Patent Publication Number: US-11391070-B2

Title: Key and security device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/872,981, filed on May 12, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/110,843, filed on Aug. 23, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/526,194, filed on May 11, 2017, and now U.S. Pat. No. 10,087,659, which is a 371 national phase entry of International Application No. PCT/US2015/058941, filed Nov. 4, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/081,233, filed Nov. 18, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to keys and security devices of the type used to display an item of merchandise vulnerable to theft. 
     It is common practice for retailers to display items of merchandise on a security device. The security device displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser may examine the item when deciding whether to purchase the item. The small size and relative expense of the item, however, makes the item an attractive target for shoplifters. A shoplifter may attempt to detach the item from the security device, or alternatively, may attempt to remove the security device from the display area along with the merchandise. In some instances, the security device is secured to a display support using a lock operated by a key, for example, a mechanical lock. In other instances, the security device is secured to the display support using a lock operated by an electronic key to arm and disarm the security device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to keys, security devices, security systems, and method for securing items of merchandise from theft. In one embodiment, a key for a security device is provided. The key includes an electronic component configured to communicate with one or more security devices to initially receive one or more codes associated with each of the security devices. The key also includes a memory configured to store the one or more codes associated with the one or more security devices. The electronic component is configured to communicate with each of the one or more security devices for arming and/or disarming the security devices upon a matching of the code stored by the memory with the code associated with the security device. 
     In another embodiment, a security system is provided. The security system includes one or more security devices each comprising a monitoring circuit and a code. The security system also includes one or more keys each comprising an electronic component configured to communicate with the one or more security devices to initially receive one or more codes associated with each of the security devices. Each key further includes a memory configured to store the one or more codes associated with the one or more security devices. The electronic component is configured to communicate with each of the one or more security devices for arming and/or disarming the security devices upon a matching of the code stored by the memory with the code associated with the one or more security devices. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for securing items of merchandise is provided. The method includes communicating with one or more security devices to initially receive and store one or more codes associated with each of the one or more security devices. In addition, the method includes subsequently communicating with each of the one or more security devices for arming and/or disarming the one or more security devices upon a matching of the code stored with the code associated with the one or more security devices. 
     In another embodiment, a security device for an item of merchandise is provided. The security device includes an electronic component configured to communicate with one or more keys to initially receive one or more codes associated with each of the keys. The security device also includes a memory configured to store the one or more codes associated with the one or more keys. The electronic component is configured to communicate with each of the one or more keys for arming and/or disarming the security device upon a matching of the code stored by the memory with the code associated with the one or more keys. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description of the invention provided below may be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which depict one or more embodiments of a security device and method. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a key according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a key according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of a key according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a security device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a key engaged with a programming station according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures, one or more embodiments of a key  10  for cooperating with a security device  12  are shown. The security device  12  may be one of the type commonly used to display one or more articles of merchandise (not shown for purposes of clarity) within a display area of a retail store. By way of example, and not by limitation, the security device  12  is a merchandise display hook for displaying relatively, small, expensive consumer products, for example, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), battery packs, etc., on a display support. The display support could be any suitable support, such as wire grid, horizontal bar rack, slatwall (also known as slatboard), wall, table, desk, countertop or other secure structure. Other examples of a security device  12  according to the present invention without limitation include merchandise display fixtures, merchandise tags (or “bugs”), stop locks, cable locks and wraps, and merchandise safers. In some embodiments, the security device  12  may be a display module, a puck, or an alarm that is mountable to a display surface, support, or the like, for displaying an item of merchandise (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). The item of merchandise may be a display model or an operational sample of electronic merchandise, such as cellular telephones, portable computers (e.g., notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, media players, and the like, for a customer to examine before making a decision to purchase the item. The item of merchandise may be 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. In some example embodiments, the security devices  12  are similar to the Locking Hooks, Smart Locks, and PODs manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc. 
     In one embodiment, a key  10  for a security device  12  is provided and generally includes a housing  14  and an actuation member  16  operably engaged with the housing (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). For example, the actuation member  16  may be at least partially disposed within the housing  14 . The key  10  further includes an electronic component  20  operably engaged with the actuation member  16  and configured to cooperate with a security device  12  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the electronic component  20  comprises communication capability for communicating with the security device  12 . Similarly, the security device  12  may include an electronic component  38  configured to communicate with the key  10 . The actuation member  16  may be configured to move and/or activate the electrical component  20  for cooperation with the security device  12 , and the actuation member  16  may be configured to be locked upon expiration of a predetermined period of time or number of activations such that the actuation member is unable to actuate the electrical component for cooperating with the security device. Thus, upon expiration of a particular period of time or number of activations, the key  10  is unable to be used to lock/arm or unlock/disarm a security device  12 . In this way, stolen keys will be rendered useless after a predetermined period of time or activations. In addition, the key  10  can be used interchangeably with different types of security devices  12  such that a user is only required to carry one key. Thus, the key  10  may be “multi-purpose” in that the key may be used for different lock types (e.g., mechanical locking hooks, electronic locks, display modules, keepers, cable locks, etc.). 
     The housing  14  may be any suitable housing configured to at least partially receive the electrical component  20 , as well as the actuation member  16 , therein. For example, the housing  14  may be a single piece design or may include a plurality of components joined into a unitary member (e.g., via snap fit, fasteners, adhesive, and/or molding). In one example, the housing  14  includes two halves that are joined together to define an internal cavity. The housing  14  may define an internal cavity for accommodating various components, including the electrical component  20 , the actuation member  16 , and/or the locking mechanism  23 . The housing  14  may also house various other components, such as a controller, a logic control circuit, or a printed circuit board, a battery, and/or an EAS tag. The housing  14  may also be coupled to various other optional components, such as a keychain  24 , lanyard, or the like (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 ). The housing  14  may be a variety of sizes and configurations, and may be suitably sized for placement within a user&#39;s pocket or on a key chain. The housing  14  may include an opening or channel  26  defined therein for receiving the actuation member  16 . For instance, the actuation member  16  may be a manually operated button that is operable by the user and is operably engaged with the electrical component  20 . 
     The actuation member  16  may be any device, mechanism, or feature that is configured to actuate the electrical component  20 . For example, the actuation member  16  may be a manually actuated member, such as a push button, sliding mechanism, or the like. Alternatively, the actuation member  16  may be an automatically actuated member, such as an actuation member driven by a motor. The automatic actuation may occur, for example, in response to a user depressing a button or activating a switch. The actuation member  16  may be in communication with a logic control circuit, controller, or PCB of the key for actuating the actuation member in response to a signal from the logic control circuit, controller, or PCB. 
     Similar to the actuation member  16 , the locking mechanism  23  may be a mechanical and/or electrical locking mechanism. Thus, as used herein, the term “locking mechanism” should be broadly construed to include any device, mechanism, or feature that physically locks, secures or protects the key  10  from further use. For example, the locking mechanism  23  could be a physical barrier that prevents the actuation member  16  and/or electrical component  20  from being displaced relative to the housing  14  or otherwise actuated to lock/arm or unlock/disarm a security device  12 . Or, the locking mechanism  23  may be an electrically or an electro-mechanically controlled mechanism, such as a motor driven mechanism that is actuated to prevent the actuation member  16  and/or the electrical component  20  from being displaced or otherwise operated. Alternatively, the locking mechanism  23  could render the actuation member  16  inoperable such that the actuation member is incapable of being actuated. The locking mechanism  23  may be in communication with a logic control circuit, controller, or PCB of the key  10  such that the locking mechanism is configured to be actuated to lock or unlock the actuation member  16  in response to a signal from the logic control circuit, controller, or PCB. 
     In some cases, the actuation member  16  and the locking mechanism  23  may be separate components, while in other cases the actuation member and the locking mechanism may be integrated into a single component or otherwise operably engaged with one another. For example, where the actuation member  16  is a motor driven actuator, the locking mechanism  23  may also be operated via the motor driven actuator such that actuation of the motor in one direction actuates the electrical component  20  while actuation of the motor in an opposite direction or de-actuation of the motor locks the mechanical and/or electrical components. 
     In some embodiments, the key  10  may include a mechanical component  18  and an electrical component  20  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). For example, the mechanical component  18  may be configured to cooperate with a security device  12  having a mechanical member, such as, for example, a lock mechanism, a latch, or the like. In one embodiment, the mechanical component  18  may be configured to extend outwardly from the housing  14  to disengage a mechanical member of a security device  12 , as well as retract relative to the housing  14 . Thus, the mechanical component  18  could be a protrusion, extendable member, or the like that is configured to engage a mechanical member of the security device  12 . In other embodiments, the mechanical component  18  facilitates communication between the electronic component  20  and the security device  12 . For example, the mechanical component  18  may include one or more electrical contacts or allowing communication between the key  10  and the security device  12 . 
     The electrical component  20  may be configured to cooperate with a security device  12  for arming and/or disarming a monitoring circuit  25  that is in electrical communication with the security device (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). For example, the electrical component  20  may be configured for various forms of wireless communication with a security device  12 , such as optical (e.g., infrared), acoustical (e.g. ultrasonic), radiofrequency (RF), or magnetic pulse. In one embodiment, data and/or power is transferred from the key  10  to the security device  12  by wireless communication, such as by infrared (IR) optical transmission, as shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,737,843, 7,737,845, U.S. Publication No. 2011/0254661, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0047972, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other cases, communication between the key  10  and the security device  12  may occur via wired means (e.g., electrical contacts) or other suitable communication means. 
     In some embodiments, the security device  12  may be programmed with an identification code, a security code, or the like. For example, each security device  12  may include a memory  36  that stores a particular code specific to the security device. The code may be programmed in the security device by the manufacturer or the retailer in some embodiments. Similarly, the key  10  may include a memory  28  for storing a code. The key  10  may be configured to be positioned within or proximate to a transfer port  30  of the security device  12 , and the actuation member  16  may be depressed to activate communication of the security code between the key and the security device. In some cases, communication may occur automatically upon engagement of the key  10  with the security device  12 , with or without actuation of an actuation member  16 , or the security device may be actuated for communicating with the key.  FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of a security device  12  including a transfer port  30  that is configured to communicate with a key  10 . The key  10  may include a transfer probe  34  that is configured to be positioned proximate to, engaged with, or aligned with the transfer port  30  for facilitating communication therebetween. The security code may be wirelessly communicated between the security device  12  and the key  10  by infrared (IR) optical transmission. Alternatively, the security code may be transmitted and received by electrical contacts, acoustic transmission (e.g., RF signals), or magnetic induction. 
     In the event that the security code of the key  10  matches the security code of the security device  12 , the key may then be permitted to arm and/or disarm the security device  12  and/or transfer electrical power to the security device, for example, to operate a lock mechanism of the security device. The key  10  may transfer electrical power to the security device  12  in any suitable manner, such as by electrical contacts, acoustical transmission (e.g. RF signals) or magnetic induction. Further discussion regarding data and electrical communication between an electronic key  10  and a security device  12  may be found, for example, in U.S. Publication No. 2012/0047972, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is understood that in other embodiments, the key  10  may only transfer a signal to arm and/or disarm the security device  12  and does not transfer electrical power to the security device. 
     The key  10  and/or the security device  12  may be programmed with a security code. The key  10  and/or the security device  12  may each be pre-programmed with the same code into a respective permanent memory. Alternatively, the key  10  may first be programmed with the code via communication with the security device  12 . Thus, the key  10  may not have any stored code prior to communicating with the security device  12 . For instance, the key  10  may be configured to communicate with one or more security devices  12  and store each of the codes in its memory  28 . Thus, the key  10  may initially receive the codes from the security devices  12 . The key  10  may be configured to store a plurality of codes such that the key may communicate with each of the security devices  12  associated with such codes for arming and/or disarming the security devices. In other embodiments, the security device  12  may be first programmed with a code via communication with one or more keys  10 . Thus, the security device  12  may store one or more codes associated with each of the keys  10 . In some embodiments, the key  10  and/or the security device  12  may be pre-programmed with a code or may be self-programming in other embodiments. 
     As discussed above, in one embodiment, the key  10  may include a time-out function. More particularly, the ability of the actuation member  16  to actuate the electrical component  20  may be deactivated after a predetermined time period or activations. The key  10  may be reactivated by communicating with a programming station  32 , i.e., the key is “refreshed”. By way of example, the key  10  may include a logic control circuit that is configured to be deactivated after about six to twelve hours (e.g., about eight hours) from the time the key was last refreshed by a programming station  32 . In one embodiment, an authorized sales associate is required to refresh the key  10  assigned to him or her at the beginning of each work shift. Thus, the key  10  would have to be refreshed by a programming station  32 , which is typically monitored or maintained at a secure location, in order to reactivate the logic control circuit of the key. Other forms for refreshing the code may be used such as, for example, inputting a code, charging the key with an authorized charger, etc. The key  10  may be provisioned with a single-use (e.g., non-rechargeable) internal power source, such as a conventional or extended-life battery. Alternatively, the key  10  may be provisioned with a multiple-use (e.g., rechargeable) internal power source, such as a conventional capacitor or rechargeable battery. 
     In some embodiments, the key  10  is configured to communicate with a plurality of security devices  12  for initially programming the key with respective codes for each of the security devices. Thus, the key  10  may be initially programmed by communicating with the security devices  12 . Such programming could be carried out for a predetermined period of time and once the time has expired, the key  10  stores all codes associated with the security devices  12  for which it can communicate with for arming and/or disarming thereof. After the programming of the key  10  has been completed, the key may then communicate with each security device  12  to arm and/or disarm the security device upon the code communicated by the key matching the code stored by the security device. Alternatively, the security device  12  may communicate with a plurality of keys  10  for receiving and storing respective codes for each of the keys. Therefore, in some cases, the programming station  32  is not required to program the key  10  and/or the security device  12 . In some embodiments as discussed above, the programming station  32  may be used to refresh the key  10 . Thus, the programming station  32  may only be employed to refresh the key  10  after the key has timed out but does not otherwise function to program a code into the key. 
     The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a key for a security device or security packaging of the type commonly used to display an item of merchandise, a security device, and a system. Embodiments of a key, security device, and system have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustration. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.