Sensor powered by item of merchandise for retail security
AssigneeInVue Security Products Inc.
InventorsJeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, Jonathon D. Phillips, David N. Berglund
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be electrically connected to an internal power source of an item of merchandise and an alarm module configured to communicate with the sensor. The sensor is configured to receive power from the internal power source for performing one or more security functions, and the alarm module is configured to generate a security signal in response to a security event.
Claims20
A security system for an electronic item of merchandise, the security system comprising:
- a sensor configured to be electrically connected to an item of merchandise, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a security event;
- and
- a clip configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, wherein the clip comprises a connector configured to removably engage an input port of the item of merchandise,
- wherein the sensor is removably attachable to the clip,
- wherein each of the sensor and the clip comprises one or more engagement features for facilitating removable engagement with one another,
- wherein each of the sensor and the clip comprises one or more conductors, and wherein the conductors are configured to align with and electrically connect with one another when the sensor is attached to the clip and to electrically disconnect when the sensor is removed from the clip, and
- wherein the sensor is configured to be electrically connected to the item of merchandise when the connector is engaged with the input port and the sensor is attached to the clip.
A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
- attaching a clip to an item of merchandise, wherein the clip comprises a connector configured to engage an input port of the item of merchandise;
- and
- removably attaching a sensor to the clip for electrically connecting the sensor to the clip and the item of merchandise, wherein each of the sensor and the clip comprises one or more engagement features for facilitating removable engagement with one another, wherein each of the sensor and the clip comprises one or more conductors, wherein the conductors are configured to align with and electrically connect with one another when the sensor is attached to the clip and to electrically disconnect when the sensor is removed from the clip, wherein the sensor is configured to be electrically connected to the item of merchandise when the connector is engaged with the input port and the sensor is attached to the clip, and wherein the sensor is configured to detect a security event.
A security system for an electronic item of merchandise, the security system comprising:
- a sensor configured to be electrically connected to an item of merchandise, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a security event;
- and
- a clip configured to be attached to the item of merchandise, wherein the clip comprises a connector configured to removably engage an input port of the item of merchandise,
- wherein the sensor is removably attachable to the clip,
- wherein the clip or the sensor is configured to receive one or more bracket arms for securing the sensor to the item of merchandise,
- wherein each of the sensor and the clip comprises one or more conductors, and wherein the conductors are configured to align with and electrically connect with one another when the sensor is attached to the clip and to electrically disconnect when the sensor is removed from the clip, and
- wherein the sensor is configured to be electrically connected to the item of merchandise when the connector is engaged with the input port and the sensor is attached to the clip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.