WO2016122878A1 - Merchandise display security device with headphone jack sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal is provided. The security device includes a cable and a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable. The headphone jack sensor includes a plunger switch configured to move between retracted and extended positions in response to inserting the headphone jack sensor into, and removing the headphone jack sensor from, a headphone jack of the item of merchandise. The cable includes at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

Description

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SECURITY DEVICE

WITH HEADPHONE JACK SENSOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/108,230, filed January 27, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandise display security devices and methods for displaying and protecting items of merchandise against theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to display electronic items of merchandise on a merchandise display security device. The security device displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser can readily view and, in some instances, operate the item when making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item of merchandise is usually physically secured on the security device so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The merchandise display security device may also include an audible and/or visible alarm that is activated to alert store personnel in the event that a shoplifter attempts to separate the item of merchandise from the security device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security devices and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. In one embodiment, a security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal is provided. The security device includes a cable and a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable. The headphone jack sensor includes a plunger switch configured to move between retracted and extended positions in response to inserting the headphone jack sensor into, and removing the headphone jack sensor from, a headphone jack of the item of merchandise. The cable includes at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal is provided. The method includes inserting a headphone jack sensor into a headphone jack of an item of merchandise such that a plunger switch on the headphone jack sensor engages the headphone jack. The headphone jack sensor is coupled to a cable comprising at least one conductor for defining a sense loop. The method also includes electrically connecting an end of the cable to an alarm module for detecting unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the headphone jack in response to interruption of the sense loop.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a security device includes a cable and a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable. The headphone jack sensor includes a non-conductive insertion portion configured to be inserted into a headphone jack of the item of merchandise. The cable includes at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

In another embodiment, a security device includes a cable and a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable. The headphone jack sensor is configured to be actuated in response to inserting the headphone jack sensor into, and removing the headphone jack sensor from, a headphone jack of the item of merchandise. The headphone jack sensor includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted within the headphone jack and at least partially formed of a non-conductive material. The cable comprises at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a method includes inserting a non- conductive insertion portion of a headphone jack sensor into a headphone jack of an item of merchandise such that the headphone jack sensor engages the headphone jack. The headphone jack sensor is coupled to a cable comprising at least one conductor for defining a sense loop. The method further includes electrically connecting an end of the cable to an alarm module for detecting unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the headphone jack in response to interruption of the sense loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a merchandise display security device coupled to an item of merchandise and an alarm module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a security device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the headphone jack sensor shown in FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the headphone jack sensor shown in FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the headphone jack sensor shown in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the releasable connector shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a merchandise display security device are shown. FIG. 1 shows various components of a merchandise display security device 10 including a headphone jack sensor 14. According to various embodiments, the merchandise display security device 10 is configured for use with various types of items of merchandise. The item of merchandise M may be a display model or an operational sample of electronic merchandise, such as portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, mobile phones, smart phones, media players, and the like, for a customer to examine before making a decision to purchase the item. The item of merchandise M may be typically displayed in a manner that permits a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise, while protecting the merchandise from a potential thief. As explained in further detail below, a headphone jack sensor 14 may be operably engaged with the article of merchandise M at one end, and according to one embodiment, a security event (e.g., removal, cutting, or tampering of the sensor) may result in the generation of a security signal (e.g., an audible and/or visual alarm).

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a merchandise display security device 10 including an embodiment of a headphone jack sensor 14. The sensor 14 may be electrically connected to an alarm module 20. The alarm module 20 may contain monitoring electronics that monitor the state of the sensor 14 for detecting whether the item of merchandise M is securely attached to the sensor. The alarm module 20 may also contain an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm, such as a piezoelectric transducer and/or LED, that is activated when the monitoring electronics detects that the sensor 14 indicates an "unsecured" or "alarm" state. Moreover, alarm module 20 may contain an internal power source (e.g., a battery) for providing power to the monitoring electronics and the sensor 14, or alternatively or additionally, may comprise a main power cord that is electrically connected to an external power source, such as a direct current (DC) transformer and an alternating current (AC) electrical outlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the alarm module 20 is configured to be armed and disarmed. For example, the alarm module 20 may be configured to communicate with a key for arming and disarming thereof via a communications port on the alarm module 20. In one embodiment, the key is an electronic key and may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the alarm module 20. In other embodiments, the key is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,737,845 entitled Programmable Key for a Security System for Protecting Merchandise, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein it its entirety. In some embodiments, the alarm module 20 may be similar to the Series 940, 1000, 2000, 2800, and Zips PODs available from InVue Security Products Inc. of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, a cable 16 may extend between the alarm module 20 and the sensor 14 to electrically interconnect monitoring electronics disposed within the alarm module with the sensor. The monitoring electronics may be configured to detect when the cable 16 is cut or removed from the sensor 14 or alarm module 20 in an unauthorized manner and to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm in response thereto. Thus, the cable 16 may include one or more conductors for defining a sense loop, wherein interruption of the sense loop results in the generation of an alarm. In some embodiments, the cable 16 may be elastic and configured to extend and retract. For example, at least a portion of the cable 16 may include a helical coil configured to extend as tension is applied to the cable and retract as tension is removed from the cable.

[0018] As readily appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art, the cable 16 may be provided with a releasable connector 18 at one end, or alternatively, may be hardwired directly to the corresponding electronics disposed within alarm module 20 and/or the sensor 14. The end of the cable 16 that is connected to the alarm module 20 may be provided with a releasable connector 18 (e.g., a plug connector) so as to facilitate the interchangeability of different alarm modules with the same sensor (see, e.g., FIG. 6). In one example, the releasable connector 18 is a male micro-USB connector, although any other type of connector may be employed in other embodiments.

[0019] It is understood that the illustrated embodiment including an alarm module 20 is not intended to be limiting, as it is understood that the cable 16 may alternatively be tethered or electrically connected to other display surfaces, stands, supports, remote alarm modules, etc. In other embodiments, the cable 16 may be electrically connected between the sensor 14 and an external power source. The cable 16 may be directly or indirectly connected to an external power source so as to be in electrical communication therewith. For example, the alarm module 20 may be disposed between the sensor 14 and the external power source such that the cable 16 is indirectly connected with the external power source. In another example, an end of the cable 16 connects directly to an external power source.

[0020] According to one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, a headphone jack sensor 14 for protecting an item of merchandise M from theft or unauthorized removal is shown. Generally, the sensor 14 may include a sensing device such as a plunger switch 22 that is extendable and retractable or otherwise actuatable. The plunger switch 22 may be biased to an extended position. As such, plunger switch 22 may move from the extended position to a retracted or depressed position when the sensor 14 is engaged with the item of merchandise M. In the depressed position, the plunger switch 22 completes an electronic sense loop or circuit in communication with the monitoring electronics disposed within the alarm module 20. In the event that a potential thief attempts to remove the sensor 14 from the item of merchandise M, biased plunger switch 22 extends and interrupts the sense loop or circuit of the monitoring electronics to indicate that the sensor is no longer securely engaged with the item of merchandise. In response to the plunger switch 22 changing from a "secured" state to an "unsecured" or "alarm" state, the monitoring electronics of the alarm module 20 may activate the audible alarm and/or visible alarm to alert store personnel to a possible theft.

[0021] Thus, when the sensor 14 is inserted and engaged with the headphone jack of the item of merchandise M, a sense loop may be configured to be defined between the alarm module 20, the cable 16 (via one or more conductors), and the sensor 14. Thus, the alarm module 20 may be configured to monitor the integrity of the sensor 14. For example, the alarm module 20 may be configured to detect cutting of the cable 16 and/or disconnecting the sensor 14 from the item of merchandise M. The alarm module 20 may in turn be configured to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm in response to interruption of the sense loop. [0022] In one embodiment, the sensor 14 includes an insertion portion 24 and a body portion 26. The insertion portion 24 may extend between the plunger switch 22 and the body portion 26. The plunger switch 22 may be disposed at the end of the insertion portion 24, and as shown in FIGS. 3-5, may be configured to extend outwardly from the insertion portion when extended. In some cases, the diameter of the plunger switch 22 is smaller than the diameter of the insertion portion 24. The insertion portion 24 may be configured to be inserted within a headphone jack of the item of merchandise M. Thus, the insertion portion 24 may be sized and configured to be inserted within a standard headphone jack (e.g., a 2.5 or 3.5 mm diameter jack). The headphone jack may enable audio or microphone use with the item of merchandise M, such as via headphones. In some cases, the plunger switch 22 is coaxial to the insertion portion 24. The plunger switch 22 may be formed of a metal material in some embodiments. At least of a portion of the insertion portion 24 may be non-conductive, and in some cases, at least the entire outer surface of the insertion portion is made of a non-conductive material. For example, the insertion portion 24 may be formed of a polymeric material. By being formed of a polymeric material, the item of merchandise M may not detect the sensor 14 when engaged therewith. As such, insertion of the sensor 14 will not result in the item of merchandise M turning off its speaker, which allows a user to appreciate the full functionality of the item of merchandise. Moreover, in some instances, an item of merchandise M may not include an input port for receiving a charging cable and may instead rely on wireless charging. In this embodiment, the sensor 14 allows the item of merchandise M to be secured without the need to utilize a power input port on the item of merchandise.

[0023] As shown in the cross section of FIG. 5, the plunger switch 22 may extend axially through the insertion portion 24 and into the body portion 26. The exposed portion of the plunger switch 22 may be configured to engage the item of merchandise M when engaged therewith. Thus, when inserted within a headphone jack of the item of merchandise M, the plunger switch 22 engages the headphone jack and is retracted within the insertion portion 24. An opposite end of the plunger switch 22 may be configured to engage an internal switch 28 when retracted. In this regard, when the plunger switch 22 is retracted, the plunger switch engages the internal switch 28 and closes the internal switch for completing a sense loop. When the plunger switch 22 is extended, the plunger switch disengages the internal switch 28 thereby opening the switch and interrupting the sense loop. The internal switch 28 may be electrically connected to one or more conductors 30 extending through the cable 16 for defining a sense loop with the monitoring electronics of the alarm module 20.

[0024] In some cases, sensor 14 may include an adhesive member 32 for securing the sensor 14 to the item of merchandise. The adhesive member 32 may be flexible in some cases. For instance, the adhesive member 32 could be a releasable adhesive secured to body portion 26. For example, at least a portion of the adhesive member 32 may be a "peel-and-stick" configuration for adhering to the item of merchandise M. However, it is understood that other suitable techniques may be used to secure the sensor 14 in position on the item of merchandise M. Thus, the adhesive member 32 may be used to facilitate a secure connection between the sensor 14 and the item of merchandise M, which may reduce the incidence of false alarms.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sensor 14 also includes a light-emitting device (LED) 34 or the like that is configured to indicate a status of the security device 10. For example, the LED may indicate that the monitoring electronics is armed or alarming.

[0026] The foregoing has shown and described one or more embodiments of a merchandise display security device. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein and that variations of and modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as undisclosed embodiments within the ordinary skill of the art, are intended to be included within the content and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

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

a cable; and

a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable, the headphone jack sensor comprising a plunger switch configured to move between retracted and extended positions in response to inserting the headphone jack sensor into, and removing the headphone jack sensor from, a headphone jack of the item of merchandise,

wherein the cable comprises at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and

wherein interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

2. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the headphone jack sensor further comprises an adhesive member for securing the headphone jack sensor to the item of merchandise.

3. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the headphone jack sensor comprises an insertion portion configured to be inserted within the headphone jack of the item of merchandise.

4. The security device of Claim 3, wherein the plunger switch is coaxial to the insertion portion.

5. The security device of Claim 3, wherein the plunger switch extends outwardly from an end of the insertion portion in the extended position.

6. The security device of Claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the insertion portion comprises a polymeric material.

7. The security device of Claim 3, wherein an entire length of the outer surface of the insertion portion comprises a polymeric material.

8. The security device of Claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the insertion portion is non-conductive.

9. The security device of Claim 3, further comprising an adhesive member extending parallel to the insertion portion.

10. The security device of Claim 3, wherein the insertion portion extends between a body portion and the plunger switch.

11. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the plunger switch is biased towards the extended position.

12. The security device of Claim 1, further comprising a connector at an opposite end of the cable and electrically connected to the at least one conductor.

13. The security device of Claim 12, further comprising an alarm module configured to generate an alarm signal in response to interruption of the sense loop, wherein the connector is configured to releasably engage the alarm module.

14. The security device of Claim 1, wherein the plunger switch comprises a metal material.

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

inserting a headphone jack sensor into a headphone jack of an item of merchandise such that a plunger switch on the headphone jack sensor engages the headphone jack, wherein the headphone jack sensor is coupled to a cable comprising at least one conductor for defining a sense loop; and

electrically connecting an end of the cable to an alarm module for detecting unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the headphone jack in response to interruption of the sense loop.

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

a cable; and

a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable, the headphone jack sensor comprising a non-conductive insertion portion configured to be inserted into a headphone jack of the item of merchandise,

wherein the cable comprises at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and

wherein interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

17. The security device of Claim 16, wherein the headphone jack sensor comprises a plunger switch configured to be actuated in response to inserting the headphone jack sensor into, and removing the headphone jack sensor from, a headphone jack of the item of merchandise.

18. The security device of Claim 16, wherein the non-conductive insertion portion is configured to be inserted such that the item of merchandise does not detect the headphone jack sensor when engaged therewith.

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

a cable; and

a headphone jack sensor at one end of the cable and configured to be actuated in response to inserting the headphone jack sensor into, and removing the headphone jack sensor from, a headphone jack of the item of merchandise,

wherein the headphone jack sensor comprises an insertion portion configured to be inserted within the headphone jack and at least partially formed of a non-conductive material,

wherein the cable comprises at least one conductor electrically connected to the headphone jack sensor for defining a sense loop, and

wherein interruption of the sense loop is indicative of cutting the cable and/or unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the item of merchandise.

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

inserting a non-conductive insertion portion of a headphone jack sensor into a headphone jack of an item of merchandise such that the headphone jack sensor engages the headphone jack, wherein the headphone jack sensor is coupled to a cable comprising at least one conductor for defining a sense loop; and

electrically connecting an end of the cable to an alarm module for detecting unauthorized removal of the headphone jack sensor from the headphone jack in response to interruption of the sense loop.