WO2015160784A1

WO2015160784A1 - Modular recoiler

Info

Publication number: WO2015160784A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/025717
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathon D. PHILLIPS; A. Reneau Van Landingham, Jr.; Ashwin Jadhav
Original assignee: InVue Security Products Inc
Current assignee: InVue Security Products Inc
Priority date: 2014-04-15
Filing date: 2015-04-14
Publication date: 2015-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2016-10-15

Abstract

In one example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The base includes circuitry in electrical communication therewith. The security system also includes a cable connected to the sensor comprising a plurality of conductors, and a recoiler connected to the cable and configured to be removably inserted within the base. The recoiler includes a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the conductors for defining a sense loop. The spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base.

Description

MODULAR RECOILER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/979,628, filed April 15, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security systems for protecting items of merchandise, such as consumer electronics products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to provide demonstration models of relatively expensive consumer electronics products, such as handheld devices, tablets, and laptop computers, so that a potential purchaser may examine the product more closely and test the operation of its features. A working demonstration model, however, increases the possibility that the demonstration model will be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. As a result, demonstration models of consumer electronics products are typically protected by a security system that permits a potential purchaser to examine and operate the product, while reducing the likelihood that the demonstration model will be stolen or removed from the display area.

[0004] The security system 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 system so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The merchandise display security system may also include an alarm that is activated to alert store personnel in the event that a shoplifter attempts to separate the item of merchandise from the security system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems and methods for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. In one embodiment, a security system comprises a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise. The base may be configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon and includes circuitry. The security system also includes a cable connected to the sensor and comprising a plurality of conductors and a recoiler connected to the cable and configured to be removably inserted within the base. The recoiler includes a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the plurality of conductors for defining a sense loop, and wherein the spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base. According to one aspect, the base includes at least one post in electrical communication with the circuitry, and the axle is configured to engage and rotate in relation to the at least one post so as to establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the plurality of conductors for defining the sense loop.

[0006] In another embodiment, a security system comprises a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to be secured to a support surface, wherein the base includes at least one post and circuitry in electrical communication therewith. The security system further includes a cable connected to the sensor and comprising at least one conductor and a recoiler connected to the cable and configured to be removably inserted within the base. The recoiler includes a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to engage and rotate in relation to the at least one post so as to establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the conductor for defining a sense loop, and wherein the spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a method comprises coupling a sensor to the item of merchandise and connecting a cable to the sensor, the cable comprising a plurality of conductors. The method also includes securing a base to a support surface, wherein the base includes circuitry. The method further includes removably inserting a recoiler connected to the cable within the base. The recoiler includes a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to rotate and establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the plurality of conductors for defining a sense loop, and wherein the spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a security system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a security system according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of the security system shown in FIG. 4

[0013] FIG. 6 is an end view of the security system shown in FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the recoiler shown in FIGS. 4-6.

[0015] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the recoiler shown in FIGS. 4-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to the accompanying figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, embodiments of security systems according to the present invention for protecting an item of merchandise against theft or unauthorized removal are disclosed. The item of merchandise may be any item, including any number of consumer electronics products (e.g. handheld device, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, etc.). The security systems described herein are operable for securing the item of merchandise against theft or authorized removal, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to closely examine and operate the item of merchandise in a display area. The security system permits a potential purchaser to examine and test the item of merchandise, while reducing the likelihood that the item of merchandise will be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. According to various embodiments, FIG. 1 shows a security system for use with a handheld electronic device (e.g., a phone or tablet), FIG. 2 shows a security system for use with a camera (e.g., a point-and-shoot camera), and FIG. 3 shows a security system for use with a camera (e.g., a camera with a removable lens). The systems shown and described herein are suitable for securing an item of merchandise in a residential or commercial environment, as well as a retail environment, and furthermore, is not intended to be limited to use only as a security display device for protecting against theft and/or unauthorized removal. [0017] 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 an adapter cable 16 with a connector 17 that is configured to electrically connect to an input jack of the item of merchandise. 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 secured to the sensor 12 at one end and operably engaged with a recoiler 22 at an opposite end. As explained in further detail below, in one embodiment a sense circuit or loop defined through the cable 20 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 the charging of the item of merchandise 14 and/or power source carried by the sensor 12. The sensor 12 may 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.

[0018] The sensor 12 may be secured to the item of merchandise 14 using any desired technique, such as an adhesive and/or mechanical brackets. In addition, the adapter cable 16 may be hardwired to the sensor 12 at one end, and the connector 17 at the opposite end 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 adapter cable 16 and connector 17. The sensor 12 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 24, circuitry, or the like. Moreover, the sensor 12 may include a battery or capacitor 26. 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 24 and the adapter cable 16. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 28 may be electrically connected to only the adapter cable 16.

[0019] 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. Should a security event occur, the sensor 12 may utilize its power source to generate a security signal as explained in further detail below.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the sensor 12 may be configured to receive power from a battery of the item of merchandise 14. The sensor 12 may utilize the power provided from the battery to perform one or more security functions (e.g., communicating with the base 18). Thus, unlike conventional sensors that utilize its own power source, the sensor 12 may be configured to receive the power directly from the item of merchandise 14, such as, for example, when the adapter cable 16 is connected to the item of merchandise. In some cases, the sensor 12 may be configured to toggle between transmitting and receiving power to an item of merchandise 14. The sensor 12 may be configured to toggle to receiving power from the item of merchandise 14 when the sensor is lifted from the base 18 and is no longer receiving power. In another example, the item of merchandise 14 may utilize USB "on-the- go" or like functionality for facilitating power transfer from the item of merchandise to the sensor 12.

[0021] Moreover, the sensor 12 may include wireless communication circuitry 30 for communicating with the base. As explained in further detail below, the wireless communication circuitry may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the base 18 in response to a security event. For example, a security event may occur when the sensor 12 is removed from the item of merchandise 14 in an unauthorized manner, or the adapter cable 16 is removed from the item of merchandise in an unauthorized manner. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 includes a switch 33 (e.g., a plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the sensor is removed from the item of merchandise 14 in an unauthorized manner.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a security system. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may be used for items of merchandise such as cameras or the like and function in a similar manner as that described above. In this embodiment, the sensor includes an electrical coupling 35 between the electrical contacts 28 and the battery of the item of merchandise. The electrical coupling may be in various forms, such as a flexible circuit or a cable. Thus, power may be transferred directly to the battery of the item of merchandise when the sensor is supported on the base. Moreover, the sensor may also include a secondary sensor 37. The secondary sensor could be used to protect a removable component of the item of merchandise, such as a removable lens. In some embodiments, the electrical coupling and the secondary sensor are similar to that described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/915,197, filed on December 12, 2013, and International Application No. PCT/US2014/62768, filed on October 29, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0023] The base 18 may be configured to be supported on a fixed support surface 52, such as a counter, shelf, fixture, or the like. Thus, the base 18 may be located entirely above the support surface 52, although the recoiler 22 may be positioned below the support surface in other embodiments. The base 18 may be secured to the support surface 52 using any desired technique such as an adhesive and/or fasteners. The base 18 may include a recoiler 22 as discussed above. As such, the cable 20 may be extended from the base 18 when the sensor 12 and the item of merchandise 14 are lifted from the base, and the cable may be retracted into the base 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 base 18. Furthermore, the base 18 may include a PCB 32, circuitry, or the like that is 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).

[0024] The base 18 may further include an alarm mechanism, such as a piezoelectric transducer 34, for generating an audible alarm in response to a security event. The base 18 may also include a battery 31 that is in electrical communication with the PCB 32. The base 18 may include a port 36 that is configured to facilitate communication with a key 39. For example, the port 36 may facilitate wireless communication with a key for arming or disarming the security system. In one embodiment, the key 39 is an infrared key configured to arm/disarm the alarm mechanism 34 with a unique identifying code. In some embodiments, the key 39 is similar to the IR and IR2 keys manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc. The base 18 may include a switch 38 (e.g., a plunger switch) that is configured to detect when the base is removed from the support surface 52 in an unauthorized manner.

[0025] As discussed above, the base 18 may include one or more electrical contacts 40. The contacts 40 of the base and the contacts 28 of the sensor are configured to align with one another and contact one another when the sensor is supported on the base. Thus, 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 42 which is configured to provide power to the base and the one or more electrical contacts 40 in the base. The power source 42 may include a connector at a free end (e.g., a USB or like plug). The base 18 may also include charging circuitry 45 that is configured to facilitate power transfer from the external source of power 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. The adapter cable 16 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 in the base 18. 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. In one embodiment, the adapter cable 16 connector may include an LED or visual indicator that is activated when the item of merchandise 14 is being charged. The LED may be deactivated when the sensor 12 is lifted from the base 18.

[0026] In some cases, the base 18 and the sensor 12 may include an electrical contact 28 that detects that the sensor is lifted off of the base. For example, the sensor 12 and base 18 may each include a contact 28, 40, respectively, that is configured to engage one another when the sensor is supported on the base. These contacts 28, 40 may not transfer power. However, the contact 40 on the base 18 may communicate with the PCB 32 to indicate when the sensor 12 has been lifted off of the base and to cease transferring power to the electrical contacts. This arrangement of contacts 28, 40 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 40 on the base after the sensor is lifted.

[0027] An end of cable 20 may be mechanically secured 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 example, the cable 20 may be attached to the sensor 12 with a swivel 44 or like connector to allow for rotational movement between the sensor and the cable. The swivel 44 could be permanently attached to the sensor 12 or could be removably attached if desired. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 may include a capacitor to aid in the transition between a position where the item of merchandise 14 and/or sensor are being charged to a position where the item of merchandise and/or sensor are no longer being charged. Thus, a false alarm may be avoided if power is lost momentarily when power to the sensor 12 is transitioned between power sources. 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, it is understood that the cable 20 may alternatively provide both power and security signals and be electrically connected to the sensor 12. [0028] As discussed above, the sensor 12 may be configured to emit a wireless signal in response to a security event. In one embodiment, the base 18 may include wireless communication circuitry that is configured to communicate with the wireless communication circuitry of the sensor 12. For example, the base 18 may be configured to receive the wireless signal emitted by the sensor 12 and to generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/or a visible alarm) in response thereto. In some embodiments, the sensor 12 includes a radio transmitter that is configured to emit a signal at a frequency that is detectable by a radio receiver in the base 18. Upon receipt of the signal, the base 18 would generate an alarm signal. Other wireless communication techniques are possible such as, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), WiFi, or the like. The base 18 may be configured to "listen" for the wireless signal emitted by the sensor 12 and generate an alarm signal upon receiving the signal. Thus, in some bases, one-way communication from the sensor 12 to the base 18 occurs.

[0029] In one embodiment, the sensor 12 and the base 18 are configured to be paired with one another. For example, the sensor 12 may include a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) that is communicated to the base 18, such as via respective wireless communication circuitry. The sensor 12 may be configured to emit a signal to the base 18 whereby the base recognizes the sensor's identifier. Thus, no alarm signal is generated when the base 18 is receiving the signal from the sensor 12. However, the base 18 may be configured to detect when the signal is no longer received and to generate an alarm signal in response thereto. In one example, the sensor 12 and base 18 may be paired with one another when the sensor is supported on the base. This pairing may occur each time the sensor 12 is placed on the base 18. Pairing between a sensor 12 and base 18 may reduce false alarms and cross talk between other sensors and bases that are proximate to one another.

[0030] In another embodiment, a central controller may be employed that is configured to communicate with a plurality of sensors 12 and/or bases 18. For example, the central controller may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of sensors 12 having unique identifiers. The controller may be paired with each of the sensors 12 and be configured to generate an alarm signal when communication with a sensor is lost. The controller may also generate an alarm signal if the sensor 12 emits a security signal to indicate that an alarm event has occurred (e.g., the sensor is removed from the item of merchandise 14). The controller may also be configured to communicate with a respective base 18 so that the base may generate an alarm signal when communication with an associated sensor 12 ceases or when the sensor emits a security signal. [0031] 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 with the base 18, 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. In some embodiments, the security system 10 may not include a recoiler 22. Thus, the cable 20 could be a straight or coiled cable that is secured to the sensor 12 at one end and electrically connected to base 18 at an opposite end.

[0032] Various sensing techniques may be employed for determining whether the cable 20 has been cut or removed from the sensor 12 in an unauthorized manner. For example, the cable 20 may include a pair of electrical conductors that define a sense loop therethrough. Thus, should the sense loop be interrupted (e.g., by cutting or shorting the cable), the PCB 32 in the base 18 may detect the interruption and generate an alarm signal. In some embodiments, a resistor may be disposed within the sense loop at an end of the cable 20 secured to the sensor 12. Changes in the resistance may be used to determine whether the cable 20 has been cut or shorted. For example, a range of resistance values between the cable 20 being shorted and the cable fully extended from the base 18 may be used to determine resistance values indicative of cutting or shorting.

[0033] The sensor 12 may include an additional pressure switch 47 that is configured to operably engage an end of the cable 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). For instance, the sensor 12 may include a pressure switch 47 that is configured to engage the end of the cable 20 when the cable is secured to the sensor. The pressure switch 47 may be electrically connected to the sensor's 12 PCB 24 such that should the end of the cable 20 be removed in an unauthorized manner, the sensor may detect the removal and be configured to emit a wireless signal to the base 18 to generate an alarm signal. Notably, this pressure switch 47 may also be electrically isolated from the cable 20, as the pressure switch may be a mechanical engagement with the cable only. Moreover, is understood that various types of switching devices may be used that allows the PCB 32 to detect when the cable 20 is attached or detached from the sensor 12.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the end of the cable 20 secured to the sensor 12 may not include a resistor or capacitor. Rather, the end of the cable 20 may include an inductive coil that is configured to electrically communicate with an inductive coil in the sensor 12. Thus, in this embodiment, a pair of inductive coils may be provided at the sensor level and at the base level. When the sensor 12 is lifted from the base 18, power for driving the sensor inductive coil may be provided by the battery of the item of merchandise 14 or the capacitor. As such, electrical communication between the sensor 12 and inductive coils and interruption in the communication is detectable when the inductive transfer is interrupted.

[0035] A separate lock mechanism 50 may be disposed within the base 18 for locking the base to the sensor 12 to prevent the sensor and item of merchandise from being lifted from the base. For example, a fastener may be used to secure the base 18 to the sensor 12. Such a lock mechanism 50 may be employed after hours in a retail environment to prevent unauthorized removal and further security of the security system 10, as the cable 20 will be inaccessible. It is also understood that the lock mechanism 50 could incorporate electro-mechanical means for locking the sensor 12 to the base 20. In one example, the lock mechanism 52 could be actuated in response to communication with a key 39.

[0036] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an embodiment of a base 18' and associated recoiler 22', wherein portions of the base and sensor are not shown for purposes of clarity. The base 18' and recoiler 22' could be utilized with one of the aforementioned security devices 10. In this embodiment, the recoiler 22' is modular in that it may be readily inserted into the base 18' and removed from the base. As shown in FIG. 4-6, the recoiler 22' may include a housing 60 that houses and encloses a spool 62 for winding and unwinding the cable 20 thereon. FIGS. 5 and 8 show that the housing 60 may be a two-piece design and secured with fasteners 63 or other engagement features, although other shapes and configurations may be employed in other embodiments. The spool 62 may be configured to rotate within the housing 60 as the cable 20 is wound and unwound from the spool.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows that the recoiler 22' may include a spring 65 (e.g., a coil spring or a clock spring) for facilitating retraction of the cable 20 within the housing 60. The spring 65 may be any desired type, including power spring and constant force types. Thus, the spring 65 may be configured to bias the spool 62 to retract the cable 20 within the housing 60. An end of the spring 65 may be attached to the housing with an arbor 67 or similar attachment mechanism. For example, an end of the spring 65 may be inserted within a slot defined within the arbor 67.

[0038] The spool 62 may be rotatably supported within the housing 60 with at least one pin 64 or an axle. For instance, FIGS. 6 and 8 show that a pair of pins 64 may be employed to define an axle and that each pin may be fixed to the spool 62. The housing 60 includes openings and corresponding clearance for receiving the pins 64 and allowing the pins to rotate relative thereto. The spool 62 may also be a two- piece design and secured together, such as via welding. In one embodiment, each of the pins 64 is inserted within respective pieces of the spool 62 prior to securing the halves of the spool together. For example, each pin 64 may be insert molded within respective halves of the spool 62. In one embodiment, the axis of the arbor 67 is offset from the axis of the pin 64. In this way, the pin 64 is capable of rotating relative to the housing 60 and arbor 67, and one end of the spring 65 is able to be secured to the arbor, such as via a cut or slot defined therein. Thus, the spring 65 does not extend through or engage the pin 64. An opposite end of the spring 65 may be attached to the spool 62 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0039] FIGS. 4-6 show that a pair of posts 66 may be electrically connected to the PCB 32 and extend upwardly therefrom. The free ends of the posts 66 may be configured to engage or otherwise electrically connect to the pins 64. In some embodiments, the posts 66 may be flexible and formed of an electrically conductive material. In one example, the posts 66 may be biased inwardly towards one another. Thus, the recoiler 22' may be configured to be inserted within the base 18' for electrically connecting the recoiler to the PCB 32. When inserted within the base 18' , the pins 64 are configured to maintain engagement with the posts 66 while in rotation for maintaining an electrical connection therebetween. Moreover, FIG. 6 shows that the ends of the posts 66 may have a particular configuration or shape for facilitating engagement with the pins 64. For instance, the ends of the posts 66 may include a generally convex curvature for engaging the pins 64. The ends of the pins 64 may have a convex outer surface for engaging the posts 66. In addition, the posts 66 may be biased in such a way that the posts are configured to support the recoiler 22' when inserted within the base 18' .

[0040] As discussed above, the cable 20 may include at least one conductor 77. In the instance where the cable 20 includes a pair of conductors 77, each conductor may be electrically connected to a respective pin 64 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). In addition, each pin 64 may be formed of an electrically conductive material. Accordingly, when the recoiler 22' is inserted within the base 18', the conductors 77 may be electrically connected to the PCB 32 via the pins 64 and posts 66. Thus, as power and/or security signals are provided to the PCB 32, a sense loop may be defined through the conductors 77 in the cable 20 and the PCB. FIG. 8 shows that a gap 70 may be defined between the pins 64 so as to electrically isolate the pins, which may facilitate defining a sense loop through the conductors 77, the posts 66, and the PCB 32.

[0041] FIGS. 4-5 also show that the base 20' may include a plurality of contacts 40' electrically connected to another PCB 32' . Thus, the base 18' may include a pair of PCB's 32, 32' . As discussed above, the contacts 40' may be configured to mate with and electrically connect to contacts 28 on the sensor 12 when the sensor is supported on the base 18'. As also discussed above, the sense loop and any electrical circuit that provides power to the item of merchandise 14 may be electrically isolated from one another. As such, the conductors 77 in the cable 20, the pins 64, and the posts 66 may not be in electrical communication with the PCB 32' or contacts 40' . Moreover, FIG. 5 shows that the end of the cable 20 may include a connector 72 for engaging a corresponding connector 74 on the sensor 12 as discussed above.

[0042] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages. As noted above, the sense loop and the charging circuit may be electrically isolated from one another. Because the cable does not require conductors for transferring power, the cable may only require one or two conductors, which reduces the overall diameter of the cable. In addition, since the conductor(s) in the cable are electrically isolated from the charging circuit and any voltage adaption may occur in the base, the cable may also be simplified in construction in order to define a sense loop. It is also possible that a greater effective length of cable may be used for a similarly sized recoiler since a smaller diameter wire may be used. Moreover, the pull force required to extend the cable from the recoiler may also be reduced in view of larger cables (e.g., less than 1 lb). Moreover, the base may not require a slip ring for electrically communicating with the recoiler and the cable. Similarly, no slip may be required for electrical communication between the sensor and the end of the cable since only a mechanical connection takes place. It is also possible that less "wear and tear" may take place on the cable, sensor, and base since lighter and smaller components may be used. In addition, the recoiler may be modular for facilitating ready repair and replacement. Thus, the entire base does not need to be replaced, and access to the recoiler is improved. The base also does not require slip rings or other more complicated mechanisms for maintaining electrical continuity between the recoiler and the base.

[0043] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, the security system comprising:

a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise;

a base comprising circuitry;

a cable connected to the sensor and comprising a plurality of conductors; and

a recoiler connected to the cable and configured to be removably inserted within the base, the recoiler comprising a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to rotate and establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the plurality of conductors for defining a sense loop, wherein the spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base.

2. The security system of Claim 1 , wherein the base is configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon.

3. The security system of Claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises at least one electrical contact and the base comprises at least one electrical contact, and wherein the base is configured to transfer power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise via the electrical contacts when the sensor is supported on the base.

4. The security system of Claim 3, wherein the sense loop is electrically isolated from the electrical contacts.

5. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one post in electrical communication with the circuitry, and wherein the axle is configured to engage and rotate in relation to the at least one post so as to establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the plurality of conductors for defining the sense loop.

6. The security system of Claim 5, wherein the base comprises a pair of posts.

7. The security system of Claim 6, wherein the axle comprises a pair of pins, each pin configured to engage and electrically connect to a respective one of the posts.

8. The security system of Claim 7, wherein the pair of pins are separated by a gap.

9. The security system of Claim 7, wherein each pin is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of conductors.

10. The security system of Claim 7, wherein the spool comprises a two-piece housing secured together, and wherein each pin is inserted within a respective piece of the housing.

11. The security system of Claim 5, wherein an end of the post defines a convex curvature.

12. The security system of Claim 5, wherein the axle and the at least one post are formed of an electrically conductive material.

13. The security system of Claim 5, wherein the at least one post is flexible.

14. The security system of Claim 5, wherein the at least one post extends upwardly from the circuitry to define a free end for engaging the axle.

15. The security system of Claim 5, wherein the sense loop is defined through the plurality of conductors, the axle, the posts, and the circuitry.

16. The security system of Claim 1, wherein an end of the axle defines a convex curvature.

17. The security system of Claim 1, further comprising a connector removably coupling an end of the cable to the sensor.

18. The security system of Claim 1, further comprising an alarm operably engaged with the base configured to generate an alarm signal when the item of merchandise is removed from the sensor or the sense loop is interrupted.

19. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductors do not transmit power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.

20. The security system of Claim 1 , wherein the circuitry comprises a printed circuit board.

21. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the base does not include a slip ring.

22. The security system of Claim 1, wherein the recoiler further comprises a spring, and wherein the housing comprises an arbor for receiving an end of the spring.

23. The security system of Claim 22, wherein an axis of the axle is offset relative to an axis of the arbor.

24. A security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, the security system comprising:

a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise;

a base configured to be secured to a support surface and comprising at least one post and circuitry in electrical communication therewith;

a cable connected to the sensor and comprising at least one conductor; and

a recoiler connected to the cable and configured to be removably inserted within the base, the recoiler comprising a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to engage and rotate in relation to the at least one post so as to establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the at least one conductor for defining a sense loop, wherein the spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base.

25. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, the method comprising:

coupling a sensor to the item of merchandise;

connecting a cable to the sensor, the cable comprising a plurality of conductors;

securing a base to a support surface, the base comprising circuitry; and

removably inserting a recoiler connected to the cable within the base, the recoiler comprising a housing and a spool rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the spool is fixed to an axle that is configured to rotate and establish electrical communication between the circuitry and the plurality of conductors for defining a sense loop, and wherein the spool is configured to rotate to allow the cable to be extended and retracted relative to the base.