Patent Publication Number: US-8523122-B2

Title: Display apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/561,458, filed Sep. 17, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Display fixtures can be used in retail stores or other environments to present various products to consumers. For example, electronic devices can be displayed in stores to draw the interest of potential consumers. The display fixtures may provide the consumers with the opportunity to handle or use a number of sample devices before purchasing an electronic device in a sealed package. 
     For example, display fixtures can secure sample video game consoles in an enclosure so that consumers can play one or more video games or otherwise test the video game consoles. Such display fixtures often include a video display device and one or more game controllers that are connected to the video game console on display. The sample video game console may be enclosed so that the consumer can access only the handheld controllers, but a store worker can provide a video game console of the same type in a sealed package for purchase by the consumer. 
     Some display fixtures are specifically designed to provide consumer access to a number of digital cameras. Sample cameras can be lifted from a display fixture so that consumers can handle and explore features. A security tether cable may be connected between each of the sample cameras and the display fixture so as to deter theft. If a sample camera is moved beyond a predetermined distance from the display fixture, the security tether cable can activate an audible alarm to alert store workers. The audible alarm may continue until a store worker arrives at the display fixture to deactivate the alarm. 
     Other display fixtures are configured to retain cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or other portable communication devices. The sample communication devices that are displayed at such a fixture may be arranged so that consumers can handle the device and inspect the user interface. In some circumstances, security tether cables are connected to the sample communication devices so as to deter theft. Here again, if a sample communication device is moved beyond a predetermined distance from the display fixture, the security tether cable can activate an audible alarm to alert store workers. The audible alarm may continue until a store worker arrives at the display fixture to deactivate the alarm. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A display apparatus for portable electronic device including a base, a plurality of mounting sleeves, a plurality of mounting posts, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a power supply unit. The base has a lockable panel that conceals an interior space at least partially defined by the base. The plurality of mounting sleeves are coupled to the base. The plurality of mounting posts are lockingly engaged with the mounting sleeves in the interior space at least partially defined by the base. The plurality of mounting brackets are secured to the plurality of mounting posts, each of the mounting brackets fixedly retaining a respective portable electronic device of a plurality of portable electronic devices so that the respective portable electronic device is rigidly secured relative to the base. The power supply unit is concealed in the base and has a plurality of power ports shaped to receive automotive accessory power plugs from the plurality of portable electronic devices fixedly retained in the mounting brackets. The base defines a top surface. Each mounting sleeve of the plurality of mounting sleeves is hollow, defines an internal cavity, and extends below the top surface of the base into the interior space. Each of the plurality of mounting posts is slidably engaged within the cavity of and footlessly removable from a corresponding one of the mounting sleeves coupled to the base. Each of the plurality of mounting posts extends upwardly from the corresponding one of the plurality of mounting sleeves through and upwardly beyond the top surface of the base. Other apparatus, devices, methods, and systems are also disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus for displaying portable GPS units or other electronic devices in a retail environment, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  in an opened position. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1 , with one of the portable GPS units removed from the display apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4-5  are perspective views of a mounting assembly to releasably lock with a portion of the display apparatus of  FIG. 1  and to retain a portable GPS unit or other electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 4-5  and a portable GPS unit to be retained in the mounting assembly, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is flow diagram depicting the new installation of, or replacement of, a portable GPS unit at a display apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , some embodiments of a display apparatus  100  present portable consumer electronic devices, such as portable GPS units  110 , to consumers in a retail store environment. In this embodiment, the display apparatus  100  includes a mounting assembly  130  having a security bracket  140  that grasps a corresponding portable GPS unit  110  to fixedly secure the portable GPS unit  110  to a base  120 . As such, a plurality of the portable GPS units  110  are presented to consumers in a manner that promotes consumer access and interaction with the user interface of each unit  110 . In some circumstances, a consumer may swivel the security bracket and the GPS unit  110  retained therein relative to the base  120 , but the GPS unit  110  cannot be lifted or otherwise moved away from the base  120 . As such, the display apparatus need not employ security tether cables that activate an audible alarm because the sample GPS units  110  are rigidly locked at a selected distance relative to the base  120  of the display apparatus  100 . 
     Briefly, in use, the base  120  can be unlocked and hingedly raised to reveal an internal space  121  ( FIGS. 2-3 ) accessible by a user, such as a store worker. As such, the store worker may access an internal space  121  of the display apparatus  100  so as to unlock the mounting assembly  130  from the base  120  and thereby remove a selected GPS unit  110  (and its associated mounting assembly) from the display apparatus  100 . Because the mounting assembly  130  (including the security bracket  140 ) securely couples with the portable GPS unit  110  even when the unit  110  is separated from the display apparatus  100 , the portable GPS unit  110  is less susceptible to theft by nearby persons or a store worker. Moreover, each portable GPS unit  110  intended for presentation on the display apparatus  100  can be delivered to the store (e.g., from a remote vendor, distribution hub, or the like) in a pre-assembled state with the mounting assembly  130  securely coupled thereto. Thereafter, a store worker can readily connect a power cord, such as an automotive accessory plug (e.g., a car adapter plug or the like) that is provided with most GPS units, to a corresponding port in the base  120  and install the mounting assembly  130  (including the GPS unit  110  securely coupled thereto) to the base  120  of the display apparatus  100 . When the base  120  is closed and locked, the consumers can view and handle any of the sample GPS units, but have no access to the power supply or the locking mechanism of the mounting assembly  130  arranged in the internal space  121 . 
     Accordingly, in some implementations, consumers in a retail environment can examine and handle one or more of the portable GPS units  110  that are secured to the display apparatus  100 , without requiring a store worker to unlock a secured container and remove the GPS units from inside the container. In such embodiments, the display apparatus  100  lockingly secures each of the portable GPS units  110  at a fixed distance from the base  120 , thus reducing the time spent by store workers tiring to prevent heft of the sample units  110  and deactivating security tether alarms (after consumers incidentally pull security tether cables). Furthermore, in particular embodiments the display apparatus  100  is configured to allow for prompt and toolless removal of old portable GPS units  110  and installation of new models of portable GPS units  110  (e.g., when new models become available). 
     It should be understood from the description herein that the display apparatus  100  can be configured to retain portable electronic devices other than the GPS units  110  described in connection with  FIG. 1 . For example, in alternative embodiments, the display apparatus  100  may be configured to display digital cameras, cellular phones, PDAs, or other portable electronic devices. 
     When the mounting assembly  130  is secured in the display apparatus  100  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the elongate configuration of the mounting assembly  130  may arrange the corresponding GPS unit  110  substantially at hand-level for the consumers passing through the store aisle. The mounting bracket  140  may have a reduced size so as to provide the consumer with access to most or all of the user interface functions of the GPS unit  110 . As such, each consumer can examine and try out one or more of the GPS units  110  without requiring the presence of a store worker. Furthermore, the secure configuration provided by the display apparatus  100  can reduce the likelihood of theft of the displayed GPS units  110 . Moreover, the store workers are not necessarily required to attend to security tether cables and their associated alarm system, thereby allowing the store workers to spend more of their time on other work tasks (e.g., servicing consumers). 
     In some embodiments, information about the GPS units  110  can be displayed on a visible surface of the base  120  or on a rear wall behind the individual GPS units  110 , thus communicating information about each of the individual GPS units  110  (e.g., price, warrantees, special features, and the like). Additionally, the base  120  of the display apparatus  100  can be mounted to the top side of a secured cabinet (e.g., the display cabinet  105 ) containing the packaged GPS units  110  available for purchase and transport by the consumers. Such a configuration may permit store workers to promptly locate a boxed GPS unit  110  (e.g., that the customer can purchase) of the same model identified and selected by a consumer from the array of GPS units  110  displayed over the base  120 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the mounting assemblies  130  are uniformly spaced along a line in the base  120  and the mounting assemblies  130  are of similar heights and secure the GPS units  110  of similar sizes. In alternative embodiments, the base  120  can include mounting sleeves in different configurations (e.g., staggered) and the mounting assemblies  130  can be of differing heights. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3 , in some embodiments, the base  120  of the display apparatus includes a plurality of mounting sleeves  125  that extend at least partially into the internal space  121  defined, at least in part, by the base  120 . Each mounting sleeve  125  can accept and secure a corresponding mounting assembly  130 . As will be described in greater detail below, each mounting assembly  130  optionally includes a security bracket  140  coupled to a substantially hollow mounting post  135 , which can slidably mate with the mounting sleeve  125 . In such circumstances, a store can readily remove or install one or more mounting assemblies  130  (including the GPS units  110  secured thereto) relative to the base  120  of the display apparatus  100 . The mounting post  135  and sleeve  125  can securely mate in a manner so that removal and installation can be accomplished without the use of handheld tools or special wiring (e.g., custom power cords, custom power adapters, or the like), thereby reducing the time spent by store workers on updating or maintaining the display apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the base  120  includes a locking mechanism  122  for securing the base  120  in the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . The base  120  can be locked in the dosed configuration to present the GPS units  110  to consumers in a retail environment while limiting access to the features that secure the mounting assembly  130  to the base  120 . While the base  120  is in the closed configuration, the GPS units  110  are presented in such a way as to encourage consumers to access and interact with the user interface  116  of each GPS unit  110  while being generally unable to lift or otherwise separate the individual GPS units  110  from the base  120 . As such, consumers may interact with and explore features of the GPS units  110  without requiring a store worker to remove individual GPS units  110  from a display. Furthermore, since the GPS units  110  are secured to the base  120 , the display apparatus  100  need not employ security tether cables to activate an audible alarm when individual GPS units  110  are moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base  120 . 
     The base  120  may be maintained in the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 1  until such a time as one or more GPS units  110  are added or removed from the base  120 . For example, manufacturers nay regularly release new models of GPS units that include new features, at which time the older models of GPS units can be removed from the display apparatus  100  and replaced with the newer models. When replacing GPS units  110  in the display apparatus  100 , it is advantageous for store workers to promptly and toollessly replace the individual GPS units  110 . At the same time, it is also advantageous to make the GPS units less susceptible to theft by store workers or other nearby persons. In some embodiments, new GPS units can be shipped from a remote vendor, distribution hub, or the like, in a pre-assembled state secured to the mounting assembly  130 . In such embodiments, a retail store can receive a new GPS unit secured to a security bracket  140  and mounting assembly  130  at which time a store worker can replace a GPS unit  110  currently secured to the display apparatus  100  with the new GPS unit and mounting assembly  130 . 
     Accordingly, a store worker can transition the base  120  from the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 1  to the open configuration shown in  FIG. 2  by unlocking the mechanism  122  and pivoting the top portion  123  of the base  120 , which can at least partially separate the top portion  123  from the bottom portion  124  and expose the interior space  121 . The top portion  123  may be sloped generally downward toward the front of the base  120  when in the closed configuration so that additional clearance space is provided when the base  120  is in the open configuration (e.g., when the top portion  123  is pivoted upward from the bottom portion  124 ). As will be described in greater detail below, once the base  120  is in the open configuration shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , a store worker can remove one or more of the individual GPS units  110  and replace them with new GPS units  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the display apparatus  100  can be configured to include features that allow the individual GPS units  110  to be displayed to retail consumers in a fully functional state without the use of special power adapters, customized power cables or power sources, or the like. For example, individual GPS units  110  can be supplied from the manufacturer with corresponding power cords  112  that can connect to standard automotive accessory power ports (e.g., ports to receive car adapter plugs, cigarette lighter ports, or the like). In such circumstances, the display apparatus  100  can be equipped with a power distribution block  160  that includes one or more power ports  162 , on an exterior surface, that can accept standard automotive power plugs, such as a power plug  114  included on one end of the power cord  112  supplied by the manufacturer of the GPS unit  110 . The power distribution block  160  in this embodiment includes a source power cord  164  with a standard AC power plug (not shown) configured to be connected to a standard AC outlet at the rear or side of the display apparatus  100 . The source power cord  164  can be attached to the power distribution block  160  and configured to exit the base  120  (e.g., through a rear aperture). The power distribution block  160  can contain circuitry that converts standard AC power (e.g., 110-120 volt 60 Hz, 220-240 volt 50 Hz, or the like) to about the same voltage as available from a power port found in an automobile (e.g., about 12 volt DC in some embodiments). As such, the GPS units  110  can be powered using the standard automotive power cords  112  supplied by the manufacturer of the GPS units  110 . This configuration can advantageously reduce the costs incurred by the retail store in displaying the GPS units  110 . Because such power cords  112  are commonly supplied in retail packages with the individual GPS units  110 , the retail store is not necessarily required to install custom power cables and power sources for the display units. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , some embodiments of the display apparatus  100  include the security bracket  140  that grasps a corresponding portable GPS unit  110  to fixedly secure the portable GPS unit  110  to the mounting post  135 . As will be described in greater detail below, white the security bracket  140  can secure a corresponding GPS unit  110  to the mounting post  135 , the security bracket  140  can be configured to allow a use pivot the individual GPS units  110  with respect to a horizontal axis  141  ( FIG. 5 ) such that the angle between a plane defined by the user interface  116  of the GPS unit  110  and the longitudinal axis of the mounting post  135  can be changed by a consumer. For example, a retail consumer can adjust the GPS unit  110  such that the user interface  116  can be more comfortably and conveniently viewed by the consumer and such that functions of the user interface  116  can be more comfortably accessed by the consumer. This adjustment of the angle of the GPS unit  110  can be accomplished by a consumer without the use of tools and while the GPS unit  110  remains lockingly secured to the base  120 . In such an arrangement, the GPS unit  110  can be pivoted with respect to the horizontal axis  141  ( FIG. 5 ) while the mounting assembly (including the security bracket  140  and the mounting post  135 ) can rigidly maintain the pivot axis  141  ( FIG. 5 ) a fixed distance from the base  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the display apparatus  100  can be configured to include features that reduce the time spent by store workers removing or installing one or more mounting assemblies  130  (including corresponding GPS units  110  secured thereto). Moreover, the display apparatus  100  in this embodiment includes features that deter theft of the GPS units  110  to be displayed by the apparatus  100 . For example, an individual mounting assembly  130  can be delivered to a store (e.g., from a remote vendor, distribution hub, or the like) in a pre-assembled state with a GPS unit  110  securely coupled thereto, thereby deterring theft of the GPS unit  100  not only while being displayed by the apparatus  100 , but also prior to and after display in the apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a distribution hub can receive individual GPS units  110  to sell in a retail store, an example of which can be chosen to be displayed in a retail store environment. At the distribution hub, a mounting assembly  130  can be selected from available stock to be secured to the chosen GPS unit. In some embodiments, GPS units  110  of differing sizes may require individual mounting assemblies that include differently sized security brackets  140 . In some embodiments, the security brackets  140  may be adjustable such that a single security bracket may secure more than one size of GPS unit. As will be described in greater detail below, the security bracket  140  may be configured such that once a GPS unit  110  is secured in the security bracket  140 , one or more special security tools are required to remove the GPS unit  110  from the security bracket  140 . Such security tools may be available only to those workers who are different from the local store workers that install the mounting assemblies  130  into the base  120  at a local retail store. 
     At the distribution hub, the power cord  112  (with automotive power plug  114 ) supplied by the manufacturer of the GPS unit  110  can also be passed through the hollow interior space of the mounting post  135  such that the distal end of the power cord  112  containing the automotive adapter  114  is closest to the distal end  136  of the mounting post  135 . The proximal end of the power cord  112  (e.g., including a plug configured to be connected into the GPS unit  110 ) can be inserted into a corresponding power port on the GPS unit  110 . The mounting assembly  130  (including the secured GPS unit  110  and attached power cord  112 ) can then be shipped from the distribution hub to a retail store environment. Accordingly, theft of the display unit  110  may be hindered because each GPS unit  100  is lockingly coupled to the mounting assembly  130  prior to delivery at a retail store environment. In such circumstances, local store workers and nearby consumers will not have access to the GPS unit  110  in a condition that is unlocked from the mounting assembly  130 , whether the GPS unit  110  is coupled to or separated from the display base  120 . 
     In some embodiments, when a new mounting assembly  130 ′ coupled to a GPS unit  110 ′ (e.g., a new model) and power cord  112 ′ are received in a store, a local store worker may promptly install the GPS unit  110 ′ to the display apparatus  100  by sliding the mounting assembly  130 ′ into a selected sleeve  125  of the base  120  and inserting the power plug  114 ′ in the power block  160 . Such an installation process does not require the use of handheld tools or complex assembly tasks by the store worker. In this way, time spent by store worker is decreased. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the mounting assemblies  130  can be configured such that store workers can install mounting assemblies  130  in the display base  120  without the use of tools or the need for additional power adapters, cords, or the like, further reducing the time spent by store workers coupling the GPS units  110  to the display apparatus  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-4 , in some embodiments, the substantially hollow mounting post  135  includes a locking pin  137  near the distal end  136  that is resiliently biased to extend radially outward from the mounting post  135 . For example, the locking pin  137  can be spring-biased to extend outward and can slide radially inward into an aperture in the post  135  in response to a pushing force. In such a configuration, an individual mounting assembly  130  can be secured to the base  120  by inserting the distal end  136  of the mounting post into one of the non-occupied mounting sleeves  125 . As the distal end  136  is inserted in the mounting sleeve  125 , an outer edge  126  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the mounting sleeve can overcome the bias of the locking pin  137 , thus causing the locking pin  137  to slide radially inward. When the locking pin  137  is slid radially inward a sufficient distance (e.g., when the outermost surface of the locking pin  137  is substantially flush with the outer surface of the mounting post  135 , the mounting post  135  may be further inserted into the mounting sleeve  125  until the locking pin  137  resiliently pops radially outward into a securing orifice  127  included in the mounting sleeve  125 . The location of the locking pin  137  and corresponding orifice  127  can ensure that when the locking pin  137  is positioned in the orifice  127 , the GPS display unit  110  is in a desired orientation (e.g., facing toward the front of the base  120 ). Certain features of the mounting sleeve  125 , such as a stop  128 , can assist a store worker in aligning the locking pin  137  with the orifice  127 . For example, a store worker may insert the mounting post  135  into the sleeve  125  until the distal end  136  of the mounting post  135  contacts the stop  128 , thus ensuring that the locking pin  137  and the orifice  127  are longitudinally aligned. The store worker can then rotate the mounting assembly  130  while maintaining the distal end  136  of the mounting post against the stop  128  until the locking pin  137  and the orifice  127  are also radially aligned, such that the locking pin  137  resiliently pops into the orifice  127 , thus securing the mounting assembly  130  and coupled GPS unit  110  in a desired orientation. Features, in addition to or in lieu of the stop  128 , can be included in the display apparatus  100  to assist store workers in securing the mounting assembly to the base  120  and aligning the GPS unit  110  in a desired orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting assembly  130  (and the GPS unit  110  and power cord  112  coupled thereto) can be removed from the base  120  of the display apparatus  100  without the use of handheld tools in a manner substantially the reverse of aforementioned installation. For example, when the display apparatus  100  is in the open configuration shown in  FIG. 2  (e.g., by unlocking the mechanism  122  and lifting the top portion  123  of the base  120  to expose the internal space  121 ), the mounting assembly  130  can be promptly removed in a toolless manner. A store worker can unplug the power plug  114  from the power distribution block  160 , push the locking pin  137  radially inward, and retract the mounting post  135  from the mounting sleeve  125 . The entire mounting assembly  130  (and the GPS unit  110  and power cord  112  coupled thereto) then can be packaged at the store and shipped to, for example, a distribution hub for removal of the security bracket  140 . This configuration can decrease the time spent by a store worker in removing the GPS unit  110  from the display apparatus  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , the mounting assembly  130  in this embodiment includes the mounting post  135  that can be coupled to the display base  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the security bracket  140  attached thereto that can be coupled to a portable electronics device, such as the GPS unit  110 . In some embodiments, when the GPS unit  110  is coupled to the security bracket  140  and the mounting post  135  is coupled to the base  120  of a display apparatus  100  located in a retail store, the GPS unit  110  is securely attached to the display apparatus  100  and can be presented to consumers in a manner that promotes consumer access and interaction with the user interface  116  of the GPS unit  110 . For example, in this embodiment, the mounting assembly  130  includes the mounting post  135  that can elevate the corresponding GPS unit  110  to be substantially at hand-level of a consumer passing through a store aisle. The security bracket  140  can be configured to pivot around the horizontal axis  141  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) such that a consumer can pivot the GPS unit  110  until the user interface  116  of the GPS unit  110  is substantially aligned with the sight line of the consumer. This configuration further encourages the consumer to interact with the individual GPS units  110  coupled to the display apparatus  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the security bracket  140  includes one or more lower corner brackets  142  and a top bracket  144  that can secure a GPS unit to backing plates  146  and  148  of the security bracket  140 , while limiting the portions of the GPS unit  110  that are visually blocked by the security bracket  140 . As such, the brackets  142  and  144  can be configured to be large enough to secure a GPS unit, but small enough to not adversely affect the visibility of a GPS unit  110  secured to the security bracket  140 , while also providing access to the power port of the GPS unit  110 . The backing plates  146  and  148  can define an opening  150  whereby a substantial portion of the back face of a GPS unit mounted thereto can be accessed. For example, the opening  150  can allow access to a power port in the GPS unit  110  so that the power cord  112  (see  FIGS. 2-3 ) can be attached to the GPS unit  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the backing plates  146  and  148  can be arranged in a substantially parallel manner such that they are in contact with each other and can be secured via connecting flanges  147  and  149  using fasteners  152 . The backing plate  146  in this embodiment includes mounting flanges  154  that can be secured to a top plate  138  of the mounting post  135  using fasteners (e.g., bolts  155  and nuts  156 ) such that when secured, the security bracket  140  can pivot around the axis  141 , but may not separate from the mounting post  135 . The top plate  138  optionally includes flanges  139  that can be secured to flanges  154  and can limit the degree to which the security bracket  140  can pivot in relation to the mounting post  135 . In some embodiments, the bolts  155  and nuts  156  can be configured to include security features that make disassembly more difficult without the use of specialty security tools. With such a configuration, it can be more difficult for the security bracket  140  to be separated from the mounting post  135 , thus reducing the susceptibility of the GPS unit  110  to theft. For example, the bolts  155  may be configured such that specialty tools (e.g., torx bits, security torx bits, hex bits, proprietary tools, or the like) can be used to remove the security bracket  140  from the mounting post  135 . In another example, in lieu of the bolts  155  and nuts  156 , rivets can be used to permanently secure the bracket  140  to the post  135 . As the difficulty of removing the bracket  140  from the post  135  increases, the susceptibility of the GPS unit  110  to theft can decrease. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , fasteners  152  can be removed, thus allowing the backing plate  148  (and attached top mounting bracket  144 ) to be separated from the remainder of the security bracket  140 . In the separated configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , GPS units  110  can be removed from and installed into the security bracket  140 . For example, the fasteners can be removed and the backing plate  148  can be separated as shown in  FIG. 6  and the GPS unit (if installed) can be removed from the security bracket  140 . Subsequently, a new GPS unit  110  can be installed (for example, at a distribution hub remote from the retail store environment) by placing the new GPS unit  110  against the backing plate  146  such that a back face  117  of the GPS unit is in contact with the front face  157  of the backing plate  146  and the corners  118  of the GPS unit  110  are surrounded by the corner brackets  142 . The backing plate  148  can be assembled by placing the top bracket  144  such that the bracket  144  surrounds a top edge  119  of the GPS unit  110  and the front face  157  of the backing plate  148  is in contact with the rear face  159  of the backing plate  146 . Once secured using the fasteners  152 , the vertical movement of the GPS unit  110 , relative to the security bracket  140 , is limited by the corner brackets  142  and the top bracket  144  and the horizontal movement of the GPS unit  110 , relative to the security bracket  140 , is limited by the corner brackets  142 . 
     In this configuration, the GPS unit  110  is secured to the security bracket  140 , while reducing the portion of the GPS unit  110  that is concealed by the brackets  142  and  144  and the backing plates  146  and  148 . As with the bolts  155 , the fasteners  152  can be configured to include security features that increase the difficulty of disassembly without the use of specialty security tools. With such a configuration, it can be more difficult for the backing plates  146  and  148  to be separated from one another (allowing the GPS unit  110  to be removed from the security bracket  140 ), thus reducing the susceptibility of the GPS unit  110  to theft. For example, the fasteners may be configured such that specialty tools (e.g., torx bits, security torx bits, hex bits, proprietary tools, or the like) can be used to remove the fasteners  152 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a retail store can replace one or more GPS units on display in a display apparatus, for example, with newer models of GPS units. In some examples, the retail store can receive new GPS units already assembled in mounting assemblies from, for example, a distribution hub, third-party vendor, or the like. Since the GPS units come pre-assembled in the mounting assemblies, installation in the display apparatus located in the store can be performed promptly and without the use of tools. Additionally, since the GPS units can arrive in the store already assembled in mounting assemblies, the security of the individual GPS units is maintained, even when not installed in a display apparatus. For example, a portable GPS unit is a small item that could easily be removed from a store in a pant pocket, backpack, jacket pocket, or the like. When assembled in a mounting assembly, the overall size of the GPS unit/mounting assembly is greatly increased, thus making removal from the store without detection less likely. In such a way, the susceptibility of the GPS unit to theft is decreased when attached to a mounting assembly. Furthermore, in embodiments where special tools are required to remove the GPS from the mounting assembly, the difficulty of separating a GPS unit from a mounting assembly is increased. For example, when a GPS unit arrives pre-assembled at a store in a mounting assembly, it is unnecessary for the store to maintain special tools to assemble individual GPS units in mounting assemblies. Without access to the specialty tools, the difficulty of separating the GPS unit from the mounting assemblies is increased, thus the susceptibility of the GPS unit to theft is decreased when attached to a mounting assembly using specialty fasteners. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an illustrative process  200  for replacing a GPS unit  110  in a display apparatus  100  can include a number of operations performed in a retail store environment by one or more store workers. In operation  205 , one or more GPS units  110  can be received in the store after having been previously coupled to a mounting assembly  130  (see  FIG. 3 ). The GPS units  110  can be coupled to corresponding mounting assemblies  130  at a remote site, for example, a distribution hub, third-party vendor, or the like. In operation  210 , a store worker can open a display apparatus  100 , thus exposing the interior space  121  within the base  120  of the display apparatus. This can be accomplished, for example, by using keys to unlock the locking mechanism  122  of the base  120 . Once the base  120  is opened, the store worker can remove old GPS units  110  from the display and install new GPS units  110 . In operation  215 , the power plug  114  coupled to an old. GPS unit  110  that is to be removed can be unplugged from the power distribution block  160 . In operation  220 , the mounting assembly  130  (along with the GPS unit  110  and power cord  112  coupled thereto) can be removed from the base  120 . For example, this can be accomplished toollessly by pushing on the locking pin  137  until it is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the mounting post  135 . When the locking pin  137  is depressed in such a manner, the locking pin  137  no longer engages the mounting sleeve  125  by penetrating the orifice  127 , thus freeing the mounting post  135  to slide and rotate relative to the mounting sleeve  125 . Once free, the mounting assembly  130  can be removed from the base  120  by sliding the mounting post  135  out of the sleeve  125 . 
     In operation  225 , a new mounting assembly  130 ′ (along with a new GPS unit  110 ′ and power cord  112 ′ coupled thereto) can be installed onto the display apparatus  100 . For example, this can be accomplished toollessly by first inserting the power cord  112  attached to the new GPS unit  110  into an empty mounting sleeve  125 , depressing the locking pin  137 , and inserting the mounting post  135  into the mounting sleeve  125  until it contacts the stop  128 . The mounting post  135  can then be rotated within the mounting sleeve  125  (while maintaining contact with the stop  128 ) until the locking pin  137  engages the sleeve  125  by penetrating the orifice  127 , thus securing the mounting assembly  130  and coupled GPS unit  110  to the base  120 . In operation  230 , the power plug  114  of the power cord  112  can be inserted into an empty power port  162  of the power distribution block  160 . Operations  215 - 230  can optionally be repeated to replace additional GPS units  110  in the display apparatus  100 . In operation  235 , the base  120  of the display apparatus  100  can be closed and locked, thus limiting access to components (such as the securing mechanisms and power adapter) contained within the internal space  121  at least partially defined by the base  120 . In operation  240 , any previously removed GPS unit  110  and its associated mounting assembly  130  can be packaged and shipped to a remote location, for example, to a distribution hub. 
     A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.