Smart connections
First Claim
1. A method of controlling access to an object, the method including the steps ofsecuring the object or a packaging thereof by use of connecting means which connect the object or the packaging to a security means, the connecting means being capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal upon provision of a trigger;
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3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a method of controlling access to an object (16), such as a product for sale. The object (16) or its packaging (110) is secured, for example to a sales console (12,68) by use of connecting means (26). The connecting means (26) are either capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal or capable of release by activating remote activating means (18). An internal signal may be provided after expiration of a predetermined period. An external signal may be provided by proximity. Remote activation means (18) may be provided by a password or energy such as a magnetic force. The invention also provides novel packaging (110) for an object (16). Packaging (110) is adapted to secure the object (16) by connecting means (26) capable of release by remote activation. Also provided is a security vending system having security vending means, such as a sale console (68) or a cable (48) or a sale hanger (108). The security system also has connecting means (72, 74) capable of release by a chosen internal or external signal or by remote activation. The connecting means (72, 74) may have an intelligent element (94), which may reside in the security means, in the object (16), or partly in one and partly in the other.
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Citations
50 Claims
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1. A method of controlling access to an object, the method including the steps of
securing the object or a packaging thereof by use of connecting means which connect the object or the packaging to a security means, the connecting means being capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal upon provision of a trigger; - and
releasing the connecting means by providing the chosen signal upon provision of the trigger, wherein the trigger is chosen from the group consisting of a predetermined period of time or calendar date, movement of the object or the packaging to a chosen location and proximity of the object to an authorized item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of vending an object, the method including the steps of
securing the object or a packaging thereof by use of connecting means which connect the object or the packaging to a security means, wherein the connecting means includes a passageway having walls at least one of which is resilient, and a locking means being disposed in the passageway and being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking means being adapted to hold apart the walls when the locking means is in the locked position and to permit deflection of at least one of the walls when in the unlocked position, the connecting means being capable of release by remote activation, accepting an offer to purchase the object, and releasing the connecting means by activating remote activation means.
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34. Packaging for an object, the packaging including
one or more packaging elements and connecting means adapted to secure the object in the packaging element or elements, wherein the connecting means includes a passageway having walls at least one of which is resilient, and a locking means being disposed in the passageway and being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking means being adapted to hold apart the walls when the locking means is in the locked position and to permit deflection of at least one of the walls when in the unlocked position, the connecting means being capable of release by remote activation.
Specification