Patent Description:
Loss prevention is a continuing problem in the retail industry. Current anti-theft systems involve locking up merchandise behind counters, far away from related merchandise, or locking up the merchandise in secure cabinets, closer to the place where related merchandise is generally stored.

There are disadvantages to each of these methods. When merchandise is stored in a secured location away from the point of storage of related items, sales of the secured merchandise decrease because customers are less likely to go out of their way to locate a sales associate to retrieve the merchandise. Also, sales of related items that would otherwise be situated in proximity to the secured merchandise decrease as well because the customer is not drawn to their location.

Therefore, although common anti-theft systems may be effective at preventing loss, they also can have the significantly negative impact of reducing sales. For those customers who are not deterred by these systems, they also have the effect of occupying more of the sales associate's time than required for other merchandise not similarly protected.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an anti-theft system for retail stores that will deter theft without discouraging the sale of the merchandise and related items. Additionally, the anti-theft system should be able to be retrofitted onto existing retail displays to keep the cost of installation and the shelving downtime required for installation as low as possible. <CIT> relates to an apparatus, a system and a method wirelessly secure and wirelessly monitor an article. The apparatus, the system and the method operate as an alarm system that may prevent a theft and/or a removal of the article from a defined perimeter and/or defined perimeters. The apparatus, the system and the method may have one or more alarm boxes that monitor one or more heads. One or more of the heads may be attached to and/or may be electronically connected to one or more articles, such as, for example, portable electronic equipment. The articles be provided on display in and/or may be used, manipulated and/or transported by consumers in a store environment. The alarm box may be installed in close proximity to a display stand of the article. The alarm box may charge components of the head and/or the article while the head and/or the article are located on the display stand of the article. The head may power the article while the article is not connected to a power supply of the display stand and/or a power supply of the alarm box. The alarm box and/or the store environment may have one or more fence drivers. The fence driver may create one or more zones. The head has a fence detector that may detect whether or not the head and/or the article is located in a position within the zone. The fence drivers and/or one or more of the zones may be configured to control locations at which the head and/or the article may be used without triggering an alarm event.

The invention provides such an anti-theft system. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

The invention is defined by the subject-matter as claimed in claim <NUM>. In an aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an alarm box that includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, an emitter configured to emit an audible signal indicative of the wireless signal received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices, and one or more terminals for connecting the alarm box to an output receiving device.

In certain embodiments, each of the one or more terminals is configured to connect to one of a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, a video camera, and a video monitor. The alarm box may further include control circuitry configured to transmit a control signal used to activate or control the output receiving device. In some embodiments, the alarm box further includes a mode switching button for switching the alarm box between different modes of operation.

According to the invention, the alarm box has control circuitry that causes the emitter to emit a first audible signal when a first wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates no-theft condition, and to emit a second audible signal, different from the first audible signal, when a second wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates a theft condition. The control circuitry may also cause the emitter to emit the second audible signal when the first wireless signal is absent for a threshold amount of time.

On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Turning now to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention provide a retail theft deterrent system having one or a plurality of signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> and alarm boxes <NUM> that, when used in various arrangements of the retail theft deterrent system, will deter theft without discouraging the sale of merchandise.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary retail theft deterrent system. The retail theft deterrent system may include one of various retail display devices <NUM>, such as, in one embodiment, retail display devices configured to emit alarm signals, in a first arrangement of an embodiment of a theft deterrent system. The retail theft deterrent system may further include one or more alarm boxes <NUM> each configured to receive the alarm signals from the retail display devices <NUM>. More particular the retail theft deterrent syste may include an output receiving device <NUM>, such as a computer configured to communicate with the alarm box <NUM>.

In the exemplary retail theft deterrent systems, use of various suitable signal alarm boxes or receiver units is envisioned. One such signal receiver unit that may be utilized in embodiments of theft deterrent systems described herein is further described in <CIT>, entitled Retail System Signal Receiver Unit.

The retail display devices <NUM> include signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> adapted to emit an RF signal <NUM> when merchandise is removed from the retail display devices or when the retail display devices are actuated to allow for merchandise to be removed. The signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> including an emitter <NUM> and a sensor <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> includes a mode switch <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) to change the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> between at least two different modes of operation (e.g., modes "A" and "B"). The emitter <NUM> and sensor <NUM> may be arranged in a single housing. In other embodiments, the emitter <NUM> and sensor <NUM> may be separate units in operative communication.

The sensor <NUM> may be arranged and configured to sense when a retail display device <NUM> is actuated to allow for removal of merchandise, such as, for example, to sense when a door of a display case is opened or when a label holder blocking removal of merchandise in a first configuration is moved to a second configuration in which merchandise is allowed to be removed. In other embodiments, a sensor <NUM> is arranged and configured to sense when merchandise is removed from a shelf. Sensors <NUM> may be motion sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, piezo electric sensors, or any other type of sensor known in the art for determining when merchandise is removed from a retail display device <NUM> or when a retail display device <NUM> is actuated to allow removal of merchandise. Specific of sensor arrangements will be discussed further below.

The emitters <NUM> of the signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> may also be adapted to transmit signals as will be discussed further below, increasing in frequency, frequency of occurrence, or decibel level, when a condition is sensed by sensors <NUM> that would indicate a potential theft condition. Such conditions are further discussed below.

In a first embodiment of a theft deterrent system, with reference to <FIG>, RF signals <NUM> emitted by the signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> are received by the alarm box <NUM>. The alarm box <NUM> is configured to receive and process these RF signals <NUM>. The signals RF <NUM> may include a variety of information for the alarm box <NUM>, including identification of the particular retail display unit <NUM> from which the signal was emitted, an identification of whether an item of merchandise has been removed, the retail display unit <NUM> has been actuated, or a potential theft condition exists. The alarm box <NUM> receives the RF signals <NUM>, processes and determines the information contained therein. In some particular embodiments, the alarm box <NUM> sends a signal <NUM> to the output receiving device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the emitters <NUM> may include a speaker or speakers and are configured to emit audible signals. In other embodiments, the emitters may emit a video signals in addition to the audio signals. Additionally, the emitter <NUM> is configured to transmit an RF signal to the alarm box <NUM> which may have characteristics that indicate to the alarm box <NUM>, the retail display unit <NUM> from which the RF signal was emitted, whether there is a normal condition that indicates a regular customer removal of merchandise from a retail display unit <NUM> or a customer actuating a retail display unit <NUM> to remove an item of merchandise, or whether a potential theft condition exists to which store personnel should be alerted. The alarm box <NUM> then sends a signal <NUM>, if appropriate, to an output receiving device <NUM> configured to alert store personnel to the potential theft condition. This first arrangement may be effective in large retail environments where store personnel may be too far away to hear a particular audible signal from the emitter <NUM> indicating a potential theft condition.

In one embodiment, the output receiving device <NUM> may be a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, one or more video cameras, video monitors, or any other device capable of receiving a signal <NUM>. The receiving device <NUM> may be connected to the alarm box <NUM> using wired or wireless means, and may be networked with other receiving devices located on or off site, or may be a stand-alone unit located on or off site relative to a retail establishment.

The signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> may be configured to emit various types of encoded signals using any suitable protocol. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the signal emitted may include one of infrared light, visible light, and microwaves. Additionally, the signal <NUM> emitted by the alarm box <NUM> may be of any suitable type and may be an encoded signal using any suitable protocol.

It will be understood that the signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> can be used in many different arrangements, and the quantity and type of signal-emitting retail devices <NUM> and other components shown are exemplary and for illustrative purposes only.

With reference to <FIG>, the structural elements of an embodiment of the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> are discussed. The signal-emitting retail device <NUM> includes a display interfacing portion <NUM>. The display interface portion <NUM> includes upturned hooks <NUM> adapted to fit in a pegboard style mounting surface to support the signal-emitting retail device <NUM>. However, many other mounting arrangements are also envisioned, including mounting arrangements adapted to be installed on slatwall and wire-cage-type retail display surfaces.

With reference to <FIG>, extending from the display interfacing portion <NUM> in a direction opposite the upturned hooks <NUM>, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> includes a wire that has top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion, referred to herein as the top wire <NUM>, and the bottom portion, referred to herein as the bottom wire <NUM>, extend generally parallel with one another. This arrangement illustrated in <FIG> may be referred to as a hook or a display hook. The top wire <NUM> extends from the display interfacing portion <NUM> to an electronic unit <NUM> including an emitter <NUM> and a sensor <NUM>. The electronic unit <NUM> is supported by the top wire <NUM> and fixedly attached to the end of the top wire <NUM> distal from display interfacing portion <NUM>. The electronic unit <NUM> extends generally orthogonal to the top wire <NUM>. The electronic unit <NUM> includes the mode switch <NUM> to change the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> between at least two different modes of operation (e.g., modes "A" and "B").

The top wire <NUM> and bottom wire <NUM> may be made of metal, and are electrically connected to the emitter <NUM> such that the top wire <NUM> and bottom wire <NUM> function as an antenna for the emitter <NUM>. Due to the greater size of the top and bottom wires <NUM> ,<NUM> as compared to a conventional antenna (i.e., an internal antenna), the range of reliable communication between the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> and the alarm box <NUM> may be effectively double what it would be if the conventional internal antenna were used.

With further reference to <FIG>, rotatably coupled to the electronic unit <NUM> is a label holder <NUM>. The label holder <NUM> is adapted to hold any suitable label, for example, for displaying relevant information regarding merchandise, such as price, description of the merchandise, etc. The label holder <NUM> rests in a normal position hanging from the electronic unit <NUM>. The label holder <NUM> can also be actuated by a customer by pivotally rotating the label holder <NUM> upward to a second, merchandise removal configuration (label holder <NUM> in the second configuration shown in phantom lines). In the embodiment shown, the label holder <NUM> is coupled to, and extends from, an end of the top wire <NUM> at about a ninety degree angle relative thereto toward the bottom wire <NUM>. In its normal hanging (or rotated down) position, the label holder <NUM> abuts an end of the bottom wire.

The label holder <NUM> may be displaceable in other manners. For example, the label holder may be slidably displaceable upwardly relative to the electronic unit <NUM> and the top wire <NUM>. Other suitable types of displacement are also envisioned.

With further reference to <FIG>, the bottom wire <NUM> extends from the display interfacing portion <NUM>, spaced apart from the top wire <NUM>. The bottom wire <NUM> is configured to support merchandise <NUM> with packaging defining an aperture for receiving the bottom wire <NUM>. The bottom wire <NUM> may include an upturned segment <NUM> at the end of the bottom wire <NUM> distal from the interfacing portion <NUM>. The upturned segment <NUM> extends at an approximately <NUM> degree angle relative to the rest of the bottom wire <NUM>, toward the top wire <NUM>. The upturned segment <NUM> is located closer to the display interfacing portion <NUM> than the label holder <NUM>, and thus the label holder <NUM> would be located between the upturned segment <NUM> and a customer.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the top and bottom wires <NUM> and <NUM> may be portions of a single wire bent proximate a median point, with the bent portion mounted to the display interfacing portion <NUM>. The wires <NUM> and <NUM> may also be separate wires. The signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may have different overall lengths and distances between the top and bottom wires <NUM> and <NUM> in order to accommodate different types of merchandise. The top and bottom wires <NUM> and <NUM> of the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may be made of any suitable rigid material, including but not limited to a rigid metal or plastic.

With further reference to <FIG>, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may also include a magnet <NUM>, or, alternatively, some type of magnetic switch, reed switch, Hall-effect sensor, etc. The magnet <NUM> is fixedly attached to an inner surface (e.g., a surface of a slot for inserting a label into the label holder <NUM>) of the label holder <NUM>. The label holder <NUM> is arranged such that when it is in its resting, hanging first configuration, the magnet <NUM> is proximate the electronic unit 17The signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may also include an LED indicator to show that mode and status of the device <NUM>. The signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may be battery-operated. Given the relatively low power requirements of the signal-emitting retail device <NUM>, the device <NUM> may be expected to operate for up to <NUM> months, depending on the type of battery used.

With reference to <FIG>, when the label holder <NUM> is in the resting, hanging first configuration, its inner surface <NUM> is proximate to the upturned segment <NUM> of the bottom wire <NUM>. As such, in order for the merchandise <NUM> to be removed from the bottom wire <NUM>, the label holder <NUM> must be lifted from the resting configuration to a second merchandise removal configuration (shown in dashed lines). When the label holder <NUM> is in this second configuration, the magnet <NUM> that is fixedly attached to the label holder <NUM> is no longer in a position proximate the electronic unit <NUM>. As is discussed in further detail below, the removal of the magnet <NUM> from a position proximate the electronic unit <NUM> causes the electronic unit <NUM> to emit the RF signal <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a functional schematic of the internal components of a retail display device <NUM> is discussed. The electronic unit <NUM> includes the emitter <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> includes a switch <NUM>, which is adapted to transition between an open configuration (shown in solid lines) and a closed configuration (shown in dashed lines) upon actuation by an external switch actuator <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may include any suitable type of switching device capable of transitioning between at least a first state and a second state. The external switch actuator <NUM> may include various different actuators, including physical actuators, magnetic actuators, electrical actuators, and any other suitable type of actuator known in the art. Particular embodiments of actuators are discussed further below.

With further reference to <FIG>, the electronic unit <NUM> may also include a power supply <NUM>. The power supply <NUM> may be any suitable type of battery, a solar power collector, or any other type of power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply <NUM> may be external to the electronic unit <NUM>, and may be any suitable type of power supply.

The electronic unit <NUM> may also include a timer <NUM>, which is electrically coupled with the emitter <NUM>. The timer <NUM> is also electrically coupled with the power supply <NUM> through the switch <NUM> when the switch <NUM> is the closed configuration. As will be further described below, the timer <NUM> is configured to determine, keep track of, etc. the amount of time between when the switch <NUM> closes and when the switch <NUM> opens. If the timer <NUM> measures an amount of time that is less than a predetermined amount of time, the emitter <NUM> emits a signal indicative of a normal condition of a piece of merchandise being removed from the signal-emitting retail device <NUM>. However, if the amount of time measured by the timer <NUM> exceeds the predetermined amount of time, the emitter <NUM> emits a second signal indicative of a potential theft condition. The predetermined amount of time may be adjusted and set to a greater or lesser amount of time by a user.

The emitter <NUM>, in addition to transmitting an RF signal to the alarm box <NUM>, may be configured to emit an audible signal. In this embodiment, the second signal indicative of a potential theft condition may be of a different pitch, frequency, decibel level, wavelength, frequency of occurrence, etc. than the signal indicative of a normal condition in which a piece of merchandise is removed. Additionally, the second signal indicative of a potential theft condition may include a pre-recorded or pre-generated message including words. The signal alarm box <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) may be configured to monitor for, distinguish, recognize, and respond to the variety of pitches, frequencies, wavelengths, frequencies of occurrence, and decibel levels of signals emitted by the emitter <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, upon closing of the switch <NUM>, the emitter <NUM> may be configured to emit a signal indicative of a normal condition of removal of a piece of merchandise and the timer <NUM> is configured to begin timing. If the timer <NUM> exceeds the preset time before the switch <NUM> is opened, the emitter <NUM> emits a signal indicative of a potential theft condition.

With reference to <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may include a reed switch <NUM> with a pair of leads <NUM> and <NUM>. The first lead <NUM> is electrically coupled with the power source <NUM> and the second lead <NUM> is electrically coupled with the emitter <NUM>. The reed switch <NUM> is a normally closed reed switch, such that the leads <NUM> and <NUM> are normally electrically coupled, as illustrated in <FIG>. However, in the presence of the magnet <NUM>, the leads <NUM> and <NUM> become disconnected.

Thus, when the label holder <NUM> is in the first, down, normal hanging configuration (solid line in <FIG>), the magnet <NUM> is proximate the electronic unit <NUM>, and thus, the leads <NUM> and <NUM> are in a disconnected configuration, as in <FIG>. However, when the label holder <NUM> is in the second, up, raised, merchandise removal configuration (broken line in <FIG>), the magnet <NUM> is moved away from the electronic unit <NUM> and the leads <NUM> and <NUM> are in a connected configuration, as in <FIG>, connecting the power supply <NUM> to the emitter <NUM> and timer <NUM>. Thus, the magnet <NUM> may act as the switch actuator <NUM> (<FIG>). In order to remove merchandise, the label holder <NUM> must be moved to its second, up, raised, merchandise removal configuration, thus moving the magnet <NUM> away from the electronic unit <NUM>, closing the switch <NUM>, applying power to the timer <NUM> and emitter <NUM>. Thus, signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may be alerted to when merchandise is removed, and may keep track of available inventory on a retail display device <NUM> and automatically alerting store personnel or ordering additional inventory when the inventory falls below a preset level.

Additionally, a potential thief may raise the label holder <NUM> to its second, up raised, merchandise removal configuration for an extended period of time to allow the thief to remove large quantities of merchandise from the retail display device <NUM> all at once. This will cause the magnet <NUM> to be away from the electronic unit <NUM> and thus the switch <NUM> to be closed for an extended period of time. The timer <NUM>, when the period of time the switch <NUM> is closed exceeds the predetermined period, can cause the emitter <NUM> to emit a second signal indicative of a potential theft condition, alerting the signal alarm box <NUM> and store personnel of the potential theft condition, and thus deterring theft.

The timer <NUM> may be any suitable type of timer, including, for example, a digital counter, clock, etc., and may count up or count down. For example, in one embodiment upon application of power to the timer <NUM>, the timer <NUM> may begin at a predetermined value and count down, where, upon reaching zero, a potential theft condition signal could be emitted by the emitter <NUM>. The timer <NUM> may be reset to the predetermined value. Additionally, upon application of power to the timer <NUM>, the timer <NUM> may begin counting up and, upon reaching a predetermined value, a potential theft condition signal could be emitted by the emitter <NUM>. The timer <NUM> may be reset to zero.

With reference to <FIG>, a flow diagram of the functionality of a signal-emitting retail device is illustrated. More specifically, <FIG> describes operation of the signal-emitting device <NUM> when the mode switching button <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is in position "B", which in this case indicates that the device <NUM> is in "Beep Mode". In this mode of operation, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> is not actuated as long as the label holder <NUM> is in its normal closed position. When the label holder <NUM> is rotated up, relative to the electronic unit <NUM> (see <FIG>), from normally-closed configuration to the merchandise removal configuration, this moves the magnet <NUM> (see <FIG>) away from the electronic unit <NUM>. This causes the leads <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) to connect and the switch <NUM> to close. Thus, power is applied to the emitter <NUM> and to the timer <NUM>, which starts the timer. When the label holder <NUM> is quickly rotated back down to its normally-closed position, the timer <NUM> stops receiving power, which resets the timer <NUM>. As a result, the emitter <NUM> emits a signal, such as a beep, indicative of normal merchandise removal. The signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may send an RF signal to the alarm box <NUM> indicative of the normal merchandise removal.

As long as the timer is still receiving power, and the time is less than the predetermined time value, the timer <NUM> continues timing. If the label holder <NUM> remains rotated up in the merchandise removal configuration, once the time exceeds the predetermined time value, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> will go into "Alert Mode" in which the emitter <NUM> emits, for example, a series of beeps every one or two seconds, the signal being indicative of a potential theft condition <NUM>. If the label holder <NUM> remains rotated down in the normally-closed position for some predetermined length of time, e.g., <NUM> seconds, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> may be deactivated.

With reference to <FIG>, a flow diagram of the operation of the signal-emitting device <NUM> when the mode switching button <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is in position "A", which in this case indicates that the device <NUM> is in "Alarm Mode". In this mode of operation, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> is not actuated as long as the label holder <NUM> is in its normally-closed position. When the label holder <NUM> is rotated up and quickly rotated back down to its normally-closed position, the signal-emitting device <NUM> goes into pre-alarm mode. If the label holder <NUM> is rotated up and quickly released a designated number of times over a predetermined time period, e.g., four times in <NUM> seconds, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> will sound an alarm and transmit a signal to the alarm box <NUM> indicating the alarm mode. Further, if the label holder <NUM> is rotated up for greater than a threshold amount of time, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> will sound an alarm and transmit a signal to the alarm box <NUM> indicating the alarm mode.

With reference to <FIG>, a flow diagram is illustrated that describes operation of the alarm box <NUM> when the mode switching button <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is in position "B", which in this case indicates that the alarm box <NUM> is in "Beep Mode". In this mode, the alarm box <NUM> periodically checks for a valid RF signal from one or more signal-emitting retail devices <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the alarm box <NUM> checks for this RF signal for <NUM> milliseconds every four tenths of a second. If the RF signal indicates a normal merchandise removal the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the normal merchandise removal. If the RF signal indicates an alert mode due to a possible theft, the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the alert mode.

With reference to <FIG>, a flow diagram is illustrated that describes operation of the alarm box <NUM> when the mode switching button <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is in position "A", which in this case indicates that the alarm box <NUM> is in "Alarm Mode". In this mode, the alarm box <NUM> periodically checks for a valid RF signal from one or more signal-emitting retail devices <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the alarm box <NUM> checks for this RF signal for <NUM> milliseconds every four tenths of a second. If the RF signal indicates a normal merchandise removal the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the normal merchandise removal. If the RF signal indicates an alert mode due to a possible theft, the alarm box may provide an audible, or some other suitable signal, indicative of the alert mode.

With reference to <FIG>, a label holder <NUM> may include springs such that an additional spring force pushes the label holder <NUM> back to its resting position after the merchandise <NUM> is removed. In a particular embodiment, the bottom wire <NUM> includes an upturned segment <NUM> at the end of the bottom wire <NUM> distal from the interfacing portion <NUM>. The upturned segment <NUM> extends at an approximately <NUM>-degree angle relative to the rest of the bottom wire <NUM>, toward the top wire <NUM>.

The signal-emitting retail device <NUM> includes a display interfacing portion <NUM>. The display interface portion <NUM> includes upturned hooks <NUM> adapted to fit in a pegboard style mounting surface to support the signal-emitting retail device <NUM>. Extending from the display interfacing portion <NUM> in a direction opposite the upturned hooks <NUM>, the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> includes a wire with top portion and bottom portions. The top portion, or top wire <NUM>, and the bottom portion, or bottom wire <NUM>, extend generally parallel with one another. The upturned hooks <NUM> adapted to fit in a pegboard style mounting surface to support the signal-emitting retail device <NUM>. Other features of the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> are similar to previously disclosed devices (i.e. the top wire <NUM>, bottom wire <NUM>, display interface portion <NUM>).

This arrangement illustrated in <FIG> may be referred to as a hook or a display hook. The top wire <NUM> extends from the display interfacing portion <NUM> to an electronic unit <NUM> including an emitter <NUM> and a sensor <NUM>. The electronic unit <NUM> is supported by the top wire <NUM> and fixedly attached to the end of the top wire <NUM> distal from display interfacing portion <NUM>. The top wire <NUM> and bottom wire <NUM> may be made of metal, and are electrically connected to the emitter <NUM> such that the top wire <NUM> and bottom wire <NUM> function as an antenna for the emitter <NUM>. Due to the greater size of the top and bottom wires <NUM> ,<NUM> as compared to a conventional antenna (i.e., an internal antenna), the range of reliable communication between the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> and the alarm box <NUM> may be effectively double what it would be if the conventional internal antenna were used. In <FIG>, the electronic unit <NUM> includes the mode switch <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> are perspective and side views, respectively, of the alarm box <NUM>, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the alarm box <NUM> has a housing <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the alarm box <NUM> has a speaker <NUM> and a reset button <NUM> on a top side of the housing <NUM>. When pressed, the reset button <NUM> turn off an alarm being sounded by the alarm box <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the user may select from a number of different alarm sounds.

The plan view of <FIG> shows a plurality of terminals <NUM>, which allow for connection of the alarm box <NUM> to any number of output receiving devices <NUM> (see <FIG>), including, but not limited to, a computer, a pager, a cellular telephone, a public address system, computer memory, one or more video cameras, and video monitors. The signal (e.g., an alarm signal indicating a potential theft) from the alarm box <NUM> may be used to activate or control the output receiving device <NUM>.

The alarm box <NUM> further includes control circuitry <NUM> configured to transmit a control signal used to activate or control the output receiving device <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> is also configured to that causes the emitter to emit a first audible signal when a first wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates no-theft condition, and to emit a second audible signal, different from the first audible signal, when a second wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices indicates a theft condition. The
control circuitry may also cause the emitter to emit the second audible signal when the first wireless signal is absent for a threshold amount of time.

In <FIG>, a mode switching button <NUM> is shown adjacent to the plurality of terminals <NUM>. The mode switching button <NUM> may be designed to switch between a beep mode and an alarm mode, as described above. In certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> has one or more magnets <NUM> attached to facilitate mounting of the alarm box <NUM> to a metal surface. Like the signal-emitting retail device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) described above, the alarm box <NUM> may be battery-operated. Due to low power requirements, the alarm box <NUM> can be expected to operate for many months before needing to replace the batteries.

The alarm box <NUM> may have an internal RF antenna that is part of a receiver <NUM>, such that the alarm box <NUM> is configured to receive a wireless signal from one or more signal emitting devices <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In certain embodiments, the alarm box <NUM> is also configured to emit a variety of different audio signals which may be indicative of, for example, a location of the signal emitting device <NUM>, or the type of merchandise displayed on the signal emitting device <NUM>. The alarm box <NUM> may be configured to recognize one or more signal emitting devices <NUM> each having a particular identification code. For example, the alarm box <NUM> may recognize only those signal emitting devices <NUM> having a first identification code, while ignoring signals from signal emitting devices <NUM> having a different identification code.

Thus, a retail operation may employ several alarm boxes <NUM>, each recognizing a different identification code, and thus each recognizing the signal from a different group of signal emitting devices <NUM> (see <FIG>). This allows the retail operator to segregate or distinguish various retail items by using signal emitting devices <NUM> and alarm boxes <NUM> with a specific identification code that corresponds with a particular type of retail item. The alarm boxes <NUM> may be paired with signal emitting devices <NUM> having a specific identification code such that the warning beeps and alarm signals are synchronized. In a particular embodiment, the alarm box is configured to recognize up to <NUM> unique identification codes, and the signal emitting device <NUM> can be configured with <NUM> unique identification codes.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claim 1:
An alarm box (<NUM>) comprising:
a receiver (<NUM>) configured to receive a RF wireless signal (<NUM>) from one or more signal-emitting retail display devices (<NUM>);
an alarm box emitter configured to emit an audible signal indicative of the RF wireless signal (<NUM>) received from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices (<NUM>);
one or more terminals (<NUM>) for connecting the alarm box (<NUM>) to an output receiving device (<NUM>);
charaterized in that the alarm box (<NUM>) further comprises a control circuitry (<NUM>) configured to cause the alarm box emitter to emit a first audible signal when a first wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices (<NUM>) indicates no-theft condition, and is configured to emit a second audible signal, different from the first audible signal, when a second wireless signal from the one or more signal-emitting retail display devices (<NUM>) indicates a theft condition, and wherein the control circuitry (<NUM>) is configured to cause the alarm box emitter to emit the second audible signal when the first wireless signal is absent for a threshold amount of time.