Patent Publication Number: US-2015077232-A1

Title: Near field communication devices for merchandise security

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/878,667 filed on Sep. 17, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/883,282 filed on Sep. 27, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to security devices, systems, and methods for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to security devices, systems and methods including near field communication (“NFC”) functionality for merchandise security. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is common practice for retailers to store and/or display relatively expensive items of merchandise on or within a merchandise security device, such as a security display (e.g. alarming stand), security fixture (e.g. locking hook, shelf, cabinet, etc.) or security packaging (e.g. merchandise keeper). Regardless, the security device stores and/or displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser may view, and in some instances, interact with the item before making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item is secured on or within the merchandise security device so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The value of the item, however, may make it an attractive target for a shoplifter despite the presence of a merchandise security device. A determined shoplifter may attempt to detach the item from the security display or to remove the item from the security fixture or from within the security packaging. Alternatively, the shoplifter may attempt to remove all or a portion of the security device from the display area along with the item of merchandise. 
     In the case of a security fixture, and in particular a merchandise display cabinet or drawer, the merchandise security device is oftentimes locked with a lock to prevent merchandise from being removed from the cabinet or drawer without the assistance of an authorized person, such as a sales associate. In most instances, the lock includes a conventional tumbler or spring-biased lock mechanism operated by a non-programmable, manually operated mechanical or magnetic key. Too often, however, a mechanical or magnetic key is lost, stolen or damaged. A mechanical key can also break off in the lock and/or damage the lock mechanism of the lock. In certain instances, the merchandise security device is secured by a lock including a lock mechanism that is operated by a merchandise security key in the form of a programmable electronic key. However, a programmable electronic key can likewise be lost, stolen or damaged. Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic key that operates an electronic lock and is less susceptible to being lost, stolen or damaged. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention is embodied by a merchandise security device for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security device includes an electronic lock configured to be locked or unlocked and to be secured to a merchandise fixture. The electronic lock has at least one near field communication (“NFC”) tag that is configured to communicate with an electronic device having at least one NFC tag to unlock the electronic lock. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic lock may include a lock mechanism configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to communication between the at least one NFC tag of the electronic lock and the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic lock may further include a processor in communication with a switch. The processor may be configured to actuate the switch to thereby actuate the lock mechanism in response to communication with the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device. 
     In another embodiment, the lock mechanism may include an actuator that is configured to extend and retract in response to communication between the at least one NFC tag of the electronic lock and the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic lock may further include a source of electrical power. In yet another embodiment, the electronic lock may further include a proximity mechanism configured to detect the position of the electronic lock relative to the merchandise fixture. The proximity mechanism may be a reed switch or a Hall effect sensor. 
     In another aspect, the invention is embodied by a merchandise security system including an electronic lock configured to locked or unlocked and to be secured to a merchandise fixture. The electronic lock has at least one near field communication (“NFC”) tag. The merchandise security system further includes an electronic device having at least one NFC tag. The at least one NFC tag of the electronic lock is configured to communicate with the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device to unlock the electronic lock. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device is a mobile phone or a Smartphone. In another embodiment, the electronic lock is a drawer lock or a locking hook. 
     In yet another embodiment, the electronic lock includes a lock mechanism configured to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to communication between the at least one NFC tag of the electronic lock and the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device. In yet another embodiment, the electronic lock comprises a processor in communication with a switch, the processor being configured to actuate the switch to thereby actuate the lock mechanism in response to communication with the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic lock further includes a source of electrical power. In still another embodiment, the electronic lock further includes a proximity mechanism configured to detect the position of the electronic lock relative to the merchandise fixture. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention is embodied by a method for protecting merchandise from theft. The method includes attaching an electronic lock to a merchandise fixture, the electronic lock is configured to be locked or unlocked and to includes at least one near field communication (“NFC”) tag. The method further includes actuating an electronic key comprising at least one NFC tag such that the at least one NFC tag of the electronic lock communicates with the at least one NFC tag of the electronic device to unlock the electronic lock. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention is embodied by a method for protecting merchandise from theft. The method includes communicating data between an electronic lock and an electronic device via near field communication (“NFC”). The method further includes actuating the electronic lock in response to receiving the data such that the electronic lock is unlocked and the item of merchandise is accessible to an authorized person. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       The detailed description of the invention provided below may be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which depict embodiments of merchandise security devices and systems that utilize near field communication (“NFC”) functionality. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a merchandise security device according to the invention including an electronic lock and an electronic device configured for unlocking the electronic lock. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view showing the electronic lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view showing the electronic lock of  FIG. 1  in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view showing the electronic lock of  FIG. 1  in a locked configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustrating various components of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic showing various components of the electronic lock of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a merchandise security device according to the invention including an electronic lock. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view showing a forward end portion of the merchandise security device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view showing various components of the merchandise security device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view showing various components of the electronic lock of the merchandise security device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view showing various components of the merchandise security device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a merchandise security device according to the invention including an electronic lock and an electronic device for unlocking the electronic lock. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing the electronic lock of  FIG. 12  in an unlocked configuration for removing items of merchandise from the merchandise security device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a merchandise security device and system are shown. Embodiments of the invention include an electronic lock and electronic device that utilize near field communication (“NFC”) functionality. A merchandise security device and system according to embodiments of the invention is operable for use with a merchandise fixture that stores and/or displays merchandise, for example, in a retail store. In the embodiments shown and described herein, a merchandise security device, indicated generally at  10 , includes an electronic lock, indicated generally at  12 , and an electronic device, indicated generally at  14 , configured for at least unlocking a merchandise fixture, indicated generally at  15 . 
     An embodiment of a merchandise security device  10  according to the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . The merchandise security device  10  depicted therein is operable for use with a merchandise fixture  15 , for example a merchandise drawer adapted for storing and protecting items of merchandise disposed within the drawer. The drawer  15  may be operably engaged with a table, cabinet, desk, or other support structure  16  that allows the drawer to be moved into and out of engagement with the support structure. The drawer  15  may include a handle  18  for allowing a user to pull the drawer away from the support structure  16  to access to an item of merchandise, and to push the drawer  15  towards the support structure  16  for preventing access to an item of merchandise when the drawer  15  is in a closed and locked configuration. Although the illustrated embodiments are discussed for use with a drawer, it should be noted that the invention is applicable to any number of merchandise fixtures, such as merchandise display cabinets, doors, or the like that utilize a locking mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic lock  12  and the electronic device  14  are similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0081434, entitled Cabinet Lock for Use with Programmable Electronic Key and filed Sep. 28, 2012, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0047972, entitled Electronic Key for Merchandise Security Device and filed Aug. 31, 2011, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0254661, entitled Programmable Security System and Method for Protecting Merchandise and filed Jun. 27, 2011, each disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In other embodiments, the electronic lock  12  and the electronic device  14  are similar to those manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc., including Drawer Locks, Plunger Locks, Smart Locks, and IR2 and IR2-S Keys. 
     In one embodiment, a hand-held electronic device  14 , such as a Smartphone or mobile phone, is configured to function as a non-mechanical, contactless key for locking and/or unlocking the merchandise security device  10 . The electronic device  14  may include various components known to those skilled in the art (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ), such as, for example, a housing  14 A, a controller or processor  14 B disposed within the housing, a display  14 C disposed on the housing and coupled to the processor, a power source  14 D for powering the device, wireless communication functionality  14 E, an internal memory (not shown), a SIM card and/or SM card (not shown), a camera (not shown), a speaker (not shown), and/or a user interface (not shown). The power source  14 D may be a multiple-use internal power source, such as a conventional capacitor or rechargeable battery. The electronic device  14  may also include various functionality for generating a security signal, such as alarm means for generating an audible alarm (e.g., a piezoelectric alarm), display  14 C for providing a visible alarm message on the display, means for generating a haptic signal (e.g., vibration), and/or means for terminating the article&#39;s functionality (e.g., code for shutting the power off and rendering input devices inoperable). 
     As previously mentioned, the electronic device  14  comprises near field communication (“NFC”) functionality, such as one or more NFC tags  14 F, chips, or stickers, for facilitating NFC communication. In this regard, the electronic device  14  may communicate with other devices via NFC to transmit data when the devices are positioned near one another or in direct contact with one another. Each NFC tag  14 F may have an antenna for effectuating NFC communication with another device. NFC functionality may be integrated into the electronic device  14  or may be added on, such as via a SIM card or micro SD card having an NFC tag  14 F. 
     In one embodiment shown and described herein, the electronic device  14  may include NFC functionality in the form of one or more NFC tags  14 F that are configured to communicate with one or more NFC tags associated with a drawer lock  12 . Thus, the NFC tags may be configured to communicate wirelessly with one another to thereby lock and/or unlock the drawer lock  12 . The NFC tags may be configured to recognize one another such that only particular NFC tags are programmed to communicate with one another. For example, the NFC tag associated with the drawer lock  12  may be configured to read the data on the NFC tag  14 F of the electronic device  14 . The NFC tags may be programmed in any suitable manner to include data that allows the drawer lock  12  and the electronic device  14  to communicate with one another and to recognize one another. In some embodiments, the NFC tags may include a security code or identifier, and the drawer lock  12  may be programmed with the same security code or identifier. In the event that the security code of the electronic device  14  matches the security code of the drawer lock  12 , the drawer lock is then operated to actuate the lock mechanism to an unlocked configuration. It is understood that the NFC tags of the electronic device  14  and the drawer lock  12  may be active or passive and that the term “tag” is meant to be interpreted broadly, as the tag may be a chip, sticker, or circuit that includes NFC functionality. 
     The drawer lock  12  may include a housing  12 A that is configured to contain a variety of components. The housing  12 A may be secured to the drawer  15  using any desired technique, such as fasteners and/or adhesives. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the housing  12 A is fastened to an inner surface  17  of the drawer  15  so as to be inaccessible when the drawer is in a closed position. The housing  12 A may contain a controller or processor  12 B that is in communication with one or more NFC tags  12 F and a lock mechanism  12 C (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). The drawer lock  12  may further include a switch  12 E that is in communication with the processor  12 B. The processor  12 B may be configured to activate the switch  12 E to thereby actuate the lock mechanism  12 C in response to receiving a signal from the NFC tag  14 E of the electronic device  14 . Therefore, upon detecting an authorized NFC tag  14 E, the processor  12 B is configured to actuate the switch  12 E. The drawer lock  12  may also contain an internal source of electrical power, such as a battery  12 D. However, in other embodiments, the drawer lock  12  may not include an internal power source (e.g., battery  12 D), and as such, may be “electrically passive”. In this case, the electronic device  14  may contain an internal source of electrical power  14 D, such as a conventional extended-life or rechargeable battery, capacitor or the like, that is configured to transfer electrical power to the drawer lock  12  for at least the purpose of unlocking the drawer. The electronic device  14  may transfer electrical power to the drawer lock  12  in any suitable manner, such as by electrical contacts, acoustical transmission (e.g. RF signals), or magnetic induction. 
     As previously mentioned, the drawer lock  12  may include a lock mechanism  12 C configured to move between locked and unlocked configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism  12 C is a mechanical lock including an actuator  22  that is configured to move linearly between an extended position (see  FIG. 4 ) and a retracted position (see  FIG. 3 ). However, it is understood that the lock mechanism  12 C may be any suitable mechanism that is configured to move between locked and unlocked positions, such as a plunger, cam, or the like for facilitating mechanical actuation. The drawer lock  12  may be equipped with an electric motor, DC stepper motor, solenoid, or the like, that is in communication with the processor  12 B and powered by the battery  12 D for actuating the lock mechanism  12 C. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device  14  may be configured to transfer power to the electronic lock  12  for operating the lock mechanism  12 C. In one embodiment, the electronic lock  12  includes a conductor coupled to a mechanical lock mechanism  12 C including an actuator  22 , 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 from the electronic device  14  and 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 actuator  22  to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism  12 C. Examples of using such shape memory material for a lock mechanism  12 C 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. 
     The electronic device  14  is configured to at least unlock the drawer lock  12  from the locked configuration. The electronic device  14  may also place the drawer lock  12  into the locked configuration after the drawer  15  is moved to the closed position. It may be desirable that the electronic device  14  is required to both unlock and lock (or re-lock) the drawer lock  12  so that an authorized person responsible for unlocking the drawer  15  is held accountable for locking the drawer after each time his or her electronic device is used to unlock the drawer. For example, electronics disposed within the electronic device  14  may be used to assign a unique identifier corresponding to the user of the electronic device to a memory, and to thereafter record the date and time into the memory each time the electronic device  14  is used to actuate the lock mechanism  12 C of the drawer lock  12 . In some embodiments of the invention, a successful activation of the electronic device  14  occurs, for example, when a security code of the electronic device, for example a programmable electronic key, matches a security code assigned to the drawer lock  12 . 
     Regardless, the electronic device  14  may be positioned near, or adjacent to, the drawer  15  for activating the drawer lock  12  via NFC communication. The electronic device  14  may be activated simply by being placed in proximity to the drawer lock  12  to thereby initiate communication between the electronic device and the drawer lock. For example, the electronic device  14  may be configured to communicate with the drawer lock  12  within a particular distance, such as, for example, within about 5 inches, within about 4 inches, within about 3 inches, within about 2 inches, or within about 1 inch. Thus, a user of the electronic device  14  may not be required to manually depress an actuator button or interact with a user interface of the electronic device. In addition, the drawer  15  does not require an interface or port for interacting with a feature of the electronic device  14  such that contactless communication between the electronic device and the drawer lock  12  may occur. As will be explained further hereafter, communication between the electronic device  14  and the drawer lock  12  in the locked configuration causes a lock mechanism  12 C of the drawer lock to disengage or unlock, such that the drawer  15  is permitted to be moved (e.g., slid) relative to the support structure  16  to access the merchandise stored within the drawer. 
     Once the merchandise has been accessed, for example, by an authorized person, such as a sales associate, the drawer  15  may be returned to a closed position. Thereafter, the drawer lock  12  may be actuated from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The drawer lock  12  may be configured to automatically lock when the drawer  15  is in a closed position, such as at a predetermined period of time after the drawer is closed. In one embodiment, the drawer lock  12  includes a proximity mechanism  12 G configured to detect the position of the drawer lock relative to the support structure  16  or another stationary feature of the merchandise fixture. Thus, the proximity mechanism  12 G may be configured to detect that the drawer  15  is in a closed position to thereby allow the drawer lock  12  to move from the unlocked configuration back to the locked configuration. For example, the drawer lock  12  may include a proximity mechanism  12 G, such as a reed switch or a Hall effect sensor, and the support structure  16  may include a magnet. The magnet is positioned such that the proximity mechanism  12 G is proximate to the magnet when the drawer  15  is in a closed position. The proximity mechanism  12 G detects the magnet which provides a signal to the drawer lock  12  to move the lock mechanism  12 C to the locked configuration. As such, the proximity mechanism  12 G may reduce or eliminate the possibility of the drawer lock  12  inadvertently locking prior to the drawer  15  being in a closed position. Moreover, the proximity mechanism  12 G may facilitate automatic locking thereby reducing the likelihood that a drawer  15  will be inadvertently left unlocked with the drawer in a closed position. 
     It is understood that the electronic lock  12  and electronic device  14  may include various other optional functionality in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For example, the electronic device  14  may be configured to take and record (e.g., store in memory) photographs of the drawer  15  and/or the items of merchandise when the electronic lock  12  is in an unlocked configuration and the drawer is in an open position. Moreover, the electronic device  14  may be configured to scan a barcode or UPC label of the item of merchandise contained within the drawer  15  for record keeping. Alternatively, a successful photograph or scan may be required before the item of merchandise can be removed from the drawer  15  for purchase or examination by a consumer. 
     Furthermore, the electronic device  14  may be configured to incorporate various “key-like” functions. In this regard, the electronic device  14  may include software that allows the device to perform various functions. For example, the electronic device  14  may be configured to open one electronic lock  12  at a time. In one embodiment, the software may require an authorized person to place the electronic device  14  proximate to a closed drawer  15  to “confirm” that the drawer lock  12  is indeed locked before the software will allow the authorized person to unlock a different drawer lock  12  having a different unique identification. The software could also provide feedback to the authorized person based on the state of the electronic lock  12 , such as an audible and/or visible signal to confirm that the electronic lock has been locked or unlocked or that an error has occurred. The electronic device  14  could also be configured to provide feedback, such as via an audible and/or visible signal, to the authorized person while the drawer lock  12  is in an unlocked configuration to reduce the likelihood that the drawer lock will be inadvertently left unlocked. In another example, the electronic device  14  could be configured to provide an audible alert after a predetermined period of time to notify the user that the drawer  15  remains in an unlocked configuration. In addition, the electronic device  14  may be password protected and configured to time out after a predetermined period of time. Thus, after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 6-8 hours), an authorized person may be required to input a password into the electronic device  14  before the electronic device is able to communicate with the electronic lock  12  again. 
       FIGS. 7-11  illustrate another embodiment of a merchandise security device  100  according to the invention. In this embodiment, an electronic lock  112  is incorporated into a locking hook  100  that is configured to releasably engage at least one elongate rod, bar, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking hook  100  comprises a pair of rods disposed generally parallel to one another such that items of merchandise may be disposed on the lower rod  102 . The locking hook  100  is configured to move between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration through engagement and disengagement with the lower rod  102 . The locking hook  100  generally includes a housing  104  that is coupled to an upper rod  103 . The housing  104  may be attached to the upper rod  103  such that the housing cannot be removed from the upper rod, although the housing may be configured to move relative to the upper rod (e.g., via sliding action). The housing  104  may have a multi-component configuration wherein the housing includes a plurality of components that may be assembled together (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ). One of the components may be a removable cover  106  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ) for accessing a battery compartment  107  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) that houses a power source, such as one or more batteries  109  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). The housing  104  may include a forward end portion  108  that is configured to engage a free end of the lower rod  102 , and a rear end portion  110  that is configured to engage or be proximate to a merchandise fixture  120  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), such as a display surface (e.g., pegboard, slatwall or the like), with an engagement member  118 . 
     The forward end portion  108  may include an opening  111  sized and configured to receive an end of the lower rod  102 . The rear end portion  110  may be configured to resist manipulation of the looking hook when in a locked position. In this regard, the rear end portion  110  may include an angled protrusion  105  that is configured to be proximate to or abut the display surface  120  with the locking hook  100  engaging the display surface. Thus, should an unauthorized person attempt to pivot the locking hook  100  upwardly relative to the display surface  120 , the angled protrusion  105  will engage the display surface and resist further pivoting movement. Although illustrated as a multi-component housing, it is understood that the housing  104  may be a single integrally molded component or any number of components if desired. Moreover, the housing  104  may be sized to engage along substantially the entire length of the upper rod  103 , or may extend only partially along the length of the upper rod in some embodiments. Furthermore, the lower rod  102  and the upper rod  103  may have various sizes and configurations. For example, the lower rod  102  may have a circular cross section, while the upper rod  103  may have a generally L-shaped cross section. In addition, the lower rod  102  and the upper rod  103  may have the same or different configurations according to various embodiments of the invention. 
     The locking hook  100  includes an electronic lock  112  that is configured to interact with an electronic device  14  having NFC functionality (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the electronic lock  112  includes an NFC tag  113  that is configured to communicate with a controller or processor  115 . Upon communication with an authorized electronic device  14  utilizing NFC, the processor  115  is configured to actuate an electronic lock mechanism  117 . For example, the lock mechanism  117  may include a shape memory material  114  (e.g., Nitinol) that is in electrical communication with a power source  109  (e.g., a battery). The lock mechanism  117  may also include an engagement member coupled to the shape memory material  114  that is configured to engage with the lower rod  102 , for example a pin, that engages a notch  116  formed in the lower rod. The processor  115  is configured to provide electrical power from the battery  109  to the shape memory material  114  to thereby cause a change in state of the shape memory material (e.g., a change in length). The shape memory material may be attached directly to the battery  109 , or a conductor could be coupled between the battery and the shape memory material for conducting power to the shape memory material. The change in state actuates the lock mechanism  117  which disengages the engagement member from the lower rod  102  to thereby provide access to the lower rod. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic lock mechanism  117  may further include a biasing member (e.g., a spring) that is configured to return the engagement member to a locked configuration on the lower rod  102 . Thus, actuation of the shape memory material  114  may be configured to overcome the biasing force to thereby release the lower rod  102 . The spring would then return the engagement member of the lock mechanism  117  into engagement with the lower rod  102  when the shape memory material  114  no longer actuates the lock mechanism. The locking hook  100  may be configured to automatically lock upon manually engaging the engagement member of the lock mechanism  117  with the lower rod  102 . For example, upon engagement of the forward end portion  108  with the lower rod  102 , the engagement member of the lock mechanism  117  may be biased into engagement with the lower rod. 
     In addition, the locking hook  100  may further include an actuator  119  that is configured to bias the upper rod  103  towards the display surface  120 . For instance, the actuator  119  could be a coiled spring that is configured to unwind as the upper rod  103  of the locking hook  100  is displaced outwardly from the display surface  120 . The actuator  119  is biased to return to its coiled configuration when the force displacing the upper rod  103  (and therefore the forward end portion  108  of the locking hook  100 ) away from the display surface  120  is removed. The bias of the actuator  119  in turn biases the locking hook  100  towards the display surface  120  and a locked configuration. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate an embodiment of a locking hook  150  in use. As shown in  FIG. 12 , a sales associate may utilize an electronic device  14 , for example a Smartphone or mobile telephone, having NFC functionality to interact with a locking hook  150  having an electronic lock  112 , as previously described.  FIG. 13  shows that the locking hook  150  has been unlocked following communication between the electronic device  14  and the NFC tag  113  of the electronic lock  112 . An authorized sales associate is then able to remove items of merchandise from the lower rod  102  of the locking hook  150  while the engagement member of the electronic lock mechanism  117  is disengaged from the notch  116  of the lower rod and the forward end portion  108  is displaced away from the free end of the lower rod. 
     The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a merchandise security device, system and method for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. Embodiments of a merchandise security device and system have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. 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 thereof. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.