WO2017112749A1

WO2017112749A1 - Merchandise security container

Info

Publication number: WO2017112749A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/067983
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey A. GRANT; David N. Berglund; Gary A. TAYLOR
Original assignee: InVue Security Products Inc
Current assignee: InVue Security Products Inc
Priority date: 2015-12-22
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-22

Abstract

A security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The security device includes a housing configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a lock mechanism operably engaged with the housing. The lock mechanism is operable to lock the item of merchandise within or to the housing in a locked configuration and to allow the item of merchandise to be removed from the housing in an unlocked configuration. The lock mechanism is configured to communicate with an electronic key for locking and/or unlocking thereof. The security device also includes an alarm operably engaged with the housing and configured to generate a security signal in response to tampering the housing. The alarm is configured to communicate with the electronic key for arming and/or disarming thereof.

Description

MERCHANDISE SECURITY CONTAINER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/270,823 filed on December 22, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to provide demonstration models of consumer electronics products, such as handheld devices, wearables, 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 device that permits a potential purchaser to examine and operate the product, while reducing the likelihood that the demonstration model or a removable component of the product will be stolen or removed from the display area.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards security devices and method for securing an item of merchandise from theft. In one embodiment, a security device includes a housing configured to enclose the item of merchandise therein and a lock mechanism operably engaged with the housing. The lock mechanism is operable to lock the item of merchandise within the housing in a locked configuration and to allow the item of merchandise to be removed from the housing in an unlocked configuration. The security device also includes an alarm operably engaged with the housing and configured to generate a security signal in response to tampering the housing. The lock mechanism is configured to communicate with an electronic key for locking and/or unlocking thereof, and the alarm is configured to communicate with the electronic key for arming and/or disarming thereof.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method includes placing the item of merchandise within a housing such that the item of merchandise is enclosed therein and locking the item of merchandise within the housing with a lock mechanism operably engaged with the housing. An alarm operably engaged with the housing is configured to generate a security signal in response to tampering the housing. The method further includes actuating an electronic key for unlocking the lock mechanism and/or disarming the alarm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description of the invention provided below may be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which depict one or more embodiments of a security device and method.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a security device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a security device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0009] Figure 3 is another perspective view of the security device shown in Figure 2.

[0010] Figure 4 is another perspective view of the security device shown in Figure 2.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a security device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the base shown in Figure 5. [0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lid shown in Figure 5.

[0014] Figure 8 is a partial view of a lock mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the base shown in Figure 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Referring to the accompanying figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, embodiments of security devices and systems according to the present invention for protecting an item of merchandise against theft or unauthorized removal are illustrated. The item of merchandise 10 may be any item, including any number of consumer electronics products (e.g. wearable, hand-held device, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, etc.). Embodiments of a security device are operable for securing the item of merchandise and permit 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. Although described in relation for use in a retail environment, the security devices shown and described herein are suitable for engaging and securing an item of merchandise in a residential or commercial 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.

[0018] As shown in one embodiment according to Figure 1, the security device 20 comprises a housing 30. The housing 30 is configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise 10. For example, the housing 30 may be configured to be fixed to a display surface 28, support, fixture, or the like, such as with adhesives and/or fasteners 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the display surface 28 may include a slot 38 configured to receive a fastener for engaging the housing 30 and fixing the housing to the display surface 28. In one embodiment, the housing 30 defines an enclosure configured to at least partially enclose the item of merchandise 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 30 is configured to completely or entirely enclose the item of merchandise 10 therein. In some cases, one or more openings, slots, or the like 35 may be defined in the housing 30 to allow a power cord and associated connector 12 to be inserted through the opening for providing power to the item of merchandise 10 and/or the security device 20. For example, a power cord could be inserted through the slot 35. Thus, the housing 30 could include a container body defining an enclosure with one or more openings 35. In some embodiments, the housing 30 may contain one or more input ports 42 for connecting to one or more corresponding power cords (see, e.g., Figure 6) or charging devices 60 (see, e.g., Figure 9). For instance, the housing 30 may contain one or more USB -type ports 42 configured to electrically connect to various OEM charger cables or charging devices for charging an item of merchandise 10 on display. The housing 30 may be formed using any desirable material, such as polymeric material. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 30 may include a clear polymeric material such that the item of merchandise 10 may be viewed through the housing.

[0019] As demonstrated by the embodiments of a security devices 20, 20', it is understood that the housing 30 may take on many different configurations and include various alternative features (see, e.g., Figures 1, 2, and 5). In one embodiment, the housing 30 includes a base 32 and a lid 34. It is understood that the terms base 32 and lid 34 should not be limited as such given that either component could serve as the base or the lid. The lid 34 may be pivotably attached to the base 32 in some cases such that the lid can pivot relative to the base in an unlocked configuration. It is understood that in alternative embodiments, the lid 34 may be completely removed from the base 32. Furthermore, Figures 2-4, 5, 9, and 10 illustrate that the housing 30 may be configured to enclose and display a plurality of items of merchandise 10.

[0020] The housing 30 may further include one or more support members 36 configured to support an item of merchandise in a display position. Each support member 36 may be operably engaged with the slot 35 and configured to be moved along the slot to a desired display position. Thus, the display positions of the support members 36 may be readily adjustable in some embodiments. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, each support member 36 may further include a charging device 60 operably engaged therewith. In this example, the charging device 60 may provide contact or contactless charging as opposed to requiring a direct coupling with an input port of the item of merchandise 10. Thus, in some embodiments, the OEM charging devices 60 may be operably engaged with a respective support member 36 for providing power to the items of merchandise 10 on display.

[0021] In one embodiment shown in Figure 10, the base 32 may include one or more engagement members 54 configured to engage one or more engagement members 56 of a respective support member 36. For example, the engagement members 54, 56 may slidably engage with one another (e.g., a snap fit) and/or fasteners may be employed to secure the support member 36 in position on the base 32. As shown in Figure 10, a plurality of engagement members 54 are disposed along the base 32 such that each support member 36 may be positioned at a variety of desired display positions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the security device 20 may include an alarm 40 configured to generate a security signal (e.g., an audible, visible, and/or haptic signal) in response to unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise 10 from the housing 30 and/or unauthorized removal of the housing from the display surface 28. Unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise 10 from the housing 30 includes tampering the housing in an unauthorized manner. In some cases, the alarm 40 is configured to automatically arm in response to closing the lid 34 on the base 32. In other instances, a key 44 may be required to arm and/or disarm the alarm 40. The alarm 40 may be in communication with a sensing device 52 (e.g., a plunger switch) for detecting unauthorized removal of the lid 34 from the base 32 and/or removal of the base from the display surface 28. In some embodiments, the alarm 40 is contained within the housing 30, such as within the base 32, while in other embodiments the alarm may be located externally to the housing, which may be located remotely from the housing, such as below the display surface 28.

[0023] The security device 20 may also include a lock mechanism 50. The lock mechanism 50 may be operably engaged with the housing 30 and is configured to lock and/or unlock the item of merchandise 10 within the housing. The lock mechanism 50 is operable to lock the item of merchandise 10 within the housing 30 in a locked configuration (see, e.g., Figures 1 and 2) and to allow the item of merchandise to be removed from the housing in an unlocked configuration. In this instance, when the lock mechanism 50 is unlocked, the associate may simply remove the item of merchandise 10 manually from the housing 30. In addition, when removed from the housing 30, the item of merchandise 10 may be readily handled by the consumer without any sensors, brackets, etc. attached to the item. Therefore, the consumer is able to handle the item of merchandise 10 without any impediments. To counter theft, a retail establishment may require an associate to unlock the lock mechanism 50 and accompany the consumer while the consumer examines the item of merchandise 10. When the consumer is finished examining the item of merchandise 10, the associate may then place the item in or on the housing 30 and re-secure the lock mechanism 50.

[0024] It is understood that various locking mechanisms 50 could be utilized to secure the item of merchandise 10 to or in the housing 30, including various mechanical and/or electrical mechanisms. In addition, although an electronic key 44 has been discussed herein, it is understood that other mechanisms may be used to actuate the lock mechanism 50, including mechanical keys, magnetics, passwords, NFC communication, biometrics, and the like. Furthermore, the lock mechanism 50 may be actuated to the locked configuration and/or the unlocked configuration. Namely, the lock mechanism 50 would typically be actuatable from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, such as with a key 44 as described above. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may also be configured to be actuated to the locked configuration (e.g., using a key 44). However, the lock mechanism 50 could alternatively be configured to automatically lock such that actuation with a key 44 or other manual intervention is unnecessary to lock the item of merchandise 10 to or within the housing 30. For example, the lock mechanism 50 may be configured to automatically lock in response to closing the lid 34 on the base 32. In addition, the lock mechanism 50 may be configured to self-lock after a predetermined period of time after being unlocked. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/184,631, filed on June 25, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of a lock mechanism 50. In this example, the lock mechanism 50 includes a latch 64 configured to move between locked and unlocked configurations. The latch 64 includes an engagement member 66 configured to engage a corresponding engagement member 68 of the lid 34 (see, e.g., Figure 7). In use, the latch 64 is configured to retract the engagement member 66 out of engagement with the engagement member 68 in an unlocked configuration and to extend the engagement member 66 into engagement with the engagement member 68 in a locked configuration. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may utilize a motor and camming mechanism for moving the latch between locked and unlocked configurations. It is understood that any number of engagement members 66, 68 may be employed, although in the illustrated embodiment a pair of engagement members 66, 68 are shown, with one engagement member 66, 68 located at each end of the base 32 and lid 34, respectively.

[0026] In one embodiment, the security device 100 may include a locking/unlocking and/or an arming/disarming device, such as a key 44, as discussed above. In one embodiment, the key 44 is electronic and is configured to communicate with the lock mechanism 50 for locking and/or unlocking the lock mechanism. The key 44 may also be configured to arm and/or disarm the alarm 40 or other monitoring electronics. The key 44 may be configured to unlock the lock mechanism 50 and disarm the alarm 40 simultaneously in some embodiments. As shown in Figure 4, a transfer port 46 is provided on, or coupled to, the housing 30 that is configured to communicate with the key 44. It is understood that the transfer port 46 may be located at any desirable location on the housing 30. The transfer port 46 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the key 44 such as in response to actuating an actuator 48 on the key. In some cases, the key 44 contains a security code, such as a unique code, and the security device may be programmed with the same security code. In one embodiment, the key 44 is similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,737,845 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0047972, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 comprises a shape-memory material and is responsive to electrical power to facilitate unlocking of the lock mechanism. Thus, the key 44 may be configured to transfer power to the security device 20 to operate the lock mechanism 50. In one embodiment, electrical contacts disposed on the electronic key 44 electrically couple with cooperating electrical contacts on the transfer port 46 to transfer power from the internal battery of the key to the lock mechanism 50. In other embodiments, the power transfer may occur using inductance. Power may be transferred directly to the lock mechanism 50 via one or more conductors. For example, a conductor may be coupled to a mechanical lock mechanism 50, and when electrical power is conducted through the conductor, a state change occurs thereby resulting in operation of the lock mechanism. In one example, the conductor is coupled to a shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol) such that electrical power transferred through the conductor results in a change in shape of the shape memory material (e.g., contraction). Such a change in shape may cause a mechanical actuation (e.g., linear or rotary) of the lock mechanism 50 to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may utilize a shape memory material as disclosed in U.S. Application No. 14/328,051, filed on July 10, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may cooperate with a motor or solenoid for operating the lock mechanism.

[0028] Furthermore, the lock mechanism 50 could be utilized to actuate the housing 30 itself to facilitate removal of the item of merchandise 10. For example, the housing 30 could be opened when the lock mechanism 50 is actuated to an unlocked configuration allowing the item of merchandise 10 to be removed. Thus, where the housing 30 includes a lid or other removable portion, the lid could be automatically opened when the lock mechanism 50 is actuated.

[0029] The lock mechanism 50 may be actuated in response to communication with the key 44. Thus, when the key 44 is placed in proximity to, or in engagement with, the transfer port 46, the key is configured to actuate the lock mechanism 50 such that the lock mechanism unlocks. Similarly, the alarm 40 may be configured to communicate with the key 44 for arming and/or disarming thereof. In some cases, the key 44 is only configured to unlock the lock mechanism 50 when the alarm 40 is not generating a security signal. Thus, if the alarm 40 is generating a security signal, communication with an authorized key 44 will only disarm the alarm, but the lock mechanism 50 will not unlock. Further security measures or a predetermined delay may be required before the lock mechanism 50 may be unlocked. For example, a manager may be required to present a key to unlock the lock mechanism 50, or the lock mechanism may remain locked for a period of time to prevent a potential thief from gaining access to the item of merchandise.

[0030] The lock mechanism 50 may be configured to be actuated in response to communication with a key 44, such as an electronic key. In some cases, the lock mechanism 50 is passive and does not require its own source of power for operation. Thus, the key 44 may be configured to transfer power to the lock mechanism 50 via communication with the transfer port 46. In one embodiment, the power transfer occurs via inductance. The security device 10 may include a security code, and the key 44 may only be configured to transfer power to the security device when a security code on the key matches the security code stored in the security device. In some cases, the key 44 and lock mechanism 50 are similar to that disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2013/0081434, entitled Cabinet Lock for Use with Programmable Electronic Key, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0031] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. Although 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 device for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the security device comprising:

a housing configured to enclose the item of merchandise therein;

a lock mechanism operably engaged with the housing, the lock mechanism operable to lock the item of merchandise within the housing in a locked configuration and to allow the item of merchandise to be removed from the housing in an unlocked configuration; and

an alarm operably engaged with the housing and configured to generate a security signal in response to tampering the housing,

wherein the lock mechanism is configured to communicate with an electronic key for locking and/or unlocking thereof, and

wherein the alarm is configured to communicate with the electronic key for arming and/or disarming thereof.

2. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a sensor configured to detect tampering the housing.

3. The security device of Claim 1, further comprising a transfer port operably engaged with the lock mechanism and the alarm and configured to communicate with the electronic key for locking and/or unlocking the lock mechanism and/or arming and/or disarming the alarm.

4. The security device of Claim 3, wherein the transfer port is configured to wirelessly communicate with the electronic key containing a security code.

5. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be unlocked and the alarm is configured to be disarmed simultaneously in response to communication with the electronic key.

6. The security device of Claim 5, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be unlocked only when the alarm is not generating a security signal.

7. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is unable to be unlocked while the alarm is generating a security signal.

8. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a lid removably attached to a base, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to lock the lid to the base in the locked configuration.

9. The security device of Claim 8, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be locked and the alarm is configured to be armed simultaneously in response to engagement of the lid on the base.

10. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to automatically lock following a predetermined time after being unlocked.

11. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to enclose and display a plurality of items of merchandise therein.

12. The security device of Claim 1, further comprising at least one support member operably engaged with the housing and configured to support the item of merchandise thereon at a display position.

13. The security device of Claim 12, wherein the display position of the at least support member is adjustable.

14. The security device of Claim 13, wherein the housing comprises a slot, and wherein the at least one support member is movable within the slot to a desired display position.

15. The security device of Claim 12, further comprising a plurality of support members.

16. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to entirely enclose the item of merchandise therein.

17. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least one input port for connecting to a corresponding power cord for charging the item of merchandise.

18. The security device of Claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of input ports.

19. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising: placing the item of merchandise within a housing such that the item of merchandise is enclosed therein;

locking the item of merchandise within the housing with a lock mechanism operably engaged with the housing, wherein an alarm operably engaged with the housing is configured to generate a security signal in response to tampering the housing; and

actuating an electronic key for unlocking the lock mechanism and/or disarming the alarm.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein the lock mechanism is unable to be unlocked while the alarm is generating a security signal.

21. The method of Claim 19, wherein the alarm is armed in response to locking the lock mechanism.

22. The method of Claim 19, further comprising mounting the housing to a display surface.

23. The method of Claim 19, wherein the housing comprises a lid removably attached to a base, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to lock the lid to the base in the locked configuration.

24. The method of Claim 23, wherein locking comprises positioning the lid on the base.

25. The method of Claim 19, wherein actuating comprises actuating the electronic key for unlocking the lock mechanism and disarming the alarm.

26. The method of Claim 19, wherein actuating comprises actuating the electronic key for simultaneously unlocking the lock mechanism and disarming the alarm.