Systems and methods for locking a sensor to a base

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10098481-B2
Application number	US-201515505181-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 25, 2015
Priority date	Aug 27, 2014
Publication date	Oct 16, 2018
Grant date	Oct 16, 2018

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise display systems and methods for displaying an article of merchandise. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise. The sensor includes a first engagement member. The system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon. The base includes a second engagement member configured to releasably engage the first engagement member such that the sensor is locked to the base. The sensor is configured to rotate with respect to the base while locked thereto.

First claim

That which is claimed is:

1. A merchandise display system for displaying an article of merchandise comprising:
a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and to detect removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor, the sensor comprising a first engagement member;
a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon such that the sensor is configured to be removed from the base and seated on the base, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein, the base comprising at least one second engagement member configured to releasably engage the first engagement member when the sensor is seated on the base such that the sensor is locked to the base;
a release mechanism configured to move the at least one second engagement member into and out of engagement with the first engagement member, the release mechanism comprising a cam mechanism in operable engagement with the at least one second engagement member, the release mechanism having a slot for receiving a portion of the at least one second engagement member and for guiding the at least one second engagement member into and out of engagement with the at least one first engagement member, the cam mechanism configured to be rotated to cause the at least one second engagement member to move inward within the opening for engaging the first engagement member or outward for disengaging the first engagement member; and
a tether attached to the sensor at one end and configured to be received within the opening defined in the base,
wherein the sensor is configured to rotate with respect to the base while locked thereto.

2. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the first engagement member comprises a slot.

3. The merchandise display system of claim 2 , wherein the slot extends circumferentially.

4. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a rotatable member engaged with the cam mechanism such that rotation of the rotatable member in one direction is configured to move the at least one second engagement member to an engaged position, while rotation of the rotatable member in an opposite direction is configured to move the at least one second engagement member to a disengaged position.

5. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to rotate at least about 90 degrees with respect to the base while locked thereto.

6. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to freely rotate with respect to the base while locked thereto.

7. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a connector operably engaged with the tether.

8. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one second engagement member is configured to move radially inward and radially outward.

9. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , further comprising a key configured to rotate the cam mechanism to cause the at least one second engagement member to move inward within the opening for engaging the first engagement member or outward for disengaging the first engagement member.

10. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , further comprising a rotatable member operably engaged with the cam mechanism and configured to rotate the cam mechanism.

11. The merchandise display system of claim 10 , wherein the rotatable member is configured to be rotated less than a complete revolution to cause the at least second engagement member to move inward or outward.

12. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of second engagement members.

13. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the cam mechanism is configured to guide the at least one second engagement member between predetermined engaged and disengaged positions.

14. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the slot is defined in the cam mechanism.

15. The merchandise display system of claim 14 , wherein the slot is configured to receive a portion of the at least one second engagement member therein.

16. A method for displaying an article of merchandise according to claim 1 , the method comprising:
securing the sensor to the article of merchandise;
positioning the sensor on the base; and
locking the sensor to the base via engagement of the at least one second engagement member with the first engagement member such that the sensor is configured to rotate with respect to the base while locked thereto.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein locking comprising locking the sensor to the base via actuation of a key.

18. The method of claim 16 , further comprising rotating a rotatable member less than a complete revolution to move the at least one second engagement member between engaged and disengaged positions with the first engagement member.

19. A merchandise display system for displaying an article of merchandise comprising:
a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and to detect removal of the article of merchandise from the sensor;
a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon such that the sensor is configured to be removed from the base and seated on the base, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein, the base comprising at least one engagement member configured to releasably lock the sensor to the base when the sensor is seated on the base, wherein the sensor is configured to rotate with respect to the base while locked thereto;
a release mechanism comprising a cam mechanism in operable engagement with the at least one engagement member, the release mechanism having a slot for receiving a portion of the at least one engagement member and for guiding the at least one engagement member between an unlocked position and a locked position;
a key configured to rotate the cam mechanism to cause the at least one engagement member to move inward within the opening for locking the sensor on the base in the locked position or outward for unlocking the sensor from the base in the locked position; and
a tether attached to the sensor at one end and configured to be received within the opening defined in the base.

20. The merchandise display system of claim 19 , further comprising 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 sensor comprises a recess configured to receive an end of the power cable opposite the connector such that the end is disposed between the sensor and the article of merchandise when the sensor is secured to the article of merchandise.

21. The merchandise display system of claim 20 , wherein the sensor comprises an upper portion configured to receive one or more arms for engaging the article of merchandise and a lower portion configured to operably engage the power cable, wherein the upper portion is configured to be secured 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.

22. The merchandise display system of claim 19 , further comprising a recoiler operably engaged with the tether.

23. The merchandise display system of claim 19 , wherein the cam mechanism is configured to be rotated with the key less than a complete revolution in order to lock the sensor to the base.

24. The merchandise display sy

Assignees

• Invue Security Products Inc

Inventors

• Berglund David N
• Kerley Matthew Thomas

Classifications

• A47F7/024 Primary

  with provisions for preventing unauthorised removal {(show cases with devices for prevention of theft A47F3/002; devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal E05B73/0017)} · CPC title

• E05B73/00

  Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices {(motorcycle helmets A42B3/0413; supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening helmets B62J11/24; gun racks A47B81/005; showcases with theft protection A47F3/002; anti-theft means for peg-boards, grids or rods for hanging merchandise A47F5/0861; show stands, hangers, shelves with provision against unauthorised removal A47F7/024; for self-service hand-carts A47F10/04; locking skis A63C11/004; locking bolts, nuts or pins F16B41/00)} · CPC title

• G08B13/1445

  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 title

• G08B13/1463

  Physical arrangements, e.g. housings (devices to prevent theft or loss of purses, luggage or hand carried bags A45C13/18) · CPC title

• G08B13/1418

  Removal detected by failure in electrical connection between the appliance and a control centre, home control panel or a power supply · CPC title