CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Application No. 62/181,621 filed on June 18, 2015, and United States Provisional Application No. 62/189,273 filed on July 7, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to recoilers, security systems, and methods for displaying articles of merchandise in a retail environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Retailers routinely display articles of merchandise, such as telephones, portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, media players, and the like for customers to evaluate before making a purchase. These articles of merchandise are continually being made smaller and lighter in weight due to advances in technology and materials. As a result, such merchandise is increasingly vulnerable and susceptible to theft. At the same time, the retail price, and hence the profit margin, for such merchandise continues to decline. Accordingly, these articles of merchandise need to be secured by a security device that effectively and cost efficiently protects the merchandise from theft.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the recoiler includes a housing defining an opening and a cable configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing through the opening. The recoiler also includes a rotatable member disposed within the housing, wherein the cable is configured to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The rotatable member is configured to rotate and translate within the housing as the cable is extended and retracted, and/or the cable is configured to be wound about the rotatable member such that the cable does not overlap itself on the rotatable member.

[0005] In another embodiment, a merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The merchandise security system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor, wherein the recoiler includes a rotatable member and a cable operably coupled to the sensor. The cable is configured to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. In addition, the cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The rotatable member is configured to rotate and translate as the cable is extended and retracted, and/or the cable is configured to be wound about the rotatable member such that the cable does not overlap itself on the rotatable member.

[0006] In another embodiment a method includes securing a sensor to the article of merchandise and attaching a base to a support surface for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. Moreover, the method includes connecting a cable to the sensor, wherein the cable is configured to be wound within a recoiler such that the cable does not overlap itself. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base.

[0007] In one embodiment, a recoiler includes a housing defining an opening and a cable configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing through the opening. The cable may include at least one electrical conductor. The recoiler also includes a rotatable member disposed within the housing, wherein the cable is configured to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be wound about the rotatable member such that the cable does not overlap itself on the rotatable member.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method includes securing a sensor to the article of merchandise and manipulating the sensor such that a cable operably coupled to the sensor is unwound from or wound on a rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The rotatable member is configured to rotate and translate as the cable is extended and retracted.

[0009] In one embodiment a recoiler includes a housing defining an opening and a cable configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing through the opening. The recoiler also includes a rotatable member disposed within the housing, the cable configured to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. An outer surface of the rotatable member comprises a helical recess configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method includes securing a sensor to the article of merchandise and manipulating the sensor such that a cable operably coupled to the sensor is unwound from or wound on a rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. An outer surface of the rotatable member comprises a helical recess configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.

[0011] In one embodiment, a recoiler includes a housing defining an opening and a bearing member disposed within and coupled to the housing. The recoiler also includes a cable configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing through the opening and a rotatable member disposed within the housing. The cable is configured to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted, and the rotatable member is configured to engage the bearing member as the cable is extended and retracted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0012] The detailed description of the invention provided hereafter may be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which embodiments of a merchandise security system for displaying an article of merchandise are disclosed, and in which like reference characters indicate the same or similar parts.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FFIIGG.. 2 is a perspective view of a recoiler according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG.

[0016] FIG.

invention.

[0017] FIG.

[0018] FIG.

[0019] FIG.

[0020] FIG.

[0021] FIG.

[0022] FIG.

[0023] FIG.

invention.

[0024] FIG.

[0025] FIG.

invention.

[0026] FFIIGG.. 14 is a partial perspective view of the recoiler shown in FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] One or more embodiments of a merchandise security system for displaying an article of merchandise are shown in the accompanying drawing figures and described below. The article 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 article 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 article of merchandise for detecting various alarming conditions, such as the article 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.

[0028] According to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the security system 10 generally comprises a sensor 12 configured to be secured to an item of merchandise 14. The sensor 12 may be electrically connected to a connector 17 that is configured to electrically connect to an input jack of the item of merchandise 14. The security system 10 may also include a base 18 that is configured to removably support the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 thereon. In some embodiments, the base 18 and the sensor 12 include one or more contacts 28, 40 for facilitating contact charging when the sensor is supported on the base. In addition, the security system 10 also includes a cable 20 that is coupled to the sensor 12 at one end and operably engaged with a recoiler 22 at an opposite end. As explained in further detail below, a sense circuit or loop defined through the cable 20 and the sensor 12 may be electrically isolated from any charging circuit used to charge the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. As such, the sense loop may be used to detect various security events associated with the cable 20, such as the cable being cut, shorted, and/or disconnected. The charging circuit allows for charging of the item of merchandise 14 and/or a power source 46 carried by the sensor 12 and/or the base 18. The sensor 12 may also be used to detect security events associated with the sensor and/or the item of merchandise 14, such as the item of merchandise being removed from the sensor.

[0029] The sensor 12 may be secured to the item of merchandise 14 using any desired technique, such as an adhesive and/or mechanical brackets. The sensor 12 may have a variety of shapes and sizes for being secured to the item of merchandise 14. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 12 may include a sensing device 15, such as a pressure or plunger switch, for detecting removal of the item of merchandise 14. In addition, the connector 17 may be configured to be removably inserted into the input jack of the item of merchandise 14. Thus, the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 may be electrically connected via the connector 17. The sensor 12 may include a printed circuit board (PCB), circuitry, or the like. For example, the sensor 12 may include charging circuitry for facilitating power transfer between the base 18 and the item of merchandise 14. The connector 17 may be electrically connected to the PCB using various techniques, such as via a cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 17 is mounted to and extends from the sensor 12 but could be positioned at other locations depending on the location of the input port of the item of merchandise 14.

[0030] As noted above, the sensor 12 may include one or more electrical contacts 28. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 28. The electrical contacts 28 may be in electrical communication with the PCB in the sensor 12 and the connector 17. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 28 may be electrically connected to only the connector 17. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 may not supply power to the item of merchandise 14 when the item is lifted from the base 18. Rather, the item of merchandise 14 may operate using its own power source when lifted from the base 18.

[0031] The base 18 may be configured to be supported by a fixed support or display surface 25, such as a counter, shelf, fixture, or the like. The base 18 may be secured to the support surface 25 using any desired technique such as an adhesive, brackets, and/or fasteners. The base 18 may include one or more magnets 34 or magnetic material, and the sensor 12 may include or more magnets 36 or magnetic material for releasably holding the sensor on the base. The magnets 34, 36 may aid in aligning the item of merchandise 14 in a desired display orientation.

[0032] The security system 10 may include a recoiler 22 and a cable 20 as discussed above. The base 18 may include an opening for receiving the cable 20. As such, the cable 20 may be extended through the opening when the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 are lifted from the base, and the cable may be retracted through the opening when the sensor and the item of merchandise are returned to the base. The recoiler 22 may be spring biased in some embodiments such that the cable 20 is automatically retracted within the recoiler. The recoiler 22 may be mounted to an underside of the support surface 25 (see, e.g., FIG. 1), although in other embodiments, the recoiler may be housed within the base 18. Furthermore, the recoiler 22 may be in electrical communication with the cable 20. In this regard, the cable 20 may include one or more electrical conductors extending along the length of the cable. In some cases, the cable 20 may include a pair of conductors for defining a sense loop or circuit and conducting an electrical signal. In other cases, the cable 20 may include a single conductor, such as an optical conductor for conducting an optical signal (e.g., a fiber optic cable).

[0033] As discussed above, the base 18 may include one or more electrical contacts 40. The contacts 28, 40 of the base 18 and the sensor 12 are configured to align with one another and contact one another when the sensor is supported on the base. Thus, the base 18 and the sensor 12 are in electrical communication with one another when the sensor is supported on the base. The base 18 may be electrically connected to a power source 38 which is configured to provide power to the base and/or the one or more electrical contacts 40 in the base. The base 18 may also include charging circuitry that is configured to facilitate power transfer from the external power source 38 and the electrical contacts 40. Thus, when the sensor 12 is supported on the base 18, power is able to be transferred between the contacts 28, 40 and to the sensor 12. The connector 17 is electrically connected to the sensor contacts 28 as power is delivered such that power is provided to the item of merchandise 14. Therefore, the item of merchandise 14 may be powered by power transferred thereto and may be used to charge a battery associated with the item of merchandise. In some embodiments, any voltage adaption occurs prior to being delivered to the sensor 12. Voltage adaption may be needed in order to accommodate different items of merchandise 14 that require different operating voltages. Any voltage adaption may occur prior to power being provided to the contacts 28 on the sensor 12. Thus, the sensor 12 and adapter cable 16 do not provide any voltage adaption. However, in other embodiments, the sensor 12 may include a resistor or other identifier that detects the voltage requirements of the item of merchandise 14 which provides a signal to the base 18 for adjusting the voltage as necessary before providing power to the sensor. Although the aforementioned embodiments describe that power may be transferred via contact charging, it is understood that other techniques could be used to transfer power to sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14. For example, inductive charging functionality could be employed for transferring power. Moreover, in some cases, the cable 20 may include one or more conductors for transferring power to the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14.

[0034] In some cases, the base 18 and the sensor 12 may include an electrical contact that detects that the sensor is lifted off of the base. For example, the sensor 12 and base 18 may each include a contact that is configured to engage one another when the sensor is supported on the base. These contacts may not transfer power. However, the contact on the base 18 may communicate with the PCB to indicate when the sensor 12 has been lifted off of the base and to cease transferring power to the electrical contacts 28, 40. This arrangement of contacts may reduce arcing and power surges when the sensor 12 is placed back on the base 18 since power will no longer be transferred to the contacts on the base after the sensor is lifted.

[0035] It is understood that the cable 20 may be any suitable cord, tether, or the like. In addition, the cable 20 may include one or more electrical conductors for transmitting electrical, security, and/or communication signals. In addition, the cable 20 may be a single strand, multi-strand, or braided. The cable 20 may be flexible to facilitate extension and retraction relative to the recoiler 22, and in some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. Furthermore, the cable 20 may have various cross sections, such as round or flat.

[0036] An end of cable 20 may be mechanically and optically connected to the sensor 12. Thus, the cable 20 may not be electrically connected to the sensor 12 in any way, and the conductors in the cable are electrically isolated from the power transmitted to the sensor and the item of merchandise 14. In one embodiment, the sensor 12 may define an opening for receiving an end of the cable 20. In some embodiments, the end of the cable 20 includes an optical transceiver 42 for communicating with the sensor 12 and/or the item of merchandise 14. Likewise, the sensor 12 may include an optical transceiver 42 for communicating with the optical transceiver at the end of the cable 20. The optical transceivers 42 may be used to transmit optical signals in predetermined sequences or patterns, as well as receive optical signals and convert the optical signals into electrical signals. In addition, the optical transceivers 42 may be separated by an air gap so as to not be in physical contact with one another and such that the optical transceivers are electrically isolated from one another. The cable 20 may include one or more conductors for providing power to the optical transceiver 42, as well as sending and receiving signals and/or data to and from the optical transceiver in the sensor 12. Similarly, the sensor 12 may include a power source 46 that is configured to provide power to the sensor for interpreting signals provided by the optical transceiver 42, as well as power the optical transceiver for sending and receiving optical signals and/or data. Furthermore, the end of the cable 20 may be mechanically coupled to the sensor 12 using a variety of techniques and may be configured to rotate or swivel in some embodiments. In one example, the optical transceivers 42 may be configured to rotate relative to one another. Moreover, the conductors in the cable 20 may be connected to the optical transceiver 42 and a printed circuit board (PCB) or circuitry at one end. Similarly, the connector 17 may include conductors connected to the optical transceiver 42 and a printed circuit board or circuitry in the sensor 12. The end of the cable 20 may include a releasable connector that is configured to contain the optical transceiver 42 and PCB. The releasable connector may be configured to mechanically engage a cooperating connector on the sensor 12. Moreover, FIG. 1 shows that in the case where the charging circuit and sense loop are separate and electrically isolated from another, a cable 44 may be used to electrically connect the contacts 40 and the input power source 38 along with any other data connections.

[0037] The optical transceivers 42 may be used to define a sense loop and detect various security events, such as when the cable 20 is cut or removed from the sensor 12 and/or the connector 17 is removed from item of merchandise 14 in an unauthorized manner. It is understood that various types of sensing techniques may be used for detecting when the cable 20 is attached or detached from the sensor 12 and/or item of merchandise 14, as well as when the connector 17 is removed from the item of merchandise. For example, the optical transceiver at the end of the cable 20 may communicate an optical signal and/or data to the optical transceiver in the sensor 12 where the sensor can determine that the item of merchandise 14 and the cable 20 are secure. The optical transceiver in the sensor 12 may then communicate an optical signal and/or data to the optical transceiver at the end of the cable 20 to indicate that the item of merchandise 14 is secure. The optical signals may be coded in a particular manner that is recognizable and/or expected for determining whether a security event has occurred. In some embodiments, the optical transceivers 42 are configured to transfer data between the sensor 12 and the base 18 (and vice versa). As long as data is being sent and received by the sensor 12 and base 18, respectively, no security event occurs. Thus, in some cases, particular coded light signals may be unnecessary, although coded signals could be used in combination with data in other embodiments.

[0038] Should the optical signals or data be interrupted or an unexpected optical signal is received, the base 18 or other alarm unit may detect the interruption and generate an alarm signal. For example, the base 18 or other alarm unit may be configured to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm. For example, FIG. 1 shows that the base 18 may include an alarm 48, such as a piezoelectric device, for generating an audible alarm. The sensor 12 may likewise include an alarm 48 for generating an audible and/or a visible alarm. The base 18 may be configured to be armed and/or disarmed via a key, such as a wireless key. For instance, FIG. 1 shows that the base 18 may include a port 45 for facilitating communication with a key. In some embodiments, the optical transceiver(s) is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/167,382, entitled Merchandise Security System with Optical Communication and filed on May 28, 2015, and U.S. Application No. 15/163,846, entitled Merchandise Security System with Optical Communication and filed on May 25, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] FIGS. 2-3 illustrate an embodiment of a winch recoiler 22. The recoiler 22 generally includes a spool 52 or rotatable member that is configured to rotate and translate within a housing 54. The housing 54 defines an opening 56 configured to receive the cable 20 so that the cable can be extended and retracted relative to the housing as the cable is unwound from and wound onto the spool 52. Unlike conventional recoilers, the cable 20 is wound about the spool 52 along a longitudinal axis "L". In some cases, a single winding of cable 20 is wound about the spool 52 such that the cable does not overlap itself on the spool. The length of the spool 52 may be greater than the outer diameter of the spool, and in some embodiments, the length is at least twice as long as the outer diameter. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer surface of the spool 52 may include a helical recess that extends along at least a portion of the length of the spool. The helical recess may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the cable 20 as it is wound about the spool 52. The helical recess may define a plurality of windings about the spool 52. In some examples, the helix angle of the helical recess is between 0 and about 20 degrees (+/- 1 degree), between 0 and about 10 degrees (+/- 1 degree), or between 0 and about 5 degrees (+/- 1 degree). The recoiler 22 also includes a spindle 58 on which the spool 52 may rotate and translate. In this embodiment, the spindle 58 is fixed to the housing 54 and includes threads for mating with the spool 52. The spool 52 may also include threads that are configured to mate with the threads of the spindle 58. Thus, as the spool 52 is rotated via tension being applied on the cable 20, the spool is able to rotate about the spindle 58 as well as translate along the spindle due to the threads mating with one another. A spring may be used to urge the cable 20 back into the housing 54 as tension is removed from the cable.

[0040] FIGS. 4-9 illustrate another embodiment of a winch recoiler 22' . In this embodiment, the recoiler 22' also includes a housing 54 and a spool 52 disposed therein, which is configured to rotate and translate within the housing. The housing 54 may include one or more openings 60 for receiving fasteners to mount the recoiler 22' to a base 18 and/or a support surface 25. For example, FIG. 1 shows that the recoiler may be mounted below the support surface 25. As illustrated, the housing 54 may be an assembly of a plurality of components, such as two halves that are secured together, although the housing may be other configurations in alternative embodiments (e.g., a single piece housing).

[0041] The housing 54 may include one or more guide members 62 that are configured to guide the spool 52 as the spool is rotated and translated. In this embodiment, the guide members 62 may be longitudinal members extending along the length of the housing 54 and may be configured to contact the spool 52 during rotation and translation. The housing 54 may include a plurality of guide members 62 in some cases, and in the example shown in FIG. 8, the housing includes three guide members. A pair of guide members 62 are located on the side of the spool 52 nearest the opening 56, while one guide member is located on an opposite side of the spool. It is understood that the guide members 62 may be various sizes and configurations and may be configured to contact the spool at various locations. For example, the guide members 62 may be integrally formed in the housing 54 or could be attached to the housing. The guide members 62 could be rotatable or stationary. For instance, the guide members 62 could be longitudinal and rotatable rods or rails. In other cases, the guide member 62 could simply house and contain the spool 52. The guide members 62 may contact the ends of the spool 52 only or may contact the spool along its entire length. However, in some instances, the fewer number of contact points may reduce the friction on the spool.

[0042] The recoiler 22' may also include a spring 64 in some embodiments. For example, the spring 64 may be secured to one end of the spool 52. The spring 64 may in some cases be configured to translate with the spool 52 as the spool is translated. In one embodiment, the spring 64 is a constant-force or constant-torque spring including a storage spool or housing 66 and an output spool or housing 68. In this instance, one end of the spring 64 may be secured to the spool 52 such that tension on the cable 20 causes rotation of the spool which in turn causes the spring to pay out from the storage spool or housing 66 and onto the output spool or housing 68. When tension on the cable 20 is removed, the spring force of the spring 64 causes the spool 52 to rotate in an opposite direction thereby returning the spring back to the storage spool or housing 66. Unlike conventional recoilers, the constant force or torque provided by the spring may provide a better user experience when retracting the cable from the housing, as the force on the cable remains more constant than conventional springs. Of course, the constant force or torque spring is only one example, and other types of springs may be realized, such as a power spring. For instance, FIGS. 13-14 illustrate an embodiment where the spring is a power spring housed within a housing 66' . As tension is applied to the cable 20, the housing 66' may be rotated into engagement with a guide member 62' thereby causing the power spring to load as the spool 52 is rotated.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 54 may further include a rib 70 or like protrusion that is configured to engage a portion of the spool 52. In this embodiment, the rib 70 extends outwardly and into the helical recess defined on the outer surface of the spool 52. The rib 70 is fixed relative to the housing 54 such that the spool 52 is configured to rotate while in engagement with the rib. Engagement of the rib 70 with the spool 52 causes the spool to translate within the housing as the spool is rotated due to variation in the cable 20 tension. The rib 70 may be an integrally formed component of the housing 54 or could be attached to the housing in other embodiments.

[0044] As discussed above, the cable 20 may include one or more electrical conductors and the base 18 may facilitate power transfer to the sensor 12. In order to facilitate an electrical connection with the cable 18, such as for transmitting and receiving power, security, and/or data signals, the recoiler 22' may include a slip ring 72. The slip ring 72 may be electrically connected to the cable 20 and a printed circuit board 74, such as with one or more electrical wires. The slip ring 72 may be configured to rotate and translate with the spool 52 in some cases. And FIGS. 5-6 show that the slip ring 72 may be mounted at an end of the spool 52 opposite the spring 64. Moreover, the recoiler 22' may include one or more electrical input ports 76, which may be used to electrically connect the circuit board to the base 18. For example, the input ports 76 may facilitate power transfer to the base 18 and data transfer between the base and the recoiler.

[0045] In some cases, the recoiler 22' may include techniques for dampening the spool 52, such as for limiting contact between the spool and the housing 54 in the instance where the cable 20 is fully extended or close to full extension. For instance, a dampening mechanism 78 could be employed to slow the spool 52 or prevent the spool from contacting the housing 54 when the cable is almost fully unwound from the spool. The dampening mechanism 78 could be a spring, such as a compression or torsion spring. Thus, as the spool 52 is translated within the housing 52 as the cable 20 is unwound, the compression spring may be biased against the spool thereby limiting translation of the spool, or in the case of a torsion spring, biased as the spool is rotated thereby limiting rotation of the spool. The dampening mechanism 78 may be useful to notify consumers when the cable is near the end of its length as the force on the cable increases due to dampening of the spool.

[0046] According to other embodiments, steps may be taken to limit or eliminate binding of the rib 70 with the spool 52, which may occur where the cable 20 is fully extended or close to full extension. For example, the helix angle of the helical recess defined in the spool 52 may be varied at one end to limit or prevent the rib 70 from becoming wedged or jammed in the recess. The helix angle of the helical recess may be increased at the end of the spool 52 for such purpose, such as for a partial turn of the spool or 1-2 turns of the spool. For example, the helix angle could be increased to about 20 to 45 degrees (+/- 1 degree) at the end of the spool 52. In another example, the recoiler 22' could be configured to ensure that the cable 20 exits perpendicular to the spool 52 rather than tangentially. The length of the cable 20 and/or the geometry of the housing 54 could be configured to ensure that the cable 20 exits perpendicular or about perpendicular (+/- 5 degrees from perpendicular) to the spool 52. Exiting perpendicular or about perpendicular reduces the force applied by the cable 20 on the housing 54 which will also limit binding of the rib 70 with the spool 52. In some cases, a torsion spring could be used to limit binding of the rib 70 with the spool 52, whereby rotation of the spool in turn biases the torsion spring to limit the travel of the rib relative to the spool.

[0047] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the recoiler 22, 22' may be installed below a support surface 25. The recoiler 22, 22' may be installed with one or more fasteners and/or adhesive, such as fasteners that extend through openings 60 and engage the base 18. Thus, the recoiler 22, 22' may be attached directly to the base 18, thereby eliminating additional holes in the support surface 25. In other words, because the cable 20 is configured to exit the housing 54 along the same axis, the recoiler attachment point(s) can be much closer to the cable exit than conventional recoilers. The installation of the recoiler 22, 22' is also simplified since the location of the cable exit is symmetrical relative to the housing 54 as the orientation of the recoiler is changed. The recoiler 22, 22' may be mounted such that the cable 20 extends through a hole defined in the support surface 25. The opening 56 in the housing 54 may be aligned with the opening in the support surface 25. Due to the fact that the cable 20 has a single exit point and does not have to turn corners also allows the recoiler 22, 22' to be mounted in any angular rotation about the hole defined in the support surface 25. Moreover, the large aspect ratio (i.e., length to height) of the recoiler 22, 22' also allows the recoiler to take up less vertical space below the support surface 25.

[0048] In another embodiment, a locking feature may be provided for locking the recoiler 22, 22' . In this regard and with reference to FIGS. 11-12, a lock mechanism 80 may be configured to lock the spool 52 in position to thereby prevent the spool from rotating and/or translating and, therefore, the cable 20 from being retracted relative to the housing 54. Such a lock mechanism 80 may be useful for retailers who wish to secure the sensor 12 and item of merchandise 14 to the base 18, such as after hours, since the cable will be inaccessible due to the inability to lift the sensor from the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism 80 includes a locking member 82 that is configured to pivot between locked and unlocked positions. The locking member 82 may include an opening configured to receive a portion of an axle 84 therethrough, while the axle may be fixed to the spring 64. Thus, the axle 84 may be configured to translate with the spring 64 as the spool 52 rotates. In one position (e.g., the locking member 82 being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L), the axle 84 is configured to translate freely through the opening, while in a second position (e.g., the locking member 82 being non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L), the spool 52 is prevented from translating via engagement of the locking member. In this regard, the locking member 82 may be configured to engage the axle 84 to prevent translation thereof.

[0049] In one example, the lock mechanism 80 is configured to be actuated between locked and unlocked positions via an actuator 86. In some cases, the actuator 86 is provided on the recoiler 22 and is configured to be actuated below the support surface 25. Thus, the lock mechanism 80 may be manually actuated. For instance, FIG. 11 shows that the actuator 86 may be moved into engagement with the locking member 82 for moving the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position. The locking member 82 may be biased towards the locked position, such as via a spring 88, and the actuator 86 may be configured to overcome the spring bias to move the locking member to the unlocked position. The locking member 82 may also be configured to be actuated via the actuator 86 to allow the locking member to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. In other instances, the lock mechanism 80 may be actuated via an electro-mechanical mechanism. For example, the lock mechanism 80 may be configured to be actuated via an electrical signal, such as in response to communication with a key, such as that discussed above. In response to the electrical signal, the lock mechanism 80 may be actuated via a solenoid 90 to move the locking member 82 between locked and unlocked positions.

[0050] In some embodiments, a predetermined level of tolerance between the rib 70 and the helical recess may be provided. For example, a level of tolerance between the rib 70 and the helical recess may allow the sensor 12 to rotate relative to the base 18 when locked to the recoiler 22, 22'. In one example, the level of tolerance may be less than one revolution of the spool 52. In some instances, the sensor 12 may be configured to be lifted off the base 18 for rotation relative to the base, although the cable 20 may not be fully extended.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages. For example, the winch recoiler allows greater flexibility in installing the recoiler since the recoiler may eliminate complex brackets and installation procedures. Moreover, the constant spring force may provide for a better user experience given that the pull force on the cable will be more constant and less than conventional recoilers. In addition, the single exit point of the cable may eliminate the need for rollers or pulleys as well as for requiring the cable to turn corners when exiting the housing.

[0052] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an embodiment where the recoiler 22, 22' includes one or more bearing members 92. In the illustrated example, a pair of bearing members 92 are housed within the housing 54 and may be mounted thereto, such as with one or more fasteners 94. The bearing members 92 may at least partially enclose the spool 52 whereby the spool may rotate and translate therebetween. In this embodiment, the bearing members 92 extend partially about the circumference of the spool 52 and are configured to engage or contact the spool as the spool rotates and translates. At least a portion of each bearing member 92 may be curved to conform to a curvature of the spool 52. Thus, the bearing members 92 may provide a surface on which the spool 52 rotates and translates. No spindle may be required in this embodiment. The bearing members 92 may be formed of a flexible material. For example, the bearing members 92 may be formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. In some cases, the rib 70 may be molded or otherwise integrally formed in one of the bearing members 92 as shown in FIG. 13. The bearing members 92 may include one or more guide members 62' formed along at least a portion of the length of a bearing member. In this example, the guide members 62' extend along the entire length of each bearing member 92. The guide members 62' may be configured to facilitate rotation and translation of the spool 52 as discussed above, as well as provide a surface on which the housing 66' may engage when the spool 52 is rotating to load a spring. The bearing members 92 provide not only a bearing surface on which the spool 52 may rotate but also sound dampening and friction reduction. The bearing members 92 may be independent or isolated from the housing 54 to allow for sound reduction. Thus, in some instances, the bearing members 92 may reduce the noise generated by rotation and translation of the spool 52 within the housing 54. Moreover, the bearing members 92 may provide a smooth surface on which the spool 52 may rotate thereby reducing friction.

[0053] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and broad scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.