Patent Publication Number: US-11663893-B2

Title: Anti-theft retail merchandise hook with radio transmission

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation, of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/221,476, filed Apr. 2, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/899,345, filed Jun. 11, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/113,796, filed Aug. 27, 2018, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,720,035 on Jul. 20, 2020, and which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/627,033, filed Jun. 19, 2017, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,121,341 on Nov. 6, 2018, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/449,465, filed Jan. 23, 2017, the entire teachings and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to anti-theft systems such as would be used in a retail setting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Loss prevention is a continuing problem in the retail industry. Current anti-theft systems involve locking up merchandise behind counters, far away from related merchandise, or locking up the merchandise in secure cabinets, closer to the place where related merchandise is generally stored. 
     There are disadvantages to each of these methods. When merchandise is stored in a secured location away from the point of storage of related items, sales of the secured merchandise decrease because customers are less likely to go out of their way to locate a sales associate to retrieve the merchandise. Also, sales of related items that would otherwise be situated in proximity to the secured merchandise decrease as well because the customer is not drawn to their location. 
     Therefore, although common anti-theft systems may be effective at preventing loss, they also can have the significantly negative impact of reducing sales. For those customers who are not deterred by these systems, they also have the effect of occupying more of the sales associate&#39;s time than required for other merchandise not similarly protected. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an anti-theft system for retail stores that will deter theft without discouraging the sale of the merchandise and related items. Additionally, the anti-theft system should be able to be retrofitted onto existing retail displays to keep the cost of installation and the shelving downtime required for installation as low as possible. 
     The invention provides such an anti-theft system. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a signal-emitting retail display device that includes a wire having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion configured to support a label holder, the bottom portion configured to store one or more retail items. The signal-emitting retail display device also has an electronic unit that includes an emitter. The emitter is configured to emit an audible alarm or warning signal, and configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to a remotely-located alarm box indicative of the audible alarm or warning signal. The wire is electrically coupled to the electronic unit such that the wire functions as an antenna for the transmission of the signal to the alarm box. 
     In a particular embodiment, the top portion has a top end and the bottom portion has a bottom end, the top end and bottom end being in spaced relation to each other such that a label holder attached to the top end abuts the bottom end. The label holder may be configured to rotate away from the bottom end to allow merchandise to be removed from the bottom portion. The emitter may be configured to emit the audible alarm or warning signal when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end. 
     In a further embodiment, the emitter is configured to emit an audible alarm when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end, and configured to transmit a warning signal to the signal box when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end for longer than a threshold length of time. In some embodiments, the emitter is configured to emit an audible alarm and transmit a warning signal to the signal box when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end for longer than a threshold length of time. In other embodiments, the emitter is configured to emit an audible alarm and transmit a warning signal to the signal box is rotated away from the bottom end more than a predetermined number of times within a threshold length of time. 
     The signal-emitting retail display device may also include a U-shaped locking mechanism coupled to the electronic unit and configured to selectively rotate between an up position and a down position, wherein, in the down position, the U-shaped locking mechanism wraps around the bottom wire with the bottom wire passing through an aperture created by the U-shaped locking mechanism and the electronic unit, the U-shaped locking mechanism further configured to lock in the down position upon receipt of a signal by the electronic unit. 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an alarm box that includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, an emitter configured to emit an audible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, and one or more terminals for connecting the alarm box to an output receiving device. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the one or more terminals is configured to connect to one of a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, a video camera, and a video monitor. The alarm box may further include control circuitry configured to transmit a control signal used to activate or control the output receiving device. In some embodiments, the alarm box further includes a mode switching button for switching the alarm box between different modes of operation. 
     In particular embodiments, the alarm box has control circuitry that causes the emitter to emit a first audible signal when a first wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates no-theft condition, and to emit a second audible signal, different from the first audible signal, when a second wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates a theft condition. The control circuitry may also cause the emitter to emit the second audible signal when the first wireless signal is absent for a threshold amount of time. 
     In yet another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a retail theft deterrent system that includes a signal-emitting retail display device having a wire with a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion configured to support a label holder, the bottom portion configured to store one or more retail items. The theft deterrent system further includes an electronic unit that includes an emitter. The emitter is configured to emit an audible alarm or warning signal, and configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to a remotely-located alarm box indicative of the audible alarm or warning signal. The wire is electrically coupled to the electronic unit such that the wire functions as an antenna for the transmission of the signal to the alarm box. The alarm box includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal-emitting retail display devices. The alarm box also has an emitter configured to emit an audible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, and one or more terminals for connecting the alarm box to an output receiving device. 
     In certain embodiments, the alarm box fort retail theft deterrent system further comprises control circuitry configured to transmit a control signal used to activate or control the output receiving device. The output receiving device may be one of a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, a video camera, and a video monitor. In a further embodiment, the alarm box further comprises control circuitry that causes the emitter to emit a first audible signal when a first wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates no-theft condition, and to emit a second audible signal, different from the first audible signal, when a second wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates a theft condition. 
     The emitter may be configured to either emit an audible alarm when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end, and configured to transmit a warning signal to the signal box when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end for longer than a threshold length of time, or to emit an audible alarm and transmit a warning signal to the signal box when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end for longer than a threshold length of time, or to emit an audible alarm and transmit a warning signal to the signal box is rotated away from the bottom end more than a predetermined number of times within a threshold length of time. 
     In some embodiments, the alarm box further includes a mode switching button for switching the alarm box between different modes of operation, and wherein the signal-emitting retail display device is configured to change its mode of operation in accordance with the chosen alarm box mode of operation. 
     In certain embodiments, the signal-emitting retail display device may include a U-shaped locking mechanism coupled to the electronic unit and configured to selectively rotate between an up position and a down position, wherein, in the down position, the U-shaped locking mechanism wraps around the bottom wire with the bottom wire passing through an aperture created by the U-shaped locking mechanism and the electronic unit, the U-shaped locking mechanism further configured to lock in the down position upon receipt of a signal by the electronic unit. 
     In a further embodiment of the retail theft deterrent system, the aforementioned top portion has a top end and the bottom portion has a bottom end, the top end and bottom end being in spaced relation to each other such that a label holder attached to the top end abuts the bottom end. The label holder may be configured to rotate away from the bottom end to allow merchandise to be removed from the bottom portion. The emitter may be configured to emit the audible alarm or warning signal when the label holder is rotated away from the bottom end. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a signal receiver, an output receiving device, and retail display devices including embodiments of signal-emitting retail devices arranged as components in a theft deterrent system, according to the teachings of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a detailed view of a signal-emitting retail device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the signal-emitting retail device of  FIG.  2    illustrating actuation of a label holder and removal of merchandise; 
         FIG.  4    is schematic representation of components of the signal-emitting retail device of  FIGS.  2  and  3   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the signal-emitting retail device including a reed switch in an open configuration; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the signal-emitting retail device including a reed switch in an open configuration; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  are flow diagrams illustrating operation of embodiments of the signal-emitting retail device of  FIGS.  2  and  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of another embodiment of the signal-emitting retail device; 
         FIGS.  8  and  9    are perspective and side views, respectively, of an alarm box, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention provide a retail theft deterrent system having one or a plurality of signal-emitting retail devices  11  and alarm boxes  50  that, when used in various arrangements of the retail theft deterrent system, will deter theft without discouraging the sale of merchandise. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a retail theft deterrent system. The retail theft deterrent system may include one of various embodiments of retail display devices  10 , such as, in one embodiment, retail display devices configured to emit alarm signals, in a first arrangement of an embodiment of a theft deterrent system. The retail theft deterrent system may further include one or more alarm boxes  50  each configured to receive the alarm signals from the retail display devices  10 . More particular embodiments of the invention may include an output receiving device  60 , such as a computer configured to communicate with the alarm box  50 . 
     In the retail theft deterrent systems of the present invention, use of various suitable signal alarm boxes or receiver units is envisioned. One such signal receiver unit that may be utilized in embodiments of theft deterrent systems described herein is further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/312,644 filed on Dec. 6, 2011, entitled Retail System Signal Receiver Unit, which is incorporated herein by reference thereto in its entirety. 
     The retail display devices  10  include signal-emitting retail devices  11  adapted to emit an RF signal  14  when merchandise is removed from the retail display devices or when the retail display devices are actuated to allow for merchandise to be removed. The signal-emitting retail devices  11  including an emitter  12  and a sensor  13 . In a particular embodiment, the signal-emitting retail device  11  includes a mode switch  23  (shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  7   ) to change the signal-emitting retail device  11  between at least two different modes of operation (e.g., modes “A” and “B”). In some embodiments, the emitter  12  and sensor  13  may be arranged in a single housing. In other embodiments, the emitter  12  and sensor  13  may be separate units in operative communication. 
     The sensor  13  is arranged and configured in some embodiments to sense when a retail display device  10  is actuated to allow for removal of merchandise, such as, for example, to sense when a door of a display case is opened or when a label holder blocking removal of merchandise in a first configuration is moved to a second configuration in which merchandise is allowed to be removed. In other embodiments, a sensor  13  is arranged and configured to sense when merchandise is removed from a shelf. Sensors  13  may be motion sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, piezo electric sensors, or any other type of sensor known in the art for determining when merchandise is removed from a retail display device  10  or when a retail display device  10  is actuated to allow removal of merchandise. Specific embodiments of sensor arrangements will be discussed further below. 
     In one embodiment the emitters  12  of the signal-emitting retail devices  11  are also adapted to transmit signals as will be discussed further below, increasing in frequency, frequency of occurrence, or decibel level, when a condition is sensed by sensors  13  that would indicate a potential theft condition. Such conditions are further discussed below. 
     In a first embodiment of a theft deterrent system, with reference to  FIG.  1   , RF signals  14  emitted by the signal-emitting retail devices  11  are received by the alarm box  50 . The alarm box  50  is configured to receive and process these RF signals  14 . The signals RF  14  may include a variety of information for the alarm box  50 , including identification of the particular retail display unit  10  from which the signal was emitted, an identification of whether an item of merchandise has been removed, the retail display unit  10  has been actuated, or a potential theft condition exists. The alarm box  50  receives the RF signals  14 , processes and determines the information contained therein. In some particular embodiments, the alarm box  50  sends a signal  52  to the output receiving device  60 . 
     In one embodiment, the emitters  12  may include a speaker or speakers and are configured to emit audible signals. In other embodiments, the emitters may emit a video signals in addition to the audio signals. Additionally, the emitter  12  is configured to transmit an RF signal to the alarm box  50  which may have characteristics that indicate to the alarm box  50 , the retail display unit  10  from which the RF signal was emitted, whether there is a normal condition that indicates a regular customer removal of merchandise from a retail display unit  10  or a customer actuating a retail display unit  10  to remove an item of merchandise, or whether a potential theft condition exists to which store personnel should be alerted. The alarm box  50  then sends a signal  52 , if appropriate, to an output receiving device  60  configured to alert store personnel to the potential theft condition. This first arrangement may be effective in large retail environments where store personnel may be too far away to hear a particular audible signal from the emitter  12  indicating a potential theft condition. 
     In one embodiment, the output receiving device  60  may be a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, one or more video cameras, video monitors, or any other device capable of receiving a signal  52 . The receiving device  60  may be connected to the alarm box  50  using wired or wireless means, and may be networked with other receiving devices located on or off site, or may be a stand-alone unit located on or off site relative to a retail establishment. 
     In a particular embodiment, the signal-emitting retail devices  11  may be configured to emit various types of encoded signals using any suitable protocol. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the signal emitted may include one of infrared light, visible light, and microwaves. Additionally, the signal  52  emitted by the alarm box  50  may be of any suitable type and may be an encoded signal using any suitable protocol. 
     It will be understood that the signal-emitting retail devices  11  can be used in many different arrangements, and the quantity and type of signal-emitting retail devices  11  and other components shown are exemplary and for illustrative purposes only. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the structural elements of an embodiment of the signal-emitting retail device  11  are discussed. The signal-emitting retail device  11  includes a display interfacing portion  15 . The display interface portion  15  includes upturned hooks  20  adapted to fit in a pegboard style mounting surface to support the signal-emitting retail device  11 . However, many other mounting arrangements are also envisioned, including mounting arrangements adapted to be installed on slatwall and wire-cage-type retail display surfaces. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , in one embodiment, extending from the display interfacing portion  15  in a direction opposite the upturned hooks  20 , the signal-emitting retail device  11  includes a wire that has top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion, referred to herein as the top wire  16 , and the bottom portion, referred to herein as the bottom wire  18 , extend generally parallel with one another. This arrangement illustrated in  FIG.  2    may be referred to as a hook or a display hook. The top wire  16  extends from the display interfacing portion  15  to an electronic unit  17  including an emitter  12  and a sensor  13 . The electronic unit  17  is supported by the top wire  16  and fixedly attached to the end of the top wire  16  distal from display interfacing portion  15 . The electronic unit  17  extends generally orthogonal to the top wire  16 . In this embodiment, the electronic unit  17  includes the mode switch  23  to change the signal-emitting retail device  11  between at least two different modes of operation (e.g., modes “A” and “B”). 
     In embodiments of the invention, the top wire  16  and bottom wire  18  are made of metal, and are electrically connected to the emitter  12  such that the top wire  16  and bottom wire  18  function as an antenna for the emitter  12 . Due to the greater size of the top and bottom wires  16 ,  18  as compared to a conventional antenna (i.e., an internal antenna), the range of reliable communication between the signal-emitting retail device  11  and the alarm box  50  may be effectively double what it would be if the conventional internal antenna were used. 
     With further reference to  FIG.  2   , in one embodiment, rotatably coupled to the electronic unit  17  is a label holder  24 . The label holder  24  is adapted to hold any suitable label, for example, for displaying relevant information regarding merchandise, such as price, description of the merchandise, etc. The label holder  24  rests in a normal position hanging from the electronic unit  17 . The label holder  24  can also be actuated by a customer by pivotally rotating the label holder  24  upward to a second, merchandise removal configuration (label holder  24  in the second configuration shown in phantom lines). In the embodiment shown, the label holder  24  is coupled to, and extends from, an end of the top wire  16  at about a ninety degree angle relative thereto toward the bottom wire  18 . In its normal hanging (or rotated down) position, the label holder  24  abuts an end of the bottom wire. 
     In other embodiments, the label holder  24  is displaceable in other manners. For example, in one embodiment the label holder is slidably displaceable upwardly relative to the electronic unit  17  and the top wire  16 . Other suitable types of displacement are also envisioned. 
     With further reference to  FIG.  2   , the bottom wire  18  extends from the display interfacing portion  15 , spaced apart from the top wire  16 . The bottom wire  18  is configured to support merchandise  19  with packaging defining an aperture for receiving the bottom wire  18 . In a particular embodiment, the bottom wire  18  includes an upturned segment  22  at the end of the bottom wire  18  distal from the interfacing portion  15 . The upturned segment  22  extends at an approximately 90 degree angle relative to the rest of the bottom wire  18 , toward the top wire  16 . The upturned segment  22  is located closer to the display interfacing portion  15  than the label holder  24 , and thus the label holder  24  would be located between the upturned segment  22  and a customer. 
     In particular embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  7   , the top and bottom wires  16  and  18  may be portions of a single wire bent proximate a median point, with the bent portion mounted to the display interfacing portion  15 . In another embodiment the wires  16  and  18  may be separate wires. The signal-emitting retail device  11  may have different overall lengths and distances between the top and bottom wires  16  and  18  in order to accommodate different types of merchandise. The top and bottom wires  16  and  18  of the signal-emitting retail device  11  may be made of any suitable rigid material, including but not limited to a rigid metal or plastic. 
     With further reference to  FIG.  2   , in one embodiment the signal-emitting retail device  11  also includes a magnet  26 , or, alternatively, some type of magnetic switch, reed switch, Hall-effect sensor, etc. The magnet  26  is fixedly attached to an inner surface (e.g., a surface of a slot for inserting a label into the label holder  24 ) of the label holder  24 . The label holder  24  is arranged such that when it is in its resting, hanging first configuration, the magnet  26  is proximate the electronic unit  17 . In particular embodiments, the signal-emitting retail device  11  may also include an LED indicator to show that mode and status of the device  11 . In certain embodiments, the signal-emitting retail device  11  is battery-operated. Given the relatively low power requirements of the signal-emitting retail device  11 , the device  11  may be expected to operate for up to 12 months, depending on the type of battery used. 
     With reference to  FIG.  3   , when the label holder  24  is in the resting, hanging first configuration, its inner surface  21  is proximate to the upturned segment  22  of the bottom wire  18 . As such, in order for the merchandise  19  to be removed from the bottom wire  18 , the label holder  24  must be lifted from the resting configuration to a second merchandise removal configuration (shown in dashed lines). When the label holder  24  is in this second configuration, the magnet  26  that is fixedly attached to the label holder  24  is no longer in a position proximate the electronic unit  17 . As is discussed in further detail below, the removal of the magnet  126  from a position proximate the electronic unit  17  causes the electronic unit  17  to emit the RF signal  14 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , a functional schematic of the internal components of an embodiment of a retail display device  10  is discussed. The electronic unit  17  includes the emitter  12  and the sensor  13 . The sensor  13  includes a switch  61 , which is adapted to transition between an open configuration (shown in solid lines) and a closed configuration (shown in dashed lines) upon actuation by an external switch actuator  62 . The switch  61  may include any suitable type of switching device capable of transitioning between at least a first state and a second state. The external switch actuator  62  may include various different actuators, including physical actuators, magnetic actuators, electrical actuators, and any other suitable type of actuator known in the art. Particular embodiments of actuators are discussed further below. 
     With further reference to  FIG.  4   , in one embodiment the electronic unit  17  also includes a power supply  66 . The power supply  66  may be any suitable type of battery, a solar power collector, or any other type of power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply  66  may be external to the electronic unit  17 , and may be any suitable type of power supply. 
     In one embodiment the electronic unit  17  also includes a timer  64 , which is electrically coupled with the emitter  12 . The timer  64  is also electrically coupled with the power supply  66  through the switch  61  when the switch  61  is the closed configuration. As will be further described below, the timer  64  is configured to determine, keep track of, etc. the amount of time between when the switch  61  closes and when the switch  61  opens. If the timer  64  measures an amount of time that is less than a predetermined amount of time, the emitter  12  emits a signal indicative of a normal condition of a piece of merchandise being removed from the signal-emitting retail device  11 . However, if the amount of time measured by the timer  64  exceeds the predetermined amount of time, the emitter  12  emits a second signal indicative of a potential theft condition. The predetermined amount of time may be adjusted and set to a greater or lesser amount of time by a user. 
     In one embodiment, the emitter  12 , in addition to transmitting an RF signal to the alarm box  50 , may be configured to emit an audible signal. In this embodiment, the second signal indicative of a potential theft condition may be of a different pitch, frequency, decibel level, wavelength, frequency of occurrence, etc. than the signal indicative of a normal condition in which a piece of merchandise is removed. Additionally, the second signal indicative of a potential theft condition may include a pre-recorded or pre-generated message including words. In this embodiment, the signal alarm box  50  (illustrated in  FIG.  1   ) may be configured to monitor for, distinguish, recognize, and respond to the variety of pitches, frequencies, wavelengths, frequencies of occurrence, and decibel levels of signals emitted by the emitter  12 . 
     In another embodiment, with further reference to  FIG.  4   , upon closing of the switch  61 , the emitter  12  is configured to emit a signal indicative of a normal condition of removal of a piece of merchandise and the timer  64  is configured to begin timing. If the timer  64  exceeds the preset time before the switch  61  is opened, the emitter  12  emits a signal indicative of a potential theft condition. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , in one embodiment, the sensor  13  includes a reed switch  70  with a pair of leads  72  and  74 . The first lead  72  is electrically coupled with the power source  66  and the second lead  74  is electrically coupled with the emitter  112 . The reed switch  70  is a normally closed reed switch, such that the leads  72  and  74  are normally electrically coupled, as illustrated in  FIG.  5 B . However, in the presence of the magnet  26 , the leads  72  and  74  become disconnected. 
     Thus, when the label holder  24  is in the first, down, normal hanging configuration (solid line in  FIG.  2   ), the magnet  26  is proximate the electronic unit  17 , and thus, the leads  72  and  74  are in a disconnected configuration, as in  FIG.  5 A . However, when the label holder  24  is in the second, up, raised, merchandise removal configuration (broken line in  FIG.  2   ), the magnet  26  is moved away from the electronic unit  17  and the leads  72  and  74  are in a connected configuration, as in  FIG.  5 B , connecting the power supply  66  to the emitter  12  and timer  64 . Thus, in this embodiment the magnet  26  acts as the switch actuator  62  ( FIG.  4   ). In order to remove merchandise, the label holder  24  must be moved to its second, up, raised, merchandise removal configuration, thus moving the magnet  26  away from the electronic unit  17 , closing the switch  70 , applying power to the timer  64  and emitter  12 . Thus, signal-emitting retail device  11  may be alerted to when merchandise is removed, and may, in one embodiment, keep track of available inventory on a retail display device  10  and automatically alerting store personnel or ordering additional inventory when the inventory falls below a preset level. 
     Additionally, a potential thief may raise the label holder  24  to its second, up raised, merchandise removal configuration for an extended period of time to allow the thief to remove large quantities of merchandise from the retail display device  10  all at once. This will cause the magnet  26  to be away from the electronic unit  17  and thus the switch  70  to be closed for an extended period of time. The timer  64 , when the period of time the switch  70  is closed exceeds the predetermined period, can cause the emitter  12  to emit a second signal indicative of a potential theft condition, alerting the signal alarm box  50  and store personnel of the potential theft condition, and thus deterring theft. 
     The timer  64  may be any suitable type of timer, including, for example, a digital counter, clock, etc., and may count up or count down. For example, in one embodiment upon application of power to the timer  64 , the timer  64  may begin at a predetermined value and count down, where, upon reaching zero, a potential theft condition signal could be emitted by the emitter  12 . In this embodiment, the timer  64  may be reset to the predetermined value. Additionally, in another embodiment, upon application of power to the timer  64 , the timer  64  may begin counting up and, upon reaching a predetermined value, a potential theft condition signal could be emitted by the emitter  12 . In this embodiment, the timer  64  may be reset to zero. 
     With reference to  FIG.  6 A , a flow diagram of the functionality of an embodiment is illustrated. More specifically,  FIG.  6 A  describes operation of the signal-emitting device  11  when the mode switching button  408  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) is in position “B”, which in this case indicates that the device  11  is in “Beep Mode”. In this mode of operation, the signal-emitting retail device  11  is not actuated as long as the label holder  24  is in its normal closed position. When the label holder  24  is rotated up, relative to the electronic unit  17  (see  FIG.  2   ), from normally-closed configuration to the merchandise removal configuration, this moves the magnet  26  (see  FIG.  2   ) away from the electronic unit  17 . This causes the leads  72  and  74  (see  FIG.  5 B ) to connect and the switch  70  to close. Thus, power is applied to the emitter  12  and to the timer  64 , which starts the timer. When the label holder  24  is quickly rotated back down to its normally-closed position, the timer  64  stops receiving power, which resets the timer  64 . As a result, the emitter  12  emits a signal, such as a beep, indicative of normal merchandise removal. In this embodiment, the signal-emitting retail device  11  sends an RF signal to the alarm box  50  indicative of the normal merchandise removal. 
     As long as the timer is still receiving power, and the time is less than the predetermined time value, the timer  64  continues timing. If the label holder  24  remains rotated up in the merchandise removal configuration, once the time exceeds the predetermined time value, the signal-emitting retail device  11  will go into “Alert Mode” in which the emitter  12  emits, for example, a series of beeps every one or two seconds, the signal being indicative of a potential theft condition  92 . In this embodiment, if the label holder  24  remains rotated down in the normally-closed position for some predetermined length of time, e.g., 10 seconds, the signal-emitting retail device  11  is deactivated. 
     With reference to  FIG.  6 B , a flow diagram of the functionality of an embodiment is illustrated that describes operation of the signal-emitting device  11  when the mode switching button  408  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) is in position “A”, which in this case indicates that the device  11  is in “Alarm Mode”. In this mode of operation, the signal-emitting retail device  11  is not actuated as long as the label holder  24  is in its normally-closed position. When the label holder  24  is rotated up and quickly rotated back down to its normally-closed position, the signal-emitting device  11  goes into pre-alarm mode. If the label holder  24  is rotated up and quickly released a designated number of times over a predetermined time period, e.g., four times in 10 seconds, the signal-emitting retail device  11  will sound an alarm and transmit a signal to the alarm box  50  indicating the alarm mode. Further, if the label holder  24  is rotated up for greater than a threshold amount of time, the signal-emitting retail device  11  will sound an alarm and transmit a signal to the alarm box  50  indicating the alarm mode. 
     With reference to  FIG.  6 C , a flow diagram is illustrated that describes operation of the alarm box  50  when the mode switching button  408  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) is in position “B”, which in this case indicates that the alarm box  50  is in “Beep Mode”. In this mode, the alarm box  50  periodically checks for a valid RF signal from one or more signal-emitting retail devices  11 . In the embodiment shown, the alarm box  50  checks for this RF signal for 30 milliseconds every four tenths of a second. If the RF signal indicates a normal merchandise removal the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the normal merchandise removal. If the RF signal indicates an alert mode due to a possible theft, the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the alert mode. 
     With reference to  FIG.  6 D , a flow diagram is illustrated that describes operation of the alarm box  50  when the mode switching button  408  (shown in  FIG.  9   ) is in position “A”, which in this case indicates that the alarm box  50  is in “Alarm Mode”. In this mode, the alarm box  50  periodically checks for a valid RF signal from one or more signal-emitting retail devices  11 . In the embodiment shown, the alarm box  50  checks for this RF signal for 30 milliseconds every four tenths of a second. If the RF signal indicates a normal merchandise removal the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the normal merchandise removal. If the RF signal indicates an alert mode due to a possible theft, the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the alert mode. 
     With reference to  FIG.  7   , in one embodiment a label holder  124  includes springs such that an additional spring force pushes the label holder  124  back to its resting position after the merchandise  119  is removed. In a particular embodiment, the bottom wire  118  includes an upturned segment  122  at the end of the bottom wire  118  distal from the interfacing portion  115 . The upturned segment  122  extends at an approximately 90-degree angle relative to the rest of the bottom wire  118 , toward the top wire  116 . 
     The signal-emitting retail device  111  includes a display interfacing portion  115 . The display interface portion  115  includes upturned hooks  120  adapted to fit in a pegboard style mounting surface to support the signal-emitting retail device  111 . Extending from the display interfacing portion  115  in a direction opposite the upturned hooks  120 , the signal-emitting retail device  111  includes a wire with top portion and bottom portions. The top portion, or top wire  116 , and the bottom portion, or bottom wire  118 , extend generally parallel with one another. The upturned hooks  120  adapted to fit in a pegboard style mounting surface to support the signal-emitting retail device  111 . Other features of this embodiment of the signal-emitting retail device  111  are similar to previous embodiments (i.e. the top wire  116 , bottom wire  118 , display interface portion  115 ). 
     This arrangement illustrated in  FIG.  7    may be referred to as a hook or a display hook. The top wire  116  extends from the display interfacing portion  115  to an electronic unit  117  including an emitter  112  and a sensor  113 . The electronic unit  117  is supported by the top wire  116  and fixedly attached to the end of the top wire  116  distal from display interfacing portion  115 . In embodiments of the invention, the top wire  116  and bottom wire  118  are made of metal, and are electrically connected to the emitter  112  such that the top wire  116  and bottom wire  118  function as an antenna for the emitter  112 . Due to the greater size of the top and bottom wires  116 ,  118  as compared to a conventional antenna (i.e., an internal antenna), the range of reliable communication between the signal-emitting retail device  111  and the alarm box  50  may be effectively double what it would be if the conventional internal antenna were used. In the embodiment of  FIG.  7   , the electronic unit  117  includes the mode switch  23  shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    are perspective and side views, respectively, of the alarm box  50 , constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the alarm box  50  has a housing  400 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the alarm box  50  has a speaker  402  and a reset button  404  on a top side of the housing  400 . When pressed, the reset button  404  turn off an alarm being sounded by the alarm box  50 . In particular embodiments, the user may select from a number of different alarm sounds. 
     The plan view of  FIG.  9    shows a plurality of terminals  406 , which allow for connection of the alarm box  50  to any number of output receiving devices  60  (see  FIG.  1   ), including, but not limited to, a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, one or more video cameras, and video monitors. The signal (e.g., an alarm signal indicating a potential theft) from the alarm box  50  may be used to activate or control the output receiving device  60 . 
     The alarm box  50  may further include control circuitry  414  configured to transmit a control signal used to activate or control the output receiving device  60 . In particular embodiments, the control circuitry  414  is also configured to that causes the emitter to emit a first audible signal when a first wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates no-theft condition, and to emit a second audible signal, different from the first audible signal, when a second wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates a theft condition. The control circuitry may also cause the emitter to emit the second audible signal when the first wireless signal is absent for a threshold amount of time. 
     In  FIG.  9   , a mode switching button  408  is shown adjacent to the plurality of terminals  406 . The mode switching button  408  may be designed to switch between a beep mode and an alarm mode, as described above. In certain embodiments, the housing  400  has one or more magnets  410  attached to facilitate mounting of the alarm box  50  to a metal surface. Like the signal-emitting retail device  11  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) described above, the alarm box  50  may be battery-operated. Due to low power requirements, the alarm box  50  can be expected to operate for many months before needing to replace the batteries. 
     The alarm box  50  may have an internal RF antenna that is part of a receiver  412 , such that the alarm box  50  is configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal emitting devices  11  (shown in  FIG.  2   ). In certain embodiments, the alarm box  50  is also configured to emit a variety of different audio signals which may be indicative of, for example, a location of the signal emitting device  11 , or the type of merchandise displayed on the signal emitting device  11 . The alarm box  50  may be configured to recognize one or more signal emitting devices  11  each having a particular identification code. For example, the alarm box  50  may recognize only those signal emitting devices  11  having a first identification code, while ignoring signals from signal emitting devices  11  having a different identification code. 
     Thus, a retail operation may employ several alarm boxes  50 , each recognizing a different identification code, and thus each recognizing the signal from a different group of signal emitting devices  11  (see  FIG.  2   ). This allows the retail operator to segregate or distinguish various retail items by using signal emitting devices  11  and alarm boxes  50  with a specific identification code that corresponds with a particular type of retail item. The alarm boxes  50  may be paired with signal emitting devices  11  having a specific identification code such that the warning beeps and alarm signals are synchronized. In a particular embodiment, the alarm box is configured to recognize up to 256 unique identification codes, and the signal emitting device  11  can be configured with 256 unique identification codes. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.