, and thereafter, the fitting can be inserted into the second end of the housing and urged past the tabs, which resiliently deform and then spring back into place, locking the tether against retraction. Figure 18 shows the fitting just before the tabs have started to deform outwardly; Figure 19 shows the insert in the clearance configuration; and Figure 20 shows the assembled structure, after the tabs have returned to the original position. Figure 20A is a view of the structure of Figure 16B in use with the structure of Figure 2, showing the manner in which the quick connect coupling can be used.

To disconnect the tether from the grip, the tool 160 shown in Figure 21 is employed.

This tool 160 has a semi-cylindrical end 162 adapted for insertion interiorly of the insert 142, to force the tabs 152 apart and allow the tether to separated from the housing 140. Tool 160 will also be seen to have an end 164 having a pair of prongs adapted to engage corresponding bores in the security nut 82 shown, for example, in Figure 5. Controller

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is the controller 170 shown in Figure 22. This device 170 comprises a plurality of sockets 172, each communicating with a charging circuit, and adapted for releasable receipt of charging wires.

Controller is unique in that it performs the following functions; each of the ports can remotely control the charging to turn on or off

each of the ports can remotely control the multimedia feed to turn on or off each of the ports can remotely control the alarm to turn on or off

each of the ports can remotely control the charging to turn on or off as it communicates with the device to monitor battery levels to provide a charge only to ports calling for charge. When the device reaches an acceptable charge the communication from the device tells the controller to shut down the power supply to that port. This is advantageous to conserve power and to protect the battery's from over charging.

the controllers software can be remotely upgraded

the controller can monitor statistical data such as: count number of times a device has been lifted from receiver, this is used to collect marketing data and provide a tool to count recoiler pulls used to warranty the recoiler

the controller can supports an app-based alarm to provide the additional capabilities: GPS tracking, visually recording the person who is unlawfully attempting to remove the protected device with a series of pictures which can be emailed to a predetermined point of contact.

Rotatable Tether

Forming yet another aspect of the invention is the tether 180 shown in Figures 23 and 24. This tether 180 is of a generally conventional type, in that it includes:

• a cable 136 having at least two paths for electricity extending throughout its length and terminating in a fitting that has a central portion 132 that is smaller than the bore in the threaded post and an annular portion 134 that is larger than the bore in the threaded post;

• a spool (not shown) for receiving the cable

• a winder mechanism (not shown) for allowing the cable to be drawn from the spool and automatically retracting the cable when tension is removed from the cable

However, this tether differs in that it includes

• a mounting plate 184

• a housing 186 for receiving the spool, cable and winder mechanism

• inter-engaging lips 188 on the housing 186 and the mounting plate 184 which, in use, pivotably mount the housing 186 to the mounting plate 184, and which resiliently deform to allow for connection and disconnection of the housing 186 and plate 184

Without intending to be bound by theory, this tether is believed to be of advantage, in that by allowing the housing to rotate, stress that would otherwise be borne by the cable, which could result in failure of the conductors, is removed. The ability of the housing to rotate 360° below the substrate can facilitate otherwise impossible installations due to obstructions.

Variations

A relatively few exemplary embodiments have been hereinbefore described in detail and it will be understood that variations are possible. For example, a conventional reed switch could easily be accommodated in the charge cap and receiver, to trigger when the charge cap is removed from the receiver.

As well, the receiver could, for example, be mounted by adhesive.

As well, the spacer plate and the mounting plate for the rotatable tether could ideally be merged.

Whereas the use of a micro-USB connector is indicated, this is, of course, not necessary; other connectors, such as but not limited to RJ11 or USB could be used.

Accordingly, the invention should therefore be understood as limited only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The complete contents of United States Patent Application Serial No. 61/678,171 filed August 1 , 2012 are incorporated herein by reference.