Patent Publication Number: US-11381042-B2

Title: Security connector

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/578,821, filed on Sep. 23, 2019, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/267,420, filed on May 1, 2014, and now U.S. Pat. No. 10,424,882, which is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/821,538 filed on May 9, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/821,568 filed on May 9, 2013, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/834,003 filed on Jun. 12, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to connectors for electronic devices, including connectors for securing electronic devices from theft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Retailers routinely display articles of merchandise, such as portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), mobile phones, e-readers, media players, and the like for customers to evaluate before making a purchase. These articles of merchandise are continually being made smaller and lighter in weight due to advances in technology and materials. As a result, such merchandise is increasingly vulnerable and susceptible to theft. At the same time, the retail price and profit margin for such merchandise continues to decline. Accordingly, these articles of merchandise need to be secured by a security device that effectively and cost efficiently protects the merchandise from theft. 
     It is common in the retail security industry to have electronic devices tethered to a store fixture to prevent theft yet allow a customer to interact with the device. In addition, it is desirable to provide power to the electronic device so that the device may be charged and operable for use by a potential customer. Some manufacturers provide proprietary connectors that are incapable of providing security to an electronic device. Therefore, there is a need for improved connectors that are capable of providing both power and security to the electronic device without affecting the existing functionality of the connector. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to connectors, cable assemblies, systems, and methods for providing security to an article of merchandise. In one embodiment, a connector includes a body portion configured to be connected to a cord, a connection portion engaged with the body portion, and a plurality of conductors. The connector also includes a conductive shield electrically connected to a plurality of the conductors when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise. At least one of the plurality of conductors is not electrically connected to the remaining conductors and/or the conductive shield when the connector is not engaged with the article of merchandise. The at least one conductor is configured to cooperate with at least one of the plurality of conductors and/or the conductive shield to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise. In addition, interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event. 
     In another embodiment, a cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly includes a connector as described above along with a cord configured to be electrically connected to the connector. 
     In a further embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes engaging a connector to an article of merchandise for providing power and data signals therebetween. The connector includes a plurality of conductors and a conductive shield electrically connected to a plurality of the conductors when the connector is not engaged with the article of merchandise. The connector also at least one conductor that is not electrically connected to the remaining conductors and/or the conductive shield when the connector is not engaged with the article of merchandise. At least one of the conductors and/or the conductive shield cooperates with the at least one conductor to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise. 
     In yet another embodiment, a system is provided and includes a controller, a cord configured to operably engage the controller, and a connector. The connector includes a body portion configured to be connected to the cord and a connection portion engaged with the body portion. The connector also includes a plurality of conductors electrically connected to the cord, which includes at least a ground conductor, a power conductor, and a signal conductor. The connector further includes a conductive shield configured to electrically connect to the article of merchandise when the connection portion is engaged with the article of merchandise. At least the ground conductor and the signal conductor are not electrically connected to the conductive shield when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise. The signal conductor is configured to transmit a signal when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise, and the controller is configured to detect a change in the signal that is indicative of a security event. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a security system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a top schematic view of a circuit defined by a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a top schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a top schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout the various views. One or more embodiments of a connector  10  for securing an article of merchandise “M” from theft are described below. Some manufacturers manufacture proprietary connectors that are only compatible with the manufacturer&#39;s articles of merchandise. Such proprietary connectors may be used to ensure that the article of merchandise is not damaged due to differences in power requirements or mechanical mismatch. Some proprietary connectors may be “smart” and provide additional functionality beyond simply passing through electrical signals. For example, the proprietary connector may be configured to transmit data and electrical signals for authenticating that the article of merchandise is compatible with the connector. 
     However, such proprietary connectors have certain limitations in view of providing security from theft. In this regard, some proprietary connectors do not allow for a sense loop for detecting an unauthorized removal of the connector. In addition, although the connectors are “smart” in the sense that the connectors can communicate with the article of merchandise, such smart connectors may be prone to false alarms. Namely, should the article of merchandise be powered off by a user, the connector is incapable of differentiating between an intentional power off or whether the article of merchandise has been removed from the connector in an authorized manner. Furthermore, should the article of merchandise power down for power conservation, the connector will again be incapable of distinguishing between an intentional power down or an attempted theft. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention facilitate security capability of proprietary or other “smart” connectors while maintaining the existing functionality of the connector. 
     The article of merchandise M may be a display model or an operational sample of electronic merchandise, such as portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, mobile phones, smart phones, media players, and the like, for a customer to examine before making a decision to purchase the item. The article of merchandise M may be typically displayed in a manner that permits a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise, while protecting the merchandise from a potential thief. A power cord or tether  12  may be operably engaged with the article of merchandise M at one end, and according to one embodiment, a security event (e.g., removal, cutting, or tampering of the power cord) may result in the generation of a security signal (e.g., an audible and/or visual alarm). For example, the power cord  12  may be operably engaged with an alarm device  25  configured to generate a security signal upon detecting a security event. In one embodiment, the power cord  12  includes a connector  14  configured to operably engage an alarm device  25  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide for the delivery of at least power to the article of merchandise M on display through a power cord, cable, or the like. The power cord  12  may include a plurality of conductors  16 . For example, a pair of conductors  16  in the power cord  12  (e.g., a positive power line and a ground line) may provide power to the article of merchandise M. An input power source or controller  18  may be in electrical communication with the power cord for transmitting power and other signals through the cord  12  and to the article of merchandise M. The power cord  12  may include additional conductors  16  if desired, such as for transmitting data, audio, video, optical and/or communication signals. Moreover, in one embodiment, the power cord  12  includes at least one conductor  16  for transmitting a security signal. For example, the power cord  12  may include a plurality of conductors  16 , one of which for transmitting a signal to the connector  10 , and a second conductor for returning the signal back through the power cord. Should the signal be disrupted (e.g., the cord  12  is removed or cut), a security signal may be generated. For instance, an audible and/or a visible signal may be generated. In addition, the functionality of the article of merchandise M may be interrupted and locked from further use without being overridden by an authorized user, such as by inputting a passcode or using an appropriate key. 
     One end of the power cord  12  includes a connector  10  configured to electrically couple to the article of merchandise M. The opposite end of the power cord is configured to be coupled to a power source  18 , such as a USB-port on another electronic device or an electrical outlet. Thus, the power cord  12  may include a USB connector or the like that is electrically connected to the connector  10  at the opposite end of the cord. In other embodiments, the power cord  12  may be electrically coupled to an alarm device  25  or sensor, as explained in further detail below. The connector  10  is configured to provide at least power and security signals to the article of merchandise. In some embodiments, the connector  10  is similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2012/0272297, entitled Cross-Transport Authentication and filed Jun. 29, 2012, U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2013/0089290, entitled Hybrid Optical Connector and filed Nov. 29, 2012, and U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2013/0087690, entitled Optical Connection of Devices and filed Nov. 29, 2012, U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2013/0117470, entitled Techniques for Configuring Contacts of a Connector and filed Nov. 16, 2012, U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2013/0115821, entitled Dual Orientation Connector with External Contacts and Conductive Frame and filed Nov. 16, 2012, and U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2013/0115817, entitled Techniques for Configuring Contacts of a Connector and filed Nov. 16, 2012, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Generally, the connector  10  may include a body portion  20  and a connection portion  22  extending outwardly therefrom (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). The body portion  20  and connection portion  22  may be separate members coupled to one another or integrally formed as a single component. Although the body portion  20  and the connection  22  portion may be various sizes and configurations, the connection portion is illustrated as having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the body portion. The power cord  12  is coupled to the body portion  20 , while the connection portion  22  is configured to be inserted within an input port of the article of merchandise M so as to be electrically connected thereto. The body portion  20  may be hard wired to the power cord  12  or connected using a suitable releasable coupling. The connection portion  22  comprises a plurality of conductors  24 , contacts, or pins that correspond to the conductors  16  in the power cord, as discussed above. The connection portion  22  may include any number of conductors  24 , such as 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. The conductors  24  may be embedded within or otherwise integrated within a conductive shield  26  and extend from a first surface of the shield to a second opposite surface such that the conductors are exposed on both the first and second surfaces. Thus, the shield  26  may surround the conductors  24  and form an outer surface of the connection portion  22 . An outer perimeter  28  of the shield  26  extending between the first and second surfaces may also surround the conductors  24  and include a conductive material that is electrically connected to the conductive shield. The outer perimeter  28  may include one or more engagement features (e.g., recesses) that facilitate engagement with corresponding engagement features in the input port of the article of merchandise M. In one embodiment, the conductive shield  26  and outer perimeter  28  are a conductive metal material. The shield  26  and/or body portion  20  may house a processor  30  for communicating with the article of merchandise M. The processor  30  may be configured to perform a variety of functions, such as authenticating that the connector is compatible with the article of merchandise. The processor  30  could also be configured to detect the orientation of the connector  10 . In this regard, the connector  10  may be bi-directional in that the connector may be inserted into an input port of the article of merchandise M in a first orientation and a second opposite orientation, which is unlike conventional USB and micro-USB connectors. For example, the connector  10  may be inserted in orientations 180 degrees opposite from one another. The processor  30  may, in turn, detect the orientation of the connector so that the electrical signals may be routed to the proper conductors in the connection portion. 
     The connector  10  is further configured to facilitate detection of a security event, such as removal or cutting of the power cord  12 . In this regard,  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of a connector  10  that includes a ground conductor  32  that is not electrically connected to a first conductor  34  (e.g., for transmitting an input sense signal), the shield  26 , or any other conductors  24  in the connection portion  22  when the connector is not connected to the article of merchandise M. The first conductor  34  may be one of the conductors  24  integrated into the conductive shield  26  or could be a separate conductor coupled to the shield (e.g., via soldering). When the connector  10  is inserted within the input port of the article of merchandise M, the ground conductor  32  becomes electrically connected to the first conductor  34 , another conductor(s)  36  in the connector, and/or the conductive shield  26  due to interaction with the conductors of the input port, thereby completing an electrical circuit. In other words, the conductive shield  26  and/or at least one other conductor is shorted to the ground conductor  32 . As noted above, the power cord  12  may include a plurality of conductors  16 , one of which is for transmitting a signal to the connector  10  (e.g., via the first conductor  34 ), and a second conductor for returning the signal back through the power cord (e.g., via the ground conductor  32 ). As long as the connector  10  is electrically connected to the article of merchandise M, the sense loop through one conductor  34  and the ground conductor  32  is uninterrupted. Should the sense loop be disrupted (e.g., the cord  12  is removed or cut), a security signal may be generated. Thus, as soon as the connector  10  is removed from the article of merchandise M, the shorted conductors would open, resulting in the generation of a security signal.  FIG. 3  also shows that the connector  10  includes a conductor  36  that allows power to be provided to the connector, which may be used to provide power to the article of merchandise M. Thus, the article of merchandise M may be charged via the connector  10 . 
     The input port of the article of merchandise M may include a plurality of conductors, pins, or contacts that are configured to electrically connect to corresponding conductors  24  on the connection portion  22  and/or conductive shield  26  when the connection portion is engaged with the input port. In one embodiment, the input port includes a plurality of conductors that are configured to electrically connect to the conductors  24  and/or the conductive shield  26  of the connector. For example, the input port may include a pair of conductors connected to a common ground, with one conductor configured to electrically connect to the ground conductor  32  of the connector and the other conductor  34  configured to electrically connect to the conductive shield  26  or one or more of the remaining conductors  36  of the connector. As such, coupling the connector  10  with the input port results in each of the conductors  24  of the connector (including the ground conductor  32 ), the conductive shield  26 , and the article of merchandise M to be in electrical communication with one another. 
     In some embodiments, the power cord  12  is coupled to an alarm device  25  or sensor. For instance, the power cord  12  may electrically connect an alarm device  25  or sensor to the article of merchandise M. Thus, upon the occurrence of a security event, the alarm device  25  may include circuitry for detecting the security event and generating an appropriate security signal. For example, the alarm device  25  may be similar to those manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc. For example, the alarm device may include a display module or mounting member configured to removably support the article of merchandise M, as well as provide power and security to the article of merchandise. According to some embodiments, the alarm device may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,710,266, entitled Security System with Product Power Capability and issued May 4, 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,737,843, entitled Programmable Alarm Module and System for Protecting Merchandise and issued Jun. 15, 2010, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Moreover, the alarm device  25  could be integrated with an input power source or controller  18 , such as for providing and/or receiving power and/or security signals from the connector  10  and/or the article of merchandise M. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over similar connectors that may otherwise be incapable of providing security to the article of merchandise. This functionality is advantageous in a retail environment where articles of merchandise are on display for inspection by a customer. As discussed above, some proprietary connectors include conductive materials that do not enable a security signal to be transmitted through the connector since the ground conductor is always electrically connected to the conductive shield and/or other conductors. Thus, a sense loop is not possible with some current connector designs since there is no means to detect an interruption in the sense loop. By decoupling at least one conductor of the sense loop from the other conductors and/or the conductive shield, the ability to provide a sense loop is provided, thereby providing security capability. Furthermore, the sense loop is uninterrupted when the device is powered down thereby reducing the incidence of false alarm. The functionality of the connector is also unaffected. As such, proprietary connectors including “smart” functionality are not affected by the presence of the sense loop. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a connector  10  is configured to interact with the article of merchandise M to define a sense loop and detect any interruptions in the sense loop indicative of a security event. The existing structure of a proprietary connector may be used in this manner without the need to modify the existing conductor arrangement. For example, when the connector  10  is engaged with the article of merchandise M, particular contacts or pins on the connector may interact with the article of merchandise to establish communication therebetween. A proprietary connector may establish communication with the article of merchandise M when the connector is engaged with the article to verify that the article is compatible with the connector. When such engagement is detected, the connector  10  may be configured to communicate signals or pings to the article of merchandise M (e.g., via cord  12  or alarm device). As long as the connector  10  is sending and receiving the signals with the article of merchandise M, the sense loop is complete and uninterrupted. Should a return signal not be received by the connector  10  after sending the signal, the interruption may be indicative of a security event. It is understood that such signals may be one-way based communication between the connector  10  and the article of merchandise M and/or through one or more of the conductors  16 ,  24  provided in the connector and the power cord  12 , respectively. In one example, a signal strength in the article of merchandise M may be monitored, wherein one or more of the conductors may function as an antenna. In another example, noise in the power cord  12  could be monitored while the connector  10  is engaged with the article of merchandise, and should the noise be interrupted for a particular period of time, this interruption may be indicative of a security event. Other possible detectable signals could be transmitted through one or more of the conductors  16 ,  24  in the connector  10  and/or power cord  12  to define a sense loop. Alternatively, vibrations or sound waves could be sent up the power cord  12  and to the connector  10 . Changes in vibration or sound could be detected depending on whether the connector  10  is engaged with or disengaged from the article of merchandise M. 
     The aforementioned technique is useful when the connector  10  is engaged with the article of merchandise M and communicating with the article (e.g., transmitting and/or receiving data). In the instance where the connector  10  is not communicating data signals with the article of merchandise M (e.g., when the article is turned off), the connector may be in electrical communication to charge the article (e.g., via the power cord). Thus, as long as the article of merchandise M is being charged via engagement with the connector, a sense loop may be established. In one embodiment, the article of merchandise M may never be fully charged such that there is always the ability to establish a sense loop via charging of the article, even when the article is turned off. Thus, techniques may be employed to monitor the power level of the article of merchandise M and to limit the amount of power delivered to the article of merchandise. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by limiting the power provided to the article of merchandise M to a trickle charge or cycling the power delivery at a rate that would not fully charge the article. For example, the article of merchandise M could be charged for a predetermined period of time and then stop charging, the power level of the article could then be determined. Where the power level is above a predetermined power level (e.g., greater than 70%), no additional charging would occur. However, where the power level is below a predetermined power level, additional charging may occur, and the cycle may continue. 
     In a further embodiment, the connector  10  may comprise an adaptor, a switch, a sensor, or other mechanism for detecting interaction with the article of merchandise. The adaptor may be coupled to the connector such that the interaction between the connector  10  and the article of merchandise M is detected, thereby enabling communication via the adaptor. For example, the adaptor could be an antenna that senses the engagement and/or communication between the connector and the article of merchandise. In other embodiments, the interaction may be used to establish or interrupt a sense loop. 
     A further embodiment of the connector  10  provides for proximity detection. For instance, the connector  10  may include an optical or a proximity sensor that is configured to detect the engagement of the connector and the article of merchandise M. The sensor may be disposed inline between the connector  10  and the article of merchandise M such that the sensor is configured to detect the connection therebetween. This connection may be due to physical interaction between the connector  10  and the article of merchandise M or based on a proximity therebetween. For example, the sensor may be configured to emit a signal or ping (e.g., a resonant echo) that is indicative of a particular article of merchandise M. The sensor may be engaged, integrated, molded, or otherwise coupled to the connector  10 , such as to the connection portion or the body portion. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor is a plunger activated device  40 , such as an inline plunger switch operably engaged with the connector  10  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). Thus, the plunger switch  40  is configured to engage the article of merchandise M when the connector  10  is connected thereto. Upon disconnection of the connector  10 , the plunger switch  40  also disengages the article of merchandise M. The disengagement and engagement of the plunger switch  40  is operable to actuate a switch within the connector  10 . In this regard, actuation of the plunger switch  40  may complete a sense loop by closing a switch within the connector  10 , thereby creating a sense loop through the cord  12 . The switch within the connector  10  could be any suitable switch for completing a circuit, such as a mechanically actuated member or an optically actuated member. The connector  10  may include overmolding  42  applied to the connection portion  22  to thereby define the body portion  20 , or the overmolding may be applied over the body portion. The overmolding  42  may be configured to allow the connection portion  22  to be inserted into the article of merchandise M in a particular orientation or direction. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor is a flexible circuit  44  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). The flexible circuit  44  may be directly coupled to the connector  10 . The flexible circuit  44  may have a low profile that does not interrupt the insertion of, or connection between, the connection portion  22  and the article of merchandise M. The flexible circuit  44  may be disposed at least partially along the body portion  20  and the connection portion  22 . In this regard, the flexible circuit  44  may be electrically coupled to the body portion  20  or the connection portion  22 , such as via one contact  46  (e.g., solder point). The flexible circuit  44  may include one or more electrically conductive fingers  48  or elements that extend from the body portion  20  and along the connection portion  22 . The fingers  48  may be initially spaced away from the surface of the connection portion  22  so as to not be in electrical communication therewith. For instance, an adhesive, dielectric member, spacer, or other element  50  or technique may be used to create a gap  52  between the fingers  48  and the connection portion  22  prior to insertion of the connection portion (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). The element or member  50  creating the gap  52  may be flexible or resilient to allow the fingers  48  to move when the connection portion  22  is inserted in the article of merchandise M. Where an adhesive is employed, the adhesive may be used to further secure the flexible circuit  44  to the connector  10 . In addition, the element or member  50  creating the gap  52  may be configured to bias the flexible circuit  44  away from the connection portion  22  when the connection portion is removed from the article of merchandise M. Alternatively, the flexible circuit  44  may have a tendency to naturally bias away from the connection portion  22  when the connector  10  is disengaged from the article of merchandise M. When the connection portion  22  is inserted in the article of merchandise M, the fingers  48  may be flexible and configured to extend towards the connection portion  22  and make contact therewith thereby being in electrical communication with the connection portion. The electrical communication may be facilitated by electrical contact being made between the connection portion  22  and the article of merchandise M (e.g., via the shield  26  of the connection portion). When electrical communication is established, a sense loop may be created. For instance, a sense loop may be created between a sense wire  54  coupled to a contact  46  of the flexible circuit and a ground wire  56  engaged with the connector (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). The electrical connection between the two wires  54 ,  56  may be facilitated by electrical contact being made between the article of merchandise M and the connection portion  22  (e.g., via the shield  26 ). When the connection portion  22  is removed or the cord  12  is cut, the sense loop is interrupted, which may result in generation of a security signal. The flexible circuit  44  could be any suitable material, whereby a conductive material (e.g., copper or silver) is coupled to a non-conductive material (e.g., polyester). The flexible circuit  44  may only be disposed on one surface of the connector  10 . As noted above, the connector  10  may include an overmolding  42  configured to allow the connection portion  22  to be inserted in the article of merchandise M in a particular orientation or direction. As such, the connection portion  22  may be inserted in one direction that ensures that the flexible circuit  44  completes a circuit for creating a sense loop in the cord  12 . The overmolding could be applied over the body portion  20 , including the contact  46  of the flexible circuit  44 , to also facilitate attachment therebetween.  FIG. 5  also shows that a third wire  58  may be used to electrically connect to one of the conductors  24  in the connector (e.g., conductor  36 ) that allows power to be provided to the connector, which may be used to provide power to the article of merchandise M. 
     In another embodiment, the connector  10  utilizes the ability of the article of merchandise M to detect the presence of the connector to create a sense loop (see e.g.,  FIG. 7 ). In this regard, when the connection portion  22  is inserted within the article of merchandise M, the article may be configured to transmit power to the connection portion to power a processor  30  disposed within the connector. For example, about 3 volts may be provided to the connector  10  from the article of merchandise M. Power is provided to the connector  10  while the connector is operably engaged with the article of merchandise M in order to allow the processor  30  to communicate with the article. Power may be continuously provided to the connector  10 , even when the article of merchandise M is in a sleep mode. Moreover, circuitry may be provided to continue the power transmission even when the article of merchandise M is powered down, such as by cycling the power of the article of merchandise. For instance, the alarm unit  25  may include such circuitry for communicating with the article of merchandise M via the cord  12  and connector  10 . When the power is transmitted from the article of merchandise M to the connector  10 , a sense loop may be defined, and an interruption in the sense loop may be detected when the connector is removed from the article or when the cord  12  is cut or removed. In order to utilize this technique, one of the conductors  24  of the connection portion  22  may be chosen to be electrically connected to a sense wire  54  in the cord  12 . This conductor  24  would correspond to the conductor in which power is provided to the connector from the article of merchandise M. When power is transmitted from the article M to the connector  10 , the power will be conducted through this conductor  24  and the wire  54 . A second wire  56  (e.g., a ground wire) in electrical communication with the connector  10  may be configured to complete the sense loop. 
     In one embodiment, a sensor is configured to shunt the connector  10  to provide for a sense loop via the conductors  24 ,  16  in the connector and the cord  12 . For example, where the connector  10  is capable of engaging the article of merchandise M in multiple orientations as discussed above (e.g., the connector is bidirectional), the sensor may be coupled to one surface of the connector  10  while another surface is capable of establishing communication between the connector and the article of merchandise M. Because the sensor is also electrically connected to the connector  10 , engagement of the connector and the article of merchandise M also provides for electrical communication with the sensor. Thus, a sense loop may be provided via the sensor and through one or more of the conductors  24 ,  16  in the connector  10  and/or power cord  12 . As such, the connector  10  may be configured to engage the article of merchandise M in one direction so that the sensor is able to establish a sense loop. Such a configuration for unidirectional alignment may be accomplished, for instance, via a suitable design of the body portion  20  of the connector (e.g., overmolding the body portion). 
     In additional embodiments, the connector  10  may include a mechanism that is configured to shunt or short one or more electrical contacts on the connector. Thus, should the connector  10  be unplugged from the article of merchandise M, the electrical interaction of the mechanism and the connector could be detectable. For example, the mechanism could be spring loaded, such that the mechanism is automatically actuated when the connector  10  is removed from the article of merchandise M, thereby shorting the connector and resulting a signal being generated that is indicative of the connector being removed. 
     In one embodiment, the connector  10  comprises a mechanism that is configured to actuate upon removal of the connector from the article of merchandise M. For example, the connector  10  may include a floating connector, loose joint, or “turtle head” feature that facilitates movement relative to the connector when the connector is engaged with and disengaged from the article of merchandise M. In this regard, the connector  10  may include a housing that is held relative to the connection portion  22  such that the housing is movable to a first position when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise M and movable to a second position when the connector is disengaged. Such engagement and disengagement may cause a sense loop to be completed or interrupted depending on the arrangement of the housing. Or, the movement of the housing may result in shorting of one or more conductors  24  in the connector  10 . For instance, the housing may be retracted relative to the connector  10  when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise M. When the connector  10  is removed, the housing is able to again move relative to the connector which causes a short of the connector and is indicative of the connector being removed from the article of merchandise M. Thus, the connector  10  may be configured to generate a detectable signal when such a short occurs, which may in turn be indicative of a security event. 
     In another embodiment, other techniques may be employed to detect that the connector  10  has changed states with respect to the article of merchandise M. For instance, the connector  10  may include an orientation sensor that is configured to detect a change in orientation (e.g., using torsional bias) that may be indicative of a security event. In this regard, a change in orientation could correspond to an unauthorized user moving the article of merchandise M in a manner that is indicative of a security event (e.g., placing the article in one&#39;s pocket). The orientation sensor could also be used in conjunction with a timing mechanism wherein the change in orientation would be monitored for a given time period. Detecting a particular change in orientation beyond a predetermine period of time may be indicative of a security event, such as where the orientation is unchanged relative to a “home” orientation or an orientation that is indicative of “normal” use or inspection. 
     In another embodiment, the article of merchandise M may include a software application for recognizing interaction between the connector  10  and the article of merchandise. In this regard, the software may be configured to establish a wireless communication signal when the connector  10  is unplugged from the article of merchandise M, which may be indicative of a security event. The wireless signal may be communicated to a central location or an alarm device that monitors the connection between the connector  10  and the article of merchandise M. Various wireless protocols may be employed to effectuate such communication, such as Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, etc. Moreover, the power level of the article of merchandise M may also be monitored such that a sudden drop or interruption in the power level may also trigger wireless communication to a central location or an alarm device. In order to prevent swapping of the article of merchandise M with another article, the software may be further configured to detect the identification of the article coupled to the connector  10 , such as via conductors  24  through the connector and cord  12  when plugged in or via a wireless signal. Thus, the power level and/or the identification of the article of merchandise M may be monitored for detecting a security event where the power level is interrupted and/or the identification of the article changes. 
     In some embodiments, one or more conductors (e.g., the ground conductor  32  and one or more data or signal conductors) in the connector  10  may not be electrically connected to the shield  26  when connected to an article of merchandise M. In this case, another one of the conductors  24  in the connector  10  may be utilized to determine whether a security event has occurred since the conductors are incapable of defining a sense loop with the shield  26 . In one example, a conductor  24 , such as a data or signal conductor, may be used for communicating with the controller  18  and/or the article of merchandise M. Thus, a sense loop may be defined over a single conductor. A change in the value of a signal (e.g., a voltage level) transmitted between the conductor and the controller  18  and/or the article of merchandise M may be indicative of a security event. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted between the article of merchandise and the controller  18 , and should the value change, the controller may determine that a security event has occurred. In one embodiment, the connector  10  is a standard connector (e.g., a micro-USB connector) such that any conventional or proprietary connector may be used without the need to alter the conductors and/or connector for detecting various security events. 
     The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a connector for securing an article of merchandise from theft. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.