System and method for locking a sensor to a substrate

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a commodity display system and method for displaying commodities. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be secured to an item. The system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon. The base includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the base.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of the applicant's patent application No. 201880042664.0 (PCT / US2018 / 035070), filed May 30, 2018, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCKING A SENSOR TO A BASE". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to security systems and methods for merchandise in a retail environment. BACKGROUND

[0003] Retailers routinely display merchandise, such as telephones, portable computers (e.g., notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), and the like, for customers to evaluate prior to purchase. Due to advances in technology and materials, these items are continually being manufactured to be smaller and lighter. As a result, such merchandise is becoming increasingly fragile and susceptible to theft. At the same time, the retail price and profit margins for such merchandise continue to decrease. Accordingly, these items need to be secured by a security device that can effectively and economically protect the merchandise from theft. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention relate to merchandise display systems and methods for displaying merchandise. In one embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a merchandise, the sensor including a first engagement member. The merchandise display system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. Additionally, the merchandise display system includes a locking mechanism including at least one second engagement member configured to releasably engage the first engagement member to lock the sensor to the base, and a rotatable mechanism extending about the opening and configured to actuate the locking mechanism. The rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to move the at least one second engagement member into engagement with the first engagement member to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position, or to move the at least one second engagement member out of engagement with the first engagement member in an unlocked position.

[0005] In another embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. The merchandise display system also includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the base, and a rotatable mechanism extending about the opening and configured to actuate the locking mechanism. The rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the locking mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or to unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

[0006] In another embodiment, an item display system includes a sensor configured to be secured to an item and a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. The item display system includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the base and a cam mechanism extending about the opening and configured to actuate the locking mechanism, wherein the cam mechanism is configured to rotate circumferentially about the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the locking mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

[0007] In another embodiment, an item display system includes a sensor configured to be secured to an item and a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. The item display system further includes a locking mechanism including at least one engagement member configured to lock the sensor to the base and a rotatable mechanism extending about an axis of the opening and configured to actuate the locking mechanism. The rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the axis of the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the at least one engagement member to move to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

[0008] In another embodiment, an item display system includes a sensor configured to be secured to an item and a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. The item display system further includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the base, the locking mechanism including a key receiving portion and a shuttle, the shuttle configured to move between an engaged and disengaged position with the key receiving portion. The item display system further includes a key configured to engage the key receiving portion to cause the shuttle to engage the key receiving portion, the shuttle configured to disengage the key receiving portion when the key is removed from the key receiving portion. The key is configured to move the key receiving portion to actuate the locking mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position while the shuttle is engaged with the key receiving portion.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method includes securing a sensor to an item and positioning the sensor on a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon and defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. The method further includes actuating a locking mechanism to lock the sensor to the base, a rotatable mechanism extending about the opening and configured to actuate the locking mechanism, wherein the rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the locking mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise security system according to an embodiment of the application.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a merchandise security system.

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a merchandise security system.

[0013] Figure 4 is a side view of a sensor according to an embodiment of the application.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the application.

[0015] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a locking mechanism. Figure 5

[0016] Figure 7 is a top view of a locking mechanism in a locked position. Figure 5

[0017] Figure 8 is a top view of a locking mechanism in an unlocked position. Figure 5

[0018] Figure 9 is a partial top view of a locking mechanism in a locked position. Figure 5

[0019] Figure 10 is a partial top view of a locking mechanism in an unlocked position. Figure 5

[0020] Figure 11 is a top view of a locking mechanism according to another embodiment of the application.

[0021] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of a connector and a locking mechanism. Figure 11

[0022] is a perspective view of a sensor according to an embodiment of the application. Figure 13

[0023] is a perspective view of a base according to an embodiment of the application. Figure 14

[0024] is a side view of a base. Figure 15 Figure 14 is a side view of a base.​​​​​​

[0025] Figure 16 is a top view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 17 is a partial top view of a locking mechanism shown in Figure 16

[0027] Figure 18 is a side view of a locking mechanism shown in Figure 16

[0028] Figure 19 is another side view of a locking mechanism shown in Figure 16

[0029] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism shown in Figure 16

[0030] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a key according to an embodiment of the present application.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] One or more embodiments of a system for securing merchandise are described and illustrated below. The merchandise M is typically a display model or operational sample of an electronic item, such as a portable phone, smart phone, computer (e.g., notebook, laptop, tablet, etc.), e-reader, media player, etc., for a customer to inspect prior to deciding to purchase the item. The merchandise is typically displayed in a manner that allows a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation and features of the merchandise while protecting the merchandise from potential thieves. In one embodiment, a sensor having an alarm circuit can be attached to the merchandise to detect various alarm conditions, such as removal of the merchandise from the sensor. A tether can be operatively engaged with the sensor at one end, and can be secured to a base or other display surface at an opposite end. As explained in further detail below, the alarm circuit of the sensor can also be configured to detect alarm conditions of the tether, such as severing or separating the tether.

[0032] Figures 1-4 An embodiment of a merchandise security system 10 for preventing theft or unauthorized removal of merchandise M is shown. The system generally includes a sensor 12, a tether 14, and a base 16. The sensor 12 is configured to be secured to the merchandise M, such as with a pressure sensitive adhesive (not shown) and / or one or more mechanical cradle arms 18. One end of the tether 14 can be electrically connected to the base 16, and an opposite end of the tether 14 includes a connector or jack 22. The sensor 12 can be electrically connected to the tether 14, such as with the connector 22 as shown. Figures 3-4 Thus, the connector 22 can be releasably secured to the sensor 12 to establish electrical communication therebetween, such as by a threaded engagement or a locking mechanism.

[0033] ​​​​The base 16 is configured to removably support the sensor 12 thereon such that the sensor 12 and the merchandise M can be removed from the base 16 for inspection and returned to the base 16. The base 16 can define an opening therethrough that allows the tether 14 to extend and retract relative to the base 16. In some cases, the base 16 can have a recoiler housed therein that is configured to retract the tether 14 into the base and allow the cable to extend from the base. The base 16 can define an opening that is configured to receive the tether 14 therethrough (see, e.g., Figure 2 ). Moreover, the recoiler can be secured beneath a support surface (e.g., a counter, shelf, etc.). The recoiler can be electrically connected to a power source that is configured to provide power to the recoiler 18 and the tether 14. In other embodiments, the sensor 12 and the base 16 can be connected by the tether 14 external to the base 16 (e.g., with a wrap-around). In some embodiments, the sensor 12 is electrically connected to a power cable 26 that is configured to provide power to the merchandise M. Thus, the power cable 26 can facilitate the display of the merchandise M and the charging of the merchandise battery. Figure 3 It is shown that the power cable 26 can include a connector 28 that is configured to operably engage an input port on the merchandise M. In some embodiments, the alarm circuit can be configured to detect the removal of the connector 28 to generate an audible and / or visual alarm.

[0034] As described above, the sensor 12 can include an alarm circuit, processor, central processing unit, etc. that is configured to determine whether various security events have occurred to generate an audible and / or visual alarm. The sensor 12 can also include an alarm (e.g., a piezoelectric device) that is configured to generate an audible alarm. Thus, the sensor 12 can be configured as a "product alarm," whereby the sensor is configured to sound an alarm when attached to or detached from the merchandise M. In some cases, the sensor 12 can include a visual indicator (e.g., an LED) for emitting a visual signal when the alarm circuit is armed and / or when an alarm is sounded. Furthermore, the sensor 12 and / or the base 16 can include a transmission port 30 that is configured to communicate with a key 32 for arming and / or disarming the alarm circuit (see, e.g., Figure 3In one embodiment, the transmission port 30 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the key 32 to determine whether the key is authorized to arm and / or disarm the alarm circuit. According to some embodiments, the key is similar to the key described in U.S. Patent No. 7,737,845, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. According to one embodiment, the sensor 12 may include a pressure switch, etc., configured to detect when an item has been removed from the sensor. The alarm circuit may be configured to detect the removal of the item M and, in response, generate an audible and / or visual alarm. In some embodiments, the alarm circuit may also, or alternatively, be located in the base 16 or at another location. For example, the sensor 12 and the alarm circuit may be electrically connected to each other, such as via one or more conductors extending through the tether 14.

[0035] Some embodiments of the invention provide power delivery to the product M and / or the sensor 12 via multiple conductors in the tether 14. In some examples, the tether 14 includes only two conductors (e.g., a positive power line and a grounding wire). An input power source can be electrically connected to the conductors to transmit power through the tether 14 and to the sensor 12 and / or the product M. In other embodiments, power delivery can be performed via one or more electrical contacts 30 on the sensor 12 and the base 16. Thus, when the sensor is positioned on the base, power can be configured to be delivered from the base 16 to the sensor 12.

[0036] In some embodiments, sensor 12 may be configured to use locking mechanism 50 (see, for example, see...) Figures 5-10 The locking mechanism 50 is engaged with the base 16. The locking mechanism 50 may be configured to lock and / or unlock in response to receiving power, for example, via an electronic key 32. In one example, the locking mechanism 50 is at least partially housed within the base 16. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 50 may be configured to be actuated using a mechanical key or the like. When using the electronic key 32, the base 16 may be configured to detect the number and / or sequence of key activations (e.g., button presses) to determine whether to arm or disarm the alarm circuit and / or lock or unlock the locking mechanism 50. For example, a single activation of the key 32 may disarm the alarm circuit, while a second activation of the key may disarm the alarm circuit and unlock the locking mechanism 50.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sensor 12 or connector 22 includes at least one first engaging member 52, while the locking mechanism 50 includes at least one second engaging member 56. Figure 4The first engagement member 52 is a slot, recess, notch, or the like defined in the connector 22 that extends at least partially around the circumference of the connector in the illustrated explanatory example. In some embodiments, the slot can extend around the entire circumference of the connector 22. The second engagement member 56 is configured to engage the first engagement member 52. The second engagement member 56 can be a biasing member configured to be biased into engagement with the first engagement member 52. Alternatively, the second engagement member 56 can be biased toward the disengaged position. Thus, the second engagement member 56 can be a spring-biased member. Figure 7 and 9 A top view of the locking mechanism 50 is shown, and the second engagement member 56 can extend within an opening 57 defined by the locking mechanism in the locked position, while in the Figure 8 and 10 In the embodiment shown, the second engagement member 56 is recessed within the locking mechanism in the unlocked position. When the sensor 12 is placed on the base 16, the second engagement member 56 can be biased to automatically engage the first engagement member 52. Thus, as the sensor 12 is moved into a seated position on the base 16, the second engagement member 56 can be biased into engagement with the first engagement member 52. In other embodiments, the second engagement member 56 can be actuated into engagement with one another, such as under operation of the electronic key 32 or the like.

[0038] In some cases, the second engagement member 56 can engage the first engagement member 52 at multiple locations. In one embodiment, the second engagement member 56 engages the first engagement member 52 at multiple locations. For example, Figures 5-10 Three second engagement members 56 are shown.

[0039] When the second engagement member 56 is engaged with the first engagement member 52, the sensor 12 is locked on the base 16. Thus, the sensor 12 cannot be removed from the base 16 without disassembling or otherwise damaging the sensor and / or the base. However, in the locked position, the sensor 12 can be rotated about the base 16. Thus, the sensor 12 and the associated merchandise M can be at least partially rotated (e.g., at least about 90 degrees) about the base 16, and can even be freely rotated about the base. In this way, even when in the locked position, a consumer is able to interact with the merchandise M, including moving the merchandise between different display orientations.

[0040] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 50 is configured to move sequentially between the locked position and the unlocked position. In this regard, Figure 6The locking mechanism 50 is shown to include a driver 60 and an actuator 62 (e.g., a cam mechanism). One end of the shape memory wire 66 is coupled to the driver 60, while an opposite end 68 of the shape memory wire is anchored to the locking mechanism 50. The driver 60 and the cam mechanism 62 are configured to rotate relative to one another. For example, actuation of the shape memory wire 66 can cause the driver 60 to rotate (e.g., in a clockwise direction), which in turn causes the cam mechanism 62 to rotate in the same direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction). Rotation of the cam mechanism 62 causes the engagement member 56 to move to a locked position or an unlocked position. After actuation of the driver 60, the driver is configured to rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction) back to its initial position, and in some cases, the driver can be spring biased to its initial position. As Figures 9-10 As shown, rotation of the cam mechanism 62 can cause the engagement member 56 to extend outwardly from the locking mechanism 50 and inwardly within the opening 57 to a locked position, or to retract within the locking mechanism to an unlocked position. Thus, as the cam mechanism rotates, the cam geometry of the cam mechanism 62 facilitates extension and retraction of the engagement member 56. In some cases, the driver 60 and the cam mechanism 62 can mate in a ratcheting fashion, where the driver is configured to advance the cam mechanism with each actuation of the cam mechanism. Although the actuator 62 is described as a cam mechanism, it should be understood that other mechanisms can be employed in other embodiments.

[0041] As described above, one end of the shape memory wire 66 can be coupled to the driver 60, while the opposite end of the shape member wire need not also be coupled to the driver. The driver 60 can include one or more electrical contacts for facilitating electrical connection with a printed circuit board (PCB) 70 of the locking mechanism 50. The electrical contacts can be electrical traces such that the driver 60 and the PCB 70 driver remain in electrical contact as the driver rotates relative to the PCB. In certain cases, the driver 60 can include a conductive material (e.g., copper), while the PCB 70 includes one or more electrical contacts or traces for establishing electrical connection therebetween. Further, in one example, the end 68 of the shape memory wire 66 anchored to the locking mechanism 50 can be further coupled to a spring that allows the end of the shape memory wire to flex in response to an impact force applied to the base 16 and / or the locking mechanism 50, thereby preventing the end of the shape memory wire from breaking.

[0042] As described above, the locking mechanism 50 can include a shape memory wire 66 (e.g., a nitinol wire) such that electrical power delivered from the electronic key 32 (or other power source) causes a shape change of the shape memory material. Such a shape change can cause mechanical actuation of the locking mechanism 50, thereby locking or unlocking the locking mechanism. It will be appreciated that any number of locking mechanisms 50 can be employed, including in conjunction with various forms of electrical power delivery to actuate the locking mechanism (e.g., inductive, capacitive, etc.). For example, in the case of using a shape memory material, a shape change of the shape memory material can cause mechanical actuation (e.g., linear and / or rotational movement) of the locking mechanism 50. The shape memory material can be operatively engaged with the locking mechanism 50 in any number of configurations to facilitate such actuation. Moreover, the shape memory material can be any suitable material configured to change shape (e.g., length, area, etc.) in response to a change in electrical current or temperature, such as a metal, a polymer, or a combination thereof. Additionally, other mechanisms can be utilized to actuate the locking mechanism, including mechanical, electrical, and / or chemical state changes. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 50 can cooperate with a motor or solenoid to operate the locking mechanism.

[0043] Figures 11-12 Another embodiment of a locking mechanism 50' is shown. In this embodiment, the second engagement members 56 are a plurality of ball members configured to engage and disengage the first engagement members 52 of the connector 22. In this regard, a plurality of second engagement members 56 can be provided about the circumference of the opening 57. The second engagement members 56 are configured to move radially inward into engagement with the first engagement members 52 in the locked position, and radially outward out of engagement with the first engagement members 52 in the unlocked position. Various mechanisms or actuators can be employed to move the second engagement members 56 between the locked and unlocked positions, such as a cam mechanism 72. For example, Figure 11 The cam mechanism 72 can include a plurality of recesses 74, each configured to receive a respective second engagement member 56 in the unlocked position. When actuated to the locked position, the cam mechanism 72 is configured to move each of the second engagement members 56 into engagement with the first engagement members 52, thereby preventing the second engagement members from returning to the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the cam mechanism 72 is configured to rotate to move the second engagement members to the locked or unlocked position.

[0044] A variety of methods can be used to actuate the locking mechanism 50'. For example, the actuator 60' can be configured to move the cam mechanism 72 between the locked and unlocked positions. In some cases, less than a full rotation of the actuator 60' can be configured to actuate the second engagement member 56 (e.g., a quarter turn or a half turn). In some cases, the actuator 60' can include a fastener 76 coupled to the latch. Rotation of the fastener 76 is configured to rotate the latch, which in turn actuates the cam mechanism 72 to the locked or unlocked position. A key can be employed to actuate the actuator 60', such as a mechanical, magnetic, or electronic key. In an embodiment, the actuator 60' can be modular or interchangeable, as different actuator types can be used as desired. For example, a mechanical actuator 60' can be used as shown in the illustrated embodiment, however in other embodiments, an electrical actuator 60' can be used by removing the mechanical actuator 60' and coupling an electrical actuator to the locking mechanism 50'. In some cases, a motor, solenoid, and / or shape memory material can be used with the actuator 60' to facilitate locking or unlocking the locking mechanism 50'.

[0045] Figures 13-20 Another embodiment of a merchandise security system is shown, including a sensor 12, a base 16, and a locking mechanism 50'' for locking the sensor to the base. In this embodiment, a plurality of engagement members 56 are held or otherwise disposed on a holding member 80. In this example, the engagement members 56 are spherical and can be ball bearings. Four engagement members 56 are spaced apart from each other at 90 degree positions around the circumference of the holding member 80, although any number of engagement members 56 can be employed. However, engaging the engagement members 56 around the circumference of the engagement members 52 of the sensor 14 creates a more secure connection than if only one engagement member 56 is used or the engagement members 56 do not engage the engagement members 52 uniformly or symmetrically. The cam mechanism 72 or similar mechanism is configured to move the engagement members 56 into and out of engagement with the engagement members 52 of the sensor 12. Thus, as the cam mechanism 72 is moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the engagement members 56 can be moved to the locked or unlocked position. In some cases, the engagement members 56 can be configured to move radially into and / or radially out of engagement with the engagement members 52.

[0046] The base 16 can include one or more magnets 34 or magnetic material, and the sensor 12 can include one or more magnets or magnetic material for releasably holding the sensor on the base. The magnets 34 can help to align the merchandise in the desired display orientation when the sensor 12 is seated on the base 16. In addition, in an embodiment, the base 16 can include a magnet 36 for facilitating disengagement of the engagement member 56 from the engagement member 52. In this regard, in the locked position, the engagement member 56 cannot be moved to the unlocked position due to the configuration of the cam mechanism 72. For example, in the locked position, a portion of the cam mechanism 72 can be positioned between the engagement member 56 and the magnet 36. However, when the cam mechanism 72 is moved to the unlocked position, the magnet 36 is magnetically attracted to the engagement member 56, thereby forcing or at least holding the engagement member 56 from engaging with the engagement member 52.

[0047] The actuator 60'' can be used to move the cam mechanism 72 between the locked and unlocked positions. In an embodiment, the actuator 60'' can include a yoke mechanism 82, a shuttle 84, and a key receptacle 86. The yoke 82 and shuttle 84 can remain engaged with each other at all times, while the shuttle is configured to engage and disengage the key receptacle 86, such as via a key slot type of engagement. In some cases, the shuttle 84 is a magnetic shuttle (e.g., having a magnet 85) that is configured to be magnetically attracted to a key, such as in the form of a magnetic key 100 (e.g., see Figure 21 ). The magnetic key 100 can be configured to engage the key receptacle 86, thereby magnetically attracting and moving the shuttle 84 into engagement with the key receptacle. Both the magnetic key 100 and the key receptacle 86 can have matching shapes (e.g., square or rectangular) for engaging each other (e.g., see Figures 18-19 ). In some cases, the magnetic key 100 can move the shuttle 84 into mechanical engagement with the key receptacle 86 (e.g., the shuttle can have a square or rectangular portion that is received within a square or rectangular opening defined in the key receptacle). In this manner, rotation of the magnetic key 100 while engaged with the key receptacle 86 also causes the yoke 82 to rotate. As shown in Figure 18 the yoke 82 can be configured to rotate to engage a portion of the cam mechanism 72 to move between the locked and unlocked positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam mechanism 72 includes a pin 88 that is configured to be engaged by the yoke 82 when the yoke is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Less than a full rotation of the key receptacle 86 can be needed to move between the locked and unlocked positions. For example, a 90 degree or less portion of a rotation can result in movement between the locked and unlocked positions. In some cases, minimal engagement or movement between the yoke 82 and the cam mechanism 72 is needed to move between the locked and unlocked positions, such as a rotation of the yoke of 20-25 degrees or about 22.5 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction that is less than 45 degrees.

[0048] Because the yoke 82 and shuttle 84 are not engaged with the key receptacle 86 when the magnetic key 100 is not present or a key without a magnet is used, rotation of only the key receptacle will not cause the yoke to rotate because the shuttle and key receptacle are not engaged with each other. Rather, the magnetic key 100 is needed in order to engage between the shuttle 84 and the key receptacle 86, thereby engaging with the yoke 82. To prevent an unauthorized user from attempting to defeat the locking mechanism 50", such as by driving the cam mechanism 72 backwards, the shuttle 84 can be configured to engage a fixed portion of the retaining member 80 when the magnetic key 100 is not engaged with the key receptacle 86 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). In some cases, the shuttle 84 can be biased (e.g., by a spring) towards engagement with the retaining member 80 when the magnetic key 100 is not engaged with the key receptacle 86. The illustrated example shows that the shuttle 82 can have a shaped (e.g., square or rectangular) portion to mate with and engage a corresponding shaped portion of the retaining member 80, thereby preventing rotation of the yoke 82 and cam mechanism 72. Figure 19

[0049] One or more embodiments of merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting merchandise have been described. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.​

Claims

1. A merchandise display system for displaying merchandise, comprising: a sensor configured to be secured to a merchandise; a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein; a locking mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the base; and a rotatable mechanism extending about the opening and configured to actuate the locking mechanism, wherein the rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the locking mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position. An end of the tether includes a connector configured to releasably engage the sensor.

2. The merchandise display system of claim 1, further comprising a tether attached at one end to the sensor and a opposite end configured to be received through the opening, preferably wherein, The locking mechanism is configured to engage the connector or sensor in the locked position.

3. The merchandise display system of claim 2, wherein, The sensor includes a first engagement member, and the locking mechanism includes at least one second engagement member configured to releasably engage the first engagement member, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the at least one second engagement member to move into engagement with the first engagement member to lock the sensor to the base in the locked position or move out of engagement with the first engagement member in the unlocked position.

4. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein, The first engagement member includes a slot.

5. The merchandise display system of claim 4, wherein, The at least one second engagement member is configured to be biased into engagement or out of engagement with the first engagement member.

6. The merchandise display system of claim 4, wherein, 7. The merchandise display system of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of second engagement members, each configured to engage the first engagement member. The rotatable mechanism includes a cam mechanism.

8. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein, The rotatable mechanism extends about an entire circumference of the opening.

9. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein, 10. The merchandise display system of any of claims 1 or 2, further comprising an actuator configured to actuate the rotatable mechanism. The actuator is configured to be actuated by a magnetic key or an electronic key.

11. The merchandise display system of claim 10, wherein, The actuator is configured to rotate to actuate the rotatable mechanism.

12. The merchandise display system of claim 10, wherein, The actuator includes a yoke mechanism, a shuttle, and a key receptacle, wherein the yoke and shuttle are engaged with one another, and the shuttle is configured to engage and disengage the key receptacle.

13. The merchandise display system of claim 10, wherein, The key receptacle is configured to be engaged by a key to cause the shuttle to move into engagement with the key receptacle.

14. The merchandise display system of claim 13, wherein, The key receptacle is configured to rotate when engaged with the shuttle to cause the yoke to rotate to engage the rotatable mechanism.

15. The merchandise display system of claim 14, wherein, The key receptacle is unable to cause the yoke to rotate when the key receptacle is not engaged with the shuttle.

16. The merchandise display system of claim 15, wherein, The sensor is configured to rotate at least about 90 degrees relative to the base while locked to the base.

17. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism and rotatable mechanism are located within the base.

18. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one second engagement member is configured to move radially inward into engagement or radially out of engagement with the first engagement member.

19. The merchandise display system of claim 4, wherein, 20. A method of displaying merchandise, comprising: securing a sensor to a merchandise; positioning the sensor on a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein; and ​ ​ An actuation lock mechanism locks the sensor to the base, a rotatable mechanism extends about the opening and is configured to actuate the lock mechanism, wherein the rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and wherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the lock mechanism to lock the sensor to the base in a locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

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