PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11950713-B2
Application Number: US-202217665174-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Display stand unit

Abstract:
Systems disclosed herein are directed to a display stand unit for a retail environment. The display stand unit includes a base having an interior and a display stand. The display stand includes a stem that connects to and extends upwardly from the base and a receiving surface that is suspended above and spaced away from the base by the stem. The receiving surface is configured to releasably hold an electronic device above and spaced away from the base. The display stand unit further includes a security cable that extends out from the base. The security cable is configured to attach to the electronic device to movably secure the electronic device to the base. The display stand unit further includes a retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the security cable. The retractor automatically retracts the security cable.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display stand unit for a retail environment, the display stand unit comprising:
 a base having an interior; 
 a display stand comprising:
 a stem that connects to and extends upwardly from the base; and 
 a charger comprising a receiving surface that is suspended above and spaced away from the base by the stem, wherein the charger is configured to inductively charge and to releasably magnetically hold an electronic device above and spaced away from the base; 
 
 a security cable that extends out from the base, wherein the security cable is configured to attach to the electronic device at a position separate and spaced apart from the receiving surface to movably secure the electronic device to the base; and 
 a retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the security cable, wherein the retractor is configured to automatically retract the security cable. 
 
     
     
       2. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , wherein the display stand is a first display stand, the security cable is a first security cable, and the retractor is a first retractor, and
 the display stand unit further comprises:
 a second display stand that is identical to the first display stand and that is configured to releasably hold a second electronic device above and spaced away from the base; 
 a second security cable that extends out from the base, the second security cable is configured to attach to the second electronic device to movably secure the second electronic device to the base; and 
 a second retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the second security cable, wherein the second retractor is configured to automatically retract the second security cable. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a printed circuit board assembly disposed within the base, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to monitor a security circuit that comprises the security cable. 
     
     
       4. The display stand unit of  claim 3 , further comprising a dedicated interface cable that connects the charger to the printed circuit board assembly and supplies power to the charger,
 wherein the dedicated interface cable is distinct from the security cable. 
 
     
     
       5. A retail display comprising:
 a table; and 
 the display stand unit of  claim 1  disposed on the table. 
 
     
     
       6. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a power cable that extends through the stem and connects to the charger to provide power to the charger,
 wherein the security cable extends out from the base separately from the stem. 
 
     
     
       7. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , wherein during the automatic retraction the retractor is configured to spool the security cable radially in a single horizontal plane without vertical overlap of the security cable. 
     
     
       8. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide that guides the security cable out of the interior of the base. 
     
     
       9. The display stand unit of  claim 8 , wherein the guide is a roller guide that is configured to transition the orientation of the security cable from a horizontal orientation within the interior of the base to a vertical orientation as the security cable extends from the interior of the base. 
     
     
       10. A display stand unit for a retail environment, the display stand unit comprising:
 a base having an interior, 
 a display stand comprising:
 a stem that connects to and extends upwardly from the base, and 
 a receiving surface that is suspended above and spaced away from the base by the stem, the receiving surface configured to releasably hold an electronic device above and spaced away from the base, 
 
 a security cable that extends out from the base, the security cable is configured to attach to the electronic device to movably secure the electronic device to the base, and 
 a retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the security cable, wherein the retractor is configured to automatically retract the security cable, and wherein the retractor comprises:
 a stator comprising a fixture and an electronic contact that each extend through the stator; 
 a housing assembly comprising:
 a first housing rotatably coupled to the fixture, wherein the first housing is fixed to the security cable, wherein the first housing comprises a contact spring provided on a first side of the first housing, and wherein the contact spring is electronically coupled to an end of the security cable; 
 a protrusion that extends from a second side of the first housing away from the stator, the protrusion creating a core wall around which the security cable is configure to spool; and 
 a second housing spaced away from the second side of the first housing; and 
 
 a torsion spring that biases the housing assembly in a retraction direction, the torsion spring comprising a first end that is attached to the fixture and a second end that is connected to at least one of the first housing and the second housing, 
 
 wherein the contact spring remains in direct electronic contact with the electronic contact of the stator as the first housing rotates about the fixture relative to the stator. 
 
     
     
       11. The retractor of  claim 10 , wherein the core wall has a spiral shape. 
     
     
       12. The retractor of  claim 10 , wherein the torsion spring exerts a biasing force on the security cable between 0.4 and 1.0 Newtons. 
     
     
       13. The retractor of  claim 10 , wherein the first housing comprises a channel disposed inward relative to the protrusion and the end of the security cable is disposed in the channel. 
     
     
       14. The retractor of  claim 10 , further comprising an electronic interface cable connected to the electronic contact of the stator. 
     
     
       15. A display stand unit for a retail environment, the display stand unit comprising:
 a base having an interior, 
 a display stand comprising:
 a stem that connects to and extends upwardly from the base, and 
 a receiving surface that is suspended above and spaced away from the base by the stem, the receiving surface configured to releasably hold an electronic device above and spaced away from the base, 
 
 a security cable that extends out from the base, the security cable is configured to attach to the electronic device to movably secure the electronic device to the base; a retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the security cable, wherein the retractor is configured to automatically retract the security cable; 
 a printed circuit board assembly disposed within the interior; and 
 an alarm connected to the printed circuit board assembly, 
 wherein the security cable comprises a security pod configured to be adhered to the device, the security pod comprising a resistor, wherein the security cable and the resistor are connected in a security circuit and the printed circuit board assembly is configured to measure a resistance of the security circuit, 
 wherein the printed circuit board assembly is electrically connected to the security cable and is configured to receive electrical signals indicative of tampering with the security cable, 
 wherein the electrical signals indicative of tampering comprise the resistance of the security circuit measured by the printed circuit board assembly exceeding a tolerance, and 
 wherein in response to detecting the electrical signals indicative of tampering with the security cable the printed circuit board assembly is configured to activate the alarm. 
 
     
     
       16. The display stand unit of  claim 15 , further comprising the device,
 wherein the security pod further comprises a security switch that is configured to open in response to removal of the security pod from the device, 
 wherein the security switch is connected in series in the security circuit, and 
 wherein the electrical signals indicative of tampering comprise an opening of the security circuit detected by the printed circuit board assembly. 
 
     
     
       17. The display stand unit of  claim 16 , wherein the security circuit is configured to open in response to cutting the security cable and the printed circuit board assembly is configured to detect the opening of the security circuit and activate the alarm in response. 
     
     
       18. The display stand unit of  claim 16 , wherein the security circuit is configured to open in response to an opening of the security switch and the printed circuit board assembly is configured to detect the opening of the security switch and activate the alarm in response. 
     
     
       19. The display stand unit of  claim 15 , further comprising an interface cable that connects the printed circuit board to a power supply and to the alarm. 
     
     
       20. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a spring that biases the retractor to automatically retract the security cable. 
     
     
       21. The display stand unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retractor is positioned horizontally and lies flat within the interior of the base. 
     
     
       22. A display stand unit for a retail environment, the display stand unit comprising:
 a base having an interior; 
 a first display stand comprising:
 a stem that connects to and extends upwardly from the base; and 
 a receiving surface that is suspended above and spaced away from the base by the stem, the receiving surface configured to releasably hold a first electronic device above and spaced away from the base; 
 
 a first security cable that extends out from the base, wherein the first security cable is configured to attach to the first electronic device to movably secure the first electronic device to the base; 
 a first retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the first security cable, wherein the first retractor is configured to automatically retract the first security cable; 
 a second display stand that is identical to the first display stand and that is configured to releasably hold a second electronic device above and spaced away from the base; 
 a second security cable that extends out from the base, wherein the second security cable is configured to attach to the second electronic device to movably secure the second electronic device to the base; and 
 a second retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the second security cable, wherein the second retractor is configured to automatically retract the second security cable. 
 
     
     
       23. The display stand unit of  claim 22 , wherein the first display stand comprises a charger,
 wherein the charger comprises the receiving surface, and 
 wherein the charger is configured to provide power to the first electronic device when the first electronic device is releasably held by the receiving surface. 
 
     
     
       24. The display stand unit of  claim 23 , wherein the first display stand comprises a power cable that extends through the stem and connects to the charger to provide power to the charger, and
 wherein the first security cable extends out from the base separately from the stem.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/215,715, filed Jun. 28, 2021, titled “Display Stand Unit,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a display stand unit, including one or more display stands that display and wirelessly charge products. More particularly, embodiments relate to display stands that incorporate a low-profile retractor within the display stand unit so that a security cable can be managed out of sight and without cable-management features. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retail stores display products on tables. The devices are expensive and are routinely subject to theft attempts. To thwart such theft attempts, retailers use security cables that are secured directly to the table. A display stand unit is needed that directly manages security cables without compromising the form factor of the display stand and that secures against multiple different security cable tampering modes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments described herein relate to a display stand unit for a retail environment. The display stand unit comprises a base having an interior and a display stand. The display stand comprises a stem that connects to and extends upwardly from the base and a receiving surface that is suspended above and spaced away from the base by the stem, the receiving surface is configured to releasably hold an electronic device above and spaced away from the base. The display stand unit further comprises a security cable that extends out from the base. The security cable is configured to attach to the electronic device to movably secure the electronic device to the base. The display stand unit further comprises a retractor disposed within the interior of the base and connected to the security cable. The retractor is configured to automatically retract the security cable. 
     Some embodiments described herein relate to a retractor for retractably securing a device via a security cable. The retractor comprises a stator comprising a fixture and an electronic contact that each extend through the stator, and a housing assembly. The housing assembly comprises a first housing rotatably coupled to the fixture. The first housing is fixed to the security cable and comprises a contact spring provided on a first side of the first housing. The contact spring is electronically coupled to an end of the security cable. The housing assembly further comprises a protrusion that extends from a second side of the first housing away from the stator. The protrusion creating a core wall around which the security cable is configure to spool. The housing assembly further comprises a second housing spaced away from the second side of the first housing. The retractor further comprises a torsion spring that biases the housing assembly in a retraction direction. The torsion spring comprising a first end that is attached to the fixture and a second end that is connected to at least one of the first housing and the second housing. The contact spring remains in direct electronic contact with the electronic contact of the stator as the first housing rotates about the fixture relative to the stator. 
     Some embodiments described herein relate to a display stand unit for a retail environment. The display stand unit comprising a base having an interior, a printed circuit board assembly disposed within the interior, and a display stand extending from the base. The display stand configured to removably hold a device. The display stand unit further comprising a security cable extending from the base and configured to attach to and secure the device to the base. The security cable comprising a security pod configured to be adhered to the device. The security pod comprising a resistor. The security cable and the resistor are connected in a security circuit and the printed circuit board assembly is configured to measure a resistance of the security circuit. The display stand unit further comprising an alarm connected to the printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly is electrically connected to the security cable and is configured to receive electrical signals indicative of tampering with the security cable. The electrical signals indicative of tampering comprise the resistance of the security circuit measured by the printed circuit board assembly exceeding a tolerance. In response to detecting the electrical signals indicative of tampering with the security cable the printed circuit board assembly is configured to activate the alarm. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a schematic view of an example display stand unit. 
         FIG.  2    shows a front perspective view of an example display stand unit with four display stands. 
         FIG.  3    shows a rear perspective view of the example display stand unit of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of the example display stand unit of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of an example retractor. 
         FIG.  6    shows an exploded view of the example retractor of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    shows a cross-section view of the example display stand unit of  FIG.  2    along section line  7 - 7 . 
         FIG.  8    shows a perspective view of an example security pod. 
         FIG.  9    shows an exploded view of the example security pod of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    shows an exploded view of an example display stand. 
         FIG.  11    shows a front perspective view of an example display stand unit with one display stand. 
         FIG.  12    shows a rear perspective view of the example display stand unit of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    shows an exploded view of the example display stand unit of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  14    shows another schematic view of an example display stand unit. 
         FIG.  15    shows a schematic view of an example printed circuit board assembly. 
         FIG.  16    shows an example monitoring process. 
         FIG.  17    shows a schematic view of an example computer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 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. 
     Some retailers provide product samples (sometimes called display models) for users to interact with to help them evaluate the product and its features. For example, a consumer-electronics retailer can provide display models for consumer-electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, smartwatches, and other devices. The display models can be provided on retail display fixtures for a customer to pick up and evaluate. To deter theft and to maintain an orderly appearance, the display models can be tethered with a security cable to a display fixture, such as a table or other display unit. The display fixture (e.g., table) can incorporate a stand on which the display model can be set, and the tether can include a cable-management feature such as a retractor to keep the security cable neat and out of view when the display model is positioned on its display stand. Due to their size existing retractors are housed separately from display stands (e.g., below the table), which complicates the product displays and makes set up and maintenance cumbersome. Such configurations also involve integration with the table or other fixture on which they are displayed, often involving holes in the table for cable routing, or other complicated cable routing to a retractor incorporated into the table. This can complicate not only the display stand and table, but their assembly, repair, and maintenance. 
     Some embodiments discussed herein include a display stand unit, which can for example be displayed on a table of a retail store and used to display products for sale. The display stand unit can include one or more display stands that display and wirelessly charge display model consumer-electronic devices, such as a smart phone. The display stand unit itself can incorporate a low-profile retractor within the display stand unit, so that a security cable can be managed out of sight and without cable-management features being incorporated into the display fixture (e.g., table) itself. 
     The display stands can each include a charger mounted to a stem. The charger both magnetically holds and wirelessly charges a consumer-electronic device. To help deter theft, a security cable can be associated with each display stand to fix the consumer-electronic device to the display stand unit. The display stand unit can include a retractor for each of its display stands to automatically spool and hide the security cable when its associated consumer-electronic device is not being handled. The retractors can have a low-profile form factor to fit within a slim base of the display stand unit. Retraction of the retractor can be driven by a spring. The spring can exert a force sufficient to retract the security cable, but low enough that the pull on the security cable will not be significantly felt when interacting with the consumer-electronic fixed to the security cable. 
     In some embodiments, the retractor can be housed horizontally within an interior of a base of the display stand unit. The retractor can include an inner geometry that spools the security cable radially outwards along a single horizontal plane. This spooling arrangement ensures smooth extension and retraction of the security cable and mitigates against kinks, which improves i) the durability of the security cable and of the retractor and ii) the user experience with the secured consumer-electronic. The spooling arrangement also enables the low-profile design of the retractor, which allows the base of the display stand unit to accommodate the retractor in its interior while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive profile. 
     The display stand unit can also include a guide, such as a roller, for each display stand that can direct the respective security cable from the interior of the base to the consumer-electronic device. The guide can change the orientation of the security cable from the horizontal orientation in the retractor to a vertical orientation and directs the security cable out of the interior of the base to the consumer-electronic. The guide can improve the durability of the security cable by reducing the friction against the display stand unit and can also support smooth extension and retraction of the security cable. 
     The display stand unit can also include a printed circuit board assembly that manages the wireless charging, electronically monitors the security cable for signals indicative of different security cable tampering modes, and triggers an external alarm if any of these signals are detected. The display stand unit with the printed circuit board assembly can secure against multiple different security cable tampering modes including, for example, removal of the security cable from the consumer-electronic, crimping or shorting of security circuitry, or cutting the security cable. For example, the printed circuit board assembly can detect attempts to crimp the security cable and short out the security circuitry by monitoring resistance levels of the security circuitry. If the printed circuit board assembly determines that the resistance is outside of a range, e.g., due to a theft attempt by crimping the security cable to short or bypass the security circuitry, the printed circuit board can trigger an alarm to alert store personnel of the potential theft. 
     An electronic interface cable can supply power to the display stand unit. The printed circuit board assembly can route the power to each of the consumer-electronics attached to the display stands via dedicated electronic interface cables that run through the stem of each display stand to the charger. Because the retractor is positioned within the base of the display stand unit and the security cable exits the base without running through the stem of the display stand, the stems of the display stands can be slimmer than display stands with internally managed security cables. The electronic interface cable that supplies power to the display stand unit can also connect the printed circuit board to the external alarm. 
     The display stand unit can include any number of display stands. For example the display stand unit can include a single display stand for displaying a single consumer-electronic device, or the display stand unit can include for example four display stands for displaying four consumer-electronic devices. The display stand unit can include artwork or other information provided on the base to showcase features of the displayed consumer-electronic. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 17   . 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. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary or clear from context, the features of and relationships between like structures of any disclosed display stand units can apply to any other disclosed display stand units. 
       FIG.  1    shows a schematic of an example display stand unit  100 . Display stand unit  100  can, for example, be displayed on a retail display fixture, such as a table  102 , of a retail store and used to display products  104  for sale. The products  104  can include, for example, electronic devices such as smart phones, as shown in  FIG.  1   , smartwatches, tablets, etc. Display stand unit  100  can include one or more display stands  106  that display and in some embodiments wirelessly charge products  104 . Display stand unit  100  itself can incorporate a retractor  108  within an interior  110  of a base  112  of display stand unit  100 , so that a security cable  114  of display stand unit  100  can be managed out of sight and without cable-management features being incorporated into the retail display fixture (e.g., table  102 ) itself. Retractor  108  can automatically spool and hide security cable  114  when its associated product  104  is not being handled. 
     Retractor  108  can have a low-profile form factor to fit within the slim base  112  of display stand unit  100 . Retractor  108  can be housed horizontally within interior  110  of base  112  of display stand unit  100 . Retractor  108  can include an inner geometry, such as spiral, that spools security cable  114  radially outwards along a single horizontal plane without vertical overlap of security cable  114 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . This spooling arrangement can ensure smooth extension and retraction of the security cable and can mitigate against kinks, which can improve i) the durability of security cable  114  and/or of retractor  108  and ii) the user experience with the secured product  104 . The spooling arrangement also enables the low-profile design of retractor  108 , which allows base  112  of display stand unit  100  to accommodate retractor  108  in interior  110  while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive profile. Base  112  can, for example, have a vertical thickness of 12 mm±10% (e.g., thickness t 1  measured vertically from the top of table  102  in  FIG.  1   ) and display stand unit  100  can have a maximum vertical height h as measured from the top of table  102  of 135 mm±10%. Because retractor  108  fits inside this thickness, retractor  108  can be less than 12 mm±10% thick. For example, retractor  108  can have a vertical thickness of 10 mm±10% (e.g., thickness t 2  measured vertically from the top of the display fixture  102  in  FIG.  1   ). In embodiments, retractor  108  can have a thickness of about ⅚ a thickness of base  112 . 
     Display stand unit  100  can also include a guide  116  that guides security cable  114  out of interior  110  of base  112 . Guide  116  can transition the orientation of security cable  114  from a horizontal orientation within interior  110  of base  112  to a vertical orientation as security cable  114  extends from interior  110  of base  112 . In embodiments, guide  116  can be a roller guide (e.g., that rotates about a horizontal axis as security cable  114  extends or retracts while against it). 
     Security cable  114  can be associated with each display stand  106  to fix product  104  to display stand unit  100  and reduce theft. Security cable  114  can attach to product  104  and can movably secure product  104  to base  112 . For example, security cable  114  can include a security pod  136  that attaches to product  104 . Security cable  114  can extend out from retractor  108  within interior  110  of base  112 . Security cable  114  can extend out from base  112  separately from a charger interface cable  118  that supplies power to product  104 . In embodiments, security cable  114  does not deliver power to product  104 . In embodiments, security cable  114  can have a length sufficient to spool within retractor  108  without sagging when product  104  fixed to security cable  114  is held by display stand  106  and for a user to comfortably handle product  104  when product  104  is removed from display stand  106  by the user. For example, the length of security cable  114  can be between 800 mm and 1100 mm. In embodiments, the length of security cable  114  can be 918 mm±10%. In embodiments, the length of security cable  114  can be 988 mm±10%. 
     Display stand  106  can include a stem  120  that connects to and extends upwardly from base. Display stand  106  can include a receiving surface  122  that is suspended above and spaced away from base  112  by stem  120 . Receiving surface  122  can releasably hold product  104  above and spaced away from base  112 . In embodiments, display stand  106  can include magnets associated with receiving surface  122  to magnetically hold product  104  to receiving surface  122 . 
     In embodiments, display stand  106  can include a charger  124  that defines receiving surface  122 . Charger  124  can provide power to product  104  when product  104  is releasably held by receiving surface  122 . Charger  124  can be a wireless charger (e.g., an induction charger) that wirelessly (e.g., inductively) charges product  104 . Display stand  106  can further include the charger interface cable  118 , which can extend through stem  120  from base  112 . Charger interface cable  118  can be a power cable that supplies power to charger  124 . Charger interface cable  118  can be a distinct cable from security cable  114 . In embodiments, security cable  114  does not extend through stem  120  nor does security cable  114  provide power to product  104 . In embodiments, charger  124  can be a wired charger and charger interface cable  118  can connect directly to product  104  to charge product  104 . 
     In embodiments, display stand unit  100  can include a printed circuit board assembly  126 . Printed circuit board assembly  126  can manage the wireless charging. For example, charger interface cable  118  can connect to printed circuit board assembly  126  and printed circuit board assembly  126  can manage power supplied to charger  124  via charger interface cable  118 . Additionally or alternatively, printed circuit board assembly  126  can electronically monitor security cable  114  for signals indicative of different security cable tampering modes, and can trigger an alarm  128  if any of these signals are detected. Alarm  128  can be any type of device that can alert persons or security systems to tampering or the potential theft of product  104  including a device that can produce an audible alarm (e.g., a speaker), a visual alarm (e.g., light source), etc. Alarm  128  can be connected to display stand unit  100  but provided externally from display stand unit  100 . For example, alarm  128  can be mounted underneath table  102 . In embodiments with multiple display stands  106 , a single alarm  128  may be associate with all display stands  106  of display stand unit  100 . Accordingly, if the alarm  128  is triggered only one alarm  128  needs to be checked and/or rest. 
     In embodiments, retractor  108  can include a retractor interface cable  130  that electrically connects security cable  114  to printed circuit board assembly  126  via retractor  108 . Printed circuit board assembly  126  can monitor security cable  114  for signals indicative of security cable tampering via retractor interface cable  130 . 
     Printed circuit board assembly  126  can secure against multiple different security cable tampering modes including, for example, removal of security cable  114  from product  104 , crimping or shorting of security circuitry of security cable  114 , or cutting security cable  114 . For example, the printed circuit board assembly  126  can detect attempts to crimp security cable  114  and short out the security circuitry by monitoring resistance levels of the security circuitry. If the printed circuit board assembly  126  determines that the resistance is outside of a range, e.g., due to a theft attempt by crimping security cable  114  to short or bypass the security circuitry, the printed circuit board assembly  126  can trigger alarm  128  to alert store personnel of the potential theft. 
     Printed circuit board assembly  126  can connect to a power supply  132 , such as a wall outlet. In embodiments, display stand unit  100  can include a display stand unit interface cable (i.e., a single cable) that both supplies power to printed circuit board assembly  126  from power supply  132  and provides a communication pathway between alarm  128  and printed circuit board assembly  126 . Using a single interface cable can help simplify the use and appearance of display stand unit  100 . Alternatively, separate interface cables can be provided to connect alarm  128  and power supply  132  to printed circuit board assembly  126 . 
     Display stand unit  100  can include any number of display stands  106 . For example, display stand unit  100  can include a single display stand  106  for displaying a single product  104 , or display stand unit  100  can include for example, two, three, four, or more display stands  106  for displaying multiple products  104 . When multiple products  104  are displayed, products  104  may be the same or different from each other. In embodiments, display stand  106  can display different products  104  to allow consumers to handle and compare different products  104 , e.g., smartphone models having different features, all from the same display stand  100 . 
     Display stand unit  100  can include indicia, such as artwork or text. The indicia can improve consumer experience by providing information about displayed product  104 . In embodiments, indicia may be provided on a magnetic sheet that can connect to the top of base  112 . Magnetic sheet can be formed for example out of Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    respectively show front and rear perspective views of an example display stand unit  100  having for display stands  106 .  FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of display stand unit  100 . Display stand unit  100  can be provided on or fixed to a retail display fixture, such as table  102 . As shown in the exploded view of  FIG.  4   , base  112  can include a top  138  and bottom  140 . Top  138  can include a cover  142  that is removable. Top  138  can include the indicia and in embodiments can be a magnetic sheet, as discussed above. Top  138  can provide access to fixtures  144  (e.g. screws) that fix top  138  to bottom  140 , which can improve the serviceability of display stand unit  100 . Top  138  can include holes  146  through which stems  120  of display stands  106  can extend. Display stands  106  can have a base  147 , which can be mounted to an underside of top  138 , for example, with fixtures  144  (e.g. screws). Bottom  140  can be a base plate that includes holes  148  for accommodating retractors  108 . Interior  110  of base  112  that holds the retractors  108  can be defined by interior portions of top  138  and holes  148  of bottom  140 . Guides  116  and printed circuit board assembly  126  can be mounted to top  138  with fixtures  144 . In embodiments, a single printed circuit board assembly  126  can manage all display stands  106  and retractors  108  display stand unit  100 . Retractors  108  can extend through holes  148  and sit in plane with bottom of bottom  140 . This arrangement can promote the sleek, unobtrusive profile of base  112 . Display stand unit  100  can also include feet  150  provided on the bottom of base  112 . Feet  150  can provide extra clearance for base  112  (e.g., to accommodate retractor  108 ). Feet  150  can be adhered to table  102 , which can fix display stand unit  100  to table  102  to inhibit theft or unauthorized interference with bottom  140  of display stand  100 . Feet  150  can be removably attached to table  102  to improve serviceability of display stand  100 , for example, to provide access to retractors  108  via holes  148 . 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    respectively show a perspective an exploded view of an example retractor  108  that retractably secures product  104  via security cable  114 . Retractor  108  can include a stator  152 , which can be secured to a structure such as base  112 . Stator  152  can include electrical contacts  154 . Electrical contacts  154  can be connected to retractor interface cable  130  to provide electrical communication between retractor  108  and devices connected to retractor interface cable  130 . Stator  152  can include mounts  156  that support fixtures  158  to fix retractor  108  to structures such as base  112 . Stator  152  can include tabs  157  that can extend downwardly and can contain security cable  114  and/or other features of retractor  108 . 
     Retractor  108  can include a housing assembly that can rotate about a central fitting, such as a pin  160 , of stator  152  relative to stator  152  to retract security cable  114 . Housing assembly can include a first housing  162  rotatably coupled to pin  160 . First housing  162  can be fixed to security cable  114 . First housing  162  can include contact springs  164  provided on a first side of first housing  162 . Contact springs  164  can be electronically coupled to an end of the security cable  114 . Contact springs  164  can also remain in direct electronic contact with electronic contacts  164  as first housing  162  rotates about pin  160  relative to stator  152 . First housing  162  can also include a channel  170  and an end  172  of security cable  114  can extend through channel  170 . First housing  162  can also include a hole  173  that end  172  of security cable  114  extends through. Hole  173  can fix end  172  to first housing  162  such that security cable  114  rotates together with first housing  162 . 
     The housing assembly can also include a protrusion  166  that extends from a second side of the first housing away from stator  152  and that can form a core wall (e.g., of a spiral shape around which security cable  114  can spool. Because first housing  162  both maintains electrical contact with stator  152  and also spools security cable  114  the profile of retractor  108  can be minimized. 
     The housing assembly can also include a second housing  168  that can be spaced away from the second side of first housing  162  and that can be fixed to and rotate together with first housing  162 . The housing assembly can form a spool around which security cable  114  can wind. 
     Retractor  108  can include a spring  174  that can bias the retractor to automatically retract security cable  114 . Spring  174  can exert a force sufficient to retract the security cable, but low enough that the pull on the security cable will not be significantly felt when interacting with the product  104  fixed to the security cable. For example, when holding a product the additional pull from spring  174  on security cable  114  can feel as if a user is holding an extra 40 to 100 g. For example, the spring may exert a retraction force of between 0.4 and 1.0 Newtons. Spring  174  can include a first end  176  fixed to pin  160  and a second end  178  fixed to the housing assembly. Second end  178  can be fixed to first housing  162  and/or second housing  168 . 
       FIG.  7    is a cross-section view from section line  7 - 7  of display stand unit  100  of  FIG.  2    and depicts the slim unobtrusive, profile of display stand unit  100  as well as the compact form factor of retractor  108 . For example, a width of base  112  (i.e., from a front end of base  112  on retractor  108  side of base  112  to a back end of base  112  on display stand unit interface cable  134  side of base) may be roughly the same as a height of display stand unit  100  as measured from a bottom of base  112  that rests on table  102  to a top of display stand  106  at charger  124 .  FIG.  7    also shows parallel paths that security cable  114  and charger interface cable  118  take out of base  112  towards product  104 . 
       FIGS.  8 - 9    respectively show a perspective view and an exploded view of an example security pod  136  of security cable  114 , which can house security features of security cable  114 . Security pod  136  can be adhered to product  104 . Security pod  136  can include a top enclosure  180  and a bottom enclosure  182  that fit together and form an enclosure. The top enclosure can include a hole  184  that accommodates an end of security cable  114 . Security pod  136  can include a fitting  186  that extends through hole  184  of top enclosure  180 . The end of security cable  114  can extend through fitting  186  and fitting  186  can improve the fit of security cable  114  within the hole  184  of top enclosure  180  and protect security cable  114  from degradation caused by friction against top enclosure  180 . Security cable  114  can include a clamp  188  to securely fix the end of security cable  114  to bottom enclosure  182 . The end of the security cable  114  can include electrical leads  190 . 
     Security pod  136  can include a resistor  192  having a resistance and that is connected to electrical leads  190  of the end of security cable  114 . In embodiments, security pod  136  can additionally or alternatively include a security switch  194  that is connected to electrical leads  190  of the end of security cable  114 . In embodiments in which security pod  136  includes both resistor  192  and security switch  194 , resistor  192  and security switch  194  can be connected to the electric leads  190  in series to form a security circuit with security cable  114 . 
     Security pod  136  can also include an adhesive layer  196  that adheres bottom enclosure  182  to product  104 . In embodiments, product  104  can be sanded prior to attachment of adhesive layer  196  to improve adhesion between security pod  136  and product  104 . Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments transfer tape can be provided between adhesive layer  196  and product  104  to improve adhesion between security pod  136  and product  104 . Bottom enclosure  182  can include a hole  198  and a tab  200  of security switch  194  can extend through hole  198  into adhesive layer  196 . In this configuration, when bottom enclosure  182  is removed from product  104  tab  200  remains adhered to product  104  and opens security switch  194 , as discussed further below. 
       FIG.  10    shows an exploded view of an example display stand  106 . Display stand  106  can also include a holder that holds charger  124 . In embodiments, charger  124  and holder can have a circular form factor. In embodiments, stem  120  can be formed of aluminum or other suitable material. In embodiments outer surfaces of charger  124  can be formed of plastic or other suitable material. 
     Base  147  of display stand  106  can include a hole  201 , as shown in  FIG.  7   , through which security cable  114  can exit. Hole  201  can be bigger than the diameter of security cable  114  (e.g., about twice the diameter of security cable  114 ). Hole  201  can also be smaller than a width or diameter of security pod  136  (e.g., about ⅙ the width or diameter of security pod  136 ), which can prevent be security pod  136  from retracting into base  112  of display stand  100 . Base  147  can include multiple portions. For example, base  147  can include a first portion  202  and a second portion  204  separable along a parting line that bisects hole  201  through which security cable  114  can exit. This arrangement improves the serviceability of display stand unit  100 , since first portion  202  and second portion  204  can split to accommodate security pod  136  during service or replacement of security cable  114 . Base  147  can also include a third portion  206  and a fourth portion  208  that together with fixtures  144  fit base  147  of display stand  106  to base  112  of display stand unit  100 . 
       FIGS.  11 - 13    respectively show front perspective, rear perspective, and exploded views of another example display stand unit  100  having a single display stand  106 . Features of this display stand unit  100  are similar to those of the display stand unit  100  depicted in  FIGS.  2 - 4   , except that base  112  can be reduced in size to accommodate the single display stand  106  and single retractor  108  with less of a footprint on table  102 . In embodiments, fixtures  144  can fix bottom  140  to top  138  of base  112  such that bottom  140  can be removed for example to service retractor  108 . 
       FIG.  14    shows a schematic example of a display stand unit  100  having four display stands  106 .  FIG.  15    shows a schematic view of an example printed circuit board assembly the display stand unit  100  of  FIG.  14   . Printed circuit board assembly  126  can include an input/output  210 . Input/output  210  can be connected via display stand unit interface cable  134  to alarm  128  and power supply  132 . Printed circuit board assembly  126  can include input/outputs  212  for each display stand  106 . Each input/output  212  for each display stand  106  can include separate input/outputs for respectively connecting to charger interface cables  118  and retractor interface cables  130 . Printed circuit board assembly  126  can thus separately direct power from power supply  132  to display stands  106  via charger interface cables  118  and monitor security circuitry  214  of security cable  114  for signals indicative of theft modes via retractor interface cables  130 . 
     Printed circuit board assembly  126  can include a CPU  216  that manages all functions of the printed circuit board assembly. Printed circuit board assembly  126  can also include a power delivery sink  218  and power delivery sources  220  for regulating power. Appropriate structures of display stand unit  100 , such as the printed circuit board  126  (e.g., input/outputs  210 , input/outputs  210 ), display stand unit interface cable  134 , etc. can conform to USB protocols, for example the USB-c protocol. In embodiments, printed circuit board assembly  126  can be modified to accommodate any number of display stands  106  by increasing or decreasing the number of input/outputs  212 , security circuits  214 , and power delivery sources  220 . 
       FIG.  16    shows an example monitoring process  1600  using display stand unit  100 . Printed circuit board assembly  126  can utilize monitoring process  1600  to monitor any and all security circuitry  214  connected to printed circuit board assembly  126 , e.g., via retractor interface cables  130 . Monitoring process  1600  can include, at step  1602 , monitoring security circuitry  214  for signals indicative of tampering with security cable  114 . As discussed above, security circuitry  214  can include security cable  114 , resistor  192 , and/or security switch  194 , which can all be connected to printed circuit board assembly  126  via retractor interface cables  130 . 
     Monitoring process  1600  can include, at step  1604 , evaluating whether a resistance of security circuitry  214  is outside of range. For example, printed circuit board assembly  126  can measure the resistance of security circuitry  214  and compare the measured resistance against an expected resistance value. Printed circuit board assembly  126  can determine that the resistance of security circuitry  214  is outside of range if the measured resistance is outside a tolerance (e.g., ±10%) of the expected resistance value (i.e., a signal indicative of tampering with security cable  114 ). The expected resistance value can be based upon a size of resistor  192  of security circuitry  214 . If printed circuit board assembly  126  determines the resistance of security circuitry  214  is outside of range, monitoring process  1600  can proceed to step  1608  of monitoring process  1600 , at which alarm  128  is activated to alert personnel of a potential theft of product  104 . If printed circuit board assembly  126  determines the resistance of security circuitry is not outside of range, monitoring process  1600  can repeat step  1602  and continue monitoring security circuitry  214 . 
     Monitoring process  1600  can include, at step  1606 , evaluating whether security circuitry  214  is open. Printed circuit board assembly  126  can receive signals from security circuitry  214  that indicate that security circuitry  214  is open, which can correspond to a signal indicative of tampering with security cable  114 . For example, security switch  194  can open security circuitry  214  upon an attempt to remove security pod  136  from product  104  and printed circuit board assembly  126  can measure security circuitry  214  to detect that it is open. As another example, security circuitry  214  can open if security cable  114  is cut and printed circuit board assembly  126  can measure security circuitry  214  to detect that it is open. If printed circuit board assembly  126  determines security circuitry  214  is open, monitoring process  1600  can proceed to step  1608  of monitoring process  1600 , at which alarm  128  is activated to alert personnel of a potential theft of product  104 . If printed circuit board assembly  126  determines security circuitry  214  is not open, monitoring process  1600  can repeat step  1602  and continue monitoring security circuitry  214 . 
     In embodiments in which multiple display stands  106  are provided on the same display stand unit  100 , a single printed circuit board assembly  126  can monitor display stands. Displays stand  100  can include an indicator (e.g., an LED light) for example under base  112  for each display stand  106  that can indicate (e.g., illuminate) the display stand  106  associated with the signal indicative of the theft attempt that activated alarm  128 . 
     Accordingly, monitoring process  1600  can monitor for multiple types of theft attempts. First, attempts to remove security pod  136  from product  104  can cause the security switch  194  to open security circuitry  214 , which would be detected for example at step  1606 . Second, attempts to cut security cable  114  would also open security circuitry  214 , which would also be detected for example at step  1606 . Third, attempts to crimp security cable  114  to short out security circuitry  214  can move the resistance of security circuitry  214  out of range, which would be detected for example at step  1604 . 
     Features of the display stand units (e.g., printed circuit board assembly, products, etc.) discussed herein may each include one more aspects of a computer.  FIG.  17    illustrates an example computer  1700 , aspects of which can be incorporated into features (e.g., printed circuit board assembly, products) of the display stand units. 
     In embodiments, computer  1700  can be implemented as computer-readable code. 
     If programmable logic is used, such logic may execute on a commercially available processing platform or a special purpose device. One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be practiced with various computer configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, and mainframe computers, computer linked or clustered with distributed functions, as well as pervasive or miniature computers that can be embedded into virtually any device. 
     For instance, at least one processor device and a memory can be used to implement the above described embodiments. A processor device can be a single processor, a plurality of processors, or combinations thereof. Processor devices may have one or more processor “cores.” 
     Various embodiments of the inventions can be implemented in terms of this example computer  1700 . After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement one or more of the inventions using other computers or computer architectures. Although operations can be described as a sequential process, some of the operations may in fact be performed in parallel, concurrently, or in a distributed environment, and with program code stored locally or remotely for access by single or multi-processor machines. In addition, in some embodiments the order of operations can be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Processor  1704  can be a special purpose or a general purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, processor  1704  may also be a single processor in a multi-core/multiprocessor system, such system operating alone, or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. Processor  1704  is connected to a communication infrastructure  1706 , for example, a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message-passing scheme. 
     Computer  1700  can include a main memory  1708 , for example, random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory  1710 . Secondary memory  1710  may include, for example, a hard disk drive  1712 , or removable storage drive  1714 . Removable storage drive  1714  may include a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or the like. The removable storage drive  1714  reads from or writes to a removable storage unit  1718  in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit  1718  may include a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive  1714 . As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, removable storage unit  1718  includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software or data. 
     Computer  1700  may include a display interface  1702  (which can include input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, etc.) that forwards graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure  1706  (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit  1730  (e.g., display screen, electronics of the dynamic input blocks, etc.). 
     In implementations, secondary memory  1710  may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer  1700 . Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit  1722  and an interface  1720 . Examples of such means may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units  1722  and interfaces  1720  which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit  1722  to computer  1700 . 
     Computer  1700  may also include a communication interface  1724 . Communication interface  1724  allows software and data to be transferred between computer  1700  and other devices, such as communication between any of input blocks, display screen, node, or other supplemental devices. Communication interface  1724  may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. Software and data transferred via communication interface  1724  can be in the form of signals, which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communication interface  1724 . These signals can be provided to communication interface  1724  via a communication path  1726 . Communication path  1726  carries signals and can be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link or other communication channels. 
     Computer  1700  can include a non-transitory computer readable medium such as removable storage unit  1718 , removable storage unit  1722 , and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive  1712 . Computer program medium and computer usable medium may also refer to memories, such as main memory  1708  and secondary memory  1710 , which can be memory semiconductors (e.g. DRAMs, etc.). 
     Computer programs (also called computer control logic) or databases are stored in main memory  1708  or secondary memory  1710 . Computer programs may also be received via communication interface  1724 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable computer  1700  to implement the embodiments as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable processor  1704  to implement the processes of the embodiments discussed here. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of computer  1700 . Where the embodiments are implemented using software, the software can be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer  1700  using removable storage drive  1714 , interface  1720 , and hard disk drive  1712 , or communication interface  1724 . 
     Embodiments of the inventions also can be directed to computer program products comprising software stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing device, causes a data processing device(s) to operate as described herein. Embodiments of the inventions may employ any computer useable or readable medium. Examples of computer useable mediums include, but are not limited to, primary storage devices (e.g., any type of random access memory), secondary storage devices (e.g., hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMS, ZIP disks, tapes, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices, MEMS, nanotechnological storage device, etc.). 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     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 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 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. 
     Further, references to “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” 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. 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 affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220204
Publication Date: 20240409
Grant Date: 20240409
Priority Date: 20210628
Inventors: KUMKA, David Samuel
WOOSLEY, CLAYTON R.
FOSTER, DANIEL S.
WANG, ERIC WEIJIA
RITTER, GREGORY R.
ADAMS, JOSHUA
HU, Christopher
NAMBIAR, PRIYA K.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A47F7/0246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B73/0011", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B73/0082", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B13/1445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B13/1445", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B13/1445", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/0246", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0013", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2310/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B73/0082", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B13/1445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E05B73/0011", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 84543383