Abstract:
A docking station has a housing with an open top compartment formed therein for storing a security key in a locked condition when not in use at a checkout station for opening media security containers. A slide member is moveable by a three position key operated tumbler between locked and unlocked positions across the storage compartment opening. A cam is slidably engageable with the slide member and is moveable by the tumbler for moving the slide member between the locked and unlocked positions. An alarm deactivation switch is actuated by the cam when the tumbler is rotated by the tumbler key to a third position past the locked position. The alarm communicates with a sense loop extending through a flexible expandable cord attaching the key to the housing. An LED provides a visual indication that the alarm is activated.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The invention relates to a device for temporarily storing a security key in a locked condition at a checkout counter of a retail establishment when not in use for opening security protected packages. More particularly, the invention relates to such a storage device which has a key actuated tumbler for locking a security key which is attached to the device in a storage compartment when not in use and under proper supervision. 
     2. Background Information 
     Due to the increase in shoplifting, because of the manner in which articles of merchandise are displayed in large retail establishments, various types of packages have been devised in which the articles of merchandise are stored, yet displayed in the retail establishment to reduce shoplifting. Most of these security packages contain an EAS tag or other type of theft deterrent device which must be removed or deactivated at the checkout counter to prevent a shoplifter from leaving the store without first paying for the item of merchandise. These security tags actuate an alarm usually located at the exit of the store, if not removed or deactivated at the checkout counter. 
     Many of these security packages require a specific type of key, either a specially designed mechanical key which moves various locking tabs within the package, or magnetic keys which move magnetically attractable locking members in the security package, enabling the item of merchandise to be removed from the package and given to a customer after purchase. 
     It has been found that the security key also is susceptible to theft either by an unauthorized employee or even a customer, and then used either at that retail establishment or at another retail store at a later time to open and/or deactivate certain security packages, enabling the items of merchandise to be stolen from the retail establishment. Thus, many of these security keys are tethered by a cable or other type of coiled cord at the checkout station to reduce theft of the key. Although this has proved successful to some extent, it is desirable that even a greater theft deterrent be provided for the security key, especially when the checkout clerk, and/or the supervisor is not at or adjacent the checkout station. 
     Therefore, the need exists for a device for storing the security key in a secured locked position when not in active use or when left in an unsupervised manner at the checkout station. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Objectives of the invention include providing a docking station for temporarily housing a security key in a secure locked position such as at the checkout station of a retail establishment to protect the key from theft when not being actively used and when left in an unsupervised manner. 
     A further aspect of the invention is to provide a docking station for a security key in which the key is attached to the docking station by a cord or other type of tether when being actively used and which then can be placed and locked in a storage chamber formed in the docking station by a removable key when left unattended. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to provide such a docking station in which a key-operated tumbler moves a cam into engagement with a slidable plate, which is moveable across an opening of the key storage compartment to prevent removal of the key from the compartment when placed therein. 
     Still another feature of the invention is to provide the docking station with a three position key actuated tumbler moveable between first and second positions to move the slidable locking plate between open and closed positions, and a third position to deactivate an audible alarm. 
     A further aspect of the invention is to provide an alarm system in the docking station which is activated regardless of the position of the security key with respect to the docking station, and which will sound an audible alarm if a sense loop which extends through the cord which attaches the key to the docking station is interrupted, such as when the loop is cut, broken, or forcibly removed from the key or docking station. 
     A still further aspect of the invention is to provide the docking station with a visual indicating light, such a blinking LED, which advises the store personnel and potential shoplifter that the alarm system is activated. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to provide a docking station which can be securely attached to a supporting structure at the checkout station by a plurality of fasteners to prevent its unauthorized removal, and in which an outer housing of the docking station can be formed of inexpensive, yet sturdy durable plastic which will protect the alarm system and key-actuated tumbler within the interior thereof, preventing unauthorized access thereto. 
     These features are obtained by the docking station of the present invention, which is used for storing a security key in a secured condition, the general nature of which may be stated as including a housing formed with a compartment for storing the security key therein, wherein the compartment has an opening for placement and removal of the key into and from the compartment; a slide member selectively movable across at least a portion of the compartment opening between locked and unlocked positions to prevent removal of the key from the compartment when in the locked position; a key actuated cam operatively engageable with the slide member for moving the slide member between locked and unlocked positions; a cord connected to and extending between the housing and the security key to secure the key to the housing, wherein the cord contains electrical conductors forming an alarm sensing loop; and an alarm system contained within the housing and operatively connected to the cord for monitoring the integrity of the sensing loop and actuating an audible alarm if the integrity of the sensing loop is compromised. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the docking station with a security key in locked position. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of  FIG. 1  with the key removed from the storage compartment of the docking station. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view taken on line  3 — 3 ,  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken on Line  4 — 4 ,  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded plan view of the bottom of the outer housing of the docking station with the bottom cover plate being removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded plan view of the bottom of the outer housing with the alarm support plate and alarm system being shown removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the docking station with the slide lock plate being in the locked position securing a key in the storage compartment. 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken on Line  8 — 8 ,  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the docking station with the bottom cover plate being removed and with portions of the alarm support plate broken away showing the position of the camming lever when the slide lock plate is in the open position. 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9  showing the position of the camming lever when the slide lock plate is moved to the locked position. 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10  showing the camming lever moved to a position to deactivate the audible alarm. 
         FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10  showing the slide lock plate being moved toward the open unlocked position. 
         FIG. 13  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  with a magnetic security key in locked position in the docking station. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view taken on Line  14 — 14 ,  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     Similar numerals refer to similar parts of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The docking station of the present invention is indicated generally at  1 , and is shown in assembled operating condition in  FIG. 1 . Station  1  includes a housing member indicated generally at  2 , preferably molded of plastic and formed with a front compartment  3  in which a security key  5  is shown locked therein by a locking slide plate  7 . Key  5  is physically secured to housing  2  by a coiled cord  9 , which preferably has a number of convolutions and is formed of a resilient material to enable the cord to be pulled outwardly from the housing after key  5  has been released therefrom for use in actuating a security package lock to remove the contents thereof usually at a checkout station. Cord  9  is similar to many cords used on telephones and has a pair of internal conductors  11  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , which form a sense loop for actuating an alarm system as discussed further below. 
     A three position key-actuated tumbler mechanism  15  is mounted in housing  2  and has its key slot  17  externally exposed for receiving a usual manually actuated key  19  therein ( FIG. 3 ). A perforated grill  21  is formed on housing  2  behind which is an audible alarm. A lens  22  for a visual indicating LED  23  is located adjacent key tumbler mechanism  15  and grill  21  to provide a visual indication that the internal alarm system is activated as discussed below. The locking slide plate  7  is shown in a closed locked position in  FIG. 1  extending over a top opening  4  of compartment  3  to prevent the removal of key  5  therefrom. 
     Housing  2  includes an upper housing portion  25  having an open bottom which is closed by a bottom wall plate  26 . Upper housing  25  has a hollow interior in which is mounted the various components of the docking station, including an alarm system mounting plate  29  ( FIG. 6 ). Mounting plate  29  is formed with a two-tiered platform indicated generally at  31 , having a lower portion  32  and a raised portion  33 . A printed circuit board  35  is mounted on plate  29  and includes the required capacitors and transistors to form an audible alarm system which is connected to conductors  11  of cord  9 . LED  23  is mounted on circuit board  35  and provides a blinking light through lens  22  when the alarm system is activated. A switch  37  is mounted on plate  29  and operatively connected to printed circuit board  35 . Switch  37  is a normally closed switch and is opened by an actuating lever  38  as discussed below, to deactivate the audible alarm as shown in  FIG. 11 . The circuit board and alarm system is connected to a battery  42  mounted in a recess beneath the circuit board and protected by a cover  47  ( FIG. 5 ). Mounting plate  29  is secured within the hollow interior of upper housing  25  by a pair of tabs  40 , which extend through openings  41  formed in a rear wall  43  of key storage compartment  3  ( FIGS. 6 and 8 ). Plate  29  also is attached by three screws  44  ( FIG. 5 ), which extend into aligned upstanding bosses  45  ( FIG. 10 ) formed on and extending outwardly from top wall  46  of upper housing portion  25 . 
     Alarm system mounting plate  29  forms an upper compartment  49  in housing  2  ( FIGS. 4 and 8 ) between alarm mounting plate  29  and top wall  46  of upper housing portion  25  in which is located a camming lever  50 , which is connected to the lower end of tumbler mechanism  15  by a fastener  51 . The body of tumbler  15  extends into upper compartment  49  as shown in  FIG. 8  and is securely connected to lever  50 . Slide plate  7  is located in compartment  49  and extends through an open slot  53  formed in a front wall  54  of upper housing portion  25 . Slide plate  7  has a generally flat-shape with a curved front portion  57  in which is formed a pair of semi-circular raised portions  58  forming semi-circular openings  59  to provide clearance for slide plate  7  when it moves over a pair of positioning tabs  61  formed on certain types of security keys  5  as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  12  and  13 . 
     The underside surface of lock plate  7 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 . and  9 – 11  includes an outer peripheral rib  63 , which extends generally around the perimeter of slide plate  7  and is connected to a plurality of linearly extending ribs  65 , which provides strength and rigidity to plate  7 . A slightly curved rib  66  extends upwardly from a rear portion of slide plate  7  above the height of ribs  63  and  64 , and is connected at one end to peripheral rib  63  and at the other end with peripheral rib  66  at junction  65 . A short linearly extending rib  68  extends outwardly from a portion of curved rib  66  and preferably has the same height as rib  66  and forms a partially enclosed area  69  therewith. Camming lever  50  includes a curved distal end  71  which is located within enclosed area  69 , as shown in  FIG. 6  when slide plate  7  is in the open unlocked position as shown therein. 
     Front key-receiving compartment  3  is formed by a bottom wall  76 , a front wall  73 , rear wall  43  discussed above, and spaced parallel end walls  75 . A pair of small openings  77  ( FIG. 2 ), preferably are formed at the junction of bottom wall  76  and end walls  75  for receiving small tabs  78 . Openings  77  align with and are located at the bottom of small notches  79  formed in end walls  75 . Small tabs  78  are formed on the ends of certain keys  5 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , to assist in securing key  5  in compartment  3  by their engagement in openings  77  and notches  79 . 
     Rib  64  and peripheral rib area  63 A ( FIG. 6 ) slidably engage the top surface of raised platform portion  33  and ribs  66  and  68  slidably engage lower platform portion  32  as slide plate  7  moves between open and closed positions. The top surface of slide plate  7  also moves along a plurality of raised ribs  80  which are formed on the internal surface of housing portion top wall  46  and extend into upper compartment  49  ( FIG. 10 ) to assist in maintaining slide plate  7  in position within compartment  49  for sliding movement over compartment top opening  4 . 
     The operation of docking station  1  is as follows. Key  5  is inserted easily into compartment  3  through open top  4  when slide plate  7  is in a retracted unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 2 . Tabs  78 , at the ends of key  5  are inserted or snap-fitted into notches  79  and openings  78  to help secure key  5  in the compartment. However, these tabs only facilitate the placement of the key in the compartment and are not required since the key is securely locked therein by slide plate  7  when in the locked position, as shown in  FIG. 7 . When in the open position of  FIG. 2  for receiving key  5  in compartment  3 , slide plate  7  will be in a rearward position as shown in  FIG. 9  with distal end  71  of lever  50  being located within enclosed area  69  between curved rib  66  and linear rib  68 . To move plate  7  to the locked position, key  19  is inserted into key slot  17  of tumbler  15  which is rotated in a clockwise direction as shown in  FIG. 2 , to a second tumbler position, which will cause lever  50  to move in a counterclockwise direction of  FIGS. 6 and 9  and slidably engage rib  66  pushing slide plate  7  forwardly until it reaches the closed locked position as shown in  FIG. 10 . The rounded curved configuration of distal end  50  will provide for a smooth sliding engagement along curved rib  69  moving slide plate  7  in the direction of Arrow A ( FIG. 10 ), until it reaches a full locked position as shown in  FIG. 7  where it sufficiently covers compartment opening  4  preventing the removal of key  5  therefrom. The perpendicular abutting engagement of distal end  71  with curved rib  69  as shown in  FIG. 10 , and the locked position of tumbler mechanism  15  in this second position will prevent the rearward or unlocking movement of slide plate  7  until tumbler mechanism  15  is rotated in a clockwise direction in  FIG. 10  toward its first position of  FIG. 9  moving lever  50  in the same direction as discussed further below. A plurality of raised ribs  72  ( FIG. 10 ) will abut rear wall  43  upon slide plate  7  reaching its forward locking position to prevent further movement and possible removal of the slide plate from housing  2 . Key  19  can then be removed from tumbler  15  when in the second position preventing unauthorized removal of security key  5  from compartment  3 . 
     In accordance with another feature of the invention, any further unlawful manipulation of the sense circuit formed by conductors  11 , such as cutting one or more of the conductors  11  or pulling them from their securement within housing  2  or dislocating them from the circuit board, will cause an audible alarm as shown at  83  ( FIGS. 9–12 ), located adjacent external grill  21 , to sound, alerting personnel that an attempt is being made to unlawfully remove key  5  from attachment cord  9  regardless of the position of key  5  with respect to the docking station. 
     Should audible alarm  83  be activated by the integrity of the sense loop being compromised or even by a malfunction or false alarm, a store personnel will turn key  19  in a further clockwise direction ( FIG. 2 ) which will move tumbler mechanism  15  to a third position moving lever  50  from the position of  FIG. 10  to that of  FIG. 11 . Distal end  71  will click past a small nub  82  formed adjacent an end  81  of rib  66  and move switch lever  38  inwardly to open the alarm circuit to inactivate and silence alarm  83 . Lever  50  will remain in this position until the cause of the alarm actuation has been determined, after which key  19  is rotated moving lever  50  to the position of  FIGS. 9–11  to rearm the alarm circuit. 
     LED  23  is always on to advise the store personnel and a potential thief that the docking system alarm is armed and active, irrespective of the position of slide lock plate  7 , further reducing the unlawful tampering with docking station  1 . 
     In order to move slide plate  7  from the locked position of  FIGS. 7 and 10  to the unlocked position of  FIGS. 2 and 9 , tumbler mechanism  15  is rotated in a clockwise direction ( FIG. 10 ) by the manual use of key  19 , which will move distal end  71  into engagement with linear rib  68 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . This engagement will slide locking plate  7  in the direction of Arrow A ( FIG. 12 ) to the full unlocked position of  FIGS. 6 and 9  enabling key  5  to be easily removed from compartment  3 . 
     Thus, a clerk or authorized supervisor, upon leaving a checkout counter in an unsupervised manner, will merely insert security key  5  in compartment  3  and by the use of key  19 , move slide plate  7  to the locked position and then after removing key  19  will retain security key  5  secured within compartment  3 . The alarm system is always activated preventing theft of the security key by a thief or unscrupulous employee. The clerk or authorized personnel upon return to the checkout counter easily opens the docking station, permitting the removal of key  5  therefrom for use in disarming and opening secured packages before leaving the store premises. 
     It is readily understood that other key configurations than the elongated type key  5  containing magnets could be secured within storage compartment  3  so long as slide plate  7  is configured and sized to sufficiently cover top opening  4  thereof to prevent removal of the key once placed therein. Thus, compartment  4  could be considerably smaller and/or slide plate larger to more fully cover the access opening, preventing removal of even a smaller security key from within compartment  3 . 
     Docking station  1  preferably is secured to a supporting structure, such as a countertop  85  ( FIG. 8 ), by a pair of fastening screws  87  which extend through holes  88  formed in bottom wall plate  26  ( FIG. 5 ). Bottom wall plate  26  includes a plurality of angled tabs  90  which extend through complimentary shaped slots  91  formed at the lower end of rear wall  93  of upper housing portion  25 . Upper housing portion  25  is then moved about tabs  90  to a closed position over bottom wall plate  26 , and two additional fasteners or screws  95  are inserted through aligned holes  96  and  97  formed in bottom wall  76  of compartment  3  and bottom wall plate  26  respectively ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  5 ). A plurality of resilient pads  102  ( FIGS. 8 ,  12  and  13 ) are attached to the bottom surface of bottom wall plate  26  to provide a slightly resilient mounting of docking station  1  on surface  85 . 
     Bottom wall  76  of compartment  3  preferably is formed with a rectangular-shaped opening  99  ( FIG. 5 ) in which is received a raised insert  100   FIGS. 2 and 4 , which provides a platform on which key  5  rests when placed within compartment  3 . This enables the spacing from the bottom of slide plate  7  to closely match the thickness of the particular key  5  placed in compartment  3 . Thus, if a different thickness key is intended for storage in compartment  3 , the height of insert  100  could vary to provide just enough space between slide plate  7  and insert  100  to match the thickness of key  5 . This provides for a snug fit of the key in the compartment and can be configured to match certain contours of the key if necessary. 
     It is readily understood that the alarm sensing loop in cord  9  can be optical instead of using electrical conductors therein without affecting the concept of the invention. 
     Accordingly, docking station  1  provides for a relatively simple and inexpensive device formed of rugged plastic material, which can be securely mounted at a checkout counter and easily operated to secure a security key in a storage compartment in a locked position when the checkout counter is left unattended or unsupervised, preventing unauthorized removal and theft of the security key, which could be used later at a store for facilitating the theft of merchandise. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.