PROGRAMMABLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING MERCHANDISE
First Claim
1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising:
- a programming station configured to generate a security code and having a memory for storing the security code;
a programmable key configured to receive the security code from the programming station and to store the security code in a memory; and
a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further comprising a switch configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to compromising the integrity of the security device,wherein the programmable key is configured to communicate with the security device to arm or disarm the security device upon a matching of the security code stored in the memory of the security device with the security code stored in the memory of the programmable key.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.
6 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising:
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a programming station configured to generate a security code and having a memory for storing the security code; a programmable key configured to receive the security code from the programming station and to store the security code in a memory; and a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further comprising a switch configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to compromising the integrity of the security device, wherein the programmable key is configured to communicate with the security device to arm or disarm the security device upon a matching of the security code stored in the memory of the security device with the security code stored in the memory of the programmable key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
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actuating a switch on a programming station for programming a security code to be stored in a programmable key; attaching a security device to an item of merchandise, the security device comprising an alarm and storing the security code, the security device further comprising a switch configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to compromising the integrity of the security device; and actuating the programmable key storing the security code to communicate with the security device to arm or disarm the security device upon a matching of the security code stored in the security device with the security code stored in the programmable key. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification