CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application

62/689,425, filed June 25, 2018, and entitled, MULTI-USE SECURITY ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS, and of U.S. patent application 62/744,843, filed October 12, 2018, and entitled MULTI-USE SECURITY ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to security devices and associated systems, and specifically to a security system with a security element that is easily locked and unlocked with minimal use of tools, and which allows for the functional and secure display of objects of many different sizes and proportions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] As more and more retail business is conducted over the Internet, brick- and-mortar retail outlets continue to work on improving the customer experience in order to maintain or even increase their market share. Part of the customer experience continues to be the ability to touch, hold, and even test merchandise retail locations before making a purchase. Accordingly, retailers face the challenge of fitting their merchandise with security apparatuses that are capable of providing a high level of security to deter and prevent theft while being unobtrusive enough so as to enable the customer to interact with and have a positive experience with the merchandise.

[0004] Currently there are security apparatuses and systems for portable electronic devices that secure said device to a display surface while allowing the customer to have access to the touchscreen, keypad, or other features of the electronic device. Some of these security apparatuses even allow the customer to pick up the electronic device while keeping it securely tethered to an anchor in order to prevent theft. However, such security apparatuses are specifically designed to work with the relatively small portable electronic devices such as Smart Phones, tablets, and laptop computers and are unable to be used to secure other merchandise that require the same freedom to touch and test.

[0005] Merchandise, such as power tools, televisions, yard equipment, and sports equipment are too large and improperly proportioned to be used with the existing range of security apparatuses used for portable electronic devices. Likewise, small items such as jewelry, fashion accessories, and the like are too small and improperly proportioned to be used with the current range of security apparatuses used for portable electronics. Some of the current security apparatuses used with such larger merchandise typically include security tags that communicate with a sensor located within the retail space, which produces an alarm when the security tag passes beyond the sensor boundary. Other security apparatuses for larger merchandise include fixed displays where the merchandise is locked in place, which severely limits or even prevents holding or testing the merchandise. In other retail environments, larger merchandise may be held in locked display units, which could make them completely inaccessible to customers. Moreover, such display units require an employee of the retailer to unlock or otherwise access the unit in order to remove merchandise of interest in order to provide the customer with the opportunity to conduct a closer and more thorough examination prior to purchase.

[0006] These are just some of the problems associated with current security apparatuses and associated systems used to secure retail merchandise.

SUMMARY

[0007] An embodiment of a security element comprises a fixed member having a first end and a second end. The fixed member comprises a clamping portion proximate the first end that comprises a fixed engagement surface, and a coupling portion proximate the second end. The coupling portion defines a slot extending along a slot axis, wherein the slot comprises an interior surface comprising a plurality of adjacent recesses. An adjustable member with a first and second end comprises a securing portion proximate the first end that comprises an adjustable engagement surface. The clamping portion and the securing portion are configured to face each other. An engagement portion is proximate the second end and is configured to house a portion of the coupling portion of the fixed member. The engagement portion further defines a first opening and a second opening. A coupling element is configured to extend between the first opening and the second opening and through the slot in order to couple the adjustable member to the fixed member. The coupling element is configured to contact at least one of the plurality of recesses of the interior surface of the slot. A barrier is formed between adjacent recesses that is configured to prevent the coupling element from moving along the slot axis and a backing is configured to prevent removal of the coupling element from the first opening, second opening, and the slot. [0008] In an embodiment, the security element comprises a fixed member having a first end and a second end. The fixed member comprises a clamping portion that is proximate the first end and comprises a fixed clamping surface. A coupling portion is proximate the second end and defines a slot extending along a slot axis. The slot comprises an interior surface comprising a plurality of adjacent recesses. An adjustable member having a first end and a second end comprises a securing portion proximate the first end and comprising an adjustable clamping surface, and an engagement portion proximate the second end. The engagement portion is configured to house a portion of the coupling portion of the fixed member. The engagement portion further defines a first coupling opening and a second coupling opening. A coupling element is configured to extend between the first coupling opening, the second coupling opening, and the slot, wherein the coupling element is further configured to be positioned within at least one recess of the interior surface of the slot.

[0009] An embodiment of a security system comprises a security member coupled to an anchor. The security member comprises a fixed member defining a fixed clamping surface at a first end and a second end defining an opening with an interior surface comprising a plurality of recesses. An adjustable member defines an adjustable clamping surface at a first end and a bore at a second end, wherein the second end of the fixed member is configured to be at least partially inserted into the bore of the adjustable member. A coupling element is configured to traverse the second end of the adjustable member and the opening of the fixed member in order to couple the fixed member to the adjustable member, wherein the coupling element is configured to contact at least one of the plurality of recesses. The anchor is configured to couple the coupling element to a fixed structure. An unlocked state is defined when the adjustable member is able to move relative to the fixed member, and a locked state is defined when the adjustable member is prevented from moving relative to the fixed member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] A more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Thus, for further understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, references can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which:

[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a security system securing a power tool;

[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a security element of the security system;

[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the security element of the security system;

[0014] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the security element of the security system;

[0015] Fig. 5A illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the security element of the security system in a fully expanded position;

[0016] Fig. 5B illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the security element of the security system in an expanded position; [0017] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a smaller embodiment of the security element of the security system in an expanded position;

[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a top plan view of another embodiment of the security element of the security system;

[0019] Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the security element of the security system;

[0020] Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the security element of the security system;

[0021] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixed member of the security element;

[0022] Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable member of the security element;

[0023] Fig. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable member of the security element;

[0024] Fig. 13 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the adjustable member of the security element;

[0025] Fig. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the security system securing a power tool;

[0026] Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the security system securing a stroller; and

[0027] Fig. 16 illustrates a close up perspective view of the embodiment of the security system securing the stroller of Fig. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. It will be understood that the herein described versions are examples that embody certain inventive concepts as detailed herein. To that end, other variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of sufficient skill. In addition, certain terms are used throughout this discussion in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms such as“upper”,“lower”, “forward”,“rearward”,“interior”,“exterior”,� ��front”,“back”,“top”,“bottom”,“inner”,“ outer”, “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to limit these concepts, except where so specifically indicated. The terms“about” or“approximately” as used herein may refer to a range of 80%-125% of the claimed or disclosed value. With regard to the drawings, their purpose is to depict salient features of the security element and associated security system and are not specifically provided to scale.

[0029] Referring generally to Fig. 1, a security system 10 comprises a security element 100 coupled to an anchor 200 or tether. The anchor 200 is configured to keep the security element 100 within a display area that is determined by the length of the anchor 200. The security element 100 is configured to at least partially surround and trap a portion of an object 300, and the anchor 200 is configured to prevent the security element 100 and the secured object 300, such as a power tool, from being removed from the display area. [0030] As shown in Figs. 2-4, the security element generally comprises a fixed member 110 that is coupled to a moveable or adjustable member 130 via a coupling element 116. The adjustable member 130 is configured to adjustably engage with the fixed member 110 and move in relation to the fixed member 110. In an embodiment, the coupling element 116 is configured couple the adjustable member 130 to the fixed member 110 while still allowing the adjustable member 130 to move relative to the fixed member 110. The coupling element 116 is further configured to fixedly couple or lock the adjustable member 130 such that it is unable to move relative to the fixed member 110. In another embodiment, the insertion of the coupling element 116 prevents the movement of the adjustable member 130 relative to the fixed member 110.

[0031] The fixed member 110 comprises a first end 111 and a second end 112. A clamping or grasping portion 120 is positioned proximate the first end 111 and further comprises a fixed clamping surface 122 or a fixed engagement surface. As shown, the fixed clamping surface 122 is smooth, however in other embodiments the fixed clamping surface 122 may include one or more surface features configured to improve gripping properties when the security element 100 is installed onto a piece of merchandise or other object 300. In still another embodiment, the fixed clamping surface 122 may be at least partially coated with or otherwise covered with a material such as silicone, polyurethane gel, rubber, foam, or any other suitable material configured to improve the gripping properties while protecting the object being secured from damage by the security element 100.

[0032] As shown in the figures, the fixed clamping surface 122 is curved or semi circular in shape, however in other embodiments the fixed clamping surface may include one or more linear surfaces extending along a plane. One or more surface features may also be located on one or more sides 125 (Figs. 4, and 7) of the clamping portion 120 of the fixed member 110. Referring to Figs. 2-3, the clamping portion 120 of the fixed member 110 comprises a rim 117 that defines a groove 118 or an otherwise elongated depression that substantially follows the curved shape of the clamping portion 120.

[0033] Referring now to Figs. 2-4, a coupling portion 114 is positioned proximate the second end 112 of the security element 100. As shown, the coupling portion 114 defines an opening 115 configured to at least partially receive the coupling element 116. In an embodiment, the opening 115 is a slot or an otherwise elongated opening that extends along the axis Y (Fig. 4) of the coupling portion and traverses the security element 100 thereby defining one or more interior surfaces 121. In the embodiments shown specifically in Figs. 3, 6, 8, and 10, the interior surface 121 may be threaded and/or may comprise a plurality of adjacent recesses 124, where the width W (Fig. 8) of the opening 115 increases between opposing recesses 124. Referring to Figs. 2-6, 8-10, 14, and 16, either the coupling portion 114 or the clamping portion 120, or both may further comprise a notch 119 or other anchor engagement feature configured to engage or couple to one end or a portion of an anchor 200 (Figs. 1, 14-16).

[0034] Referring to generally to Figs. 2, 3, 6, 8, and 11-13, the adjustable member

130 of the security element 100 comprises a first end 131 and a second end 132. A securing or clamping portion 140 is positioned proximate the first end 131 and further comprises an adjustable clamping surface 142 or adjustable engagement surface. As shown, the adjustable clamping surface 142 is smooth, however in other embodiments the adjustable clamping surface 142 may include one or more surface features configured to improve gripping properties when the security element 100 is installed onto a piece of merchandise or other object 300. In still another embodiment, the adjustable clamping surface 142 may be at least partially coated with or otherwise covered with a material such as silicone, polyurethane gel, rubber, foam, or any other suitable material configured to improve gripping properties while protecting the object being secured from damage by the security element 100.

[0035] As shown in the figures, the adjustable clamping surface 142 is curved or semi-circular in shape, however in other embodiments the adjustable clamping surface 142 may include one or more linear surfaces extending along a plane. One or more surface features may be located on one or more sides 144 (Fig. 13) of the securing portion 140 of the adjustable member 130. As shown, the securing portion 140 of the adjustable member 130 comprises a rim 137 that defines a groove 138 or an otherwise elongated depression that substantially follows the curved shape of the securing portion 140.

[0036] The second end 132 of the adjustable member 130 comprises an engagement portion 134. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, the engagement portion 134 defines a bore or shaft 136 with one or more interior surfaces 139 which is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the coupling portion 114 of the fixed member 110. As shown, the one or more interior surfaces 139 are smooth, however in other embodiments they may comprise surface features configured to engage with the fixed member 110 and assist in coupling the adjustable member 130 to the fixed member 110. A first coupling element opening 135A and second coupling element opening 135 B are positioned on opposing sides of the engagement portion 134. The coupling element 116 may be inserted through the first and second coupling element openings 135 A, 135B and extend along an axis that is generally perpendicular to an axis Y of the shaft 136. Still referring to Figs. 11 and 12, the shaft 136 generally extends along the axis Y and the coupling element 116 extending through the first and second coupling element opening 135A, 135B generally extends along the axis Z.

[0037] Referring to Figs. 1, 4-6, in order to assemble the security element 100 and install it onto an object 300, the second end 112 of the fixed member 110 is inserted into the shaft 136 of the at least part of the coupling portion 114 of the fixed member 110 is inserted into the shaft 136 of the engagement portion 134 of the adjustable member 130. The fixed member 130 is inserted into the shaft 136 such that the opening 115 of the coupling portion 114 of the fixed member 130 is aligned with the first coupling element opening 135 A and the second coupling element opening 135B. The adjustable member 130 is moved such that the securing portion 140 is brought toward the clamping portion 120 to trap the object 300 between the fixed clamping surface 122 and the adjustable clamping surface 142. The adjustable member 130 is configured to be extended as shown in Fig. 5A or retracted as shown in Fig. 5B in order to secure a variety of objects 300 of different sizes and shapes. The coupling element 116 is inserted through the first coupling element opening 135A, the opening 115, and the second coupling element opening 135B. The coupling element 116 contacts or is positioned within at least one of the plurality of recesses 124 defined on the interior surface 121 of the opening 115. In an embodiment, a barrier 126 is formed between adjacent recesses 124 that is configured to prevent the coupling element 116 from moving along the opening 115. Consequently, this prevents the adjustable member 130 from moving along the axis Y of the coupling portion 114 when the coupling element 116 traverses the opening 115. However, in another embodiment barrier 126 may still allow the adjustable member 130 to move along the coupling portion 114 when the coupling element 116 traverses the opening 115. In this embodiment, tightening of the securing member 116’ (Fig. 7) prevents the adjustable member from moving relative to the fixed member 110.

[0038] The coupling element 116 may be secured by a pin, lock, backing, or other such securing member 116’ (Fig. 7) such that only authorized personnel are able and equipped to release the coupling element 116. In an embodiment, the coupling element 116 may be self locking. In another embodiment, the coupling element 116 may be a locking screw comprising a plurality of threads on its outer surface that are configured to engage complimentary threads located on the interior surface 121 of the opening 115. The plurality of recesses 124 defined on the interior surface 121 may act to partially define a plurality of compartments within the opening 115. In this embodiment, the coupling element 116 is inserted into the first coupling element opening 135 A and rotated to engage the threaded interior surface 121 of the opening 115. The locking screw is rotated until it secures the adjustable member 130 to the fixed member 110, and thereby securing the security element 100 to the object. Alternatively, a securing member 116’ (Fig. 7) may further be coupled to the locking screw to prevent its removal and further secure the adjustable member 130 in a position relative to the fixed member 110.

[0039] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the coupling element 116 cannot be disengaged from the adjustable member 130 and the fixed member 110, however the adjustable member 130 is still able to move relative to the fixed member 110 along the coupling portion 114. The coupling element 116 may then be adjusted to lock the adjustable member 130 such that it cannot move relative to the fixed member 110. Unlike a nut-and-bolt fastener, the coupling element 116 in this embodiment of the security system 10 cannot be unscrewed or otherwise backed out to decouple the adjustable member 130 from the fixed member 110. As a result, the adjustable member 130 and the fixed member 110 remain coupled together as a single unit at all times. In an embodiment, the coupling element 116 may be comprised of one or more components. For example, the coupling element 116 may comprise a bolt or post and a backing configured to engage an end of the bolt. In another embodiment, the coupling element 116 may further comprise a sleeve that is configured to surround or at least partially house the bolt. In an embodiment, the coupling element 116 is a fastener comprising two or more diameters.

[0040] As shown, the anchor 200 may be coupled to the security element 100 at the notch 119 at any point during assembly of the security element 100. In an embodiment, the anchor 200 (Figs. 1, 14-16) may comprise a chain, nylon rope, wire, braded cable, or other suitable tether, lanyard, or the like. As shown in Fig. 14, one end of the anchor 200 forms a loop 201 or other coupling feature configured to engage the notch 119. In another embodiment, the anchor 200 may couple to the security element 100 via a bore defined in one of the fixed member 110 and the adjustable member 130. The length and size of the anchor 200 can vary in order to pair properly with security elements 100 of varying sizes and in order to properly secure objects of varying sizes. The opposing end of the anchor 200 may be secured to a fixed point such as the floor, wall, a fixture, or any other point stable and strong and enough to fixedly secure the opposing end of the anchor 200 and prevent theft of the security system 10 and the object 300 being secured.

[0041] In order to release the object from the security system 10, the coupling element 116 is disengaged from the opening 115. As shown, the coupling element 116 is a locking screw such that a key or other proprietary tool is required to disengage the locking screw from the interior surface 121 of the opening 115. The key or tool required to remove the locking screw may be proprietary.

[0042] Still referring to Figs, 1 and 4-6, the proportions of the components comprising the security system 10 may be ideal for to properly secure the objects depicted, however on of ordinary skill would realize that one or more of said components may be increased or decreased in size to more effectively secure objects other than those shown in the figures. Accordingly, the security element 100 may be many different sizes to accommodate many different types and sizes of objects. For example, the security element 100 may be made in larger sizes in order to secure lawn tractors, televisions, bicycles and other such large objects. Alternatively, the security element 100 may be made in smaller sizes suitable for securing watches, rings, shoes, purses, and other such smaller objects.

[0043] One or more components of the security system 10 may be comprised of one or more types of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or one or more types of plastic, such as PA6 (Nylon 6), ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or POM (Polyoxymethylene). In an embodiment, one or more components of the security system 10 may be comprised of a combination of metallic and plastic components. In still another embodiment, one or more of the components of the security system 10 may comprise carbon fiber, a carbon fiber composite, or other composites that exhibit superior strength and durability, while being light-weight and cost- efficient. In other embodiments, the security system 10 may further comprise a coating such as plastic, rubber, silicone, or other polymeric coating that increase its durability, and creates a surface that is easier to grip. [0044] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.