MERCHANDISE SECURITY DEVICE HAVING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF USE
First Claim
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1. A security device comprising:
- a body housing configured to receive a coupler to affix the body housing to an article of merchandise;
a locking mechanism configured to maintain the coupler in a fixed position with respect to the body housing and in retaining engagement with the article of merchandise; and
a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring configured to alter from a first state to a second state in response to receipt of a wireless signal;
wherein the alteration of the SMA spring from the first state to the second state enables the coupler to move with respect to the body housing.
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Abstract
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a security device includes a body housing configured to receive a coupler to affix the body housing to an article of merchandise; a locking mechanism configured to maintain the coupler in a fixed position with respect to the body housing and in retaining engagement with the article of merchandise; and a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring configured to alter from a first state to a second state in response to receipt of a wireless signal; wherein the alteration of the SMA spring from the first state to the second state enables the coupler to move with respect to the body housing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A security device comprising:
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a body housing configured to receive a coupler to affix the body housing to an article of merchandise; a locking mechanism configured to maintain the coupler in a fixed position with respect to the body housing and in retaining engagement with the article of merchandise; and a shape memory alloy (SMA) spring configured to alter from a first state to a second state in response to receipt of a wireless signal; wherein the alteration of the SMA spring from the first state to the second state enables the coupler to move with respect to the body housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of detaching a security device from an article of merchandise, the method comprising:
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directing a signal into the security device, the security device comprising; a body housing; a coupler engaged with the article of merchandise and received in the body housing; a locking mechanism configured to maintain the coupler in a fixed position with respect to the body housing and in retaining engagement with the article of merchandise; and an SMA spring configured to alter from a first state to a second state, wherein alteration of the SMA spring from the first state to the second state enables the coupler to move with respect to the body housing; wherein the signal causes the SMA spring to alter from the first state to the second state; and disengaging the coupler from the article of merchandise. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A security device comprising:
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a pin configured for engagement with an article of merchandise; a body housing having a receptacle configured to receive the pin when the pin is engaged with the article of merchandise; a locking mechanism configured to maintain the pin in a fixed position with respect to the receptacle and in retaining engagement with the article of merchandise; and an SMA spring configured to alter from a first dimensional size to a second dimensional size in response to application of an actuation voltage, the second dimensional size being different from the first dimensional size; wherein the application of the actuation voltage is triggered by receipt of a wireless signal at the security device; and wherein the alteration of the SMA spring from the first dimensional size to the second dimensional size enables the pin to translate along a lateral axis with respect to the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification