Patent Publication Number: US-2015061831-A1

Title: Key and security device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/871,028, filed on Aug. 28, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entity. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to keys and security devices of the type commonly 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, such as a display hook or a display fixture, within security packaging commonly referred to as a “safer”, or otherwise on a display surface. The security device or keeper 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. Items of merchandise may also be secured using a display stand to allow users to sample the item for potential purchase. 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. 
     However, retailers are required to employ multiple keys for different types of locks. In addition, keys are susceptible to theft and unauthorized use. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to keys, security devices, security systems, and methods. In one embodiment, a key includes a housing and an actuation member operably engaged with the housing. The key also includes a mechanical component configured to disengage a mechanical member of a security device. The key further includes an electronic component configured to arm and/or disarm a monitoring circuit in electrical communication with a security device. The actuation member is configured to actuate the mechanical component and/or the electronic component. 
     In another embodiment, a security system is provided and includes a key comprising a housing, an actuation member operably engaged with the housing, a mechanical component, and an electronic component. The security system also includes a security device comprising a monitoring circuit and a mechanical member. The mechanical component is configured to disengage the mechanical member of a security device, while the electronic component is configured to arm and/or disarm the monitoring circuit. The actuation member is configured to actuate the mechanical component and/or the electronic component. 
     In one embodiment, a method for securing a security device comprising a monitoring circuit and a mechanical member is provided. The method comprises disarming the monitoring circuit using an electrical component of a key and disengaging the mechanical member with a mechanical component of the key. The step of disarming and/or disengaging comprises actuating an actuation member of the key. 
    
    
     
       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 end view of a key according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a security device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a key engaged with a programming station according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a security device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view showing a key engaged with the security device shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is another side view showing the key engaged with the security device shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a security device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of the security device shown in  FIG. 10  engaged with an item of merchandise and tethered to a recoiler according to an 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. 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 a mechanical component  18  and 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 mechanical component  18  is configured to mechanically engage the security device  12 , while the electronic component  20  comprises communication capability for communicating with the security device. The actuation member  16  may be configured to move the mechanical component  18  and/or 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 such that the actuation member is unable to actuate the mechanical component and/or the electrical component for cooperating with the security device. Thus, upon expiration of a particular period of time, 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. 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.). 
     In other embodiments, the mechanical component  18  is operably engaged with the actuation member  16  and is configured to cooperate with a mechanical member of the security device  12  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7-9 ), while the electrical component  20  is operably engaged with the actuation member and is configured to cooperate with the security device. The mechanical component  18  may be operably engaged with the electrical component  20  such that actuation of the actuation member  16  is configured to actuate the mechanical component and/or the electrical component for cooperation with the security device  12 , respectively. In some cases, the actuation member  16  is configured to actuate both of the mechanical  18  and the electrical  20  components. 
     In some embodiments, the actuation member  16  is configured to lock, or otherwise render inoperable, the mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components. Thus, the actuation member  16  may prevent the mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components from moving relative to the housing  14  or otherwise being actuated. In other embodiments, the key  10  may further include a separate locking mechanism  23  that is coupled to the actuation member (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). Thus, the locking mechanism  23  may be configured to engage the actuation member  16  to prevent actuation thereof. 
     The housing  14  may be any suitable housing configured to at least partially receive the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components, 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 mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components, 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  6 ). 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 one or more openings for accommodating the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components, such as for allowing the mechanical and/or electrical components to be moved into and out of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing  14  may include a single opening for accommodating both of the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components, while in another embodiment, the mechanical and electrical components may be disposed within independent openings of the housing. Similarly, 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 mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components. 
     The actuation member  16  may be any device, mechanism, or feature that is configured to actuate the mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components. 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. In this regard, the actuation member  16  may be a linear actuator driven by a motor. The automatic actuation may occur, for example, in response to a user depressing a button or activating a switch. In one embodiment, the actuation member  16  is an electro-mechanical switch such that engagement of the switch with the security device actuates the mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components. For instance, the switch could be a plunger or pressure switch that is configured to engage the security device  12  thereby actuating the mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components. 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. Examples of actuation members that may be employed with embodiments of the present invention may be found, for example, in International Application No. PCT/US2014/40635, filed on Jun. 3, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     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 , mechanical component  18 , 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 , the mechanical component  18 , 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 mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components while actuation of the motor in an opposite direction or de-actuation of the motor locks the mechanical and/or electrical components. 
     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, both the housing  14  and the mechanical component  18  are configured to cooperate with the security device  12 . For instance, the housing  14  may be configured to engage a mechanical member of the security device  12 , and then the mechanical component  18  may be configured to be actuated to further engage the mechanical member or a second mechanical member to disengage or otherwise mechanically unlock the security device (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8-9 ). 
     The mechanical component  18  may include a particular size and shape for cooperating with a complementary size and shape of the security device  12 . In one embodiment, the mechanical component  18  includes an irregular shape that is configured to engage a complementary irregular-shaped opening defined in the security device  12 . For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a key  10  having a mechanical component  18  with a generally circular cross section with a pair of opposing protrusions  28 . Of course, any desired cross section may be employed, although the cross section would typically be a proprietary shape and configuration that could not be readily duplicated. The security device  12  may further require rotation of the key  10  while the mechanical component  18  is engaged therewith. For example, a partial or complete turn of the key  10  may disengage a mechanical member of the security device  12  for locking or unlocking a lock mechanism. In some cases, the mechanical component  18  may include a magnet or magnetically attractable material that is configured to interact with a corresponding magnetically attractable material or magnet associated with the mechanical member. 
     In one embodiment, the mechanical component  18  first engages the security device  12  and then the electrical component  20  then is able to arm or disarm the security device. For example, the mechanical component  18  may be configured to first disengage a mechanical member of the security device  12 , and then the electrical component  20  may be configured to arm or disarm the security device. In this embodiment, the electrical component  20  would be able to arm or disarm the security device  12  only when the mechanical member is first disengaged. In other embodiments, the electrical component  20  may be configured to first disarm the security device  12 , and then the mechanical component  18  may be configured to disengage or unlock the security device. Of course, the operations of the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components could alternatively occur simultaneously. 
     The electrical component  20  may be configured to cooperate with a security device  12  for arming and disarming a monitoring circuit  25  that is in electrical communication with the security device (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). 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, the energy signal emitted by the electrical component  20  is configured to cooperate with an infrared sensor of the type shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,737,844, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 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. No. 7,737,843, U.S. Pat. No. 7,737,845, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0047972, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     In some embodiments, the electrical component  20  may be programmed with a security code and the security device  12  may be programmed with the same security code, for example, by the key or by the same security device that programmed the key. Thereafter, the key  10  may 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.  FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of a security device  12  including a transfer port  30  that is configured to communicate with a key  10 . In one example, the electronics of the key  10  verify that the security device  12  has a security code, and the electronics (e.g., a printed circuit board) disposed within the security device then query the key for its security code. 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 transfer electrical power to the security device, for example, to operate a lock mechanism of the security device. The key 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 wireless signal to arm/disarm the security device  12  and does not transfer electrical power to the security device. 
     Power may be transferred from the key  10  directly to the lock mechanism via one or more conductors. For example, a conductor may be coupled to a mechanical lock mechanism, and when electrical power is conducted through the conductor, a state change occurs thereby resulting in operation of the lock mechanism. In one example, the conductor is coupled to a shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol) such that electrical power transferred through the conductor results in a change in shape of the shape memory material (e.g., contraction). Such a change in shape may cause a mechanical actuation (e.g., linear or rotary) of the lock mechanism to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism. Examples of using such shape memory material for a lock mechanism may be found, for example, in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/328,051, filed on Jul. 10, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the lock mechanism may cooperate with a motor or solenoid for operating the lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the mechanical component  18  is configured to partially disengage a lock mechanism, and then the electrical component  20  is configured to actuate the lock mechanism to fully disengage the lock mechanism. 
     The key  10  may be programmed with a security code, for example, a Security Disarm Code (SDC). The key  10  and the security device  12  may each be pre-programmed with the same SDC into a respective permanent memory. Alternatively, the key  10  may first be programmed with the SDC by a programming station  32 , and the security device  12  may subsequently be programmed with the same SDC by the programming station or by the key (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). 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  may be pre-programmed with a security code or may be self-programming in other embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, the key  10  may include a time-out function, as explained in further detail below. More particularly, the ability of the actuation member  16  to actuate the mechanical  18  and/or electrical  20  components may be deactivated after a predetermined time period. 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 programmed or last refreshed by a programming station  32 . In this manner, an authorized sales associate typically must program or refresh the key assigned to him or her at the beginning of each work shift. Thus, the key  10  would have to be programmed or refreshed with the SDC by a programming station, which is typically monitored or maintained at a secure location, in order to reactivate the logic control circuit of the key. Other forms for reprogramming or refreshing the SDC may be used such as, for example, inputting a code, charging the key with an authorized charger, etc. 
     The mechanical  18  and the electrical  20  components may be independent of one another or operably engaged with one another. In this regard, the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components may be independently actuated or actuated simultaneously. In one embodiment, the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components are operably engaged with one another. Thus, the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components may be moved in unison with respect to the housing  14 . Moreover, in one embodiment, actuation of the actuation member  16  actuates both of the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components simultaneously. For instance, where the actuation member  16  is a sliding member or a push button, actuating the actuation member causes both the mechanical  18  and electrical  20  components to be extended out of the housing  14  such that the mechanical component is able to engage a mechanical member of the security device  12  and the electrical component emits a signal for arming or disarming a monitoring circuit  25 , an alarm, or the like. Alternatively, actuation of the actuation member  16  may only cause the mechanical component  20  to be extended from the housing  14 , while the electrical component  20  is configured to emit a signal from within the housing to arm or disarm the security device  12 . Where the signal is a wireless signal, such as an IR signal, the signal may have no effect on a mechanical member or lock, but would be operable to arm/disarm an electrical or electro-mechanical lock. 
     As discussed above, the actuation member  16  may be configured to move the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components relative to the housing  14 . In one embodiment, the actuation member  16  comprises a slide assembly configured for sliding movement of the mechanical component  18  and/or the electrical component  20  within the interior cavity (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). For instance, the actuation member  16  may include a finger operated button that is configured to slide within a channel defined in the housing  14 . The actuation member  16  may be operably coupled to the logic control circuit, controller, or PCB of the key  10  such that movement of the key in one direction actuates the electrical component  20 . In addition, movement of the actuation member  16  extends the mechanical component  18  outwardly of the housing  14 . The sliding mechanism may be configured to automatically retract the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components into the housing  14 , such as a biasing member (e.g., a spring). Alternatively, the user of the key  10  may manually retract the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components into the housing  14  by moving the button in an opposite direction. 
     As also discussed above, the key  10  may be configured to time out after a predetermined period of time. In other words, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the actuation member  16  is rendered inoperable for actuating the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components. For example, where the actuation member  16  is manually operated, the actuation member may be unable to be moved with respect to the housing  14  due to engagement with a locking mechanism  23 . Similarly, where the actuation member  16  is automatically actuated (e.g., electrically or electro-mechanically operated), the actuation member may be self-locking to prevent the actuation member from being operated or otherwise locking/unlocking or arming/disarming a security device  12 . Thus, the key  10  would have to be reprogrammed or refreshed with an appropriated security authorization in order to reactivate the key so that the actuation member  16  is again able to be actuated. In one embodiment, the key  10  may be operable for a predetermined period of time, and the actuation member  16  may be used for any number of authorized uses within this time period. In the instance where the actuation member  16  is electronically or electro-mechanically driven (e.g., via a motor), the key  10  may be configured to determine the battery level of the key to ensure that enough power is available to retract the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components within the housing  14  to prevent unauthorized use and ensure that the mechanical and/or the electrical components are inaccessible. 
     In one embodiment, the actuation member  16  may be configured to automatically actuate the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components for a predetermined period of time. For instance, when the actuation member  16  is actuated, the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components may be actuated for a limited amount of time to allow a user to lock/unlock or arm/disarm a security device  12 . According to various examples, the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components may be actuated for about 2 seconds or less, about 3 seconds or less, about 4 seconds or less, about 5 seconds or less, or about 10 seconds or less. Upon the predetermined period of time elapsing, the actuation member  16  may automatically retract the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components within the housing  14  or otherwise render the mechanical and/or the electrical components inoperable. 
     Embodiments of the key  10  may also be configured to limit tampering or unauthorized use of the key. For example, the key  10  may include a shroud  34  that projects from the housing  14  that is configured to prevent the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components from being tampered with when extended. In one embodiment, the shroud  34  extends outwardly from the housing  14  and is configured to surround a portion of the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components. Thus, should an unauthorized user attempt to glue, tape, or otherwise tamper with the key  10  to attempt to prevent the mechanical  18  and/or the electrical  20  components from being retracted into the housing, the shroud  34  limits the ability to do so. 
       FIGS. 7-9  show another embodiment of a key  50  and a security device  52 . In this example, the security device  52  is an end assembly for engaging a locking hook. The security device  52  is removably locked to a rod  54  via one or more mechanical members. As illustrated, the key  50  may include features that are configured to mechanically engage the security device  52 . As discussed above, both the housing  14  and the mechanical component  18  may be configured to cooperate with the security device  12 . Thus in this embodiment, the housing  56  may be configured to engage a first engagement member  58  of the security device  52 , such as by inserting a shroud  74  within an opening  76  defined in the security device  52 . The mechanical component  60  may then be configured to be actuated to further engage a second engagement member  62 , which in turn disengages a third engagement member  64  to thereby disengage or otherwise mechanically unlock the rod  54  from the end assembly. Thus, the key  50  may be configured to mechanically engage any number of engagement members of the security device  52  to effectuate unlocking thereof. When the key  50  is engaged with the security device  52  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ), the actuation member  66  may actuate the electrical component  70 , which may recognize that the key is engaged with a security device or that a security device is present (e.g., via a sensor). In one embodiment, the electrical component  70  may be retracted relative to the mechanical component  60  when the electrical component is actuated. Thus, the security device  52  may not require communication with the electrical component  70  to arm or disarm the security device, as the security device may only be mechanically locked. In other words, the electrical component  70  may be retracted relative to the housing  56  to allow the mechanical component  60  to be actuated to unlock the security device  52 . In other embodiments, the key  50  may be configured to also arm or disarm the security device  52  following actuation of the mechanical component  60 . Moreover, the key  50  may include a biasing member  72  that is configured to retract at least the mechanical component  60  within the housing  56 . Thus, where the actuation member  66  is actuated to extend the mechanical component  60  out of the housing  56 , the biasing member  72  may be configured to retract the mechanical component within the housing. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate another embodiment wherein the security device  100  is configured to be removably attached to an item of merchandise  102  (e.g., a retail package). For example, the security device  100  may include a housing  104  that is removably attached to a sled  106 , such as in sliding engagement. The sled  106  could be affixed to the item of merchandise  102 , such as with an adhesive. The security device  100  may include a plunger switch  108  that is configured to sense when the housing  104  is removed from the item of merchandise  102  or the sled  106  in an unauthorized manner. The housing  104  may be removably attached to the sled  106  with a locking mechanism that is configured to be locked or unlocked from the sled with a key, as well as armed or disarmed with the key. Thus, the housing  104  may include a monitoring circuit  25  as discussed above, as well as a port  108  for communicating with a key (e.g., via wireless communication). The housing  104  may include an LED  110  or other indicator for indicating that the monitoring circuit  25  is armed or disarmed. In one embodiment, the key is similar to that shown in  FIG. 5  and is configured to electrically communicate with the security device  100  as well as mechanically engage the housing  104 . Thus, the key may include a mechanical component  18  for engaging the housing and an electrical component  20  for communicating with the monitoring circuit  25  (e.g., via IR communication). 
       FIG. 11  shows that the security device  100  may be tethered to an alarming recoiler  112 , wherein a tether  114  is configured to extend and retract relative to the recoiler. As such, the item of merchandise  102  may be extended and retracted relative to the recoiler  112  for examination by a customer when the security device  100  is attached to the item. As shown, the alarming recoiler  112  could also include a port  108  operably engaged with a monitoring circuit  25 , wherein the monitoring circuit is configured to determine whether the tether  114  has been cut or if the recoiler has been removed from a support surface or wall  116  in an unauthorized manner. The alarming recoiler  112  may also include a port  108  that is configured to communicate with a key for arming or disarming the recoiler. The item of merchandise  102  may be configured to be supported on a display surface  118 , shelf, or the like. 
     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.