Patent Publication Number: US-2021169239-A1

Title: Security device for functional display and security of handheld electronic devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/233,356 filed on Dec. 27, 2018, which is a continuation of, and claims benefit and priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/238,831 filed on Aug. 17, 2016, which is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/206,007, filed Aug. 17, 2015. The entire contents of such applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a security device for allowing functional and secure display of handheld electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Retailers sell handheld electronic devices to the public in a range of shapes and sizes, with a range of functionality. Encouraging customers to examine and use the functionality of the devices at display locations is a valuable marketing technique employed by retailers. To decrease the risk of theft associated with this marketing strategy, retailers employ various security measures. 
     One common security measure is the use of an alarm sensor that sets when placed in contact with the surface of the handheld electronic device and activates when it loses contact with the device (e.g., when the sensor is removed). A typical alarm sensor is attached to one portion of the handheld electronic device using an adhesive tape or similar adhesive product. During use, the adhesives often fail, resulting in the alarm sensor losing contact with the handheld electronic device and causing alarms to sound and startle innocent customers, negatively affecting their shopping experience. When these false alarms occur at a high frequency, retailers tend to ignore the alarms or even turn them off to avoid disrupting customer shopping experiences, leaving retailers vulnerable to theft. Furthermore, these alarm sensors are only activated when the alarm sensor loses contact with the portion of the handheld electronic devices to which it has been attached. For example, if the alarm sensor is attached to the battery cover of a wireless phone, a thief can remove and steal the remainder of the wireless phone (i.e., all components but the battery cover) without activating the alarm sensor. In order to combat this, retailers often install a plurality of alarm sensors in multiple locations on the handheld electronic devices (e.g., front and back, inside the battery compartment, etc.). These alarm sensors often hinder customer inspection of the device. In some cases, these alarm sensors installed within the handheld electronic devices can ignite when subjected to excessive heat within the devices. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A security device and base for a mobile device. The security device includes a body, at least two sliding arms coupled to the body, and a leveling plate coupled to the body and configured to receive the mobile device. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a security device for a mobile device is described. The security device includes a body having a first body extension, a second body extension, and an upper surface. A first guide track extends through the first body extension and a second guide track extends through the second body extension, the first guide track positioned opposite the second guide track. A first sliding arm is coupled to the first guide track. The first sliding arm has a distal end, with a first retention member extending substantially horizontally from the distal end of the first sliding arm above a plane of the upper surface of the body. A second sliding arm is coupled to the second guide track, opposite the first sliding arm. The second sliding arm has a distal end from which a second retention member extends substantially horizontally above the plane of the upper surface of the body. A leveling plate is configured to receive the mobile device. The leveling plate is coupled to a component of the security device using one or more leveling screws to allow the leveling plate to move along a Z-axis relative to the upper surface of the body. 
     In another embodiment, a security device for a mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a body having a first body extension, a second body extension, a third body extension, a fourth body extension, and an upper surface. A first guide track extends through and along a length of the first body extension, a second guide track extends through and along a length of the second body extension, a third guide track extends through and along a length of the third body extension, and a fourth guide track extends through and along a length of the fourth body extension. The first guide track is positioned opposite the second guide track and the third guide track is positioned opposite the fourth guide track. A first sliding arm is coupled to the first guide track. The first sliding arm has a distal end with a first retention member extending substantially horizontally from the distal end of the first sliding arm above a plane of the upper surface of the body. A second sliding arm is coupled to the second guide track, opposite the first sliding arm. The second sliding arm has a distal end with a second retention member extending substantially horizontally from the distal end of the second sliding arm above the plane of the upper surface of the body. The first sliding arm and the second sliding arm define a first opposing pair of sliding arms. A third sliding arm is coupled to the third guide track. The third sliding arm has a distal end with a third retention member extending substantially horizontally from the distal end of the third sliding arm above a plane of the upper surface of the body. A fourth sliding arm is coupled to the fourth guide track, opposite the third sliding arm. The fourth sliding arm has a distal end with a fourth retention member extending substantially horizontally therefrom above the plane of the upper surface of the body. The third sliding arm and the fourth sliding arm define a second opposing pair of sliding arms extending substantially perpendicularly to the first opposing pair of sliding arms. A leveling plate is configured to receive the mobile device. The leveling plate is coupled to a component of the security device using one or more leveling screws to allow the leveling plate to move along a Z-axis relative to the upper surface of the body. 
     This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments of the invention. Thus, for further understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, references can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a security device having two sliding arms; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded assembly view of an embodiment of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are illustrative views of a moveable arm of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are illustrative views of a sliding arm of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  are illustrative views of an external retaining ring of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are illustrative views of a body of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustrative view of an axle of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustrative view of a mounting washer of the security device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded assembly view of an embodiment of a security device having three sliding arms; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  are illustrative views of a locking plate of the security device of  FIG. 9 : 
         FIGS. 11A-B  are illustrative views of a body extension of the security device of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a security device having four sliding arms; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the security device of  FIG. 12 : 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded assembly view of the security device of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 15A-15D  are illustrative views of a sliding arm of the security device of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 16A-16D  are illustrative views of a body of the security device of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  are illustrative views of a sliding arm of the security device of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base of a security device; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded assembly view of the base of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIGS. 20A-20D  are illustrative views of a security mount receiver of the base of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIGS. 21A-21D  are illustrative views of an angled holder of the base of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile device security device; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile device security device; and 
         FIG. 24  is an illustration of a mobile device mounted on an embodiment of a mobile device security device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a security device  100 , including two sliding arms  3 , for functional display and security of a handheld mobile electronic device (not shown).  FIG. 2  is an exploded assembly view of the security device  100 , with the components shown in  FIG. 2  further illustrated by  FIGS. 3A-8 . The security device  100  includes a first  1  and second  2  moveable arm and at least two sliding arms  3 , each of which couple to a housing body  7 . The first moveable arm  1  includes a first arm base  84  at its proximal end and has a first retention member  86  extending substantially from the distal end of the first moveable arm  1  above the plane of the upper surface of the housing body  7 . The second moveable arm  2  includes a second arm base  88  at its proximal end and has a second retention member  90  extending substantially from the distal end of the second moveable arm  2  above the plane of the upper surface of the body  7 . Each of the at least two sliding arms  3  includes a third arm base  92  at its proximal end and has a third retention member  94  extending substantially from the distal end of each of the sliding arms  3  above the plane of the upper surface of the body  7 . In one embodiment, at least one of the first, second, and third retention members  86 ,  90 ,  94  can be formed by a single retention hook  120 . In another embodiment, at least one of the first, second, and third retention member  86 ,  90 ,  94  can be formed by a plurality of retention hooks  120 , such as by two retention hooks  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the body  7  includes at least two body extensions or legs  96  ( FIGS. 6A-6C ), to each of which a sliding arm  3  is coupled. The body extensions  96  can be integral with the body ( FIG. 1 ) or the body extensions  96  can be separate components that are coupled to the body  7  ( FIG. 9 ). In this embodiment, a guide groove or track  80  ( FIGS. 6A, 6C ) extends through each of the at least two body extensions, to which each of the at least two sliding arms  3  couple. The track  80  can act as a guide for movement of each sliding arm  3  along the body  7 . For example, the tracks  80  can extend through the body extension  96  along a length of the body extension  96 . A fastener  12  can extend through an aperture  122  in each sliding arm  3  and the respective track  80  to couple the sliding arm  3  to the track  80 . The body extension  96  can have a smooth surface so that the sliding arm  3  slides smoothly along the track  80 . When the sliding arm  3  reaches the desired position along the track  80 , the fastener can lock the sliding arm  3  in position on the track  80 . 
     In another embodiment, illustrated by  FIGS. 9-11B , the body  7  includes three body extensions  96 , to each of which a sliding arm  3  is coupled. The body extensions  96  can be integral with the body ( FIG. 1 ) or the body extensions  96  can be separate components that are coupled to the body  7  ( FIG. 9 ). In an embodiment, each body extension  96  has a T-shape. Each body extension  96  has a top or upper surface  98  and a bottom or lower surface  101  and a groove or track  80  ( FIG. 11A ) extending therethrough and along a length of the body extension  96 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface  101  of each body extension  96  has a plurality of teeth or ridges  106  ( FIGS. 11A-11B ) formed thereon along the length of the body extension  96  around the track  80 . A locking plate  108  with a generally rectangular shape has an upper surface  110  and a lower surface  112  ( FIGS. 10A-10B ). The upper surface  110  of the locking plate  108  has a plurality of teeth or ridges  114  formed thereon. The upper surface  110  of the locking plate  108  contacts the lower surface  101  of the body extension  96  such that the teeth  114  of the locking plate  108  interlock with the teeth  106  of the body extension  96 . A fastener  116  can extend through an aperture  118  in the locking plate  108  and the track  80  of the body extension  96  into the respective sliding arm  3 . In this embodiment, the fastener  116  can be loosened to allow the sliding arm  3  and locking plate  108  to slide along the body extension  96 . When the sliding arm  3  reaches the desired location, the fastener  116  can be tightened so that the teeth  114  of the locking plate  108  interlock with the teeth  106  of the body extension  96  to lock the sliding arm  3  in position. 
     In an embodiment, the security device can include as many locking plates  108  as body extensions  96 . For example, the security device can include two (2), three (3), or four (4) body extensions, with a corresponding number of locking plates. The number of body extensions can be determined based on the design of the mobile device to be retained by the security device. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1-3D and 7 , the horizontal movement (i.e., extending and retracting) of the first moveable arm  1  and second moveable arm  2  along the X axis is controlled by the rotation of an axle  8 , which extends through the first side and the second side of the body  7  and includes two threaded ends, each of which is machined with a thread pattern that is counter rotational to the other. Correspondingly, a threaded hole in each of the first moveable arm  1  and the second moveable arm  2  are each machined with a thread pattern that is counter rotational to the other. In operation, one threaded end of the axle  8  is complementary to and inserted in the threaded hole of the first moveable arm  1 , while the second threaded end of the axle  8  is complementary to and inserted in the threaded hole of the second moveable arm  2 . The axle  8  is held in place by axle snap rings  4 , which are attached at opposing end portions of the axle  8  and so positioned to abut the side walls of the body  7 . 
     The rotation of axle  8  is controlled by inserting a suitable tool into a hex key hole at the tip of the axle  8 . Screwing the tool screws the opposing threaded ends of the axle into the threaded holes of the moveable arms  1 ,  2 , respectively, which serves to move the first moveable arm  1  and second moveable arm  2  towards one another, and retracting towards the center of the body  7 . Conversely, when the axle  8  is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, the first moveable arm  1  and second moveable arm  2  are moved away from each other, and extending away from the center of the body  7 . In this fashion, the first moveable arm  1  and the second moveable arm  2  can be infinitely adjusted to clamp onto and securely hold the sides and top edges of a handheld electronic device. 
     Guiding pins  9  ( FIG. 2 ) are fixedly attached to the moveable arms  1 ,  2 . Each guiding pin  9  extends through a guide hole  124  ( FIG. 3A ). Each pin  9  is parallel to the axis of the axle  8 , and in the same plane thereof. As the axle  8  is rotated, thereby moving first moveable arm  1  and second moveable arm  2  into a wider or narrower adjustment state, the guiding pins  9  slide correspondingly through the guide holes. The guiding pins  9  function as stabilizer means to prevent the moveable arms  1 ,  2  from deviating from their fixed alignment, which in turn maintains the perpendicular alignment of the first moveable arm  1  and the second moveable arm  2  as they move through various states of adjustment as described above. While the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-8  has two locator pins  9  per arm  1 ,  2 , each arm  1 ,  2  can have more or less guiding pins  9 . 
     The security device  100  also includes a mounting rod  10  coupled to the body  7  and configured to be received in a base  104 , described below with reference to  FIGS. 18-21D . A washer  11  is positioned on the mounting rod  10  for tightening the body  7  to a base receiver, discussed below. The security device  100  additionally includes a leveling plate  6 , leveling plate stud(s)  5 , and screw(s)  12 . The mobile device is coupled to the leveling plate  6 , which couples to the body  7  using the leveling plate studs  5 . In an embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the leveling plate  6  is coupled to the body  7 . In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a leveling plate  6  can be coupled to each sliding arm  3 . In yet another embodiment, not illustrated, a leveling plate  6  can be coupled to the body  7  and to each sliding arm  3 . The number and position of the leveling plate(s)  6  can be determined based on the design of the mobile device to be displayed. The leveling plate stud  5  and the screws  12  are configured to couple to the body such that the leveling plate stud  5  and the screws  12  are not accessible when the security device  100  is received in the base. 
     Vertical movement of the leveling plate  6  along the Z axis is controlled by the rotation of one or more of the threaded leveling plate studs  5 , which can be fixedly attached to the leveling plate  6 . The leveling plate studs  5  can be fasteners, such as screws. Here, it is important to note that while the leveling plate studs  5  are fixedly attached to the leveling plate  6 , the leveling plate studs  5  are attached in a manner that allows the full and unencumbered rotation of the threaded leveling plate studs  5  in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions. When the leveling plate studs  5  are rotated clockwise into threaded holes  13 , the leveling plate studs  5  rise along the threads of threaded holes  13  in the body  7 , thereby elevating the end of the leveling plate studs  5  that are fixedly attached to the leveling plate  6 . The threaded holes  13  are built up on the bottom of the body  7  to accept the leveling plate studs  5 . In this manner, the leveling plate  6  may be elevated in a gradual and controlled manner. Conversely, when the threaded leveling plate studs  5  are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the leveling plate  6  is lowered along the threads of the threaded holes  13  in a likewise gradual and controlled manner. Each end of the leveling plate  6  may be raised or lowered, by alternate turn, in graduated increments, thereby raising or lowering the plate  6  in a level manner. This allows the leveling plate  6  to function substantially as a screw type jack to elevate the handheld electronic device and press it securely against the arms  1 ,  2 , and  3 , thereby holding the device fixedly between the leveling plate  6  and the arms  1 ,  2 ,  3 . 
     While the features of the security device  10  described above provide sufficient security against removing the handheld electronic device  8  from the security device  10 , retailers often want additional security and functionality from their display devices. For example, if a tether or other cord holding the security device  10  were cut, absent other security features, a thief may be able to remove handheld electronic device perhaps without the knowledge of the retailer. To provide additional security, in one embodiment of the invention, an alarm sensor (not shown) is provided on the leveling plate  6  that sets when placed in contact with the surface of the handheld electronic device and will activate when the alarm sensor loses contact with the device or is otherwise tampered with. The alarm sensor can generate any suitable type of alarm, such as a visual alarm, an audible alarm, or a combination of a visual and audible alarm. A number of different types of alarm sensors can be used, such as a tape-style or a plunger-style sensor. A cable (e.g., containing two wires) can connect the alarm sensor to a printed circuit board (PCB). The cable should be long enough to allow the leveling plate  6  to move vertically as required. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the washer  11  includes a cutout section  14 , such as a semi-circular cutout section, configured to permit passage of electronic cables, such as the charging cable or the alarm cable. 
       FIGS. 12-17C  illustrate another embodiment of a security device  102  including four sliding arms  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 . The sliding arms  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  couple to tracks  82  in the body  19  with fasteners  20 , such as screws. A mounting rod  22  is coupled to a rear face of the body  19  and is configured to be received in a base  104  ( FIG. 19 ). A mounting washer  24  is positioned on the mounting rod  22  and a wing nut  26  is also positioned on the mounting rod  22  for tightening the security device  102  to the base  104 . Similar to the mounting washer  11  described with regard to  FIGS. 1 and 8  above, the mounting washer  24  includes a cutout portion, such as a semi-circular cutout portion, to allow passage of electronic cables. The security device  102  additionally includes a leveling plate  28 , which couples to the body  19  with leveling plate stud(s)  30 . The leveling studs  30  can be adjusted to capture the mobile device between the leveling plate  28  and the arms  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a base  104  in which the security devices  100 ,  102  described above can be received. The base  104  includes fasteners  32  and wing nuts  34 , which are configured to couple the base  104  to a mounting surface. The fasteners  32  are configured to extend through the mounting surface and the wing nuts  34  threadably engage the fasteners  32  to tighten the base  104  to the mounting surface. The mounting surface can be configured such that when the base  104  is mounted to the mounting surface, the fasteners  32  and wing nuts  34  are inaccessible to a customer. 
     As illustrated by  FIG. 19 , a receiver  36  couples to a base body  38 . Fasteners  40  can couple the receiver  36  to the base body  38 . The receiver  36  is configured to receive a security device  100 ,  102  ( FIGS. 1, 12, 13 ). The receiver  36  includes a central aperture  42  ( FIG. 20D ) through which the mounting rod  10 ,  22  of the security device  100 ,  102  extends. The mounting washer  11 ,  24  is received in a recess or counterbore  44  ( FIG. 20C ) located at the bottom of the receiver  36  and the wing nut  26  engaged to couple the security device  100 ,  102  to the receiver  36 . In particular, as the wing nut  26  is rotated, the washer  11 ,  24  is pushed into and against the counterbore  44  and forms the bottom of the receiver  36 , creating tension to allow the wing nut  26  to pull the mounting rod  10 ,  22  into the receiver  36 . 
     Upon coupling the security device  100 ,  102  to the receiver  36 , the receiver  36  is coupled to the base body  38  and the base body  38  is coupled to a mounting surface. When the security device  100 ,  102  is coupled to the receiver  36  and the base body  38 , the mounting rod  22  and the wing nut  26  are concealed within the receiver  36  and are inaccessible to a customer. 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a security device  46  including four sliding arms configured to hold a mobile device, such as a tablet. This embodiment of the security device  46  is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12-17C  in that the security device  46  includes four sliding arms  48 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 . In this embodiment, at least one arm  56  is oversized to accommodate folding mobile devices, such as a mobile device with a detachable keyboard. This oversized arm  56  includes an elbow portion  58  to allow display of the mobile device in an angled configuration, for example, with a screen angled relative to an attached keyboard. 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a security device  60 . Similar to the security device  46  described above, the security device  60  can have four sliding arms  48 ,  52 ,  54 ,  62 , including one oversized sliding arm  62 . In this embodiment, the oversized sliding arm  62  has a first mounting portion  64  formed by first and second sub-arms or secondary retention members  66 ,  68 , at least one of which is a sliding arm. In addition, the oversized sliding arm  62  cooperates with the remaining sliding arms  48 ,  52 ,  54  to form a second mounting portion  70 . The security device  60  can be used to display a two-piece mobile device. For example, a mobile device with a detachable keyboard can be displayed in the security device  60 , with the mobile device held in the first mounting portion  64  and the detachable keyboard held in the second mounting portion  70 . In this way, a two-piece mobile device can be securely displayed while clearly identifying the mobile device as a two-piece device. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device  72  mounted to a security device  74  coupled to a base  76  and a mounting surface  78 . 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements. 
     The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.