2599results about "Locks for portable objects" patented technology

Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. A data circuit stores identification information. A plurality of antennas is coupled to the data circuit. At least one antenna of the plurality of antennas is a removable antenna capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the antenna substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed antenna and permits communication of the identification information via another antenna of the plurality of antennas at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. A data circuit stores identification information. A plurality of antennae is coupled to the data circuit. At least one antenna of the plurality of antennae is a removable antenna capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the antenna substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed antenna and permits communication of the identification information via another antenna of the plurality of antennae at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

This invention in certain example instances relates generally to coin-operated video entertainment systems. More particularly, certain exemplary aspects of the invention provide methods and / or systems for controlling access to a portable coin-operated interactive entertainment device that may be used to play video games and access other forms of entertainment as well as providing features via such portable coin-operated interactive entertainment devices.

A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. In another embodiment, an alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and may provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product on the shelf or corresponding to a potential theft situation. In an embodiment, the alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to the potential thief that his actions are being monitored and recorded, or provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like. In yet another embodiment, lock mechanisms may be used to further secure high-risk theft items. Also, clips or clip members may be incorporated to further secure the product dividers to the shelves. In addition, an adjustable power bar may be included that is adjustable to accommodate the height adjustments made to the shelves.

A display system for displaying an item of merchandise in a retail environment that allows a potential customer to handle the item while it is secured to the display system. The item is supported on a display shelf and is connected to a retractable cable. The shelf is locked to a base by an alarm unit. Unauthorized removal of the shelf, base, item of merchandise, severing of the retractable cable or alarm unit will activate an alarm. First and second locks lock the alarm unit to the base.

A lock system having a remote actuating key device, e.g., a portable member arranged to wirelessly transmit a wireless signal, and a passive lock device for receiving that signal. The lock device includes an actuatable trigger mechanism and a control circuit. The control circuit receives the wireless signal, which powers it. The control circuit also determines if the wireless signal is appropriate to unlock the lock, whereupon it produces a trigger signal. The trigger mechanism is responsive to the trigger signal to actuate and enable the lock device to be opened. The key device is also arranged to communicate via a wireless communications connection to a computer network. The communication with the computer network may carry commands and information. The key device may relay communications between the lock device and the computer network.

A low profile shelf system that improves the merchandising of product by creating more spacing between shelves to accommodate larger product includes low profile shelf supports. Each low-profile shelf support may define a back portion and a front portion. The back portion may include a fastening plate attached thereto, each fastening plate having a hook formation that can be inserted into a slotted upright. The back portion of the shelf support may be at least 75% vertically longer than the front portion, resulting in the front portion having a significantly lower profile than the back portion of the shelf support, thereby creating more spacing between shelves to accommodate larger product.

A display system for displaying an item of merchandise in a retail environment that allows a potential customer to handle the item while it is secured to the display system. The item is supported on a display shelf and is connected to a retractable cable. The shelf is locked to a base by an alarm unit. Unauthorized removal of the shelf, base, item of merchandise, severing of the retractable cable or alarm unit will activate an alarm. First and second locks lock the alarm unit to the base.

An electronic key including an internal power source is provided for transferring electrical power to a merchandise security device to operate a mechanical lock mechanism. In one embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via electrical contacts disposed on a transfer probe of the electronic key and corresponding electrical contacts disposed within a transfer port of the device when the transfer probe engages the transfer port. In another embodiment, the key transfers power to the device via inductive transfer as a result of passing an electrical current through an inductive coil disposed within the transfer probe to generate a magnetic field in the vicinity of a corresponding inductive coil disposed within the transfer port and thereby induce an electric current in the inductive coil of the device. In other embodiments, the electronic key is programmed with a security code and the key initially programs the merchandise security device with the security code and subsequently determines whether the security code of the key matches the security code of the device to permit the key to transfer power to the device.

This invention provides a slipcover touch input apparatus and structure for displays for computing devices that converts a non-touch screen display to a touch screen display. The slipcover assembly acts as a sheath or cover for the display, and the touch screen is mounted in a window or opening of the casing of the display so that the touch screen is oriented to mimic the position of the display. This touch screen slipcover can convert any display of a computing device into a touch screen display.

A lock system having a remote actuating device, e.g., a portable member arranged to wirelessly transmit a wireless signal, and a passive lock for receiving that signal. The lock includes an acuatable trigger mechanism and a control circuit. The control circuit receives the wireless signal, which powers it. The control circuit also determines if the wireless signal is appropriate to unlock the lock, whereupon it produces a trigger signal. The trigger mechanism is responsive to the trigger signal to actuate and enable the lock to be opened.

A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked therein by a magnetically attractable member. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A top wall of the housing or locking clip has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool from the ratchet mechanism. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. The spool is biased by the internal spring to automatically wind the cable onto the spool after the clip has been unlocked from the housing. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.

A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. In another embodiment, an alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and may provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product on the shelf or corresponding to a potential theft situation. In an embodiment, the alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to the potential thief that his actions are being monitored and recorded, or provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like.

A storage unit configured to store and display items such as wine bottles includes a frame member including a top, a base and a plurality of vertically extending walls. A plurality of shelves are slidably attached to the frame member and configured to store a plurality of items. At least one insert may be positioned within the plurality of shelves to provide a support for the items contained therein. A strap, having a first end and a second end and extending substantially transverse to the front edge of the plurality of shelves is also provided and prevents the plurality of shelves from sliding. The shelves may be removed from the frame member and stored on a top surface of the frame member to reconfigure the storage space within the storage unit.

A security tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected the membrane, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane and an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition. A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise and an alarm operable to emit a tamper alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition.

A merchandise display and anti-theft system, for use in displaying an electronic device such as a laptop computer, comprising a base plate and a rail. The rail is mounted transversely onto a merchandise display shelf. The electronic device is selectively attached to the base plate by a crossbar. A front bracket assembly and a rear bar are provided to restrict the extent to which the electronic device may be moved in a forward or reverse direction upon the base plate. The crossbar, front bracket, and rear bar are fastened to the base plate with screws extending from beneath the base plate, in order to prevent removal of the electronic device. After mounting the rail to the shelf and affixing the base plate to the rail, the screws which hold the cross bar, rear bar, and front bracket to the base plate are inaccessible, thereby preventing theft of the electronic device selectively affixed to the base plate.

A lock mechanism is mounted on a merchandise display rod to prevent the removal of some items of merchandise from the rod. A pair of members are pivotally joined at one end and move between locked and unlocked positions. Each of the members is formed with a partial slot which align with each other when in the locked position to extend about the rod. A magnetically attractable plunger is mounted within one of the members and engages a recess formed in the other member to secure the members in a closed locked position on the rod. A magnetic key moves the plunger to an unlocked position to enable the members to pivot apart to an unlocked open position. The distal end of the rod is bent at an angle sufficient to prevent sliding removal of the lock mechanism from the rod when the members are in the locked position yet enable removal of merchandise items forward of the lock mechanism from the rod.

A biometric access control system for tracking critical assets and including an ID station incorporating a biometric input reader, an RFID antenna and reader and a wired or wireless (Bluetooth) communication device. A remotely positioned structure includes either or both of a rack or a locker for holding a plurality of the critical assets in individually locked fashion. A processor control built into the ID station operatively actuates each of a plurality of individual locking mechanisms incorporated into the rack structure or locker, in response to successive biometric and weapon selection inputs communicating with the processor, and for determining at least one of user identification and weapon release authorization prior to the processor actuating the locking mechanism to release the weapon. An associated computer writeable medium operates with the processor and establishes a series of subroutines for establishing user identification, weapons rating, selective weapon release / reentry and associated maintenance and record keeping log reports.

A merchandise locking device for retrofit attachment to a product display hook installed on a merchandise display panel. The locking device attaches without tools to the upper wire arm of the display hook for pivoting movement between “lock” and “open” positions. A laterally opening recess in the locking device receives the lower arm of the display hook and a locking arm, rotatably mounted in the body of the locking device by a rotor element, closes the recess to lock the device to the lower arm and prevent the removal of merchandise therefrom. A simple key carried by store personnel enables the rotor to be released to free the locking device from the lower arm and permit the removal of merchandise. The locking device consists of four elements, including the key, and can be manufactured at very low cost, suitable for mass merchandise applications. Simple changes in rotor components enable the locking device to be operated by different keys, which may be color coded with the locking devices or components thereof. A bracket is also provided for retrofit attachment to the display hook, to prevent bodily removal of the hook and its contents from the display panel.

A biometric access control system for tracking critical assets and including an ID station incorporating a biometric input reader, an RFID antenna and reader and a wired or wireless (Bluetooth) communication device. A remotely positioned structure includes either or both of a rack or a locker for holding a plurality of the critical assets in individually locked fashion. A processor control built into the ID station operatively actuates each of a plurality of individual locking mechanisms incorporated into the rack structure or locker, in response to successive biometric and weapon selection inputs communicating with the processor, and for determining at least one of user identification and weapon release authorization prior to the processor actuating the locking mechanism to release the weapon. An associated computer writeable medium operates with the processor and establishes a series of subroutines for establishing user identification, weapons rating, selective weapon release / reentry and associated maintenance and record keeping log reports.

A mobile lock with a retractable cable. The mobile lock is an integral component of a mobile device (e.g., bicycle, scooter, stroller, etc.) or attachable thereto and includes retractable cable that is wrapped around a stationary object (e.g., tree, bike rack, etc.). The retractable cable reconnects to a lock component on a body component of the mobile lock to prevent theft of the mobile. The mobile lock is always available for locking the mobile device. The mobile lock also includes an integral wireless locator system that can precisely locate the mobile device in real-time if stolen. The wireless locator system also automatically send messages (e.g., e-mail, text, instant messages, voice, etc.) and make automatic posts to social networking sites (e.g., FACEBOOK, TWITTER, etc.) and social shopping sites (CRAIG'S LIST, E-BAY, etc.) that the mobile device has been stolen.

A locking device has a base, a positioning element, a positioning frame, a cable and a lock assembly. The base has a positioning tab and a squeezing device. The positioning element is attached to the bottom of the base configured for the base being attached to an object. The positioning frame is pivotally attached to the base and has a telescopic body. The cable is moveably received in the base and has one end extending out from the base and provided by a hook to connect to the positioning frame. The lock assembly is mounted in the base and detachably locks the cable. Accordingly, a PDA and a charging base can be securely held on the base with the positioning frame and the cable. This can keep the PDA and the charging base from being unauthorizedly moved.

A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base, a locking assembly, and an electronic control unit the triggers the locking assembly, locking the door from opening and stopping the pusher from moving product forward to the door.

An adjustable security device is configured for engaging and securing items of merchandise having various widths and thicknesses. The security device includes an adjustment mechanism that manipulates in a lateral direction a pair of opposed arms having retaining members for engaging the opposed sides and top of the item. The retaining members are operable to simultaneously engage and secure the item against removal from the security device in the lateral direction as well as a vertical direction, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to examine and operate a demonstration model of the item. Each of the retaining members may be pivotally mounted or slidably mounted to one of the opposed arms and at least one of the opposed arms is configured for extending and retracting movement relative to the base in the lateral direction. The security device may further include a lock for locking the opposed arms in a desired lateral position.

An single use, disposable electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis.

A security system for protecting a plurality of items of merchandise on display in a retail environment. Each of the items is connected to a sensor which is removably mounted in a display module and connected thereto by a power cord. A single alarm module located in an inaccessible location is connected to each of the display modules by another power cord. A power cord connects each of the display modules to a source of electricity for supplying electric power to the sensor through the display module and then to the displayed item for maintaining the charge on a battery of the displayed item. The alarm unit contains an internal power source for controlling the alarm circuitry. A plunger switch and LED may be contained in the sensor.

A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables extend through both a fastener and a base of the locking member and are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like structure. The fastener is releasably snap-fitted into the base of the locking member and secured therein by a magnetically attractable tine. The ratchet mechanism includes a housing containing a spool and a locking pawl. A bottom wall encloses a portion of the housing and includes a rotatable central portion having a key receiving recess for unlocking the spool from the pawl. The housing has a rotatable top wall portion which includes a flip-up handle for rotating the top wall portion and the internal ratchet to tighten the cable about an article. An alarm system is contained in the housing of the ratchet mechanism and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. An LED located within the housing provides a visual indication that the alarm system is activated.