Modular EAS pedestal

The modular EAS pedestal system addresses the need for efficient replacement and modification by allowing the antenna frame to be detached from the base, reducing costs and time by enabling frame-only replacements.

JP2026505020APending Publication Date: 2026-02-10CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025543234
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-01-27
Filing Date
2024-01-25
Publication Date
2026-02-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional EAS pedestal systems require complete replacement or extensive labor and cost for repairs, aesthetic changes, or functional upgrades, as they are typically a single unit with integrated components.

Method used

A modular EAS pedestal system with a removable antenna frame that can be detached from the base, allowing for easy replacement or modification of the frame without replacing the entire unit, including the base and electronics.

Benefits of technology

Reduces time and cost associated with modifying or replacing EAS pedestals by enabling only the frame portion to be replaced, accommodating aesthetic changes and functional upgrades efficiently.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An EAS pedestal system is shown and described herein. The pedestal system includes a base and an EAS antenna frame detachably connected to the base. The detachable frame allows the frame to be separated from the base to allow access to electronic components housed in the base or to allow replacement of portions of the frame.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 441,567, entitled "Modular EAS Pedastal," filed January 27, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to EAS pedestals, and more particularly to an EAS pedestal system having an antenna frame that is releasable from a base so that the antenna frame can be removed and replaced with another frame as needed. [Background technology]

[0003] Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used in retail stores and other environments to prevent unauthorized removal of merchandise from a protected area (protected zone). Typically, the detection system is configured at an exit from the protected area and includes one or more transmitters and antennas ("pedestals") capable of generating an electromagnetic field throughout the exit, known as an "interrogation zone." Items to be protected are tagged with EAS markers that, when active, generate a response signal as they pass through the interrogation zone. Antennas and receivers in the same or another "pedestal" detect this response signal and generate an alarm.

[0004] overview The following presents a summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to define any limitations of the embodiments or claims. Moreover, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in more detail in other parts of the disclosure.

[0005] The present invention provides an EAS pedestal system with a frame section that is separate from and removable from the base. Conventional EAS antenna pedestal systems are typically a single unit that houses all the components and electronics required for the antenna to function. The single unit is placed in the desired location and provided with the appropriate wiring and connections. If the EAS pedestal is damaged or requires repair, the entire unit must be removed and / or replaced. Similarly, when a store's interior is updated or remodeled, the aesthetics (e.g., shape, color, or other appearance) of the old pedestal may be undesirable. Providing a new look or design for the pedestal requires its complete removal and replacement with an entirely new unit. Similarly, upgrading a pedestal to provide new functionality (e.g., video display or surveillance) requires the entire EAS pedestal to be replaced. This may require additional labor and cost to cut flooring to replace wiring (which may then require floor repair).

[0006] The present technology provides an EAS pedestal system that includes a base section and an EAS antenna frame that is removable from the base. The base houses the core electronics. When the need arises to change the appearance of the pedestal or to replace a damaged pedestal, the frame can be removed from the base and a new frame can be attached to the base.

[0007] The present technology provides an EAS pedestal system with a modular, interchangeable, or replaceable EAS antenna frame, while eliminating the need to replace or replace the base section and the electronics contained therein. This can reduce the cost and time associated with modifying or replacing an EAS pedestal because only the frame portion of the system needs to be replaced. Even if new wiring or electronic connections are required to provide the EAS frame with desired functionality (e.g., upgrading to a REID, providing graphics or video capabilities to the frame, etc.), replacing only the frame portion reduces time and costs.

[0008] According to one embodiment, an interchangeable EAS pedestal system is provided that includes a base and a frame, where the frame is releasably connected to the base.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base includes a lower base section configured to contact a surface and support the pedestal system, and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides extending upward from the lower base section, and the frame includes the first side and the second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides of the frame being disposed around the first and second sides of the base.

[0010] In one embodiment, the base includes a first vertical arm proximate a first end of the base and a second vertical arm proximate a second end of the base, the frame includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and the first side of the frame defines a vertical slot, the vertical slot configured to receive the first vertical arm of the base.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second side includes a second vertical slot configured to receive a second vertical arm of the base.

[0012] In one embodiment, the frame is connected to the base via one or more fasteners.

[0013] In one embodiment, the frame defines an area that provides an access point for one or more fasteners.

[0014] In one embodiment, the frame includes a cover section that is removably attached to the frame and covers the area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cover section includes a first section positioned adjacent to the upper section of the frame and a second section positioned below the first section, the first section being detachable from the frame and the second section being slidable along a vertical axis of the frame when the first section is removed from the frame to expose or conceal an area providing an access point for one or more fasteners.

[0016] In one embodiment, the frame includes an upper end, a lower end, a first side disposed between the upper and lower ends, and a second side disposed opposite the first side between the upper and lower ends, the first and second sides each including a first cover section extending substantially along the length of each of the first and second sides, and a second cover section disposed over the upper end, and when the second cover section is removed, the first cover section is slidable along a vertical axis of the frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second cover section includes a pair of corner sections and a middle section therebetween, the corner sections being detachable from the middle sections, and the first cover section being configured to slide upward when the corner sections are detached from the middle sections.

[0018] In one embodiment, the base includes a lower base support section, a first vertical arm proximate a first end of the lower base support section, and a second vertical arm proximate a second end of the lower base support section, the first vertical arm and the second vertical arm each having a shape configured to support the lower section of the frame to allow access to an interior of the base when the base is in an open, exposed configuration.

[0019] In one embodiment, the shape includes a slot configured to receive an edge of the lower section of the frame to maintain the base in an open, exposed configuration.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base includes a lower base support section, a first vertical arm proximate a first end of the lower base support section, and a second vertical arm proximate a second end of the lower base support section, the first vertical arm and the second vertical arm each including a leaf spring configured to support the lower section of the frame to allow access to an interior of the base when the base is in the open, exposed configuration.

[0021] In one embodiment, when the lower section of the pedestal frame rests on the leaf springs, the leaf springs are biased with a spring force to maintain the frame in an open, exposed configuration.

[0022] In one embodiment, the frame includes a first side and a second side, and a tether is attached to one of the first and second sides and configured to engage with the base to prevent the frame from freely detaching from the base.

[0023] In one embodiment, the base includes a lower base section and first and second arms extending upwardly from the lower base section, one of the first and second arms defining a slot, the slot being dimensioned to receive a tether therethrough.

[0024] In one embodiment, the base includes electronics for powering the EAS pedestal system, and the frame is electrically connected to the electronics of the base.

[0025] In one embodiment, the frame is detachable from the EAS pedestal system and replaceable with a different frame.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a method of reconfiguring an EAS pedestal system includes providing an EAS pedestal system including a base and a first frame detachably connected to the base; removing the first frame from the base; and connecting a second frame to the base.

[0027] In one embodiment, the base includes a pair of upwardly extending arms dimensioned for engagement with the first frame or the second frame.

[0028] The following description and drawings disclose various exemplary aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects can be clearly identified, while others may become apparent from the description and drawings.

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate various systems, apparatus, devices and related methods, where like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an EAS pedestal system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0031] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the EAS pedestal of FIG. 1.

[0032] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the EAS pedestal system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0033] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the EAS pedestal system of FIGS.

[0034] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the EAS pedestal system of FIGS.

[0035] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an EAS pedestal system.

[0036] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the lower section (portion) of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 6.

[0037] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame cover for an EAS pedestal system.

[0038] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the lower section of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 8.

[0039] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame cover for an EAS pedestal system.

[0040] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame cover for an EAS pedestal system.

[0041] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame cover for an EAS pedestal system.

[0042] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a portion of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 12.

[0043] [Figure 14]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame cover for an EAS pedestal system.

[0044] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the upper section of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 14.

[0045] [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a view of the lower section of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 14.

[0046] [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame cover for an EAS pedestal system.

[0047] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pedestal system of FIG. 17.

[0048] [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pedestal system of FIG. 17.

[0049] [Figure 20] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the upper section of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 20 with a modified separation system.

[0050] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a view of the lower section of the EAS pedestal system of FIG. 20.

[0051] [Figure 22] 1 is a perspective view of a base section of an EAS pedestal system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; FIG.

[0052] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 22 supporting the frame member.

[0053] [Figure 24]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 22 supporting the frame member.

[0054] [Figure 25] 1 illustrates a lower portion of an EAS pedestal system with a base including a frame support member.

[0055] [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the lower section of the EAS pedestal system including the tether.

[0056] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram of the system of FIG. 26.

[0057] [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is a diagram of the system of FIG. 26.

[0058] Detailed Description Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and functional changes may be made. Furthermore, features of various embodiments may be combined or varied. Accordingly, the following description is presented by way of example only and is not intended to limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments. In this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in other embodiments and do not necessarily include all aspects, etc., described herein.

[0059] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an example or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word "or" is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless the context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase "A utilizes B or C" includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A utilizes B, A utilizes C, or A utilizes both B and C). As another matter, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more," unless the context suggests otherwise.

[0060] An EAS pedestal system is provided that includes a pedestal frame that is detachable from the pedestal base. The EAS pedestal system allows the EAS antenna frame to be removed from the base. In one embodiment, a system with an EAS antenna frame that is detachable from the base provides a system that allows the antenna frame to be removed from the base in order to replace it. For example, if the antenna frame is damaged or if it is desired to utilize a pedestal frame with a different appearance or different functionality (e.g., graphics, video display, video surveillance, etc.), the frame can be removed and replaced or swapped with a new frame without completely replacing the entire pedestal system (including the system's electronic components).

[0061] Additionally, an EAS pedestal system with a removable EAS antenna frame allows the frame to be replaced with a different frame that can have a different appearance, function, or other features. For example, a retail environment may desire to update the appearance of the antenna to match changes made to the store's interior (such as the color of the store's interior) or to provide a shape or contour that blends with the contours or contours of the store's aesthetic. It may also be desirable to modify the antenna to provide different functionality, such as providing an antenna frame with a graphic or image display containing advertising or other information, or with video display or video surveillance capabilities. Thus, the EAS pedestal system provides a modular system that can be modified or reconfigured as desired by the end user.

[0062] 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of an EAS pedestal system in accordance with aspects of the present technology. Pedestal system 100 includes an EAS antenna frame 110 and a base 120. EAS antenna frame 110 is configured to be releasably connected to base 120. Base 120 includes a lower base section or support 122 (FIG. 3) that contacts the ground and provides base support for the EAS pedestal system. Base 120 includes a frame with side portions 124a and 124b extending perpendicularly from base support 122. EAS antenna frame 110 includes a lower end 112, an upper end 116, and opposing side portions 114a and 114b disposed between lower end 112 and upper end 116. Sides 114a and 114b define openings or slots 115a and 115b (FIG. 3), respectively, configured to slidingly engage sides 124a and 124b, respectively, of base 120.

[0063] The EAS pedestal system may be provided by sliding EAS frame 110 onto base 120, for example, by inserting sides 124a and 124b into slots 115a and 115b, respectively, of EAS antenna frame 110. Sides 124a, 124b and sides 114a, 114b may be provided with apertures 118, 126 ( FIG. 5 ) into which fasteners may be inserted to securely fasten and attach frame 110 to base 120. Apertures 118 in sides 114a, 114b of frame 110 are configured and arranged to align with apertures 126 in sides 124a, 124b of base 120. The type of fastener is not particularly limited and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use.

[0064] The antenna frame in a removable EAS pedestal system can be configured in any suitable manner to allow the frame to be detached and removed from the base. In one aspect, the frame can be configured to deny or limit access to the fasteners that secure the frame to the base. The configuration is not necessarily limiting. Various configurations can be selected to provide access to the fasteners.

[0065] The base contains the main electronics 130 (FIGS. 3 and 4) for the pedestal system. The frame may contain the electronics for any desired function, and the frame may be electrically connected to the base in any suitable manner as desired to provide the desired functionality for the system.

[0066] As will be appreciated, the manner in which the frame is configured to fit onto the base is not particularly limited. While the embodiments of Figures 1-5 and generally additional embodiments shown herein depict a frame configured with slots or channels that slide over the arms of the base, other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, depending on how the electronic device is positioned within the base, the frame 110 can be configured to slide over the inner surfaces of the arms 124a, 124b, such that the arms 124a, 124b are outside the frame 110 in that region. If desired to cover exposed portions of the base, a cover can be placed over those sections of the arms 124a, 124b. In another embodiment, the frame can be configured with an opening between the inner walls of the frame in a lower region, with the inner surfaces of the frame positioned over the arms of the base.

[0067] 6 and 7 illustrate a pedestal system 200 including a frame 210 having sides 214a and 214b releasably attached to a base 220. The frame sides 214a and 214b define a recessed area 216 (e.g., a fastener access area), which is dimensioned to be surrounded by cover sections 217a (i.e., sections 217-1a and 217-2a in the illustrated embodiment). Section 217-1a is generally fixed in place. Section 217-2a is a removable cover that can be removed from the frame 210 to expose the recessed area 216 and the fasteners 218 that secure the frame 210 to the base 220. Cover section 217-2a may be, for example, a piece configured to snap fit onto the frame. FIG. 7 illustrates cover section 217-2b, which is on the opposite side of the frame.

[0068] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a pedestal system 200′ similar to the system 200 of FIGS. 6 and 7. The pedestal system 200′ includes a frame 210′ ​​including cover sections 217a′ and 217b′. The cover sections 217a′ and 217b′ are single pieces that extend substantially the entire length of the sides 214a and 214b, respectively. The cover sections 217a′ and 217b′ can be configured to be removable from the frame 210′ ​​to expose and provide access to the fasteners. The frame can be configured so that the cover sections 217a′ and 217b′ snap into place around the sides 214a and 214b, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the sides 214a, 214b are configured with apertures to receive fasteners for securing the frame to a base. When cover sections 217a' and 217b' are attached to sides 214a, 214b, the apertures and fasteners are hidden. Cover section 217' can be made from any suitable material, such as a plastic or rubber material. Depending on the properties of the material, cover section 217' can function as a bumper to provide additional protection to the sides of the frame.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows a lower portion of pedestal system 300 including frame 310, which is removable from base 320. Frame 310 includes opposing side surfaces 312a and 312b having covers 314a and 314b, respectively. Side surfaces 314a and 314b include a plurality of snap-fit ​​covers that are positioned to cover fasteners 318 used to secure the frame to the base. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the frame includes three snap-fit ​​covers (316a-1, 316a-2, 316a-3, 316b-1, 316b-2, and 316b-3) that cover openings configured with apertures for fasteners 318 to secure the frame to the base.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows the lower portion of a pedestal system 400, including a frame 410 and a base 420. The sides of the frame include covers with apertures aligned with the areas where fasteners are provided to secure the frame to the base, and separate plugs for individually covering the fasteners. FIG. 11 shows one side of the frame. Side 412a defines a cover including apertures 414a-1 through 414a-6 positioned to align with fasteners 418 in the respective areas. Plugs are provided to be inserted into each aperture and cover the fasteners. In FIG. 11, the system includes rubber gaskets 417a-1 through 417a-6 that fit into apertures 414a-1 through 414a-6, respectively. As will be appreciated, the "plugs" need not be rubber gaskets, but any suitable plugs may be utilized to be inserted into each aperture.

[0071] 12 and 13 show another embodiment of a frame side configuration. Pedestal system 500 includes a frame 510 and a base 520. A side 512 of the frame includes a cover section 514 that is slidable along the side 512. When the cover section 514 slides upward, a portion of the frame having fasteners 518 for securing the frame to the base is exposed. The side 512 may be configured in any suitable manner to allow the cover section 514 to move in sliding engagement along the side. A slot may be formed in the frame to accommodate the cover section 514. The cover section may slide over a portion of the side 514 to expose the frame and fasteners in the base.

[0072] FIGS. 14-16 show an EAS pedestal system 600 having an antenna frame 610 and a base 620. The frame 610 is releasably associated with the base 620. The frame 610 includes a first side 612a and a second side 612b. The sides are configured to allow access to the fasteners securing the frame 610 to the base 620 and to allow the frame to be removed from the base. The sides are configured as a two-piece system including upper removable cover sections (614a, 614b) and a cover section (616a as shown in FIGS. 14-16) that is vertically slidable along the length of the side. FIG. 15 shows the upper removable cover sections 614a, 614b removed from the sides of the frame. When the upper cover sections 614a, 614b are removed from the frame, a space 611 is provided that allows the cover section 616a to freely slide vertically along the frame (e.g., upward in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis y of the frame). When the cover section 616a is slid upward in this manner, fasteners 618 that secure the frame to the base may be exposed (FIG. 16).

[0073] 17-21 illustrate EAS pedestal systems 700 having different configurations for facilitating removal of fasteners 718 to allow the frame to be removed from a base. Pedestal system 700 includes a frame 710 that is releasably connected to a base 720. The frame has opposing vertical sides 712a and 712b (FIG. 18). The frame includes an upper cover section 711 and side covers 714a and 714b. The upper cover section 711 is detachable from the frame, and the side covers 714a and 714b are slidable along sides 712a and 712b, respectively, of the frame 710. To remove the frame from the base, the upper cover section 711 is removed and the side covers 714a and 714b are slid upward (e.g., in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis y of the frame) to expose fasteners 718, which can be removed, if desired.

[0074] 20 and 21, the upper cover section is provided in sections comprising a middle section 713 (FIG. 20) and corner sections 715a and 715b. Corner sections 715a and 715b are removable from middle section 713. The corner sections are removed from the middle section and frame to allow side covers 714a and 714b to be slid upward to allow fasteners connecting the frame and base to be exposed (FIG. 21).

[0075] In the operation of mounting the EAS antenna frame to the base, it may be necessary to electrically connect the frame to the electronic components housed in the base of the system. It may also be necessary at times to access the electronics housed in the base, for example, for repair or replacement of the electronic components. It may be desirable for the frame sections to be physically close to the base for installation or repair of components within the base. It may not be practical or even desirable to locate the frame sections away from the base or to have them stand separately on the ground nearby. Along these lines, the base may be configured to allow the frame to be placed on the base but in a position that allows access to components located within the base.

[0076] In one embodiment, the base can be configured with a shape to allow a frame to be supported on the base such that the pedestal is "opened" to allow access to the interior of the base. The shape can be a ledge, slot, groove, or the like that can hold the frame in contact with the open position. In one embodiment, the base is provided with grooves located on its vertical sides that can receive the edges of the antenna frame and support or otherwise hold the frame, allowing the interior of the base section to be exposed. FIGS. 22-24 show a base section 800 having a bottom end 810 and opposing vertical ends 820a and 820b. Ends 820a and 820b are in the shape of vertical support arms. Support arms 820a and 820b each have opposing sides (821a and 823a, and 821b and 823b, respectively). Grooves or slots 824a and 824b are formed in side arms 820a and 820b, respectively. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22-24, groove 824a is disposed on side 821a, and groove 824b is disposed on side 823b, such that the grooves are opposite (i.e., diagonal to) each other. Frame 850 may include a lower end 852 having edges 854 and 856. The frame is provided such that the edges are deep enough to be received and supported by grooves 824a and 824b. Edges of the frame, such as edge 854, may be disposed in grooves 824a and 824b, allowing base 800 to support frame 850 and provide access to the interior of the base. This may allow the frame to be placed on the base during attachment and / or detachment of the frame from the base. The grooves may be aligned on both sides. Furthermore, the depth and shape of the grooves may be selected as desired.

[0077] In another embodiment, the vertical sides of the base are provided with leaf springs configured to support the base. FIG. 25 shows one embodiment of a base 900 including a lower support end 910 and opposing side surfaces 920a and 920b extending vertically from end 910. The base is provided with leaf springs 930 disposed on each of the sides 920a and 920b. The leaf springs 930 are configured to support the weight of the antenna frame when section 952 of the antenna frame rests against the leaf springs 930. To complete installation of the frame onto the base, sufficient downward force must be applied to overcome the spring force of the leaf springs 930.

[0078] The system may include other features depending on the particular use or intended application. In one embodiment, the pedestal system includes a tether for tethering the antenna frame to the base. This may help prevent movement of the frame relative to the base to a sufficient extent that the frame cannot be lifted away from the base beyond a certain distance or with too much force, which would result in damage to cables, connectors, and electronic components.

[0079] 26-28 show a system 1000 including a frame 1100 and a base 1200. The frame includes a tether 1120 attached to the inner surface of a side wall 1110 of the frame 1100. The tether includes an elongated arm 1122 and a tab 1124 at its free end. The base 1200 includes a vertical side 1210 that includes a slot 1212. The slot is sized so that the tether 1120 can be placed therethrough. The tether can be inserted into the slot by rotating the tether to orient the tab 1124 so that it passes through the slot 1212. After inserting the tab 1124 into the slot 1212, the tab can be rotated so that its width is greater than the slot. In this position, the tab engages the inner surface of the side 1210 of the base 1200, and the tether cannot be removed therefrom. The tether can be removed by the user rotating the tether so that the tab is oriented through the slot and removed therefrom, allowing the frame to be disconnected from the system.

[0080] What has been described above includes examples of the present specification. Of course, for purposes of describing the present specification, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many more combinations and permutations of the present specification are possible. Accordingly, the present specification is intended to embrace all such variations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in the same manner as "comprising" is interpreted as a transitional term in the claims.

[0081] The above description identifies various non-limiting embodiments of the EAS pedestal system. Modifications may occur to those skilled in the art and those who may make and use the invention. The disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the subject matter recited in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A replaceable EAS pedestal system comprising: With the base, a frame; A replaceable EAS pedestal system, wherein the frame is releasably connected to the base.

2. The base is 2. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 1, including a lower base section configured to contact a surface and support the pedestal system, and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides extending upward from the lower base section, the frame including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides of the frame being disposed around the first and second sides of the base.

3. 2. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a first vertical arm proximate a first end of the base and a second vertical arm proximate a second end of the base, the frame includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side of the frame defining a vertical slot, the vertical slot configured to receive the first vertical arm of the base.

4. 4. The interchangeable EAS pedestal system of claim 3, wherein the second side includes a second vertical slot, the second vertical slot configured to receive the second vertical arm of the base.

5. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame is connected to the base via one or more fasteners.

6. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 5 , wherein the frame defines an area that provides an access point for the one or more fasteners.

7. 7. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 6, wherein said frame includes a cover section removably attached to said frame and covering said area.

8. 8. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 7, wherein the cover section includes a first section positioned adjacent to an upper section of the frame and a second section positioned below the first section, the first section being detachable from the frame, and the second section being slidable along a vertical axis of the frame when the first section is removed from the frame to expose or conceal an area providing an access point for one or more fasteners.

9. 2. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 1, wherein the frame includes an upper end, a lower end, a first side disposed between the upper end and the lower end, and a second side disposed between the upper end and the lower end opposite the first side, the first and second sides each including a first cover section extending substantially along a length of each of the first and second sides and a second cover section disposed above the upper end, and wherein the first cover section is slidable along a vertical axis of the frame when the second cover section is removed.

10. 10. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 9, wherein the second cover section includes a pair of corner sections and a middle section therebetween, the corner sections being detachable from the middle section, and the first cover section being configured to slide upward when the corner sections are detached from the middle section.

11. 2. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a lower base support section, a first vertical arm proximate a first end of the lower base support section, and a second vertical arm proximate a second end of the lower base support section, the first vertical arm and the second vertical arm each having a shape configured to support a lower section of the frame to allow access to an interior of the base when the base is in an open, exposed configuration.

12. 12. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 11, wherein the shape includes a slot configured to receive an edge of the lower section of the frame to maintain the base in the open, exposed configuration.

13. 2. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a lower base support section, a first vertical arm proximate a first end of the lower base support section, and a second vertical arm proximate a second end of the lower base support section, the first vertical arm and the second vertical arm each including a leaf spring configured to support a lower section of the frame to allow access to an interior of the base when the base is in an open, exposed configuration.

14. 14. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 13, wherein the leaf spring is biased with a spring force to maintain the frame in an open, exposed configuration when the lower section of the pedestal frame rests on the leaf spring.

15. 2. The replaceable EAS pedestal system of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first side and a second side, and a tether is attached to one of the first and second sides and configured to engage with the base to prevent the frame from freely detaching from the base.

16. 16. The interchangeable EAS pedestal system of claim 15, wherein the base includes a lower base section and first and second arms extending upwardly from the lower base section, one of the first and second arms defining a slot, the slot being dimensioned to receive the tether therethrough.

17. 17. A replaceable EAS pedestal system as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the base includes electronic components for supplying power to the EAS pedestal system, and the frame is electrically connected to the electronic components of the base.

18. 18. The interchangeable EAS pedestal system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the frame is detachable from the EAS pedestal system and replaceable with a different frame.

19. 1. A method for reconfiguring an EAS pedestal system, comprising: providing an EAS pedestal system including a base and a first frame removably connected to the base; removing the first frame from the base; A method of reconfiguring an EAS pedestal system comprising: connecting a second frame to the base.

20. 20. The method of reconfiguring an EAS pedestal system of claim 19, wherein the base includes a pair of upwardly extending arms dimensioned for engagement with the first frame or the second frame.