Systems and methods for security sensing in a power cable for an article of merchandise
DCFirst Claim
1. A merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise comprising:
- a sensor configured to attach to the article of merchandise and to detect removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor, the sensor comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;
a power cable having a connector configured to operably engage an input port on the article of merchandise for providing power to the article of merchandise, wherein the lower portion comprises a recess configured to receive an end of the power cable opposite the connector, wherein the upper portion is configured to receive one or more retaining arms for engaging the article of merchandise, wherein the upper portion is configured to attach to the article of merchandise and the lower portion such that the upper portion is disposed between the lower portion and the article of merchandise and the end of the power cable is disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion;
a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon such that the sensor is removable from the base and positionable on the base; and
a tether comprising a connector at one end configured to releasably connect to the sensor, wherein the base is configured to receive an opposite end of the tether.
1 Assignment
Litigations
1 Petition
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes alarming circuitry. The system also includes a tether comprising a pair of conductors electrically connected to the alarming circuitry, wherein the pair of conductors is configured to transfer power to the sensor and/or to the article of merchandise. In response to power ceasing to be transferred, the alarming circuitry is configured to monitor an electrical signal transmitted through the pair of conductors in order to determine whether the tether has been cut or removed from the sensor.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A merchandise security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise comprising:
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a sensor configured to attach to the article of merchandise and to detect removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor, the sensor comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a power cable having a connector configured to operably engage an input port on the article of merchandise for providing power to the article of merchandise, wherein the lower portion comprises a recess configured to receive an end of the power cable opposite the connector, wherein the upper portion is configured to receive one or more retaining arms for engaging the article of merchandise, wherein the upper portion is configured to attach to the article of merchandise and the lower portion such that the upper portion is disposed between the lower portion and the article of merchandise and the end of the power cable is disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion; a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon such that the sensor is removable from the base and positionable on the base; and a tether comprising a connector at one end configured to releasably connect to the sensor, wherein the base is configured to receive an opposite end of the tether. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise comprising:
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positioning an end of a power cable within a recess defined in a lower portion of a sensor, the sensor configured to detect removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor; operably engaging a connector of the power cable opposite the end with an input port on the article of merchandise for providing power to the article of merchandise; engaging one or more retaining arms received by an upper portion of the sensor to the article of merchandise; securing the upper portion to the article of merchandise and the lower portion such that the upper portion is disposed between the lower portion and the article of merchandise and the end of the power cable is disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion; removably supporting the sensor on a base such that the sensor is configured to be removed from the base and positioned on the base; and releasably connecting a tether to the lower portion of the sensor with a connector at one end, wherein an opposite end of the tether is configured to be received by the base. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification