Retail security system

• US 9,092,960 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2011
• Issued: 07/28/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mobile Tech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Mobile Tech, Inc.
• Inventors: Wheeler, Wade
• Primary Examiner(s): MCNALLY, KERRI L
• Application Number:
  US13/101,719
• Publication Number:
  US 20120280810A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,545 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.2, 340/539.11
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/12 Adjustable supports, e.g. extensible
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/67 by electronic means

Abstract

The invention is an improved security and product display system for use by retailers who sell hand-held electronics in stores. The system includes a combination of a mobile, hand-held electronics device (e.g., cell phone or like), a mounting member, and an adaptor cable that electrically connects the device to the mounting member. The device has power detection circuitry adapted to detect a break in the power circuit between device and mounting member. Detection of a circuit break causes the device to output a security alarm.

Claims

1. A security and product display system for use in retailing electronic products, comprising:

a mobile, hand-held electronics device adapted for wireless communication, the device being offered for sale at a point of display at a retail location that is accessible to purchasing members of the public;

a mounting member, normally secured to the device when the device is displayed for sale, the mounting member providing a platform for supplying device power;

an adaptor cable electrically connecting the device to the mounting member, said adaptor cable creating a detectable electrical circuit; and

further,

the mobile device being programmable by the retailer to detect a break in the circuit at the point of display and to generate an alarm event upon such detection, and including

programming means for generating a serial number unique to said mobile device, said serial number being transferable to another physical location that is independent of the location where said mobile device is located, said other physical location including means for generating an independent backup code for use in arming or disarming said device.

2. The security and product system of claim 1, wherein said mobile device is programmed to have a retailer input code, said input code being input on a mobile device touch-screen, for respectively arming and disarming said security and product display system.

3. The product and security system of claim 1, wherein said alarm event is characterized by deactivation of normal mobile device functions.

4. The product and security system of claim 1, wherein said alarm event is characterized by outputting a sound from said mobile device.

5. The security and product system of claim 1, wherein said mobile, hand-held electronics device is a cell phone.

6. The product and security system of claim 1, wherein said mobile, hand-held electronics device is a tablet device.

7. The product and security system of claim 1, wherein said mobile, hand-held electronics device is a GPS device.