CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/574,528, filed on October 19, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandise display security systems and methods for displaying and protecting portable electronic items of merchandise against theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to display items of merchandise on a merchandise display security device. The security device displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser can readily view and, in some instances, operate the item when making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item of merchandise is usually physically secured on the security device so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The merchandise display security device may also include an audible and/or visible alarm that is activated to alert store personnel in the event that a shoplifter attempts to separate the item of merchandise from the security device. Sometimes the retailer will display various removable or modular components that are configured to operate with the item merchandise. Thus, it is also desirable to prevent or deter theft or unauthorized removal of the removable or modular component from the item of merchandise.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a merchandise display security device for a portable electronic device having a removable component. The merchandise display security device includes a sensor configured to be secured to the portable electronic device and the removable component and monitoring electronics in electrical communication with the sensor. The sensor is configured to be positioned between the portable electronic device and the removable component, and the monitoring electronics is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the sensor from the removable component or the portable electronic device.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method for protecting a portable electronic device having a removable component from theft is provided. The method includes positioning a sensor between the portable electronic device and the removable component, wherein monitoring electronics are in electrical communication with the sensor. The method further includes securing the sensor to the portable electronic device and the removable component for detecting unauthorized removal of the sensor from the removable component or the portable electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a merchandise display security device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one side of a sensor according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the sensor shown in FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sensor shown in FIGS. 2-3 attached to an item of merchandise.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sensor shown in FIGS. 2-3 attached to a removable component of the item of merchandise.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of an item of merchandise according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of a removable component of an item of merchandise according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an alarm module and a power source according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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 display security device are shown. In some embodiments, the security device may be used to protect items of merchandise and various removable or modular components from theft or unauthorized removal. The item of merchandise is typically a display model or an operational sample of electronic merchandise, such as portable telephones, smart phones, computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, media players, and the like, for a customer to examine before making a decision whether to purchase the article. The item of merchandise is typically displayed in a manner that permits a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise, while protecting the merchandise from theft. In one embodiment, a sensor may be attached to the item of merchandise and the removable component for detecting various alarming conditions, such as the item or removable component being removed from the sensor. A cable may be operably engaged with the sensor at one end, while the opposite end may be secured to a recoiler. As explained in further detail below, the sensor may also be configured to detect an alarming condition of the cable, such as a cutting, severing, removing, or detaching of the cable.

[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a merchandise display security device 10 including a sensor 14 configured to be secured to an item of merchandise 12 and a removable component 13. According to various embodiments, the merchandise display security device 10 is configured for use with various types of items of merchandise 12 including a modular or removable component 13. The removable component 13 may be an accessory or other device or object that is configured to connect to and operate with the item of merchandise 12. The removable component 13 is intended to be readily attached to and removed from the item of merchandise, which may be beneficial where a user desires to use different removable components with the same item of merchandise. For example, the sensor 12 may be suitable for use with items of merchandise 13 and removable components 13 similar to that of the Moto Z and Moto Mods™ (Motorola Mobility LLC). It is understood that the merchandise display security device 10 is suitable for use with any number of portable electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, computers, etc.) having one or more removable components (e.g., speakers, power supply, projectors, cameras, gamepads, and docks).

[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a merchandise display security device 10 including an embodiment of a sensor 14 configured for use with an item of merchandise 12 having a removable component 13. In this example, the item of merchandise 12 is a mobile phone, while the removable component 13 is a speaker configured to electrically and mechanically connect to and operate with the mobile phone. In this embodiment, the sensor 14 is configured to be positioned between the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13. In one example, the sensor 12 is configured to be in direct engagement with both the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13. The sensor 14 may be a rigid member in some embodiments, but may be a flexible member in others.

[0017] Moreover, the sensor 12 may be configured to facilitate engagement between the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13 in some instances. For example, the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13 may include one or more magnets or magnetically attractable material or members that are complementary to one or more magnets 20 or magnetically attractable members or material in or on the sensor 14 for facilitating alignment and securement when the sensor is supported on the display stand. In one example, the item of merchandise includes a magnetically attractable material, and the removable component includes one or more magnets. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, the sensor 14 comprises a plurality of magnets configured to magnetically attract to the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13. In some cases, the removable component 13 includes one or more magnets that attract to the magnets 20 of the sensor 14. In other cases, the removable component 13 includes one or more magnets that attract to magnetically attractable material of the sensor 14. In some embodiments, the sensor 14 may include a releasable adhesive for securing the sensor to the item of merchandise and/or the removable component 13.

[0018] In some cases, the sensor 14 may be approximately the same cross-sectional area as the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13. For instance, the largest cross- sectional area or dimension of the sensor 14 may be about (e.g., within 5%) the same as the largest cross-sectional area or dimension of the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4-5). In one instance, the largest cross-sectional area or dimension of the sensor 14 is about (e.g., within 5%) the same as the largest cross-sectional area or dimension of the removable component 13. The sensor 14 may also be the same shape as the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13. Therefore, when assembled, the sensor 14 does not take away from the appearance of the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13. Moreover, the sensor 14 may be thin in some embodiments and in particular, significantly thinner than both the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13. For instance, the sensor 14 may be less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 2 mm in thickness. In one embodiment, the sensor 14 may be a circuit board. The thinness of the sensor 14 also aids in the uniform appearance of the security system 10, while also enabling a mechanical and electrical connection between the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13 without external brackets or fasteners.

[0019] In one embodiment, the sensor 14 is configured to facilitate communication between the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13. In this regard, the sensor 14 may include one or more conductors 24 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2-5) configured to engage with one or more conductors 26 provided on the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-7). The conductors 26 may be configured to electrically connect to one another when the sensor 14 is not present for communicating with one another. The conductors 24, 26 may be configured to align with and engage one another for establishing an electrical connection for transferring power and/or data signals therebetween. Thus, when the sensor 14 is engaged with both the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13, communication is not interrupted. The conductors 24 may be located on both sides of the sensor 14 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2- 3). In some cases, the sensor 14 defines a series of openings that receive respective conductors 24 therein, such as conductive pins. The openings defined in the sensor 14 may extend through the entire surface of the sensor 14 such that the conductors are exposed on both sides of the sensor. The conductors 24 may be loosely disposed within the openings or otherwise "floating" or could be spring-loaded in other embodiments. FIGS. 2-5 show that the conductors 24 on the sensor 14 may be a series of rows or an array that are configured to match the location of the conductors of the 26 on the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13. It is understood that the number and arrangement of the conductors 24 can thereby be customized to the particular number and arrangement of the conductors 26 on the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13.

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor 14 may include one or more conductors 28 configured to define a sense loop with the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13. The item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13 may include one or more conductors 32 that are configured to engage and electrically connect to the conductors 28. When the conductors 28, 32 are electrically connected, a sense loop may be defined through the conductors for detecting removal of the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13 from the sensor. For instance, if the sensor 14 is removed from the item of merchandise 12 or the removable component 13 and the contact between the conductors 28, 32 is broken, the sense loop may be in turn interrupted. In one embodiments, the sensor 14 includes a plurality of conductors 28, and the item of merchandise 12 includes a conductor 32 comprising a ground strip for defining the sense loop, although any desired configuration may be employed for defining a sense loop. It is understood that a sense loop may be defined between any one of the conductors 24 and/or conductors 28 of the sensor 14 and any one of the conductors 26 and/or conductors 32 of the item of merchandise 12 and the removable component 13.

[0021] Moreover, the sensor 14 may be connected to a cable 36 in some embodiments. The cable 36 may be hardwired to the sensor 14 or removably connected thereto (e.g., with a plug connector). The cable 36 may include one or more electrical conductors for defining a sense loop. In one example, the cable 36 has a pair of conductors configured to transmit a security signal. The cable 36 may be electrically connected to the conductors 28 to thereby define a sense loop.

[0022] Cable 36 may be configured to electrically connect sensor 14 to an alarm module 30 and to activate an audible and/or a visible alarm in the event that the cable is cut, severed, or removed from the sensor, or should the item of merchandise 12 or removable component 13 be removed from the sensor (see, e.g., FIG. 8). As such, the cable 36 may comprise one or more conductors disposed within a protective outer sheath. At least one of the conductors in the cable 36 may conduct a security signal between the sensor 14 and the alarm module 30, which is configured to activate an alarm in the event that the electrical signal or sense loop is interrupted in one of the aforementioned manners indicating a possible theft condition. A plug or other connector, for example a USB connector, may be disposed at one end of the cable 36 for electrically connecting the cable to the alarm module 30, which may be in turn connected to an external source of electrical power 31, for example a conventional 110V AC power outlet. The other end of the cable 36 may be connected to the sensor 14 via hardwiring or a connector for electrically connecting the cable to the sensor and any associated sensor electronics.

[0023] In the embodiment of the security device 10 illustrated in FIG. 8, the alarm module 30 is shown positioned in a secure location, for example underneath a display counter or within a locked cabinet, so that the alarm module is not readily accessible to unauthorized persons. The alarm module 30 is configured to contain alarm or monitoring electronics for monitoring the state of the security signal conducted by the cable 36 and for activating an internal or remote audible and/or visible alarm in the event of a possible theft condition. The alarm module 30 may optionally contain voltage regulating and/or power management electronics for modulating the voltage (e.g. 18V) of the external source of electrical power to provide an appropriate operating voltage (e.g. 5V) to the article of merchandise.

[0024] The alarm module 30 may contain monitoring electronics that monitor the state of the sensor 14 for detecting whether the item of merchandise 12 and/or the removable component 13 is securely attached to the sensor. The alarm module 30 may also contain an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm, such as a piezo and/or LED, that is activated when the monitoring electronics detects that the sensor 14 indicates an "unsecured" or "alarm" state. In some embodiments, the monitoring electronics is configured to be armed and disarmed. For example, the monitoring electronics may be configured to communicate with a key for arming and disarming thereof. In one example, the alarm module 30 may be configured to be armed or disarmed with a key, such as an electronic key configured to wirelessly transmit a security code. In one embodiment, the key is an electronic key. In other embodiments, the key is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,737,845 entitled Programmable Key for a Security System for Protecting Merchandise, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein it its entirety.

[0025] It is understood that the illustrated embodiment including an alarm module 30 is not intended to be limiting, as it is understood that the cable 36 may alternatively be tethered or electrically connected to other display stands, display surfaces, supports, etc. In other embodiments, the cable 36 may be electrically connected between the sensor 14 and an external power source 31. The cable 36 may be directly or indirectly connected to an external power source so as to be in electrical communication therewith. For example, the alarm module 30 may be disposed between the sensor 14 and the external power source 31 such that the cable is indirectly connected with the external power source. In another example, an end of the cable 36 connects directly to an external power source. In other embodiments, a cable 36 may be omitted, such as where wireless communication and/or charging (e.g., inductance or contact charging) is employed.

[0026] The foregoing has shown and described one or more embodiments of a merchandise display security device. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein and that variations of and modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as undisclosed embodiments within the ordinary skill of the art, are intended to be included within the content and scope of the appended claims.