U.S. patent application number 14/339684 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for tether assembly for a security device.
The applicant listed for this patent is InVue Security Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Joshua Abdollahzadeh, David N. Berglund, Wesley J. Blanchard, Michael R. Johnston.
Application Number | 20150028145 14/339684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389663 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150028145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnston; Michael R. ; et
al. |
January 29, 2015 |
TETHER ASSEMBLY FOR A SECURITY DEVICE
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a tether
assembly for securing an item of merchandise. In one example, the
tether assembly includes a tether configured to be secured to an
item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether.
The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to
the housing. The tether assembly also includes a motor coupled to
the tether that is configured to extend and/or retract the tether
relative to the housing.
Inventors: |
Johnston; Michael R.;
(Waxhaw, NC) ; Abdollahzadeh; Joshua; (Denver,
NC) ; Berglund; David N.; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Blanchard; Wesley J.; (Fort Mill, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
InVue Security Products Inc. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52389663 |
Appl. No.: |
14/339684 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61858822 |
Jul 26, 2013 |
|
|
|
61858958 |
Jul 26, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/390.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 51/10 20130101;
B65H 75/4484 20130101; A47F 7/024 20130101; B65H 75/48
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/390.8 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/44 20060101
B65H075/44; B65H 75/48 20060101 B65H075/48 |
Claims
1. A tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from
theft, the tether assembly comprising: a tether configured to be
secured to an item of merchandise; a housing configured to receive
the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted
relative to the housing; and at least one motor coupled to the
tether and configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative
to the housing.
2. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one
rotatable element operably engaged with the motor and configured to
engage the tether during extension and/or retraction of the
tether.
3. The tether assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one
rotatable element comprises a wheel or a gear.
4. The tether assembly of claim 2, wherein the motor is configured
to rotate the at least one rotatable element for extending and/or
retracting the tether.
5. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fixed guide
disposed within the housing configured to guide the tether into the
housing when the tether is retracted therein.
6. The tether assembly of claim 5, wherein the fixed guide is not a
rotatable reel.
7. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the tether is not wound
about a rotatable reel during extension and/or retraction.
8. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor does not
require a slip ring for electrically communicating with the
tether.
9. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the tether is not
coupled to a spring for retracting the tether within the
housing.
10. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tension
mechanism operably engaged with the tether and the motor, wherein
the tension mechanism is configured to actuate the motor in
response to tension applied to the tether to facilitate extension
and retraction thereof.
11. The tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the motor is disposed
within the housing.
12. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a clutch
operably engaged with the motor and configured to facilitate
extension and/or retraction of the tether.
13. The tether assembly of claim 12, wherein the motor is
configured to rotate in a first direction to retract the tether
within the housing, and wherein the clutch is configured to allow
the tether to be extended from the housing while the motor is
rotating in the first direction.
14. The tether assembly of claim 13, further comprising a rotatable
reel operably engaged with the motor, wherein the motor is
configured to rotate the rotatable reel in the first direction to
wind the tether about the rotatable reel.
15. The tether assembly of claim 14, wherein the clutch is operably
engaged with the rotatable reel and is configured to allow the
rotatable reel to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, to unwind the tether from the rotatable reel.
16. The tether assembly of claim 15, wherein the clutch is
adjustable such that a tension applied to the tether required to
rotate the rotatable reel in the second direction is
adjustable.
17. The tether assembly of claim 12, wherein the clutch is a slip
clutch operably engaged with the motor.
18. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rotatable
reel operably engaged with the motor, wherein the tether is
configured to be wound on, or unwound from, the rotatable reel in
response to rotation of the rotatable reel by the motor.
19. The tether assembly of claim 1, further comprising a triggering
mechanism configured to detect motion of the tether, wherein the
motor is configured to be actuated in response to a signal provided
by the triggering mechanism.
20. A security system for securing an item of merchandise from
theft, the security system comprising: a tether configured to be
secured to an item of merchandise; a housing configured to receive
the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted
relative to the housing; at least one motor coupled to the tether
and configured to extend and/or retract the tether into the
housing; and an alarm unit operably engaged with the tether and
configured to detect that the tether has been severed and/or
separated from the item of merchandise.
21. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the
method comprising: installing a tether assembly to a display
surface or stand, the tether assembly comprising at least one motor
coupled to a tether for extending and/or retracting the tether
relative to the display surface or stand; and securing the tether
to an item of merchandise.
22. A tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from
theft, the tether assembly comprising: a tether configured to be
secured to an item of merchandise; a housing configured to receive
the tether, the tether configured to be extended and retracted
relative to the housing; and a mechanism coupled to the tether and
configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether
relative to the housing without unwinding or winding the tether
about a rotatable reel.
23. The tether assembly of claim 22, wherein the mechanism is a
motor.
24. The tether assembly of claim 22, wherein the mechanism is a
spring configured to retract the tether into the housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/858,822 filed on Jul. 26, 2013,
and United States Provisional Application No. 61/858,958 filed on
Jul. 26, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
tether assemblies for displaying and 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 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 device 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] Various tethering mechanisms have been developed for
securing an item of merchandise to a display. However, such
mechanisms typically require complex reel components and do not
provide the potential customer with a desirable user
experience.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for a reliable and
effective tether assembly and security system for protecting items
of merchandise, while permitting a potential purchaser to examine
and operate a demonstration model of the item.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
tether assembly for securing an item of merchandise from theft. The
tether assembly includes a tether configured to be secured to an
item of merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether.
The tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to
the housing. The tether assembly also includes at least one motor
coupled to the tether and configured to extend and/or retract the
tether relative to the housing.
[0007] According to some aspects, the tether assembly further
includes at least one rotatable element operably engaged with the
motor and configured to engage the tether during extension and/or
retraction of the tether. The at least one rotatable element may be
a wheel or a gear. The motor may be configured to rotate the at
least one rotatable element for extending and/or retracting the
tether. In other aspects, the at least one rotatable element is
spring-loaded such that the rotatable element is biased into
engagement with the tether. The at least one rotatable element may
be configured to rotate and to move relative to the housing during
extension and/or retraction of the tether. The at least one
rotatable element may be configured to move in a lateral direction
relative to the housing. In one example, a plurality of rotatable
elements are provided, and each rotatable element is configured to
engage the tether during extension and/or retraction of the
tether.
[0008] In another aspect, the tether assembly includes a fixed
guide disposed within the housing configured to guide the tether
into the housing when the tether is retracted therein. In one
embodiment, the fixed guide is not a rotatable reel. In one
particular aspect, the tether is not wound about a rotatable reel
during extension and/or retraction. The motor may not require a
slip ring for electrically communicating with the tether, and/or
the tether may not be coupled to a spring for retracting the tether
within the housing. In one aspect, a tension mechanism is operably
engaged with the tether and the motor, wherein the tension
mechanism is configured to actuate the motor in response to tension
applied to the tether to facilitate extension and retraction
thereof. In another aspect, the motor is disposed within the
housing.
[0009] According to further aspect, the tether assembly also
includes a clutch operably engaged with the motor and configured to
facilitate extension and/or retraction of the tether. The motor may
be configured to rotate in a first direction to retract the tether
within the housing, and the clutch may be configured to allow the
tether to be extended from the housing while the motor is rotating
in the first direction. The tether assembly may include a rotatable
reel operably engaged with the motor, wherein the motor is
configured to rotate the rotatable reel in the first direction to
wind the tether about the rotatable reel. The clutch may be
operably engaged with the rotatable reel and may be configured to
allow the rotatable reel to rotate in a second direction, opposite
the first direction, to unwind the tether from the rotatable reel.
Moreover, the clutch may be adjustable such that a tension applied
to the tether required to rotate the rotatable reel in the second
direction is adjustable. In one example, the clutch is a slip
clutch operably engaged with the motor. In another aspect, a
rotatable reel is operably engaged with the motor, and the tether
is configured to be wound on, or unwound from, the rotatable reel
in response to rotation of the rotatable reel by the motor. In
other aspects, the tether assembly includes a triggering mechanism
configured to detect motion of the tether, and the motor is
configured to actuate in response to a signal provided by the
triggering mechanism.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a security system for
securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. In this
embodiment, the security system includes a tether configured to be
secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to
receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and
retracted relative to the housing. The security system further
includes at least one motor coupled to the tether and configured to
extend and/or retract the tether into the housing, as well as an
alarm unit operably engaged with the tether and configured to
detect that the tether has been severed and/or separated from the
item of merchandise.
[0011] In another embodiment, a method for securing an item of
merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes installing
a tether assembly to a display surface or support. The tether
assembly comprises at least one motor coupled to a tether for
extending and/or retracting the tether relative to the display
surface or support. The method also includes securing the tether to
an item of merchandise.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment, a tether assembly for
securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The tether
assembly includes a tether configured to be secured to an item of
merchandise and a housing configured to receive the tether. The
tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the
housing. The tether assembly further includes a mechanism (e.g., a
motor or a spring) coupled to the tether and configured to
automatically extend and/or retract the tether relative to the
housing without unwinding or winding the tether about a rotatable
reel.
[0013] In another embodiment, a method for securing an item of
merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes installing
a motorized recoiler assembly to a display surface or support. The
motorized recoiler assembly comprises a motor and a clutch operably
engaged with a tether for extending and/or retracting the tether
relative to the display surface or support. The method also
includes securing the tether to an item of merchandise.
[0014] In one embodiment, a motorized recoiler assembly for
securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The
motorized recoiler assembly comprises a tether configured to be
secured to an item of merchandise and a housing configured to
receive the tether. The tether is configured to be extended and
retracted relative to the housing. The motorized recoiler assembly
also includes a motor operably engaged with the tether and
configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to the
housing, as well as a rotatable reel operably engaged with the
motor. The tether is configured to be wound on, or unwound from,
the reel in response to rotation of the rotatable reel by the
motor. In one aspect, the motorized recoiler may include a clutch
operably engaged with the motor and configured to facilitate
extension and/or retraction of the tether.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tether assembly according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tether assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tether assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an end view of the tether assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of a tether assembly coupled to a
display surface according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end view of a tether assembly coupled to a
display surface according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a security system including the
tether assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is side view of a motorized recoiler assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the motorized recoiler
assembly shown in FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 10 is another side view of the motorized recoiler
assembly shown in Figure. 8.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a schematic of a security system including the
motorized recoiler assembly of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Referring to the accompanying figures wherein identical
reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various
views, embodiments of tether assemblies or recoilers for displaying
and protecting an item of merchandise against theft or unauthorized
removal are provided. The item of merchandise may be any item,
including any number of consumer electronics products (e.g.
hand-held device, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet, laptop
computer, etc.). According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-7,
the tether assembly, indicated generally at 10, is operable for
securing an item of merchandise to a display support, surface, or
the like, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser
to closely examine and operate the item of merchandise in a display
area (e.g. a retail store). The tether assembly 10 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.
However, the tether assembly 10 shown and described herein is
suitable for engaging and 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 device for protecting against theft and/or
unauthorized removal.
[0027] In one embodiment, the tether assembly 10 includes a tether
12 configured to be secured to an item of merchandise and a housing
14 configured to receive the tether. The tether 12 is configured to
be extended and retracted relative to the housing 14. The tether
assembly 10 also includes a mechanism 16 coupled to the tether 12
that is configured to extend and/or retract the tether relative to
the housing 14. In some embodiments, the mechanism 16 is configured
to automatically extend and/or retract the tether. For example, the
mechanism 16 may be a spring configured to retract the tether 12
into the housing 14, while a customer is able to overcome the
spring force to extend the tether out of the housing. The spring
could be loaded as the tether 12 is extended out of the housing 14
such as, for example, via a torsion spring, a tension spring, or
the like. Alternatively, the mechanism 16 may be a motor that is
configured to automatically extend and/or retract the tether, as
explained in further detail below.
[0028] The tether 12 may be used to mechanically secure the item of
merchandise to a display support 22, surface, or the like. In this
regard, one end of the tether 12 may be coupled to the item of
merchandise, while the opposite end of the tether may be secured to
the tether assembly 10. The tether 12 may be secured directly to
the item of merchandise or could be secured to a sensor that is in
turn secured to the item of merchandise. One end of the tether 12
may be fixed within the housing 14 such that this end does not move
when the remaining portion of the tether is extended or retracted
from the housing. The tether 12 is coupled in such a way for
allowing the length of the tether to be adjusted relative to the
housing 14. Thus, a customer is able to extend the tether 12 from
the housing 14 to inspect an item of merchandise, and the tether is
retracted within the housing when the item of merchandise is
returned to the display stand or surface 22.
[0029] It is understood that the tether 12 may be any suitable
cord, cable, or the like. In addition, the tether 12 may be a
mechanical cord or may include one or more electrical conductors
for transmitting electrical, security, and/or communication
signals. In addition, the tether 12 may be a single strand,
multi-strand, or braided. The tether 12 may be flexible to
facilitate extension and retraction with the housing 14, and in
some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material. In the
illustrated embodiment, the tether 12 may include an outer surface
that facilitates engagement with one or more rotatable elements 26,
discussed in further detail below. In this regard, the tether 12
may include a groove or other engagement member 15 defined therein
that is configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion or
engagement member 17 defined on an outer surface of the rotatable
element 26. For example, the tether 12 and rotatable element 26 may
cooperate together similar to a worm gear arrangement. Other
techniques could be used to facilitate engagement with the
rotatable elements 26, such as specific texture, coating, and/or
material of the tether 12 and/or rotatable elements.
[0030] The housing 14 is configured to receive at least a portion
of the tether 12 therein. In the example shown in FIGS. 5-6, the
housing 14 is also configured to at least partially receive and
house the rotatable element 26 and other components of the tether
assembly 10, including a mechanism 16 (e.g., a motor (if
provided)). FIGS. 5 and 6 show embodiments where the housing 14
includes upper 18 and lower 20 portions, wherein the upper portion
is configured to engage a display surface 22. For instance, the
upper portion 18 of the housing 14 may be configured to engage a
lock or fastener 24 on an upper surface of the display surface 22,
while the upper 18 and lower 20 portions of the housing are
disposed below the display surface and out of sight of customers.
It is understood that the housing 14 may be any suitable size and
configuration to accommodate the tether 12, rotatable element 26,
and mechanism 16 or motor, as well as facilitate engagement with a
display support or surface 22.
[0031] FIGS. 1-6 show a pair of rotatable elements 26 engaged with
the tether 12. In one embodiment, the rotatable elements 26 are
positioned adjacent to and in direct contact with the tether 12.
The rotatable elements 26 may be fixed in position or could be
biased towards the tether 12. For instance, one or more of the
rotatable elements 26 may be spring biased or mechanically driven
into engagement with the tether 12 to ensure sufficient contact
therewith. Furthermore, although a pair of rotatable elements 26
are shown, it is understood that one or more rotatable elements may
be used. Where a plurality of rotatable elements 26 are used, the
rotatable elements may be equidistantly spaced circumferentially
about the tether 12.
[0032] The rotatable elements 26 may be rotatable about a
respective axle 28 and driven by a motor (e.g., mechanism 16). Each
rotatable element 26 may be driven by a respective motor, or a
single motor may be configured to drive a plurality of rotatable
elements. As noted above, the rotatable element 26 may be a wheel,
gear, or the like configured to rotate in response to rotation of
the axle 28 by the motor. Rotation of the rotatable elements 26 in
one direction results in retraction of the tether 12, while
rotation of the rotatable elements in an opposite direction results
in extension of the tether. However, it is understood that the
motor may only be configured to rotate in a single direction, such
as for retracting the tether 12 within the housing 14.
[0033] Moreover, the motor may be configured to operate
continuously or at particular times, such as when a customer begins
to pull the item of merchandise away from the display support or
surface 22. A tension mechanism 40 could be utilized to sense
tension applied to the tether 12 for such a purpose (see, e.g.,
FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the tension mechanism 40 is a switch,
sensor, or the like that is configured to detect or respond to
tension applied to the tether 12 or otherwise actuate the motor.
Upon application of tension on the tether 12, the motor may be
actuated to begin rotating the rotatable elements 26 to facilitate
extension or retraction of the tether. For instance, when tension
is applied away from the housing 14, the tension mechanism 40 may
send a signal or actuate the motor that results in the motor
rotating the rotatable elements 26 in one direction to extend the
tether 12 out of the housing 14. Likewise, sensing a drop in
tension level may result in a signal being sent by the tension
mechanism 40 or actuating the motor that results in the motor
rotating the rotatable elements 26 in an opposite direction to
retract the tether 12 into the housing 14. Use of a tension
mechanism 40 may allow the tension needed to withdraw the tether 12
from the housing 14 to be adjusted to a desired level, as well as
allow the customer to extend and retract the tether in a more
user-friendly manner.
[0034] The motor 16 may be in communication with a controller 42,
micro-chip, or the like for controlling the operation of the motor.
For instance, a circuit board having a controller 42 operably
engaged therewith may be utilized for communicating with the motor
16 and other components of the tether assembly 10. Where a tension
mechanism 40 is used, the controller 42 may communicate with the
tension mechanism and the motor 16. Thus, upon receiving a
particular signal from the tension mechanism 40, the controller 42
may communicate with the motor 16 for operation thereof. The
controller 42 may be configured to detect particular states of the
tether 12, such as when the tether has been fully extended or
retracted, or when the tether begins initially retracting. Upon
detection of a particular state, the controller 42 may begin or
change operation of the motor 16 to facilitate extension or
retraction, or cease operation of the motor.
[0035] It is notable that the tether assembly 10 does not require
one or more components typically required by conventional
recoilers. For example, the tether assembly 10 does not include a
rotatable reel for unwinding and winding the tether. Thus, upon
retraction of the tether 12 within the housing 14, the tether may
freely conform to the inner surface of the housing. In one
embodiment, the tether 12 may be configured to wrap
circumferentially about the housing 14 along the inner surface
thereof. In other embodiments, the tether 12 may be retracted in
the housing 14 in a free-form manner, with no particular order. The
tether assembly 10 could employ one or more guides 30 to facilitate
placement of the tether within the housing (see, e.g., FIG. 1). For
example, a fixed guide 30 may be disposed within the housing 14 for
guiding the tether 12 in a particular direction. Such a guide 30
could be disposed in any desired location, such as below the
rotatable elements 26, and be used to guide the tether 12 in a
particular direction. Moreover, the tether 12 may be configured to
retract into a particular orientation or shape within the housing
14. For instance, the material, flexibility, and/or shape of the
tether 12 could be modified to facilitate retraction of the tether.
In one example, the tether 12 could include a specific radius of
curvature that directs the tether into the housing 14 in a
particular direction.
[0036] In one embodiment, the rotatable elements 26 may be
configured to move relative to the housing 14 during extension
and/or retraction of the tether 12. The movement could be within
the same plane or about a particular axis. For example, the
rotatable elements 26 may move laterally in a horizontal plane to
facilitate placement of the tether 12 in a particular manner when
retracting the tether within the housing 14. Movement of the
rotatable elements 26 could be a result of movement of the tether
12 as the tether is retracted within the housing 14. Or, the
rotatable elements 26 could be moved to manually force the tether
12 into a particular pattern when retracting the tether within the
housing 14. Movement of the rotatable elements 26 could be
accomplished using various guides or tracks (e.g., tracks for
allowing sliding movement) that allow the rotatable elements to
move relative to the housing 14. As such, various techniques may be
utilized to ensure that the tether 12 is extended or retracted
within the housing 14 in a desired manner.
[0037] Unlike conventional recoilers, the tether assembly 10 may
also not require a slip ring due to the fact that the tether 12 is
not rotating about a reel and does not require transmission of
electrical power in such a manner. Thus, embodiments of the present
invention may facilitate direct power transfer through the tether
12. In addition, in one embodiment, the tether assembly 10 may not
require a spring-loaded tether due to the implementation of a motor
for retracting the tether 12 within the housing 14. Moreover, the
motor speed is adjustable for effectuating a particular speed of
extension and/or retraction that may not otherwise be possible with
a spring. Thus, a customer is not required to overcome the spring
force to pull the item of merchandise away from the display stand
or surface 22, and the customer may readily conceive the weight of
the item of merchandise.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment of a security system
50, the tether assembly 10 is operably engaged with an alarm unit
52. For example, an alarm unit 52 may be operably engaged with the
tether 12 and configured to detect that the tether has been severed
and/or separated from an item of merchandise 54. The alarm unit 52
may be disposed within, on, or below a display support or surface
22. As noted above, the tether 12 may include one or more
conductors for conducting a sense signal. Interruption of the sense
signal (e.g., cutting the tether) may be detectable by the alarm
unit 52. In addition, removal of the item of merchandise 54 from a
sensor 56 may result in an alarm. Thus, the security system 50 may
include a security sensor 56 having a sensor element electrically
coupled to monitoring electronics for monitoring the sensor element
and for activating an audible and/or visible alarm in the event
that the item of merchandise 54 is separated (e.g., detached) from
the security sensor. The security system 50 may further include a
power mechanism 58 for powering the item of merchandise. In this
regard, the tether assembly 10 may be in electrical communication
with a power source 58. The tether 12 may be configured to conduct
power to the sensor element 56 and/or the item of merchandise 54,
although inductive or contact charging could be employed in other
embodiments. In addition, the security system 50 may include an
arming/disarming device 60, such as a key for arming and/or
disarming the alarm unit 52. In one embodiment, the key is capable
of wireless communication for arming and/or disarming the alarm
unit 52, such as an infrared key configured to arm/disarm the alarm
with a unique identifying code.
[0039] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another embodiment of a tether
assembly. In this embodiment, a motorized recoiler assembly 100 is
provided. Although this embodiment is identified below as a
motorized recoiler assembly, it is understood that the terms
"tether assembly" and "motorized recoiler assembly" may be used
interchangeably with one another. In one embodiment, the motorized
recoiler assembly 100 includes a tether 102 configured to be
secured to an item of merchandise and a housing 104 configured to
receive the tether (see, e.g., FIG. 11). The tether 102 is
configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing
104. The motorized recoiler assembly 100 also includes a motor 106
operably engaged with the tether 102 that is configured to extend
and/or retract the tether relative to the housing 104. In some
embodiments, the motor 106 is configured to automatically extend
and/or retract the tether 102, as explained in further detail
below.
[0040] The tether 102 may be used to mechanically secure the item
of merchandise to a display support 122, surface, or the like. In
this regard, one end of the tether 102 may be coupled to the item
of merchandise, while the opposite end of the tether may be secured
to the motorized recoiler assembly 100. One end of the tether 102
may be secured directly to the item of merchandise or could be
secured to a sensor that is in turn secured to the item of
merchandise. The tether 102 is coupled in such a way for allowing
the length of the tether to be adjusted relative to the housing
104. Thus, a customer is able to extend the tether 102 from the
housing 104 to inspect an item of merchandise, and the tether is
retracted within the housing when the item of merchandise is
returned to the display stand or surface 122.
[0041] As discussed above, it is understood that the tether 102 may
be any suitable cord, cable, or the like. In addition, the tether
102 may be a mechanical cord or may include one or more electrical
conductors for transmitting electrical, security, and/or
communication signals. In addition, the tether 102 may be a single
strand, multi-strand, or braided. The tether 102 may be flexible to
facilitate extension and retraction with the housing 104, and in
some embodiments, may be formed of a cut-resistant material.
Furthermore, the tether 102 may have various cross sections, such
as round or flat.
[0042] The tether 102 may be configured to be wound onto and
unwound from a rotatable reel 108. One end of the tether 102 may be
secured to the rotatable reel 108. The rotatable reel 108 may be
operably engaged with the motor 106 such that rotation of the motor
in one direction causes the tether 102 to unwind from the rotatable
reel and to extend out of the housing 104, while rotation of the
motor in an opposite direction results in the tether being
retracted into the housing and wound about the rotatable reel. The
motor 106 may be coupled to the rotatable reel 108 using any
suitable means, such as a shaft or an axle 120 extending from the
motor and engaged with the rotatable reel.
[0043] Any suitable motor 106 may be utilized for extension and/or
retraction of the tether 102. Generally, the motor 102 comprises a
shaft or an axle 120 that is configured to rotate the rotatable
reel 108 at a desired revolution per minute. The motor 106 may be
in electrical communication with a power source routed through the
housing 104 for driving the motor. In addition, although a single
motor 106 is shown, one or more motors may be used in other
embodiments. For example, one motor 106 could drive the rotatable
reel 108 in one direction while another motor could drive the
rotatable reel in an opposite direction. In addition, the motor 106
may be disposed in any particular position or orientation within
the housing 104. In this regard, the motor 106 could operate in
conjunction with one or more gears to facilitate rotation of the
rotatable reel 108. For example, where the motor axle 120 is
disposed at an angle (e.g., 90.degree.) with respect to the axis of
rotation of the rotatable reel 108, one or more gears may be
utilized to transfer rotation therebetween. Or, as shown, the motor
axle 120 may be co-axial to the axis of rotation of the rotatable
reel 108.
[0044] The housing 104 is configured to receive at least a portion
of the tether 102 therein. In the illustrated example, the housing
104 is also configured to at least partially receive and house
other components of the motorized recoiler assembly 100, including
the motor 106 and clutch 124. It is understood that the housing 104
may be any suitable size and configuration to accommodate the
tether 102 and motor 106, as well as facilitate engagement with a
display support or surface 122. For instance, the housing 104 may
be configured to engage a lock or fastener on an upper surface of
the display surface, while the housing is disposed below the
display surface 122 and out of sight of customers.
[0045] As noted above, rotation of the rotatable reel 108 in one
direction results in retraction of the tether 102, while rotation
of the rotatable reel in an opposite direction results in extension
of the tether. However, it is understood that the motor 106 may
only be configured to rotate in a single direction, such as for
retracting the tether 102 within the housing 104. In this regard, a
clutch 124 could be employed to allow the tether 102 to be extended
out of the housing 104 without requiring the tether to be driven by
the motor 106. In one example, the clutch 124 is a slip clutch that
is operably engaged with the motor 106 (e.g., via the axle 120) and
configured to "slip" when a predetermined torque is applied to the
clutch via tension applied to the tether 102. Thus, the tether 102
may be extended from the rotatable reel 108 even with the motor 106
rotating the axle 120 in an opposite direction. The slip clutch 124
may be configured to slip when a torque is applied that is greater
than the predetermined torque that causes extension of the tether
102 out of the housing 104, while no slip may occur when the
applied torque is below the predetermined torque thereby resulting
in the tether being retracted into the housing via the motor 106.
For example, pulling on the item of merchandise may extend the
tether 102 out of the housing 104, while releasing or returning the
item of merchandise towards the housing results in retraction of
the tether.
[0046] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment where the axle 120 of the motor
106 extends through the clutch 124 and into the rotatable reel 108.
The clutch 124 may be positioned between the motor 106 and the
rotatable reel 108, and the rotatable reel may be operably engaged
at one end to a clutch housing 134. The clutch 124 may be secured
to the axle 120 via a collar 136. The clutch 124 may be adjustable
such that a tension applied to the tether 102 or pull resistance
required to rotate the rotatable reel 108 in the second direction
is adjustable. In this regard, an adjustment mechanism 126 may be
used to adjust the amount of torque needed to engage the clutch
124, such as a rotatable member that adjusts the pressure applied
to the clutch. In one embodiment, the clutch 124 includes a hub 128
engaged with one or more inner plates 130, and one or more outer
plates are engaged with the clutch housing 134. A friction plate or
pad is disposed between the inner and outer plates such that
pressure applied to the inner plate in turn applies pressure to the
friction plate. The adjustment mechanism 126 may be threadably
engaged with the hub 128 to adjust the pressure applied to the
inner plate and consequently the friction plate. Increasing the
amount of pressure applied to the friction plate will in turn
require more torque to rotate the clutch housing 134 and rotatable
reel 108. In the embodiment show in FIGS. 8-10, rotation of the
adjustment mechanism 126 in one direction or an opposite direction
causes springs 132 to be compressed to a larger or smaller degree
to adjust the pressure on the inner and outer plates and the
friction plate.
[0047] Although one particular embodiment of a clutch 124 has been
discussed above, it is understood that any suitable clutch could be
employed to facilitate extension and/or retraction of the tether
102 via a motor 106. In this regard, the clutch 124 could be any
clutch that is configured to transfer power between two rotating
elements such as, for example, a slip clutch, a friction clutch, a
contracting drum clutch, a fluid clutch, or the like. In some
embodiments, the clutch 124 may be a Polyclutch.RTM. slip clutch or
similar clutch manufactured by A&A Manufacturing (e.g., a
miniature slipper clutch), or a minuture clutch manufactured by
Huco Dynatork.
[0048] Moreover, the motor 106 may be configured to operate
continuously or at particular times, such as when a customer begins
to pull the item of merchandise away from the display support or
surface 122. A tension mechanism 140 could be utilized to sense
tension applied to the tether 102 for such a purpose. In one
embodiment, the tension mechanism 140 is a switch, sensor, or the
like that is configured to detect or respond to tension applied to
the tether 102 or otherwise actuate the motor 106. Upon application
of tension on the tether 102, the motor 106 may be actuated to
being rotating the axle 120 to facilitate extension or retraction
of the tether. For instance, when tension is applied away from the
housing 104, the tension mechanism 140 may send a signal or actuate
the motor 106 that results in the motor rotating the axle 120 in
one direction to extend the tether 102 out of the housing 104.
Likewise, sensing a drop in tension level may result in a signal
being sent by the tension mechanism 140 or actuating the motor 106
that results in the motor rotating the axle 120 in an opposite
direction to retract the tether 102 into the housing 104. Use of a
tension mechanism 140 may allow the tension needed to withdraw the
tether 102 from the housing 104 to be adjusted to a desired level,
as well as allow the customer to extend and retract the tether in a
more user-friendly manner.
[0049] In another embodiment, a triggering mechanism or sensor 142
could be utilized for sensing that the item of merchandise has been
picked up to thereby actuate the motor 106. For instance, an
optical sensor or the like could be used to detect when an item of
merchandise has been picked up or returned to the display stand or
surface 122. In this way, the motor 106 will only operate when a
customer is interacting with the item of merchandise. According to
one embodiment, the triggering mechanism 142 may be cooperating
magnets disposed on a display stand or surface 122 and a sensor 156
coupled to the item of merchandise 154, respectively. Corresponding
detection electronics disposed in the display stand or surface 122
may detect a disruption in a magnetic field generated by the sensor
156 being properly positioned and supported on the display stand or
surface that indicates the sensor, and consequently the item of
merchandise, has been removed (e.g., lifted) from the display stand
or surface 122. However, it is understood that any suitable
triggering mechanism, means, or sensor 142 may be utilized,
including any electronic, optical, and/or mechanical mechanisms for
detecting when an item of merchandise has been removed from a
display stand or surface 122 for actuating or de-actuating the
motor 106.
[0050] Similar to the embodiments describe above, the motor 106 may
be in communication with a controller, micro-chip, or the like for
controlling the operation of the motor. For instance, a circuit
board having a controller operably engaged therewith may be
utilized for communicating with the motor 106 and other components
of the motorized recoiler assembly 100. Where a tension mechanism
140, triggering mechanism, and/or sensor 142 is used, the
controller may communicate with the tension mechanism, triggering
mechanism, sensor, and/or the motor. Thus, upon receiving a
particular signal from the tension mechanism 140, triggering
mechanism, and/or sensor 142, the controller may communicate with
the motor 106 for operation thereof. The controller may be
configured to detect particular states of the tether 102, such as
when the tether has been fully extended or retracted, or when the
tether begins initially retracting. Upon detection of a particular
state, the controller may begin or change operation of the motor
106 to facilitate extension or retraction, or cease operation of
the motor.
[0051] Unlike conventional recoilers, the motorized recoiler
assembly 100 may not require a spring-loaded tether due to the
implementation of a motor 106 for retracting the tether 102 within
the housing 104. Moreover, the motor speed is adjustable for
effectuating a particular speed of extension and/or retraction that
may not otherwise be possible with a spring. Thus, a customer is
not required to overcome the spring force to pull the item of
merchandise away from the display stand or surface, and the
customer may readily conceive the weight of the item of
merchandise.
[0052] In one embodiment of a security system 150, the motorized
recoiler assembly 100 is operably engaged with an alarm unit 152
(see, e.g., FIG. 11). For example, an alarm unit 152 may be
operably engaged with the tether 102 and configured to detect that
the tether has been severed and/or separated from an item of
merchandise 154. The alarm unit 152 may be disposed within, on, or
below a display support or surface 122. As noted above, the tether
102 may include one or more conductors for conducting a sense
signal. Interruption of the sense signal (e.g., cutting the tether
102) may be detectable by the alarm unit 152. In addition, removal
of the item of merchandise from a sensor 156 may result in an
alarm. Thus, the security system 150 may include a security sensor
156 having a sensor element electrically coupled to monitoring
electronics for monitoring the sensor element and for activating an
audible and/or visible alarm in the event that the item of
merchandise 154 is separated (e.g., detached) from the security
sensor. The security system 150 may further include a power
mechanism or source 158 for powering the item of merchandise. In
this regard, the motorized recoiler assembly 100 may be in
electrical communication with a power source 158. The tether 102
may be configured to conduct power to the sensor 156 and/or the
item of merchandise 154, although inductive or contact charging
could be employed in other embodiments. In addition, the security
system 150 may include an arming/disarming device 160, such as a
key for arming and/or disarming the alarm unit. In one embodiment,
the key is capable of wireless communication for arming and/or
disarming the alarm unit 152, such as an infrared key configured to
arm/disarm the alarm with a unique identifying code.
[0053] The motorized recoiler assembly 100 could implement various
other features. For instance, the motorized recoiler assembly 100
may include a slip ring for effectuating electrical communication
between a power source 158 and one or more conductors within the
tether 102. As such, electrical contacts on the rotatable reel 108
may cooperate with electrical contacts disposed within the housing
104 and in electrical communication with a power source and the
tether 102. In another embodiment, the slip ring may be unnecessary
where an expansion chamber is utilized. The expansion chamber may
house a length of cable that is electrically connected to the
tether 102 and is configured to expand or retract within the
expansion chamber in response to rotation of the rotatable reel
108. In this example, the cable within the expansion chamber may
have a flat cross-section while the tether 102 may have a round
cross section. One example, of an expansion chamber is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,396, which is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
[0054] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a
tether assembly and a motorized recoiler assembly for securing an
item of merchandise. 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.
* * * * *