SECURITY BARRIER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

A security barrier apparatus includes an attachment portion structured to couple the security barrier apparatus to a display fixture, a support portion that couples to the attachment portion and a barrier portion pivotally coupled to the support portion. An input device coupled to the support portion, a control module coupled to one of the support portion and the attachment portion, and a locking assembly is in communication with the input device. The control module is structured to be in electrical communication with the input device and the locking assembly to signal the locking assembly to move to the unlocked state when an input is provided to the input device and further structured to signal the locking assembly to move to the locked state when the input ceases to be provided to the input device. When unlocked, the barrier portion is enabled to pivot between an open and closed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The foregoing disclosure relates to a security barrier apparatus that is structured to be installed onto a display fixture to enable secure product display, easy access by customers and inhibit product sweeping. The foregoing disclosure also relates to a secure display system comprising multiple security barriers that are in electronic communication with a main control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoplifting is a cost of doing business for retailers and securing inventory while displaying it for consumers is a real challenge. Inventory that is relatively low cost and purchased frequently by consumers is rarely secured and consequently subject to sweeping, where many units of product are stolen at one time. Individually securing these items would be prohibitively expensive using the security devices currently on the market and would result in a large time commitment to employees who are tasked with securing each item in a security device and unsecuring the same when a customer wishes to purchase said item.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a security device and/or system that inhibits product sweeping while also enabling customers to easily access the products being secured without subjecting employees to an undue time burden stocking inventory.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment of a security barrier apparatus includes an attachment portion structured to couple the security barrier apparatus to a display fixture. The attachment portion includes two extension members each extending from a first end to a second end. A support portion couples to the attachment portion and includes an extension support that is structured to couple to the first end of each of the two extension members. A barrier portion is pivotally coupled to the support portion. The barrier portion includes a barrier frame surrounding a barrier element and a handle coupled to one of the barrier frame and the barrier element. An input device is coupled to the extension support, a control module is coupled to one of the support portion and the attachment portion, and a locking assembly is in communication with the input device and structured to define an unlocked state and a locked state. The control module is structured to be in electrical communication with the input device and the locking assembly and to signal the locking assembly to move to the unlocked state when an input is provided to the input device. The control module is further structured to signal the locking assembly to move to the locked state when an input ceases to be provided to the input device. In the unlocked state, the barrier portion is enabled to be pivoted relative to the support portion between an open and closed position. In the locked state, the barrier portion is inhibited from pivoting relative to the support portion.

In an embodiment, each of the two extension members include a first attachment member comprising an interface with a plurality of adjusters and a second attachment member moveably coupled to the first attachment member at an interface. The adjusters are structured for incremental adjustment of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member. In an embodiment, the input device is a push button. In an embodiment, a sensor is further included that is structured to determine whether the barrier portion is in the open or closed position. In an embodiment, a dampening device is included that is structured to slow the transition between the open and closed positions. In an embodiment, one or more actuators are included and are in communication with the control module and structured to aid in moving the barrier portion between the open and closed positions. In a further embodiment, the extension support is structured to couple to an extension support of another security barrier apparatus.

Another embodiment of a security barrier apparatus includes an attachment portion structured to couple the security barrier apparatus to a display fixture, a support portion that couples to the attachment portion and a barrier portion pivotally coupled to the support portion. The barrier portion includes a barrier frame surrounding a barrier element and a handle coupled to one of the barrier frame and the barrier element. An input device is coupled to the support portion, a control module is coupled to one of the support portion and the attachment portion, and a locking assembly is in communication with the input device and structured to define an unlocked state and a locked state. The control module is structured to be in electrical communication with the input device and the locking assembly and to signal the locking assembly to move to the unlocked state when an input is provided to the input device. The control module is further structured to signal the locking assembly to move to the locked state when an input ceases to be provided to the input device. In the unlocked state, the barrier portion is enabled to be pivoted relative to the support portion between an open and closed position. In the locked state, the barrier portion is inhibited from pivoting relative to the support portion.

An embodiment of a security barrier system includes a plurality of security barrier apparatuses. Each of the security barrier apparatus includes an attachment portion structured to couple the security barrier apparatus to a display fixture, a support portion that couples to the attachment portion and a barrier portion pivotally coupled to the support portion. An input device is coupled to the support portion, a control module is coupled to one of the support portion and the attachment portion, and a locking assembly is in communication with the input device and structured to define an unlocked state and a locked state. The system further includes a controller in communication with each control module and structured to transmit instructions to each control module.

In an embodiment, the controller is structured to transmit a lockdown signal to each of the plurality of security barrier apparatuses to inhibit movement of the barrier portion relative to the support portion. In an embodiment, the system further includes an alarm structured to provide at least one of an (i) audio output and (ii) a visual output when the barrier portion is moved relative to the support portion. In another embodiment, the system further includes a visual indicator configured to indicate a status of one or more of the barrier apparatuses.

The attached drawings are for purposes of illustration and are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion relates to embodiments of a security barrier apparatus and associated barrier system. It will be readily apparent that these embodiments are merely examples and that numerous variations and modifications are possible that embody the inventive aspects discussed herein. To that end, other variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of sufficient skill in the field. In addition, a number of terms are used throughout this discussion in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “forward,” “rearward,” “interior,” “exterior,” “front,” “back” and the like are not intended to limit these concepts, except where so specifically indicated. The terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein may refer to a range of 80%-125% of the disclosed or claimed value. With regards to the drawings, their purpose is to depict salient features of the security barrier and associated barrier system and are not specifically provided to scale, and should not be relied upon for scaling purposes.

Referring toFIGS.1-5Aillustrate an embodiment of the security barrier apparatus100generally includes: (1) an attachment portion120that attaches the security barrier apparatus100to a display fixture50(FIGS.8and9); (2) a support portion140that couples to the attachment portion120; and (3) a barrier portion160pivotally coupled to the support portion140.

As shown, the attachment portion120includes first and second extension elements120a,120b. As shown, the first and second extension elements120a,120bare similar and comprise similar components. The first and second extension elements120a,120beach include a first attachment member122and a second attachment member124that is moveably coupled to the first attachment member122at an interface125. The first attachment member122has a first end121with a first bracket122aand an opposing second end123. The second attachment member124includes a first end126and an opposing second end127. The second end127defines a mount128that has a plurality of openings129that traverse the mount128. The second end123of the first attachment member122and the first end126of the second attachment member124define an interface125where the first interface surface125aand the second interface surface125bmove (in this case slide) relative to each other. One or more adjusters130enable incremental adjustment and position locking of the first attachment member122and the second attachment member124relative to each. In an embodiment, the first attachment member122includes a mount132having a plurality of openings129that traverse the mount132. The first end121of the first attachment member122further includes a coupling interface134that is structured to couple to the support portion140.

Still referring toFIGS.1-5A, the support portion140includes an extension142or extension support that extends between a first end141and a second end143. The extension142has a forward facing surface144that faces away from the display fixture when installed and an opposing rearward facing surface145, as well as a top147and a bottom148surface. As shown, the support portion140is fixedly coupled to the attachment portion120at the coupling interface134(FIG.1) such that it does not move relative to the attachment portion120. The rearward facing surface145and/or the top surface147is structured to couple to the coupling interface134of the attachment members122. The forward facing surface144defines an opening or compartment that is structured to accommodate an input device150. In an embodiment, the input device150is illuminated at least when not in operation. As shown, the input device150is a button, however the input150may comprise a switch, an interactive display or any other suitable element that is configured to receive an input. The rearward facing surface145is further structured to support additional elements such as a lock assembly180, one or more sensors190and a control module200. The surfaces144,145,146,147of the extension142may define an interior space (not shown) that is structured to house one or more electrical components such as wiring, on or more actuators, input150components, lock assembly180components, sensor190components, or control module200components.

As shown inFIGS.4-5A, the barrier portion160generally includes a barrier frame161, a handle portion166configured to aid in actuating the barrier frame161relative to the support portion140, and a barrier element168that is at least partially surrounded by and supported by the barrier frame161. The barrier frame161includes first side and second side barrier members162,164and top and bottom barrier members163,165. In an embodiment, the barrier members162,163,164,165may be formed as a single unit. The barrier frame161includes a handle166coupled to the barrier frame161or formed as a single unit with the barrier frame161. One or more barrier member supports167are positioned on or formed as part of the barrier members162,163,164,165and are configured to support a barrier element168that is coupled to the one or more barrier member supports167using a fastener element169such as a safety screw, bolt, an adhesive, or any other element that securely fastens the barrier element168to the barrier frame161. In an embodiment, the barrier element168comprises a rigid, transparent material such as Plexiglas®. In another embodiment, the barrier element168comprises a grid structure (such as a wire grid) that enables a customer to see through the barrier portion160, but also inhibits removal of products from the display fixture while the barrier portion160is in a closed position as shown inFIG.2. One or more hinges170are structured to pivotally couple the barrier portion160to the support portion140such that the barrier portion160is able to pivot about a pivot axis R (FIG.2) relative to the support portion140.

As shown inFIGS.5A and6-7B, a lock assembly180is coupled to the barrier support portion140and the frame161to enable the barrier apparatus to be in a locked (FIG.7A) or unlocked state (FIG.7B). The lock assembly180generally includes a housing182with a housing bracket182a(FIG.1) that enables positioning or coupling of the housing182to the support portion140. The housing182at least partially encloses a solenoid183operatively coupled to a lock bolt184or strike bolt. The lock assembly180is in electrical communication with the input150such that when an input is provided (such as depression of the button), the solenoid183is powered, which causes the lock bolt to be drawn towards the housing182as shown inFIG.7B, which unlocks the barrier apparatus100. In the unlocked state, the barrier portion160may be lifted or opened to enable removal of a product. In general, when the input ceases to be provided (for example, when the button is released), the solenoid183is no longer powered and the lock bolt184is biased to extend or move away from the housing182as shown inFIG.7Ato engage a lock plate186or strike plate positioned on the barrier portion160to lock the barrier apparatus100. In the locked state, the barrier portion160is inhibited from moving or pivoting relative to the support portion140.

One or more sensors190(FIGS.1and4) are positioned on the support portion140and/or the barrier portion160and are structured to indicate whether the barrier apparatus100is in the open position (FIG.3), or whether it is in the closed position (FIG.2). A control module200(FIGS.1,3and5A) is configured to be positioned on the barrier apparatus100. In the embodiment shown, the control module200(FIGS.1,3and5A) is positioned on the rearward facing surface146of the support portion140. The control module200(FIGS.1,3and5A) includes a housing202that at least partially surrounds one or more components such as a control module board204as shown inFIG.5B. The control module board204may comprise a variety of components such as, but not limited to, those shown inFIG.11E. The control module200(FIGS.1,3and5A) is configured to be in electrical communication with the lock assembly180and/or the one or more sensors190. In an embodiment, the barrier apparatus100includes one or more actuators that may act to automatically open and/or close the barrier apparatus100.

Referring toFIGS.1-5A, prior to installation on a display fixture50(FIGS.8and9), the barrier apparatus100is assembled such that the attachment portion120is coupled to the support portion140, which in turn is pivotally coupled to the barrier portion160. To install the barrier apparatus100onto a display fixture50, the attachment portion120is coupled to the display fixture50(FIGS.8and9) at the mount128using one or more fasteners inserted through the plurality of openings129. The first attachment member122is then moved relative to the second attachment member124to adjust the position of the support portion140and the barrier portion160along an adjustment axis A (FIG.2) that intersects the axis of rotation R of the barrier portion160. In some embodiments, the attachment portion120may be further attached to the display fixture50at the second mount132using one or more fasteners inserted through the plurality of openings129. In this manner, the barrier apparatus100is now attached to the display fixture50via the attachment portion120.

Operation of the barrier apparatus100will now be explained with reference toFIGS.1-7B. The default position of the barrier apparatus100is the closed position as shown inFIG.2. When in the closed position, a customer is inhibited from accessing the units of product on the display fixture50(FIGS.8and9) because the barrier portion160, and specifically the barrier element168, is positioned between the customer and the units of product70(FIG.9). When the customer wishes to access a unit of product70(FIG.9), the customer provides an input (such as a pressing force) at the input device150. The input150acts to initiate power to the solenoid183of the lock assembly180, which withdraws the lock bolt184from the lock plate186, thereby unlocking the barrier apparatus100. The customer then grasps the handle166ant lifts up the barrier portion160with one hand, leaving the other hand free to grab a unit product70(FIG.9) from the display fixture50(FIGS.8and9). When the customer releases the barrier portion160it returns to the closed position (FIG.2). A dampening mechanism172(FIG.4) may be included to slow the transition of the barrier portion160from the open position to the closed position in order to avoid slamming of the barrier portion160into the display fixture50(FIGS.8and9) or another part of the barrier apparatus100. A sensor190recognizes when the barrier portion160returns to the closed position and communicates such to the control module200, which in turn transmits a signal to lock assembly180that cuts the power from the solenoid183. When the solenoid183is not powered, the lock bolt184biased into engagement with the lock plate186to lock the barrier apparatus100in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the input device150also activates one or more actuators174(FIG.5A) which act to move the barrier portion160relative to the display fixture50(FIGS.8and9). In this case, when the customer applies the input to the input device150, the barrier portion160opens. As long as the customer continues to apply input to the input device with one hand, the barrier portion160remains open and the customer is able to remove a unit of product70(FIG.9) with their other, free hand. When the customer stops applying the input, the one or more actuators174(FIG.5A) close the barrier portion160and it is locked in a similar manner as previously described. The position of the one or more actuators174(FIG.5A) may vary with different embodiments of the barrier apparatus100to suit the needs and configuration of various installations.

FIGS.8and9, show a display fixture50with a plurality of barrier apparatuses100installed in a system300. The barrier apparatuses100are further structured to removable couple to each other in a “daisy chain” manner using connectors149(FIG.1) positioned at the ends141,143of the support portion140. In this manner a display fixture50can be configured to securely display many different types of products70and a customer only needs to open the barrier apparatus100that corresponds to the desired products70. This can be seen inFIG.8, where only one barrier apparatus100has been opened. As shown inFIGS.8-9and11A-111D, the system300further includes a controller350and an antenna360or transmitter that receives and transmits signals to a central monitor355. The controller350is electrically connected with each control module200as well as the antenna360and is configured to control individual barrier apparatuses100via signals received by the antenna360as well as transmit information about individual barrier apparatuses100, units of product70, and or the display fixture50to the central monitor355. In some embodiments, the system300includes multiple display fixtures50like the ones shown which may be in electrical communication with each other.

The controller350as shown, includes a housing352that surrounds components such as a control module board354shown inFIG.10. The control module board354may comprise a variety of components such as, but not limited to, those shown inFIG.11E. Communication between the components may be through any known communications protocol.

Another embodiment of the barrier apparatus400will now be discussed with reference toFIGS.12-19B. Several of the components of the barrier apparatus400are similar to those previously discussed and will not be discussed in great detail.

FIGS.12-16illustrate another embodiment of the security barrier apparatus400, which generally includes: (1) an attachment portion420that attaches the security barrier apparatus400to a display fixture50(FIG.17); (2) a support portion440that couples to the attachment portion420; and (3) a barrier portion460that pivotally couples to the support portion440.

Similar to the embodiments previously discussed, the attachment portion420includes first and second extension elements420a,420b. As shown, the first and second extension elements420a,420bare similar and comprise similar components. The first and second extension elements420a,420bincludes a first attachment member422and a second attachment member424that is moveably coupled to the first attachment member422at an interface425. The first attachment member422has a first end421and an opposing second end423. Likewise, the second attachment member424includes a first end426and an opposing second end427. The second end427of the second attachment member424defines a mount428that has a plurality of openings429that traverse the mount428. The second end423of the first attachment member422and the first end426of the second attachment member424define the interface425where the first interface surface425aand the second interface surface425bmove (in this case slide) relative to each other. One or more adjusters430enable incremental adjustment and position locking of the first attachment member422and the second attachment member424relative to each. The adjusters430may be spaced apart at any desired increment to enable customized position adjustment relative to the display fixture50(FIG.17). In an embodiment, the first attachment member422further includes a mount432defining a plurality of openings429that traverse the mount432similar to the mount428of the second attachment member424. Each of the openings is configured to receive a fastener to couple to the display fixture50(FIG.17). The first end421of the first attachment member422further includes a coupling interface434that is structured to couple to the support portion440.

The support portion440is structured similar to other embodiments previously discussed and includes an extension442that extends between a first end441and a second end443. The extension442has a forward facing surface444that faces away from the display fixture50(FIG.17) when installed on the display fixture50(FIG.17), and an opposing rearward facing surface445, as well as a top surface447and a bottom448surface. As shown, the support portion440is fixedly coupled to the attachment portion420such that it does not move relative to the attachment portion420. The rearward facing surface445and/or the top surface447is structured to couple to the coupling interface434of the first attachment members422. In some embodiments, the support portion440and the first attachment members422may be formed as a single unitary component. The forward facing surface444defines an opening or compartment that is structured to at least partially accommodate an input device450. The input device450may be at least partially illuminated during operation. As shown, the input device450is a push button, however the input device450may comprise a switch, an interactive display, a sensor, or any other suitable element that is configured to receive an input. The rearward facing surface445is further structured to support additional elements such as a lock assembly480, one or more sensors487(FIG.14B) and a controller or control module600. The surfaces444,445,447,448of the extension442may define an interior space (not shown) that is structured to house one or more electrical components such as wiring, one or more actuators, input device450components, lock assembly480components, sensor components, and/or control module600components.

Referring specifically toFIG.14B, the lock assembly480includes a locking device482operatively coupled to a locking member486, and a locking member engager484that is structured to engage the locking member486when the lock assembly is in a locked state. In an embodiment, the locking device482includes a solenoid that is in electrical communication with an electrical source, the input device450and the control module600. As shown, the locking device482is mounted along the axis of the support portion440and is configured to move the locking member486to define an unlocked position and the locked position. A guard485is positioned along the rearward facing surface445of the support portion440to delimit a space449between the guard485and the rearward facing surface445. The space449is dimensioned to accommodate the locking device482, at least a portion of the locking member486and one or more electrical connections between components of the lock assembly480, the input device450and the control module600including one or more sensors487. The guard acts to protect such sensitive components of the barrier apparatus400from impacts.

Turning toFIGS.13,14A,15and16, the barrier portion460generally includes a barrier frame461, a handle portion466configured to aid in actuating the barrier frame461relative to the support portion440, and a barrier element468that is at least partially surrounded by and supported by the barrier frame461. The barrier frame461includes first side462, second side464, top463and bottom465barrier members. In an embodiment, the barrier members462,463,464,465may be formed as a single unit. The handle portion466is coupled to the barrier frame461or may be formed as a single unit with the barrier frame461. One or more barrier member supports467are positioned on or formed as part of the barrier members462,463,464,465and are configured to support a barrier element468that is coupled to the one or more barrier member supports467using a fastener element469such as a safety screw, bolt, an adhesive, or any other element that securely fastens the barrier element468to the barrier frame461. In an embodiment, the barrier element468comprises a rigid, transparent material such as Plexiglas®. In another embodiment, the barrier element468comprises a grid structure, such as a wire grid, that enables a customer to see through the barrier portion460, but also inhibits removal of units of product70from the display fixture50while the barrier portion is in a closed position as shown inFIGS.12and13.

One or more hinges470are structured to pivotally couple the barrier portion460to the support portion440such that the barrier portion460is able to pivot relative to the support portion440. Referring toFIG.16, the one or more hinges470include a first hinge portion472and a second hinge portion474that are pivotally coupled together. The first hinge portion472is at least partially positioned and/or secured within a recess defined in the support portion440. The second hinge portion474is at least partially positioned and/or secured within a recess defined in the top barrier member463. The positioning of the one or more hinges470are such that the gap G defined between the support portion440and the top barrier member463is minimized, especially when the barrier apparatus400is in the closed position as shown inFIG.16. This inhibits tampering with the barrier apparatus400by inserting a tool or a body part into or through the gap G. Moreover, reduction or minimization of the gap G inhibits body parts from being trapped or pinched between the support portion440and the top barrier member463.

One or more sensors487, such as optical sensors, are positioned within or proximate the control module600(FIG.14B) and are structured to indicate whether the barrier apparatus100is in the open position (FIG.15), or whether it is in the closed position (FIGS.12,13,14A and16). Positioning the one or more sensors487in the control module600enables easier installation/assembly of the barrier apparatus400in addition to requiring fewer components. The control module600is configured to be positioned on the barrier apparatus400, such as on the rearward facing surface445of the support portion440. The control module600may be generally structured similar to previously described embodiments with similar components. The control module600is configured to be in electrical communication with the lock assembly480and the input device450. In an embodiment, the barrier apparatus400includes one or more actuators, such as those shown in previous embodiments, that may act to automatically open and/or close the barrier apparatus400.

The barrier apparatus400is assembled and installed onto a display fixture50(FIG.17) in a manner similar as that previously discussed. Operation of the barrier apparatus400will now be explained with reference toFIGS.12-16. The default position of the barrier apparatus400is the closed position as shown inFIGS.12-14A. When in the closed position, the customer is inhibited from accessing the units of product70(FIG.17) on the display fixture50(FIG.17) because the barrier portion460, specifically the barrier element468, is positioned between the customer and the units of product70(FIG.17). When the customer wishes to access a unit of product70(FIG.17), the customer provides an input (such as a pressing force) to the input device450. Providing an input to the input device450transmits a command to the locking device482to withdraw the locking member486from the locking member engager484, thereby unlocking the barrier apparatus400. The customer then grasps the handle portion466and lifts up the barrier portion460with one hand, leaving the other hand free to grab a unit product70(FIG.17) from the display fixture50(FIG.17). When the customer releases the barrier portion460, it returns to the closed position (FIGS.12-14A). as shown inFIG.14B, a magnetic closing device490assists in moving the barrier portion460between the open and closed positions, properly aligning the barrier portion460relative to the support portion440in the closed position, and inhibits the barrier portion460from remaining in the open position when not being held in the open position.

The magnetic device490may further act as a dampening mechanism (or an additional dampening mechanism may be included as previously described) to slow the transition of the barrier portion460from the open position to the closed position in order to avoid slamming of the barrier portion460into the display fixture50(FIG.17) or another part of the barrier apparatus400. The sensor positioned in the control module600recognizes when the barrier portion460returns to the closed position and communicates such to the control module600. The control module600in turn transmits a signal to lock assembly480to cause the locking device482to urge the locking member486into engagement with the locking member engager484to lock the barrier portion460in the closed positon. The magnetic closing device490aids in the proper closure of the barrier apparatus400such that the locking member486and the locking member engager484are properly aligned. Misalignment of the locking member486and the locking member engager484will result in an inability of the barrier apparatus400to be securely locked in the closed position. When in the closed position, the configuration of the locking device482and the lock member being mounted along the axis of the support portion440decreases the risk of damage to lock assembly480components if the barrier portion460is attempted to be pulled open when in the closed and locked state.

In an embodiment, the input device450may also activates one or more actuators as previously described, which act to move the barrier portion460relative to the display fixture50(FIG.17). In this case, when the customer applies the input to the input device450, the barrier portion460automatically opens. As long as the customer continues to apply the input to the input device450with one hand, the barrier portion460remains open and the customer is able to remove a unit of product70(FIG.17) with their other, free hand. When the customer stops applying the input, the one or more actuators and/or magnetic closing device490close the barrier portion460and it is locked in a similar manner as previously described.

FIGS.17-19B, show a display fixture50with a plurality of barrier apparatuses400installed in a system700. The barrier apparatuses400are further structured to removably couple to each other in a “daisy chain” manner using connectors149(FIG.1) positioned at the ends441,443(FIG.15) of the support portion440. In this manner a display fixture50can be configured to securely display many different types of products and a customer only needs to open the barrier apparatus400that corresponds to the desired products70as can be seen inFIG.17. The system700further includes a system controller750and an antenna760that receives and transmits signals to a central monitoring station or central monitor800. The system controller750is electrically connected with each control module600as well as the antenna760and is configured to control individual barrier apparatuses400via signals received by the antenna760as well as transmit information about individual barrier apparatuses400, units of product, and or the display fixture50to the central processor800. One or more components of the system700are configured for wireless communications using known wireless networking protocols. In some embodiments, the system700includes multiple display fixtures50which may be in mechanical and/or electrical communication with each other and the central monitor800.

Referring specifically toFIGS.18A-19B, the system controller750includes a housing752that contains at least one of the elements previously discussed. For example, the housing may include a power source754, an alarm759and the control module board204(FIG.5B),354(FIG.10). Additional wiring756may electrically couple the system controller750and antenna760to the controller600, lock assembly480and/or input device450. A light80may be electrically coupled to the system700, which provides a visual indication of the status of one or more of the barrier apparatuses400installed on a display fixture50.

The central processor800may be accessed through a user portal. In an embodiment, the user portal enables a user to enter credentials (username and password), which may determine the amount of information and/or the actions available to the user. For example, a user may be able to set preferences for individual systems700and/or individual barrier apparatuses400. Such preferences may include security preferences. In one example, all barrier apparatuses400in the system700may be locked for a specified amount of time after the barrier portion460of one barrier apparatus400is opened a specified number of times within a specified duration of time. The specified times and number of barrier apparatuses400involved may be customized through the portal.

It is also possible to set up the system700to use visual and/or audio cues to indicate the status of one or more barrier apparatuses400. It is further possible to bypass such cues and track the operation of the barrier apparatuses400that are part of the system700through notifications directly to store employees or an administrator. In an embodiment, the barrier apparatuses400that are part of the system700may be divided into two or more groups which each may be set up with different preferences and different user permissions from each other. The user portal may further enable a complete system lockdown or shutdown where all barrier apparatuses400are disabled from being moved from the closed position to the open position. Alternatively, individual barrier apparatuses400may be locked and/or unlocked through the user portal. A restock function may be available, which when activated, enables the barrier portion460to be opened an unlimited amount of times during a specified time period during a restocking process. In another embodiment, the restock function may act to keep the barrier portion460in the open position until the restock function is terminated. The restock function may also automatically terminate after a specified period of time in the event that the user forgets to terminate the function after restocking has been completed.

The barrier system may be set up for timed activities through the user portal. For example, a lockdown and unlocking of one or more of the barrier apparatuses400in the system700may be timed to coincide with store hours to provide an extra level of product security when the store is closed. The central processor800may further maintain an activity log associated with barrier apparatuses400that are part of the system700. Activities such as an alarm activation, barrier apparatus malfunction or inactivation (such as in the case of a power loss or a loss of connectivity) and barrier apparatus opening may be captured in the activity log. Such activity may be accessed through the user portal and may include an indication of the type of activity associated with a specific barrier apparatus400as well as the date/time when the activity occurred, and in some instances, who authorized the activity (e.g., who authorized a particular function). In an embodiment, reports may be generated and output using data from the activity log to track various metrics including employee activity, product demand, attempts at theft or damage to individual barrier apparatuses400and individual barrier apparatus functionality. Certain activities may trigger a real time notification to store employees and/or an administrator (and the supplier/manufacturer), such as an alarm or a malfunction.

The user portal may further enable the system700and each barrier apparatus400within the system to be assigned an identification. It may also be possible for barrier apparatuses400to be added or removed from the system700. Likewise, user permissions may be added, removed and changed through the user portal.

It is possible for automatic firmware updates to be sent from the supplier/manufacturer directly to the central processor800. In the same manner, support personnel are enabled to remotely access the system700in order to troubleshoot issues such as malfunctions. Higher level permissions may enable information for multiple systems700representing multiple locations to be viewed and accessed.

User permissions may be set up depending on the requests of each client or system700owner. Each of the functions discussed may be viewed, implemented and/or customized through the user portal and/or through a remote user, such as the supplier/manufacturer. Certain information such as passwords, information related to specific individuals or products may be protected using known encryption methods for secure transmission.

While the foregoing functions have been explained with reference to one embodiment of the barrier apparatus400, it is envisioned that such functions can also be performed with other embodiments of the barrier apparatus and corresponding system. In another embodiment, the barrier apparatus is a free standing device for a plug and play installation.

The invention is inclusive of combinations of the aspects described herein. References to an “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one aspect of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment” or “particular aspects” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same aspect or aspects; however, such aspects are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to elements of the disclosed barrier apparatuses is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred aspects thereof, but it will be understood that variations, combinations, and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention.