Merchandise display security system including magnetic sensor
First Claim
1. A merchandise display security device configured to support an item of merchandise on a merchandise display security system for display, while protecting the item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise display security device comprising:
- a sensor attached to an item of merchandise; and
a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon such that the sensor and the item of merchandise are configured to be removed from the base for inspection by a user,wherein an electrical field or a magnetic field is configured to be generated between the sensor and the item of merchandise, and wherein an alarm signal is configured to be generated in response to a change in the proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the sensor based on the strength of the electrical or magnetic field.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise having a movable or removable cover includes a sensor configured to be attached to the cover. The sensor may include a magnet assembly that produces a magnetic field defining a predetermined minimum strength when the sensor is attached to the cover and the cover is closed on the item of merchandise. A transducer detects the presence of the magnetic field, or alternatively, changes in the strength of the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example an output voltage. The transducer communicates the electrical signal to electronics that activate an alarm if the strength of the magnetic field is less than a predetermined minimum strength or greater than a predetermined maximum strength.
31 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A merchandise display security device configured to support an item of merchandise on a merchandise display security system for display, while protecting the item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise display security device comprising:
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a sensor attached to an item of merchandise; and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon such that the sensor and the item of merchandise are configured to be removed from the base for inspection by a user, wherein an electrical field or a magnetic field is configured to be generated between the sensor and the item of merchandise, and wherein an alarm signal is configured to be generated in response to a change in the proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the sensor based on the strength of the electrical or magnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise removably supported on a base from theft, the item of merchandise being configured to be removed from the base for inspection by a user, the method comprising:
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generating an electrical field or a magnetic field between the item of merchandise and sensor attached to the item of merchandise; detecting the proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the sensor based on the electrical or magnetic field; and generating an alarm signal based on a strength of the electrical or magnetic field. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A merchandise display security device configured to support an item of merchandise on a merchandise display security system for display, while protecting the item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise display security device comprising:
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a sensor attached to an item of merchandise; and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon such that the sensor and the item of merchandise are configured to be removed from the base for inspection by a user, wherein the sensor is configured to generate an electrical field and to detect the proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the sensor based on the electrical field, and wherein the sensor is further configured to generate an alarm signal based on a change in strength of the electrical field.
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Specification