U.S. patent application number 17/749999 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for merchandise security system including retractable alarming power cord.
The applicant listed for this patent is InVue Security Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher J. Fawcett.
Application Number | 20220277628 17/749999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006348413 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220277628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fawcett; Christopher J. |
September 1, 2022 |
MERCHANDISE SECURITY SYSTEM INCLUDING RETRACTABLE ALARMING POWER
CORD
Abstract
A merchandise security system for an electronic item of
merchandise is provided. In one example, the merchandise security
system includes a continuous alarming power cord comprising at
least one electrical conductor. The alarming power cord has a first
end adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic item of
merchandise and a second end. The merchandise security system also
includes a reel for receiving the second end of the alarming power
cord and adapted for storing at least a portion of the alarming
power cord thereon. In addition, the merchandise security system
includes monitoring circuitry in electrical communication with the
alarming power cord and configured to detect an interruption in an
electrical signal provided to the alarming power cord.
Inventors: |
Fawcett; Christopher J.;
(Charlotte, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
InVue Security Products Inc. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006348413 |
Appl. No.: |
17/749999 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16841210 |
Apr 6, 2020 |
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17749999 |
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16105410 |
Aug 20, 2018 |
10614681 |
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16841210 |
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15793031 |
Oct 25, 2017 |
10055954 |
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16105410 |
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15248105 |
Aug 26, 2016 |
9830787 |
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15793031 |
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14793051 |
Jul 7, 2015 |
9430922 |
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15248105 |
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13965525 |
Aug 13, 2013 |
9105167 |
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14793051 |
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61695107 |
Aug 30, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 13/1463 20130101;
G08B 13/1409 20130101; A47F 5/0861 20130101; A47F 7/024 20130101;
A47J 31/20 20130101; G08B 13/1445 20130101; G08B 13/1418 20130101;
A47J 31/441 20130101; G08B 13/1454 20130101; A47J 31/4496
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08B 13/14 20060101
G08B013/14; A47J 31/20 20060101 A47J031/20; A47J 31/44 20060101
A47J031/44; A47F 5/08 20060101 A47F005/08; A47F 7/024 20060101
A47F007/024 |
Claims
1. A merchandise security system for an electronic item of
merchandise comprising: a continuous alarming cord having a first
end adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic item of
merchandise; a reel for receiving a second end of the alarming cord
and adapted for storing at least a portion of the alarming cord
thereon; and monitoring circuitry in electrical communication with
the alarming cord and configured to detect an interruption in an
electrical signal provided to the alarming cord.
2. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, further
comprising: an alarm module comprising the monitoring circuitry;
and a power cable having a first end electrically coupled to the
second end of the alarming cord and a second end electrically
connected to the alarm module.
3. The merchandise security system according to claim 2, wherein
the second end of the alarming cord and the first end of the power
cable each terminate in a transformer comprising a coiled spool of
wire configured to electrically connect the alarming power cord and
the power cable.
4. The merchandise security system according to claim 2, wherein
the alarming cord and the power cable are not in direct
wire-to-wire electrical communication.
5. The merchandise security system according to claim 2, wherein
the reel comprises a central hub portion for receiving the second
end of the alarming cord, and wherein the first end of the power
cable is electrically coupled to the second end of the alarming
cord at the central hub portion of the reel.
6. The merchandise security system according to claim 2, wherein
the alarm module is configured to generate an audible and/or a
visible alarm in response to interruption of the electrical
signal.
7. The merchandise security system according to claim 2, wherein
the second end of the alarming cord comprises a connector and the
first end of the power cable comprises a socket or plug configured
to mate with the connector.
8. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, further
comprising a display stand for housing the reel and providing
electrical power to the alarming cord.
9. The merchandise security system according to claim 8, wherein
the electronic item of merchandise is configured to be removably
secured on the display stand.
10. The merchandise security system according to claim 8, wherein
each of the reel and the display stand comprises electrical traces
configured to electrically couple with one another for providing
electrical power through the alarming cable to the electronic item
of merchandise.
11. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, further
comprising means for retracting the alarming cord onto the reel,
wherein the reel and the portion of the alarming cord stored
thereon are detachable from the means for retracting.
12. The merchandise security system according to claim 11, wherein
the means for retracting the alarming cord onto the reel is biased
by a biasing force to automatically retract the portion of the
alarming cord in the absence of a tensile pulling force that
exceeds the biasing force.
13. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, wherein
the reel is rotatable for dispensing and collecting a predetermined
portion of the alarming cord.
14. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, wherein
the first end of the alarming cord comprises a connector adapted to
engage a power input port of the electronic item of
merchandise.
15. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, further
comprising a strain relief block configured to be attached to the
electronic item of merchandise, wherein a portion of the alarming
cord is configured to be routed through the strain relief
block.
16. The merchandise security system according to claim 1, wherein
the alarming cord does not comprise a second cable selected from a
plurality of adapter cables to provide an appropriate operating
voltage and/or current to the electronic item of merchandise.
17. A method for securing an electronic item of merchandise from
theft, the method comprising: electrically connecting a first end
of a continuous alarming cord to the electronic item of
merchandise, wherein a second end of the alarming cord is connected
to a reel for storing at least a portion of the alarming cord
thereon; and electrically coupling the second end of the alarming
cord to a power source such that an electrical signal is provided
to the alarming cord, wherein an interruption in the electrical
signal is detectable by monitoring electronics.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/814,210, filed on Apr. 6, 2020, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 16/105,410, filed on Aug. 20, 2018, and
now U.S. Pat. No. 10,614,681, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/793,031, filed on Oct. 25, 2017, and now
U.S. Pat. No. 10,055,954, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/248,105, filed on Aug. 26, 2016, and now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,830,787, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/793,051 filed on Jul. 7, 2015, and now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,430,922, which is a continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 13/965,525 filed on Aug. 13, 2013, and now U.S. Pat. No.
9,105,167, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/695,107, filed on Aug. 30, 2012, each of which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
merchandise systems that provide power and security for an item of
merchandise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,994 assigned to Telefonix, Inc. of
Waukegan, Ill. discloses an apparatus and a method for the
convenient management of cords associated with the retail display
of an electronic item of merchandise, such as a video camera. The
apparatus includes a multi-conductor power cable and a reel for
dispensing and retracting the power cable. The apparatus further
comprises an adapter cord selected from a plurality of adapter
cords for electrically connecting the power cable to a variety of
items of merchandise having different power and connection
requirements. The power cable is directly coupled to an alarm
module that activates an alarm in response to an electronic circuit
being opened in the event that the power cable is cut or
disconnected.
[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0043936 A1
assigned to RTF Research & Technologies, Inc. of Caledon,
Ontario Canada discloses a charging and monitoring system for
handheld electronic items of merchandise, such as cell phones,
Blackberry's, PDAs, cameras and the like. The system includes a
coaxial security and power cable having a conductive core. A
portion of one end of the coaxial power cable is accumulated on a
reel of a recoiler assembly, while the other end of the coaxial
power cable is adapted to mechanically and electrically engage a
preferred mounting pad for a handheld electronic item of
merchandise. The end of the coaxial cable accumulated on the reel
is electrically coupled to a power and alarm cable through an
electrical connector, such as a conventional registered jack (RJ)
plug and socket. The free end of the power and alarm cable is
electrically coupled to a power and alarm router having multiple
ports for electrical connection to multiple power and alarm cables.
The mounting pad is adapted to provide power to a power input port
of the handheld electronic item of merchandise by means of a
conventional electrical connection, such as a standard USB cable
extending from the mounting pad.
[0005] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to
merchandise security systems for an electronic item of merchandise.
In one embodiment, the merchandise security system includes a
continuous alarming power cord comprising at least one electrical
conductor. The alarming power cord has a first end adapted to be
electrically connected to the electronic item of merchandise. The
merchandise security system also includes a reel for receiving a
second end of the alarming power cord that is adapted for storing
at least a portion of the alarming power cord thereon. The
merchandise security system further includes monitoring circuitry
in electrical communication with the alarming power cord and
configured to detect an interruption in an electrical signal
provided to the alarming power cord. Thus, the alarming power cord
may not require a second cable selected from a plurality of adapter
cables to provide an appropriate operating voltage and/or current
to the electronic item of merchandise.
[0007] In one embodiment, the merchandise security system includes
an alarm module comprising the monitoring circuitry and a power
cable having a first end electrically coupled to the second end of
the alarming power cord and a second end electrically connected to
the alarm module. The second end of the alarming power cord and the
first end of the power cable may each terminate in a transformer
comprising a coiled spool of wire configured to electrically
connect the alarming power cord and the power cable. Thus, the
alarming power cord and the power cable may not be in direct
wire-to-wire electrical communication. According to one example,
the reel comprises a central hub portion for receiving the second
end of the alarming power cord, wherein the first end of the power
cable is electrically coupled to the second end of the alarming
power cord at the central hub portion of the reel. The alarm module
may be configured to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm in
response to interruption of the electrical signal. Moreover, the
second end of the alarming power cord may include a connector and
the first end of the power cable may include a socket or plug
configured to mate with the connector.
[0008] According to one embodiment, the merchandise security system
further comprises a display stand for housing the reel and
providing electrical power to the alarming power cord. The
electronic item of merchandise may be configured to be removably
secured on the display stand. Each of the reel and the display
stand may include electrical traces configured to electrically
couple with one another for providing electrical power through the
alarming power cable to the electronic item of merchandise.
[0009] In other embodiments, the merchandise security system
further comprises means for retracting the alarming power cord onto
the reel, wherein the reel and the portion of the alarming power
cord stored thereon are detachable from the means for retracting.
The means for retracting the alarming power cord onto the reel may
be biased by a biasing force to automatically retract the portion
of the alarming power cord in the absence of a tensile pulling
force that exceeds the biasing force. In one embodiment, the reel
is rotatable for dispensing and collecting a predetermined portion
of the alarming power cord. In addition, the first end of the
alarming power cord may include a connector adapted to engage a
power input port of the electronic item of merchandise. In one
embodiment, the merchandise security system further comprises a
strain relief block configured to be attached to the electronic
item of merchandise, wherein a portion of the alarming power cord
is configured to be routed through the strain relief block.
[0010] In one embodiment, a merchandise security system for an
electronic item of merchandise is provided. The merchandise
security system includes a continuous alarming power cord
comprising at least one electrical conductor, wherein the alarming
power cord has a first end including a connector adapted to engage
a power input port of the electronic item of merchandise. The
merchandise security system also includes a rotatable reel
connected to a second end of the alarming power cord that is
adapted for dispensing and collecting at least a portion of the
alarming power cord thereon. The merchandise security system
further includes monitoring circuitry in electrical communication
with the alarming power cord.
[0011] According to another embodiment, a method for securing an
electronic item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method
may include electrically connecting a first end of a continuous
alarming power cord to the electronic item of merchandise, wherein
a second end of the alarming power cord is connected to a reel for
storing at least a portion of the alarming power cord thereon. The
method may also include electrically coupling the second end of the
alarming power cord to a power source such that an electrical
signal is provided to the alarming power cord, wherein an
interruption in the electrical signal is detectable by monitoring
electronics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a merchandise
security system including a retractable alarming power cord and a
rotatable reel according to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a merchandise
security system according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference
numerals denote like elements throughout the various views,
illustrate embodiments of a merchandise security system for
providing power and/or security to an item of merchandise. By way
of example and not limitation, the item of merchandise may be an
electronic device, such as a mobile (e.g. cellular) telephone,
media player, handheld game console, personal data assistant (PDA),
global positioning satellite (GPS) device, handheld digital camera
or video recorder, tablet computer, e-reader and the like, that
requires electrical power for a potential purchaser to operate
before making a decision whether to purchase the merchandise while
the item is being displayed in a display area of a retail store and
protected from theft by the merchandise security system.
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
merchandise security system for protecting an electronic item of
merchandise from theft, while providing power to the merchandise.
In one embodiment, the merchandise security system includes an
alarming power cord adapted for electrical connection to a power
input port of the item of merchandise and a reel for retractably
storing at least a portion of the alarming power cord. The alarming
power cord may be electrically coupled to a power cable extending
between a powered alarm module and a core portion of the reel.
Power from the alarm module may be transferred to the alarming
power cord by a conventional electrical connector (e.g. RJ type
plug and socket), or alternatively, by induction via, for example,
a transformer.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a merchandise security system 10 according to
one embodiment of the invention including an alarming power cord
(also commonly referred to as an "alarming pigtail") 12 that is
retractably wound on a rotatable reel 14, such that at least a
portion of the alarming power cord is retractable onto the reel.
The rotatable reel 14 is configured to dispense and collect a
predetermined portion of the alarming power cord 12 and is biased
to automatically retract the alarming power cord onto the reel in a
known manner when a potential purchaser returns an item of
merchandise M to a display support S, such as a stand, counter or
the like. As such, the rotatable reel functions in the same or
similar manner as a conventional recoiler or retractor of the type
commonly employed with a retail merchandise display system. As
shown in FIG. 1, the rotatable reel 14 and the means for retracting
R the alarming power cord 12 on the reel may be separate such that
the reel and the alarming power cord are detachable from the means
for retracting to remove and replace the alarming power cord with a
different alarming power cord configured for use with a different
item of merchandise M.
[0017] In one embodiment, the alarming power cord 12 comprises at
least one conductor (e.g., two conductors) for providing power at
an appropriate current and/or voltage to the electronic item of
merchandise M. As such, the alarming power cord 12 has a relatively
small platform and is flexible relative to a mechanical security
cable or a multi-conductor electrical power cable of the type
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,994. The free end of the alarming
power cord 12 may comprise an electrical connector 13, such a
conventional micro-USB type power connector or a 30-pin Apple type
power connector, adapted to engage a power input port P of the
electronic item of merchandise M. If desired, a portion of the
alarming power cord 12 adjacent the free end may be routed through
an appropriately sized channel formed in a strain relief block 16
adapted to be attached to a surface of the electronic item of
merchandise M, for example by a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
The strain relief block 16 prevents the electrical connector 13 of
the alarming power cord 12 from being removed, disconnected or
dislodged from the power input port P of the electronic item of
merchandise M when tension is applied to the alarming power cord
during extension and retraction of the alarming power cord from the
reel 14 by a potential purchaser examining and/or operating the
item of merchandise.
[0018] The other end of the alarming power cord 12 may terminate
adjacent a central hub 15 of the rotatable reel 14. In one
embodiment, the alarming power cord 12 terminates in an electrical
transformer 17 comprising a coiled spool of wire. Alternatively,
the alarming power cord 12 may terminate in a conventional
electrical connector, such as a registered jack (RJ) type plug or
socket. The merchandise security system 10 may further comprise a
power cable 20 that extends between an alarm/power module 30 and
the central hub 15 of the rotatable reel 14 to electrically connect
the alarm/power module to the alarming power cord 12. Likewise, the
end of the power cable 20 adjacent the hub 15 of the reel 14 may
terminate in an electrical transformer 27 comprising a coiled spool
of wire. Alternatively, the end of the power cable 20 may terminate
in an electrical connector that is adapted to electrically couple
the power cable 20 to the alarming power cord 12, such as a
compatible registered jack (RJ) socket or plug. Regardless, the
power cable 20 provides an electrical signal, including a power
signal, to the alarming power cord 12 for charging and/or powering
the electronic item of merchandise M via the electrical connector
13 and the power input port P of the item of merchandise. The
alarm/power module 30 comprises monitoring electronics 32 that
monitor the electrical signal in the power cable 20 and the
alarming power cord 12 to determine whether the electrical signal
has been interrupted, for example, by disconnecting the alarming
power cord from the power input port P of the item of merchandise
M, or by electrically decoupling the alarming power cord 12 from
the power cable 20 at the central hub 15 of the rotatable reel 14,
or by cutting/severing the alarming power cord 12 or the power
cable 20 at any point between the alarm/power module 30 and the
item of merchandise M. In the event that the electrical signal is
interrupted, the alarm/power module 30 may activate an audible
and/or a visible alarm 34 to alert store personnel to a potential
theft of the electronic item of merchandise M. The alarm/power
module 30 may be electrically connected to an external power supply
(not shown), such as a standard 110 Volt Alternating Current (AC)
outlet, or alternatively, may include an internal power supply,
such as a conventional rechargeable battery 36, for providing power
to the electronic item of merchandise M through the power cable 20
and the alarming power cord 12. Furthermore, the alarm/power module
30 may comprise voltage regulating electronics 38 adapted to
convert the voltage and/or current provided by the power supply to
an appropriate voltage and/or current for operating the electronic
item of merchandise M.
[0019] It is important to note that the merchandise security system
10 comprises an alarming power cord 12 that extends continuously
from the power input port P of the electronic item of merchandise M
to an electrical coupling (e.g. 17, 27) disposed at the central hub
15 of the rotatable reel 14. Accordingly, the alarming power cord
12 does not comprise a first cable configured for electrical
connection to a second cable selected from a plurality of adapter
cables to provide an appropriate operating voltage and/or current
to the electronic item of merchandise M. Furthermore, the alarming
power cord 12 may not be in direct wire-to-wire electrical
communication with the power cable 20 since the alarming power cord
and the power cable may each comprise a corresponding electrical
transformer 17, 27 formed by a coiled spool of wire. In addition,
the merchandise security system 10 of the present invention further
comprises a strain relief block 16 for preventing the electrical
connector 13 at the free end of the alarming power cord 12 from
being removed, disconnected or dislodged from the power input port
P of the electronic item of merchandise M.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a merchandise security
system 40 according to the invention including an alarming power
cord (also commonly referred to as an "alarming pigtail") 42 that
is retractably wound on a rotatable reel 44, such that at least a
portion of the alarming power cord is retractable onto the reel.
The rotatable reel 44 is configured to dispense and collect a
predetermined portion of the alarming power cord 42 and is biased
to automatically retract the alarming power cord in a known manner
when a potential purchaser returns an item of merchandise M to a
display support, such as a stand, counter or the like. As such, the
rotatable reel functions in the same or similar manner as a
conventional recoiler or retractor of the type commonly employed
with a retail merchandise display system. As shown in FIG. 2, the
merchandise security system 40 further comprises a generally hollow
display stand 50 configured for housing the rotatable reel 44 and
for providing electrical power to the alarming power cord 42, and
consequently, to the item of merchandise M. The display stand 50
comprises means for retracting the alarming power cord 42 onto the
reel 44 in the form of a torsion spring 52 fixed at one end to the
display stand and attached at the other end to a hub 54. Hub 54 has
an exterior shape (e.g. rectangular, square, polygonal, etc.) that
corresponds to a center sprocket 45 on the rotatable reel 44 such
that the hub of the display stand 50 engages the center sprocket of
the reel when the reel is inserted into the hollow interior of the
display stand with the extensible and retractable portion of the
alarming power cord 42 wound onto the reel 44.
[0021] The free end of the alarming power cord 42 may comprise an
electrical connector 43, such a conventional micro-USB type power
connector or a 30-pin Apple type power connector, adapted to engage
a power input port P of an electronic item of merchandise M. If
desired, a portion of the alarming power cord 42 adjacent the free
end may be routed through an appropriately sized channel formed in
a strain relief block 46 adapted to be attached to an exterior
surface of the electronic item of merchandise M, for example, by a
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) such as double sided tape. The
strain relief block 46 prevents the electrical connector 43 of the
alarming power cord 42 from being removed, disconnected or
dislodged from the power input port P of the electronic item of
merchandise M when tension is applied to the alarming power cord
during extension and retraction of the alarming power cord from the
reel 44 by a potential purchaser examining and/or operating the
item of merchandise. An opening or recess 56 is formed in display
stand 50 for permitting the portion of the alarming power cord 42
to be extended and retracted from the reel 44 within the hollow
interior of the display stand 50. When a potential purchaser picks
up the item of merchandise M, reel 44 rotates on hub 54 and torsion
spring 52 is wound (i.e. tightened) as the alarming power cord 42
is unwound from the reel. As a result, reel 44 is biased by the
wound torsion spring 52 to automatically retract the portion of the
power alarming cord onto the reel as the potential purchaser
returns the item of merchandise M to the display stand 50. As
shown, the strain relief block 46 may optionally comprise one or
more magnets 48 for engaging corresponding magnets 58 provided on
the display stand 50 to position the item of merchandise M in a
desired orientation on the display stand 50.
[0022] The merchandise security system 40 further comprises a power
cable 60 that extends between a power source, such as a power
strip, terminal or the like, that is electrically connected to a
conventional 110 Volt Alternating Current (AC) power outlet.
Alternatively, the power cable 60 may be directly connected to the
power outlet. Regardless, the power cable 60 is electrically
coupled to an electrical circuit, for example a printed circuit
board (PCB), 62 disposed within the hollow interior of the display
stand 50. As shown, PCB 62 may have electrical leads 64 that
terminate in electrical terminals 66 configured to engage and
electrically couple with electrical traces 67 formed on the
interior surface of a door 51 of the display stand 50. Door 51 is
adapted to be opened to receive reel 44 within the hollow interior
of the display stand 50 and to be closed to retain the reel within
the interior of the display stand. Electrical traces 67 are
configured to electrically couple with corresponding electrical
traces 47 provided on an exterior surface of reel 44. In turn, the
electrical traces 47 of the reel 44 electrically couple with the
electrical conductors disposed within the alarming power cord 42.
As such, the power cable 60 is operable to provide electrical power
to the item of merchandise M. As illustrated, the electrical traces
67 may be circular in configuration to facilitate electrical
communication as the reel 44 rotates.
[0023] As previously described, the power cable 60 provides an
electrical signal, including a power signal, to the alarming power
cord 42 for charging and/or powering the electronic item of
merchandise M via the electrical connector 43 and the power input
port P of the item of merchandise. The merchandise security system
40 comprises monitoring electronics on the PCB 62 that monitor the
electrical signal in the power cable 60 and the alarming power cord
42 to determine whether the electrical signal has been interrupted,
for example, by disconnecting the alarming power cord from the
power input port P of the item of merchandise M, or by electrically
decoupling the alarming power cord 42 from the power cable 60 at
the electrical traces 47, 67 of the rotatable reel 44 and the
display stand 50, respectively, by opening the door 51, or by
cutting/severing the alarming power cord 42 or the power cable 60
at any point between the power source and the item of merchandise
M. In the event that the electrical signal is interrupted, PCB 62
may activate an audible and/or a visible alarm to alert store
personnel to a potential theft of the electronic item of
merchandise M, as previously described.
[0024] It is important to note that the merchandise security system
40 comprises an alarming power cord 42 that extends continuously
from the power input port P of the electronic item of merchandise M
to an electrical coupling (e.g. electrical traces 47, 67) disposed
adjacent the central socket 45 of the rotatable reel 44 and the hub
54 of the display stand 50. Accordingly, the alarming power cord 42
does not comprise a first cable configured for electrical
connection to a second cable selected from a plurality of adapter
cables to provide an appropriate operating voltage and/or current
to the electronic item of merchandise M. Furthermore, the alarming
power cord 42 is not in direct wire-to-wire electrical
communication with the power cable 60 since the alarming power cord
and the power cable are separated by PCB 62, electrical leads 64,
electrical terminals 66 and electrical traces 67, 47. In addition,
the merchandise security system 40 of the present invention further
comprises a strain relief block 46 for preventing the electrical
connector 43 at the free end of the alarming power cord 42 from
being removed, disconnected or dislodged from the power input port
P of the electronic item of merchandise M.
[0025] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a
merchandise security system. Embodiments according to the invention
have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating
and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary
skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate
that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to
be encompassed by the appended claims.
* * * * *