SECURITY DISPLAY WITH CENTRAL CONTROL SYSTEM

• US 20080168806A1
• Filed: 01/07/2008
• Published: 07/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Fawcett, Christopher J., Belden, Dennis D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,626,500 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/57.1
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/005 Chain-locks, cable-locks or padlocks with alarms
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0005 using chains, cables or the like chain- or cable-locks of the padlock type E05B67/003; lockable clothing hangers or hanger racks E05B69/006
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1445 with detection of interference with a cable tethering an article, e.g. alarm activated by detecting detachment of article, breaking or stretching of cable furniture, e.g. shelves for displaying merchandise, incorporating tethers to prevent theft A47F7/024, A47F5/0861
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 5/0021 located in the aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/917 Alarm circuit, e.g. window affixed foil
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5004 For antitheft signaling device on protected article

Abstract

A security system for protecting a plurality of items of merchandise on display in a retail environment. Each of the items is connected to a sensor which is removably mounted in a display module and connected thereto by a power cord. A single alarm module located in an inaccessible location is connected to each of the display modules by another power cord. A power cord connects each of the display modules to a source of electricity for supplying electric power to the sensor through the display module and then to the displayed item for maintaining the charge on a battery of the displayed item. The alarm unit contains an internal power source for controlling the alarm circuitry. A plunger switch and LED may be contained in the sensor.

Claims

1. A security system for displaying a plurality of items of merchandise comprising:

a central alarm module;

a plurality of individual display modules mounted on one or more supports;

a sensor removably mounted on each of the display modules;

a first power cord electrically and mechanically connecting the sensor to the display module;

a second power cord extending between each of the display modules and the alarm module;

a source of electric power;

a third power cord extending from the source of electric power to each of the display modules providing an electrical conductive path from the source of electric power through the display module and through the first power cord to each of the sensors; and

a fourth power cord electrically connected to the source of electric power and to the central alarm module at the sensor, and extending from the sensor for electrically and mechanically connecting the item of merchandise to the sensor to supply electric power to said item of merchandise.

2. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the display modules is secured to the support by a pad of pressure sensitive adhesive.

3. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the sensors includes a plunger switch for engagement with the item of merchandise.

4. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the sensors is provided with a visual indicator indicating that the alarm module is activated and connected to the sensor.

5. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the display modules includes a first magnet and the sensor includes a second magnet providing self-alignment of the sensor on the display module.

6. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the display module includes a base and a top cover forming an internal chamber;

in which the second and third power cords extend into said chamber, with said second and third power cords being connected to an output power jack mounted on the display module.

7. The security system defined in claim 6 wherein the first power cord is releasably connected to the output power jack of the display module and hardwired to the sensor.

8. The security system defined in claim 6 wherein the third power cord is connected to a power input jack mounted in the chamber of the display module;

and in which said power input jack is electrically connected to the power output jack within the chamber.

9. The security system defined in claim 8 wherein the third power cord terminates in a plug which is releasably connected to the power input jack.

10. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the second power cord contains at least four electrical conductors and the third power cord contains at least two electrical conductors.

11. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the electric power source supplies DC power in the range of 3 volts to 9 volts DC.

12. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein each of the sensors includes a power output jack which releasably receives a power plug attached to one end of the fourth power cord.

13. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the support is a display counter in a retail store;

in which the central alarm is in a concealed location from the display modules; and

in which the second and third power cords extend through openings in the display counter for connection within said display modules.

14. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the central alarm module includes an audible alarm which is actuated upon the integrity of the first and fourth power cords being compromised.

15. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the first power cord is a coiled lanyard.

16. The security system defined in claim 1 wherein the third power cord is connected to the alarm module by a snap-fit connector.