Patent Publication Number: US-11393308-B2

Title: Security connector

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/564,410, filed on Sep. 9, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/523,063, filed on Apr. 28, 2017, and now U.S. Pat. No. 10,410,488, which is a 371 U.S. National Stage Filing of International Application No. PCT/US2015/056601, filed on Oct. 21, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,730, filed Oct. 31, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/151,650, filed Apr. 23, 2015, the contents of which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to connectors for electronic devices, including connectors for securing electronic devices from theft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Retailers routinely display articles of merchandise, such as portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), mobile phones, e-readers, media players, and the like for customers to evaluate before making a purchase. These articles of merchandise are continually being made smaller and lighter in weight due to advances in technology and materials. As a result, such merchandise is increasingly vulnerable and susceptible to theft. At the same time, the retail price and profit margin for such merchandise continues to decline. Accordingly, these articles of merchandise need to be secured by a security device that effectively and cost efficiently protects the merchandise from theft. 
     It is common in the retail security industry to have electronic devices tethered to a store fixture to prevent theft yet allow a customer to interact with the device. In addition, it is desirable to provide power to the electronic device so that the device may be charged and operable for use by a potential customer, while at the same time providing security to an electronic device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a connector assembly for providing security to an article of merchandise. The connector assembly includes a cord comprising a plurality of conductors and a body portion connected to the cord. The connector assembly also includes a connection portion engaged with the body portion. The connection portion comprises a plurality of engagement members and a conductive shield. Each of the engagement members is electrically connected to a respective conductor in the cord and is electrically isolated from the conductive shield. The connection portion is configured to engage the article of merchandise to thereby electrically connect the engagement members to one another for establishing a sense loop through the conductors in the cord, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event. 
     In another embodiment a security system for securing an article of merchandise from theft is provided. The security system comprises a connector configured to engage an article of merchandise. The connector comprises a plurality of engagement members and a conductive shield. The security system also includes a cord comprising a plurality of conductors. The connector is connected to the cord. The security system further includes a monitoring device operably engaged with the cord and configured to generate a security signal in response to a security event. Each of the engagement members is electrically connected to a respective conductor in the cord and is electrically isolated from the conductive shield. The connector is configured to engage the article of merchandise to thereby electrically connect the engagement members to one another for establishing a sense loop through the conductors in the cord, and wherein interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for securing an article of merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes providing: a connector comprising a plurality of engagement members and a conductive shield; a cord comprising a plurality of conductors, the connector connected to the cord; and a monitoring device operably engaged with the cord and configured to generate a security signal in response to a security event, wherein each of the engagement members is electrically connected to a respective conductor in the cord and is electrically isolated from the conductive shield. The method further includes engaging the article of merchandise with the connector to thereby electrically connect the engagement members to one another for establishing a sense loop through the conductors in the cord, wherein interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the connection shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an end perspective view of the connector shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a connector and an input port of an article of merchandise according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the connector shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the connector shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout the various views. One or more embodiments of a connector  10  for securing an article of merchandise “M” from theft are described below. The article of merchandise M may be a display model or an operational sample of electronic merchandise, such as portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, mobile phones, smart phones, media players, and the like, for a customer to examine before making a decision to purchase the item. The article of merchandise M may be typically displayed in a manner that permits a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise, while protecting the merchandise from a potential thief. A power cord or tether  12  may be operably engaged with the article of merchandise M at one end, and according to one embodiment, a security event (e.g., removal, cutting, or tampering of the power cord) may result in the generation of a security signal (e.g., an audible and/or visual alarm). 
     For example, the power cord  12  may be operably engaged with a monitoring device  25  configured to generate a security signal upon detecting a security event. In one embodiment, the power cord  12  includes a connector  14  configured to operably engage a monitoring device  25  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). The power cord  12  may electrically connect the monitoring device  25  to the article of merchandise M. Thus, upon the occurrence of a security event, the monitoring device  25  may include circuitry for detecting the security event and generating an appropriate security signal. For example, the monitoring device  25  may be similar to those manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc. In another example, the monitoring device  25  may include a display module or sensor configured to removably support the article of merchandise M, as well as provide power and security to the article of merchandise. According to some embodiments, the monitoring device  25  may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,710,266, entitled Security System with Product Power Capability and issued May 4, 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,727,843, entitled Programmable Alarm Module and System for Protecting Merchandise and issued Jun. 15, 2010, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The monitoring device  25  could be any other suitable device, such as a sensor. The sensor could be in communication with a display module or stand that is configured to generate a security signal. Moreover, the monitoring device  25  could be integrated with an input power source or controller  18 , such as for providing and/or receiving power and/or security signals from the connector  10  and/or the article of merchandise M. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide for the delivery of at least power to the article of merchandise M on display through a power cord  12 , cable, or the like. The power cord  12  may include a plurality of conductors  16 . For example, a pair of conductors  16  in the power cord  12  (e.g., a positive power line and a ground line) may provide power to the article of merchandise M. An input power source or controller  18  may be in electrical communication with the power cord for transmitting power and other signals through the cord  12  and to the article of merchandise M. The power cord  12  may include additional conductors  16  if desired, such as for transmitting data, audio, video, optical and/or communication signals. Moreover, in one embodiment, the power cord  12  includes at least one conductor  16  for transmitting a security signal. For example, the power cord  12  may include a plurality of conductors  16 , one of which for transmitting a signal to the connector  10 , and a second conductor for returning the signal back through the power cord. Should the signal be disrupted (e.g., the cord  12  is removed or cut), a security signal may be generated. For instance, an audible and/or a visible signal may be generated. In addition, the functionality of the article of merchandise M may be interrupted and locked from further use without being overridden by an authorized user, such as by inputting a passcode or using an appropriate key. 
     One end of the power cord  12  includes a connector  10  configured to electrically couple to the article of merchandise M. The opposite end of the power cord  12  is configured to be coupled to a power source  18 , such as a USB-port on another electronic device or an electrical outlet. Thus, the power cord  12  may include a USB connector or the like that is electrically connected to the connector  10  at the opposite end of the cord. In other embodiments, the power cord  12  may be electrically coupled to a monitoring device  25 , as explained above. The connector  10  is configured to provide at least power and security signals to the article of merchandise. 
     Generally, the connector  10  may include a body portion  20  and a connection portion  22  extending outwardly therefrom (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). The body portion  20  and connection portion  22  may be separate members coupled to one another or integrally formed as a single component. Although the body portion  20  and the connection portion  22  may be various sizes and configurations, the connection portion is illustrated as having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the body portion. The power cord  12  is coupled to the body portion  20 , while the connection portion  22  is configured to be inserted within an input port  40  of the article of merchandise M so as to be electrically connected thereto. The body portion  20  may be hard wired to the power cord  12  or connected using a suitable releasable coupling. The connection portion  22  comprises a plurality of conductors  24 , contacts, or pins that correspond to one or more of the conductors  16  in the power cord, as discussed above. The connection portion  22  may include any number of conductors  24 , such as 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. The conductors  24  may be disposed, embedded, or otherwise integrated with a conductive shield  26 . Thus, the shield  26  may surround the conductors  24  and form an outer surface of the connection portion  22 . The shield  26  may surround the conductors  24  and include a conductive material. The connection portion  22  may include one or more engagement members  30  (e.g., locking tines) that facilitate engagement with corresponding engagement members  42  in the input port of the article of merchandise M (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3 and 7 ). The engagement members  30  may be electrically isolated from the conductive shield  26  when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise. In some embodiments, the connector  10  is similar to a USB connector, such as a USB-A, micro-USB, or a USB-C connector, although other types of connectors may be employed. 
     As noted above, the power cord  12  may include a plurality of conductors  16 , one of which is for transmitting a signal to the connector  10  (e.g., via a first conductor), and a second conductor for returning the signal back through the power cord (e.g., via a ground conductor) thereby forming a sense loop. As long as the connector  10  is electrically connected to the article of merchandise M, the sense loop through one conductor and the ground conductor is uninterrupted. Should the sense loop be disrupted (e.g., the cord  12  is removed or cut), a security signal may be generated. Thus, as soon as the connector  10  is removed from the article of merchandise M, the shorted conductors would open, resulting in the generation of a security signal. The connector  10  may also include a conductor that allows power to be provided to the connector, which may be used to provide power to the article of merchandise M. Thus, the article of merchandise M may be charged via the connector  10 . 
     The input port  40  of the article of merchandise M may include a plurality of conductors, pins, contacts, or pads  44  that are configured to electrically connect to corresponding conductors  24  on the connection portion  22 , engagement members  30 , and/or conductive shield  26  when the connection portion is engaged with the input port. In one embodiment, the input port  40  includes a plurality of conductors  44  that are configured to electrically connect to the conductors  24 , engagement members  30 , and/or the conductive shield  26  of the connector. For example, the input port  40  may include a conductive shield that is configured to electrically connect to the engagement members  30  when the connection portion  22  is engaged with the article of merchandise (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ). As such, coupling the connector  10  with the input port  40  results in each of the engagement members  30  of the connector to be in electrical communication with one another via the conductive shield of the input port. In order to establish a sense loop, one of the engagement members  30  may be electrically connected to one conductor  16  in the power cord  12 , while another engagement member is electrically connected to another conductor in the power cord (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). In some cases, the engagement members  30  may be larger than conventional engagement members found on a micro-USB connector to ensure contact with the conductive shield of the input port  40 , and/or the openings  38  through which the engagement members extend may be larger than the openings in conventional micro-USB connectors. For example, the height of each engagement member  30  above the conductive shield  26  (linear distance measured from the outer surface of the conductive shield  26 ) and/or length of the engagement member extending above the conductive shield (linear distance measured along the conductive shield) may be up to about 15% larger than conventional micro-USB connectors. In another example, the width of each opening  38  (linear distance perpendicular to the engagement member) may be about 0.5 mm larger than conventional openings defined in the conductive shield  26 . 
     Thus, when not in engagement with the article of merchandise, the engagement members  30  will not be electrically connected with one another. However, when the connection portion  22  is inserted in the input port  40  of the article of merchandise, the electrical connection with the conductive shield in the input port electrically connects the engagement members  30  thereby establishing a sense loop through a first conductor  16  in the power cord  10 , a first engagement member  30 , the conductive shield in the input port  40 , a second engagement member, and a second conductor in the power cord. As noted above, the monitoring device  25  may be configured to sense an interruption in the sense loop for generating a security signal, such as removal of the connection portion  22  or cutting the power cord  12 . 
     In some cases and a variation of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , another conductor  16  of the power cord  12  may be electrically connected to the conductive shield  26 . In this regard, each of the engagement members  30  may be configured to independently electrically connect to the conductive shield in the input port  40  and the conductive shield  26 . Thus, a sense loop may be formed between the conductor connected to the conductive shield  26  and a conductor electrically connected to each of the engagement members  30  when the conductive shield in the input port  40  contacts the engagement members and the conductive shield  26 . 
     In another embodiment, a sense loop may be established using one or more ID conductors or pins  46  in the connector  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). For example, a sense loop could be established over an ID pin in the connector when engaged with a corresponding ID conductor or pad in the input port  40 . In this regard, the ID pin  46  in the connector may be separated into two components that are not electrically connected to one another when the connector is not engaged with the article of merchandise. The two components may be configured to bias into engagement with one another when the connection portion  22  is inserted into the input port  40 . Each of the two components may be electrically connected to a respective conductor  16  in the power cord  12  such that a sense loop is established through the conductors in the power cord, the two components of the ID pin  46 , and the ID pad. Because the ID pins and ID pad are electrically connected to respective conductors  16  in the power cord, a sense loop is established when the connector is connected to the article of merchandise. 
     In one embodiment, the connector may include a sensor or switch configured to complete a sense loop when the connector is inserted into the input port of the article of merchandise. The switch may operate in a similar manner as the ID pin  46  being separated into two components. For example, a switch may be provided on the ID pin  46  of the connector. The switch may be configured to be biased to a closed position when the connection portion  22  is inserted within the input port  40  of the article of merchandise. The ID pin  46  may be electrically connected to a pair of conductors  16  extending through the power cord  12  that are configured to complete a sense loop when the switch is closed. If the connector is removed in an unauthorized manner, the sense loop is interrupted, and a security signal may be generated by the alarm unit  25 . 
       FIGS. 9-11  show another embodiment of a connector  50 . In this embodiment, one surface of the connector  50  includes one or more engagement members  52  for engaging corresponding engagement members  54  associated with the input port  56  of the article of merchandise M. Thus, the engagement members  52 ,  54  facilitate a mechanical attachment between the connector  50  and the article of merchandise M. On an opposite side of the connector  50 , one or more additional engagement members  58  are provided. The illustrated embodiment shows a pair of engagement members  58 . The engagement members  58  are used to define a sense loop similar to that discussed above. In this regard, the engagement members  58  are configured to engage the input port  56  when the connector  50  is inserted therein. The engagement members  58  may be any desired shape configured to result in such engagement with the input port  56 . The engagement members  58  may be configured to bias outwardly from an outer surface of the connector so as to facilitate a mechanical and an electrical engagement with the input port  56 . The conductive shield  26  may define corresponding slots or openings  62  configured to receive a respective engagement member  58  and allow the same to move inwardly and outwardly relative to the outer surface of the conductive shield, as well as maintain electrical isolation between the conductive shield and the engagement members  58 . The engagement members  58  may be formed of a conductive material such that engagement with the conductive shield of the input port  56  forms a sense loop between the engagement members  58  and the input port. In this regard, when not in engagement with the input port  56 , the engagement members  58  will not be electrically connected with one another. However, when the connection portion  22  is inserted in the input port  56  of the article of merchandise, the electrical connection with the conductive shield in the input port electrically connects the engagement members  58  thereby establishing a sense loop. The engagement members  58  may be electrically connected to respective conductors  16  for defining a sense loop through a power cord  12  as also discussed above. Thus, a sense loop may be defined through one of the conductors  16 , one of the engagement members  58 , the conductive shield of the input port  56 , the other of the engagement members  58 , and the other conductor  16 . In this way, the conductive shield  26  does not form or otherwise define any part of the sense loop. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over similar connectors that may otherwise be incapable of providing security to the article of merchandise. This functionality is advantageous in a retail environment where articles of merchandise are on display for inspection by a customer. Some conventional connectors do not enable a security signal to be transmitted through the connector since the ground conductor is not connected to the conductive shield, which prevents a sense loop from being formed between the ground conductor and the conductive shield. Thus, a sense loop is not possible with some current connector designs since there is no means to detect an interruption in the sense loop. 
     The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a connector for securing an article of merchandise from theft. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.