Abstract:
A display system for displaying an item of merchandise in a retail environment that allows a potential customer to handle the item while it is secured to the display system. The item is supported on a display shelf and is connected to a retractable cable. The shelf is locked to a base by an alarm unit. Unauthorized removal of the shelf, base, item of merchandise, severing of the retractable cable or alarm unit will activate an alarm. First and second locks lock the alarm unit to the base.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/503,102 filed Sep. 12, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/592,899 filed Jul. 30, 2004; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Technical Field 
   The present invention generally relates to merchandise display systems and, more particularly, merchandise display systems with anti-theft security features. Specifically, the merchandise display system of the present invention allows a customer to directly handle an item of merchandise while preventing a shoplifter from removing the item of merchandise from the display without triggering an alarm. 
   2. Background Information 
   Small electronic devices are a preferred target for shoplifters because the devices are relatively expensive and easy to conceal. These small electronic devices include digital cameras, portable digital assistants (PDAs), hand-held computers, laptop computers, and portable phones. The owners of retail establishments continue to seek apparatus and methods for protecting these devices from shoplifters while not interfering with the ability of a legitimate customer to handle and test the merchandise. Merchants have found that locking such small electronic devices in a glass cabinet decreases sales because customers feel less comfortable asking for the cabinet to be unlocked and then handling and testing the items under the scrutiny of a store employee. Merchants thus desire a merchandise display system that allows legitimate consumers to freely handle and test items of merchandise while preventing a shoplifter from removing the items of merchandise from the display area. 
   Various systems for securing items of merchandise at a display area are known in the art. One system simply tags each item of merchandise with an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag that triggers an alarm if the item of merchandise is passed through an antenna or sensor that is typically positioned at the exits to the retail establishment. This system has two drawbacks when used with small electronic items. The first drawback is that some shoplifters will simply grab a handful of expensive items and quickly leave the store triggering the alarm while making a fast getaway. The payoff from the relatively expensive electronic items is worth the risk of triggering the alarm. Another problem is that the shoplifter can typically remove the EAS tag from the electronic item because it is difficult to secure an EAS tag to a small electronic item. The EAS tags usually cannot be placed inside the electronic item and merchants do not wish to use a permanent adhesive that will damage the display item. 
   Other security display systems known in the art use cables to secure the items of merchandise to the display unit. The cables prevent the item from leaving the display area while providing enough movement for a legitimate consumer to handle and test the item of merchandise. Some of these cable-based systems use alarms that are triggered if a shoplifter cuts the cable, removes the cable from the display unit, or removes the cable from the item of merchandise. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an alarming display system having interchangeable components that allows the display system to be reconfigured to be used with different items of merchandise. 
   In one embodiment, the invention provides an alarming merchandise display system having interchangeable components wherein at least one of the components is locked in place in a manner that triggers an alarm if the component is removed from the system without first unlocking a lock. 
   In one embodiment, the invention provides an alarming merchandise display system having an alarm switch that is adapted to disarm the alarm system when one of the locks is unlocked with its key. 
   In another embodiment, the invention provides an alarming merchandise display system having an alarm unit that is in communication with a switch that is used to connect a cable to the item of merchandise, the cable that connects the switch to the alarm unit, and an alarm switch that monitors the status of the components of the system such that the alarm will be triggered upon tampering with any of the alarmed components. 
   In a further embodiment, the invention provides an alarming merchandise display system having an alarm unit that is secured to a base with a first magnetically-actuated lock and a second mechanically-actuated lock in a manner that requires both locks to be moved from their locked position to the unlocked position before the alarm unit may be removed from the base. 
   The invention also provides an embodiment wherein the shelf that supports the item of merchandise for display is secured against theft by the cable that retains the item of merchandise to the alarm unit. 
   The invention also provides an alarming display unit that is self-contained without the need for a connection with an external alarm system. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the alarming display system made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the alarming display system of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative display shelf used with the alarming display system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is an alternative display shelf used with the alarming display system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a section view of the alarming display system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the alarming display system made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  showing the item of merchandise secured to the alarming display system and resting in the shelf. 
       FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the base and alarm unit of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the base. 
       FIG. 11  is a section view taken along line  11 — 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the alarm unit and base with the first portion of the housing removed. 
       FIG. 13  is a section view taken along line  13 — 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a section view taken along line  14 — 14  of  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 7  showing the key prongs of a first key being aligned with key prong openings in a first lock. 
       FIG. 16  is a top view, partially in section, showing the locked position of the first lock and that the first lock is disengaged from the alarm switch. 
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 16  showing the first key being moved toward the first lock. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing the first key engaged with the first lock. 
       FIG. 19  is a section view similar to  FIG. 17  showing the first key engaged with the first lock and moving the lock fingers to the unlocked position. 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 18  showing the key moved to the unlocked position. 
       FIG. 21  is a view similar to  FIG. 17  showing the first key and first lock moved to the unlocked position with the alarm switch tripped. 
       FIG. 22  shows the removal of the first key from the first lock and the item of merchandise being removed from the cable. 
       FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 21  showing the first key removed from the first lock. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing the first lock in the unlocked position and the shelf being removed from the alarm unit. 
       FIG. 25  is a left side elevation view of the base and the alarm unit with the shelf removed and the second lock in the locked position. 
       FIG. 26  is a top plan view of  FIG. 25  with a portion broken away showing the lock finger of the second lock engaging the alarm unit. 
       FIG. 27  is a view similar to  FIG. 25  showing the second lock in the unlocked position. 
       FIG. 28  is a view similar to  FIG. 26  showing the second lock in the unlocked position. 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the base and alarm unit with the alarm unit being slid out of the locked position from the base. 
       FIG. 30  is a section view taken through the alarm unit and base showing the alarm unit being removed from the base. 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the alarm unit being lifted from the base. 
       FIG. 32  is a section view similar to  FIG. 30  showing the alarm unit being lifted from the base. 
   

   Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The first embodiment of the alarming display system of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral  10  in  FIGS. 1–5 . Display system  10  generally includes a base  12 , a display shelf  14 , and an alarm unit  16 . Base  12 , shelf  14 , and alarm unit  16  cooperate together to provide a display area for an item of merchandise  18  in a retail environment. Merchandise  18  is connected to alarm unit  16  with a cable  20 . Cable  20  is designed to trigger an alarm carried by alarm unit  16  if the cable is cut, removed from merchandise  18 , or removed from alarm unit  16 . Alarm unit  16  is configured to sound an alarm if alarm unit  16  is removed from base  12 . Shelf  14  is locked to base  12  by a portion of alarm unit  16 . The components of display system  10  thus cooperate together to provide an alarming display unit that conveniently displays merchandise  18  in a manner that prevents a shoplifter from removing merchandise  18  or any component of system  10  from the display area without triggering the alarm disposed within alarm unit  16 . 
   Display system  10  is also configured to accept different size shelves  14  such as those shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Any of a variety of other shelf sizes or types may be used depending on the type of merchandise  18  being displayed with system  10 . 
   Display system  10  is installed on a support surface such as support structure  22  provided at the retail establishment selling merchandise  18 . Support structure  22  defines at least one opening  24  sized to slidingly receive a connector  26  that mounts base  12  to support structure  22 . Connector  26  may be a nut and bolt combination as shown in the drawings. Alternatively, connector  26  may be any of a variety of other connectors that are known in the art. Still alternatively, opening  24  may be threaded to receive a threaded connector  26  such as a machine bolt or screw. When connector  26  is in the form of a bolt and nut as shown in the drawings, the underside  28  of support structure  22  should not be accessible by the consumer so that a shoplifter cannot simply remove the nut of connector  26  and steal all of the components of system  10  along with merchandise  18 . 
   In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, base  12  includes a base tray  30  and a locking socket  32 . Locking socket  32  may optionally include a display wall  34  that may optionally carry a card holder  36  used to receive information about merchandise  18  such as a product-name, product number, and/or price. Base  12  may be designed to be used with a single connector  26  or a pair of connectors  26  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . When a pair of connectors  26  are used, base tray  30  defines a pair of slots  38  that correspond to the connectors  26 . The use of base tray  30  is optional and locking socket  32  may be locked directly to support structure  22  if desired. Base tray  30  provides a stable mounting surface when support structure  22  is a wire frame shelf. Tray  30  may also be configured to pull out from under socket  32  to an extended position. The extended position of tray  30  allows a graphic to be placed on tray  30  that includes detailed information about product  18 . The extent of the extended position of tray  30  is defined by the length of slots  38 . 
   Locking socket  32  is designed to slidingly receive the legs  40  of shelf  14  to securely hold shelf  14  in an upright position. Legs  40  of shelf  14  and locking socket  32  each define at least one lock opening that are aligned when shelf  14  is seated in locking socket  32 . The number and position of lock openings  42  may vary depending on the particular design of system  10 . In the embodiment of system  10  depicted in the drawings, openings  42  are disposed in leg  40  and the rear wall  44  of locking socket  32  disposed closest to alarm unit  16 . Alarm unit  16  includes a locking arm  46  that is disposed through lock openings  42  of locking socket  32  and shelf  14  to securely lock shelf  14  to base  12  when alarm unit  16  is in the locked position. The locked position is depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . In one embodiment of the invention, locking arm  46  may be disposed directly above connector  26  to prevent access to connector  26 . In this configuration, a shoplifter cannot push connector  26  up into base  12  or shelf  14  because locking arm  46  blocks the path of connector  26  when alarm unit  16  is in the locked position. 
   Alarm unit  16  is locked in the locked position by an appropriate lock  50 . In the embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, lock  50  includes a pair of biased locking fingers  52  that are magnetically attractable so that they may be moved from the locked position of  FIG. 5  to an unlocked position (not shown) by an appropriate magnet. The magnet is disposed in a key  54 . Lock  50  is carried by the upper wall  56  of alarm unit  16  and lockingly engages a locking leg  58  that projects from base  12 . Leg  58  defines a pair of ledges  60  against which locking fingers  52  engage in the locked position. Leg  58  may also define sidewalls  62  that are disposed on either side of locking fingers  52  to trap locking fingers  52  in the locked position. The configuration of leg  58  and arm  46  allows alarm unit  16  to be automatically locked in its locked position when alarm unit  16  is slid into base  12  to lock shelf  14  in place. 
   Alarm unit  16  includes a plunger  70  that engages the base  12  when alarm unit  16  is in the locked position. Plunger  70  is configured to move to an activated position when alarm unit  16  is moved away from base  12 . Alarm unit  16  is configured to sense the activated position of plunger  70  and activate an alarm if alarm unit  16  is improperly removed from base  12 . The alarm in alarm unit  16  may be an audible alarm presented through speaker  72  or a silent alarm triggered through appropriate mechanisms. Alarm unit  16  may be configured to deactivate when key  54  is properly used to unlock alarm unit  16  from base  12 . In other embodiments, a separate key or code must be used to deactivate alarm unit  16  before key  54  is used to detach alarm unit  16  from base  12 . 
   The second embodiment of the alarming display system of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral  100  in  FIGS. 6–32 . Display system  100  generally includes a base  112 , a display shelf  114 , and an alarm unit  116 . System  100  provides a secure display area for an item of merchandise  118  in any of a variety of environments. The secure display area allows item  118  to be lifted and handled while preventing item  118  from being removed from the display area without triggering an alarm. 
   Alarming display system  100  is also self-contained in that it does not need to be connected to external alarm systems to provide its alarming capabilities. The self-contained nature of system  100  allows it to be flexibly used (in different manners, different locations, and different configurations). As described above, display system  100  is also configured to accept different sized shelves  114  such as those shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Any of a variety of other shelf sizes, shapes, or types may be used with system  100 . In this embodiment, shelves  114  are simply frictionally fit, snap fit, and latched to alarm unit  116  or base  112  so that they may be readily changed after system  100  is disarmed. 
   Alarm unit  116  (FIGS.  9  and  12 – 14 ) includes a compartment having a base  119 , sidewalls  123  and a top closure member  111  secured to base  119  by a plurality of fasteners  115  which are located within and extend through hollow posts  117 . Posts  117  preferably are formed integrally with and extend upwardly from base  119 . Top closure member  111  is formed with an opening  127  through which an alarm cable  120  extends for connection to item  118 . 
   Item  118  is connected to alarm unit  116  with an alarm cable  120 . Alarm cable  120  is designed to trigger an alarm carried by alarm unit  116  if cable  120  is cut, removed from item  118 , or removed from alarm unit  116 . Alarm unit  116  is configured to trigger an alarm if alarm unit  116  is removed from base  112  without the proper use of a key to unlock alarm unit  116  from base  112 . Shelf  114  is secured against theft because alarm cable  120  passes through an opening  121  defined by shelf  114 . Opening  121  is smaller than most items of merchandise  118 . Shelf  114  is thus trapped between item  118  and alarm unit  116  when item  118  is displayed by system  100 . The components of alarming display system  100  thus cooperate together to provide an alarming display system that conveniently displays items of merchandise  118  in a manner that prevents shoplifters from removing items  118  or components of system  100  from the display area without triggering an alarm carried within alarm unit  116 . 
   Display system  100  is installed on a support surface  122  such as a counter, a shelf, a wall, or a fixture provided at the display area for item  118 . System  100  may be configured to work with essentially any type of support structures by altering the design of base  112  and/or the connectors used to secure base  112 . Base  112  is secured to support surface  122  with any of a variety of connectors that securely hold base  112  in place to prevent a shoplifter from simply lifting base  112  away from support surface  122 . In the exemplary embodiment, the connectors pass through openings  124  defined by base  112 . Openings  124  are covered by alarm unit  116  when alarm unit  116  is locked to base  112  to prevent a shoplifter from tampering with the connectors. A threaded connector  126  is shown in  FIG. 11  as an example with four connectors  126  shown in  FIG. 10 . Various other connectors  126  may be used to secure base  112  to support structure  122 . Such connectors  126  include nut and bolt combinations, adhesives, welds, interlocking fits, snap fits, and the like. Essentially, any type of connector may be used to secure base  112  in a position where base  112  cannot be removed from the display area by a shoplifter. 
   In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, base  112  includes a front wall  130 , a side wall  132 , and a rear wall  134  that each extend upwardly from a bottom wall  136 . These walls cooperate together to define an alarm unit recess sized to receive at least a portion of alarm unit  116 . Front wall  130  optionally includes a display area where the merchant may place textural or graphic information identifying item  118  and/or its price. In the exemplary embodiment, side wall  132  defines the outside of a first lock cavity  138 . An inner lock wall  140  defines the inner surface of first lock cavity  138  with a top lock wall  142  defining the top of first lock cavity  138 . Cavity  138  provides a secure location for a first lock  144  that is used to selectively lock alarm unit  116  to base  112  such that alarm unit  116  is selectively lockable to base  112  and selectively removable from base  112 . 
   First lock  144  is movable between a locked position ( FIGS. 15–16 ) to an unlocked position ( FIGS. 22–23 ) when unlocked with a specially designed key. The term “locked” in this application refers to a relationship between elements that requires a key to undo. The term “locked” is thus distinguishable from the term “latch.” A “latched” relationship between two elements does not require a key to undo and thus may be undone by anyone at any time. 
   First lock  144  and first key  146  may operate in a variety of known manners. The exemplary embodiment uses magnetically-attractable lock fingers  150 . Lock fingers  150  lock the position of a moveable lock element  152  with respect to inner lock wall  140  when first lock  144  is in the locked position as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . First lock  144  includes a pair of lock fingers  150  in this embodiment of the invention. A single lock finger  150  or more than two lock fingers  150  may also be used in alternative embodiments. Each lock finger  150  is biased toward the locked position of  FIGS. 13 ,  16 , and  17  by appropriate biasing elements  154 . Biasing elements  154  may be the coil springs shown in the drawings. In other embodiments, biasing elements  154  may be integrally formed with lock finger  150  by bending a thin piece of spring steel to form lock finger  150 . Biasing elements  154  may also be an elastic material. Biasing element  154  may be formed integrally with or separate from lock finger  150 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, each biasing element  154  and lock finger  150  is slidingly disposed in a sleeve  156  projecting inwardly from moveable lock element  152 . Sleeve  156  allows lock finger  150  to freely move with respect to moveable lock element  152  (between its locked and unlocked positions) and maintains the position of moveable lock element  152  with respect to inner lock wall  140  by abutting the outwardly facing surface of inner lock wall  140  as shown in FIGS.  13 , 16 , and  17 . The outwardly facing surface of inner lock wall  140  defines a lock finger recess  158  for each lock finger  150 . Lock finger  150  is biased into recess  158  when moveable lock element  152  is in the locked position. 
   Moveable lock element  152  includes at least one lock ledge  160  that extends through inner lock wall  140  into the enclosure defined by base  112  that receives alarm unit  116  ( FIGS. 17 ,  19  and  30 ). Each lock ledge  160  projecting from moveable lock element  152  lockingly engages alarm unit  116  when alarm unit  116  is in the locked position with respect to base  112  and moveable lock element  152  is in the locked position. Each lock ledge  160  may include a hooked end  161  that helps lock alarm unit  116  in place by engaging a retaining block  163  when in the locked position of  FIGS. 17 and 19 . Although lock ledges  160  may be used alone to lock alarm unit  116  with respect to base  112 , the exemplary embodiment of the invention includes at least one fixed lock ledge  162  projecting upwardly from bottom wall  136  of base  112 . In the exemplary embodiment, four lock ledges  160 / 162  are used to lock alarm unit  116  to base  112 . 
   Moveable lock element  152  may be assembled from a first portion  170  that is snap fit to a second portion  172  for assembly purposes. Moveable lock element  152  includes a pair of key prong openings  174  that properly position first key  146 . Key prong openings  174  also allow key  146  to move moveable lock element  152  from the locked position to the unlocked position when key prongs  176  are inserted into openings  174 . First element  170  may include a step  178  that allows the user to manually push moveable lock element  152  to the locked position. Step  178  also helps position key  146  with respect to lock element  152 . 
   In this embodiment, moveable lock ledges  160  project from the inner surface of second element  172 . Sleeves  156  project inwardly from the inner surface of first element  170 . Elements  170  and  172  are held together with a snap together connection formed by fingers  180 . If base  112  is molded as a single integral unit, second element  172  may be fit into cavity  138  through the opening in outer side wall  132 . In another embodiment, inner wall  140  may define a single large opening for moveable lock ledges  160  that allows second element  172  to be pivoted upwardly into cavity  138  through the opening. 
   System  100  may include a second lock  182  (optionally because the first lock will secure the system) that uses a second key  184  different from first key  146 . In the exemplary embodiment, a mechanically key  184  is used to lock and unlock second lock  182 . When second lock  182  is used with system  100 , both keys  146  and  184  are needed to remove alarm unit  116  from base  112 . In the exemplary embodiment, lock  182  rotates an arm  186  from a locked position ( FIG. 26 ) to an unlocked position ( FIG. 28 ). In the locked position, arm  186  extends into an opening or recess  188  defined by alarm unit  116  to retain alarm unit  116  to base  112 . Arm  186  thus forms an interference fit with alarm unit  116  when arm  186  is in the locked position. 
   Alarm unit  116  is a self-contained alarm system that includes its own power source  190  ( FIG. 12 ) (optionally, a power cord may be used to power system  100 ), alarm circuitry  192 , alarm indicator  194 , and alarm tether  196 . Alarm unit  116  thus does not need to be attached to exterior alarm systems for system  100  to protect merchandise  118 . In the exemplary embodiment, power source  190  is a battery, the alarm indicator  194  is a speaker and/or a light, and alarm tether  196  includes a retractor  198  and alarm cable  120  ( FIG. 14 ). Cable  120  has an outer end that is connected to item  118  with a self-adhesive sensor  200  having a plunger switch  202  that creates a signal when sensor  200  is removed from item  118  ( FIG. 6 ). Retractor  198  includes a spring-loaded coil and a swivel. The coil is adapted to automatically rewind cable  120  after cable  120  has been unwound. The swivel allows the electric cables to exit the coil without twisting. 
   Alarm unit  116  also includes at least one alarm switch  204  ( FIG. 12 ) that arms and disarms the alarm system. In the exemplary embodiment, first lock  144  is used to trip alarm switch  204 . Thus, first key  146  must be used to arm and disarm the alarm system. Lock  144  is shown tripping switch  204  in  FIG. 21 . Switch  204  is thus tripped every time lock  144  is moved to the unlocked position as shown by Arrow A. In an alternative embodiment, switch  204  may be tripped by second lock  182 . In another alternative embodiment, both locks  144  and  182  may be monitored with alarm switches. In a further alternative embodiment, a third unique key may be used to disarm the alarm system with or without the cooperation of the first and/or second keys. If the alarm is set off by a shoplifter or by a customer, alarm switch  204  is used to turn the alarm off. 
   In one optional embodiment of the invention, an indicator light  206  ( FIG. 25 ) may be used to show the user the status of the alarm system. When light  206  is on, the user knows that the alarm system is on. The alarm system is off when light  206  is off. 
   The particular circuitry interconnecting the various components of the display system such as cables  20 ,  120 , plunger  70 ,  202 , alarm switch  204 , etc. for providing an audible, visual, or silent alarm can have various configurations well known to those skilled in the art, and thus is not shown in detail. 
   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.