PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10206522-B2
Application Number: US-201514600607-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display systems and methods

Abstract:
A display system and method for displaying a product is disclosed. The system may include a display stem and a retainer for holding the product. The retainer may include a bracket and a retainer body having a substantially smooth surface. The display stem may include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the retainer body. The retainer may be oriented on top of the display stem in one or more predetermined positions through the use of magnetic forces. The retainer may be returned to and held on top of the display stem using a retaining cable. The retainer body and recess may include charging contacts for delivering power to a product held by the retainer when the retainer body is received within the recess.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer comprising:
 a retainer body, wherein at least a portion of the retainer body defines a hemispherical shape; and 
 a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket comprising at least two bracket arms configured to extend around opposing sides of the product; and 
 
 a display stem defining a hemispherical recess at a proximal end thereof, the hemispherical recess shaped to receive the hemispherical portion of the retainer body, p 1  wherein the hemispherical recess is configured to allow the retainer body to rotate 360 degrees while the hemispherical portion of the retainer body is received within the hemispherical recess. 
 
     
     
       2. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the hemispherical recess is shaped to receive the entire hemispherical portion of the retainer body. 
     
     
       3. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the recess defines an opening located at a bottom of the recess, and wherein the hemispherical recess is configured to allow the retainer body to rotate 360 degrees about an axis that extends through the center of the opening. 
     
     
       4. The display system of  claim 1 , further comprising a retaining cable attached to the retainer body, wherein the retaining cable extends through an opening in the recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       5. The display system of  claim 4 , wherein the retaining cable is coupled to a retraction mechanism, the retraction mechanism configured to apply tension to the retaining cable to automatically retract the retaining cable, when the hemispherical portion of the retainer body is not in the hemispherical recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       6. The display system of  claim 5 , wherein the retraction of the cable causes the hemispherical portion of the retainer body to enter the hemispherical recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       7. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein a majority of the hemispherical portion of the retainer body conforms exactly to the shape of the hemispherical recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       8. A display system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer comprising:
 a retainer body having at least one first magnet coupled thereto; and 
 a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket comprising at least two bracket arms configured to extend around opposing sides of the product; and 
 
 a display stem defining a recess at a proximal end thereof, the recess defining an opening located at the bottom of the recess, and the display stem comprising at least one second magnet disposed adjacent to the opening, 
 wherein the at least one first magnet is configured to cause rotation of the retainer body to a predefined orientation when at least a portion of the retainer body is disposed within the recess of the display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation, and 
 wherein the at least one first magnet is configured to cause the rotation by magnetic attraction to the at least one second magnet. 
 
     
     
       9. The display system of  claim 8 , further comprising a retaining cable attached to the retainer body, wherein the retaining cable extends through the opening in the recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       10. The display system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one first magnet comprises a plurality of first magnets disposed radially about the retaining cable. 
     
     
       11. The display system of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one second magnet comprises a plurality of second magnets disposed radially about the opening. 
     
     
       12. The display system of  claim 8 , wherein the retainer has more than one predefined orientation with respect to the display stem. 
     
     
       13. The display system of  claim 8 , comprising at least two first magnets and at least two second magnets, wherein the at least two first magnets are disposed equidistant from each other about a center axis of the retainer body, and the at least two second magnets are disposed equidistant from each other about the opening in the recess. 
     
     
       14. A display system for retaining a product, the display system comprising:
 a retainer comprising:
 a retainer body having a peak area, a base area, and a substantially smooth curved outer surface, wherein at least a portion of the substantially smooth curved outer surface has a continuously changing slope extending from the peak area to the base area and wherein the continuously changing slope has a constant curvature, 
 a retaining cable attached to the retainer body, and 
 a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket comprising at least two bracket arms configured to retain the product with respect to the retainer; and 
 
 a display stem defining a recess at a proximal end thereof, the recess comprising a shape that matches the shape of the substantially smooth curved outer surface of the retainer body, 
 wherein the retainer body rotates to a predefined orientation with respect to the display stem when at least a portion of the retainer body is received within the recess of the display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation, and 
 wherein the retainer has more than one predefined orientation with respect to the display stem. 
 
     
     
       15. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the continuously changing slope has a continuously increasing slope. 
     
     
       16. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the substantially smooth curved outer surface is hemispherical. 
     
     
       17. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the base area is immediately adjacent the bracket. 
     
     
       18. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the proximal end of the display stem comprises a circular perimeter shape. 
     
     
       19. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the substantially smooth curved outer surface of the retainer body comprises a positive shape protruding from the base area of the retainer body and the shape of the recess comprises a negative shape recessed below the proximal end of the display stem, and
 wherein the positive shape of the substantially smooth curved outer surface is the same as the negative shape of the recess. 
 
     
     
       20. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the retainer has four predefined orientations with respect to the display stem. 
     
     
       21. The display system of  claim 20 , wherein the four predefined orientations are separated by 90 degrees of rotation of the retainer body within the recess. 
     
     
       22. The display system of  claim 14 , wherein the retainer body is hidden from view when the retainer body is received within the recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       23. The display system of  claim 14 , further comprising a product fixed to the retainer by the bracket. 
     
     
       24. The display system of  claim 23 , wherein the display stem comprises an exterior shape selected from the group consisting of: a cylindrical shape and a frustoconical shape, and
 wherein the exterior shape of the display stem comprises a maximum diameter that is smaller than a maximum width and a maximum length of the product fixed to the retainer. 
 
     
     
       25. A display system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer comprising a retainer body comprising a plurality of first magnets; and 
 a display stem defining a recess and an opening at a proximal portion thereof, the display stem comprising a plurality second magnets disposed adjacent to the opening, the plurality of second magnets having alternating positive and negative polar orientations, 
 wherein the plurality of first magnets cause rotation of the retainer body to at least one predefined orientation when at least a portion of the retainer body is disposed within the recess of the display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation, and 
 wherein the plurality of first magnets cause the rotation by magnetic attraction to a plurality of the second magnets having the opposite polarity as the plurality of first magnets. 
 
     
     
       26. The display system of  claim 25 , wherein the retainer has a plurality predefined orientations with respect to the display stem, and wherein the predefined orientations are based on the positions of the first and second magnets. 
     
     
       27. The display system of  claim 26 , wherein the predefined orientations are radially separated by at least 90 degrees of rotation of the retainer body within the recess. 
     
     
       28. The display system of  claim 26 , wherein the predefined orientations are radially separated by 90 degrees of rotation of the retainer body within the recess. 
     
     
       29. The display system of  claim 25 , wherein the first magnets are evenly radially spaced about a central axis of the retainer. 
     
     
       30. The display system of  claim 25 , wherein the first magnets are radially spaced about a central axis of the retainer at 90 degree intervals. 
     
     
       31. The display system of  claim 25 , wherein the second magnets are evenly radially spaced about a central axis of the display stem. 
     
     
       32. The display system of  claim 25 , wherein the second magnets are radially spaced about the display stem at 45 degree intervals. 
     
     
       33. The display system of  claim 25 , wherein the first magnets are radially spaced about a central axis of the retainer at  90  degree intervals, and
 wherein the second magnets are radially spaced about the display stem at 45 degree intervals. 
 
     
     
       34. A display system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer comprising: 
 a retainer body comprising a plurality of first magnets coupled to the retainer body, wherein at least a portion of the retainer body defines a hemispherical shape, and 
 a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket comprising at least two bracket arms configured to extend around opposing sides of the product; and 
 a display stem defining a recess at a proximal end thereof and comprising a plurality of second magnets coupled to the display stem, wherein the recess defines a hemispherical shape configured to receive the hemispherical portion of the retainer body and defines an opening located at the bottom of the recess, 
 wherein the plurality of second magnets are disposed adjacent to the opening defined by the recess, and 
 wherein the plurality of first magnets are configured to cause rotation of the retainer body to a predefined orientation by magnetic attraction to the plurality of second magnets when at least a portion of the retainer body is disposed within the recess of the display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation. 
 
     
     
       35. The display system of  claim 34 , further comprising a retaining cable attached to the retainer body and extending through the opening defined by the recess of the display stem. 
     
     
       36. The display system of  claim 35 , wherein the plurality of second magnets are disposed radially about the opening. 
     
     
       37. The display system of  claim 34 , wherein the retainer body comprises a plug recess inset from an outer surface of the retainer body for receiving at least a portion of an auxiliary cable. 
     
     
       38. The display system of  claim 34 , further comprising a support surface, wherein the display stem is coupled to the support surface and extends from the support surface at an oblique angle. 
     
     
       39. A display system for retaining a product, the display system comprising:
 a retainer comprising:
 a retainer body having a peak area, a base area, and a substantially smooth curved outer surface, wherein at least a portion of the substantially smooth curved outer surface has a continuously changing slope extending from the peak area to the base area and wherein the continuously changing slope has a constant curvature, 
 a retaining cable attached to the retainer body, and 
 a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket comprising at least two bracket arms configured to retain the product with respect to the retainer; and 
 
 a display stem defining a recess at a proximal end thereof, the recess comprising a shape that matches the shape of the substantially smooth curved outer surface of the retainer body, 
 wherein the retainer body comprises a first charging contact disposed on the substantially smooth curved outer surface of the retainer body and the recess comprises a second charging contact disposed on an interior surface of the recess, and 
 wherein the first charging contact and the second charging contact are in electrical communication when the retainer body is received within the recess of the display stem. 
 
     
     
       40. The display system of  claim 39 , wherein the retainer body is rotatable between a plurality of predefined orientations with respect to the display stem when the retainer body is received within the recess of the display stem, and
 wherein the first charging contact and the second charging contact are in electrical communication at each predefined orientation. 
 
     
     
       41. The display system of  claim 39 , wherein the retainer body is rotatable with respect to the display stem when the retainer body is received within the recess of the display stem, and
 wherein the first charging contact and the second charging contact are in electrical communication when the retainer body is received in the recess at any orientation of the retainer body with respect to the recess. 
 
     
     
       42. The display system of  claim 39 , wherein the retaining cable extends through an opening in the recess of the display stem, and
 wherein the first charging contact comprises a charging contact ring disposed radially about a location of attachment between the retaining cable and the retainer body. 
 
     
     
       43. A display system for displaying a product, the system comprising:
 a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer comprising:
 a retainer body, wherein at least a portion of the retainer body defines a hemispherical shape; and 
 a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket comprising at least two bracket arms configured to extend around opposing sides of the product; and 
 
 a display stem defining a hemispherical recess at a proximal end thereof, the hemispherical recess shaped to receive the hemispherical portion of the retainer body, 
 wherein the hemispherical recess provides power to the retainer through a charging contact disposed on a surface of the hemispherical recess when the retainer body is received within the hemispherical recess. 
 
     
     
       44. The display system of  claim 43 , wherein the retainer comprises a charging contact ring extending around an outer surface of the retainer body that receives the power from the charging contact disposed on the surface of the hemispherical recess. 
     
     
       45. The display system of  claim 43 , wherein the retainer body is rotatable with respect to the display stem when the hemispherical portion of the retainer body is received within the hemispherical recess. 
     
     
       46. The display system of  claim 43 , further comprising a retaining cable attached to the retainer body, wherein the retaining cable extends through an opening in the hemispherical recess of the display stem.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of the following provisional applications: U.S. Application No. 61/996,963, filed on Jan. 24, 2014, and U.S. Application No. 62/068,581, filed on Oct. 24, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to display systems and methods for displaying a product. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a display stem and product retainer for displaying a consumer product within in a retail store. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A retailer or other person may desire to make a product available for use (e.g., testing) by a potential purchaser or other person. In some cases, the retailer may further desire to limit the potential purchaser&#39;s ability to remove the product from a display area. 
     SUMMARY 
     A retailer may have a display model product that is representative of products that are available for purchase by a purchaser. In order to entice such a purchase, the retailer may make the display model available for use by the potential purchaser. To promote such use, a retailer may further desire to present the product in a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing way, thereby further enticing the potential purchaser to handle and test the item, and to minimize the interference of elements of a display stand with the potential purchaser&#39;s viewing and use of the product. The retailer, however, may desire to limit the ability of the potential purchaser to remove the display model from a display area (e.g., to prevent theft or other unauthorized use). 
     To accomplish this, the retailer may use a display system or elements thereof according to embodiments described herein. 
     In some embodiments, a display system for displaying a product includes a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer including a retainer body, wherein at least a portion of the retainer body defines a hemispherical shape, and a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket including at least two bracket arms configured to extend around opposing sides of the product, and a display stem defining a recess at a proximal end thereof, the recess shaped to receive the hemispherical portion of the retainer body. 
     In some embodiments, a display system for displaying a product includes a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer including a retainer body having a plurality of first charging contacts on its outer surface, where at least a portion of the retainer body is hemispherical. The system may also include a display stem defining a recess shaped to receive the hemispherical retainer body, where the recess includes a plurality of second charging contacts. The first charging contacts and the second charging contacts may be in electrical communication when the retainer body is in the recess. 
     In some embodiments, a display system for displaying a product includes a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer including a retainer body having at least one first magnet coupled thereto, and a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket including at least two bracket arms configured to extend around opposing sides of the product, and a display stem defining a recess at a proximal end thereof, the recess defining an opening and least one second magnet disposed adjacent to the opening, wherein the at least one first magnet is configured to cause rotation of the retainer body to a predefined orientation when at least a portion of the retainer body is disposed within the recess of the display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation, and wherein the at least one first magnet is configured to cause the rotation by magnetic attraction to the at least one second magnet. 
     In some embodiments, a display system for displaying a product includes a retainer for retaining the product, the retainer including a retainer body having a plurality of first magnets. The system may also include a display stem defining a recess and an opening, and the display stem may include a plurality second magnets disposed adjacent to the opening, the plurality of second magnets having alternating positive and negative polar orientations. The plurality of first magnets may be configured to cause rotation of the retainer body to at least one predefined orientation when at least a portion of the retainer body is disposed within the recess of the display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation, and the plurality of first magnets may cause the rotation by magnetic attraction to a plurality of the second magnets having the opposite polarity as the plurality of first magnets. 
     In some embodiments, a display system for displaying a product includes a retainer body, at least one first magnet coupled to the retainer body, the at least one first magnet configured to cause rotation of the retainer body to a predefined orientation when at least a portion of the retainer body is disposed within a display stem, if the retainer body is not in the predefined orientation. 
     In some embodiments, a display system for displaying a product includes a retainer body; and a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket including at least two bracket pieces, each bracket piece having a bracket arm for extending around opposing sides of the product. The system may also include an auxiliary cable having an auxiliary plug, where the retainer body defines a plug recess to receive at least a portion of the auxiliary plug, and where a portion of each bracket piece wraps around at least a portion of the plug recess and the auxiliary cable to retain the auxiliary plug within the plug recess. 
     In some embodiments, a retainer for retaining a product includes a retainer body having a peak area, a base area, and a substantially smooth curved outer surface, and a bracket attached to the retainer body, the bracket including at least two bracket arms configured to retain the product with respect to the retainer, wherein at least a portion of the substantially smooth curved outer surface has a continuously changing slope extending from the peak area to the base area. 
     In some embodiments, a method of displaying a product includes retaining the product with respect to a retainer, wherein the retainer comprises a body defining a substantially smooth outer surface, retracting the retainer onto a distal end of a display stem using a tensioned cable coupled to the retainer and extending through the display stem, and orienting the retainer to a predefined orientation with respect to the display stem using magnetic forces if the retainer is not in the predefined orientation. 
     In some embodiments, a method of detaching a cable to a product retainer includes positioning a cable connected to a product retainer within a notch of a disconnect tool, inserting at least two pins of a disconnect tool into at least two disconnect apertures located on the product retainer on opposing sides of a cable attached to the product retainer, and actuating a release mechanism disposed within the product retainer in response to the insertion of the at least two pins, where the at least two pins are disposed on opposing sides of the notch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a display system holding a product according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view of a display system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a display system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a first perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  shows a second perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a bracket according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of a display system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of the display system shown in  FIG. 7  along line  8 - 8 ′. 
         FIG. 9  shows an assembled display system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of the display system shown in  FIG. 9  along the line  10 - 10 ′. 
         FIG. 11  shows a bottom perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows a top perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a side view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows a bottom view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of a display stem according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  shows a view of the display stem taken from the perspective of arrow  16  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  shows an exploded view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  show top views of portions of a retainer in different assembly states, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  shows an exploded view of part of a display stem according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  shows a view of the display stem taken from the perspective of arrow  16  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 22  shows an exploded view of part of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  shows a bottom view of a retainer according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  shows a disconnect tool according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  shows the operation of a disconnect tool according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  shows display systems holding multiple products according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     A retailer may have a display model product that is representative of products that are available for purchase by a purchaser. In order to entice such a purchase, the retailer may make the display model available for use by the potential purchaser. The retailer, however, may desire to limit the ability of the potential purchaser to remove the display model from a display area (e.g., to prevent theft or other unauthorized use). To accomplish this, the retailer may use a stand as described herein, which may include security features. Although this document describes its display stand in terms of a retailer providing a display model for use by a potential purchaser, the display stand can be applied to any other suitable situation (e.g., any situation where use of an item is desired to be limited) such as, for example, a kiosk where a user may use displayed item, or a customer service station. 
     A retailer that makes a product available for use by a potential purchaser may further desire to present the product in an aesthetically-pleasing way, thereby further enticing the potential purchaser to handle and test the item, and to minimize the interference of elements of a display stand with the potential purchaser&#39;s viewing and use of the product. To further entice the potential purchaser, it may be desired that the display stand be configured to provide a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing appearance, so as to not detract from a potential purchaser&#39;s experience when viewing, handling, and testing the item. 
     As described, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for displaying a product. The system may include a display stem and a retainer that cooperate to present a product to a user. The retainer may be attached to a back side of a product (e.g., an electronic device such as, for example, a phone, a tablet computer, a camera, a music player, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or a computer peripheral) and may include a bracket that wraps around the back and sides of the product. The retainer may be hidden from view when the product is retained on the display stand. Such a low-profile design may increase aesthetic appeal of the product by minimizing potentially distracting visual impact attributable to the retainer. This may focus a potential customer&#39;s attention on the product rather than the retainer or display stem configuration. The display stem may include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the retainer, thereby hiding at least a portion of it from view. The retainer may be oriented within the recess in one or more predetermined positions so as to be indexed to such positions. For example, the retainer may be oriented to indexed positions by magnetic forces (e.g., magnets corresponding to the indexed positions). 
     In some embodiments, the retainer may be movably coupled to the stem. For example, it may have a seated position where the retainer rests relative to the stem and a released position where the retainer is movable and free from the stem. In some embodiments, the retainer may be coupled to a retaining cable that provides a length of cable that can be drawn out of the stem to allow a potential purchaser to remove the retainer, with a product secured thereon, from the stem. The retaining cable may allow a user to pick up and handle a product secured to the retainer, while preventing theft of the product. The retainer may include a bracket that secures a product to the retainer. The bracket may be configured as a single part or multiple parts. In some embodiments, the bracket includes two parts that couple together around a product thereby securing the product to the retainer. 
     A retailer may also desire that the display model be returned to its original location and orientation on its display stand after a potential purchaser has finished handling the display model, so that it is presented to the next potential purchaser in the location and orientation desired by the retailer. This can present an ordered, aesthetically-pleasing retail environment. Embodiments of the present invention can automatically return the display model to its original position and orientation on the display stand. For example, a retaining cable attached to a retainer coupled to the display model may retract to pull the device onto its display stem when the display model is released by a person handling it. And, in some embodiments, the retainer may have a shape so that it automatically seats into a recess of the display stem under the tension of the retaining cable, and does not get caught on a rim of the recess (e.g., a hemispherical shape). Further, in some embodiments, one or more alignment mechanisms such as, but not limited to, magnetic elements, may be used to automatically return the display model to its original location and orientation (or into one or more indexed orientations). For example, magnet elements of the retainer may rotate the retainer within the recess by their magnetic attraction to magnet elements of the display stem, thereby automatically rotating the display model with respect to the stem until it is in one of the indexed locations (e.g., predetermined desired orientations). For example, the retainer may have alignment mechanisms that cause it to index to any desired orientation and/or number of orientations. In some embodiments, it may index to four orientations: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. Such orientations may correspond to portrait and landscape orientations for a display screen of the displayed item, which may orient displayed content to correspond to each orientation of the retainer as it is rotated between indexed positions. 
     The retainer may provide power to a product secured thereon. In some embodiments, the retainer may include charging contacts configured to electrically communicate with corresponding charging contacts located on a display stem in order to provide power to a product. In some embodiments, the corresponding charging contacts may only be in electrical communication when the retainer is properly seated on the display stem (e.g., fully seated within a recess of the display stem in a predetermined orientation). In some embodiments, alignment mechanisms such as, but not limited to, magnetic elements may be used to facilitate the proper seating of the retainer on the display stem and thus facilitate electrical communication between the corresponding charging contacts. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-25 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , embodiments of the present invention include a display system  10  for displaying a product  20  having a retainer  30  and a support system  50 . Product  20  can be an item displayed for sale (e.g., as a display model). Support system  50  can support retainer  30  having product  20  fixed thereto. In some embodiments, support system  50  is a table, shelf, wall, or other retail display structure. Support system  50  may be the same as or similar to support system  300  described herein. Display system  10  can be used to display and hold product  20  and may allow product  20 , fixed to retainer  30 , to be removed from support system  50  (e.g., for handling by a potential purchaser) while still retaining product  20 . Support system  50  may include a display stem  40  for displaying and holding retainer  30  having product  20  fixed thereto. In some embodiments, display stem  40  may be the same as or similar to display stem  304  described herein. In some embodiments, retainer  30  may be the same as or similar to retainer  200  described herein. In some cases product  20  may be interactive, and may include a display screen. Potential purchasers may be able to pick product  20  up off of display stem  40  and return it thereto, or rotate product  20  on display stem  40  and interact with it while it remains supported on display stem  40 . 
     To display and hold product  20  in an easily-accessible, rotatable, and returnable manner, retainer  30  and display stem  40  may be separable, and may removably mate with each other (e.g., by a node of retainer  30  (e.g., a protrusion therefrom, forming a body of the retainer) that interfaces with a recess of display stem  40  (or vice versa). For example, the node may be received within the recess while product  20  is supported by display stem  40 . The node may be configured to move within the recess. Retainer  30  and display stem  40  may have various shapes configured to interface with each other. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the node is sized and dimensioned (shaped) to correspond with at least a portion of the recess. The node and recess may be the positive/negative of one another. In some embodiments, the recess and node may have corresponding rounded shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical shapes, sloping cylindrical shapes, egg shapes, and hemispherical shapes. Such rounded shapes may help facilitate rotation of product  20  on display stem  40 , and removal or replacement of product  20  on display stem  40 . 
     To help keep product  20  at a desired orientation for display, or at one of a number of desired orientations, in some embodiments display system  10  includes an alignment mechanism, which may be an indexing mechanism to align product  20  to one of multiple indexed positions. Such indexing mechanism may cause displayed product  20  to automatically rotate relative to display stem  40  to one of the indexed orientations. In some embodiments the indexing mechanism of display system  10  is indexed to cause product  20  to rotate to one of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, to match the normal viewing orientations of a display screen of product  20 . For example, some display screens can auto-rotate in 90 degree increments depending on their orientation, so that displayed media is oriented right-side-up. Media displayed on such a product  20  retained by display system  10  will then be oriented right-side-up in portrait or landscape mode, since display system  10  can auto-rotate product  20  into one of portrait or landscape orientation. 
       FIG. 2  shows a display system  100  for displaying a product  102  according to some embodiments. Display system  100  may generally correspond to display system  10  described above. Display system  100  may include a retainer  200  and a support system  300 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , support system  300  can support retainer  200  having product  102  fixed thereto. Display system  100  can be used to display and hold product  102  and may allow product  102 , fixed to retainer  200 , to be removed from support system  300  (e.g., for handling by a potential purchaser) while still retaining product  102 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , this may be accomplished using a retaining cable  328  attached to retainer  200 . Retaining cable  328  can be refracted within (and/or through) support system  300  when product  102 , fixed to retainer  200 , is replaced on support system  300 , as described further below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , retainer  200  includes a retainer body  202  and a bracket  230  for holding product  102 . Retainer body  202  has an outer surface  218  with a lower area  204  and an upper area  220  (e.g., a base area  204  and a peak area  220 ). Base area  204  of retainer body  202  includes a fixing surface  206  that is engaged with a bottom surface  236  of bracket  230 . Peak area  220  is an area or point of outer surface  218  that is farthest from base area  204 . In some embodiments, peak area  220  is farthest from base area  204  in a direction orthogonal to at least a portion of fixing surface  206 . In some embodiments, at least one first magnetic element, such as at least one first magnet  228 , is coupled to retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, at least one first magnet  228  forms a portion of outer surface  218 . In some embodiments, at least one first magnet  228  is embedded within retainer body  202  (e.g., within a cavity thereof). Retaining cable  328  may attach to retainer body  202  (e.g., via a coupling element  222 , see  FIG. 5 ). And retaining cable  328  may be secured to retainer body  202  using any suitable technique including, but not limited to, one or more of adhesives (e.g., glue or epoxy), screw-type fittings, friction-type fittings, luer lock fittings, or welding. In some embodiments retaining cable  328  attaches to retainer body  202  at or adjacent to peak area  220 , along a central axis of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, or 4) of first magnets  228  are disposed around retaining cable  328  (e.g., about a center axis of retainer body  202 ). In some embodiments, the plurality of first magnets  228  are equidistant from each other about retaining cable  328 . 
     Additionally, retainer body  202  may include a security switch  214  on fixing surface  206 . Security switch  214  may be used to detect whether or not product  102  is attached to retainer  200 , and can trigger an alarm in response to product  102  being removed from retainer  200 . For example, in some embodiments, when product  102  is coupled to retainer body  202 , product  102  may engage (or disengage) security switch  214  (e.g., by backside  104  of product  102  depressing a button of security switch  214 ). Security switch  214  may be communicatively coupled to an alarm or other alert such that the alert can be triggered by removal of product  102  from retainer body  202 . Such removal of product  102  from retainer body  202  may disengage (or engage) security switch  214 , thereby triggering the alert. In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include indicators  256  for altering a user that product  102  has been removed from retainer body  202  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11 and 13 ). Indicators  256  may include, but are not limited to, lights (e.g., light-emitting diode (LEDs)) and/or audio indicators such as buzzers or ringers. In some embodiments, display stem  304  may alternatively or additionally include indicators  256 . In some embodiments, the alert may also be triggered in the event that retaining cable  328  is severed. 
     Bracket  230  includes bottom surface  236  and a top surface  232 . In some embodiments bracket  230  may include one or more bracket arms  238 . When product  102  is fixed to retainer  200 , a backside  104  of product  102  in some embodiments may rest on fixing surface  206  and top surface  232 , and bracket arms  238  aid in securing product  102  to retainer  200 . Each bracket arm  238  includes a vertical support  240  and a horizontal support  242 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , support system  300  includes a support  302  and a display stem  304 . Support  302  can be, for example, a structural feature of a building or an article of furniture. For example, support  302  can be a tabletop, a countertop, a shelf, a floor, a ceiling, or a wall. A distal end  306  of display stem  304  is fixed to support  302 . In some embodiments, distal end  306  is fixed to support  302  in such a way that removal without damaging support system  300  can be achieved only with specialized tools and/or access not available to potential purchasers, and/or can be achieved only by operations likely to attract attention (e.g., fasteners accessible only from underneath a display table or only un-fastenable with a non-standard tool). 
     Display stem  304  can extend from support at any angle  335 , for example, 90° as shown in  FIG. 2 , or at an oblique angle  335  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Such oblique angle  335  may be, for example, 45°, 20°, or 7°. Display stem  304  may be connected to support  302  via distal end  306  and a connector  308  (see, for example,  FIG. 10 ). Display stem  304  may be a hollow structure defined by a stem wall  310  and a passage  314 . In some embodiments, display stem  304  may be cylindrical or frustoconical. A recess  320 , located at a proximal end  312  of display stem  304 , forms the upper most part of passage  314 . Distal to recess  320 , passage  314  may narrow (e.g., at throat area  315 ). Throat area  315  may be directly distal to recess  320 , and in some embodiments, is located in an upper half of display stem  304 . In some embodiments, recess  320  may be formed by an insert  318  attached to proximal end  312  of display stem  304  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 15 ). 
     Recess  320  may define a top opening  321  configured to receive retainer body  202  and bottom opening  323  that connects recess  320  to the rest of passage  314 . Recess  320  includes an inner wall  322  that is shaped to receive at least a portion of retainer body  202 , to thereby hide retainer body from view when it is received within recess  320 . In some embodiments, recess  320  is shaped to receive the entire retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, at least one second magnetic element, such as at least one second magnet  326 , may be disposed adjacent to recess  320  in display stem  304 . In some embodiments, a surface of at least one second magnet  326  forms a portion of inner wall  322 . In some embodiments, a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, or 4) of second magnets  326  are disposed around passage  314 . In some embodiments, the plurality of second magnets  326  are equidistant from each other about passage  314 . Second magnets  326  may be positioned to interact with first magnets  228  when retainer body  202  is received within recess  320 . To facilitate such interaction recess  320  and retainer body  202  may have mating shapes, so that their surfaces (and magnets) are in close proximity when they are engaged together. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 , retainer body  202  may have a positive shape and recess  320  may have a negative shape that mates together with the positive shape. In some embodiments, the positive and negative shapes are positive and negative hemispherical shapes. First magnets  228  of retainer body  202  may cause retainer body  202  to rotate so that first magnets  228  are as close as possible to second magnets  326  of display stem  304 , due to magnetic attraction between the magnets. This interaction between first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  serves to automatically orient retainer  200  (and retained product  102 ) when it is received within recess  320  of display stem  304 . 
     While  FIGS. 1-25  show display stem  304  having a recess  320  and retainer body  202  having a generally continuous convex curvature, recess  320  and retainer body  202  may have various shapes configured to interface with each other. For example, retainer body  202  may include a node that interfaces with recess  320 . The node may be configured to move within recess  320 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the node is sized and dimensioned (shaped) to correspond with at least a portion of recess  320 . The node and recess  320  may be the positive/negative of one another. In some embodiments, recess  320  may include a protrusion sized and dimensioned (shaped) to correspond with a recess located on retainer  200  (e.g., a recess formed in retainer body  202 ). In some embodiments recess  320  may be replaced with a protrusion sized and dimensioned (shaped) to correspond with a recess formed in retainer body  202 . Recess  320  and retainer body  202  may include any suitable corresponding sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, recess  320  and retainer body  202  may have corresponding tapered shapes. In some embodiments, recess  320  and retainer body  202  may have corresponding rounded shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical shapes, sloping cylindrical shapes, egg shapes, and hemispherical shapes. 
     In some embodiments retaining cable  328  extends through passage  314  of display stem  304 . Passing retaining cable  328  through passage  314  helps hide it from view and makes it less susceptible to tangling or damage. One end  329  of retaining cable  328  is connected to retainer body  202  and the other end is connected to an anchor  330 . Retaining cable  328  may also be connected to a power/data source  332 . Power/data source  332  is configured to supply power and/or data to product  102  when product  102  is fixed to retainer  200 . For example, power and/or data may be transmitted through retainer body  202  to an auxiliary cable  402  (see  FIG. 4 ) that connects to a power and/or data port on product  102 . 
     Anchor  330  may include or be a retraction mechanism  334  (see  FIG. 2 ). Retraction mechanism  334  may be configured to apply tension to retaining cable  328  to pull retainer  200  towards retraction mechanism  334  when the applied tension is not overcome by another force on retainer  200  (e.g., by a person handling retained product  102 ). In some embodiments, retraction mechanism  334  may include, for example, a spring-loaded pulley, a counterweight, or any other suitable means for retracting a cable. Retraction mechanism  334 , via retaining cable  328 , holds retainer  200  against proximal end  312  of display stem  304  when retainer body  202  is received in recess  320  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). When a user picks up product  102 , this action applies enough force to overcome the tension applied by retraction mechanism  334 , allowing retaining cable  328  to be drawn out through passage  314 . In some embodiments, the length of cable  328  that can be drawn out is limited, thereby limiting the distance that retainer  200  and retained product  102  can be taken from support system  300 . This can prevent retaining cable  328  from being completely removed from support system  300 . In some embodiments, the length of cable  328  that can be drawn out is limited to a predefined length. In this way display system can be used to provide varying levels of security. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined length of retaining cable  328  that can be drawn out may be zero such that retaining cable  328  holds retainer  200  against proximal end  312  (e.g., such that retainer body  202  of retainer  200  cannot be removed from recess  320  of display stem  304 ). In effect, the retaining cable  328  cannot be drawn out in this configuration. Such a configuration prevents a customer from picking up product  102 , but increases the difficulty of stealing product  102 . If product  102  cannot be removed from display stem  304 , a potential thief cannot rely on a played-out length of retaining cable  328  to provide leverage to separate product  102  from retainer  200  and/or support system  300  (e.g., by wrapping the cable around his arm and applying a sudden force). 
     In another embodiment, the predetermined length of retaining cable  328  that can be drawn out may be an intermediate length, such as, for example, a length that allows a user to pull out at most  6  inches of retaining cable  328 . Such a length allows a customer to pick up product  102  and inspect it. This allows potential purchasers to more thoroughly inspect product  102 , while still restricting the amount of leverage a potential thief has for separating product  102  from retainer  200  and/or support system  300 . 
     In another embodiment, the predetermined length of retaining cable  328  that can be drawn out may be a long length, such as, for example, 1 meter. Such a length provides a potential customer with the most freedom in testing the product, but can provide a potential thief with a greater amount of leverage compared to the short and intermediate lengths. 
     The short, intermediate, and long predetermined lengths for retaining cable  328  can be selected for use by a retailer depending on the situation in which display system  100  is to be used. For example, the retailer may select different lengths depending on the perceived security risk (e.g., long for low-risk, intermediate for medium-risk, and short for high-risk), the product  102  being displayed (e.g., intermediate for a tablet computer since tablet computers are often operated at arm&#39;s length, or long for a smartphone, since smartphones are often operated closer to a user&#39;s head), or some combination of these and/or other considerations. Any of these or other cases can be accommodated simply by changing the predefined length of retaining cable  328  that can be drawn out. Thus, display system  100  can provide a single display solution across a wide range of a retailer&#39;s different products and security risks. 
     A perspective view of a display stem  304  according to an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 3 . Recess  320 , located at proximal end  312 , includes an inner wall  322  having a hemispherical shape with an opening leading to throat area  315 . While inner wall  322  is shown having a hemispherical shape in  FIG. 3 , recess  320  may have a different shape in other embodiments, including but not limited to an elliptical shape, a conical shape, an egg shape, or a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments the shape of recess  320  corresponds with the shape of outer surface  218  of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, a majority of the shape of recess  320  conforms exactly to the shape of outer surface  218 . The correspondence in hemispherical shape between recess  320  and retainer body  202  of some embodiments helps retainer  200  freely rotate on display stem  304 . This free rotation can help alignment mechanism (e.g., magnets as described) rotate retainer  200  to an indexed location with minimal interference from mating surfaces of retainer body  202  and recess  320 . Since it is a generally smooth curve, the hemispherical shape of retainer body  202  also helps minimize the potential for retainer body to catch on edges of display stem  304  as it is drawn toward (e.g., by retraction mechanism  334 ) and enters recess  320   
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , inner wall  322  includes a plurality of second magnets  326 . Second magnets  326  are disposed in cavities  324  of display stem  304  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and define a portion of inner wall  322 . Second magnets  326  may alternatively be disposed below inner wall  322 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows passage  314  having a circular cross section. In other embodiments passage  314  may have a different cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to elliptical or polygonal. In some embodiments, display stem wall  310  is a single monolithic piece (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2, 8, and 10 ). In some embodiments, display stem wall  310  is made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the surface of display stem wall  310  is finished using blasting (e.g., sand blasting) and anodization. 
     A retainer body  202  according to an embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  FIG. 4  shows base area  204  including fixing surface  206  according to one embodiment. Fixing surface  206  has a depressed area  210  and a protruded area  211  for together receiving a portion of bracket  230  and non-rotationally securing bracket  230  to retainer body  202  (see  FIG. 9 ). Fixing surface  206  may define one or more holes  212  configured to accept a fastening mechanism (e.g., screws, bolts, pins, rivets, detents) that secure retainer body  202  to bracket  230 . Holes  212  may be threaded or non-threaded. Alternatively or additionally, retainer body  202  may be fastened to bracket  230  using other fastening mechanisms such as, for example, adhesives or welding. 
     In some embodiments, fixing surface  206  includes a cable access  208 , which may provide access for an auxiliary cable  402 , which may be a data/power cable or other linkage, and which may connect to a port on product  102  to provide data and/or power to product  102 . In some embodiments, data and/or power can be provided to cable access  208  through retaining cable  328 , which may receive such data and/or power from power/data source  332  (see  FIG. 2 ). Cable access  208  may be a cable pass-through through which the power/data cable can pass, or may be an outlet configured to receive a data/power cable plug from, e.g., auxiliary cable  402 . The interior of retainer body  202  may include circuitry and/or electronics for delivering power and/or data to auxiliary cable  402 . In this way, product  102  can receive power and/or data by being connected to auxiliary cable  402 , which, in the case of an electronic device, may facilitate its operation and testing by a potential purchaser. In some embodiments, retainer body  202  is a single monolithic piece. In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include multiple pieces (e.g., as discussed below in reference to  FIG. 12 ). 
     Any suitable outlet and plug combination can be used at either end of auxiliary cable  402  to provide such power and/or data transmission through cable access  208  to product  102 , such as, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB, mini-USB, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) (e.g., Parallel ATA, Serial ATA), or any other standard or proprietary connection format. In some embodiments, cable access  208  can be coupled to a cable (e.g., a data and/or power cable) running through or itself forming retaining cable  328 . 
     In some embodiments, fixing surface  206  includes security switch  214 . Security switch  214  may be communicatively coupled to an alarm or other alert such that the alert can be triggered by removal of product  102  from retainer  200 . Such removal of product  102  from retainer  200  may disengage (or engage) security switch  214 , thereby triggering the alert. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an underside  216  of retainer body  202  according to an embodiment. Underside  216  is defined by a substantially smooth curved outer surface  218 . In some embodiments, underside  216  includes at least one slot  224  to provide access to holes  212 . In some embodiments, underside  216  defines an opening forming coupling element  222  to connect to a proximal portion of retaining cable  328 . Coupling element  222  may be configured to receive and secure one end  329  of retaining cable  328  to retainer body  202  as discussed above in reference to  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, underside  216  defines cavities  226  disposed around coupling element  222  for receiving first magnets  228 . In some embodiments, when first magnets  228  are present in cavities  226  their outer surfaces align with a portion of outer surface  218 . In some embodiments, first magnets  228  may alternatively be disposed below outer surface  218  (e.g., embedded within retainer body  202 ). 
     In some embodiments, underside  216  of retainer body  202  has a substantially smooth shape defined by substantially smooth curved outer surface  218 . In other words, in some embodiments outer surface  218  defines a continuous curvature where interruptions are due only to recesses or openings to accommodate magnets or fastening elements, as described above (e.g., first magnets  228 , slots  224 , and coupling element  222 ). In some embodiments, the continuous curvature of outer surface  218  curves in only one direction (i.e., it does not have curves with different directions of inflection). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , underside  216  is a hemisphere (i.e., it has a hemispherical outer surface  218 ). In some embodiments, outer surface  218  includes a portion extending from peak area  220  to base area  204  that is completely smooth, containing no interruptions from surface features (see, e.g., path  219  in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, at least a portion of outer surface  218  has a continuous and non-zero slope extending from peak area  220  to base area  204  (see, e.g., path  219  in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, outer surface  218  has a continuously increasing slope extending from peak area  220  to base area  204  (see, e.g., path  219  in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, outer surface  218  has a slope with a constant curvature extending from peak area  220  to base area  204  (see, e.g., path  219  in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, underside  216  may have a shape other than a hemisphere, such as, for example, an elliptical or frustoconical shape. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , peak area  220  is the point or area on outer surface  218  that is farthest way from base area  204  in a direction orthogonal to at least a portion of fixing surface  206 . For example, in  FIG. 5  peak area  220  is the perimeter around coupling element  222 . Base area  204  is immediately adjacent bracket  230 . 
     The shape of outer surface  218  allows retainer body  202  to easily slide out of recess  320  when product  102  is picked up by a user and to easily slide into recess  320  when a user places retainer  200  onto display stem  304  or retaining cable  328  is retracted by retraction mechanism  334 . The smooth curved outer surface  218  reduces friction and the potential for retainer body  202  to become caught on rim a  307  of display stem  304  (thereby not seating properly within recess  320 ). This can also reduce the potential for damage to retainer  200  and display stem  304 , when engaging or disengaging retainer  200  and display stem  304 . Additionally, it ensures that retainer body  202  always fits into recess  320  no matter its orientation. 
     In combination with refraction mechanism  334 , which pulls retainer  200  and retained product  102  toward display stem  304  when no outside force overcomes the tension that retraction mechanism  334  applies to retaining cable  328  (e.g., when retained product  102  is released by a handler), the shape of outer surface  218  and ensures that product  102  automatically re-seats itself into recess  320  under tension of retaining cable  328 , in order to repeatably be displayed in a predefined position without requiring external interaction by a handler of product  102 . The hemispherical shape of outer surface  218  is well-suited to achieve these ends due at least in part to its lack of protrusions or corners around its side surfaces, so that its side surfaces slide over rim  307  without interruption under power of the tension provided by retraction mechanism  334 . Hemispherical outer surface  218  can thereby be pulled completely within recess  320 , thereby re-seating itself and hiding itself from view. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments being seated in recess  320  brings first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  in close enough proximity that they can magnetically interact with each other to both retain retainer body  202  within recess  320  and rotate retainer  200  and retained product  102  relative to display stem  304  so that retained product  102  is oriented in a predefined position, as described elsewhere herein. The hemispherical shape of outer surface  218  is well-suited to achieve these ends due at least in part to its lack or protrusions or corners around its side surfaces, which allow it to rotate within recess  320 . 
     A bracket  230  according to an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, bracket  230  includes a center portion  233  and two bracket arms  238 . Bracket arms  238  extend to and around opposing sides of retained product  102 , to thereby fix product to retainer  200  and to prevent its removal therefrom. While  FIG. 6  shows two bracket arms  238 , in some embodiments bracket  230  may include any number of bracket arms, for example, four bracket arms. 
     Since bracket arms  238  only extend a short distance over the front surface of retained product  102  (e.g., just enough to securely retain product  102 ) and are limited to discrete positions centrally-located and occupying a small proportion of the length of product  102 , they are able to retain product  102  without covering a display screen or other operative feature of product  102 , to thereby present product  102  to a potential purchaser with minimal visual impact so that the potential purchaser can inspect product  102  with minimal distraction from display system  100 . In some embodiments, bracket arms  238  may alternatively or additionally include other fixing elements such as, for example, screws, snaps, rivets, buckles, detents, bolts, press fit, or adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy, adhesive tape) to couple product  102  to retainer  200 . 
     In some embodiments, center portion  233  defines a central opening  234 , which may mate with fixing surface  206  on retainer body  202 . For example, a perimeter of protruded area  211  may correspond to a perimeter of central opening  234  such that protruded area  211  occupies central opening  234  when bracket  230  is mated with retainer body  202 . 
     In some embodiments, center portion  233  also defines holes  244  configured to align with holes  212  of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, center portion  233  also includes a cable aperture  246  configured to align with cable access  208  for receiving and allowing auxiliary cable  402  to pass from within to without central opening  234 . In some embodiments, bracket  230  is formed of a single piece (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). For example, bracket  230  may be formed of a single extruded piece that is machined into its final shape. 
     In some embodiments, bracket  230  is formed of two pieces (e.g., a first piece  290  and a second piece  294 , as discussed below in regards to  FIGS. 17-19 ). A two-piece bracket  230  may increase the modularity of retainer  200 . For example, pieces  290  and  294  may be individually replaced in the event that one of them is damaged. Additionally, a two-piece bracket  230  may increase the ease of assembling retainer  200  and attaching product  102  to retainer  200  since the pieces can move relative to one another, e.g., to receive product  102  between portions of bracket  230 . 
     In some embodiments, bracket  230  has a thickness of approximately 3 mm, which provides a minimal visual impact while still providing sufficient strength to securely retain product  102 . In other embodiments, however, bracket  230  may have greater or lesser thickness. In some embodiments, bracket  230  is made out of aluminum, for example, 6063 aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the surface of bracket  230  is finished using blasting (e.g., sand blasting) and anodization. 
     In some embodiments, a fixing element  406  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) may be provided on retainer body  202 , disposed on fixing surface  206  to contribute to retention of product  102  on retainer  200 . Fixing element  406  may be disposed on protruded area  211  in order to come into contact with product  102 . For example, fixing element  406  may be an adhesive, such as, for example, glue, epoxy, or adhesive tape (e.g., a double coated acrylic foam tape). In some embodiments, fixing element  406  may alternatively or additionally be a mechanical fastener such as, for example, a screw, snap, rivet, buckle, detent, bolt, or press fit. 
     The engagement between retainer body  202  and bracket  230  as well as the operation of display system  100  will be further described with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 . Fixing surface  206  having depressed areas  210  and protruded area  211  on retainer body  202  mates with center portion  233  of bracket  230  such that part of fixing surface  206  extends into center portion  233  (see  FIG. 9 ). The mating configuration between fixing surface  206  and center portion  233  does not define a circular shape, to ensure that retainer body  202  and bracket  230  cannot rotate relative to each other, thereby increasing the strength of retainer  200  and ensuring repeatability in orientation relative to display stem  304 . Furthermore, the mating ensures that holes  212  and  244  on retainer body  202  and bracket  230 , respectively, are aligned, and prevents shear stress from being placed on fasteners  404  occupying holes  212  and  244 . 
     Fasteners  404  (e.g., screws, bolts, pins, rivets, see  FIG. 7 ) are inserted within aligned holes  212  and  244  to secure retainer body  202  to bracket  230 . In some embodiments holes  212  and  244  are oriented in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation  502  of retainer  200  (which may coincide with the center axis of retainer body  202 ). Axis of rotation  502  of retainer  200  is the axis extending through the center of retainer body  202  at a direction orthogonal to fixing surface  206  (see  FIG. 8 ). This orientation provides optimal strength for the connection between retainer body  202  and bracket  230  since shear stress is not placed on fasteners  404  in the event a thief attempts to pull product  102  off of retainer  200 , and so the chances of failure of fasteners  404  are reduced. In some embodiments, fasteners  404  may be held within retainer body  202  such that they cannot fall out of retainer body  202  and cannot be removed by a user (e.g., a retail store owner). 
     As discussed elsewhere herein, in some embodiments retaining cable  328  and magnets  228  and  326  may be used to hold retainer  200  on proximal end  312  of display stem  304 . When retainer  200  is placed onto or retracted by retraction mechanism  334  onto proximal end  312 , retainer body  202  fits into recess  320  and magnetic forces between first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  automatically orient retainer body  202  within recess  320 . The interaction between first magnets  228 , second magnets  326 , retraction mechanism  334  and retaining cable  328 , outer surface  218 , and recess  320  ensures that product  102  is always returned to and displayed in its predetermined position and orientation, to help a retailer ensure its display in an aesthetically appealing position. 
     To apply magnetic attractive forces both axially along axis  502  (to help draw and retain retainer body  202  within recess  320 ) and orthogonally to axis  502  (to help rotate retainer  200  with respect to display stem  304 ), magnets  228  and  326  may be oriented to direct their magnetic fields obliquely with respect to axis  502 , such that their attractive forces apply at least a component force parallel to axis  502  and a component orthogonal to axis  502 . Further, first magnets  228  may be positioned such that they are disposed in an oblique direction from second magnets  326  with respect to axis  502 . In some embodiments, this oblique direction is oriented such that a line through the oblique direction (e.g., line  504  in  FIG. 8 ) would intersect axis  502 . 
     Substantially smooth outer surface  218  ensures that retainer body always slides into, i.e., self-locates in, recess  320  under the tension applied by refraction mechanism  334  through retaining cable  328 , thereby ensuring that product  102  is always displayed in a desired position (e.g., facing potential purchasers) and is not displayed in an off-kilter or dangling position. In some embodiments the size and shape of retainer body  202  is such that recess  320  receives the entire retainer body  202  (see  FIG. 10 ). This results in a low-profile appearance that may be more aesthetically appealing to potential customers. In some embodiments, however, recess  320  only receives a portion of retainer body  202 . 
     Once retainer body  202  slides into recess  320 , first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  serve to automatically orient retainer  200  into desired positions. For example, display system  100  could employ four first magnets  228  and four second magnets  326 , which automatically rotate retainer  200  to be oriented into one of four positions, each separated by 90° (e.g., promoting orientation at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). Such a configuration ensures that product  102  always returns to a vertical or horizontal orientation, which may be more aesthetically appealing to potential purchasers. For example,  FIG. 26  shows product  102  oriented at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° (products  102 A,  102 B,  102 C,  102 D, respectively). 
     For embodiments having any or no length of cable  328  that can be drawn out, substantially smooth outer surface  218  and magnets  228  and  326  allow smooth rotation of product  102  between predefined desired rotational positions. In embodiments having intermediate or long length of cable  328  that can be drawn out, these features ensure that product  102  always returns to a predefined desired rotational position upon return to display stem  304 . For example, when a user drops or releases product  102 , retraction mechanism  334  retracts retaining cable  328  thereby pulling retainer body  202  into recess  320 . Once in recess  320 , magnets  228  and  326  automatically orient retainer body  202  and retained product  102  into a desired position. 
     While the above example describes four first magnets and four second magnets, any number of magnets may be used to automatically orient retainer body  202  in recess  320  at any desired angle (i.e. rotational orientation), and the number of first magnets  228  need not be the same as the number of second magnets  326 . The orientation(s) of retainer body  202  may be based on the location and position of first magnets  228  and second magnets  326 . In some embodiments, the orientations are radially separated by at least 90 degrees of rotation. In some embodiments, the orientations are radially separated by 90 degrees of rotation. 
     Magnets described herein (e.g., magnets  228  and  326 ) may include, but are not limited to, rare earth magnets, such as Neodymium magnets, or electromagnets. Magnets described herein (e.g., magnets  228  and  326 ) may be replaced with material that is attractive to magnets (e.g., ferromagnetic material or ferrimagnetic material). For example, where magnetic attraction is described above between two magnets, either one of the magnets in the pair may be replaced with a magnetically-attractive material; magnetic attraction will still exist therebetween. In some embodiments, first and second magnets may be cylindrical in shape, the cylinder having a diameter in the range of 3 mm to 3.5 mm and a length in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include four first magnets  228  and recess  320  may include eight second magnets  326  as described below in reference to  FIGS. 20-23 . 
     In embodiments where magnets described herein (e.g., magnets  228  and  326 ) are electromagnets, such electromagnets may be activated intermittently (e.g., only when used to retain and/or effect rotation of retainer  200 ). For example, electromagnetic magnets  228  and  326  may only activate when retainer body  202  is received within recess  320 . In some embodiments, electromagnetic magnets  228  and  326  are only active long enough to rotate retainer  200  to one of the indexed locations. This can help conserve energy. The position of retainer  200  can be determined with sensors of display system  100  or with sensors of a displayed product  102  (e.g., proximity or light sensors, accelerometers). 
     In some embodiments, power may be delivered to product  102  through first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  by their contact or close proximity when retainer body  202  is received within recess  320 . In some embodiments, circuitry and/or electronics within retainer body  202  may facilitate inductive (“wireless”) charging of product  102  via magnets  228  and  326 . In such cases, and where data does not need to be supplied to product  102 , auxiliary cable  402  may not be used. 
     In some embodiments, power may be delivered to product  102  via charging contacts located on retainer  200  and charging contacts located in recess  320 . In such embodiments, retainer body  202  may include circuitry and/or electronics for receiving electrical power from display stem  304  via charging contacts in recess  320  and, in turn, deliver the power to auxiliary cable  402  via charging contacts located on retainer body  202 . In such embodiments, retaining cable  328  may not provide power to display system  100 . Providing power via display stem  304 , rather than retaining cable  328 , may have various benefits. First, customers would not handle an electrified retaining cable  328  when inspecting product  102  fixed to retainer  200 . Second, retaining cable  328  and/or retractor  330  engineering may be simplified. Third, power loss in retaining cable  328  may be avoided. Particularly, customer interaction with product  102  that may cause power in the retainer cable  328  to degrade over time (i.e., due to wear and tear on wires and electronics associated with retainer cable  328 ) can be avoided. 
       FIGS. 11-14  show a retainer body  202  having charging contact rings  250  and  252  according to some embodiments. Charging contact rings  250  and  252  may carry opposite electric charges (i.e., a positive and negative charge). Charging contact ring  250  may be a negative charging contact ring and charging contact ring  252  may be a positive charging contact ring, and vice versa. For purposes of the description herein, charging contact ring  250  will be referred to as negative charging contact ring  250  and charging contact ring  252  will be referred to as positive charging contact ring  252 . In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may be made of an insulating material, such as a polymer or ceramic, for electrically isolating negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252 . In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may have insulating material located along the perimeter of negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252  on outer surface  218  so as to electrically isolate the two rings (e.g., in embodiments where retainer body  202  may be made of an electrically conductive material). 
     As shown, for example in  FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252  may be disposed on outer surface  218  of retainer body  202 , and in some embodiments, charging contact rings  250  and  252  may form a portion of outer surface  218 . In some embodiments, charging contact rings  250  and  252  may be continuous rings extending around outer surface  218  of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, charging contact rings  250  and  252  are concentric rings extending around outer surface  218  of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, charging contact rings  250  and  252  may be discontinuous rings having gaps  251  located between discrete segments thereof. Gaps  251  may be formed by an insulating material. For example, gaps  251  may be formed, in whole or in part, by empty air space, by outer surface  218  or other portion of retainer body  202 , and/or may be cavities filled with an insulating material. 
       FIG. 11  also shows retainer body  202  having indicators  256  for indicating that security switch  214  has been disengaged (or engaged) by the removal or product  102  and/or that retaining cable  328  has been severed.  FIG. 11  also shows retainer body  202  having disconnect apertures  254  for releasing end  329  of retaining cable  328  from coupling element  222 . In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include two disconnect apertures  254  disposed radially about coupling element  222 . In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include more than two disconnect apertures  254 . A tool  500  may be used to release retaining cable  328  as discussed below in reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include a multi-piece construction including a cup  260  and a cap  262 . Cup  260  may be attached to cap  262  using, for example, fasteners  264 . In some embodiments, fasteners  264  may be screws. Alternatively or additionally, cup  260  may be attached to cap  262  using adhesives or welding. A multi-piece retainer body  202  may facilitate assembly and configurability of retainer  200  and the repair and/or replacement of internal components of retainer body  202  (e.g., circuitry associated with charging contacts  250  and  252  or cable access  208 ). 
     In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may include a plug recess  270  inset from outer surface  218  for receiving at least a portion of auxiliary cable  402  attached to cable access  208 . Plug recess  270  may include a sidewall  272  sized and shaped to receive a plug flange  410  located on a plug  408  of auxiliary cable  402  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 18 and 19 ). 
       FIG. 13  shows a side view of retainer body  202  having negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252  separated by a vertical distance  280 . Vertical distance  280  may be based on the size and shape of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, vertical distance  280  may be in the range of 9 mm to 12 mm. In some embodiments, vertical distance  280  may be 10.5 mm. In some embodiments, vertical distance may be between 35% and 65% of an overall height  205  of retainer body  202 . Charging contact rings  250  and  252  are also separated by a radial distance  281 , based on the radius of curvature of the portion of outer surface  218  separating negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252 . In some embodiments, retainer body  202  may have a diameter  203  in the range of 35 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, diameter  203  may be 37 mm. In some embodiments, overall height  205  of retainer body  202  may be in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, overall height  205  may be 24.5 mm. 
     The width of charging contact rings  250  and  252 , width  282  and width  284 , respectively, may be based on the size and shape of retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, widths  282  and  284  may be in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm measured along outer surface  218 . In some embodiments, widths  282  and  284  may be 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, width  282  may be the same as width  284 . In some embodiments, widths  282  and  284  may be different. The widths  282 / 284  of charging contacts rings  250 / 252  and the distances separating them (e.g., vertical distance  280  and radial distance  281  separating them) should be such that negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252  are electrically isolated from each other on outer surface  218 . In some embodiments, vertical distance  280  may be at least  5  times larger than width(s)  282 / 284 . In some embodiments, vertical distance may be at least  10  times larger than width(s)  282 / 284 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a bottom view of retainer body  202  according to some embodiments in a direction orthogonal to peak area  220  and the connection between retainer cable  328  and retainer body  202  at coupling element  222  (i.e., a direction orthogonal to fixing surface  206 ). As shown in  FIG. 14 , negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252  may be disposed radially about coupling element  222 . In some embodiments, negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252  are separated by a constant vertical and radial distance corresponding to vertical distance  280  and radial distance  281 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show a display stem  304  having charging contacts  340  and  342  for electrically engaging charging contact rings  250  and  252 , respectively. Charging contacts  340  and  342  may carry opposite electric charges (i.e., a positive and negative charge). Charging contacts  340  may be negative charging contacts and charging contacts  342  may be positive charging contacts, and vice versa. For purposes of the description herein, charging contacts  340  will be referred to as negative charging contacts  340  and charging contacts  342  will be referred to as positive charging contacts  342 . In some embodiments, recess  320  may be made of an insulating material, such as a polymer or ceramic, for electrically isolating negative charging contacts  340  and positive charging contacts  342  in recess  320 . In some embodiments, recess  320  may have insulating material located along the perimeter of negative charging contacts  340  and positive charging contacts  342  so as to electrically isolate each charging contact (e.g., in embodiments where inner wall  322  may be made of an electrically conductive material). While  FIGS. 15 and 16  show two negative charging contacts  340  and two positive charging contacts  342 , recess  320  may include any number of negative and positive charging contacts (e.g., one of each). 
     Negative charging contacts  340  and positive charging contacts  342  may be disposed on inner wall  322  of recess  320 . In some embodiments charging contacts  340  and  342  may form a portion of inner wall  322 . In some embodiments, charging contacts  340  and  342  may protrude from inner wall  322 . In some embodiments, charging contacts  340  and  342  may be spring loaded. Spring loaded charging contacts  340 / 342  minimize the potential for small deviations in the distance between charging contact rings  250 / 252  and charging contacts  340 / 342  from disrupting electrical contact between charging contact rings  250 / 252  and charging contacts  340 / 342 . In some embodiments, charging contacts  340  and  342  may be circular contact points. In some embodiments, the diameter  344  of circular contact points may be less than or equal to width(s)  282 / 284 . Widths  282  and  284 , diameter  344 , and charging contacts  250 / 252  and  340 / 342  in general, should be of sufficient size so as to provide good electrical contact between charging contact rings  250 / 252  and charging contacts  340 / 342 . While  FIGS. 15 and 16  show charging contacts  340 / 342  having a circular shape, charging contacts  340 / 342  may have any shape, including, but not limited to, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape. The size of square, rectangular, or elliptical charging contacts may be selected in a similar way the diameter  344  of circular charging contacts is selected (i.e., to provide good electrical contact with charging contact rings  250 / 252 , but while maintaining electrical isolation of charging contacts  340 / 342 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , positive charging contacts  342  may be disposed above negative charging contacts  340 , relative to distal end  306  of display stem  304 . Positive charging contacts  342  and negative charging contacts  340  may be separated by a vertical distance  341  (measured in the direction of arrow  16  in  FIG. 15 ). Vertical distance  341  may be based on the size and shape of recess  320 . In some embodiments, vertical distance  341  may be equal to vertical distance  280  to facilitate contact between charging contact rings  250 / 252  and charging contacts  340 / 342  when retainer body  202  is received within recess  320 . Positive charging contacts  342  and negative charging contacts  340  are also separated by a radial distance  343 , which is based on the radius of curvature of the portion of inner wall  322  vertically separating charging contacts  342  and  340 . In some embodiments, radial distance  343  may be equal to radial distance  281  to facilitate contact between charging contact rings  250 / 252  and charging contacts  340 / 342 . The size of charging contacts  340 / 342  and the distances separating them (e.g., vertical distance  341  and radial distance  342  separating them) should be such that negative charging contacts  340  and positive charging contacts  342  are electrically isolated on inner wall  322 . In some embodiments charging contacts  340 / 342  may be charging contact rings having the same or similar characteristics as charging contact rings  250 / 252 . Moreover, in some embodiments, charging contact rings  250 / 252  may be charging contacts having the same or similar characteristics as charging contacts  340 / 342 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a top view of display stem  304  taken from the perspective of arrow  16  in  FIG. 15 , showing recess  320 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , charging contacts  340  and  342  may be disposed radially about throat area  315  of passage  314 . Negative charging contacts  340  may be disposed along a first circular line  346  and positive charging contacts  342  may be disposed along a second circular line  348 . First circular line  346  and the second circular line  348  may be separated by a constant vertical and radial distance corresponding to vertical distance  341  and radial distance  343 , respectively. 
     When in electrical communication, negative charging contact ring  250  and negative charging contacts  340  may provide a negative charge (i.e., neutral/ground) to auxiliary cable  402  (via, e.g., circuitry disposed within retainer body  202 ). And, when in electrical communication, positive charging contact ring  252  and positive charging contacts  342  may provide a positive charge to auxiliary cable  402  (via, e.g., circuitry disposed within retainer body  202 ). When both negative charging contacts  250 / 340  and positive charging contacts  252 / 342  are in electrical communication, power may be provided to product  102  via auxiliary cable  402  (e.g., the battery of product  102  may be charged). In some embodiments, negative charging contacts  250 / 340  and positive charging contacts  252 / 342  may only be in electrical communication when retainer body  202  is fully seated within recess  320 . 
     Using a pair of continuous charging contact rings (e.g., charging contact rings  250  and  252 ) facilitates the electrical communication between respective positive charging contacts and respective negative charging contacts regardless of the rotational orientation of retainer body  202  within recess  320  (i.e., continuous electrical communication at any orientation between 0° and 360°). In some embodiments, non-continuous charging contacts located on retainer body  202  and in recess  320  (e.g., charging contacts  340 / 342  and/or non-continuous charging contact rings having gaps  251 ) may result in electrical communication between respective positive charging contacts and respective negative charging contacts only when retainer body  202  is oriented in at least one predefined rotational orientation (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, and/or 270°). In some embodiments, non-continuous charging contacts located on retainer body  202  and in recess  320  may be in electrical communication at each predefined rotational orientation. In some embodiments, retainer  200  may include magnets (e.g., first magnets  228 ) along with negative charging contact ring  250  and positive charging contact ring  252 . The magnets of retainer  200  may magnetically interact with magnets located on display stem  304  (e.g., second magnets  326 ) to facilitate the proper seating of retainer  200  on display stem  304  and thus facilitate electrical communication between negative charging contacts  250 / 340  and positive charging contacts  252 / 342 . 
     In some embodiments, an alert (e.g., via indicators  254 ) may be activated in the event that retainer body  202  is not fully seated within recess  320 , that retainer body  202  is not in a predefined orientation, and/or that product  102  is not receiving power. In some embodiments, the alert may be triggered after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes). This may aid a user (e.g., a retail store owner) in ensuring that products  102  are properly seated on display stem  304  and in a vertical or horizontal orientation, which may be more aesthetically appealing to potential purchasers. 
       FIG. 15  also shows insert  318  attached to proximal end  312  of display stem  304  according to an embodiment. Insert  318  may include fixtures  319  for receiving fasteners  311  that attach insert  318  to stem wall  310 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , insert  318  may form throat area  315  of passage  314 . A removable insert  318  may facilitate assembly and access to the interior of display stem  304  for repair and/or replacement of components of the display system  100  (e.g., circuitry associated with charging contacts  340  and  342 ). 
       FIGS. 17-19  show a two-piece bracket  230  according to some embodiments. Two-piece bracket  230  may include first piece  290  and second piece  294 , each piece including a bracket arm  238 . In some embodiments first piece  290  and second piece  294  may each include a lip  245  disposed at one end thereof. Depressed area  210  on retainer body  202  may receive at least a portion of lips  245  to non-rotationally secure pieces  290  and  294  to retainer body  202  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 19 ). Pieces  290  and  294  may be assembled on retainer body  202  such that at least a portion of each piece wraps around a portion of plug recess  270  and auxiliary cable  402  plugged into cable access  208  in plug recess  270  so as to securely hold auxiliary cable  402  in connection with cable access  208 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . This is way, auxiliary cable  402  is retained by bracket  230  and cannot be removed from retainer body  202  without removal of bracket  230  from retainer body  202 . 
     The assembly of a retainer  200  having a two piece bracket  230  according to an embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . First, auxiliary cable  402  may be plugged into plug recess  270 , which includes cable access  208 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , plug recess  270  may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of plug flange  410  located on plug  408 . In some embodiments, plug recess  270  may receive the entire plug flange  410  such that an outer surface  412  of plug flange  410  forms a continuous surface with outer surface  218  of retainer body  202  (i.e., is flush with outer surface  218 ). After auxiliary cable is attached, each bracket piece  290 / 294  may be attached by, for example, securing fasteners  404  within holes  244 . 
     First piece  290  may include a first coupling  292  and a second coupling  293  and second piece  294  may include a third coupling  296  and a fourth coupling  297 . When pieces  290  and  294  are attached to retainer body  202 , first coupling  292  and third coupling  296  may wrap around one side of retainer body  202  and contact each other (see  FIG. 19 ). Additionally, second coupling  293  and forth coupling  297  may wrap around the other side of retainer body  202  and around at least a portion of plug recess  270  and plug flange  410 . In some embodiments, second coupling  293  and fourth coupling  297  may have a shape that at least partially conforms with outer surface  412  of plug flange  410 . 
     Once retainer  200  is assembled as shown in  FIG. 19 , retainer cable  328  may be attached to retainer body  202  via coupling element  222 . In some embodiments, product  102  may be secured to fixing surface  206  before pieces  290 / 294  of bracket are assembled. In some embodiments, pieces  290 / 294  may be loosely assembled (e.g., by partially securing fasteners  404 ) before product  102  is attached to fixing surface  206  and then fully assembled after product  102  is attached to fixing surface  206  (e.g., by fully tightening fasteners  404 ) to fully secure product  102  on retainer  200 . 
       FIGS. 20-23  show a configuration of first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  according to some embodiments. The configuration of first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  shown in  FIGS. 20-23  results in retainer body  202  having four predetermined rotational orientations within recess  320  (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°). As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , insert  318  may include eight second magnets  326  disposed within eight cavities  324  located radially about throat area  315 .  FIG. 20  shows an exploded view of second magnets  326  and  FIG. 21  shows a top view taken from the perspective of arrow  16  of  FIG. 15 . Inner wall  322  is removed in  FIG. 22  to show different components associated with recess  320 . The eight second magnets  326  disposed radially about throat area  315  in  FIG. 20  have alternating polarities (i.e., alternating positive and negative polar orientations) facing inner wall  322 . In other words, the eight second magnets  326  are radially disposed such that a polar negative second magnet  326   n  (i.e., a magnet with its negative pole oriented towards throat area  315  and rotation axis  502 ) is disposed between two polar positive second magnets  326   p  (i.e., a magnet with its positive pole oriented towards throat area  315  and rotation axis  502 ), and vice versa. In some embodiments each of the second magnets  326  are evenly radially spaced, as shown in  FIG. 21  (e.g., the eight second magnets  326  may be positioned every  45  degrees radially about throat area  315 : the four polar negative second magnets  326   n  may be radially spaced apart by 90 degrees, and the four polar positive second magnets  326   p  may be radially spaced apart by 90 degrees). 
     A complimentary retainer body  202  having four first magnets  228  disposed within four cavities  226  located radially about coupling element  222  is shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . Each of the four first magnets  228  shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  have the same polarity facing outer surface  218  (i.e., the same polar orientation). In some embodiments, each of the four first magnets  228  may be polar positive (i.e., a magnet with its positive pole located on outer surface  218  and oriented away from the center of retainer body  202  and rotation axis  502 ). In some embodiments, each of the four first magnets  228  may be polar negative (i.e., a magnet with its negative pole located on outer surface  218  and oriented away from the center of retainer body  202  and rotation axis  502 ). In some embodiments each of the first magnets  228  are evenly radially spaced, as shown in  FIG. 23  (e.g., the four first magnets  228  may be positioned every 90 degrees radially about a center of retainer body  202  (e.g., about coupling element  222 )). 
     Regardless of whether first magnets  228  are arranged to be polar positive or polar negative, the four first magnets  228  are configured to cause the rotation of retainer body  202  into a predetermined rotational orientation (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°) due to magnetic attraction between the plurality of second magnets  326  having opposite polarity from the four first magnets  228 . For example, assuming that 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° are defined as shown by the cross-hairs in  FIGS. 21 and 23 , first magnets  228  may be polar positive so as to attract polar negative second magnets  326   n . While attracting polar negative second magnets  326   n , polar positive first magnets  228  will also repel polar positive second magnets  326   p , which also forces retainer body  202  into a predetermined orientation. Attaching product  102  on retainer  200  will, in turn, result in product  102  only being displayed in the predetermined orientations, which may in some embodiments correspond to the portrait and landscape positions for product  102 . For example,  FIG. 26  shows product  102  oriented at 0° (product  102 A) and 180° (product  102 C), which correspond to portrait positions for product  102 , and at 90° (product  102 B) and 270° (product  102 D), which correspond to landscape positions for product  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , insert  318  may include an annulus ring  350  disposed under second magnets  326 . Annulus ring  350  may include an opening  352  defined by a body  354 . Body  354  may be sized and shaped to cover cavities  324  and second magnets  326  disposed therein. In some embodiments, body  354  may include slots  356  for receiving fixtures  319  to hold annulus ring  350  in position. In some embodiments, annulus ring  350  may be made of a ferretic material. In some embodiments, the ferretic material may be stainless steel, for example,  1008 - 1012  stainless steel. The ferretic material of annulus ring  350  may amplify the magnetic strength by uniting the opposing magnetic fields generated by first magnets  228  and second magnets  326  (i.e., magnets having positive and negative polar orientations), thereby increasing the attraction/repulsion between magnets. 
       FIG. 24  shows a tool  510  for attaching and/or detaching components of retainer  200  and for detaching retainer cable  328  from retainer  200  according to some embodiments. Tool  510  may include a disconnect tool  518  that is insertable into disconnect apertures  254  on retainer body  202  to release end  329  of retaining cable  328  from coupling element  222 . Disconnect tool  518  may include any number of pins (e.g., two pins  520 ) hingedly connected to a body  512  of tool  510  via a hinge  522 . Pins  520  may be received in grooves  524  on body  512  when not in use. Pins  520  may have a shape corresponding to the shape of disconnect apertures  254  on retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, pins  520  and disconnect apertures  254  may have an irregular or non-rotationally symmetric shape. In some embodiments, tool  510  may also include a notch  519  located adjacent to hinge  522  on a proximal end  514  of tool  510 . Notch  519  may be sized and shaped to receive retaining cable  328  so that pins  520  can be inserted into disconnect apertures  254  while retaining cable  328  is disposed within notch  519  (see  FIG. 25 ). 
     Tool  510  may also include other tools, such as a gripping tool  526  and an attachment tool  528  (e.g., an Allen wrench or a screwdriver head) for assembling/disassembling retainer  200 . Griping tool  526  may be located at a distal end  516  of tool  510  and may be used to break an adhesive bond between fixing surface  206  and the backside  104  of product  102 . Gripping tool  526  may be configured to slide under a portion of retainer body  202  so that a user can apply force to retainer body  202 , similar to the way a nail is removed using the claw of a hammer head. Attachment tool  528  may be used to tighten or loosen fasteners  404  for attaching or detaching bracket  230  from retainer body  202 . In some embodiments, attachment tool  528  may be hingedly connected to body  512  via a hinge  530  and may be received within a recess  532  when not in use. 
     The operation of tool  510  will now be described in reference to  FIG. 25 . When retainer cable  328  is attached to retainer body  202 , notch  519  may be placed around retainer cable  328  and pins  520  may be aligned with disconnect apertures  254 . Then pins  520  may be inserted into disconnect apertures  254 . When pins  520  are received within disconnect apertures  254 , pins  520  may actuate a release mechanism  255  (see  FIG. 14 ) located within retainer body  202  to release end  329  from coupling element  222 . In some embodiments, the release mechanism  255  may only be actuated when pins  520 , having a shape corresponding to disconnect apertures  254 , are simultaneously inserted into disconnect apertures  254 . Once retainer cable  328  is released, notch  519  may hold end  329  so that retractor  330  does not immediately pull retainer cable  328  towards display stem  304 . 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/652,038, filed Oct. 15, 2012, titled “Methods and Systems for Displaying a Product (inventors Howarth et al.) includes some similar and corresponding elements to those described herein, and the features described therein may be applicable to those elements described herein as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/652,038 is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150120
Publication Date: 20190219
Grant Date: 20190219
Priority Date: 20140124
Inventors: YANG, SHENG
SCHWALBACH, CHARLES A.
HEIRAKUJI, RUSSELL JOHN KAAIHUE
MARASCO, Carly Lynn
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 53677876