Package wrap

Abstract

A merchandise security device is provided. Hie merchandise security device may include a housing operably coupled with a cable. Tire cable is configured to at least partially surround an item of merchandise. Hie security device also includes at least one sensor operably engaged with the housing and configured to detect unauthorized removal of the housing from the item of merchandise and an alarm circuit configured to generate a security signal in response activation of the sensor. Tire at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about multiple axes without the alarm circuit generating a security signal.

Description

PACKAGE WRAPCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appl. No 63 / 556.234, filed on February 21, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandise security systems and methods for protecting an item of merchandise from theft.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to store and / or display items of merchandise on or within a merchandise security device, such as a security display (e g. alarming stand), security fixture (e g. locking hook, shelf, cabinet, etc.) or security packaging (e.g. merchandise keeper). Regardless, the merchandise security device stores and / or displays an item of merchandise so that a potential purchaser may view, and in some instances, interact with the merchandise before making a decision whether to purchase the item. At the same time, the item is secured on or within the merchandise security device so as to prevent, or at least deter, theft of the item. The value of the item, however, may make it an attractive target for a shoplifter despite the presence of a merchandise security device. A determined shoplifter may attempt to detach the item from the security display or remove the item from the security fixture or from within the security packaging. Alternatively, the shoplifter may attempt to remove all or a portion of the merchandise security device from the display area along with the item of merchandise.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards merchandise security devices and methods for securing an item of merchandise from theft. In one example, a merchandise security device includes a merchandise security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security device incudes a housing operably coupled with a cable, the cable configured to at least partially surround an item of merchandise. The merchandise security device also includes at least one sensor operably engaged with the housing and configured to detect unauthorized removal of the housing from the item of merchandise. In addition, the merchandise security device includes an alarm circuit configured to generate a security signal in response activation of the sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about multiple axes while in engagement therewith without the alarm circuit generating a security signal.

[0005] In another embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise. The merchandise security device further includes at least one sensor operably engaged with the housing and configured to detect unauthorized removal of the housing from the item of merchandise and an alarm circuit configured to generate a security signal in response activation of the sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about at least one axis without the alarm circuit generating a security signal.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for securing an item of merchandise from theft is provided. The method includes positioning a housing on a surface of the item of merchandise such that a sensor of the housing engages tire item of merchandise, the sensor configured to detect unauthorized movement of the housing relative to the item of merchandise, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about multiple axes while in engagement therewith without an alarm circuit generating a security signal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. l is a perspective view of a merchandise security device secured to an item of merchandise according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the merchandise security device shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the merchandise security device shown in FIG. 1

[0010] FIG. 4 is partial perspective view of a merchandise security device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of a merchandise security device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the merchandise security device shown in FIG. 5.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the merchandise security device shown in FIG. 6.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a merchandise security device secured to an item of merchandise according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a merchandise security device secured to an item of merchandise according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates various view of a merchandise security device and installation on an item of merchandise according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 1 1 illustrates various views for installing a merchandise security device to an item ofmerchandise according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates various views for removing a merchandise security device from an item of merchandise according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates various views for installing a merchandise security device to an item of merchandise according to another embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates various views for removing a merchandise security device from an item of merchandise according to one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a merchandise security system are shown. In some embodiments shown and described herein, the merchandise security device is employed for securing items of merchandise from theft. For example, the merchandise security device may be suitable for use with a variety of different items of merchandise, including packages containing items of merchandise. The item of merchandise may be any desired shape, such as a box-like structure (e.g.. a 6- sided box).

[0022] Turning now to various embodiments of the present invention, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of a merchandise security device 10. FIG. 1 shows that the merchandise security device 10 generally includes a housing 12 operably coupled with a cable 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable 14 is configured to extend at least partially about an item of merchandise M. In one example, where the item of merchandise M is a six-sided item (e.g., a box), the cable 14 is configured to extend about four sides of the item. In this example, the cable 14 may extend perpendicular to the open edges of the flaps F of the item of merchandise.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housing 12 is configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the sides of the item of merchandise M, such as on the top side of tire item of merchandise. In the illustrated embodiment, tire housing 12 is configured to be positioned adjacent to two sides of the item of merchandise and to extend over an edge of the item of merchandise. Thus, the housing 12 and cables 14 do not detract from the presentation of the item of merchandise M, which is unlike conventional cable wraps that require the security device to be positioned on all surfaces and the center of at least one side of the item of merchandise, which may hinder the visibility of relevant information, as well as hinder the ability to stack items of merchandise adjacent to one another in a compact manner. Tire housing 12 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the item of merchandise M and held in place under the tension of the cable 14. In some cases, the housing 12 may be secured to the item of merchandise with the cable 14 alone or incombination with other features, such as via an adhesive, high friction materials, or a sled. For instance, a high-friction material could be provided on an underside of the housing 12 that engages the item of merchandise to limit sliding of the housing relative to the item of merchandise. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the housing 12 may have a generally L-shape for being positioned adjacent to two sides of the item of merchandise, although other shapes may be contemplated in other embodiments. For example, FIG. 3 shows a first portion 12A of the housing 12 is configured to be positioned on a top surface of the item of merchandise, and a second portion 12B of the housing is configured to be positioned on a side surface of the item of merchandise.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cable 14 is a cord or tether that provides mechanical security only, while in other embodiments, the cable 14 may include one or more conductors electrically connected to an alarm circuit 24 contained within the housing 12 (see, e.g., FIG. 4. where a portion of the housing has been removed for purposes of illustration). In other embodiments, the cable 14 may include both a cut resistant outer sheath and conductors, although only a cable having a cut-resistant outer sheath may be utilized if desired. The cable 14 may be flexible so as to be able to extend about and conform to the peripheral shape of the item of merchandise M. In some embodiments, the cable 14 includes at least one conductor for defining a sense loop therethrough. The housing 12 may contain an alarm circuit 24 in communication with the sense loop that is configured to detect when the cable 14 has been cut. severed or removed from the housing. The alann circuit 24 may be configured to generate an audible and / or a visible alarm signal in response to interruption of the sense loop. Furthermore, the cable 14 may be a single continuous loop. In this regard, only one cable 14 is required to secure the housing 12 to the item of merchandise M. In some cases, each end of the cable 14 may be secured within the housing 12 to fonn a single loop. Thus, unlike conventional cable wraps, more than one cable 14 is not required, although it is possible that more than one cable could be used if desired. In addition, in some embodiments, the cable 14 operably engaged with a housing 12 may be omitted. For example, where the item of merchandise M includes one or more bands or other wraps that secure the item, the housing 12 may be configured to engage the banding in a way that a separate cable 14 is unnecessary, such via a slot 54 for receiving the band or a clamping mechanism for clamping or engaging a portion of the band (see, e.g., FIG. 9).

[0025] Moreover, the housing 12 may include an EAS tag or other mechanism configured to provide a signal for generating an alarm signal or to cause a remote alarm signal to be generated when the security device 10 is proximate to a gate or exit. The housing 20 may also include a power source 22 for providing power to the alarm circuit 24, and in some embodiments provide power to an LED. The alarm circuit 24 and power source 22 may be located on a printed circuit board 42 (PCB) disposed within the housing 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

[0026] In one embodiment, the cable 14 is configured to be manually unwound from the housing 12 for extending the cable out of the housing, such as by applying tension to the cable. Likewise, the cable 14 may be configured to retracted within the housing 12. Tire housing 12 includes a spool 20 that is configured to rotate relative to the housing 12. Tire spool 20 is rotatably coupled to the housing 12 such that the spool may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the housing. Thus, the cable 14 may be configured to be tightened around an item of merchandise M for securing the housing 12 to the item of merchandise and to be loosened for removing the housing and cable from the item of merchandise. In some cases, the first portion 12A of the housing or another portion of the housing 12 may be configured to be manually rotated for winding or unwinding the cable, such as by being coupled to the spool 20. The spool 20 may be configured to receive the cable 14, wherein the cable may be wound and unwound from the spool. The housing 12 may define a plurality of openings 26 configured to receive the cable 14 therethrough. In one example, the housing 12 includes a pair of openings 26 that are disposed radially opposite one another. The cable 14 may be configured to be displaced through each of the openings 26 as the cable is tightened and loosened.

[0027] FIGS. 5-7 show the housing 12 of the merchandise security device 10 further includes a lock mechanism 30. The lock mechanism 30 may be configured to be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the cable 14 may be locked relative to the housing 12 such that the cable is unable to be withdrawn out of the housing. In one example, the locking mechanism 30 is a ratchet mechanism having a plurality of ratchet teeth 32 and at least one locking member 34 (e.g., a pawl) that is configured to be moved for limiting or preventing rotation of the spool 20 in a loosening direction. Tire locking member 34 is configured to move into engagement with one or more ratchet teeth 32 such that the spool 20 can be rotated in a winding direction to tighten the cable 14 about the item of merchandise M. In addition, the locking member 34 may be configured to engage the ratchet teeth 32 when the spool 20 is rotated in a direction that unwinds the cable 14 from tire spool such that the cable is unable to be extended from the housing 12. However, the spool 20 is able to at least partially rotate in a direction that allows the cable 14 to be wound onto the spool. In some instances, the locking member 34 may be configured to pivot or rotate between an unlocked position and a locked position in engagement with the ratchet teeth 32. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 30 may include a manual actuator 40 for moving the locking member 34 to the locked and / or unlocked position. For instance, the manual actuator 40 could be coupled to the pawl and configured to move the pawl inward or outward relative to the ratchet teeth 32. In some cases, the manual actuator 40 may be configured to be actuated to an unlocked position, which may occur after disarming the alarm circuit 24, and unwinding of the cable 14 from the spool 12 may occur while the manual actuator is actuated. Releasing the manual actuator 42 may allow the locking member 34 toautomatically return to the locked position. In some cases, the locking member 34 may be biased towards the locked position, and the manual actuator 40 is configured to overcome the bias force to disengage the locking member from the ratchet teeth 32.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cable 14 is configured to be manually wound onto the spool 20. For example, a winding mechanism 42 connected to tire spool 20 may be configured to be moved relative to the housing 12 to a winding position whereby a user is able to manually wind the cable 14 onto the spool. For example, the winding mechanism 42 could extend outwardly relative to the spool (see, e.g., FIGS. 6- 7) for winding or unwinding the cable 14. In order to release the winding mechanism 42, a manual actuator 46 on the housing 12 may be configured to extend the winding mechanism outwardly relative to the housing. Tire winding mechanism 42 could be released manually so that the cable 14 is able to be wound onto the spool 20 and then manually reinserted into the housing 12 once a desired tension of the cable about the item of merchandise has been achieved. In one embodiment, actuating the manual actuator 40 allows a user to unwind a desired portion of cable 14 from the spool 20 and to thereby access the manual actuator 46 on the underside of the housing 14 for releasing the winding mechanism 42. In some instances, reinserting or engaging the winding mechanism 42 within the housing 12 may automatically cause the locking member 34 to engage the ratchet teeth 32.

[0029] In other embodiments, the housing 12 includes a retraction mechanism for automatically winding or recoiling the cable 14 into the housing 12. The cable 14 is operable to unwind as tension is applied to the cable, while the retraction mechanism may be configured to bias the spool 20 in a direction that automatically winds the cable 14 onto the spool when tension is removed. In some cases, the retraction mechanism includes a coiled or clock spring for biasing the spool in a winding direction. The spring is configured to wind as the cable 14 is withdrawn from the spool 20, such that the spring is configured to unwind and to bias the spool in an opposite winding direction to retract the cable onto the spool when tension is reduced or is no longer applied to the cable. In one example, the retraction mechanism may include a recoiler for retracting the cable 14 within the housing 20.

[0030] Moreover, the housing 12 may include at least one sensor 44 that is configured to be activated upon unauthorized removal of the housing 12 from an item of merchandise when the alarm circuit 24 is in an armed state. Furthermore, the sensor 44 may be in electrical communication with the alarm circuit 24. Thus, the alarm circuit 24 may be configured to detect activation of the sensor 44 and to communicate with an alarm 48 for generating an audible and / or a visible alarm signal in response to the sensor being activated. In one example, the sensor 44 may be a pressure, limit, or plunger switch, which may be used to detect removal of the housing 12 from the item of merchandise or movement of the housing relative to the item. In some instances, the sensor 44 is configured to move in one dimension, two dimensions, or threedimensions (i.e., X-, Y-, and Z-directions) for detecting lateral and / or vertical movement of the housing 12 relative to the item of merchandise. Tire sensor 44 may be a ball, a wheel, a rotary encoder, an optical encoder or sensor, a Hall-effect sensor, or the like, for determining whether tire housing 12 has traveled a particular distance or rotated through a particular angle or number of revolutions. In order to facilitate vertical displacement of the sensor 44, the sensor may be biased (e.g., spring loaded) outwardly from the housing 12 to maintain contact with the item of merchandise. In this instance, the sensor 44 may be configured to deflect vertically upward towards the housing 12 when engaged with the item of merchandise. In one embodiment, the sensor 44 is configured to not only translate in the X- and Y-directions to detect movement of the housing 12 along the surface of the item of merchandise, but to also move vertically in the Z-direction to detect lifting of the housing 12 off of the item of merchandise. It is understood that the sensor 44 may be a single component or multiple components, or a plurality of sensors may be employed (e.g., a plunger switch and a rotatable member). For example. FIG. 4 shows that a rotary' sensor 44 may be employed, while FIGS. 6-7 show that both a rotary sensor 44 and a plunger switch 44’ may be used. In one embodiment, activation of the rotary sensor 44 may cause a pre-alarm, yvhereby the alarm circuit 42 causes an initial alarm signal to be generated. If the movement of the rotary sensor 44 ceases, then no further alarm signal would be generated, but if additional movement is detected, then a full alarm may be generated that is of a greater volume, frequency, and / or duration than the initial alarm signal. In one embodiment, actuation of the sensor 44 may automatically arm the alarm circuit 24.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 4-7, it can be seen that the spool 20 and lock mechanism 30 may be positioned within a portion of the housing 12 positioned adjacent to one surface of the item of merchandise, while the alarm circuit 24 and sensor 44 may be positioned within a second portion of the housing positioned on a second surface of the item of merchandise. One or both portions of tire housing 12 may include one or more sensors 44.

[0032] In one embodiment, a key may be employed to lock and / or unlock the lock mechanism 30 and / or to arm and / or disarm the alarm circuit 24. In one embodiment, actuation of the locking mechanism 30 results in arming of the alarm circuit 24. Thus, in one embodiment, a key is not required to arm the alarm circuit 24. However, the key may be used to disarm the alarm circuit 24 and / or to unlock the locking mechanism 30. In one embodiment, the merchandise security device 10 may be configured to cooperate with an electronic key. Hie electronic key may utilize power transferred from the key and / or utilize data (e.g., a security code) transferred from the key to operate the locking mechanism and / or the alarm circuit 24. The electronic key may include a security code configured to unlock and / or disarm the merchandise security device 10 if the security code matches the security code of the merchandise security device. Alternatively or in addition, the electronic key may be configured to transfer power to the merchandisesecurity device 10 for operating the locking mechanism 30 and / or disarming the alarm circuit 24. In some cases, data may be configured to be transferred by the electronic key when power is transferred to the merchandise security device 10. In some embodiments, power and / or data is transferred between the electronic key and the merchandise security device 10 via magnetic induction through an inductive coil. The locking mechanism 30 and / or alarm circuit 24 may be configured to recognize a particular inductive signal (e.g.. power and / or frequency) from the electronic key for unlocking and / or disarming. The electronic key may communicate with the merchandise security device using any suitable means, wired or wirelessly, including without limitation, via one or more electrical contacts, optics, acoustics, radiofrequency, inductance, etc., as desired. For example, in some cases, the electronic key may communicate using NFC and / or Bluetooth communication. And it is understood that the electronic key could be suitable device for communicating with the security device 10, such as, for example, a handheld mobile device.

[0033] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another embodiment of a merchandise security device 10’ which may incorporate one or more of the aforementioned features. In one example, the security device 10’ is similar to that described above in that it includes a housing 12 that is configured to be positioned adjacent to two sides of the item of merchandise and to extend over an edge of the item of merchandise . The security device 10’ may also include a cable 14 that is configured to extend about the item of merchandise. In some embodiments, the security device 10’ includes a sensor 44’ configured to be activated upon unauthorized removal of the housing 12 from an item of merchandise. In some advantageous embodiments, the sensor 44’ is a suspended plunger mechanism. In this particular example, the sensor 44’ is configured as a multiaxis mechanism which reduces false alarms, defeat attempts, removes slack from the cable 14, as discussed in further detail below. The sensor 44’ is configured to extend and retract relative to the housing 12 as well as to move in a plurality of dimensions to facilitate engagement with the item of merchandise. The sensor 44’ includes a multi-axis stanchion 50 that is configured to extend and retract relative to the housing 12 as a force is applied to or removed from the sensor 44’ . The sensor 44’ also includes a plunger mechanism or switch 52 that is configured to detect the item of merchandise. Thus, activation of the plunger mechanism 52 may indicate that the security device 10’ has been removed or otherwise tampered with in an unauthorized manner (e.g., by losing contact with the surface of the item of merchandise, a switch is activated). In some cases, the sensor 44’ is a multi-stage plunger mechanism in that both the stanchion 50 and the plunger mechanism 52 are configured to extend and retract. In one particular embodiment, both the stanchion 50 and the plunger mechanism 52 may need to be activated before a security signal is generated by the alarm circuit. The stanchion 50 may have a shape that reduces defeat attempts by including a flange that is configured to be flush to an inner surface of the housing 12 when the stanchion is retractedwithin the housing 12 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). In some cases, the stanchion 50 is a cylindrical shape with a much larger cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) than the plunger mechanism 52 (e.g., at least 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 times larger).

[0034] As shown in FIG. 10, the sensor 44' is configured to move in multiple axes relative to the item of merchandise M (e.g., two or more axes or dimensions). For example, the sensor 44’ may be configured to move in various axes such as for example, X-Y, Y-Z, X-Z, X-Y-Z. In this way. the sensor 44’ is configured to maintain engagement with the item of merchandise M in different scenarios, such as even while the alarm circuit 24 is armed. For example, the sensor 44’ is configured to be fully retracted within and flush to the housing 12 when the cable 14 is fully tensioned about tire item of merchandise, and the plunger mechanism 52 is configured to be perpendicular to the surface of the item. However, if less than a sufficient of predetermined tension is applied to the cable 14 about the item, the angle of the stanchion 50 is not perpendicular to the surface of the item for any reason, or the cable tension is changed based on interaction with a customer, the sensor 44’ is configured to compensate for these tolerances without resulting an alarm or security signal being generated by the alarm circuit 24. In other words, the plunger mechanism 52 is configured to maintain engagement with the item of merchandise within defined tolerances of tension applied to the cable 14 and / or stanchion 50 angles before tire plunger mechanism 52 loses contact with the item. For instance, if the tension on the cable 14 is completely removed, or the angle of the stanchion exceeds a predefined angle, tire plunger mechanism 52 may lose contact with the item of merchandise or otherwise be activated. Therefore, the sensor 44’ provides a versatile sensing mechanism that has the ability to accommodate variations in installation, shapes of items of merchandise, customer interactions, etc. It is understood that in some cases, the sensor 44’ may be configured to move in one or more axes while also providing the capability of not resulting in a security signal being generated as long as the sensor is configured to move within some predetennined range of motion prior to a security signal being generated.

[0035] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate example embodiments of installing and removing a merchandise security device to or from an item of merchandise. In this particular embodiment, a merchandise security device 10’ is configured to be installed in an unarmed state whereby the housing 12 is positioned in contact with the item of merchandise and the cable 14 is extended about the item. Tire cable 14 may be configured to be tightened through manual actuation as discussed above, but cannot be loosened by an unauthorized individual. Notably in this instance, the merchandise security device 10’ may include an actuator 58 configured for arming the security device, such as by manually depressing an actuator to cause a plunger 60 to engage the item of merchandise. Thus, in some cases, more than one sensor may be employed. The actuator 58 may be manually depressed to a locked position to show that the merchandise security 10’device has been armed. The sensor 44’ may be configured to be extended in an uninstalled state, then to be displaced during installation, and then to be compressed when in contact with the item of merchandise. Advantageously, the sensor 44’ may include a flange 62 that is configured to prevent or otherwise limit attempts by unauthorized individuals from accessing the plunger or actuator to defeat the sensor. Tire flange 62 may be configured to extend circumferentially about the plunger 52 and contact the surface of the item of merchandise.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows that removal of the merchandise security device 10’ may include first disarming the alarm circuit 24 of the security device, such as via communication with an electronic key as disclosed herein. Actuation of the actuator 58 may facilitate disarming and / or removal, such as via one or more sequences of actuating the actuatorto unlock the actuator (e.g.. number of button presses, holding down the button, etc.), whereby the cable 14 is configured to be loosened to allow removal of the merchandise security device 10’ with causing a security signal to be generated.

[0037] Moreover, FIGS. 13-14 depict additional example embodiments of a merchandise security device 10’ having a slot 54 as generally described above. In this embodiment, the merchandise security device 10’ may include on or more cables, straps, or bands 14 that are configured to be received by the slot 54 when installed. In some cases, when the merchandise security device 10’ is moved into engagement with the band 14, an actuator 62 (e.g., plunger) located within the slot 54 may be configured to move into engagement with the item of merchandise when the band is located within the slot. In a similar manner as described above, the sensor 44’ may move from an extended position to a retracted position when the merchandise security device 10’ is installed on the item of merchandise. If either tire actuator 62 or plunger 52 loses contact with the item of merchandise or is otherwise actuated while in an armed state, a security signal may be generated. In addition, in some cases, a gate 64 or other blocking member may be configured to prevent the merchandise security device 10’ from being moved in an opposite direction and out of engagement with the band 14 (e.g., the security device cannot be slid off of the band). In one example, the merchandise security device 10’ may be configured to be armed when the plunger 52 and / or actuator 62 is actuated and / or when the gate 64 is in a blocking position. For instance, after some predetermined period of time after the merchandise security device 10’ is installed, the alarm circuit 24 may be armed.

[0038] In order to remove the merchandise security device 10' from the item of merchandise shown in FIG. 13, an electronic key may be used to first disarm the alarm circuit 24. When disanned, an actuator 66 may be configured to move the gate 64 to an unblocking position to allow removal of the merchandise security device 10’ from the band 14. For example, the actuator 66 may be a manual pushbutton or the like that is configured to move the gate 64 to the unblocking position.

[0039] In some embodiments, the merchandise security device and the electronic key are similar tothose disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,459,800, entitled Package Wrap and filed June 30, 2020, U.S. Patent No. 9,953,498 B2, entitled Wrap for an Item of Merchandise and filed November 13, 2014, U.S. Patent Publication No. 9,847,001 B2, entitled Security Devices for Products and filed April 9, 2014, U.S. Patent No. 12,183,136, entitled Merchandise Display Security Systems and Methods and filed on February 10, 2022, and International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 46520, entitled Security Systems and Methods and filed on September 13, 2024, the disclosures of each is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0040] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a merchandise display security system for use with a key. Embodiments of a merchandise security device have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A merchandise security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security device comprising: a housing configured to be operably coupled with a cable, the cable configured to at least partially surround an item of merchandise; at least one sensor operably engaged with the housing and configured to detect unauthorized removal of the housing from the item of merchandise; and an alann circuit configured to generate a security signal in response activation of the sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about multiple axes while in engagement therewith without the alarm circuit generating a security signal.

2. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to move about a pair of axes.

3. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to move about three axes4. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise in response to tension applied to the cable.

5. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be positioned adjacent to two sides of the item of merchandise and to extend over an edge of the item of merchandise.

6. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a plunger mechanism configured to extend and retract relative to the item of merchandise.

7. The merchandise security device of Claim 6. wherein the plunger mechanism is a multistage plunger mechanism.

8. The merchandise security device of Claim 6, wherein the alarm circuit is configured to generate the security signal when the plunger switch loses contact with the item of merchandise or the sensor moves to a predefined angle relative to the item of merchandise.

9. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, further comprising a winding mechanism configured to manually wind the cable into the housing.

10. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the cable is operably engaged with a spool disposed within the housing.

11. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism configured to lock the cable about the item of merchandise.

12. The merchandise security device of Claim 11, wherein the lock mechanism is a ratchet mechanism.

13. Tire merchandise security device of Claim 11, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing, and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to prevent the cable from being extended from the housing but not from being retracted into the housing.

14. The merchandise security device of Claim 1. wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing, and wherein the cable is configured to be automatically retracted within the housing.

15. Tire merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the cable is a single loop.

16. Tire merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a stanchion and a plunger switch, wherein the stanchion is configured to move about multiple axes relative to the item of merchandise while the plunger switch maintains engagement with the item of merchandise.

17. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is L-shaped.

18. Tire merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the cable is a mechanical cable.

19. Tire merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening configured to receive the cable therein.

20. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be positioned in direct contact with tire item of merchandise, and wherein the sensor is configured to extend outwardly from the housing for directly engaging the item of merchandise.

21. Tire merchandise security device of Claim 1, wherein the cable is configured to surround four sides of a six-sided item of merchandise but is not configured to surround all six sides of the six-sided item of merchandise.

22. The merchandise security device of Claim 1, further comprising any combination of features recited by any of Claims 1-21.

23. A merchandise security device for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security device comprising: a housing configured to be attached to an item of merchandise; at least one sensor operably engaged with the housing and configured to detect unauthorized removal of the housing from tire item of merchandise; and an alarm circuit configured to generate a security signal in response activation of the sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about at lease one axis w ithout the alarm circuit generating a security signal.

24. Tire security system of Claim 23, further comprising any combination of features recitedby any of Claims 1-21 and 23.

25. A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising: positioning a housing on a surface of the item of merchandise such that a sensor of the housing engages tire item of merchandise, the sensor configured to detect unauthorized movement of the housing relative to the item of merchandise, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to move relative to the item of merchandise about multiple axes while in engagement therewith without an alarm circuit generating a security signal.

26. A device, system, and / or method comprising any combination of features disclosed herein.

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