KIOSK SECURITY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

• US 20140266725A1
• Filed: 03/06/2014
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Berglund, David N., Taylor, Gary A., Grant, Jeffrey A.
• Application Number:
  US14/199,176
• Publication Number:
  US 20140266725A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/568.8
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/14 by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1409 for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1436 with motion detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/149 with electric, magnetic, capacitive switch actuation

Abstract

An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. The anti-theft device includes a dock configured to temporarily receive and support the portable electronic device and an alarming device configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock. The alarming device is configured to be disarmed by an authorized user for removing the portable electronic device from the dock.

Claims

1. An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment, comprising:

a dock configured to temporarily receive and support the portable electronic device; and

an alarming device configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock,

wherein the alarming device is configured to be disarmed by an authorized user for removing the portable electronic device from the dock.

2. The anti-theft device of claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism for locking the portable electronic device within the dock.

3. The anti-theft device of claim 2, wherein the lock mechanism comprises an electromagnet.

4. The anti-theft device of claim 2, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a mechanical latch for engaging the portable electronic device.

5. The anti-theft device of claim 2, further comprising a shroud configured to house the portable electronic device, wherein the shroud is configured to engage with the lock mechanism.

6. The anti-theft device of claim 2, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be disengaged by an authorized user for removing the portable electronic device from the dock.

7. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein the alarming device is operably engaged with the dock.

8. The anti-theft device of claim 7, wherein the dock comprises a plunger switch operably engaged with the alarming device and configured to activate in response to engagement and disengagement with the portable electronic device.

9. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein the dock comprises a port for receiving a signal therein from a key for disarming the alarming device.

10. The anti-theft device of claim 1, further comprising an inductive sensor for sensing the presence of the portable electronic device.

11. The anti-theft device of claim 1, further comprising circuitry for automatically recognizing the portable electronic device.

12. The anti-theft device of claim 10, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a program for communicating with the circuitry.

13. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a tablet used by retail personnel.

14. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein the dock comprises an opening sized and configured to receive a portion of the portable electronic device.

15. The anti-theft device of claim 14, wherein the dock comprises a lip defined adjacent to the opening sized and configured to overlie an edge of the portable electronic device.

16. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to be secured wirelessly within the dock.