SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING SECURITY DEVICES

• US 20160335859A1
• Filed: 01/08/2015
• Published: 11/17/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: InVue Security Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Sankey, James K.
• Granted Patent: US 10,803,718 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 7/024 with provisions for preventing unauthorised removal show cases with devices for prevention of theft A47F3/002; devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal E05B73/0017
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• 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 13/1445 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

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices, wherein each of the security devices includes a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise. Each of the security devices further includes a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a controller in communication with each of the security devices, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a remote device to lock at least one of the security devices such that the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

Claims

1. A merchandise security system comprising:

a plurality of security devices, each of the security devices comprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; and

a controller in communication with each of the security devices,

wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a remote device to lock at least one of the security devices such that the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

2. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the remote device to lock each of the security devices simultaneously.

3. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the controller is a digital interface box.

4. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein each of the security devices comprises a locking mechanism configured to engage the sensor such that the sensor is locked to the base, and wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the remote device for actuating at least one of the locking mechanisms such that the article of merchandise cannot be removed from the base.

5. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide electrical power to each of the security devices.

6. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein each sensor and/or each base comprises alarming circuitry for generating an audible and/or a visual signal in response to removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor.

7. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein each of the security devices further comprises a tether electrically connecting the sensor and the base.

8. The merchandise security system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with the remote device.

9. A merchandise security system comprising:

a plurality of security devices, each of the security devices comprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon;

a controller in communication with each of the security devices; and

a remote device configured to communicate with the controller,

wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the remote device to lock at least one of the security devices such that the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

10. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the remote device is a cellular device or a key.

12. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the remote device is configured to request data from the controller regarding at least one of the security devices.

13. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the remote device is configured to communicate with the controller to lock each of the security devices simultaneously.

14. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the remote device is configured to communicate with the controller to selectively lock one of the security devices.

15. The merchandise security system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with the remote device.

11. (canceled)

16. A method for displaying and securing articles of merchandise, the method comprising:

receiving a remote signal at a controller in communication with a plurality of security devices, each of the security devices comprising a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise and further comprising a base for removably supporting the sensor and the article of merchandise thereon; and

locking at least one of the security devices in response to the remote signal such that the article of merchandise and the sensor cannot be removed from the base.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving comprises receiving the remote signal over a cellular network.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein locking comprises actuating a locking mechanism to physically engage the base and the sensor.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein locking comprises locking each of the security devices simultaneously.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein locking comprises selectively locking one of the security devices.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving comprises receiving a wireless remote signal at a controller.

22. (canceled)